How To Make a Papier-Mache Mask

With strong scissors, cut the plastic jug in half lengthwise. Turn the jug upside-down: The handle will serve as the mask’s nose. Cut holes for your eyes and mouth with a craft knife. Cut a small hole on each side of the mask, at ear level, for an elastic band.

Tear newspaper and white computer paper into strips about one inch by six inches. Shredding the paper by hand works better than cutting it. You’ll need enough pieces to cover your mask with three layers of newspaper and one layer of computer paper, plus some extra paper for molding facial features.

Whisk two cups of flour and one cup of water into a paste, adding a bit more of either, if needed, to reach a gluey consistency.

One by one, dip a newspaper strip into the paste, shake off the excess, and lay it flat against the mask horizontally, taking care not to cover the holes. Overlap each strip with a new one. When you’ve finished the first layer, let it dry completely before putting on the next one. This time, apply the strips vertically.

Apply the strips for the third layer horizontally. After you’ve applied three layers, mold some of the newspaper strips into features, like cheekbones and eyebrows.

Make the last layer out of the torn computer paper, applying the strips vertically. The white paper will give you a blank canvas for creating your character.

When the mask is completely dry, decorate it with paint, feathers, glitter, sequins, beads, fabric, rhinestones, or whatever will make it your own!