Making A Green Man Mask

It is vital to draw a mock up of the wearer's face first. This is so the mask will fit and the wearer can both breathe and see where he is going!

When you make a papier mache mask, the first job is preparation, and Mew, as always, was available to oversee the purchase and ordering of materials for the job.



Trying to prevent Persian involvement in any task is impossible, so you just have to be aware of their presence and keep them away from anything toxic or unpleasant. Mew was just curious, so no harm done!

The basic modelling of the mask is what takes the longest as adequate drying times need to be observed. Basically, expect it to take around two to three weeks and start well in advance of when it will be needed.


The Green Man by persimew

Of course we knew what the mask should look like, and hoped to provide a few more "in progress" shots. Sadly at this point the camera was lost along with these pictures.

We only have a few painting shots to show you, but you will get the idea I am sure and besides, painting the mask (once thoroughly dry) has to be individual anyway!

Just click to see and search for the scary tree man....

As it was, the mask could not be worn. It was necessary to finish it off nicely to give it a more comfortable feel and a professional look. This preparation included reinforcing the inside of the mask and some sewing. The photos in the last section show some of these stages.

As a child, I made a papier mache dinosaur. At least that's what I was told - and I thought it was! It was actually applique. When newspaper squares are glued on in layers, that is applique. Mache involves a mix that is possible to mould like clay.


Fine modelling is possible with commercial and special mache mixes that is not achievable with applique or the scrunchy stuff we made in art classes! It is even possible to make jewellery!


This lens shows the making of a mask that uses both techniques. To make a mask like this takes a lot of work and drying time, but the result is durable. Tadpole has also used these techniques to make large models including a lecturn with a vulture on a skull. The moral? All things are possible with effort and patience! Thank you to Oliver for doing the real work - the sculpture - that got me to lens 50!