MAKING MASKS: Short - 2 hour, one day workshops

1. • Susan 6 years ago

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   • thanks Augusto.
     Yes - of course. You have a good point there. And its never too late. The problem I can see with doing that, is that a women I know in my area, is actually doing that already. She works a lot in libraries and she is very good at it. As opposed to my messy "loud" work, she is very neat and tidy. She is a nice lady, and I wouldn't compete with her.
     But you did put a thought in my mind to build masks of old cardboardboxes, scrap etc....Hmmmm...Maybe I could develop something there. I am very interested in ideas all the time.
     Susan

2. • 6 years ago

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   • Hi... this ivan erickson from The US ... I just caught sight of your discussion about workshops
     I have secrets to share with you Susan...! I have done many workshops for children...
     I usually show slides or a video with a discussion afterwards...
     then I show my masks and have them come up and touch and handle my pieces....
     I can stretch this for about 3 hours including the painting session. First I spend about an hour in my workshop drawing and pre-cutting shapes in preparation for the class. I draw with pencil on cardboard first. Any shape that comes to mind.
     I cut shapes out of cardboard and poke holes in them for eyes and such with a very sharp exacto knife.... to cut the cardboard I use craft snips or fiskars shears..It requires a lot of strenghth in your hands. Take a break if you get blisters. I like to limit my workshops to 15 participants. Only because I dont like to prepare for more that one or two hours for these workshops.
     I usually ask the institution to pay for the paint. That way I can use expensive paint to
     make the masks look really great. I have been using paint that dries fast so that the students can take the work with them. I do this in suburban NY. They pay very well. I hope this helps. Please write if you have any questions. Ivan@dominicanmasks.com

3. • 5 years, 11 months ago

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   • Hi....I have done MANY 1 1/2 to 2 hour workshops for students of all ages. It was also very successful with 'multi-generational' students (for instance, 10 year olds and 70+ year olds together.

     I call them "stick masks". It does take a lot preparation before the class and fits well into the time slot you are interested in.

     You start out with 'pre-cut' ovals (out of poster board or even cardboard), with holes for eyes punched out. I take many boxes of materials, such as feathers, yarn, colored markers, old jewelry, old glasses, leather, beads, etc and a hot glue gun. Studfents first draw the faces on the 'pre-cut' ovals and then glue on or otherwise attach the decorations.

     When finished and decorated, glue a stick to the back of the mask (I use dowels that you can find at the hardware store) or sticks if on limited budget. The students can then hold the mask up before their faces by the stick held in one hand.

     These masks are quick, inexpensive and fun to make. I teach numerous classes like this in libraries, schools, community centers, etc.......they also make wonderful exhibits when finished.

     Good luck.

     Juanita
     wmstudio@flash.net

4. • 5 years, 11 months ago

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   • Hi Juanita + Ivan   
     You are angels = :angel:
     I am very grateful for your ideas . And I will try it. If you have some photos of the masks made this way - I would love to see them.  
     Best Wishes Susan

     
     

5. • juanita 5 years, 11 months ago

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   • hi susan.....I would like to send you some photos of stick masks, as you request, but don't know how to send them. There doesn't apear a way to do it on this format......perhaps if you send me your email adress, I would be able to send some as attachments?

     Juanita
     wmstudio@flash.net
     http://www.flash.net/~wmstudio/juanita

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