How to Make a Mask - (With Paper Mache over a Clay Model)

This video shows you how I created paper mache African mask with four layers of paper strips and Elmer's Art Paste over a clay model. Sculpting masks this way is fun, and the art paste won't mold or go bad in the bowl.

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. It made it feel like I was sculpting a portrait of a real person when I made the clay form.

One of the main goals of this project was to try out the Elmer's Art Paste that I told you about in my last video. I got a lot of questions about the paste. In this video I answer the two most common questions:

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. Watch the video to find out why.

If you'd like to try out the Elmer's Art Paste, you can find it here: https://amzn.to/2S9mGkG

I do hope you'll make one of these masks. You don't need to use the Art Paste - the cooked flour and water paste is also transparent, and it would work just fine. 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.

The recipe for the transparent cooked flour and water paste is included in my FREE downloadable guide "The 5 Best Recipes for Paper Mache." You can get your copy here: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/lp-5-paper-mache-recipes

You'll find patterns for the sculptures and masks behind me in the video here: https://www.UltimatePaperMache.com/patterns

My best-selling how-to books for sculptors:

Fast Faces - Sculpt Faces in Clay: https://amzn.to/2DSNXfG
Make Animal Sculptures: http://amzn.to/1nMUO3a
How to Make Masks: http://amzn.to/2obUDmq
Make Tiny Paper Mache Dogs: http://amzn.to/1KXd9zg

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DISCLAIMER: This video and description may contain affiliate links. If it does then it means that if you click on any of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support my channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this one. Thanks in advance for your support!