Thread Mache Mask: Using Only Thread and Glue! JUST THREAD IT, with TUTE!

[WingsOfClay]

As a mask-maker, I KNEW I wanted to give myself the challenge of creating a mask using THREAD for the Just Thread It challenge. Here's what I came up with: a "thread-mache" mask that uses only black crochet thread, Elmer's glue, gold wax paste, and a little ribbon and elastic (which are made of thread mostly!)





Close-up detail of the mask, to show thread texture:





YOU can make this super-easy mask as well...all you need is patience for drying time! And the following supplies:
--1 plastic mask face from craft store
--some crochet thread or ANY OTHER THREAD (thick is better and faster)
--Elmer's Glue All
--scissors
--Treasure Gold Wax Paste (the faux gold leafing type stuff, comes in a tiny circular jar)
--elastic and ribbon, hot glue gun



First, you need to cut the thread into a bunch of short, even-length strands...this is much easier if you wind the thread around something (I have used a small picture frame here) and then shimmy it off and cut both sides...u will know what I mean when u do it


(you can see the tiny jar of Treasure Gold in this picture here: up near the top inside a round cookie cutter)

Next:
--Make a mixture of 3 parts glue to one part water in a disposable tupperware.
--Grab a hank of threads, and dredge through the watery glue.
--Lay across the face in any pattern you like (I created a kind of basket weave, celtic knot, over-under kinda thing...this only "came" to me after several tries doing other patterns I did not like. If you wanna imitate my pattern, just refer to the photo...or, try creating your OWN pattern--that's the fun of it!)
--Keep adding glue/water soaked clumps of thread until you create a pattern you like:



As you can probably tell from that picture and the next, after the pattern is done, u wanna squirt EVEN MORE GLUE over all the strands, adding extra at any joins or overlaps...don't worry, this stuff dries crystal clear.



FOR THE FIRST 3 OR 4 HOURS: keep adding new glue whenever it looks like it has all soaked in. I used 3/4 of a bottle on this project.

FOR THE NEXT 3 DAYS: Let your mask dry until it is BONE-DRY...u will tempted to take it off and try it on: don't! You CAN move things along with a warm hair dryer...but the mask needs at least a couple days to dry!

FINALLY: Carefully pry the mask off the mask form. This is a time to added any needed glue (and blow dry it), etc.

FINISHING: Hot glue gun two pieces of elastic onto either side of mask. Wrap with matching ribbon (and more hot glue) to hide the elastic join.

ADD GOLD: Rub some Treasure Gold on your finger, and pass over the mask, highlighting the thread-y texture.

Enjoy! Show me your thread masks too--have fun crafting! Great to wear to a ren-fair or something! Kinda looks like leather--nice and cruelty-free leather!  

[kreativekris]

I...I... I LOVE IT!!  I'm gonna go make one now haha. I bow down to you, oh queen of Masks!

[sakuracat23]

3 statements...well 3 statements and a cheer!   (Ha! I just made a doctor who reference without trying)
That looks like fun...to wear and to make
This rocks!
I must pin it!
Bravo!

[WingsOfClay]

I...I... I LOVE IT!!  I'm gonna go make one now haha. I bow down to you, oh queen of Masks!

awww...thanks for the sweet words! i dunno about QUEEN of masks...tho THIS mask IS quite regal...

gonna break it out for a summer Ren-faire or something

As your benevolent queen, I command thee: Go forth and make thread-masks!!!

[WingsOfClay]

3 statements...well 3 statements and a cheer!   (Ha! I just made a doctor who reference without trying)
That looks like fun...to wear and to make
This rocks!
I must pin it!
Bravo!

thanks for the "rocks" and love and pinning! thanks for looking, and voting!

[Belladune]

Wow.  That's amazing!  And totally do able.  Thanks so much for the how to!

[CDEeeek]

It's very neat as a mask, but my first thought was that if you put it on backwards, it would make a great faux updo, kind of like a renaissance look.

[WingsOfClay]

It's very neat as a mask, but my first thought was that if you put it on backwards, it would make a great faux updo, kind of like a renaissance look.

that is an AMAAAAAA-ZING idea!!! so, you could wear on the back of your head (maybe even make one that did not have "eye holes", but just a curved, basket weave surface shaped to the human head, and then it would like like intricate woven hair sitting against your hair!!!! OMG--that is seriously genius....might have to make that for my little  sister...she has the hair and look to carry it off

however, i guess it would need to fasten on using hidden clips on the underside rather than ties...so no ties across your face...hmmm...

[SunflowerSmiles]

"this Rocks!"   I'm amazed at this. Who'd a thunk you can do that with thread...aahhhhmazz ed.

[WingsOfClay]

"this Rocks!"   I'm amazed at this. Who'd a thunk you can do that with thread...aahhhhmazz ed.

thanks! i think i may even continue to refine the technique and make MORE thread masks! or even thread-mache gauntlets for wrists, thread-mache chest plate...u could really do anything with it