Kid Decorating Project 107: Mask Making Art

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Project #107	*Mask Making Art*

	This is one of the coolest projects we've ever seen. It's truly as unique as your child! Not only are they a part of this art form, but it's simple to do with them and loads of fun. We've used a child's hand, but it as you can see from our gallery it works best on faces. Having your child see themselves in a different way is truly amazing. Material's and Tools Needed: Your child's face or hand Note: Your child must be old enough to sit still for approx. 10 minutes or more, usually recommended for age 4 + Towel or Scarf/Hair tie Johnson & Johnson Specialist Plaster Bandage, Fast setting (Gauze) available in medical/hospital supply stores. Comes in a roll and needs to be cut into small pieces or strips the size of a Band-Aid. Shadow box picture frame (optional) We used a 8" x 10" double matted with 4 1/2" x 6 1/2" opening. We've also seen unmatted types that work well. Bowl of warm water Craft Paints and decoupage items Embellishments such as fabric, feathers, jewels, stickers etc. Paint brushes Scissors Elmer's Glue/Hot glue with glue gun Floral wire or picture hanging wire Music or candles scents Small fan, optional Step one: Clean your child's face/hand well with soap and water. Put a headband or scarf to hold hair back, and towel to protect clothing. Cover their face/hand with loads of Vaseline (VERY IMPORTANT STEP!) so the casting doesn't stick to them and it also makes it easier for removal later. Step two: Cut pieces of the gauze in small strips. Dip each piece in warm water then apply to face/hand, etc. Do not double dip. Each piece should over lap the next a bit and in different directions to obtain a solid surface. Press gauze on face and smear around as the water makes the gauze have a glue like consistency. Repeat until the hole face or hand is covered. NOTE: Any holes or areas hard to fit can be fixed after mask is removed and hardened by placing more wet gauze on it and shaped. SPECIAL NOTE: While trying mask making on some children may be scary to them, casting a hand first might set them at easy and be a great way to "try" it out. Or, if they chose, you can leave eye holes open for them to see through. Remember make it FUN !
This project can be used for other body parts such as hand, faces and feet. Instead of doing one piece why not try a collage of pieces or make one for each child you have and display them in a group. Let the child help to decorate them with a variety of items that have meaning to them. Piece of fabric from their first crib set or tactile objects such as feathers make it uniquely theirs. Ask them what they'd like to be when they grow up or what is their favorite animal and use that as a guide. Adding additional items such as crown can make them a prince or princess forever. This project is wonderful for parents and well as teachers and they make great keepsake gifts! Tired of piñatas and pizza parties? Why not try this at your child's next birthday party! Makes a creative party activity that will last for years!
Idea submitted by : Lorraine K., Artist MONTESSORI SCHOOL of New Hartford Classroom Display at New Hartford Public Library New Hartford, NY - August 2004	Step three: Once you've covered everything put on some music or read a story as you all wait until it's completely dry before removing. To speed up the process place them in front of a fan. As the cast dries they'll be able to move their face and hand a bit.
	Step four: Remove the casting carefully as not to break it. Let it dry for for several hours before decorating it. As it dries you can gather your items to decorate it such as paints, fabrics and any extra embellishments you chose. Check our ""section for examples on what you can use. Step five: Paint and decorate your shadowbox frame. We've chosen to keep ours simple and painted the frame in navy blue latex paint (left over from a previous furniture project!) You can also use any craft paint, there are hundreds of colors available. We detailed the frame in silver and chose to highlight his hand with a fabric backing on the frame's back. We then decorated the matting with his name and age. For a classic look you could have an engraved plate made and glue it to the mat. Let things dry completely before assembling them back together in the frame. Step six: For masks, punch a hole on each side where the ears would be and insert your floral wire. Tie each end off so that you may hang your piece in the box or all alone on the wall. For safety reasons, depending on the age of your child, the glass may be removed from the frame before displaying your new art!