Mask-Making Madness!

The Five Minute Muse’s Quick Crafts 4 Kidz

By Molly J. Anderson-Childers

Hey, kids! Welcome to the Creativity Portal Playground and my new article series just for kids. Each month, I’ll give you fun new ideas for art and creative writing projects. If you have questions, ideas, or suggestions you can always email me, The Five Minute Muse, at stealingplums@yahoo.com to let me know what you think.

Let’s get started! First, I have an easy mask-making project. More difficult projects designed for older kids will be included later in the article. Toddlers can do this with a parent; elementary-school aged children without supervision. To make a paper mask for your next costume party or celebration, you will need some supplies.

P.S. You can learn how to make a more intermediate plaster mask in this creative mask making project by Violette.

Ingredients for a Perfect Paper Mask

1 sturdy paper plate
1 pair of scissors
Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
1 hole-punch
2 8-inch pieces of ribbon or yarn
1 Glue stick

Just for fun: stickers, feathers, glitter, sequins, buttons, cut-out shapes and animals, photos, paint, rice, beans, noodles and other fun dried foods, beads, or anything else you can get your hands on…. Let your imagination run wild!

Paper Mask-Making Instructions

Trace the outline of your mask on the paper plate and cut it out.
Mark a small "x" on the outer edge of the mask, one on each side, about an inch from the eye-holes, then punch out holes with the hole-punch.
Double over a piece of ribbon and put the looped end through one hole, then pull the loose ends through the loop. Repeat on the other side, then ask a friend to help you tie the ribbons in back to hold your mask in place. Check to see if it is comfortable. And for your own safety, please make sure you can see well through the eye-holes — if not, enlarge then by cutting around the edge until you can get a better view!
Now, you can decorate your mask! Begin by outlining the edge of the mask and the eye-holes with a marker, crayon or colored pencil. Color in or paint the face to match your costume, then go wild with sequins, feathers, stickers and glitter — make it uniquely your own!

Since Valentine’s Day is coming up, you may want to experiment with animal masks made using heart shapes. It’s easy to make your favorite bird or animal with heart-shaped faces, eyes, ears, and noses. To give you an example, I designed this Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Mouse Mask (pictured above) — perfect for a Valentine’s Day costume party!

Speaking of parties… For your next special occasion, birthday, or holiday, invite your friends to a mask-making masquerade. They can arrive in costume, then make a mask to wear during the party! Ask everyone to bring a special ingredient like fake fur, glitter, or stickers…you’re sure to have a ball!

Next: Fun Fabric Mask Project »

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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

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