Some Easy Mardi Gras Crafts for Your
Kids
Have fun with your children making Mardi Gras
masks
Mardi Gras is celebrating every year, usually in February. It is also known as
Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday. Everyone involved in these Carnival celebrations dresses up and masks are
commonplace amongst the riot of color.
Even if you are unable to attend one of the festivities you can bring a little of
the festive spirit into your home by making one of the following with your children.
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| Children can be very creative when making eye
masks, so let them express their creativity with colours and
shapes. |
Mardi Gras Eye Mask
This mask can be easily made at home and decorated with whatever you have to hand.
You don’t have to keep it for Mardi Gras; it can be used
anytime of the year! To make a Mardi Gras Eye Mask you will need to follow these steps:
- Locate a mask template on the internet or invent your own. Draw this onto
some construction paper.
- Next, cut the mask shape out and then use this template to create a matching
mask using a paper plate. It is a good idea to cut out some eye holes as well!
- Glue the two mask shapes together.
- Now find a chopstick or something similar and glue this to the back of your
mask template; this will give you something to hold the mask with.
- Now decorate! You can keep it simple or cover the entire mask. It is a
reflection of you so there is no right or wrong amount of decoration.
King’s Crown
King's Crown masks can come in all kinds of shapes and sizes; just let your child's
imagination roam free |
Many younger children are wary of masks and may prefer a crown; so that they can
feel like royalty. Again, these can be made in any color and shape.
Simply follow these instructions when making King's Crown mask:
- You will need some poster board, preferably six inches tall.
- Wrap this around your child’s head and cut to fit – allowing a slight
overlap.
- Next, cut a zig zag shape in the top of the crown; this should be about two
inches deep. You may find it easier to draw this first.
- Keeping the crown flat, allow your child to decorate the crown with anything
and everything they want. The more colours and stuff, the merrier. This can be messy but fun!
- Finally, recheck the size of the crown to your child’s head and staple it
together. Now sit back and watch the fun!
Jester’s Hat
A jester’s hat may be the ultimate fun party
hat. A jester is always ready for a good time and your child will
probably enjoy being the court jester! You will need to follow this guide:
- Find or buy a four inch wide foam sheet
- Measure this around your child’s head and then cut. Don’t forget to allow a
small overlap.
- Using two or three different color foam sheets draw and cut five triangles of
equal sizes. These will form the top of the hat.
- Glue the triangles you have just cut to one side of the foam; this will be
the inside of the hat. The majority of the triangle should be visible above the hat.
- Using hot glue attach some plastic coins, or similar, to the tops of the
triangles and in several places around the head band.
- Check the size of your child’s head and glue in the right place. Now let the
jokes begin!
Mardi Gras Beads
Necklaces are common at any Mardi Gras celebration and you can make your own
following these steps:
- You will need some jute cord, cut to necklace length; the exact size will be
a personal preference.
- Tie the first bead to the string and then allow your child to put more beads
on until the string is full.
- Tie the two ends together and admire your child’s handiwork.
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A glue gun, pair of
scissors and some cardboard is usually all you need
to start having fun with making eye
masks. |
Alternate Felt Mardi Gras mask
Masquerade masks can be made from many
materials and felt can be a good option for children. This is
because it is much harder to break or damage than paper or card. A felt mask can be made as follows:
- Cut one sheet of felt in half. Then take one of the halves and fold it in
half.
- Now cut one side of the mask out of the felt, making sure you do not cut the
fold.
- Open up your felt and you should have a symmetrical mask shape.
- Cut the eye holes and then decorate the mask. Scrapbook paper can be a good
choice for this. The decorations should be glued to the mask.
- Glue one straw on the left and one on the right to allow you to hold the mask
with either hand.
- Enjoy!
Masks and hats can be a great way for children to express themselves and to have a little fun whilst doing so.
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