Start with a preformed mask. Form pipe cleaners into spirals, swirls and other shapes and glue them to the mask with craft glue. Allow the glue to dry. Use a stiff brush to apply craft glue to the entire mask front. Lay a piece of heavy aluminum foil over the mask and begin working it down over the glue and around the raised pipe cleaner designs until the mask is covered in foil. Depending on the look you want to achieve, the shiny or dull side of the aluminum foil can be left showing. Allow the mask to dry for several hours. When dry, spray the mask with a coating of clear acrylic. For a varied look, paint, ink or liquid faux metal can be rubbed onto the surface of the mask to accentuate the design prior to spraying it with acrylic.
Preformed cardboard or papier-maché masks are best suited for creating painted masks. However, if you are using a plastic mask, it can be sprayed with flat paint and allowed to dry prior to hand painting. Acrylic and oil paints are well-suited to this project. You may want to research mask designs and find one to emulate or make up one of your own. After painting the mask, allow it to dry and coat it with clear acrylic to preserve and protect your work.
Dimensions can be added to preformed or cardboard cutout masks using wire, tape, cardboard and papier-maché paste. Use the items to fashion beaks, large eyebrows, wings, eyelashes or other dimensional decorations. Use masking tape to hold the attachments in place. Mix flour and water to make a paste the consistency of thin pancake batter. Tear newsprint or paper grocery bags into strips and dip them in the paste. Apply the strips to the attachments to strengthen and bond them to the mask. Allow the mask to dry thoroughly before painting or adding embellishments.
Beading and feathers can be added to painted and foiled masks to create an elaborate presentation. Jewelry glue, such as E6000, can be used to add feather and bead embellishments. Ribbon beading comes prestrung by the yard and can be found at most fabric stores. Prestrung beads make it easy to add complicated beading designs. Rhinestones and other jewels, that have adhesive attached for easy application, can be found in the scrapbooking section at craft stores.