Halloween Masks

Making a mask is the simplest way to create a "costume" for Halloween.  It's an especially simple way to wear funny makeup and still be able to look like an adult at work (if needed) or be taken seriously for any reason (it's hard to put a kid in timeout when your face looks like Tinkerbell).

I have lots of ideas.  Some of them are simple (a cat) and some are more complex - but all of them are really easy.  It starts with a mask base.  Almost every costume store sells blank mask bases.  They come in a variety of colors and I always start with white.  White is nice because you can paint it quite easily and manipulate anyway you like.  Here are a few of my ideas with the instructions:

* Foxy Cleopatra *
Inspired by Austin Powers (love that movie) I made a mask that I love.  It's a super sexy 70's gal with a golden 'fro and fabulous eyelashes.  Wear a great outfit or just your suit.
(total time :: one hour - includes paint drying time)

You'll need:
1 white fabric mask base
Brown fabric paint
White fabric paint
Blue acrylic paint
Black paint pen
False eyelash set
Rhinestone
Hot glue gun
1 puffy, curly, auburn wig

Step 1 :: Mix together brown and white paint to create a 'flesh' tone.  Paint the mask base and let dry.
Step 2 :: Paint blue 'eyeshadow' and let dry.
Step 3 :: Draw on black eyeliner and attach false eyelashes.
Step 4 :: Using the hot glue gun, attach the rhinestone as a 'birthmark'
Step 5 :: Put on the wig.  Put on the mask.  Done.

* Buggin' Out *

Any kind of bug, pretend or real, is a fun mask for Halloween.  

(total time :: one hour - includes paint drying time)

You'll need 

1 mask base

acrylic paint

glue

glitter

pipe cleaners

styrofoam balls

Step 1 :: Paint the mask with acrylic paint to look like the kind of bug you want to be.  Let dry.

Step 2 :: Choose where you want glitter to appear and apply glue there.  Sprinkle top of glue with glitter and let dry.

Step 3 :: Poke holes in the top of the mask and pull pipe cleaners through the holes.  

Step 4 :: Poke a small hole in the bottom of each styrofoam ball.  Place a spot of glue on the ends of the pipe cleaner and stick the styrofoam ball on the pipe cleaner.

* For the Birds *

(time needed :: half an hour)

You'll need

Hot Glue gun + glue

Mask base

Assorted feathers

Step 1 :: Start at the top of the mask and glue on feathers. 

Step 2 :: Let dry.

* Facebook *
I love a good pun.  Really, love, love, love.  So this only seemed appropriate since "Social Network" just came out.  The only catch with this one is that it requires an adult who can use a band saw.  After that, it's steps away from being done.
(total time :: 15 minutes)

You'll need:
1 hard cover book that you don't want to read anymore
1 band saw
Hot glue gun + glue
Rubber cement
Awl
Elastic

Step 1 ::  Draw a half circle on the closed book mimicking the shape of your face.  Allow at least two inches from the outside edges of the book
Step 2 :: Cut out the half circle shape on the closed book using a band saw.
Step 3 :: Poke a hole in the cover of the book, both the front cover and the back.
Step 4 :: Tie elastic through each hole to keep the mask on your face.
Step 5 :: Hot glue the cover open by glueing the spine of the book onto itself.  When it's open you can find the space between the spine.
Step 6 :: 'Seal' the pages of the book together using rubber cement.  Let dry.