Carnival is already in full swing and fancy-dress parties will soon start to take place in many kindergartens and schools. I’m sure you can buy a special costume for this occasion, especially now that there are lots of them available in stores. If this is the case though, we are unfortunately doomed to a certain routine and a complete lack of surprise. And this is not what a fancy-dress party is about, is it? Last year, in my daughter’s kindergarten, all the girls were dressed as either princesses or Elsa from ‘Frozen’. Just imagine ten almost identical princesses… I’ve got nothing against Disney, mind you, but I wish parents were more creative – there’s really not much to it. So, let’s make our own carnival mask!
WE WILL NEED:
- Coloured paper
- Pencil and eraser
- Pocketknife
- Scissors
- Glue
- Sequins, stickers
- White pencil
- Elastic or ribbon
- Cat mask template, if needed
Step 1
If you’ve decided to make a cat mask, to make it easier, sketch or print the template I prepared especially for you! The template will be quite similar for any other pet and only small modifications will be needed, e.g. ears, nose or eye shape. So, if a cat’s outfit is not what your child is dreaming of, you can use this template anyway. Cut the template, trace it on the coloured paper with a pencil and cut it out. I’ve chosen paper of a higher grammage, because the mask will have holes for the elastic; it’s better to be safe than sorry and prevent it from tearing first chance it gets. Cut out all the additional decorative elements; in our case these were the triangles for ears, nose and ornaments around the eye holes.
Step 2
Glue on the nose, ears and ornaments around the rims of the eye holes. Draw the whiskers. Cut the mask on the sides and at the top, then glue the edges so as to create a three-dimensional shape of the cat’s muzzle. Use scissors to make small holes on each side of the mask. Thread the elastic through on one side and knot it. Repeat this on the other side. Decorate the mask with beads, sequins and trinkets of all kinds, according to your preference. I have to admit that all shiny elements look attractive and quite carnival-like on a black background. So if you’ve made up your mind, be sure to decorate it with something glittery.
Step 3
Put on your costume and go to the ball in a great mood and an absolutely unique mask!!!
