Calavera Mask

by unexpired

22K367

Intro: Calavera Mask


This mask is incredible cheap and easy to make for all ages. If I had more time I might have made a fancier one out of papier mache, but this paper mask works as a quick alternative when you are pressed for time, or want to have a Halloween/Day of the Dead project to work with kids.

The hardest part was drawing a proportional skull, but I've provided a cut-out of my original (that I widened to fit better), so all you have to do is print it out to start!

STEP 1: Supplies

Markers
Scissors
Hole Punch
Printed Calavera Cut-out
Rubberband/stretchy string
Glue

STEP 2: Color Your Calavera

There are all kinds of styles to choose from when coloring your calavera. For inspiration you can look at pictures online. My design was based on some for Mexican Day of the Dead celebrations, but with my own quirks. The yellow and orange marigold flowers represent the short time we spend on earth; a kind of symbolic carpe diem according to Mexican tradition.

STEP 3: Cut Out Calavera

Cut around the calavera and cut out the eyes.

STEP 4: Attach Rubberbands


1. Cut a thin strip of paper and it over about four times until it is about one inch long. Punch a hole in one end of it. Glue the layers together and then glue the strip onto the edge of the mask to the sides of the eye sockets with the hole sticking out.

2. Repeat this for the other side of the mask.

3. Cut a large rubberband in half and tie each end to the holes in the strips.

4. Wear and enjoy!

5 Comments

una_amor 12 years ago

Nice work! I love how simple it it is to make. I love how colorful your design is.

sunshiine 12 years ago

Nice work! Thanks for sharing.

scoochmaroo 12 years ago

Fantastic! Gorgeous and simple. Very, very lovely.

dchall8 12 years ago

Most Americans find the Dia de los Muertos masks, decorations, and dolls to be creepy, but once you adjust to it, there are some pretty cool art objects out there.

Dia de los muertos is the modern Mexican version of the tradition of the American indigenous people.  This tradition, which is a Mexican national holiday on November 1st and 2nd, predates Columbus by thousands of years. It is a tradition of praying for and remembering your ancestors in every way you can. It is tradition to build a shrine or altar with objects that belonged to the person, dolls representing the person, and samples of their favorite food. Nowadays a photo is almost required.  The death mask is part of the ancient tradition.  The Wikipedia article is very good.