ANBU Mask Tutorial!!

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  • Welcome to Ashlee-san's ANBU Mask Tutorial. Today I hope to help all of you amazing cosplayers make a nice looking ANBU Mask for under $20!

    Materials You Will Need:
    1. Plastic Mask of a full human face. [url]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/lastalliance23/ANBUmaskgroup001.jpg[/url]
    2. At least 2 packages of White Crayola Model Magic. (Molding Clay-ish)
    3. Black Elastic Band 1/2 inch wide. (At least 15 inches long)

    4. Super Glue.
    5. A rolling pin. (Any kind will do but wood seems to work best)

    All of the above items can be purchased at your neighborhood Hobby Lobby.

    Steps:

    1. Lay out all of your materials in front of you. C:

    2. Take the white molding substance out of the TWO packages of Crayola Model Magic and form both rectangles into ONE big ball.

    3. Find a clean flat surface and lightly apply pressure to the ball. Press the ball down until it is flat enough to roll.

    Like So:
    [url]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/lastalliance23/ANBUmaskgroup003.jpg[/url]

    4. Roll the clay until it is about one centimeter thick or until the clay "sheet" is large enough to fit completely over the mask.

    5. Place the clay "sheet" over the mask (make sure that the clay covers the entire front part of the mask) and lightly press/stretch the material to give a seamless appearance to the mask.

    It should looks something like this:
    [url]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/lastalliance23/ANBUmaskgroup007.jpg[/url]

    Note: I stretched the edges of the clay to cover the inner edge of the mask.

    Note: This is a very forgiving type of molding clay but if you accidentally scratch or press your hand into the material before it dries it will leave an unflattering mark.

    This took me a few times to get it right so please don't get discouraged if you don't get it on the first try.
    6. GENTLY poke/push around the eye area to show the mask's eye holes.

    It should look something like this:
    [url]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/lastalliance23/ANBUmaskgroup008.jpg[/url]

    7. IMPORTANT: Pull/Cut off the excess molding clay that is jutting out from the back of the mask.

    8. Take the excess clay that you pulled off from the back of the mask and make two small balls from it. Then mold those balls into an ear shape.

    It should look something like this:
    [url]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/lastalliance23/ANBUmaskgroup004.jpg[/url]

    9. DO NOT ATTACH THE EARS TO THE MASK YET. Now you should have three parts formed. (Throw any excess clay away because it will dry out and be unusable.)

    Get up from wherever you are and leave the mask and ears alone. Go back to your workstation in a few hours.

    10. Super glue the now dry items together.

    It should look something like this:
    [url]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/lastalliance23/ANBUmaskgroup010.jpg[/url]

    11. Cut a piece of black elastic so that it is about fifteen inches long without being stretched. Super glue the elastic band to the inside of the mask.

    It should look like this:
    [url]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/lastalliance23/ANBUmaskgroup011.jpg[/url] (Inside of mask)

    12. Congratulations!!! You have made the base to your very own Naruto mask!

    It should look something like this:
    [url]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/lastalliance23/ANBUmaskgroup013.jpg[/url]
    [url]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/lastalliance23/ANBUmaskgroup012.jpg[/url]



    From here you can paint, sharpie, etc. to your mask to give it a true ANBU appeal.

    Examples of what I had done for my mask:
    [url]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/lastalliance23/ANBU_Mask2.jpg[/url]
    [url]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/lastalliance23/ANBU_Mask002.jpg[/url]


    I hope my tutorial helped you and I most certainly hope that you had a fun time expressing your artistic ability.

    FAQ:
    The following are questions that I feel are important for mask alterations.

    [QUOTE=Miracle;1692474]

    Also, any tips about altering the eyes would be appreciated, but since I'm pretty sure in your ventures you didn't have to do anything like I plan to do for the eyes, I don't expect you to be able to give an answer n_n'.
    [/QUOTE]

    [QUOTE=Miracle;1714802]Feel free to quote me as you like n_n. Also, what I had done is, because my eyes were TALLER than the eyes in my mask but much much thinner, is cut the shape based on a cardboard stencil I made and then taped the empty area (the area cut out of the mask) that I needed to be filled. It actually worked -really- well the first time, however, due to an unfortunate incident involving the chin I lost my ability to be any more patient with the project and I also -had- thought my model magic had become useless (as it had partially dried), but it seems if you microwave it for a short time it regains its past composure. As for cutting the eye after the model magic is applied, that just doesn't seem like it would work to me as I tried and all three of the cutting tools I tried ended up stretching and deforming the clay in ways that hurt the rest of the mask. Also I would like to place emphasis upon the fact that if you are forming (using their hands to smooth around the eyes or anywhere else) the clay, you should hold it from the inside of the mask, and not set any side of the mask onto any surface other than the inside of the mask. I say this because this is how I ended up having all my work waisted and ended up just deciding to go for something that suited -this particular project- better.

    EDIT - If you are going to do the smaller eyes, I do recommend you don't use paper or cardboard. The clay sticks to it (or at least mine did), and with the paper you likely won't be able to get some of your clay back (with the cardboard it is easier as generally it is less flimsy). I would recommend doing as I did and use repeated layers of masking tape, or perhaps try wax paper (although I've yet to test this myself). I'm thinking of trying a few different methods for forming the eyes, just to simplify it and not land others up in a vat of confusion like I was *laughs*. Oh, if you only knew half the silly things I tried.[/QUOTE]

  • Wow, that's a pretty cool result. Great tutorial!

    Why don't you post it in The Tutorial Thread so everyone can see it forever? :D

  • [QUOTE=Beryl;1676560]Wow, that's a pretty cool result. Great tutorial!

    Why don't you post it in The Tutorial Thread so everyone can see it forever? :D[/QUOTE]
    O.O Good Idea!

    Glad you like the result! C: Its an easy and nonmessy way to make the mask.

  • AH! thanks so much! im possibly doing an EGL anbu kakashi and i was wondering how to create the stupid mask :X so thanks! isn't model magic the best?

    do you think possibly that you could do the same thing but put it over a foam head? i have to make a mask for nell and thats the only way i see doing it

  • [QUOTE=benihime;1678152]AH! thanks so much! im possibly doing an EGL anbu kakashi and i was wondering how to create the stupid mask :X so thanks! isn't model magic the best?

    do you think possibly that you could do the same thing but put it over a foam head? i have to make a mask for nell and thats the only way i see doing it[/QUOTE]

    You probably could but you would have to very carefully peel the mold off of the foam head. You would also have to be really careful with the mask. If you have used model magic before then you know it doesn't dry extremely hard...more along the lines of a soft seamless appearance.

    If you look in the pictures I left the mask under the model magic as a support so the mold wouldn't indent if I accidentaly dropped it or something.


    But go ahead and try C: I'd love to see how it comes out!

    Good Luck! ^___^

  • great tutorial!

  • [QUOTE=Annie-Mei;1678550]great tutorial![/QUOTE]

    C: Domo Arigato!

  • woo!! i ineffenably love your tutorial its awsome and under 20$. to die for. your a god, in my eyes.
    the ears, mind you, seem a little to big, but thats me, i would luv to your finished product, if you dont mind? plz plz plz.

  • [QUOTE=Lone Anbu Wolf;1690286]woo!! i ineffenably love your tutorial its awsome and under 20$. to die for. your a god, in my eyes.
    the ears, mind you, seem a little to big, but thats me, i would luv to your finished product, if you dont mind? plz plz plz.[/QUOTE]

    Hai the ears are a bit big but when I tried to make them smaller they just didn't look right to me. C: The ears are versatile though, you can make them resemble fox ears, cat ears, even...elephant ears lol. You could also make a beak out of the left over molding clay to make the mask resemble a bird.

    C: I'll put the finished mask up when it gets its coloring.

    My uncle is a professional artist and he said he would airbrush the design I want on it! It might take him a while though, he has been busy lately.

  • [QUOTE=Saitou_Nami;1691270]Hai the ears are a bit big but when I tried to make them smaller they just didn't look right to me. C: The ears are versatile though, you can make them resemble fox ears, cat ears, even...elephant ears lol. You could also make a beak out of the left over molding clay to make the mask resemble a bird.C: I'll put the finished mask up when it gets its coloring.[/QUOTE]
    sorry to have deleted part of your quote, psps suck at internet browsing.
    your very lucky, cant wait to see it!!

  • [QUOTE=Lone Anbu Wolf;1691347]sorry to have deleted part of your quote, psps suck at internet browsing.
    your very lucky, cant wait to see it!![/QUOTE]

    C: It's no problem.

    Hai, I am lucky. My sister is an amazing sketch artist, my grandmother is a material artist, and my uncle is a professional artist.

  • I found this tutorial while looking for the means to make another mask, but I'm pretty sure I can do what I want to do using this material. I do have a few questions however, if you don't mind answering of course (for which I would be really very thankful n_n).

    I was wondering what the model magic would feel like when it is dried. Will it stay dry? Could it possibly fall off the front of the mask beneath or would it -stay- on the mask safely? If I were to touch the surface -after- it had dried, would there still be an impression left, or would it remain as it was before being touched?

    I do intend to add ears to this costume, I was wondering exactly how strong/stable the connection between the ears and the mask will be.

    Finally, I am curious to know how the surface of this mask responds to spray paint (as opposed to air brushing as I'm afraid I lack the tools/experience) and acrylic paint. This one, I'm not so sure you'll be able to answer, but if you can I'd really be thankful, n_n.

    Anywho, thanks for the tutorial regardless, I think it is a nifty way to do mask making and -beautifully- cheap and seamless as well *squicks*.

    Also, any tips about altering the eyes would be appreciated, but since I'm pretty sure in your ventures you didn't have to do anything like I plan to do for the eyes, I don't expect you to be able to give an answer n_n'.

    Thanks again, a really well assembles tutorial -with pictures- makes all the difference in one's own attempts n_n, best of luck with your own mask.

  • [QUOTE=Miracle;1692474]I found this tutorial while looking for the means to make another mask, but I'm pretty sure I can do what I want to do using this material. I do have a few questions however, if you don't mind answering of course (for which I would be really very thankful n_n).

    I was wondering what the model magic would feel like when it is dried. Will it stay dry? Could it possibly fall off the front of the mask beneath or would it -stay- on the mask safely? If I were to touch the surface -after- it had dried, would there still be an impression left, or would it remain as it was before being touched?

    I do intend to add ears to this costume, I was wondering exactly how strong/stable the connection between the ears and the mask will be.

    Finally, I am curious to know how the surface of this mask responds to spray paint (as opposed to air brushing as I'm afraid I lack the tools/experience) and acrylic paint. This one, I'm not so sure you'll be able to answer, but if you can I'd really be thankful, n_n.

    Anywho, thanks for the tutorial regardless, I think it is a nifty way to do mask making and -beautifully- cheap and seamless as well *squicks*.

    Also, any tips about altering the eyes would be appreciated, but since I'm pretty sure in your ventures you didn't have to do anything like I plan to do for the eyes, I don't expect you to be able to give an answer n_n'.

    Thanks again, a really well assembles tutorial -with pictures- makes all the difference in one's own attempts n_n, best of luck with your own mask.[/QUOTE]


    ^___^ Thanks for posting this!! I love to answer questions!! Yay!!!!

    First question:

    1. The model magic clay has a smooth soft feel to it when dry. Comparing it to another surface, I would say that it has the feel of smooth human skin.
    2. Yes, the mask will stay dry as long as you don't put it near any intense heat sources. I tested this the other day to make sure it was sturdy! Just keep it away from open flames (stove, fireplace, etc.) and if you put the dry material into the microwave it turns to a goo substance. The model magic is glue based I think.
    3. So far I haven't had a problem with the basic mask falling off. I firmly pressed the model magic clay to the mask so it would stay. I think the extra support is good for it.
    4. If you lightly press on the dry model magic it shouldn't indent. Also if you are picking it up or painting it or something it shouldn't ident either. Just be careful with it, the only way it's going to get scratched or something is if you intentally do it. Like don't stick your fingernail into the surface and stuff. C:

    Second Question:

    You have to be gentle with the ears and make sure that you really glue them down onto the mask.
    To test my mask, I rode in my grandpa's old truck on a bumpy country road to his house and the ears didn't fall off. However, my grandmother accidentally brushed up against the mask with a heavy nightgown in her arm and left ear popped off.
    I reattached the ear easily but making sure to firmly press it this time...(the first time I didn't firmly press it down and on both sides of the ear I didn't glue it all the way down. Plus I was pulling on it to test its stability.
    You should probably take a package of superglue with you to the convention just incase of an accident.

    Third Question:

    You should be able to spray paint the mask easily. My uncle said he could easily airbrush on the material so I'm going to assume that you could spray paint it or paint it with regular paint and brushes. C:


    Fourth Question:

    For altering the eyes I suggest drawing the shape of how you want them on a piece of paper, cut out the shape with scissors and place it on the eye area of the mask, and finally taking a knife and carefully tracing around the stencil you made with the paper.


    I hope that helps!!! ^___^

  • Wow, that is much more detail than I expected and very helpful (I'm being very earnest/sincere here, seriously, thank you so so so much n_n!). I was actually thinking of that as I was reading what you wrote, that I should bring some extra super glue with me just in case (the ears I plan to make are -much- larger as they are suited to the keaton/kafei mask from the zelda series, so I imagine it would be a good idea to be extra careful when placing them).

    I'm going to apply all the tips you gave me (which, by the way, I appreciate you colour coding and formating XD, I sometimes forget that formating/colour coding/etc. one's information can make it that easier to read) to my mask, and I'll post the results in my gallery for anyone interested. Again, thank you so much, you've saved me money and mistakes n_~ best of luck with your own cosplay dreams. (I'll post back once I've the picture of the mask put up n_n)

  • [QUOTE=Miracle;1693866]Wow, that is much more detail than I expected and very helpful (I'm being very earnest/sincere here, seriously, thank you so so so much n_n!). I was actually thinking of that as I was reading what you wrote, that I should bring some extra super glue with me just in case (the ears I plan to make are -much- larger as they are suited to the keaton/kafei mask from the zelda series, so I imagine it would be a good idea to be extra careful when placing them).

    I'm going to apply all the tips you gave me (which, by the way, I appreciate you colour coding and formating XD, I sometimes forget that formating/colour coding/etc. one's information can make it that easier to read) to my mask, and I'll post the results in my gallery for anyone interested. Again, thank you so much, you've saved me money and mistakes n_~ best of luck with your own cosplay dreams. (I'll post back once I've the picture of the mask put up n_n)[/QUOTE]

    C: Wow, I love LoZ: MM!! I bet you do a really good job on the Keaton mask and I totally can't wait to see!!

    I'm happy the tutorial helped you and I wish you the best of luck with your mask!!


    Is it ok if I add you to my friend's list?