Family Project: Fun Homemade Masks!

We made homemade masks for Halloween with our kids at the PODER Learning Center. These easy steps make a great family project and you can get as creative as you want!


Warning: Be prepared to get messy!

STEP 1:

Mix Two part flour with one part water. You want to make sure your mixture is thick but runny (almost like pancake batter). Mix until there are no lumps. Add a few tablespoons of salt to prevent mold. Use balloons, a ball, or a ball of newspaper as your base.

STEP 2:

Cut strips of newspapers. Depending on your project, you can cut short strips (which we used because it was easier to work with) or longer strips. Then dip the strips into your paste. Use your finger to get rid of the excess paste and to spread it all over the paper.

 

STEP 3:

Paste the newspaper strips on your ballon (or other base) covering only the top part. Make atleast two or three layers overlapping the newspaper strips.

STEP 4:

Put your balloons somewhere safe to dry and now wait 24-48 hours to let the paste dry (if you can get your balloon to stand up or hang it somewhere where nothing is touching the paper maché part, it will dry faster). Wash your hands and your area with warm soap and water.

 

STEP 5:

Once your paper maché is dry, you can pop the balloon or remove it from the base. Check to make sure there is no mold. Cut the newspaper to your liking and measure and cut out eye holes. Punch holes in each side to attach string.

 

 

STEP 6:

Paint your masks and attach strings on each side. Once it's dry, you're ready for trick-or-treating!