Durham Tech Crafternoon-- Making Decorative Masks... for your Eyes!

Submitted by Durham Tech Library on

Crafternoons are a partnership between the Durham Tech Student Government Association and the Library. 

Masks have taken on a different meaning this year, but let's decorate the top part of your face to go along with the mask that covers your nose and mouth. 

Durham Tech Crafternoon: Make Your Own Mask
Does this remind anyone else of the putties from Power Rangers?

What you need for a basic mask:

  • Paper (I'd recommend a lightweight sheet to make your ideal template and then--if you like-- something heavier to give it structure, but since you're going to decorate it, feel free to use those political fliers)
  • OR a blank mask template (Many printables are available online, but for something a little fancier, you can purchase one at craft supply stores.)
  • Decorations! Felt, sequins, feathers, leather, paint, or anything else to decorate that brings you joy! 
Current students can request a blank mask to pick up at the Main Campus Library.

Do you want your own blank mask to decorate? We have some masks available for current students to pick up at the Main Campus Library. 

Request your mask through our Wufoo form-- current students only, please. 

Are you a reluctant crafter who needs some advice on how to get started? We're here for you. Read on. 

blank sheet of paper with slightly crumpled lower corner

A basic mask can start simply with a sheet of paper. I've got some scrap printer paper that got scrunched up so the copy machine won't have anything to do with it. 

folded sheets of paper

Whether or not you want a symmetrical mask, go ahead and fold it in half. Either way--landscape or portrait (or hot dog or hamburger)-- your call.

sketched mask

Sketch out the general shape of your mask-- you don't have to be fancy (but you could always be Batman). Do you want an owl mask? A mardi gras mask? A Ninja Turtle-inspired mask? A cat mask?

Go ahead and draw your eye hole-- I find that about 3/4" from the center crease to about 3" on a ruler lined up at the center crease makes a good general eye hole (so about 2 1/4" wide). Adapt height and width and shape as necessary. Press down so you can see the imprint of the eye on the other side of the paper in case you don't want a symmetrical mask. Want a one-eyed pirate or cat or cyclops? Go for it!

cut out symmetrical mask

If you want a symmetrical mask, go ahead and cut it out.

Do you desire asymmetry? Unfold and draw the other side of your mask and then cut. 

If you want to trace this on thicker paper, this is the time. 

Cut out mask

All that's left is to decorate! 

mask examples

These are made of leather scraps (glued down with craft glue) and various decorations. 

You could also use those magazines that have been sitting in a corner
(hello, National Geographic!) to create a collage on your mask. Have you ever made paper feathers? 

Need some ideas? Country Living magazine has some basic and some fancy DIY tutorials on their website, including a link to a 3-D penguin head. Check it out (and if you buy the template and make the penguin head, please send pics).

I also want to share this pretty octopus mask idea for all the cephalopod stans in our blog audience. 

Want something a little more interactive and goopy? Try paper mâché! (I love how grumpy the kid looks in this tutorial, but it's really a lot of fun as long as you don't glue your eyebrows up with flour paste.) 

Want something mostly pre-made? Well, you can always print out this Christopher Walken mask and practice your dance moves. 

Share your creations with us via email (library @ durhamtech . edu) or on our Facebook or Instagram. 

Category
Crafternoon