Mask-Making Madness!

How to Make a Fun Fabric Mask

By Molly J. Anderson-Childers

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Fun Fabric Mask

The second project, a Fun Fabric Mask, is a little more difficult, because the materials and technique used to create it are a little different. Regular glue will not usually work on fabric, so a hot glue gun may be needed for this project. I recommend testing the glue first on a scrap piece of fabric, to make sure it will work. Feel free to experiment with different glues and fabrics — I’d love to hear about your mistakes, missteps, and creative triumphs. If you need help managing a hot glue gun safely (12 and under), please ask an adult, your older brother or sister, or a teacher for assistance.

Ingredients for a Fun Fabric Mask

• 1 piece of fabric, 10”x10”
• 2 8-inch ribbons
• 1 Pair of Scissors
• Fabric glue or 1 Hot Glue Gun and some glue sticks.

• Just for fun: Fabric paint, buttons, patches, iron-on letters and decals, sequins, bric-a-brac, lace, tiny toys or dolls.

Fabric Mask-Making Instructions

Selecting the right fabric is important. Thick, durable fabrics that will not fray or ravel will work best. Felt, fleece, and flannel all work well, as does fake fur. Experiment and find the right one for you!

1. Trace the shape of your mask on the fabric with a dotted line. Use a fabric pen, or try a felt-tipped marker.
   
   
2. Then, cut it out carefully. Hold it up to your face. Place a dot on either side of the eye-holes, then cut two slits, one in each side of the mask, for the ribbons that will hold the mask in place.
   
   
3. Double over a piece of ribbon, then push the loop through the slit in the fabric. Pull the loose ends through the looped ribbon to attach it firmly to the mask. Ask a friend to help you try it on! If you cannot see well, try cutting out larger holes around the eyes.
   
   
4. CAUTION: If using a hot glue fun, be careful! The glue can burn you, and may melt fabric or plastic.
   
   Always ask an adult for help! Load the gun with a glue stick. Allow it to warm up for a few minutes in an area covered with newspaper or an old sheet. Carefully, squeeze the trigger and squirt the melted glue onto the fabric. Without touching the glue, sprinkle on beads, buttons, or other decorations. Allow to dry for at least one hour before you wear it. If using fabric glue, decorate wildly, and allow to dry overnight.

Bonus: Creative Writing Corner!

Masks can be an interesting subject for a story, poem, or essay. Why do we wear masks? What makes them so appealing, so mysterious? Today, brainstorm different words and images you associate with masks; re-arrange them, add new things, and when you put it all together you may find some interesting ideas for your next writing project. •

© 2006 Molly J. Anderson-Childers. All rights reserved.

About the Author | More by Molly Anderson-Childers
Molly J. Anderson-Childers is a wildly creative soul living in Durango, CO. She is a writer, artist, and creative arts instructor. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Fort Lewis College with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, and successfully completed their Elementary Teacher Education Program. Her work has appeared in various publications, including The Durango Telegraph, Southwest Colorado Arts Perspective, Images, Voice Be Heard, The Four Corners Business Journal and On the Wings of Poetry. To contact Ms. Childers, please email her at: stealingplums[at]yahoo.com or send a snail mail to P.O. Box 4281, Durango, CO 81302-4281.

02/02/06