I’ll show you how to make a perfect paper tiger mask using simple materials and an easy step-by-step process.

The mask is lightweight, comfortable to wear, and offers excellent visibility and freedom of movement.

Its geometric shape makes assembly straightforward, while the surface is ideal for painting and customization.

No special skills are required — if you can cut, glue, and paint, you can make this mask.

Whether you’re creating it for a costume, decoration, or just for fun, the process is as enjoyable as the final result.

🐯 Let’s get started!

Supplies

You will need

8 pages of cardstock (250–350 gsm) in Letter or A4 format.
For painting, use acrylic paints in three colors: black, orange, and white.

I recommend inexpensive acrylic paints from Dollarama — they give an even, bright, matte finish and work perfectly for this project.

Use a rough brush about 2 cm wide, slightly worn or frayed.

This helps create bold, textured strokes and gives a natural fur effect.

You’ll also need a hot glue gun and a few glue sticks — transparent glue works well.
Silver tape is used on the inside of the mask for joints with negative seams
Masking tape is used for areas with positive seams

Included in the project:

A print template (for home or photo printers)
Cutting files for machines like Cameo / Cricut / Silhouette

I personally recommend using a diode laser for cutting, as I do

You will also get a visual step-by-step instruction in PDF format, which is easy to open on a smartphone or tablet while assembling.

Link to download all files

This project was designed for the following software: Link to the software used for this project

Step 1: Pre-shape the Parts

Before assembly, gently pre-bend all parts to give them a natural curve.

High precision is not required — just slightly bend the pieces, using the visual instruction as a guide.

This step is important because it helps the parts fit together easily and prevents them from resisting during gluing.

Step 2: Join Large Parts Together

This step is not required if you are using vector files and working on a cutting machine with a 400 × 400 mm working area.

When printing on Letter or A4, some large parts are divided into several sections.

These sections should be joined together first to make further assembly easier.

I recommend adding a reinforcement strip on the inside of the part.

This way, the pieces will align edge to edge, creating a perfectly smooth and even surface at the joint.

Step 3: Mask Assembly

For positive-angle seams, use masking tape on the outside.

For negative-angle seams, use silver tape on the inside.

Once the parts are positioned, secure the seam from the inside with hot glue.

This method creates a clean, strong, and nearly invisible seam on the outside.

I recommend working in small sections:

Fix 5–10 cm of the seam with hot glue

Then move forward step by step

Accuracy is very important.

First, perfectly align the parts using tape, and only then secure them with hot glue.

Always follow the numbering order.

The correct placement and which part connects to which is clearly shown in the visual instruction.

Step 4: Install the Head Ring

Prepare the head ring so it fits your head comfortably.

Then glue the ring inside the mask to secure the fit.

A ring template is included in the file set, so you can easily adjust the size for your head.

Step 5: Painting – Orange Base Layer

Start with the orange base layer.

Apply the paint freely, according to your preference — the shape of the mask naturally guides you and helps define the forms.

This painting stage is very easy — no special skills are needed.

It’s no harder than painting a wall.

Step 6: Painting – White Layer

The white layer is a bit more detailed.

Apply white paint to specific areas of the mask to highlight the shapes and add contrast.

Take your time, but don’t worry — the process is still simple and intuitive, and the mask’s form helps you understand where the white color works best.