Introduction: Create a Moving Rorschach Mask

I've seen a few Instructables on here that show you how to make a mask with a Rorschach imprint on it. In this Instructable, I will show you how to make a mask with ink that actually moves, similar to the Rorschach mask from the Watchmen film. The materials needed for this mask will cost around $50, but you will be able to make over a dozen masks out of the remaining paint and materials.

Supplies
Black to clear thermochromic paint (Can be purchased from Paint with Pearl )
Transparent base for water-soluble inks (Can be purchased from eNasco )
A bowl and spoon for mixing the paint and base
A sheet of wax paper
Some sort of white fabric; tank tops work best

Step 1: Preparing Your Paint

To start off, you'll need to mix the thermochromic paint powder and the transparent base together in a bowl. For one mask, you will need to use about 2 tbsp. of thermochromic powder and 5 tbsp. of the transparent base.


Step 2: Mixing

Mix the powder evenly in the base for about thirty seconds. You'll know it's ready when the base is completely black. 

Step 3: Designing Your Mask

Now that your paint is ready, cut the wax paper so that it is about a foot long, or long enough so that it will easily cover your face. Place the sheet on your face. With a marker, draw a small, corresponding line on the wax paper where the top of your forehead was, the bottom of your chin was, and where your eyes were. This will help orient you as you try to design your Rorschach ink blots. 

Using your paint, spread the ink on the wax paper in any sort of Rorschach ink blot design. Make sure it's symmetrical and that you spread the paint on very thickly. You can make it as simple or as complicated as you'd like. 


Step 4: Orienting Your Mask and Drying

Place the wax paper on the center of the tank top's torso. Be careful that you don't smear the paint. Gently press the paint into the fabric for about a minute so that the fabric fully absorbs the paint.Peel the wax paper off of the tank top and let the paint dry for about half an hour.

Step 5: Your Mask Is Complete!

Now, you can try it on. Put the tank top on so that the blot is over your face.
Because the paint is thermochromic, it will disappear when you exhale through it (or when it comes in contact with anything above 86 degrees Fahrenheit) and reappear slowly as you inhale, creating the illusion that it's moving. 

You can cut and sew the mask to fit your head size and shape, or if you're fully dressing up as Rorschach, you can simply tie the mask tightly back and place the excess fabric under your hat.