Mask Making Step-by-Step!

Making Beautiful Art Masks can be Simple & the Results can be Fabulous

Mask-making is an ancient art form that has been practiced world wide, and ranges from simple folk art to the level of high art. I love this very simple process of creating one-of-a-kind art pieces that can be either included into larger mixed media or collage pieces or stand alone! This is a perfect project to begin when you have that creative impulse, but are constrained by time, space, or even ideas.

Once you get started, however, if you’re like me, you’ll become so involved in the process, you may end up spending many wonderful hours on just one mask. So, don’t be deceived by its seeming simplicity—this project can take you deeply into the zone of art-making! You may find the mask itself leads you in directions you had not considered, and your inspiration starts to move full speed ahead, surprising you as you move forward.

These masks are simple to make, require few tools, and the range of possibilities is endless.

You'll need:

• Simple paper mask forms (I find mine at Dick Blick)
• Acrylic paint – (I especially love the high gloss Golden gold, copper, and silver, but use all the colors in my stash! - Dick Blick)
• Brushes – lots of little ones for detail are good!
• Embellishments – it’s fun to use ribbon, jewelry, and all kinds of ephemera for this project
• String or wire to create a hanger
• Weldbond or glue gun

I like to start by using my Prismacolor pencils (these are wonderful colored pencils favored by advanced and beginning artists) to draw simple designs lightly on my mask—sometimes I pick the color palette for the paint I will later use as I draw—getting a feeling for the mood and look of the mask I’m creating.

Next, start painting in your designs—do not be afraid to improvise and move away from the designs you have penciled in! The design will evolve as you go along so trust your self and be spontaneous and in the moment. Remember, being an artist is not about the complexity of your project or about playing by the rules! It’s about getting into the zone and letting go and staying focused at the same time.

If you make a mistake and want to change your design, you can always cover up the area with Titanium White paint or gesso. So don’t get too hung up on perfection—it’s easy to make corrections.

Add ephemera using Weldbond or a glue gun.

To create hangers, simply poke holes in the sides of the mask and add string or wire!

A Great Art Project for Children

Don't forget to inlcude your kids! This project is for artists of all ages, and your kids will love doing their own projects both with and without you.