Hello, today I'll be teaching you how to make a paper dragon mask! It's rather simple but before we start I should make clear I used a template to make this and the template wasn't made by me so if you want to build a mask like this purchase the template from the link in the supplies list they make a variety of templates and they are always high quality so make sure to check them out! I only show you the basics of how to assemble this but it's really easy, think of it like a really big puzzle plus it's a fun way to kill time and looks awesome on a shelf! With that out of the way let's get started!

Also make sure to vote for me in the March 2021 Paper competition!

Supplies

1.) Template from: https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/255296710/charizar...

2.) Tape

3.) Paper (250 GSM works well but regular printer paper works too!)

4.) Scissors

5.) Paints (I recommend spray paint and some gloss but hand paint could work if you are extremely careful)

Step 1: The Basics of Papercraft Masks

Papercraft is kind of like one of those color by number books meets a 3D jigsaw puzzle. Basically you have to connect each number to the same number on another piece for example 102 connects to 102 you need to use tape to connect these pieces. Sometimes if you cant find a number it may be hidden on the same piece you are holding. What I recommend is cutting 2-4 pieces at a time and assembling that way because it becomes much easier to manage. This will make it much easier later on for you.

Step 2: Mountain and Valley Folds + Connecting Pieces

On each template are these lines they signify how you fold the paper for example if the paper is a uniform line with consistently spaced dots that's a mountain fold in the diagram above that is what a mountain fold is. If the dots in the line are inconsistent and go maybe dot, dot, small line, dot and so on that's a valley fold. What I recommend for these folds is getting a piece of cardboard so these lines are easier to fold as they are folded quite awkwardly. Now that you know how to fold its time to connect these pieces like mentioned in the previous step you need to connect the same number with its counterpart for example 14 to 14 then tape together sometimes it may be a bit hard and the paper may bend in confusing ways but it will lead to the final result. Now lets get into the actual build!

Step 3: Building the Jaw

Once you cut out the first few pieces you need to start folding and taping at first these pieces may not seem to connect but soon you will start building up the whole thing and you will get the bottom portion of the jaw. Once you get to the stage of the last photo set that aside and get to building the next piece. Even if the template says you can tape on to it further I don't recommend it as it gets to bulky to easily build upon. So build the next piece separate and connect it when that's done

Step 4: Upper Head

Once you start building this it will start off small but when you get to the details like around the eyes it gets more detailed and smaller pieces will start to appear. What I recommend is take your time and make sure to make sharp folds so its easier when you have to make those more awkward connections. Once you are done with this you will have to tape it to the lower jaw in the next step.

Step 5: Connecting It All Together

Once you have finished both the upper and lower jaw you will have to connect them this is a very important step as it assembles the whole thing. What I highly suggest is using a lot of tape to reinforce the whole thing because this will basically hold the whole thing together. Once you are done with that tape any holes you can spot and you will be finished kinda....

Step 6: Painting!

Once you are done assembling give it a snazzy paint job. I went for a space theme but you can do what you'd like its completely up to you. Just make sure you don't glob the paint on at once or the paper might get ruined ruining all your hard work especially if you are using regular printer paper. I recommend using spray paint and going on with thin layers as that prevents the paper from sagging then just go over the whole thing with a sheet of gloss to get those extra coolness points, and Ta-Daaa you are finished enjoy your paper dragon mask.

Make sure to support the creator of this template as they spent many sleepless nights making this and their work is absolutely amazing even if a dragon mask isn't your style they have so many templates, so please support them!

Congratulations on making it this far if you are reading this please make sure to vote for me in the March 2021 Paper competition!