How to Make a Masquerade Ball Mask

A masquerade ball mask can be made a number of ways. This article will address a number of approaches for making both hand held and hands-free masquerade ball masks.
These fabrications include:

• Stiffened felt
• Fabric
• Cardstock

*Alternatively, you can purchase a plastic mask from a crafts/hobbies store or online outlet. Keep in mind that you can use recycled materials for this project, including old hats!

Begin by determining the type of mask you wish to create. This may depend upon the materials you have on hand, the theme you are using for your inspiration, or simply your preference for working with particular materials. For example, animal print fabrics will lend themselves nicely to a jungle cat mask, whereas a feather-trimmed mask is easier to embellish if you begin with a felt form.

Assembling your tools and Materials

Materials:

Craft glue
Embellishments such as tulle, feathers, glitter, buttons, artificial flowers, faux jewels, sequins, ribbons etc.
I pkg. of unflavored gelatin for fabric or felt form mask
For a hand-held mask, you will require a chopstick
For a hands-free mask, you will require a length of narrow-width elastic that is long enough to reach behind your head from ear to ear, plus two inches. (You could also use two lengths of ribbon suitable for tying)
Pen and paper
Craft paint (optional)

Tools:

Glue gun
Pinking shears (optional)
Craft or embroidery scissors
Tweezers
Toothpicks
Needle and thread
Embroidery needles (large and small)
Large mixing bowl

Step 1/ Creating a Pattern (skip this step if you are using a purchased form)

With a pen and paper, draw an outline for the shape of mask you wish to create. Be sure and measure for eye holes and to allow for the contouring of the mask if you will be transferring the pattern to felt.

Cut out almond shaped holes for your eyes and holes for the nostrils and mouth (if your mask will be covering this area). After cutting the pattern, measure it against your face to ensure that it is accurate. Now, transfer the pattern to your choice of fabrication using pins (if you will be using felt or fabric) or tape (if you are using a paper material) to hold it in place. Cut around the pattern and eye hole markings.

* You may wish to cut with pinking shears for an interesting effect. Also, if you are using fabric, select a material that will not fray.

Measuring Tip: The distance between a person’s eyes is usually equal to the width of the eye itself.

Step 2/ Making the Mask

A/ Instructions for a Felt or Fabric Mask

With this type of mask, you have the most flexibility. Prepare a large bowl of unflavored gelatin. Soak your fabric or felt form in the mixture, shape and allow to dry.

B/ Instructions for a Cardstock Mask

If you wish to paint your cardstock mask, now is the time to do it.

Step 3/ Securing the Ties (skip this step if you are making a hand held mask)

Thread a large embroidery needle with your length of narrow width elastic and knot the other end. Bringing our needle up from the underside, pierce the mask and draw the elastic up through to the right side. Next, draw your needle through one hole of a button and down through a second hole. Now, pierce the mask again (this time from the front to the back), and draw the elastic through completely, securing the button so that it lies flat at the front of the mask.

Do the same on the other side of the mask. Check for fit and adjust accordingly. When you are satisfied with the fit, saturate each knot with a little glue so that you can be sure the knots will hold securely. (You may hide the buttons later with layers of with fabric if you wish.)

Step 4/ Applying the Handle (Ignore this step if you are making a hands free mask)

Prepare your chopstick handle by painting it, winding ribbon around it, gluing sparkles to it or in any other way that strikes your fancy (you may also leave it as is). Next, place the narrow end of the chopstick at the side of the mask form (on the back) and glue it in place. If you wish to add ribbon streamers to your handle, now is the time to do it. Allow the glue to dry.

Step 5/ Embellishing Your Mask

There are many steps that can be taken to add personality to your mask. You are limited only by your imagination. If you wish to decorate the mask with feathers or fabric, do so one layer at a time, allowing the glue to dry between applications. It is best to work from the center of the mask, outward.

Tip for applying sequins, rhinestones, and faux jewels:

These make a nice effect when applied as a border or used to outline the eyeholes. Use tweezers to hold onto the stones or sequins, while applying glue to the back of them with a toothpick.

Step 6/ Enjoying your Mask

Allow adequate time for your mask to dry (24 hours), then wear and enjoy!

For more on mask making follow the link: