Eeee-motion Mask

Start by covering your work space and wearing an apron if you have one. You can even work outside! Pour some liquid starch into a bowl. You do not have to fill it. Next tear your newspaper into small strips. Strips around 2″x3″ (about the size of a library card) are good, but bigger and smaller are okay too.

To make a stand for your ball or balloon, tape it to your bowl. Make sure the air nozzle or knot is pointing straight down inside the bowl.

Dip a strip completely into the bowl of starch, then squeeze off all the extra liquid by pulling it between two fingers. Put the starchy strip on the ball and smooth it down. As you add more strips, be sure to overlap them slightly as you lay them down. Place them in many directions, not just one direction!

Repeat this dip-squeeze-smooth process until the ball is covered with 1-2 layers of strips. Let the papier mâché dry completely, then add another 2-3 layers.

When your inner layers are completely dry, it’s time for the top layer. Start by adding two parts white glue to an empty bowl. Next add one part water to the bowl. Use your finger to stir it all together!

Repeat steps 4-6 using this new paste. Add 1-2 more layers and let dry completely.

After the final layer has dried completely, use sandpaper to smooth down any bumps and wrinkles on your globe. Then, carefully loosen your project from the ball by sliding your fingers between the edges of the dried paper and the ball. Remove the bowl and slowly deflate the ball.

Continue to slowly deflate the ball and use your hands to pry it from the inner walls of your project. Once the ball is small enough, pull it out through the hole. . If you would like to continue onto part 2 of this project, then you will need to papier mâché a few more balloons. If not, then brainstorm other masks you can now make with your new, large globe!

For part two, inflate 4 balloons so that two are orange-sized and two are grapefruit-sized (slightly larger). Papier mâché the four balloons using the same process that you learned in steps 1-9. The final balloon that you papier mâché should be about the size of a cantaloupe. Use white tissue paper instead of newspaper to layer papier mâché onto this balloon.

After the papier mâché has completely dried, use sandpaper to smooth out any bumps and wrinkles. Be careful sanding the one with tissue paper! It’s okay if they’re not perfectly smooth. Wedge your fingers between the dried papier mâché and the balloon and carefully pry it off. Be sure to slowly deflate the balloon as you remove the papier mâché. Repeat for all 5 balloons.

You should now have 5 round shells and one large mask! Stay tuned for part two of this project, coming out next week!