Dino-mite!

If you have a little one who is all about dinosaurs, then keep reading!  This is a fun costume project you can create right at home…and it will not disappoint!

I made this T-Rex mask several years for my oldest son’s Halloween costume.  He absolutely adored dinosaurs at the time.  I actually made this mask in just one weekend, working on it bit by bit.  My husband was away at the time, I had an infant, and two other little ones at home with me.  So if I can do this with all that going on, you can definitely do this as well, and it will probably look even better!  I’m going to talk you through the steps.  Happy creating!

Find something around the house as a little inspiration. 

You probably have many things around the house for this.  Toys, books, or even google an image.

Gather some materials.

I used both thick and thin cardboard, as well as brown paper bag paper,  a cardboard egg carton for the eyes, and  good old Elmer’s glue as well.  I used clothes pins to fasten the areas after I glued them together – like little clamps.  I didn’t have time to stand there and hold things together with my hands, so I pinned them together and went and did other things as it dried. I kept some packaging tape handy in case I needed to keep something in place for a second or two while I thought things through. I also bought some craft paint at the craft store to use once the mask was all finished.

Get started.

I made a cardboard headband first, and fit it to my sons head, so I knew roughly how wide to make the mask opening.

I used that measurement as a guide as I built the rest of the mask around it. This whole process of creating the mask skeleton is very sculptural. By using thick and thin cardboard, you have the flexibility to bend and mold pieces however you see fit.  You are your own artiste!

Once the skeleton was complete, I added the egg carton eyes.  This was super quick and easy, glued them right on nice and secure.  I then took strips of brown paper and started glueing them along the outside, as if it were the skin.  This process is very paper-mache like.  It also gives the mask and thicker and stronger exterior once the glue solidifies.

Once that was set, I added a little more texture to the exterior and used more brown paper to cut out some scales.  I glued those on as well.

 

Alright, paint time!

This is the fun part!  I mixed and played around with different color greens; added some darks; and just had fun with it!  The paint also gave the mask an even thicker and stronger exterior.

Voila!

To add to the costume I went on Etsy and ordered this cute handmade dinosaur tail and these little felt dinosaur shoe covers.

I love supporting small businesses on Etsy, and they always have something you need but just can’t find.

I’m grateful I had the opportunity to create something special for my son.  He absolutely loved it, and it’s been handed down to his brothers over these past few years as well!  Sharing the fun!