How to create mask with plaster bandage?

Mask-making is a fun project for groups of all ages, but it can be simple enough for third graders. The basic shape is molded with plaster bandages on the plastic face mask.

Decide if you want a full face mask, a half-mask just over the eyes and nose. 

List of supplies for a basic plaster mask

• White Flocked Plastic Face Masks
<<Get the masks online            
• Plaster bandage. This can be bought in a roll from a medical supply house or in pre-cut strips from craft stores.
• Petroleum jelly.
• Dish or pan of water.
• Drinking straws, cut into 3-4 inch lengths
• Newspaper or plastic to protect the work surface
• Newspaper or paper towels to wad into supports for drying mask
• Towel to protect clothing
• String to hang it with or ribbon to use as tie

For Decoration:

• Gesso, varnish or other surface preparation

• Glue, or hot glue gun and glue sticks

• Paints, make-up, markers, or color crayons

Process:

• Cut the plaster bandages into strips suitable for the plastic face mask; 2"-4" lengths usually work.

• Cover the  plastic face mask with petroleum jelly all over

• Dip the bandage strips into the water, gently remove excess water, and begin to cover the  plastic face mask. Do not go too far under the nose if you make just half mask
• As you work, smooth any rough bandage edges with your wet fingers.
• Once the  plastic face mask is covered, let it dry for about ten minutes before you try to remove it.
• When the plaster dried (better to work on next day),  release the mask from the plastic base
• The mask can be sanded with fine sandpaper or emery boards to create an artistic surface.
• If you want to decorate your mask with paints, feathers, glued-on accessories like beads, chains, or natural finds (leaves, decorative grasses, dried flowers) protect it with gesso, varnish, or other material to keep the paint from soaking into the plaster.