Greek theater masks are known for their sentimental expressions, the most iconic being tragedy and comedy, which are often used as symbols of the theater. Although none have survived to this day, we know that the masks had highly exaggerated expressions that could be seen by all theater-goers. It's pretty easy to make your own mask out of materials like paper plates, cardstock, papier-mâché, or plaster. When you finish making and decorating the mask, you can create your own show!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Design the mask
Step 1. Do your research for inspiration
Before you start making the mask, first decide on a design. Use the internet or books on Greek theater for inspiration and ideas about what the mask might look like. You don't have to base your design on these examples, but they can guide you in the right direction if you don't know where to start.
Step 2. Decide what emotion you want to convey
To represent an expression you must choose something that is simple but clear. You can decide to make a happy, sad, angry, excited mask, etc.
- If you are making a mask for a specific play, think about your character and the main emotions they feel during the play.
- Remember that you will make eye holes, so make sure the design has large, open eyes.
Step 3. Draw the design
When you've chosen one, draw it on paper. Even if you are not using this paper to make the mask, capturing the design will help you remember it exactly how you wanted it.
Method 2 of 3: Make the mask
Step 1. Make a mask out of paper plates or cardstock
Paper plates and cardstock are the easiest materials to use when making a mask. Cut out the material in the shape of an oval that mimics the shape of the face. Draw the design on the material and use scissors to cut out the eyes and mouth.
Before drawing the eyes and mouth, put the mask on your face. Use a pencil and mark where the eyes and mouth meet. Then draw the latter over these marks and cut them out
Step 2. Make a papier-mâché mask
You can also use this material to build the mask around a balloon. First blow up a balloon to a normal size and tie it up. Take a couple of strips of newspaper and dip them in a container of decoupage glue. Then stick them on the balloon. Do this until you have two or three layers of newspaper with a mask-like shape.
- Leave the papier-mâché for a couple of hours to dry. Once it has dried, poke the balloon with a pin or other sharp object. Then remove the balloon so that only the mask remains.
- Cut out the eyes and mouth. Use scissors to cut out the holes for the eyes and mouth. If you can't cut the papier-mâché with the scissors, use a utility knife.
Step 3. Make a plaster bandage mask
By using plaster, you can shape the mask according to your face, so that it fits perfectly. Before you begin, apply a layer of petroleum jelly around the edge of your face, close to your hairline. Also do it on the eyebrows. Place small squares of moistened paper towels over the eyes. Then lie down and ask a friend to start layering the plaster bandages. You should soak them in water and put them directly on your face. You will need to put on about three layers of bandage.
- Make sure that friend keeps the eye and mouth area open.
- Remove the mask and wash your face to remove any traces of petroleum jelly or plaster.
Method 3 of 3: Finish the mask
Step 1. Reinforce the mask
If you've made it with papier-mâché or bandages, you may want to reinforce it. If you notice that there are layers that stick out and interfere with the shape, cut them out with scissors. You can also use glue to reinforce the layers that are peeling off.
Step 2. Make traits
If you want the mask to look more realistic, add features to it. If you've used papier-mâché, you can add features like a nose by adding more paper. You can also mold clay and papier-mâché features around it, then glue them onto the mask.
If you have made the mask with bandages, you can also put new bandages if you want to exaggerate the shape of certain features or reinforce the thin layers
Step 3. Color the mask
Now that you've finished making the basic shape, go ahead and color as you wish! You can decide to paint a skin tone over the entire mask, and then paint features like the lips or eyebrows. You can also go for more daring and non-traditional colors. Do what you think best fits the design.
- If you've made the mask out of construction paper or paper plates, you can use crayons, markers, or paint to color the mask.
- If you've used papier-mâché or bandages, you should paint the mask as colored pencils and markers won't be as effective on these materials.
Step 4. Add hair
Many Greek theater masks also include hair. If you are happy with the look of the mask, you don't need to add more. However, if you want to add hair, use cardstock, wool, yarn, or whatever other materials you have on hand. Adding hair can make the mask appear more realistic and human.
Step 5. Add an elastic
Punch holes in each side of the mask. Pass an elastic through one of the holes and tie it to secure it. Do the same on the other side. By adding elastic, you can wear the mask without holding it, so you can use your hands freely.
If you prefer to hold the mask, place a stick at the bottom so you can hold it in front of your face more easily
Advice
- Use the internet to find designs if you are not sure what you want the mask to look like.
- Add any embellishments you want to the mask, but keep it from being awkward to wear!
- If you are making the mask for a specific production, take your character into account while designing the mask.