Making costumes for Halloween is the
fun leading up to the big day. These masks are easy to make with
foamie sheets or poster board. With a little creativity, glue and
miscellaneous bits and pieces a very original mask can be made that
guarantees the wearer will be one of a kind.
Print out our free PDF template for your
mask found here. Trace it onto the foam sheet. If using a black foam craft
sheet a piece chalk works great for tracing.
Cut out the mask and mark it for a
stick, ribbon or elastic.
For a stick punch two holes in one side
of the mask. Decide if the mask is being created for a left or right
handed person and punch holes to accommodate the hand that will hold
the mask.
For ribbon cut two pieces long enough
to go around the head with extra to tie. Tie a bow or knot in one
end of each piece. Thread the untied end through the mask so the bow
shows on the front. The ribbon in then tied behind the head to hold
in place.
Elastic cord is done like the ribbon
with a knot at the front. Measure the head and then subtract an inch
or two, so the elastic cord is semi-stretched when on the wearer. If
the cord is thin use a needle to run it through the mask instead of
punching a hole.
To use a stick decorate the stick with
paper or feathers to make a fancy end. This one is done with paper
cut and then curled and taped to the end of the stick.
Once the end is decorated the whole
stick is wrapped in ribbon. Glue helps keep the ribbon in place.
Other ideas and hints
- For a room mother or scout leader the masks can be printed out on card stock and then each child can decorate their own.
- For ready to wear masks decorate the mask in a photo or graphic program on the computer and then print on card stock.
- To cut out multiple masks at one time clamp the foam craft sheets together with bag clips, large paper clamp clip or clothes pins and cut with a craft or utility knife.
- A regular paper punch works on the foam sheets but they can catch so remove the punch carefully.
