Making a Spider-Man mask is a simple project that you can complete in a few hours. No sewing is required - just a hot glue gun is enough. Start with a red mask and a pair of sunglasses with large lenses, then put it all together and add some details to make it more authentic.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Getting the Materials You Need
Step 1. Get a red spandex mask
Many online vendors sell spandex masks, also called Morphs. If you are also planning to make a costume to match the mask, you can buy a full Morphsuit. Look for one of these masks at a carnival costume shop or order it online: it should cost around € 20.
Step 2. Buy a pair of sunglasses with large lenses
There are several versions of Spider-Man in both comics and movies: in some of these the superhero wears dark eyepieces, in others he has light and reflective eyes. Purchase a pair of oversized glasses in the color of your choice for your costume, dark or mirrored.
Make sure your glasses have very large lenses. Each lens will become an eye on your goggle, so bring some Spider-Man images with you when you decide to purchase. Check out the women's eyewear department as well, as some women's frames have larger lenses
Step 3. Use reflective eye film
For an alternative look, consider using a sheet of dark or silver tinting film - it will have a similar effect to sunglasses, but the material will be flexible rather than rigid. You can go to auto accessories dealers to see if they can give you any scrap pieces; you won't need much, so they should be able to help you. Then cut out the film in the shape of an eye.
Step 4. Purchase a black marker, black fabric paint or 3D puffy paint
To create the cobweb pattern on the Spider-Man mask, you can choose to use a black marker or black fabric dye, depending on your aesthetic preferences. Markers will create flat, matte lines, while three-dimensional or fabric paint will allow you to create raised and textured lines. Be aware that the mask may need to be hand washed in any case, as both types of dye could be damaged by a machine wash.
Step 5. Get a hot glue gun
It is a tool available for a modest cost at many craft stores. Choose one you are already familiar with, making sure you have several refills on hand so you don't run out of them in the middle of your project.
Part 2 of 3: Assemble the Mask Parts
Step 1. Unfold the mask
Arrange it on a flat surface, such as a table or desk, making sure the front is facing up, as the goal will be to draw eyes on it. If you have a styrofoam or mannequin head, you can use it for this purpose - it will give you a better point of view to create the design and display it on your head.
Step 2. Make a sketch of the eyes
Using a pencil or ballpoint pen trace the outline and shape of the eyes you wish to have, using a reference photo to get an idea of how they will look relative to the size of the mask. Remember to measure the sunglasses in relation to the size of the eyes: the ideal is that the lenses are wider than the latter.
Step 3. Cut out the eye shapes
Put one hand inside the mask, holding a pair of scissors in the other. Carefully drill a hole on the eye line, then start cutting along the line - once you've completed the first eye, do the same with the other. Make sure the scissors are sharp and that you have a steady hand, otherwise the cut may be jagged or uneven.
Check out some photos of Spider-Man to get a reference point for the shape of the eyes. In most versions of the superhero the eyes are slightly triangular, with a straight line on the top and a U-shaped line outlining the lower lid
Step 4. Remove the lenses from the glasses
In most frames, the lenses are easily removed by applying moderate pressure. Hold the frame with both hands, then gently press the lenses with your thumbs; make sure you don't apply too much pressure, or you risk breaking them.
Step 5. Glue the lenses inside the mask with hot glue
Let the gun warm up, then draw a thin line along the outer edge of one lens. Holding the neck of the mask open with one hand, use the other hand to insert the lens into it. Hold it exactly under one of the eye holes, then adhere the glue to the fabric inside the mask, making sure the hole is completely filled by the lens and there are no gaps.
- Spread the glue on the other lens. Using the same method, spread a thin line of glue on the other lens and insert it inside the mask, making the second eye.
- If you initially find that you have positioned the lens incorrectly, you will have a few seconds to fix it before the glue dries. Apply light pressure to the sides of the lens to fill the eye hole while the glue is still hot.
- The glue will take approximately 15 seconds to set, so keep in mind the amount of time you have left to make any necessary adjustments.
Part 3 of 3: Add the Decorations
Step 1. Draw the eye contour
Spider-Man's eyes have thick, black edges that you'll need to draw using a marker or fabric paint. Draw a 1.5 cm border around each eye, then fill it completely. If you want to be more daring, cut out some fabric of the right shape from an old shirt, then glue it over your eyes.
Step 2. Draw the spider web
Check out some comics or online for references, then copy the spider web pattern onto the mask. If you don't feel comfortable working freehand, try tracing it in pencil first, erasing it and adjusting it until it fits. Finally, use a marker or fabric paint to go over the pencil lines.
Step 3. Let it dry
Once you have glued and decorated the mask, you will need to let it dry. Read the instructions on the paint and glue bottle to know the specific processing time: the glue may dry within a minute, but the dye may take up to 72 hours, depending on the brand.
Step 4. Put it on
Once the mask has dried, try it on. Pair it with a handmade Spiderman costume or wear it alone - it will be perfect as a carnival costume, for Halloween, superhero gatherings or other masked events.
Advice
- Make other variations of the mask using different colors and consulting some comics to learn about the different versions of the superhero.
- Work with an adult in case you are not old enough to use the scissors and hot glue gun on your own.
Warnings
- Be careful when using the hot glue gun - the metal tip may get hot and burn if you touch it.
- Be cautious about using scissors - since you won't be able to see your hands inside the mask, you'll need to be very careful while making the cuts.
