Octopodes are the coolest animals on this planet. It's a widely known fact. Thus, in an effort to become more like our octopus overlords, it is not out of the question to imitate their appearance of awesomeness. In this instructible I will show you how to look completely awesome with this mask. It works perfectly for a Halloween or masquerade mask.
This is the second mask like this that I have made. This time, I have decided to make it out of thicker materials and actually apply color! Additionally, I prepared it to be laser cut (but didn't follow through with this method). So for those who just want to print this off in acrylic, you could have a super-awesome mask in a night.
This is the second mask like this that I have made. This time, I have decided to make it out of thicker materials and actually apply color! Additionally, I prepared it to be laser cut (but didn't follow through with this method). So for those who just want to print this off in acrylic, you could have a super-awesome mask in a night.
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Signing UpStep 1: Materials
The materials are simple:
Any cardboard will work, but it won't look very good unless you find a sheet without bends in it. So you at least want to find pieces of cardboard that are new-ish. Obviously, the stiffer stuff will work best. My personal favorite type of cardboard-esque material is old board game boards. Don't destroy a game just for one, but occasionally you can find old ones in the trash. I had an old risk board that I had been looking to re-purpose since the rest of the game was gone, this was a perfect use. Board game boards are thin, strong, stiff, coated, and dont bend or crease easily. Perfect candidates :)
Elastic band:
You need something to wrap around your cranium to keep this mask on. I like to use that soft elastic band or fabric that you can buy at any fabric / craft store. If you don't feel like buying anything, you can always just use a strip of cardboard fitted to your cranium-size.
Edit: instead of an elastic band, I used a piece of scrap cloth fabric and cut a ribbon of it out. This way I can affix part of it to the mask and then just tie off the rest behind my head.
- cardboard (I will discuss types below)
- X-acto blade (or laser cutter)
- paper (to print the pattern to)
- paint
- elastic band (or more cardboard, discussed below)
- small clamp
Any cardboard will work, but it won't look very good unless you find a sheet without bends in it. So you at least want to find pieces of cardboard that are new-ish. Obviously, the stiffer stuff will work best. My personal favorite type of cardboard-esque material is old board game boards. Don't destroy a game just for one, but occasionally you can find old ones in the trash. I had an old risk board that I had been looking to re-purpose since the rest of the game was gone, this was a perfect use. Board game boards are thin, strong, stiff, coated, and dont bend or crease easily. Perfect candidates :)
Elastic band:
You need something to wrap around your cranium to keep this mask on. I like to use that soft elastic band or fabric that you can buy at any fabric / craft store. If you don't feel like buying anything, you can always just use a strip of cardboard fitted to your cranium-size.
Edit: instead of an elastic band, I used a piece of scrap cloth fabric and cut a ribbon of it out. This way I can affix part of it to the mask and then just tie off the rest behind my head.
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As for the weight, it weighs very little in cardboard (can barely feel it). I wouldn't imagine the leather version would be too heavy... I don't think it would fall under its weight, nor do I think it would wear on your neck holding it up.