Mardi Gras Masks

Mardi Gras Masks

Age: Preschool through elementary
Time: An afternoon
Type of activity: Arts and Crafts

Before the party, spend an afternoon -- or two -- making enough masks for all your Mardi Gras revelers. Or get everyone in on the fun: Keep these supplies on hand for kids to make their own masks to take home.

Materials needed:
· Different colored paints
· Glitter
· Popsicle stick (one for each mask)
· Construction paper
· Glue
· Scissors
· Feathers, pom-poms, beads, glitter, and other decorative materials

What to do:

Step One: Holding the construction paper horizontally, trace and cut out a long "figure eight." This is the shape of the mask.

Step Two: Trace and cut out two eyeholes.

Step Three: Now your child can start decorating her mask. Encourage her to be as creative as she can, using paint, feathers, etc.

Step Four: Set the mask aside to dry and paint the popsicle stick.

Step Five: When the paint is dry, glue the stick to the edge of the mask. This is the handle.

Now it's party time! Serve up some gumbo, jambalaya, and cornbread.

Don't forget to decorate! The traditional Mardi Gras colors represent justice (purple), faith (green), and power (gold). Use streamers, balloons, and confetti in these colors to create a carnival atmosphere.

Make room for fun and games. Hold a miniature float competition, with prizes for the winning float. Play a game of "Pass the Baby." Play some festive music and let the good times roll!