Skip to main content

Kitsune Mask - my first paper mache!

 

 I've been following this tutorial on making Kitsune masks. 


Things I've learned. 

  • Glue is sticky! It's all over my fingers after a few minutes. But peeling the glue off is cathartic. I kind of love it. I guess it's like how some people like slime. 
  • The first layer of paper mache will be kind of rough and a bit wrinkled. 
  • I made the ears and forehead bump before putting down my first layer of mache. 
  • It takes SO much paper! But varying the thickness and length helps with curves and dents. 

I've got one layer of paper so far. It's already hardened but definitely needs smoothing out. 

After awhile, I was not loving the shape of the first mask. I wanted a 2nd crack at it so I started another one. I cut up another soda fridge box and this time the base was much smoother. I made the muzzle smaller. I used brown paper from a roll and made sure most edges were uneven. (It sticks better.) 

2nd attempt.

A smaller snoot

side by side comparison front

inside the masks

After about 2 layers of brown paper, I made the 3rd with white printer paper. This definitely made things smoother. The ears a placed a bit better too. 

Sorta marked where the eyes go

I'm keeping both masks I'll just paint one with a different design. 
UPDATE: I've painted the masks but I think I need to redo the noses and mouth on both. They're a bit off centered and too low. I made stencils for much of these. It helped but not perfectly. 😹
This is the costume mask. And Sebastien

I really like how the eyes and flowers came out. 

This was the first mask. I need to fix the eye makeup and whiskers too. 

They'll both need macrame cord, but the fire fox is definitely going to be a decorative piece while the Rose fox the actual mask. 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Hakama Series - Hibakama (Scarlet Hakama)

The bright red hakama with a white kimono is a common sight in both anime and video game characters. Shrine maidens or Miko also wear this combination of colors when they work at Shinto shrines. Honestly, there is a LOT of history and cultural significance wrapped up in this one.  Anime/Games: Inuyasha, Genshin Impact, Sailor Moon,  So let's talk Design. Design Considerations Cultural Significance This is one I'd pay attention to if I was creating a character of my own. I assume that already created characters have had this research done and have taken their artistic license.  Some of the research taught me a few things: The color is technically scarlet or vermillion, not "red". 🤷 Miko are not part of the Shinto clergy. Sometimes they are just seasonal workers.  Generally, Miko are young women in their teens or early 20s. After a certain age, they wear different colors.  This was based on Heian nobility colors and fashions.  Color Like I said earlier, the ...

Hakama Series - Split Leg Hakama

This is the classic style that you likely think of when you hear the word "Hakama". Very wide-legged pleated trousers worn by swordsmen and warriors. Admittedly these are "modern" hakama. There are variations based on historical time period and social status. But these should suit most cases.  So, lets go over how to make them!  You will see examples of this in many games and Anime but some faves of mine include: Rurouni Kenshin, Bleach, Demon Slayer, XXXholic, Hell's Paradise and Genshin Impact.  UPDATE 4/10/2024: I've redone all my instructions. Now that I've actually made a pair of hakama and found some more resources, I felt this needed updating.  From Chihirohowe's Guide Design Elements Color For modern or fantasy character design, no limits to color! You can also use print fabric and add designs! Historically, these would be a solid color and often have a neutral color scheme (white, grey, black, brown). More colorful hakama were usually worn ...

Hakama Series - Andon Bakama (Skirt Style)

Andon Bakama were hakama typically worn by women in an academic setting during the 1900s or so. Modern times, they are usually worn for formal occasions such as graduation. It is also the style that just looks nice with a kimono especially for those of us with Western hips the size of Texas.  See examples in Anime/Games: Here Comes Miss Modern, Great Ace Attorney Chronicles, Sakura Wars.  So let's get into how to make one. Tutorial style! Design Elements These are things to consider before you start.  by Chihirohowe Skirt Length Traditionally this is worn just below the ankle if you are wearing flat sandals, geta, or zori. It is worn above the ankle for sneakers, boots, and heels. You can adjust how high on your waist you wear it if you are going to switch between the two.  Colors Normally, these are a solid color, sometimes with embroidered floral patterns near the bottom. Red/Scarlet is uncommon outside of Miko. Patterned fabric is appropriate for this.  Side ...