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My bug-faced mask project continues, and I keep thinking up ways to make the project even bigger than I first intended. The clay model is finished and captured by a few layers of plaster cloth.
>Video 1 – finding the dead cicada and starting the clay model.
>Video 3 – the paper mache clay
>Video 4 – adding the wings and painting the cicada
In the next video I’ll add his rear end, turning it into a helmet mask. I’ll also add some long wings.
Since this is an experimental project, I still don’t know how I’ll make the wings, but I’m sure I’ll figure it out.
Before I added the plaster cloth his left eye was bigger than the right eye. I did fix that, but I didn’t mention it in the video.
Be sure to check out Sarah’s tutorial if you’d like to see how she’s getting such great detail for her paper mache ceiling tiles. You could use her techniques to reproduce masks, too. She’s reinforcing the paper pulp on the back, which would probably be a good ideas with a masks, too.
I like to use medical grade or fast-setting plaster cloth. I get mine from amazon.com.
And if you’d like to make a mask without waiting for my experimental bug mask to get finished, be sure to take a look at my book about making paper mache masks here.
Just in case you’d like to make a cicada mask, too, here are the latest photos I’m using as models:
Jonni this is wonderful I am working on a bobcat right now and have found it a little challenging but your posts give me the confidence to move forward I totally enjoy you
Hi Janie. I’m so glad you’re having fun, and I hope you’ll show us your bobcat when it’s done. Or before, if you want. We like to watch people work on their projects. 🙂
I love the way your mask is turning out. I can’t wait to see the finish project. You do such beautiful work. I haven’t been able to make anything because of my health issues. Can’t wait until I am able. You make it look so much fun. I want to Thank You for sharing
Hi Patricia. I’m glad you’re enjoying the project. I do think the bug will be nice when it’s done, although it looks pretty silly now. And I hope you feel better soon so can get back to making things.
jonni-he is looking really good! I think quite a few people will enjoy this tutorial especially since Halloween is coming. Here’s my 2 cents…if you are doing wings, you should also put in those little legs off to the side of his head. They would flap around and all but it would be cute.
My son once had to do a replica of a mayfly and we wound up using waxed paper for the wings and just drew or painted the veins on. This would not be as long lasting as say, plastic would be though. I know, how about those clear plastic report covers? Just some suggestions-you will come up with something inventive as usual!
Great ideas, Eileen – I really like the legs, especially. There’d be no question about it being a bug. I have a few report covers here – I’ll see if I can find them. With some wire and a black marker, that would look nice. Although I have wax paper, too, and I’m not sure how long this thing has to last. 😉