Batman Mask

I made a batman mask from cardboard boxes.

1. Cardboard (old boxes, for example)
2. Scissors
3. Craft knife
4. Hot glue gun
5. Paper tape
6. Newspaper
7. Wallpaper paste
8. Paintbrush
9. Paint (black or any colour you like)
10. Hairdryer (optional)

Cut the cardboard into strips about 1.5 cm wide. Gently bend the strips back and forth to make them more flexible and easier to shape.

Take two cardboard strips.

1. Wrap the first strip around your head, from the top of your head down to your chin. Glue the ends together using the hot glue gun.
2. Wrap the second strip around the widest part of your head, from your forehead to the back of your head. Glue the ends together.

You should now have two cardboard loops. Glue them together to create the basic frame of your mask.

You will need three more cardboard strips to finish the frame.

1. Use two strips to make a cross over the top of your head. Place one strip from your forehead to the back of your head and the other from ear to ear.
2. Use the final strip to shape the area around your nose.

Glue all the strips securely in place using the hot glue gun.

Now you can cut away the part of the cardboard strip which is under your chin; From ear-to ear.

Your basic mask frame is now ready!

Keep the frame on your head while carefully filling in the open spaces with smaller cardboard strips. Shape the strips to follow the contours of your face.

Make sure the mask fits comfortably and leaves enough space for your eyes, nose and mouth.

Safety tip: Ask an adult for help when using the craft knife and hot glue gun. Do not wear the mask while working with these tools.

Cut six long, narrow triangles out of cardboard. Make sure all six triangles are the same size.

Take three triangles and glue their edges together to form a pyramid shape. Repeat with the remaining three triangles to make the second ear.

Glue both ears securely to the top of the mask frame.

Check that the mask has the shape you want. Add extra cardboard strips if needed to make it stronger or to improve its shape.

Make sure the eye openings are large enough for you to see clearly.

Use paper tape to cover all the gaps between the cardboard strips. Smooth the tape down so that the mask forms one solid shape.

Tear the newspaper into small pieces.

Apply wallpaper paste to the newspaper pieces and cover the entire mask with them. Overlap the pieces and smooth them down to create an even surface.

Add several layers if needed to make the mask stronger.

Leave the mask to dry for at least 24 hours, or longer if necessary. You can also use a hairdryer on a low setting to help speed up the drying process.

Make sure the mask is completely dry before painting.

Use a paintbrush to paint the mask. Black paint will give it the classic Batman look, but you can choose any colour you like.

Let the paint dry completely.

Great job! You have made your own Batman mask using cardboard and papier-mâché. Now it is ready to wear as part of your Batman costume!