Mardi Gras is one of the most vibrant celebrations in the world — full of color, sparkle, feathers, music, dancing, and creative costumes. It’s a festival that invites people to express themselves boldly and celebrate joy with the entire community. And what’s the most iconic part of Mardi Gras?
The masks! 🎭✨
Making masks is a wonderful creative activity for children, and today we’re creating DIY Mardi Gras masks inspired by this legendary celebration. With simple craft supplies and imagination, kids can design their own festive masks filled with feathers, jewels, glitter, and bright colors.
Whether you’re preparing for a school celebration, a themed party, or simply exploring world cultures at home, this craft brings a little piece of New Orleans magic right to your table
🎉 What is Mardi Gras? (Kid-Friendly Explanation)
Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday,” and it marks the final day before the start of Lent, a time traditionally associated with fasting in many cultures. This is why people celebrate Mardi Gras with:
- Colorful parades
- Masked balls
- Festive street music
- Delicious food
- Bright costumes
- Glittering masks
But the celebration isn’t just for grown-ups — kids love the playful masks, colors, feathers, and sparkling decorations that symbolize the joy and excitement of Mardi Gras.
🌟 Quick fun facts for kids
- Mardi Gras is also called Carnival in many countries.
- Common festival colors are purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power).
- Masks were once worn so that people from all backgrounds could celebrate together without being recognized.
This makes the mask craft not only fun, but a lovely cultural lesson too!
✂️ Supplies You’ll Need
Most of these materials are likely already in your craft box:
- White cardstock or printable mask template
- Colored markers or crayons
- Decorative feathers
- Jewel stickers or sequins
- Craft glue
- Scissors
- String or elastic cord
- Optional: glitter glue, foam stickers, pom-poms, beads
Encourage kids to choose vibrant colors and shiny materials — Mardi Gras style is all about bold expression!
🎭 How to Make a DIY Mardi Gras Mask (Step-by-Step)
✅ Step 1: Prepare Your Mask Base
Print or draw a mask shape on cardstock.
You may choose:
- Butterfly-shaped mask
- Classic oval carnival mask
- Cat-eye style mask
Thicker paper helps the mask hold its shape.
Pro tip: For younger kids, pre-cut the mask shape or lightly outline the cutting lines.
✅ Step 2: Cut Out the Mask
Carefully cut around the mask outline.
Then cut out the eye holes — adult help may be needed here.
You can also punch tiny holes on both sides for attaching elastic later.
✅ Step 3: Add Base Colors
Before sticking anything, color the mask using:
- Markers
- Crayons
- Glitter pens
- Metallic paint pens
Classic Mardi Gras colors are purple, green, and gold — but kids are free to use any palette they like. Creativity is the rule
✅ Step 4: Add Jewels & Decorative Details
Now the fun part — decorations!
Stick jewel stickers, sequins, foam shapes, or stars along the edges or around the eyes.
Kids can create:
- Patterns
- Symmetry designs
- Glitter borders
- Golden outlines
Encourage kids to experiment — every mask can look like a masterpiece!
✅ Step 5: Add Feathers
Attach feathers on one side or both sides of the mask.
Feathers add drama and flair — just like the real parade masks in Carnival celebrations!
Make sure not to cover the eye holes and secure feathers with glue.
✅ Step 6: Attach the String
Use elastic cord or string to allow kids to wear their creation.
Alternatively, tape a wooden craft stick to one side to make a handheld mask — just like fancy masquerade parties!
✅ Step 7: Let It Dry — Then Celebrate!
Once dry, kids can put on their masks and host their own mini Mardi Gras parade at home or in the classroom. Play festive music, dance, and celebrate creativity!
💡 Optional Extensions for Learning & Play
Make the activity even more meaningful by adding:
🎭 Cultural Learning
Discuss Carnival celebrations around the world:
- New Orleans – Mardi Gras
- Brazil – Rio Carnival
- Venice – Venetian mask tradition
- Caribbean Carnival traditions
🎨 Creative Challenges
- Mask-making contest
- Best color theme award
- Storytelling activity — “Who is the character behind the mask?”
📚 Literature Tie-ins
Read kid-friendly stories about celebrations, costumes, or festivals.
📸 Display Time
Create a “Mask Gallery Wall” to showcase everyone’s creations.
This encourages pride, confidence, and shared celebration.
🌟 Why This Craft is Great for Kids
| Skill | Benefit |
| Creativity | Freedom to design & decorate |
| Fine motor skills | Cutting, gluing, arranging shapes |
| Cultural awareness | Learning about world celebrations |
| Self-expression | Making a mask with personal style |
| Confidence | Wearing their own handmade creation 🎭 |
Plus — it’s a fun way to add art and celebration into everyday learning!
🎊 Final Thoughts
Mardi Gras isn’t just a party — it’s a vibrant mix of culture, history, fantasy, and joy.
This mask craft gives children a chance to:
✨ Explore traditions
✨ Use exciting materials
✨ Build imagination
✨ Celebrate creativity
By creating their own Mardi Gras masks, kids experience art in a joyful, confident, and colorful way.
So gather your craft supplies, turn up some lively music, and let kids shine — Mardi Gras style! 🎶🎭🎉
🔑 Focus Keyword
DIY Mardi Gras masks for kids
🏷️ Suggested Tags
- Mardi Gras crafts for kids
- DIY carnival masks
- Preschool mask craft ideas
- Classroom festival activities
- Paper mask craft
- Kids celebration crafts