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Hi guys, I'm planning to make the phantom of the opera mask out of papier mache'. Here's what I have:
*Elmer's Glue Gel
*Elmer's Wood Glue
*Alot of newspaper
How do I mold it to my face? How do I shape it? I need it by Saturday. I hope you guys help, and thanks in advanced!
Keith 
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First you need a good picture of the Phantom as a guide. You can probalby find one easily on 'google images'. Next, you need to make an aluminum foil armature. Then, you have to use as little water as possible in your pm paste to coat your newspapers and mold them onto your armature. After at least 3-6 layers, dry your piece as much as possible by blotting it with a clean rag. Bake the piece in the oven on heat no more than 200. It should be finished in time. LOL~Tammy
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I would like to add that you will have to mold the foil to your face shape. Even the wet papered mask should be 'fitted' as you go along. I would normally recommend using plasticine or modeling clay but you have a time shortage. The baking will cut your time immensely.
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Uh oh, my first encountered problem. How do you make the armature? I can find aot of pictures on the net; but how do you make the armature? I can hardly shape it. :?
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Can I suggest another approach, based on an idea from David Svoboda.
You need two things - some Modroc or plaster of paris bandage and uncooked pastry mix.
The pastry mix is for a non adhesive release layer. You roll it out quite thin (about 4mm) and lay it over the face, pressing it into the depressions (eye sockets etc.). Cut holes for nostrils.
Lay the Modroc over it and allow the Modroc to dry into a hard case. This doesn't take long. Lift off the plaster case and pull off the pastry.
You then have a cast into which you can layer about six layers of paper in the normal way. Make sure that the first layer does not stick to the plaster.
Allow the paper to dry thoroughly and pull it free. You can then build up the outside with more layering or pulp or other materials to make the final mask.
Good luck 
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