So I've busy figuring out my next cosplay. But to prove I'm not dead, I thought I would post my psycho mask I made for my Tiny Tina cosplay. I know I get asked a lot at cons about how I did this one and it was actual relatively simple. Step 1: I bought a cheap craft store mask and then modified/cut bits off to accommodate and make more room for material. Step 2: I then started to build a a facial stucture using paper mache (cheekbones, broader brow, etc) making sure each layer drys before adding the next. Step 3: Once Satisfied with how it looked, I then covered the paper mache layer with masking tape. This allowed me to get a better idea of how the mask looks and nulifies all the colors from the newspaper (makingvit easier to paint over) before deciding to do the final layer. Step 4: I cut strips of bed sheet dipped in white glue (make sure there's not much access glue) to add to the sides, so the front and back of the mask becomes one (makes sure the layers of mask don't fall off from the original mask). For the finishing layer, I cut out a section of bed sheet (big enough to cover the mask and dipped the sheet in white glue) and wringed out the access glue before placing it over the mask. Don't worry about eye holes and things like that because once this layer has dryed, cutting holes (mostly where holes already exist) will be like cutting butter with a hot knife. It's super easy. Step 5: Then after recutting the eye holes, I then added extra details around the eyes, mouth and nose once again making sure the layers dry before adding more. As an added note for the ventilator part (mouth fan) I created a circle using wire and repeated steps 2-4. The middle piece of this part is a bottlecap I repainted since I was having a hard time trying to find something for the middle. In fact, this part of the mask I had a hard time finding stuff for, which was why I was forced to do the ventilator from scratch. Step 6: I then painted the mask, adding a base color of ivory and to define certain details with acrylic paint. I then added strips of brown pleather for the stripes on the mask and applied it on with hot glue. Step 7: Lastly, I measuered my head using an old belt (having the two end pieces hooked together). I cut off both ends (buckle and the end with the holes), cutting a little more off for the end pieces so I don't accidently cut the length too small. I then used gorilla glue on the cut ends of the belt pieces and attached one of them to a side of the mask, clamping it with a vice to keep the belt from moving. On the other end of the belt, I cut a strip of velcro and added it to the outside of the belt end. I then added another piece of velcro (using gorilla glue again) on the inside of the mask (near the edge) where I want the mask to link up. Adding the velcro bits allows the mask to be taken off and adjusted easily for comfort. And that's it. Overall, this mask was inexpensive to make and though I wish I could redo some parts, I think it turned out great! I was afraid it wasn't going to turn out so good being paper mache, but it was way better then I had hoped for. I am very proud to say I made this. P.S. I also wanted to say that the paper mache technique I used I learned from a site called Gourmetpapermache. If you love dragons, pixies and other mythical creatures, check this guy out! His paper mache sculptures are absolutely gorgeous and breathtaking. He does an amazing job!
