From Laura K. Lawless,
Your Guide to French Language.
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Mardi Gras, which means "fat Tuesday" in French, is celebrated in many francophone regions. Mardi Gras masks are a traditional part of this annual celebration, and making them is an interesting and very creative project for all ages. These basic instructions and tips can be followed by anyone going to a Mardi Gras party or just wanting to share in the fun.

 
Project

Make a Mardi Gras mask.


Instructions

1. Choose mask base: Cardboard, plastic, metal, construction paper, etc
    
2. Cut base to cover the face or eyes
    
3. Cut eyeholes and holes for nose and/or mouth
    
4. Punch tiny holes in each side and attach string or wire (to hold mask in place)
    
5. Decorate mask

Customization

Mask Base:

1. 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.
    
2. 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.
    
3. Holes for eyes, nose, and mouth can be different shapes - stars, hearts, slits, etc.

Decorations:

There are a million different ways to decorate a Mardi Gras mask. Here are just a few ideas for materials:

• Crayons, colored pencils, chalk, markers, paint
• Beads
• Fabric
• Fake jewels
• Feathers
• Flowers
• Glitter
• Lace
• Ribbons
• Sequins
• Stickers
• String, yarn
• Tissue paper

Mardi Gras Links

• French Mardi Gras Vocabulary
   
• 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.