Skull Mask Activity Guide - El Dia De Los Muertos Paper Mache Mask Activity

Sep 3, 2026

Upload by Rizky

Activity guide for creating a festive Day of the Dead skull mask using a paper plate or thick cardstock base and papier-mâché. Instructions cover preparing the template, cutting facial openings and jaw shape, folding and taping slits to form a 3D mask, mixing flour and water to coat torn strips, layering newspaper patterns, and letting the mask dry overnight. Finishing steps include shaping after drying, applying a white base coat, decorating with paint and embellishments, and adding elastic or pipe-cleaner straps.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryPaper Templates

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time2 min

AccessFree to download

Materials

Instructions

Drying and shaping

Painting and decorating

Adding straps

Resources

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ARTE PARA TODOS:
El Dia De Los Muertos Paper Mache Mask Activity | | | --- | --- | | | | | MATERIALS | | | • Paper plate or thick cardstock alternative
• 1 part flour 2 parts water mixture
• White paint or gesso
• Acrylic paint
• Sharpies
• Box cutter or exacto knife | • Newspaper, newsprint or computer paper
• Elastic or pipe cleaners for the straps
• Skull mask template
• Masking tape
• Colorful paint, paper, glitter, sequins, jewels, flowers, etc. to adorn. | | INSTRUCTIONS | | --- | | Use the half skull template provided to make a complete skull image on the paper plate or cardstock alternative. Fold your paper plate and cardstock in half and tape the template on top.
Cut out eyes, nose, and shape the jawbone. Cut slits in the mask.
Fold over and tape the slits to make the mask 3-dimensional. The sturdier the cardstock or plate, the more structural support your mask will have, however young children may need assistance with cutting.
Make paper mache mixture out of 2 parts water and 1 part flour in a bowl until gooey consistency is reached. Rip strips of about 1” x 6” from the newspaper/newsprint.
Place individual strips coated in flour/water mixture over your paper plate making sure to leave the holes you cut earlier. Alternate placing layers of strips in horizontal/ vertical patterns.
Let your mask dry overnight.
When mask is completely dry and hardened, use scissors or a box cutter to shape the mask. Draw inspiration from various pre-Columbian skull masks. Paint a base coat over dried mask, with gesso or white paint.
Decorate your mask with paint and designs, looking to nature and festivals for inspiration. Embellish your mask with glitter, flowers, etc.
Once your mask is finished and dry, add a strap by making holes on either side and stringing elastic or pipe cleaners through. | | RESOURCES | | --- | | Papel Picado Lesson Video
Mexic-Arte Museum Education Department Dia de los Muertos Lesson Powerpoint Mexic-Arte Museum EducationDepartment Dia de los Muertos Education Guide
[Mexic-ArteMuseum.org](Mexic-ArteMuseum.org) |

FAQs

What materials are needed to make the papier-mâché skull mask?

You need a paper plate or thick cardstock, flour and water mixture supplies, white paint or gesso, acrylic paint and markers, plus newspaper strips, elastic or pipe cleaners, masking tape, and a skull mask template. Optional decorations include glitter, flowers, sequins, jewels, and other festival-inspired items.

How do you form the skull mask 3-dimensional shape?

Use the half skull template on the folded plate or cardstock, cut out eyes, nose, and jaw shape, then cut slits in the mask. Fold over and tape the slits so the mask stands up as a 3D form, with extra assistance for younger children if needed.

How long should the papier-mâché mask dry and what happens after?

Let the mask dry overnight until fully hardened. After it is completely dry, shape it further with scissors or a box cutter, then apply a gesso or white paint base coat before decorating.

Sep 3, 2026

Upload by Rizky