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Make a paper mache mask with four layers of paper strips and paste.
My model was a mask from the Ivory Coast that was created over 100 years ago. I was captivated by the simplicity of the original mask, and by the way the artist added just a hint of character with a slightly crooked smile. That made it feel like I was sculpting a portrait of a real person when I made the clay form.
If you have an African-themed decor, you might want to check out my African animal pattern set, too.
Do a Google image search for “African Mask Dan” to see masks that are similar to the one I chose for my model. If you’d like to get started sculpting faces but you’re a little nervous about “getting it right,” this would be a perfect project to get you started.
For this project I used Elmer’s Art Paste – but that product is no longer being sold. However, the cooked flour and water paste is also transparent and it would work just as well. You can find that recipe here.
Step 1: The clay form.
I used my WED clay (a wet clay), because I had some and I like using it. It worked for this particular African mask because there were simple shapes and I could isolate the clay from the paper mache with a film of plastic.
It would be easier to use some oil-based modeling clay, like the Sargent’s Plastilina that I used for my Halloween portrait mask. The oil-based clay stays soft, so it’s easier to get it out of the dried paper mache.
To sculpt my model, I put the clay over my mannequin, but a simple form made with crumpled foil or paper and masking tape would work just as well. The one problem with using a commercial form or mannequin is the nose – this particular mask has a very narrow nose, but mine is wider because of the hard plastic nose under the clay. In the end, I really don’t think it mattered that much.
My sculpt is not an exact match for the original mask, but it came fairly close.
Step 2: The plastic or release.
Because I was using wet clay, I needed to cover it before adding the paper mache. I use plastic wrap that I stole from the kitchen.
If you make your form with an oil based clay, you don’t need the plastic. However, it will really help if you use a thin film of petroleum jelly to make the dried paper mache come off easily.
Step 3: Add the paper mache.
I used four layers of torn paper strips, held on with the Elmer’s Art Paste. I wanted the brown paper to show on the final mask, so I needed a paste that dries clear. You could also use a cooked flour and water paste, because it’s clear after it dries.
I started with newspaper for the first layer, and let it dry. Then I added brown paper that came with a package from Amazon.com. One more layer of newspaper, and then the final layer of brown paper.
The mask is quite strong, even though I only used four layers.
Step 4: Remove the mask from the clay form.
You need to do this carefully, and be sure to wait until the paper mache is entirely dry, all the way through. If you try to remove the paper mache too soon, you could ruin your mask.
Step 5: Seal the paper mache mask.
I used clear gesso to seal the paper mache, to make sure my acrylic paint would go on evenly. Sometimes the paper mache will absorb paint more in one area than another, and you end up with a blotchy finish. The gesso keeps this from happening.Â
Step 6: Add acrylic paint.
I wanted my paper mache African mask to look like it was made with a warm dark wood. I mixed:
- Burnt umber
- Ultramarine blue
- Copper craft paint (not needed)
- Golden Acrylic Glazing Liquid.
I don’t think the copper made much difference, although it may have given the brown a reddish tint. The glazing liquid makes the paint transparent, and it slows down the drying time.
Step 7: A coat of matte acrylic varnish.
I used my favorite acrylic varnish, the DuraClear soft touch varnish. Any brand of acrylic varnish will work.
Step 8: A touch of gold.
I’ve had this set of metallic colored wax for 20 years or more, and rarely get a chance to use them. I have fun with them when I do have a good excuse, and this seemed like as good an excuse as any.
I used the burnished gold sparingly, in the areas that are brightest on the photo of the original African Mask from the Ivory Coast.
… About the Paste:
One of my reasons for chosing this project was to try out the Elmer’s Art Paste that I told you about in my last post.
After that post I got a lot of questions about the paste, especially on my YouTube channel. In this video I answered the two most common questions, and my answers are …
Can you sand it? Yes.
Can you use the Elmer’s Art Paste as a substitute for the white glue in my paper mache clay recipe? No, sorry. It doesn’t dry hard and strong like paper mache clay should – in fact, you’d have the same result if you just used water instead of glue. It didn’t work.
I think a project like this would be perfect for a Middle School or High School class, especially if the artwork as combined with a creative writing, history or social studies class.
While I was sculpting this mask I couldn’t help but wonder what the original artist’s life was like. It made me want to know more about the Dan culture of West Africa, and the other artistic traditions of the area. A project like this can make learning fun.
You might like these posts, too:
- Plague Doctor mask
- Paper mache theater masks
- Wolf mask with acrylic eyes
- Using wood glue for fast, strong paper mache masks
Have you made a paper mache African mask, or a copy of a traditional art form from another culture? If you have, we’d love to hear about it.
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Dear Jonni, do you have a preferred clay (oil) to make a form for papier-mâché? Will the papier-mâché dry with oil clay or do you need to cover the clay with something so the PM can dry thoroughly? Thank you
Katherine
Hi Katherine. I like using a softer modeling clay, like Sargent’s plastilina, or a wet clay like WED clay from Laguna clay company. Paper mache will dry over an oil-based clay, but I do like to add a thin coat of petroleum jelly to make it easier to pull the clay off the model. It will not dry over wet clay unless you separate the clay from the paper mache with a layer of plastic wrap, like I show in this video. You don’t have to do that with the oil based modeling clay.
Hi Jonni! I just discovered you this afternoon and am excited by your content. Thank you for sharing. Question…could you use your paper mache clay recipe on top of the WED clay instead of adding the paper layers? I totally new to this. Thanks again!
If you isolate the wet WED clay so it doesn’t keep the paper mache clay wet, it should work. You’ll still need to remove the clay model after the paper mache clay is dry, of course. And I should mention that I think a mask made entirely with paper mache clay isn’t very comfortable to wear. It tends to be a little heavier than paper strips and paste, and any little bumps or points on the inside of the mask are hard to sand flat. However, if you line it with felt, that would work – and if you use the mask as wall art, like I do, it’s a great way to make a sculpture. Have fun with it!
Quiero deseo los.moldes de los animales salvajes y de animales y caras humanas
I tried to use Google translate with your comment, but it didn’t work very well, so I can’t respond. Sorry!
Hi Jonni, this was a post I did a few years back when you had a Holloween contest. It was a quickie made but a lot of fun. Now, you have me thinking about masks again.
https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/christines-paper-mache-mask
I made my mold very rudimentary and just put tin foil and cardboard to make the face. The nice thing about doing it this way is you can cut a cardboard mold to any way you want and just build it up from there.
Yes, thank you, Christine! You are so right. I use a skull or mannequin or mask form when I make masks – but only because they’re sitting around the studio and I might as well use them. As you point out, you don’t need anything but a few inexpensive materials in the base to make a successful sculpture or mask. That’s one of the great things about paper mache – in fact, my first African mask, made years ago, was built over cardboard. 🙂
I always enjoy your posts. You’re a great teacher.
I’m not sure why you need the clay form below the paper mache. Is this because the final mask is longer than your head form? Would like to see a picture of your head form to see what you are covering. Does the clay stay soft throughout the process?
Hi John. The clay form is needed because the mannequin isn’t the same shape as the original African mask I was copying. You can see what it looks like here: https://amzn.to/2FYzLHV
And yes, you want the clay to stay soft. It did dry at the chin, and that’s why it was a little challenging to get the paper mache off – it’s much easier if the clay is still wet. Or, if you use oil-based clay, like most people would for a project like this.
I totally enjoy your emails and wealth of information. What are your thoughts about using only liquid starch as your adhesive? I have pieces I made years ago and they are still okay. It was easy to work with, especially with kids.
Ray.
Hi Ray. I’ve heard of people using it for paste, but I’ve never tried it. If it works for you, that’s fantastic! I did try making a paste with corn starch and water, and it took a long time to dry. The liquid starch might have been a better choice.