h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Entry: Creating papier-mâché masks - A8851935
Author: Pimms Lettuce - U219930

I've made a few masks, and decided to share the tips I've picked up. Does anyone have further practical advice to include (apart from "don't leave flour paste on the roof")

HEY! That was good solid advice!

Anyway, on to the important stuff...

firstly: You'll have to pardon me if I take liberties with your text. I'm an English major with an itchy editing-finger. Please tell me if I go overboard, because if I should ever decide to become a high-power editor I'll need to know.

The first sentence is a teensy drop long- I actually ran out of breath before the end, and I wasn't reading it out loud. Maybe cut out the "also" and the Incredibles?

>>If you have been tempted while in Venice to buy a souvenir mask to wear1, it can be a shock what is charged even for a simple bauta2. All that is needed to make your own is time, plenty of paper, paste and something to use as a template onto which you can build the mask.<<

-The first sentence is a tad peculiar because it goes from the direct "you" to the avoiding-personal-pronouns "it can be...". Basically, you need to either "you" all the way through, (eg: you were probably shocked at the price for even a simple bauta. or, "Visitors to Venice are often shocked at the prices charged fro souvenir masks..." or something like that.)
-The second sentence: is "template" the right word? Mold, maybe? Or, "something of the right dimensions onto which you can mold/build the mask."

>>Before you start it is helpful to have an idea what you want to achieve. <<
- that would be, "an idea OF what..."

>>A detailed template for the mask is not essential using the following method, <<

- might be better as, "is not essential WHEN using the following method..."

>>Unlike manufactured masks, which are poured into a mould that defines their outer surface, this method builds the mask from the inside outward, with layers built onto a template. This means the finished mask is likely to be unique, and difficult to exactly recreate.<<
-firstoff, again, not sure about template.
according to google's sixth definition: A cut out pattern used to trace a design; like a stencil.
-secondly, I'm not sure if this is personal opinion or not, but wouldn't "recreate exactly" be better? I think there is a subtle difference in meaning.

>>you may be waiting a long time before the proto-mask is sturdy enough to be removed and worked on further.<<
- are you actually reccommending that someone lie there with paper mache on their face until it dries?

>>Given the difficulty of adding features to the balloon, which is easy to deform, leave adding features until the balloon is removed.<<
- "leave adding features FOR until the balloon is removed." ??

OK. lunch break.
So far so good.

>>These methods don't provide any of the exaggerated features common to Commedia dell'Arte masks. Many can be added to a plain mask, as thickened ridges of papier-mâché, but a practical alternative is to create a template for the feature wanted from something easily moulded and removed. Modelling clay3, or wax4 are suitable to sculpt noses, horns, lips or whole faces from (if you have sufficient material).<<

- since this entry is about commedia dell'arte masks, maybe you should have a separate subsection dealing with the features?
It just seems like you give an interesting topic short-shrift here, because there isn't space to deal with it properly.

>>One important element to whatever template is used, is that it can be removed from the mask when it is no longer necessary.<<
-Whatever template you use, it should be able to be detached from the mask when it is no longer necessary.

>>An extreme of this recycling of paper can be seen in the production of home made paper.<<
-just that there are three "of's" in quick succession, maybe change the second to "paper recycling" instead of "recycling of paper."

>>While manufactured masks use a thick mix of paper and paste poured into a mould a fairly strong and thin mask can be created using multiple layers of paper.<<

- I think there should be a comma after "mould".

>>Newspaper is often suggested, though it does tend to disintegrate easily, and takes some painting to obscure the heavily inked paper. <<
-"...and some (heavy) painting is required to obscure the heavily inked paper."

>>Flour and water paste is non-toxic, though takes a trifle more effort to prepare.<<
-"...though IT takes a trifle more effort to prepare."

>>This can be messy, so ensure the table you work at can be easily cleaned of paste or is well-protected by a large sheet of paper.<<
- ensure THAT the table...

>>As layers are added attempt to change the direction of the strips of paper.<<
-comma after "added".

>>Similarly you can freely paper over eye sockets if using an existing mask as a template<<
-period at end of sentence.


>>If adding layers to a dry mask apply some paste to the mask first to prepare the surface, <<
-comma after mask.

>>Generally it is worthwhile not to remove excess paper from edges and eye sockets,<<
- "generally it is not worthwhile"

Maybe alter this to a step by step, where you go over things you can do to the eyes, nose, mouth, etc, each in their turn? Because, this is, after all, about how to make a mask, you may as well spend sufficient time on it.

>>As mentioned earlier accentuated features can also be added to a smooth mask.<<
- comma after "earlier". Maybe here is where you should actually go into detail about it, instead of earlier.

>>Using either suitably pasted string or twisted paper strips, baroquely curved eyebrows can be added, or lascivious lips, forehead wrinkles, and so on. <<
- Just an idea, but maybe give a whole bunch of ways of adding features like this, more specifically.

>>Before starting to decorate it is worth considering how the mask is to be held in place if it only covers the face.<<
- comma after "decorate."

>>Believe it or not one type of mask was held in place by a pin held between the teeth. <<
-firstly, a comma after "beleive it or not".
-secondly, what kind of mask was this? (does it have a proper name, like a "Dentist's Favorite Mask", popular in the mid-1800s...)

>>Usually the option used is for two lengths of ribbon to be attached which can be tied<<
-The usual option/method used, is two lengths of ribbon which are attached (how?) and can be tied..."

>> If sticking to more normal paints acrylics are a good choice. <<
-comma after paints.

>>The paint can however crack if the mask is too flexible, or the paint too diluted.<<
- I think you are supposed to surround the "however" with commas.
"The paint can, however, crack if the mask is too flexible, or the paint too diluted." (Flexible because it's too thin, presuming?)

>>If one wanted to make many identical masks (as is the case with Venetian mask factories) this ad hoc method would be inappropriate. Their method is to sculpt the master mask from clay,<<
- I think "The method" instead of "their method", or else, "the factory method is to..."



>>create a plaster reverse mould using the clay model, remove the clay then layer in papier-mâché glop (a paste consisting of paper, rags and glue), leave to dry,<<
- a comma between "the clay" and "then layer".

Also, footnote number 2 lacks a period.



And that's it. Nice entry! Almost inspired me to run and make a mask, but I'm at work, and would have to clean up my room first anyway.


>>Using a modelling knife, or scissors, <<
-pretty sure the first comma is unnecessary.

>>Given the difficulty of adding features to the balloon, which is easy to deform, leave adding features until the balloon is removed.<<

one last thought... sorry
but would it be better as "which is easily deformed"?

I didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition

I'll review the tidiness of the grammar. The first paragraph may be entirely rewritten - but it may justify a whole entry on mask wearing which would detract from the practical emphasis of this entry.

I am a little concerned that this text does not adequately describe the method without using pictures. It leaves a lot to the imagination. But maybe that's a good thing...

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!

Fetch the cushions!

Grammar fiddled with, links added. Restructure on features being considered. How do you feel about 'model' instead of 'template'?

Thanks for all the suggesions LA.

As far as using 'template' for the things that provide the shape to the mask I initially used 'mould', but in my mind a mould is usually the reverse of the finished item (eg jelly mould), I changed it to 'form', but didn't think it was clear enough, particularly while using form as a verb at the same time.

The idea of using someone's head as a template for a mask came from a french site I researched looking up papier-mâché - in a series of photos a child has a proto mask created using plaster-soaked bandage strips (I think) - http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://www.feminin.ch/bricolage/papier_mache.htm&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dpapier-m%25C3%25A2ch%25C3%25A9%2B%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DG - go to bottom and choose 'to manufacture a mask'. It may be possible to do it with layers of paper too, removing (with care) while still flexible and leaving to harden in a warm dry place.

*swirls inquisitor robes*
I do that to any entry I look at. Nothing personal. And you should see what I do to my own papers.

I see about the face-model thing--(hey-model, maybe? Model...Model... but back to the topic. Maybe it would be better to specify the plaster soaked bandages thing, because I was envisioning someone sleeping with a newspaper-mummy look .

*humbly*
Should I take another look at the entry?

Please by my guest . I've tinkered, and the result is slightly longer. I wasn't happy with using 'model' exclusively in exchange for 'template', but the use of both terms may be awkward

I like the entry a lot - plenty of practical advice, which even I can follow. Nothing substantial to add, though!

David

Hi Pimms,

Looks good!

I wonder whether the entry starts a little abruptly - perhaps you could add a line or two about when masks are often worn? Eg. 'Masks are an easy way of altering your appearance, for a party or as a disguise. Actors in Ancient Greek tragedies wore large masks with fixed expressions because many of the huge audience were too far away to see the actors' faces; while the stock characters in the Commedia dell'Arte wore masks to help the audience recognise the character no matter which actor was underneath. On Halloween, witch and monster masks are popular with children, while it is fun to alter one's appearance with a mask for a fancy dress party, seeing others trying to recognise who you are.

There are many masks one could make...'

Etc.

Just a thought .

And:

washing you hands => washing your hands
wiping off excess => wiping off the excess
siutable => suitable

the usual one is for two lengths of ribbon are attached, one to each side of the mask, through holes pierced for the purpose, which can be tied together behind the head

=>

the usual one is for two lengths of ribbon to be attached through holes pierced in each side of the mask, which can be tied together behind the head

the less stresses => the fewer stresses

I didn't understand this bit: 'The vertical slit can be crossed by short horizontal slits about 1/2cm apart to form two columns of strips that can be folded into the nose or back into the face.'

Lbclaire

*gets cup of coffee*
*checks to make sure the boss is safely somewhere else*
*rubs hands together gleefully*
*swirls inquisition robes*
*cackles wickedly*

OK, I'm ready to get started now. For a change, I'll start from the bottom and work my way up.

footnote number3:
>>Such as Plasticene or indeed clay<<
"such as plasticene or, indeed, clay."

>> Having a mould already can reduce the time needed to make a mask to less than a day.<<
...yes, but making the mould will take almost a week!

>>Gaudy could be an understatement, with lustrous swirls of metallic paints competing with sequins, glass beads and sprays of feathers. If using more normal paints, acrylics are a good choice. Acrylic paint can crack if the mask is too flexible, or the paint too diluted. For durability a few coats of matt clear varnish to finish are also highly recommended (except on any feathers).<<

Just to make the paragraph more cohesive:
connect the first and second sentence like so:
"If you would rather use more normal (less showy?) paints (colors?), acrylics would be a good choice."
connect second to third, and third to fourth like so:
"However, acrylic paints can crack if the mask is too flexible or the paint too diluted." (I deleted a comma there too, actually.)



>>Sanding carefully with fine sandpaper may not work, coating with a DIY surface smoother7, as with using paint, will rely on the flexibility of both mask and coating.<<

... "will depend"?? just wondering about the word choice.



>>Masks can also be kept in place by attaching them to hats, providing arms to the mask to hook over ears, or building them to cover not just the face but the top of the head as well.<<

-"...providing the mask with arms that hook over the ears..."



>>Similarly old clothes, that it won't matter getting paste on, are a good idea.<<
-the middle clause is kinda awkward to my eyes. Different ways to fix it:
"For the same reason, wear old clothes that can get pasty/pasted/covered in paste."
Similiarly, old clothes that can get paste on them without it mattering, are a good idea."
"It is a good idea to wear old clothes that you can get paste on without it mattering."
-I could go on, but why bother?

SEcond half done. And I barely wrote anything!
be back after I do some work.

(some of us get pleasure out of odd things, dont you think?)

...and I like lbClaire's idea for the intro, if it means anything.

Finally dealt with point made in post three regarding step by step instructions for adjusting the masks shape.

It helps that I am trying to make a mask at the moment, and further tips occur to me that I hadn't mentioned previously.

fantastic entry

I make pinatas, and have been itching to make a mask (next pinata will be started next week, so this is very timely)

One tip i give to people, to keep track of layers: I use one layer of normal newspaper, and then alternate with the Financial Times (which is pink) making sure that the penultimate layer is normal newspaper, then the final layer is white loo rool, tissue or single layers of kitchen roll.

Loo roll is quite fragile - it must be tricky to stop it falling apart - do you apply the paste to the pinata, then just layer the roll on top, or actually paste the loo roll before applying it? What kind of finish does it give the mask?

The alternating papers seems a useful tip to ensure even layering, though I find by alternating direction of strips I can usually tell which layer is incomplete.
Although I haven't mentioned it one possible technique for sculpting the mask does involve carving across the grain of layers with a very sharp blade. Using different colours might give an odd stripy effect, but since the cut area should be recovered with at least one more layer of paper that should not be an objection.

for loo roll I tend to use the cheapest, thinnest white 2 ply, and use both plys. And yes, I apply the paste to the pinata first, then add the paper, using paste again. It uses a lot of paste, but makes a lovely matt finish. You have to be very careful though, as it easily wrinkles ('man sized tissues' are more robust). It depends on what you're painting on top, I suppose. (oh and that tip, btw, comes from Art Attack)

If you use base paint, it doesn't really matter what you use for your last layer.

and yes, direction of strips is, IMO, just about the most important thing and when you have done a lot of this, it's 2nd nature. But for children, and newcomers to papier maché (I can't make an a with a hat ) it's often a big help.

Also, for adding details (and also from Art Attack) you can use scrunched up loo-roll/tissue paper/kitchen roll and stick it on your basic form with glue or sticky tape, then carefully paste some more layers over it. When it's wet with paste it is easy to mould to your end shape.

I like the idea of carving accross the grain: I'm guessing you separate the layers? Do you stuff them out to make them more solid?

I usually use far too many layers (around 8) for a pinata, which is hard on the kids, but for masks and sculptures I might be tempted to use even more.

sorry, waffling now
- fab entry

The easiest way to get the circumflex over the â is to copy it from somewhere else - how about the thread title? I orginially copied it from a word document, but there is probably a keyboard shortcut to get it.

Thanks for the tips, even if you admit you did get some of them from a TV show Since I use plain white paper rather than newspaper I get a plain finish anyway. I get thick parts to my masks due mostly to the folding back of excess paper layers. I need to review how this can be incorporated. The entry gets longer and longer If I fit it in and can figure how to set you as 'additional research' I'll give you a credit

ah, you're sweet, but really, no credit needed!

And don't worry about the entry being long, it really shouldn't matter (although I know it's often a complaint in PR) if the entry leads you along and makes you want to read it.

Have you made a lot of masks? is there anywhere we can see them? (sorry, Nosey - it's my middle name!)