Mask Tutorial - with Glue Dots®

I'm happy to share with you today my first project as a member of the Glue Dots® design team. They issued a challenge to the Dottesses to create a Halloween themed item, and I chose to create a mask.


I've been interested in Venetian masks for some time, so I took my inspiration from there.


If you would like to try making one of your own, I have included some step-by-step photos. Note that if you are using a plastic mask as I did, you will have to let it air dy. However, if you start with a papier maché base, feel free to dry it with a heat gun. (Complete supplies list at the bottom of the post)

Prime mask with gesso (don’t be tempted to skip this step – the crackle paint won’t work on the bare plastic), let dry.


Paint with crackle paint, let dry. I used "Milled Lavender" because that's what I had on hand, but any light colour will do.


Mist liberally with glimmer mist allowing it to run into all the cracks, let dry. (I used "Tattered Rose" and "Starfish")


Run a strip of Continuous Line down the length of the dowel. Any Glue Dots® product will work for this, but the Continous Line makes it quick and easy.


Cut 1/2" strips of patterned paper and adhere to wooden dowel with Continuous Line, wrapping the strips around the dowel. Secure end with Mini Glue Dots®. (I distressed the edges of my paper before wrapping around the dowel.)


Punch decorative edge on 1.5” strips of patterned paper (finished width 1” after punching).


Pleat and adhere to back edge of mask, using Glue Lines®.


At first, I was going to use the Continuous Line for this step, but I realized with the curve of the mask, the individual Glue Lines® would be easier to use.


Where two strips meet, secure the seam with Mini Glue Dots®. I used the tip of a paper piercer to place the Mini Glue Dot® with precision.


This is what it looks like with this step complete.


Using a crop-o-dile or other strong punch, create two holes in left side of mask, for tying dowel with ribbon. (These will be covered with flowers) Tie dowel to back of mask. Insert Craft Dots under dowel where it touches mask, to further secure and position it. (Sorry, forgot to photograph that step)


Adhere lace to front edge of mask using Glue Lines®.


Adhere various fancy flowers and key to front of mask using Craft Dots


Peel and stick self-adhesive pearls to front of mask in desired arrangement


Cut various lengths of ribbon and twine and adhere to back edge of mask using Craft Dots. Adhere acrylic tiles to ribbon and twine, using Craft Dots

If you make a mask, I would love to see it - please leave me a link - or come share it with Glue Dots® on the Facebook fan page!

Adhesives:
Glue Dots® - Continuous Line
Glue Dots® - Glue Lines®
Glue Dots® - Craft
Glue Dots® - Mini

Other Supplies:
dollar store plastic halloween mask
wooden dowel
gesso, crackle paint - Ranger
glimmer mist "Tattered Rose", "Starfish" - Tattered Angels
patterned paper, lace, assorted flowers, pearls - Prima Marketing
key - Tattered Angels
satin picot ribbon - Offray
twine - May Arts
acrylic tiles - Harmonie

I wrote this blog post while participating on the Glue Dots® design team.