Halloween Masks: Paper Mache Full Face Mask

🎭 Halloween Masks: Designing and Painting a Full-Face Paper Mache Mask

Lesson Summary

In this creative, hands-on project, students will design and decorate their own Halloween masks using a paper mache full-face base. Whether it’s spooky, wild, magical, or heroic—students can choose from classic Halloween characters or dream up a creature of their own.

This lesson gives students a chance to explore their imagination while learning how to turn an idea into a finished, wearable piece of art.

Learning Goals

• Design and decorate an original Halloween mask

• Explore creative thinking through sketching and color design

• Develop problem-solving and planning skills while working with a 3D form

Step-by-Step Process

1. Brainstorm & Imagine
   Think about what inspires you—what colors, symbols, animals, or characters do you love?
   Ask yourself:

   • What mood will your mask have—scary, playful, magical, or strong?

   • Will it be based on something real or entirely invented?

2. Sketch, Plan and Explore
   Using a flat mask template, create a few quick sketches.
   Choose your favorite one and refine it—add patterns, details, and color ideas.
   *You don't need to be confined to the template design of the mask. Add hair, horns, ears to your idea. Go a bit wild with your design! 

3. Transfer Design to the Mask
   Use your paper mache mask to bring your idea to life.
   Lightly sketch your design directly onto the mask, adjusting shapes for the 3D form.
   Be creative with the construction of your mask; cutting off parts of the mask, adding hair, horns, ears, with colored paper.

4. Color & Decorate
   Now fill in your design using markers, colored pencils, or paint.
   Add texture and details: patterns, lines, symbols, or anything that makes your character stand out.

5. Final Touches
   Add highlights, shadows, or layered colors for depth.
   Optional: Add extra features like cut paper shapes for horns, ears, or feathers.

6. Showcase & Reflect
   Share your finished mask with the class or at home.
   Talk briefly about your idea:

   • What inspired it?

   • What was fun or challenging about making it?
     
     

Creative Tips

• Be bold: Combine different themes to make something unexpected.

• Think in 3D: Your mask wraps around a face—design with shape and depth in mind.

• Layer with purpose: Use colors and shapes in layers to give your design life.