We utilize cardboard boxes originally used for transporting fruit, cut off unneccassy portions until we have a piece of cardboard with three adjoining flaps, then tape the left and right flaps together to form the basis of the mask. We work as a group, and follow this method that requires only one piece of cardboard per mask, thereby wasting little material, and because the work is simple and repetitive, we can accomplish the task simply and efficiently.

  Once the mask base is formed, we start using paper mache to cover its surface. We tear newspapers into small pieces, apply an adhesive mix (adhesive paste, white glue, and water) to the pieces, layer them onto the cardboard carefully, then, once completely covered, lay the masks in a cool dark place to dry, out of reach of direct sunlight.

  After the paper mache has completely dried, we apply a layer a white paint to serve as a base. Similar to the idea of ladies applying makeup, a base must be well applied in order to achieve a beautiful look. When applying paint, do not forget to paint the inside of the mask as well the exterior surface in order to enhance its firmness. After applying the paint, let it dry thoroughly.

  After the first layer of paint has dried, we draw outlines on the masks each according to our own designs. Next, we apply poster paint to bring out the vivid colors and patterns of our designs, we use colors boldly but work very carefully.

  While we wait for the masks to dry, we gather straw from nearby farms to make lions’ manes for the masks. We gather bunches of straw, bind and tape it together on one end, and snip the other end with scissors to make it bristly. There are bunches of longer manes and shorter ones, we tie on the shorter ones in holes punched through the back of the mask, and the longer ones through holes punched on the sides, at this stage, the masks are almost complete.

  The last step is to make decorations that can further enliven the masks, we use bowties, ribbons, sequins, buttons etc. to decorate the masks, straws for shoulder emblems, crinkled paper for extra ornaments.

  You-cheng Wu: Out of the entire process of making masks, I was most impressed with making manes. After we colored our masks, Wan-ping and the rest of us decided to use straw for the manes. Our janitor brought my classmates and I to gather straw from a farm that belongs to the family of a student, we brought the straw back in a car, and left it in the garage to dry. Wet straws molds easily, which makes it unusable. After the straw had dried out for a week, we bound them together to makes the manes and then trimmed them, it was a lot like cutting hair, something I found very interesting.

  Chuang-jian Cheng: In general, I dislike drawing and art class very much, but this lion mask making experience allowed me to shake off my dislikes and fears. I enjoyed working with everyone else, solving problems together and helping each other. I am now unafraid of the work. I would like to thank Wan-ping, Taiyang and Dali, it’s all because you came to teach us lion mask making that I am now unafraid of drawing and art class.

  Hsiang-ping Tseng: I like to draw and make things, and especially love this project of making lion masks. We use discarded materials that are easy to come by and environmentally friendly, a good thing all round. Out of the entire production process, I liked outlining and coloring best. I can be as different as I want from others in my outlines, and use the colors that I like when painting the mask. It’s my favorite part of the project.