Mardi Gras is here and if you’re planning to celebrate but maybe left some of the details until the last minute we have a DIY for you!
You don’t want to show up to Mardi Gras without a mask, so I’m going to show you how to make one. It’s really simple and you can do it in no time.
But before I do I thought I did some research, as I do and I thought I would share with you a little bit about how the Mardis Gras mask came to be.
The customs surrounding Mardi Gras are fascinating and fun, and one of the most recognizable symbols of this celebration are of course the Mardi Gras masks. The practice of masking dates back to the European celebration of Carnival, and some think it has its roots much farther back in the celebration customs of pagan Rome. Mardi Gras masks lend an air of mystery and magic to the revelry. One of the main advantages of masking for Mardi Gras parades and parties is that one’s identity is concealed. Ordinary societal expectations are suspended, and one can behave in ways he or she normally would not. Appropriately, the masks themselves have a life and a history all their own. Wearing a mask is not only fun and keeps up with the illusion and mystery. It also signals to the float riders that you are worthy of beads.
Here is how you can get started …
You Will Need:
- Plastic masks (plain or paper plates)
- Jewel embellishments (aka bling)
- Feathers
- Glue
- Skewers
- Scissors
- Ribbon
- Hot glue
- Paint (acrylic craft paint)
- Paint brush
How-To:
- If you have a mask…go straight to step 2. If you need to make your mask from a paper plate, fold the plate in half and follow these directions as shown in the picture.
- Paint the mask any color you would like. The popular Mardi Gras colors are green, aqua, purple, yellow and gold.
- Take any embellishments that you would like and glue them on to the mask. You can use hot glue or if the bling has self-adhesive on the back, just remove backing and set in place.
- Take any feathers and hot glue them to the back side (or skin side) of the mask.
- Take ribbon and attach two pieces to either side of the mask (if you want to tie it on).
- If you would like to use a handle, glue two inches of the skewer on to the back side of the mask.
- Take ribbon and wrap the skewer with the ribbon, all the way down. You can tie off and let the ribbon legs hang.
Voila! Put up the mask to your face and enjoy!
How do you celebrate Mardi Gras? Share with us in the comments below and remember we want to see your DIY’s on Instagram and Twitter so make sure you follow @paigehemmis & hashtag #DIYholidays #DIYplay
If you missed the episode check it out by heading over to Home & Family!
XOXO,
Paige