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cardstock crafts

How to Fold Geometric Animal Masks from Cardstock

Print a geometric animal-mask template, cut it from heavy cardstock, and glue the pieces together. Finish it white, in colored paper, or with paint.

By ThatPainter Team 2 min read
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To make a geometric animal mask from cardstock, print a mask template, cut out its shapes, and glue the pieces together along their edges. Heavy cardstock gives the polygonal form structure; once assembled, the mask can stay white, use colored cardstock, or be painted and decorated.

What you need

  • A printable geometric animal-mask template
  • Heavy cardstock, either white or colored
  • Scissors
  • Paper paste or glue
  • Optional: paint and other decorations

Choose cardstock sturdy enough to hold its shape when the pieces are joined. The template provides the shapes and assembly pattern; follow its markings when cutting and joining pieces.

How to make the mask

  1. Choose and print a template. Select an animal design and print its template. Wintercroft is the creator identified by Make:’s October 14, 2015 project article; check the creator’s current listings for template availability.
  2. Transfer or print the pattern onto cardstock. Use the printed template as directed for your design. Heavy cardstock is the structural material for the mask.
  3. Cut out the shapes. Carefully cut around the template pieces with scissors, keeping the edges clean so they can be joined.
  4. Assemble with paste or glue. Match and join the corresponding edges, working through the pattern until the pieces form the faceted animal mask. Let the adhesive set before handling or decorating it.
  5. Finish the surface. Leave the cardstock white, choose colored stock before assembly, or paint and decorate the completed mask.

Choose materials and finish for the look you want

Choice What it changes
White heavy cardstock A plain geometric surface that can be painted after assembly or left as is.
Colored heavy cardstock Color is built into the mask, without relying on paint for the base color.
Reused packaging cardboard A reclaimed-material option used in Steve Wintercroft’s original mask-making story; the article does not establish that all packaging cardboard will suit every template.
Paste or glue The joining method specified for assembling the cut pieces.

Why this project uses templates

Make: identifies Steve and Marianne Wintercroft as the mask creators. Steve Wintercroft recounts making an animal mask from recycled packaging cardboard, parcel tape, and scissors for a friend’s Halloween party, then redesigning the idea into accessible templates. He described the aim as making masks “that could be built by anyone, using local materials, removing the need for mass manufacturing or shipping and with the minimum environmental impact.” That is the creators’ stated goal, not a measured environmental assessment.

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  • 【Premium Quality】 – This paper 8.5 x 11 inch colored cardstock features a sturdy 180 gsm weight, ensuring compatibility with most laser and inkjet printers. Crafted from high-grade virgin wood pulp, it is acid-free and long-lasting, delivering vivid colors while reducing ink consumption—especially for full-background printing. The thick, durable paper resists fading and tearing, while its smooth, refined finish offers an exceptional printing and handling experience.
  • 【Full Core Dyed Cardboard】:Our premium cardstock is dyed all the way through with no white core, so folds, tears, punches, and cuts always reveal rich, consistent color—never white edges. Perfect for flawless, professional-quality crafts every time.
  • 【Versatile Crafting Paper】:Perfect for creating card toppers, cake decor, invitations, gift tags, party bunting, origami, scrapbooking, banners, and rolled paper flowers. Its adaptability unlocks endless creative projects—from festive decorations to personalized gifts.
  • 【Wide Applications】:Our colored cardstock is perfect for teachers' school supplies and parents' home activities. The vibrant colors help children with color recognition, stimulate imagination, and develop practical skills. It's great for educational games, crafts, and as gifts for students, adults, and art lovers. Additionally, colored construction paper can be used for decorations at weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, parties, and holidays like Easter, Valentine's Day, Halloween, and Christmas.

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