There are surprisingly many occasions to wear masks, like festivals, Halloween, and Setsubun.
Perhaps many of you are thinking about making one by hand for events.
In this article, we introduce ideas for handmade masks.
We cover a variety of ideas, such as demon masks, fox masks, Hyottoko masks, and character masks.
We also share different methods that suit your time and age—using store-bought bases to build on, or creating the base from scratch—so if you’d like to make your own mask, please use this as a reference.
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Handmade mask ideas. For events and festivals (1–10)
Papier-mâché Fox Mask
Here’s an idea for making a papier-mâché mask.
First, create a fox base using paper clay.
You don’t need to sculpt detailed facial features—just form the face and ears.
Once the base is complete, let it dry and then wrap it with plastic wrap.
Apply paper over it using starch glue.
After covering the whole surface, let it dry again, then fix any areas where the paper has lifted during drying.
Cut out the eye holes with a craft knife, paint it, and finally punch holes on both sides of the mask to thread a string through.
It’s done!
[Newspaper] Mask
![[Newspaper] Mask](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oeqyQgfrdkg/sddefault.jpg)
Masks are an essential item for events, aren’t they? Just by putting one on, you can become that character or person and enjoy a special feeling.
They’re exciting not only for kids but for adults too.
This time, let’s make such a mask using only newspaper, glue, and a balloon.
With just three materials, it’s great even for those who aren’t confident with crafts.
Simply inflate the balloon and paste newspaper around it.
Then just let it dry and it’s done.
Draw whatever face you like and you can transform it into anything you want.
[Cardboard Craft] Anpanman Mask
![[Cardboard Craft] Anpanman Mask](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/yFJDa8MLVTU/sddefault.jpg)
When it comes to characters that preschoolers love, Anpanman is a top favorite.
You’ll always find Anpanman masks at festival stalls.
So let’s try making an Anpanman mask out of cardboard.
First, cut out the base and form the face by adding curves along fold lines.
Attach the round nose—Anpanman’s signature charm point—then draw the cheeks, eyes, eyebrows, and mouth, and cut out the eye holes.
Add a string and it’s done! It’ll look adorable painted with colors, too.
[100-yen shop] Hero Mask
![[100-yen shop] Hero Mask](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/sBNqgQI9Hbc/sddefault.jpg)
A hero that any boy dreams of at least once! Here’s an idea for a hero mask you can make using only items from a 100-yen shop.
The base is made from cardboard, then built up with clay.
The patterns are painted on, and the decorative parts are made by cutting construction paper and foam sheets.
The eye section is made by punching holes in a colored clear file.
It takes time, but it’s an easy-to-wear, slip-on type mask.
Why not make one inspired by the tokusatsu and Super Sentai shows kids love?
[Cardboard Craft] Three-Dimensional Oni Mask
![[Cardboard Craft] Three-Dimensional Oni Mask](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/O762cdNwQfc/sddefault.jpg)
Here’s an idea for making an ogre (oni) mask out of cardboard.
It might look difficult, but the steps aren’t that complicated, so give it a try.
Cut the cardboard into long, narrow strips and start by making the base of the mask.
Once the base is done, you can freely create the face, but since it’s an oni, don’t forget to add horns.
If you roll or fold the cardboard to build it in three dimensions, you’ll get a cooler, more distinctive-looking ogre.
When you’ve finished, painting it to make it look more realistic is also recommended!
[Mask] Mummy/Zombie Mask
![[Mask] Mummy/Zombie Mask](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kTonePkykxI/sddefault.jpg)
Here’s an idea for making a mask-style face covering.
All you need is a mask, a hole punch, and a pen, and if you’ve decided on a motif, you can finish it in about five minutes! First, peel open the glued pleat in the center of the mask to make it larger.
With the wired edge at the top, punch holes for the eyes.
Then just draw the face of your favorite motif—like a mummy or a zombie—and you’re done! If your face still shows even with the mask on, wear a hood or a neck warmer to cover any exposed skin.
[Milk Carton & Clay] Oni Mask
![[Milk Carton & Clay] Oni Mask](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/u57o9mJN5Ck/sddefault.jpg)
Let’s make an oni (demon) mask using a milk carton and clay.
It’s a perfect idea for Setsubun! Open the milk carton, then cut off the bottom and the spout section.
Next, cut away one of the four remaining side panels.
Make slits at the top and bottom of the carton, which now has three sides remaining, overlap them to create a rounded shape, and staple in place.
Trim off any extra corners.
Attach horns made from the leftover parts of the milk carton, and cut out the eye openings to complete the base.
After that, just add volume and decorations with clay.
Use colored clay to finish the oni exactly as you imagine it.