Predators are wild and aggressive animals. People like them because of their strength, energy and confidence. A predator mask can be useful to a child and an adult in different situations. Such costumes are especially relevant during school performances and on thematic holidays. Children often play the role of animals in skits. To create a full-fledged image, you will definitely need a costume. How to make a predator mask - consider in detail in this article.
Why can a predator image come in handy?
In most Russian fairy tales, which are staged at school and in the children's theater, there are a wolf, a fox or a bear. These predators are the most common, however, children often want to be aggressive animals on ordinary mornings. Most often, the image of a tiger and a lion is used for this.
The predator costume can be purchased ready-made or sewn yourself. The mask is easier and more interesting to perform on your own. When collaborating with a child, this is also a great way to teach a child new needlework techniques. The main material should be thin cardboard or thick paper. Even a schoolboy can do a simple predator mask from paper (of course, under the supervision of adults).
Materials for the manufacture of masks
- Cardboard.
- Scissors.
- Paints.
- Brush
- Glue.
- Elastic.
Work stages
The algorithm for making masks for all animals is the same. Let's consider these steps in more detail:
- Mark on the drawing paper the dimensions of the predator mask. It should match the face of the child. Too tiny or large mask will distract the child from the performance.
- Two circles are outlined - cuts for the eyes. They must be symmetrical and the same. You should not make them too small (during the performance the mask may shift and the child will have to correct it all the time).
- Then the mask needs to be painted with a dense layer of paint. The color is selected in accordance with the selected predator. For a wolf - dark gray, for a fox - red, for a bear - brown, etc.
- On a separate sheet of Whatman paper, details are drawn (teeth, ears, mane, tongue, etc.). They should be proportional to the overall size of the predator mask. After they are drawn, they need to be painted.
- When the details of the image of the predator are dry, they must be cut out and pasted onto the base of the mask.
- Last of all, you need to think about attaching a predator mask to the child's head. To do this, it is better to use a thin hat or linen gum. So that the places where the elastic is fixed are not torn, glue them with adhesive tape on the inside. This inconspicuous detail will allow you to reuse the mask for the child.
What else can you make a predator mask from?
In addition to paper and whatman paper, almost any materials can be used as materials. The mask can be made of corrugated cardboard, fabric, felt, plastic and other improvised means.
The most convenient in the work are cardboard and felt. Volumetric masks can be made from cardboard. After painting, such accessories look very impressive and of high quality. But to make a volume mask, you need to practice.
How to sew a felt mask
First of all, you need to choose felt suitable shades. For example, for a tiger mask, you will need orange, black and white fabric, as well as white linen. Steps to create a mask:
- Draw a mask outline on paper and cut it out. The size should match the size of the baby’s head. You can cut a few stems from paper and attach to the face of your child.
- The paper base should be circled on orange felt. For stroke, soap or chalk is used.
- It is necessary to cut the mask from orange felt with sharp scissors.
- Slots for the eyes are planned on an orange base - they should be round and symmetrical.
- Triangles are drawn on black felt - these are the future stripes of the tiger. Then they need to be cut along the contour. Also from black textile you need to make a tiger nose.
- On a white felt muzzle and ears are outlined. Then these details are cut out.
- When all the details are cut and sized to fit, you need to move on to the next important stage of work - bonding. You can use glue or thread. Sew the mask by hand or on a sewing machine.
- Last of all, white linen is sewn. The size should correspond to the child’s head so that the mask does not press or fall when moving.
Such a mask of a predator from felt can be used repeatedly. Unlike paper, the felt option cannot be torn, it can be washed and transferred to other children.
Conclusion
Thus, making a predator mask with your own hands is quite simple. A child must be involved in the creative process. Regardless of age, he will be interested and helpful. Moreover, children are pleased to wear the result of their own work on their performance. When creating a predator mask, the first option may turn out to be ugly - do not worry. The next one is sure to succeed! Leave some time for making several masks. At the performance, the child will be able to take the most successful, and the rest will be spare.