This instructable will explain how to make two different masks suitable for a masquerade ball. The two different mask types are suitable for male and female.

I am located in Australia, as with all my instructables prices are in Australian dollars and store locations are Australian.

Step 1: Introduction

Masks were required for a masquerade ball we were planning on attending. Rather than buying something that looked ugly and was expensive we had the idea to make the masks ourselves.

The two types of mask outlined in this instructable are designed to be worn by a male and female. It should be obvious which is which.

A lot of googling was done prior to give us ideas, the main criteria was we wanted masks that shared similar colours, hence, we decided on using a red, gold and black colour scheme.

For mask ideas have a browse through the hundreds of mask examples at MaskaSoo.

Step 2: Equipment

The most important requirement is a plain full faces mask. With this, you can create any mask style by cutting away the non-needed parts. Two styles of plain white masks existed, and 2 of each were purchased in case any mistakes were made. The two mask styles differed in that one had more defined features, this one was used to make the male mask, while the one with soft facial features was used to make the female mask. To decorate the masks, feathers, sequins, and paint was used. Markers and glitters would also work well, though was not used on these masks.

Below lists the equipment used in the making of my masks. Prices and shops are listed.

masks $2.95
sequins star 2 sizes gold 20g $3 Crazy Clark's
Shanghai red spray paint $9.50 Supercheap Auto
black spray paint
moulding dowel 6mm 1.8m $2.35 Bunnings
black feathers 10g $3.49 Spotlight

Feathers - Knight Craft

large long $3.10
yellow packet $1.80
red small single $2

Tools

scissors
pencil/markers
hot glue gun

Step 3: Cutting the Basic Shape

The basic mask shape was drawn on the masks with pencil and cut out with scissors, it was quite difficult to get the mask exactly symmetrical, and hence the first masks were used as more of a template.

It is a good idea to keep all lines curvy, as this looks nicer and makes it easier to cut with scissors.

Step 4: Painting

Spray paint is recommended to coat the masks as this was the easiest to use. Automotive red paint was chosen for the male mask as this had a metallic shine; standard black matt paint was used on the female mask. A piece of dowel is used for a handle on the female mask; remember to paint this as well.

Step 5: Decorating (the Fun Part)

If you are still unsure on how you want to decorate your mask you can use the painted masks and hold feathers around it you see how it will look. Generally for the female mask a larger feather is looks nice in the centre.

Use a hot glue gun to glue the feathers in place.

We initially had the idea to add a gold border around the female mask with a gold marker, this was tried on the test mask and it was quite messy, hence not implemented on the final mask.

Step 6: Final Photos

Below are the final photos of the masks. Gold stars can be observed on the female mask.

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23 Comments

Ezio88

11 years ago on Step 2

Where did you buy the masks?

WhyHello

12 years ago on Introduction

um...I suggest adding glitter glue small, shimmering beads, feathers -on- the masks.

Mechanic2011

12 years ago on Introduction

These look like the preformed inexpensive plastic molded masks.
It is a great idea to cut them up to suit your needs as you are not out much money.
I have seen these masks in LEATHER at renaissance festivals and asked them how the material is shaped.
I was told the the leather is soaked in water for a time until very soft and pliable.
The leather is them pressed into a mold that your have made and let it dry that way .
The mold is taken from the face of the person that is going to wear it.
Keep the mold for future masks.
A person can get really creative with molds like full face or partial face.
While the leather is wet it can also be dyed a color using a color fast dye that won't come off on your face with sweat and moisture .
Then it can be decorated as you want once it fits the persons face who will be wearing it.
Use a black elastic band or cording that you would find in a fabric or hobby shop to hold it on your head.
It now fits the contour of your face and head so it shouldn't take much to keep it in place .

ilpug

12 years ago on Introduction

I have seen people use a tiny dot of super glue to hold these on. It is safe, and makes people wonder how it is staying on your face.

escapefromyonkers

12 years ago on Introduction

i just realized it is a couple of years old, but i was wondering why the female version has a dowel holder? i realize that i think every masquerade pic i have seen has the female with a stick type placement, but why? is it because the traditional masquerade ladies hair would be big and coiffured and combined with powder make up, would not take kindly to an elastic or string device? i know i would get tired real quick of holding that stick unless i had some velcro or a magnet to negate the gravity and use of my muscles to hold the stick mask up for very long. in case anyone needs to comment, i don't capitalize too much.