Hello crafters!

We're talking a lot about masks these days - but let's change the topic to some more fun masks - the ones you can wear with costumes! Just because you can't go outside, doesn't mean you can't dress up ;)
The materials are so simple that you can make them in quarantine, which can also be a great activity with kids when you're stuck at home.

So let's get started!

Supplies

aluminium foil
scissors
tape
paper (different thicknesses)
white glue (and water)
(acrylic) paint
string or ribbon
map tack

Optional:

tights
glitter, rhinestones, lace etc.

Step 1: Optional: Make a Template

I realized that the shape of your mask really changes the way you look and depends on the vibe you're going for. So it can help to make a template so you know what you want!

Simply take a sheet of paper and place it on your face, mark where your eyes are approximately and draw your mask. Fold it in have to get it symmetrical and cut it out.

Step 2: Make a Tinfoil Mold

To start off, take a piece of aluminium foil and fold it two times (so you get 3 layers). The foil should still cover the top part of your face.

Now mold the foil to your face - it might look stupid but that's why it's fun :p
If the foil goes far beyond your nose, you can cut some foil away so you can mold it better.

Cut two holes for the eyes and make them as little as possible, but big enough that they don't poke you in the eyes ;)

Step 3: Reinforce With Tape

Now we're going to add tape to the foil so that it holds its shape.

I recommend using clear tape or other strong tape, but I did it with masking tape so you can see it better.

When you use clear tape, you can reuse the mold as often as you want! With the masking tape though, the mold lost its shape after I peeled off the mask.

You know you're done when the eye and nose parts are stiff and hold their shape. The sides will stay floppy, no matter how much tape you add, but don't worry about that!

Step 4: Paper Mache

Now that the mold is done, we can start making our mask.

I'm using paper mache as a base for all the masks in this tutorial.

First, rip apart different kinds of paper - magazines or newspapers, thicker paper and even thin cardboard - it's good to have a good mix of thicknesses and sizes.

The thin paper pieces are good for smoothing out the mask, whereas the thicker paper is good for strengthening the mask - especially the sides.

Mix some white glue with a bit of water until it becomes runny and brush it onto the mask. Then add the paper pieces and brush on more glue.

I like to add thicker pieces or even thin cardboard to the sides (temple area) to make them more sturdy.

After 2-3 layers (the more, the better), you can let your mask dry.

To make sure that the mask curves around your face, let the mask rest on something tall and slim, or squeeze it between two things so it doesn't flatten out.

When it has dried completely, you can peel the mask from the mold and reuse the mold for more masks!

Step 5: Cut to Shape

Next, you can try on the mask - and you might look a bit creepy like me :p Mark the areas you want to cut.

Then it's all just a matter of making the mask as symmetrical as possible. You can use a ruler to help you with that.

Step 6: Option One: Add Toilet Paper

To finish the mask, I have two options for you: Option one is to give the mask some texture with tissues, napkins or precious toilet paper.

Rip it into pieces and glue them on with the same glue and water mixture from before.

Another thing you can do is to cut the tissue into strips and twist them. These rolls can be attached as a border, or you can create patterns with them. Secure them with even more tissue.

Finally you can paint the mask - I gave it a black base coat with acrylic paint, dry brushed some golden acrylic paint on and added glitter nail polish. I made some dots with more paint too.

Step 7: Option Two: Tights!

Superheroes should have tights in their wardrobe anyway, so let's use them to make some superhero masks! ;)

Find an area on your tights that is big enough to stretch over your paper mask. I used part of one leg and cut it into a sheet.

If you want to dye the tights, take some light colored ones and brush on some acrylic paint (no water is needed).

Brush some white glue (also no water this time) onto the backside of the mask, stretch the fabric over the mask and stick it to the backside. Cut holes for the eyes and cut slits into the fabric wherever it's necessary.

You can easily remove the fabric again and reattach it until you're happy. If you see a lot of creases in the fabric, you might have to stretch the fabric a bit more.

Once you're done, you might have to clean the fabric from little bits of glue or dust. You can also touch up the paint with a tiny bit of paint.

If you want, you can add details on top of the fabric - glue on rhinestones or add dots with paint or glitter.

Step 8: Add String or Ribbon - and Wear!

When you're ready to wear your mask, poke holes with a map tack or use a hole punch and insert some string or ribbon.
If you have long hair, you can hide the strings under your hair.

And you're done! Hope you have as much fun as I did :)