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No Sew Mardi Gras Masks

diy-no-sew-mardi-gras-masksThe biggest party of the year is coming up in just a few weeks. I’m talking about Mardi Gras, of course! Whether you’re celebrating in New Orleans or at home, you’ll want to whip up a few of these Mardi Gras masks. Especially when you see how easy they are to make AND don’t involve any sewing!

mardi-gras-mask-templatesTo begin the mask making process, download my mask template. It comes with the two mask styles shown above. They are scaled-to-fit and can easily be altered for other design styles.

Once you have printed the masks and cut them out, cut rectangles of fabric slightly larger than the masks. I am using decorative polyester materials (I refer to them non-technically as fakey satins) for the front of the masks and felt for the back. My fabrics came straight from the remnants section of my local craft store. That really helps keeps the cost down, especially for projects like this that do not require a lot of material.

fusible-webbingNow comes the magic part of the tutorial… You will need a thick two-sided fusible interface to place between the fabric on the front of the mask and the felt on the back. This will prevent our project from needing any sewing. Cut pieces of the interface just a touch smaller than the rectangles of fabric. Layer the felt, face down on your surface, then the interface, then the fabric, face up. Follow the directions on the back of the interface package for ironing the pieces together. As an extra precaution, I placed an extra piece of scrap fabric between what I was ironing and the iron itself.

template-mardi-gras-maskPin or clip the mask template to the top of the fabric that has now been fused to the felt. Cut out the shape of the mask. I used pinking shears to help prevent the fabric from fraying. I also love the look it gives the mask!

Trace the eye holes on the felt side of the mask. If you’re using black felt then a piece of chalk will work great, otherwise just use a disappearing ink pen. Carefully cut out the eye holes using a pair of precision scissors.

I applied Fray Check to the cut edges to further ensure none of them would fray in the future.

staining-dowel-rods
I keep a package of small dowel rods on hand in my craft stash. You just never know when you might need them! And they are the perfect handles for the Mardi Gras masks.

To dress them up you can paint or stain them. I have a great trick to use distress ink to stain small wood projects. Here I used black distress ink on a couple of the dowels (only one shown). I ended up painting the third with gold glitter paint.

masquerade-maskWrap one end of the dowel rod with extra felt, gluing it in place. Then glue the felt to the back of the mask.

The fusible interface between the fabric makes the masks stiff enough to stand up and not flap around when being used.

feathersNow comes the really fun part! Its time to decorate the masks! I used an assortment of ribbon, feathers, and brooches.

diy-masquerade-maskDecorate as you see fit! I love the brooch centered on the front of this mask with the feathers standing up behind it. I also wrapped the handle with silver ribbon for an extra decorative look. How you choose to decorate is completely up to you! All pieces were simply glued on to the mask.

mardi-gras-masks
Aren’t these fun? Perfect for a Mardi Gras themed party or even a masquerade ball. I’m thinking of photo booth fun, too!

 

Tatertots & Jello, Serenity Now, and other great parties found on my party page.

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Cindi Moore

Saturday 13th of February 2021

Nothing like finding JUST the right template and a simple tutorial! We have a brief online event on Monday, and this is JUST what I needed to get the mask done without spending a DIME! GREAT JOB!! thank you!

Beverly {Flamingo Toes}

Monday 9th of February 2015

These are just the cutest Michele! My favorite thing is that gif at the end though. So so fun!! You are adorable. ;)

Debbie

Tuesday 3rd of February 2015

Super cute! Thanks for sharing!!!!

Christine from SoDomesticallyChallenged

Friday 30th of January 2015

How clever! I wish I knew this last year when my daughter and husband went to a masquerade dance. Making those masks was a pain!!

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