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How to Make an Over-Sized Mardi Gras Mask

Mardi Gras, or "Fat Tuesday," is a celebration on the day before the beginning of the Christian penitential season of fasting, called Lent. Mardi Gras and the tradition of celebrating with masked balls was brought to the U.S. by French explorers in the 1700s. Elaborate balls are still held across the country -- most famously in New Orleans. Over-sized Mardi Gras masks are a fun, easy craft for you to make at home with simple materials. Teach your children about the history of the celebration while you craft and decorate your masks.

Things You'll Need

  • Cardboard
  • Scissors
  • Markers
  • Glitter
  • Sequins
  • Feathers
  • Wooden dowel
  • Hot glue gun
  • Tinfoil
  • Newspaper
  • Flour
  • Elastic
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Instructions

  1. Cardboard

    • 1

      Trace the outline of your mask onto a piece of heavy duty, white cardboard. The traditional Mardi Gras mask has a cat-eye shape, but you can make your over-sized mask in whatever style you choose.

    • 2

      Cut out the mask with scissors. Don't forget to cut eye holes.

    • 3

      Cover your workspace with newspaper. Decorate the mask with paint, glitter, feathers and sequins.

    • 4

      Attach a wooden dowel to the side of the mask with a hot glue gun.

    Papier Mache

    • 5

      Mold an over-sized, three dimensional face -- human or animal -- out of tinfoil. Place the mold over a bowl.

    • 6

      Mix together one part flour with two parts water. This will be the "glue" for your papier mache.

    • 7

      Tear long strips of newspaper. Dip the strips in the flour and water glue and lay gently over the tinfoil mold. Place one or two layers of overlapping strips and allow to dry for 24 hours.

    • 8

      Decorate the mask with paint, glitter, feathers and sequins. The traditional colors for Mardi Gras are purple, yellow and green.

    • 9

      Punch holes on either side of the mask and string elastic between them to wear the mask.

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