How to Make a Papier-mâché Wall Hanging Mask

Materials: To make a papier-mâché mask, you need a balloon (size will depend on how large you want your mask). You will need several yardsofthin wire, wire cutters, a stack of scrap paper (copy paper, notebook paper, newspaper, magazines, junk mail), flour, water, clove oil, ribbon, paint and brushes, a drill, and optional decorations (glitter, tinsel, etc).

1: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of flour and 1 of water (1 T at a time). Add 2-3 drops of clove oil to the mixture. Boil 1 minute.

2: Inflate the balloon.

3: Tear the paper into strips that are about 1-2 inches wide and 3-6 inches long.

4: Once the paste is cool enough to handle, dip a strip of paper in until it is saturated. Remove excess glue by sliding the strip through your thumb and fingers.

5: Place the wet strip of paper onto the balloon, lengthwise.

Repeat steps 4 & 5, until the entire front of the balloon has been covered. Allow the piece to dry for 15 minutes. Apply another layer, perpendicular to the first.

6: Cut some of your wire into strips ½ inch shorter than the length and width of the first paper layer. Leave 1 yard for hanging. Lay a strip lengthwise in the center of the damp layer of paper. Paste it in place with paper strips.

7: Place a short piece of wire perpendicular to the first. Paste in place as above.

Repeat steps 6 & 7, placing and pasting a new wire every ½ inch in each direction, until the entire piece has been reinforced in this way. Allow to dry 15-30 minutes.

Repeat steps 4 & 5 to create 2 new layers.

8: Take 6 strips of paper and wad them by pairs into 3 loose balls.

9: Roll 3 other strips of paper into tubes, using a bit of paste to glue the edge down.

10: Lay 1 cylinder lengthwise in the center of the mask, with a ball underneath. Cover these in strips of paper to shape a nose. Use the other two balls in this way to make eyes and the cylinders to create lips.

Repeat steps 4 & 5 to create a final 2 layers. Allow to dry completely. Use the drill to create a small hole in the center of each side to tie on ribbons and hanging wire. Paint and decorate.