Saturday 18 October 2008

How to Make Halloween Masks Out of Paper Bags

This project is a great way to make Halloween masks for your kids without spending a fortune! I don't know about you but my child always yanked his mask off, so even if this occurs you are not losing a lot of money! These creative masks are all made from large paper bags, either from the grocery store, craft store, or dollar store and the bag has side gussets.

Materials:
Large paper bag with gussets: for the mask.
Colored thin card or colored construction paper: to make cats ears or flower petals.
Thick nibbed black felt pen: to outline features.
Various decorations: for individual masks.
Scissors: to cut ears and eyes, and any other shapes you desire.
Pencil: to create marks.
Glue: to adhere all of you features and decorations.

Basic Method:

For All Masks:
When creating any of these masks, first pull the paper bag over the head until it sits comfortably on the shoulders. Press the bag gently against the face of your child or whomever you are making the mask for. Mark lightly in soft pencil where nose and eyes go. Remove the bag and cut out a small pear shaped flap for the nose and two small slits for the eyes. If you cut correctly a child or spouse should be able to see out of them. Cut a slit or small opening for the mouth as well. You can now create any mask you want, make your own design and use your black felt pen to create lines, whiskers. Design different facial features on colored construction paper and glue onto your mask. For example if you decide to make a cat mask then you would draw, cat ears, eyes, and mouth on separate colored papers , cut them out and adhere them to your mask. You can now add pieces of fun fur and absolutely anything else you want.

Happy Halloween!

Annette Labedzki received her BFA at the Emily Carr College of Art and Design in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. She has more than 25 years experience. She is the founder and developer of an online art gallery featuring original art from all over the world. It is a great site for art collectors to buy original art. Is is also a venue for artists to display and sell their art . Artists can join for free and their image upload is unlimited. Please visit the website at http://www.labedzki-art.com

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