Rigid Wrap Masks

Fourth Grade Art Lesson
7 Class Periods

Rigid Wrap Masks, Fourth Grade Art Lesson

About Masks:
Students viewed the following powerpoint presentation to provide them with a little basic information on the history of masks and a little information on Mardi Gras.


Day 1:

• Students viewed a power point on masks. We examine numerous cultures and how they used mask within their culture.  We discussed what masks could be made from and how masks are used today.
• The mask theme was introduced: Mardi Gras
• Students used the rest of the hour to brainstorm ideas for their masks. Students had to know by the end of the class period if they were making a half or full mask.

Student coming up with plan.

Day 2:

• Students were given a demonstration on how to use rigid wrap and how to cover the plastic face molds depending on if they were doing a half or full masks.  (This project can actually be done on the face of the student by working with partners, but due to fact I only see students once a week, I found this to be a faster way that everyone can work at the same time.  Saves one whole day!)
• Students needed to have three layers of rigid wrap placed on their plastic molds. Time management is important for this lesson. Ten minutes are needed for rigid wrap to harden so it can be removed from the mold.
• At the end of the hour students remove the mask from the mold and label the inside with their name using a pencil.

Placing rigid wrap on plastic mold.  This student is making a full mask.

Day 3:

• Features are discussed on this day.  Are their pieces that pop off the mask?  Does it have ears or horns? 
• Students learn tricks on how to add features using cardboard and newspaper.
• Features were constructed and taped to masks.

Assisting student by helping hold cardboard features in place while they tape.

Day 4:

• Students place rigid wrap over all the features added the class period before. 
• It was stressed that no cardboard, newspaper or tape show on the finished mask.

Adding rigid wrap to features.

Day 5:

• Students painted their mask a base color.  This color is the main color of the mask, it also tends to be the lightest color if having to choose between two or three colors that seemed to be used in the same amount.
• Masks were set aside to dry.
• A class supply list was created to see what materials were needed for the last class period (glitter, feathers, beads, ribbons, etc.)

Painting mask in a base color.

Day 6:

• Student used this class period to paint the details and additional colors needed for their mask.

Painting details and using plan sheet for reference.

Day 7:

• On this final day, students use the hot glue gun to add details to their masks that can range from glitter to pipe cleaners.

Adding details with a hot glue gun.

Student Examples: