How to Make Your Own Mardi Gras Masks

Each year millions of people celebrate Mardi Gras prior to Ash Wednesday.

Those celebrating in cities such as New Orleans or Rio de Janeiro can be seen wearing elaborately decorated masks.

The following will show you how to make your own Mardi Gras masks for your own festivities.

Items you’ll need include:

* Plain white masks which can be found at party stores. You can also purchase pre-made masks and decorate them
* Feathers in various sizes and colors
* 12-inch dowel rods – one for each mask being made – or 2 pieces of ribbon per mask to hold it on
* Paint – traditional Mardi Gras colors are purple, gold and green but you can use any colors you like
* Sequins
* Glitter
* Craft glue

Decide which type of mask you’ll make. You can use the dowel rod to make a mask on a stick or add ribbon to the ends to hold the mask on.

Creating the mask with the stick will require you to hold the mask to your face but it is the more traditional type. Attaching ribbon will allow you to have both hands free.

What does a Mardi Gras mask look like? You can find examples on the internet, television or costume books at the library. The mask doesn’t have to be simple.

Make it as elaborate as you want. Cat’s eyes, hearts, stars and more are all acceptable.

The colors associated with Mardi Gras are green (for faith), gold (for power) and purple (for justice). You can choose one of these colors for the base of the mask but it isn’t necessary.

Choose the colors you like best. Paint the mask and allow it to dry completely before you begin decorating it.

If you’d like to make the mask more stable and more elaborate, you may want to cover it with rich fabrics such as velvet, damask or lace.

Let your inner artist out so your Mardi Gras mask is an extension of your personality.

Glue feathers, beaded ribbons, sequins or glitter to the mask until you’re satisfied with how it looks.

Be aware, however, that you want to ensure whatever is used to decorate the mask will not come off and get into your eyes.

Sew sequins to the outer edge of the mask to give it a finished look.

Once your mask is complete you’ll want to attach either the dowel rod or the ribbons. If you’re using the dowel rod, paint it the same color as the mask.

Add ribbons which have beads on them to the area where you attach the dowel to the mask. Those attaching the ribbons to tie the mask on may want to sew them on, hot glue or staple them.

Whichever method you use to attach the ribbons, you’ll want to be sure the ribbons are secure and will not injure you.

After you learn how to make your own Mardi Gras masks, you may want to make more than one.

Create several or ask friends to come over and make their own. You will then be prepared to celebrate Mardi Gras in style.

There are lots of creative and fun craft ideas for the whole family in our main section here, so just check out Arts and Crafts for Kids.

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