Gerta Mask
This is a copy of the pattern I used to create Gerta. You can see the dotted lines where I scored the face. This technique was created by the german puppeteer, Albrecht Roser. The face starts a single sheet of heavy watercolor paper and by making a series of scores and simple cuts I am able to sculpt the face the way I want it. Then I reinforce the inside with a single layer of papier-m�ch� . They are surprisingly sturdy, and extremely light. I have four-year old touring puppets made this way.
Instructions
Welcome to Mask-making with Paper. While working on the mask, it is important to know that the side of the paper with printing is the inside of the mask. Find a firm surface to work on, like a notebook.
1 Score the lines labeled “Eyebrow”. (Scoring means that you press firmly along the line with a pointed, but blunt object, such as a butter knife, knitting needle, or screw driven This will leave a dent in the paper)
2 Using a blunt point, press each of the dots along the curve of the eyelid so that you can feel the dots on the outside of the mask.
3 Turn the page over and score the eyelid by connecting the dots you created in step 2.
4 Cut out the face along the solid black lines. Make sure you cut all the solid lines.
5 With the inside of the mask facing you, gently bend the paper along the scored eyebrow line, so the line makes a valley in the paper.
6 Turn the mask over and gently bend the paper along the scored eyelid line so the line makes a valley in the paper (The eyebrow line should be like a hill from this side)
7 Starting with the letter A, glue the tabs inside the mask to the matching gray areas. (Tab A to gray A, etc.) Use masking tape to hold them in place while the glue dries. (Hint- tear the tape & stick it to your shirt before you pour the glue)
8 Ta Da! You may paint it if you want.
I don’t mind if you copy one just to try it, but I do sell these patterns and the instructions so please don’t make multiples.