When layering pieces, rotate, or change the direction of the cardboard so internal rows go in different directions - this makes the final layered piece stronger.

Can use the faint lines of the internal rows as guidelines for straight cutting.

It is easy to cut only halfway through the cardboard with the x-acto knife - creating a sharp bend in your construction.

To make corrugated cardboard curve make multiple parallel 1/2-deep cuts and then flex the cardboard along each cut to make the curve flexible.

To make more complex curved pieces take double corrugated cardboard and make parallel

The cardboard can be bent numerous ways. With the help of someone holding the bent/twisted piece in place secure the form by applying brown paper tape in stress. Then bend areas to glue the shape into place.

(May need to take some pie shaped slices out of some places to make the piece bend better).

Can "slot" cardboard easily - cut a slot the width of the cardboard to accept the other piece and make a tight fit.

Cardboard can usually be gotten for free from appliance stores. I keep a linoleum cutting knife in my van. When I've got some spare time I go to the appliance store and "harvest" refrigerator and other appliance boxes.

You can make 1/2 deep cuts in decorative shapes and then tear off the top layer revealing the zig-zag interior.

To Construct The Mask

I started with the face interior piece and worked outward attaching pieces.

I used 2 types of hinge techniques - strong fabric sandwiches between cardboard pieces and sisal cord tied between 2 pieces - tie loosely enough so piece has freedom to move up and down smoothly.

I added a 3rd face layer behind all the center face pieces for several reasons:

1. It added strength to support the weight of the long side beak/serpent pieces.
2. By adding some extra width to the back face piece it created a stop for the hinged pieces when they were swung open - the hinged side, and top pieces couldn't swing around to the back of the mask.

The top head piece was double layered. This helped when puncturing the top with holes to stick the feathers in. I didn't worry about puncturing through to ruin the painting on the interior side.

It took me 2 1/2 days to make this. With guidance and demos, I would guess a High School student could make it in a 2 week period (1 class/day) especially if they worked out their shapes and designs on paper before.

Back of Mask

I made a cardboard roll (parallel 1/2 deep cuts) that I slotted on the top.

Maintain the hollow tube integrity for the whole length of the tube - this allows it to be placed on a pole stand for display purposes.

The tube was narrow enough that the eyes on the face mask ended up on opposite sides of the tube. (I got lucky!).

The tube is strong - it supports the weight of cords attached to it to manipulate the moveable pieces.