mask making research

1. Gather aluminum foil into a flat oval shape for the base of the shaman mask (figure A).

2. Open ash-based air-dry clay, pull off a small portion and knead to flatten.

Figure B

3. Begin constructing the shaman face over the foil shape using the clay. Cover the foil with a layer of clay (figure B). Roll a large snake to shape the nose. Smooth with fingers and use a dowel rod or pencil end to create the nostrils. Sculpt the nose.

Figure C

4. Make two pork chop-shaped clay pieces and place on the sides of the nose to form the cheekbones. Smooth with fingers dipped in water (figure C).

5. Roll two more medium snakes and lay beneath the nose to create the lips. Shape and smooth with damp fingers.

Figure D

6. Once the base shape is created, locate the eye sockets and depress slightly.

7. Snip the back end off of plastic stuffed animal eyes. Push the eyes into the sockets (figure D).

Figure F

8. Pull off two small equal portions of clay and roll into snakes. Divide the snakes in half and lay one at the top and one at the bottom of the eye. Blend in with damp fingers and smooth.

9. Once the face is constructed, pull at the edges of the mask to create a torn paper appearance. Create detailed eyebrows and lines around the eyes and mouth with a needle tool (figure F).

Figure G

10. Decide where the beads will be attached and form holes with the needle tool (figure G).

11. When complete, either air dry the mask or place the mask on a foil-covered cookie sheet and bake in oven at a low temperature (250-degrees) until thoroughly dry. Remove the foil base when the mask is dry to the touch so that the underside will dry as well.

12. Allow the shaman mask to cool after removing from the oven. Paint with an acrylic sealer.

Figure I

13. Embellish the forehead with a wire-wrapped crystal placed in the center of the forehead and wired through the punched holes. Hot glue silk ivy leaves around the back edge of the top part of the face and head. Wire feathers (figure I), beads and yarn to the sides of the face.

Figure K

14. Attach wire to the back of the shaman mask (figure K) and mount to a thrift store frame. Cover the back of the frame with handmade paper.