Halloween for kids Costume ideas Paper mache mask
Paper mache mask for kids
Ages 7+ · about 2 hours over 2 days
To make a paper mache mask, cover half a balloon in strips of newspaper dipped in flour paste, let it dry, then pop the balloon and paint the character your kid designed. It takes two days because each layer dries overnight.
What you need
- A balloon
- Newspaper torn into strips
- Flour and water
- A bowl and a spoon
- Paint and brushes
- Elastic cord, a hole punch, and tape
How to make it
- Mix the pasteStir 1 cup of flour into 2 cups of water until it is smooth, like thin pancake batter.
- Cover the balloonBlow up the balloon to about the size of your kid's head. Dip a strip in the paste, wipe off the extra between two fingers, and lay it on the front half. Cross the strips in three layers.
- Let it dryLeave it overnight. Add two more layers the next day and let it dry again.
- Pop and trim (grown-up)Pop the balloon. A grown-up trims the edge and cuts eye holes big enough to see the ground and both sides.
- Paint the characterYour kid paints the face. Add ears or a nose from cardboard covered in more strips.
- Add the stringTape each side, punch a hole through the tape, and tie on elastic cord.
Tips by age
For younger kids
Your kid lays the strips and paints; a grown-up does the popping and cutting.
For older kids
Shape a nose or a beak from a ball of foil taped on before the strips go over it.
Make it your own
More ideas like this
Superhero
A cape from an old sheet or felt, a felt eye mask, and an emblem your kid designs.
Dinosaur hoodie
Felt or paper triangles stitched or taped down the hood and back of a hoodie.
Black cat
Black clothes, a headband with paper ears, and a stuffed sock for a tail.
On Kubrio, your kid can build a monster in Monster Maker and print it as a mask to wear.