How to Make a Plague Doctor Mask

Summary

This video tutorial guides viewers through crafting a plague doctor mask using various materials like foam, elastic, and sunglasses. It covers steps from cutting foam templates to attaching sunglasses lenses, creating stitches, and painting the mask. The process involves precise cutting, gluing, sanding, heating for shaping, and adding ventilation with grommets. The final touch includes attaching an elastic band for a comfortable fit, resulting in a customizable and adjustable mask.

Takeaways

• 🛠️ Gather materials: Two millimeter foam, six millimeter foam, one-inch elastic, track lights, sunglasses, X-Acto Knife or scissors, blow dryer or heat gun, pen or marker, glue gun, Super Glue, hemisphere rivets, grommets, Dremel with a sanding tip, and toothpicks.
• ✂️ Cut templates: Print and cut out a template, then transfer it onto six millimeter foam using a pen or marker, and cut along the lines with precision tools.
• 🏷️ Label parts: Mark the back of each foam piece to avoid confusion and label them for later reference.
• 🔨 Sand edges: Smooth the edges of the foam pieces for a cleaner look using a Dremel or by hand.
• 🌡️ Heat shaping: Use a blow dryer or heat gun to heat the foam and shape it, such as curling the mask's beak.
• 👓 Integrate sunglasses: Slide the sunglasses lenses into the mask and secure them with glue.
• 🧵 Fake stitching: Create the appearance of stitches using foam strips and glue, applying them to seams for a realistic effect.
• 🕳️ Add ventilation: Mark and drill holes for grommets at the bottom of the mask for ventilation and style.
• 🎨 Paint the mask: Apply a base coat of spray paint and additional colors or effects, ensuring to protect the lenses.
• 🔗 Attach the elastic: Create an adjustable fit by attaching an elastic band using grommets and glue.

Q & A

What materials are needed to start this project according to the transcript?

The materials needed include two millimeter foam, six millimeter foam, one inch elastic, track lights, sunglasses, an X-Acto Knife or scissors, a blow dryer or a heat gun, a pen or marker, a glue gun, Super Glue, hemisphere rivets, grommets, a Dremel with a sanding tip, and toothpicks.

Why is an X-Acto Knife recommended for cutting the foam in this project?

An X-Acto Knife is recommended for cutting the foam because it allows for more precise cuts, especially in hollow areas like the eye, which is important for the detail and accuracy of the mask.

How does the transcript suggest marking the foam pieces to avoid confusion during assembly?

The transcript suggests marking the back of each foam piece with a pen and labeling one as 'beak A' and the other as 'beak B' for later reference during assembly.

What tool is used to sand down the edges of the foam pieces for a cleaner look?

A Dremel with a sanding tip is used to sand down the edges of the foam pieces for a cleaner look.

How does the transcript describe the process of attaching the beak pieces to the mask?

The transcript describes attaching the beak pieces by applying glue to the top of beak part A, lining up part B, and pressing firmly until the glue cools. It's recommended to work in small sections, starting from the tip of the beak and working towards the back.

What method is used to create a curled effect on the foam mask?

A blow dryer is used to heat up the foam and give it a curled effect.

How are the sunglasses lenses integrated into the mask according to the transcript?

The sunglasses lenses are slid into a gap in the mask and then glued in place.

What is the purpose of the thin strip of two millimeter foam that is placed between the eyes?

The thin strip of two millimeter foam is used to cover the seam between the eyes and is glued in place.

How does the transcript describe the process of creating fake stitches on the mask?

The process involves making dots along the seam with glue, cutting long strips of two millimeter foam into one inch pieces, applying glue to the backs of these pieces, and then using a toothpick to jam each end into the pre-made holes to create the appearance of stitches.

What is the purpose of the holes at the bottom of the mask, and how are they made?

The holes at the bottom of the mask are for ventilation and aesthetic appeal. They are made by marking the placement for the grommets, drilling out the holes with a Dremel or an X-Acto Knife, and ensuring the grommets fit.

How does the transcript suggest attaching the elastic band to the mask for wearing?

The elastic band is attached by hot gluing a 12-inch piece of elastic around one end of a tri-glide, repeating for the other, and then gluing the ends on the inside of the mask at eye level.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 Crafting a Foam Mask

This paragraph details the process of creating a foam mask using various materials such as different thicknesses of foam, elastic, sunglasses, an X-Acto Knife, scissors, a blow dryer or heat gun, a pen or marker, a glue gun, Super Glue, hemisphere rivets, grommets, a Dremel with a sanding tip, and toothpicks. The steps include printing and cutting out a template, transferring and cutting the template onto foam, marking and sanding the edges, gluing parts together, and shaping the mask. The use of a Dremel is suggested for a cleaner look, and a blow dryer is used to give the mask a curled appearance. The process also involves creating eye holes and securing them with sunglasses lenses, applying glue for structural integrity, and using a fake stitch technique for a realistic finish.

05:02

🛠️ Finalizing the Mask with Ventilation and Customization

The second paragraph describes the final stages of creating the mask. It involves making ventilation holes at the bottom of the mask using a Dremel or an X-Acto Knife and fitting grommets. The mask is then coated with glue to prepare it for painting, with a recommendation to mask off lenses if spray paint is used. The base coat is applied, followed by a personalized paint job, which in this case is a black and red theme with blood splatters. After painting, hemisphere rivets are glued for attachment points, and an elastic band is attached to the mask for wearability. The paragraph concludes with a reminder to have fun with the customization process and to stay safe.

Keywords

💡Foam

Foam is a material made of tiny bubbles dispersed throughout a liquid or solid. In the context of the video, foam is used as the primary material for crafting the mask. Different thicknesses of foam, such as two millimeter and six millimeter, are specified for various parts of the mask to provide structure and flexibility. For instance, the script mentions using 'six millimeter foam' for cutting out the template and 'two millimeter foam' for creating thin strips.

💡Elastic

Elastic is a type of material that can stretch and then return to its original shape, which is crucial for making the mask adjustable and comfortable to wear. The script refers to 'one inch elastic' as part of the materials needed, indicating its use for securing the mask around the wearer's head.

💡X-Acto Knife

An X-Acto Knife is a precision cutting tool often used in crafting and model making. In the video, it is recommended for making precise cuts in foam, especially in intricate areas like the eye holes of the mask. The script emphasizes its utility for 'more precise cuts' and 'cutting along the lines' of the template.

💡Glue Gun

A glue gun is a tool that melts adhesive, which is then applied in a continuous line or dot for bonding materials. The script describes using a glue gun to attach various parts of the mask, such as 'apply a line of glue glue top of the beak part A', highlighting its importance in assembling the mask's structure.

💡Super Glue

Super Glue, also known as cyanoacrylate adhesive, is a strong, fast-acting glue. In the video, it is used for attaching small pieces like 'fake stitches' to the mask, as mentioned in the script where it says 'apply super glue or Elmer's Glue to the backs of these pieces', showcasing its use for detailed assembly.

💡Dremel

A Dremel is a rotary tool used for cutting, grinding, and sanding. The script mentions using a 'Dremel with a sanding tip' for smoothing the edges of the foam pieces, and also for drilling holes for 'grommets', indicating its versatility in the crafting process.

💡Rivets

Rivets are a type of fastener that consists of a smooth cylindrical shaft with a head on one end. In the video, 'hemisphere rivets' are used to attach the elastic band to the mask, as described in the script where it says 'glue three hemisphere rivets at the top of the head and the sides of the face', providing a secure and decorative element.

💡Grommets

Grommets are metal rings that are used to reinforce holes, especially in fabric or other materials. The script describes marking and drilling holes for 'grommets' at the bottom of the mask, which not only adds a stylistic element but also provides ventilation, as mentioned in the context of 'making these holes at the bottom of the Mask which not only look cool but also provides some much needed ventilation'.

💡Sunglasses

Sunglasses are used in the video as a part of the mask's design, specifically to cover the eye holes. The script instructs to 'slide them into the gap' and then 'glue them in place', showing their role in both the functionality and aesthetics of the mask.

💡Stitches

In the context of the video, 'stitches' refer to the decorative elements that mimic sewing on the mask. The script details a process of creating 'fake Stitch' effects using foam pieces and glue, as described in 'repeat this whole fake Stitch technique for the top of the beak as well', adding a realistic and handcrafted appearance to the mask.

Highlights

You will need two millimeter foam, six millimeter foam, one inch elastic, track lights, sunglasses, an X-Acto Knife or scissors, a blow dryer or heat gun, a pen or marker, a glue gun, Super Glue, hemisphere rivets, grommets, a Dremel with a sanding tip, and toothpicks for this project.

Print and cut out the template on paper, then transfer it onto six millimeter foam using a pen or marker.

Use an X-Acto Knife for precise cuts, especially in hollow areas like the eye.

Mark the back of each foam piece to avoid confusion and label them for later reference.

Sanding the edges of foam pieces with a Dremel or by hand for a cleaner look.

Use a lighter to smooth out rough patches left from sanding.

Apply glue with a glue gun to the beak parts and press firmly until the glue cools.

Work in small sections when gluing the beak, starting from the tip and working towards the back.

Create room for the bottom of the beak by bending the sides out and gluing the triangular piece in place.

Mark the forehead piece for the eye hole and apply glue above the lines before pressing it in place.

Use a blow dryer to heat and curl the foam mask.

Slide sunglasses lenses into the gap and glue them in place.

Apply glue to the back of the eyepiece and attach it to the mask.

Cut a thin strip of two millimeter foam for the seam between the eyes and glue it in place.

Create fake stitches along the seam using super glue and toothpicks to insert foam pieces.

Repeat the fake stitch technique for the top and bottom of the beak.

Mark and drill holes for grommets at the bottom of the mask for ventilation.

Apply a layer of glue to the entire mask, focusing on the stitches to prepare for painting.

Mask off the lenses and apply a base coat of black spray paint, followed by your desired design.

Glue three hemisphere rivets at the top of the head and sides of the face for attachment points.

Attach a 12-inch piece of elastic to the grommets to create an adjustable band for wearing the mask.

These instructions serve as a guideline; feel free to customize and stay safe.

Transcripts

for this project you're going to need

two millimeter foam

six millimeter foam

one inch elastic

few track lights

a pair of sunglasses you don't mind

sacrificing

an X-Acto Knife

and or scissors

[Music]

a blow dryer or a heat gun

a pen or marker

a glue gun

Super Glue

hemisphere rivets

grommets

[Music]

a Dremel with a sanding tip

and lastly some toothpicks

first print and cut out the template on

some paper transfer the template onto

some six millimeter foam using your pen

or marker and cut along the lines I

highly recommend using an X-Acto Knife

for more precise Cuts especially in

Hollow areas like the eye here

[Music]

Mark the back of each piece with a pen

to avoid confusion and label one beak a

and the other B for a later reference

[Music]

I like to sand down the edges of all my

pieces using a Dremel for a cleaner look

however be smarter than me and charge

your tools before starting

[Music]

your Dremel dice or you don't have one

you can sand it all by hand which takes

like twice as long but it still gets the

job done

here I'm just using a lighter to smooth

out the rough patches left from sanding

glue gun apply a line of glue glue top

of the beach

part A like shown here

then line up Part B and press firmly

until the glue is cooled

[Music]

I find it easier to work in small

sections starting from the tip of the

beak and working towards the back

[Music]

bend the sides out to make room for the

bottom of the beak and glue the

triangular piece in place

just like before I find it easier to

work in sections from the tip of the

beak to the back

this is what it should be looking like

right now

grab the forehead piece and mark the

place where the eye hole makes a

complete circle on each side

[Music]

apply glue just above the lines first

working on the outside and press the

piece in place

then apply more glue to the bridge of

the nose to fully secure the forehead

piece in place

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

here I'm using a blow dryer to heat up

the foam and I'm giving the mask a bit

of a curl

[Music]

thank you

again just sending down the top of the

beak to make sure they line up properly

take your sunglasses lenses and slide

them into the Gap as shown here then

glue them in place

then apply glue to the back of the

eyepiece and glue it to the mask

repeat both these steps on the other

side of the face

[Music]

cut a thin strip out of two millimeter

foam that fits between the eyes and hot

glue it over the seam there I

make dots along each side of the seam of

where you want the stitches to be

cut a long strip of two millimeter foam

keeping it about five to six millimeters

wide and divide this strip into a bunch

of one inch long pieces apply super glue

or Elmer's Glue to the backs of these

pieces then using a toothpick Jam each

end into the holes that you made earlier

it makes it a bit easier if you use the

toothpicks that have a blunt end and

longer strips of foam are easier to

thread through than shorter ones now

comes the most time consuming and

tedious part so put on a decent show or

something in the background because this

is gonna take a while you're going to

repeat this whole fake Stitch technique

for the top of the beak as well

[Music]

great but we're not done with those

stitches yet we're this whole process

for the bottom of the beak on both sides

at this point you're probably a foam

Stitch Master though so it shouldn't

take you too long

next we're going to be making these

holes at the bottom of the Mask which

not only look cool but also provides

some much needed ventilation

Mark where you want to place your

grommets then using a Dremel drill out

the holes and make sure the grommets fit

you can also use an X-Acto Knife if you

don't own a Dremel

[Music]

apply a layer of glue to the entire mask

paying special attention to the stitches

this will help with the painting process

as you can see with these test pieces

the one on the left has a better shine

and it doesn't absorb the paint leaving

little white specks this is just

personal preference though so feel free

to skip this step as it may lead to

cracking

if you're going to be using spray paint

like me mask off the lenses to avoid

getting paint on them

[Music]

I'm just going to be going in with black

spray paint as a base coat

use a respirator so you don't inhale

spray paint and a dye

once the base coat is complete clean up

any Mist areas then you can begin

painting it however you want

I decided to go for a black and red

theme for my mask but remember your

options are endless

I also decided to do some blood

splatters so it probably would have been

smart to keep the masking tape on

once your paint job is complete you can

glue three hemisphere rivets at the top

of the head and the sides of the face

like so

and this is what mine looks like

afterwards

the final part of this build is

attaching the elastic band so that you

can wear your mask

hot glue a 12 inch piece of elastic

around one end of a tragline repeat this

for the other tri-glide

leave them into each other like so

[Music]

glue the ends on the inside of the mask

at about eye level

and there you have it a completely

adjustable plague doctor mask

remember these instructions are only

used as a guideline have fun with the

infinite customization options and stay

safe out there

[Music]