Project
Make a Mardi Gras mask
Instructions
- Choose mask base: Cardboard, plastic, metal, construction paper, etc
- Cut base to cover the face or eyes
- Cut eyeholes and holes for nose and/or mouth
- Punch tiny holes in each side and attach string or wire (to hold mask in place)
- Decorate mask
Customization
Mask Base:
- The mask base can be made of just about anything you don't mind wearing over your face. Paper may not last and metal might be difficult, but cardboard is a good, sturdy choice.
- The shape of the mask base is limited only by your creativity. You can cut an oval to cover your face or a bar to cover your eyes, or you can make another shape, such as a house, an animal, or a tree.
- Holes for eyes, nose, and mouth can be different shapes - stars, hearts, slits, etc.
There are a million different ways to decorate a Mardi Gras mask. Here are just a few ideas for materials:
- Crayons, colored pencils, chalk, charcoal, markers, paint
- Beads
- Embroidery
- Fabric
- Fake jewels
- Feathers
- Flowers
- Glitter
- Lace
- Ribbons
- Sequins
- Stickers
- String, yarn
- Tissue paper
- Wax
Mardi Gras Links
- French Mardi Gras Vocabulary
- Carnaval in Nice, France (photos)
- Mardi Gras crafts
- Mardi Gras Indians
- Mardi Gras jewelry and accessories
- Mardi Gras party ideas
- Mardi Gras recipes
Notes
Making a Mardi Gras mask is a fun way for students of all ages and levels to express their creativity, and it results in a beautiful keepsake. Some teachers choose to have the masks on display and even to give awards for the best masks - prettiest, most creative, etc.
If you have any comments or questions about making Mardi Gras masks, please share them on the Profs de français forum.
