How To Make A Chinese Dragon Costume
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How To Make A Chinese Dragon Costume
Chinese opera masks are bright, colourful and a little bit scary! These masks are easy to make, and are fun for a fancy dress party or a children’s party. Learn to make them in this step by step guide with Corina Bona, professional puppet and prop maker.
You Will Need
- 2 black pipe cleaners
- 2 paper plates
- scissors
- masking tape
- string
- 1 marker pen
- PVA glue
- acrylic paints
Method
Lay the two plates on top of each other so they are overlapping, then draw around the top plate and cut out the crescent moon shape on the second plate. Stick the crescent moon shape to the first plate using PVA glue and masking tape.
Cut the remainder of the second plate in half, and stick the pieces onto the back of the mask with PVA and masking tape.
You now need to draw on the face. Draw eyes, mouth, nose, ears and eyebrows; trying to keep the face as symmetrical as possible. Paint the mask using bright greens, blues and gold.
Cut groves in the crown, cut around the nose, and cut holes in the eyes for you to see through.
For the moustache, fold the pipe cleaners in half and twist them. You can then shape the moustaches and stick them on with PVA glue.
Staple the string to the mask near each eye, then cover the staples with masking tape.
Fit the mask to your face and secure with a knot.