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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
- 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.
- 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.
- Cut out the shapes. Carefully cut around the template pieces with scissors, keeping the edges clean so they can be joined.
- 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.
- 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.
The Tool Desk
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The template-led approach turns a collection of flat cardstock shapes into a low-poly animal form. It is a practical way to make a distinctive costume piece with local materials, while the design and result depend on the chosen template, cardstock, and care taken during cutting and assembly.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 2
Best Value
Cricut Value Cardstock Paper, Rainbow Sampler - 125 sheets (8.5" x 11")
- INCLUDED - 125 sheets 8.5 in x 11 in (21.6 cm x 27.9 cm) in popular colors (25 colors, 5 each) Pink Hydrangea, Rose, Party Pink, Light Lavender, Purple, Blue Hydrangea, Cyan, Lake Blue, Geode, Lime Green, Apple Green, Grass, Pine Green, Honeysuckle, Yellow, Tangerine, Sunset Orange, Red, Paprika, White, Cream, Mouse, Armadillo, Coffee, Black
- VALUE CARDSTOCK - Quality product at an affordable price
- BRING YOUR MOST VIBRANT IDEAS TO LIFE - 65 lb (176 gsm) light cardstock with a solid core for consistent color even when cutting & folding
- OPTIMIZED FOR CRICUT CUTTING MACHINES - Automatic cut settings in Design Space ensure you have the best cutting experience with every Cricut material and machine
- ENGINEERED FOR QUALITY - Acid-free, lignin-free & buffered
Rank #4
White Cardstock 8.5 x 11, 230gsm Cover Cardstock Paper, 85 Lb Heavy Card Stock for Printer, Card Stock Paper for Invitations, Scrapbooking, Crafts, Diy Cards, Decoration, Drawing (30 Sheets)
- [HIGH QUALITY]: Our white cardstock 8.5 x 11 is made from heavyweight 85 lb (230 GSM) offset paper with a smooth matte finish, and even ink absorption and measures 11 inches x 8.5 inches, Cardstock paper is perfect for writing, drawing, doodling and creating fun and unique covers.
- [Excellent design]: This 8.5 x 11 white cardstock has an Double sided matte design, with a smooth feel and smooth pen strokes, suitable for a wide range of pens (markers, pens, pencils, crayons, etc.). The card is perfect for creating eye-catching posters and making your artwork shine.
- [Production & Printing] 11 x 8.5 Cardstock Ideal for book covers, body copy, inserts, illustrations, maps, posters, colorful packaging, and more. Both the front and back of the card stock for a printer can be printed on multifunction printers and photocopiers, but please refer to your printer manual before ordering to ensure the printer can handle 85 lb (230 GSM) cover paper.
- [MULTIFUNCTIONAL APPLICATIONS] Cardstock paper is thick and strong, rendering it ideal for personal use, office and school supplies, art projects, business communications, posters, printed documents, and more. The cardstock paper holds ink well and delivers rich, vibrant colors and sharp images with perfect results. Unleash your creativity by cutting, folding, and gluing to your favorite size or shape. Card stock paper can be used to create brochures, menus, photo mats, and more.
- [Package] You will receive 30 sheets of white cardstock 8.5 X 11 to ensure you have enough paper for multiple projects.
Rank #3
25 Sheets Brown Cardstock 8.5 x 11, 92lb/250gsm Kraft Card Stock Paper
- 【Measure and Package】You will receive 25 sheets premium brown cardstock paper, measuring 8.5 x 11 inches and weighing 92lb/250gsm. Sufficient number providing ample supply for multiple projects or bulk printing needs.
- 【Premium Quality】 The cardstock crafted from high quality double-side matte brown kraft paper, provides excellent print results and long-lasting durability. Perfect for personal use, office, school supplies, art projects, posters, printed documents and more.
- 【Printer-Friendly】Brown cardstock is perfect for double-sided printing, the matte material dries ink quickly and provides bleed-free performance. Compatible with Inkjet, Laser and Copiers. Check your printer's maximum thickness(92lb/250gsm) specification before printing.
- 【Easy to Use】Cardstock paper is thick and strong. Unleash your creativity by scoring, cutting, folding and gluing to your favorite size or shape. Ideal for writing, drawing, doodling and creating fun and unique covers.
- 【Wide Application】Brown cardstock 8.5 x 11 makes it ideal for various uses, including tags, thanksgiving cards, poster paper, bookmarks, promotion cards, recipe cards, certificates, folded greeting cards, invitation cards, or DIY crafts.
Rank #2
TUXIYA 50 Sheets 8.5" X 11" Colored Cardstock, 50 Colors Card Stock
- 【Colorful Cardstock】：Our construction paper assorted colors 50 Sheets contains 50 beautiful and popular colors to meet your handmade needs. You'll get 1 sheets of each color, including:Pink, Light Yellow, Bright Red, Light Green, Light Blue, Lavender, Golden, Lake Blue, Light Olive, Light Gray, Black, Crimson, Wine Red, Forest Green, Royal Blue, Lemon Yellow, Parrot Green, Hot Pink, White, Fluorescent Green, Fluorescent Yellow, Hot Pink, Silver Gray, Wine Red, Scarlet, Fluorescent Orange, Lilac, Orange, Light Green, Fluorescent Vermilion, Lake Blue, and so on.
- 【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.
#1 Best Overall
TUXIYA 100 Sheets 8.5" X 11" Colored Cardstock, 50 Colors Card Stock
- 【Colorful Cardstock】：Our construction paper assorted colors 100 Sheets contains 50 beautiful and popular colors to meet your handmade needs. You'll get 2 sheets of each color, including:Pink, Light Yellow, Bright Red, Light Green, Light Blue, Lavender, Golden, Lake Blue, Light Olive, Light Gray, Black, Crimson, Wine Red, Forest Green, Royal Blue, Lemon Yellow, Parrot Green, Hot Pink, White, Fluorescent Green, Fluorescent Yellow, Hot Pink, Silver Gray, Wine Red, Scarlet, Fluorescent Orange, Lilac, Orange, Light Green, Fluorescent Vermilion, Lake Blue, and so on.
- 【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.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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