Giant Mask: Montessaurus! by pokiespout
Mask2012.jpg
This is the most excruciatingly detailed record I have kept of my various giant papier-mache mask projects. This particular mask - a strange monster that I call the "Montessaurus" - was made for a preschool class at a local Montessori school. I made the mask, then a group of two dozen kids between the ages of three and six painted it. After that, it was auctioned off at a school fundraiser.
 
Remove these adsRemove these ads by Signing Up

Step 1: Gather Materials

materials.jpg
To make this mask, you'll need flour, water, white glue (optional), and lots of newspaper (I use The Onion because it's free).

Flour paste is made by whisking flour into water. That's all you really need! I like to add a but of white glue because I think it improves the finish, but that's up to you. You can make the paste as thick or as thin as you like; I personally like mine a little bit thick, sort of like pancake batter.

I used one large punch-ball balloon (those giant ones that come with a huge rubber band) and two tiny party balloons. You will also need duct tape, masking tape, and a hairdryer would be handy.
bearclaw says: Feb 1, 2011. 3:40 PM
so great, and in my opinion that paint job is flawless!
flkamm says: Oct 10, 2010. 6:24 PM
That is great! Good job with the children. I bet they loved it.
diannagail says: Oct 3, 2010. 5:58 PM
What do your real eyes look like inside the mask? It would be nice to see a picture of it being worn.
pokiespout (author) says: Oct 9, 2010. 1:58 PM
Wish I could help! But I gave the mask to the kids as soon as the construction was finished, and even I have never seen it worn!
getthim says: Sep 18, 2010. 2:39 AM
hey, nice mask
i'm looking to make one of my own and i have this "strong white bread flour"
is this the right flour
thanks
pokiespout (author) says: Oct 9, 2010. 1:55 PM
As far as I know, any white flour will work fine. I know I have used Bread Flour and All-Purpose flour, and I have never had a problem!
JKibs95 says: Apr 7, 2010. 5:57 AM
Hurray for Montessori!
matroska says: Oct 26, 2009. 7:36 PM
 Oh! haha! I thought -until step 5- that the two holes were really .. the eyes! (and of course I didn't notice the obvious huge balls on the side). Nice little project!
Stixs says: Oct 17, 2009. 2:29 PM

Im so excited to make this mask, thank you so much for putting the cool mask on the web

pokiespout (author) says: Oct 19, 2009. 10:14 AM
 You are so welcome!  Just promise to show me your pictures once you finish, okay?
Stixs says: Oct 19, 2009. 7:19 PM
Will do hopefully before halloween
F-zero says: Oct 27, 2008. 9:28 PM
I dont know if I did something wrong, but my paper mache mask was very stiff. It might have been my mixture. How exactly do you cut a hole in the paper mache? It was very hard to do and came out jagged. What tool do you use?
cowscankill says: Oct 30, 2008. 1:06 PM
A razor or knife would be ok.
depotdevoid says: Oct 29, 2008. 7:33 PM
Hey, you got featured on this Halloween mask thing, congratulations!
pokiespout (author) says: Oct 30, 2008. 10:11 AM
Wow, cool! Thanks, I hadn't even noticed!
Lutrah20 says: Sep 26, 2008. 2:53 AM
I thought that this was the most amazing mask, until I saw that you let pre-schoolers paint it! Then I just thought it was super double fabulous and amazing! Way to go! We need more people like you playing with kids!
pokiespout (author) says: Sep 26, 2008. 11:15 AM
Thanks, you're sweet! I thought it was pretty cool too, I just wish I had been able to hang out with all of them and talk more about how I made it!
depotdevoid says: Aug 11, 2008. 5:19 PM
That is beautiful mask, you beautiful man. 5 stars!
pokiespout (author) says: Aug 15, 2008. 9:05 PM
You're only saying that because of our genetic similarity!
ItsTheHobbs says: Aug 12, 2008. 6:36 AM
Wow.... thats awesome!
pokiespout (author) says: Aug 15, 2008. 9:04 PM
Thanks! I believe the kids thought so, too. Unfortunately, what with the rather strict policies at the Montessori schools, I never actually got to meet them.
Charles IV says: Aug 12, 2008. 11:57 AM
Yeah, the Onion rules!!
xrobevansx says: Aug 11, 2008. 5:50 PM
Very Gabriel-era Genesis-esque...NICE!!
Pro

Get More Out of Instructables

Already have an Account?

close

PDF Downloads
As a Pro member, you will gain access to download any Instructable in the PDF format. You also have the ability to customize your PDF download.

Upgrade to Pro today!