Mardi Gras Mask Paper Plate Craft

By Angela Sellari

This year Mardi Gras falls on February 12, 2013. That’s tomorrow! I was inspired to make masks for the kids, after making some grown up Mardi Gras Masks last week. I love doing paper plate craft projects with my grandchildren, and with a paper plate and some basic craft supplies you and your child can make some very festive masks to celebrate Mardi Gras.

To make a Mardi Gras mask you can use whatever craft supplies you have on hand, and of course a paper plate. If you don’t have any feathers, use artificial flowers or ribbon instead. Listed below are the supplies that I used.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

Paper Plate
wooden skewer, dowel, chop stick or sturdy straw ( I used a skewer with the sharp ends snipped off.)
craft paint and brushes
glitter glue pens
stick on gems
feathers
scissors
craft glue and hot glue gun

1. Cut the paper plate in half. Then cut out holes for the eyes and a diamond shape into the top.

2. Paint with craft paint and allow to dry.

3. Paint with glitter glue and allow to dry.

4. Embellish with gems, feathers, ribbon, or flowers.

5. Paint the dowel or stick and allow to dry. Glue stick onto the back side of the mask.

Fun Facts about Mardi Gras

The name Mardi Gras (which is in French) means Fat Tuesday, a day of feasting before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Some say the term means the over-indulgences of the day.

The first known Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans took place in 1837.

Mardi Gras is also celebrated in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, Bolivia, Caribbean Islands, Alabama, Texas, Venice Italy, Spain, and Germany.

The Mardi Gras colors are green, purple, and gold.