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Shoebill Mask or Wall Sculpture Pattern

For Paper Mache

$12

This shoebill mask is weird, (just like the real ones).

And that makes it really fun to make. No sculpting experience is required – the  pattern creates all the shapes for you. Just tape the pieces together and add a layer of paper mache. Then paint your mask, using your own favorite shoebill stork photo to use as a model.

If you wear your new mask, you’ll definitely stand out at your next fancy dress party or Mardi Gras. Or, you can display it as a unique sculpture on your wall. Either way, you can proudly say, “I made it myself!”

How to Make Your Shoebill Mask:

Print the pattern, stick it to cereal box cardboard, and cut out the pieces.

Then tape the pieces together, using the instructions as a guide.

Add one layer of paper mach. Add “toilet paper mache” for the soft areas on his head, if you want. (See the video below).

Bring your shoebill mask to life with acrylic paint and add a few feathers for the top of his head.

Finished size:

About 15.5 inches (39.37 cm) deep, 8 inches (20.32 cm) high (not including the feathers) and 7 inches (17.78 cm) wide. It will fit an adult head, but the size can be changed by following the instructions that come with the downloadable pattern PDF.

My downloadable PDF Patterns come with full instructions.

There’s no waiting for your pattern to arrive, and no shipping costs, so you can start on your project right away.

Note: If you’ll be saving your pattern to and iPhone or iPad, those devices like to hide your downloaded files. You can scroll down this page to see how to find them.

And remember – if you have any problems downloading your files or putting your pattern together, just let me know. I’m always happy to help.  🙂

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$12

Watch these videos to see how to make your Shoebill mask:

There are a few parts on this mask pattern that will require some patience, so watch this first video first to see how all the pieces are taped together. You’ll also see how to turn the pattern into a wall sculpture instead of a mask, for a very unique addition to your decor.

If you’re making a wall sculpture instead of a mask, be sure to add the foam eyes before the paper mache. This following video shows you how:

I used paper strips and paste for my mask. One layer is all you need to make it nice and strong. I used brown paper from amazon.com boxes, but you can use newspaper, if you’d prefer. I also added some ‘toilet paper mache’ to make my Shoebill’s head and cheeks look softer. I’ve never done that before, but I like to experiment. It did take a bit of time, but I like the way it looks after it’s painted.

If you’re making a wall sculpture instead of a mask, you might want to consider using paper mache clay instead of paper strips and paste. Just click on the ‘recipes’ tab at the top of this site for paste and paper mache clay recipes.

The hardest part of painting your shoebill mask might be choosing which photo to use as your model. Every single Shoebill Stork is different, and that’s especially true for the black and gray spots on their beaks. (A lot of them would be a lot easier to paint than the one I chose for my model.)

This video also shows how I added the feathers that stick out at the top of their heads. I ordered feathers that were too dark, and I didn’t want to wait for a new package of lighter feathers to arrive before finishing my mask. Light gray or white feathers would have worked a lot better. Or make your mask’s feathers with paper mache. 🙂

To make your Shoebill mask you will need:

• The downloadable pattern
• Access to a printer
• Copy paper or full-sheet labels (I always use the labels, because it’s an easy way to stick the pattern to the cardboard)
• Glue stick (if using copy paper instead of the labels)
• For a mask, you’ll need the front and back from from 4 standard-sized cereal boxes, or 7 pieces of letter-sized “light chipboard*” that you can purchase online.
• For a wall sculpture, you’ll need 3 cereal boxes or 6 sheets of light chipboard, and a scrap of corrugated cardboard for the back.
• Sharp scissors for cutting cereal box cardboard.
• Clear plastic tape and masking tape Note: Don’t use disappearing gift wrap tape – it isn’t strong enough.
• Glue gun (for the eyes on a wall sculpture. You won’t need it for a mask)
• Paper strips and paste (Find recipes here)
• 5 to 10 light grey or white feathers
• Acrylic paint and varnish

$12

Do you have a question or need help with your pattern?

There are two ways to contact me: The fastest way to get an answer is to leave a comment below. I read all comments and answer them as soon as I can, usually within a few hours. One of my readers might also chime in to help – we have a very supportive community here on this site.

If you prefer to reach me privately, you can send me an email.

I get a ton of spam and I don’t want your email to get lost, so please put “paper mache” in the subject line so your email won’t be accidentally deleted. If you don’t hear back from me within 24 hours, assume the cyberspace gremlins ate your email, and try again. 🙂

Shoebill masks and sculptures made with this pattern:

Shoebill Mask and Feathered Costume

Made by Ann Ramsay

Shoebill Stork

Made by Marcia Bilyk

Have You Used this Pattern to Make a Mask? We’d Love to See It – Click Here to Show it Off …