by a Guest Author
Masquerade masks are not only an essential part of any Mardi Gras or Carnivale celebration, but learning how to decorate a masquerade mask can also be a fun, creative activity for people of all ages. Masquerade masks come in many varieties and styles. So finding one that fits your personality should be easy, especially if you’re decorating your own mask.
The first step is determining your mask base medium, or rather what your mask base will be made of. Original Venetian masquerade masks were typically crafted out of paper mache; however, depending on the design and embellishments chosen this could create heavy, cumbersome masks. This is why masks of this style were usually affixed to a stick or dowel.
When making your own masquerade mask it is usually easier to purchase pre-made, blank plastic masks to decorate. These can be purchased at many craft stores, party stores, and even online in a multitude of different styles. Choose a style you find attractive or intriguing and purchase a couple, in case you make any irreversible mistakes on your first try. For added individualization, you can even purchase a blank, full-face mask and then cut it to your desired shape. This is especially helpful if you want an asymmetrical design.
Next gather together all of the various decorations and embellishments you have available. This can be just about anything, but some ideas are feathers, glitter, sequins, beads, small stones, fake gems, markers, fabric, tissue paper, etc. You also want to make sure that you have paint and a glue gun available to decorate your mask.
Sketch or trace a copy of your mask shape on a piece of blank paper and use markers or colored pencils to come up with a basic design concept. Keep in mind that you may not be able to make the exact design you sketch on your first try, but this will give you a starting direction. If you need ideas of how to decorate your mask, just search the term “masquerade mask” in your favorite image search engine and you should be provided with ample inspiration!
Make sure to paint your mask the desired background or theme color(s) before attaching any decorations. Spray paint works nicely for this, however any paint that will adhere to your base medium can be used. After it’s dry, you can use your glue gun to attach feathers and other decorative embellishments to your mask.
Making your own masquerade mask instead of purchasing one ensures that you will have a one of a kind, custom look. Designing your own masquerade mask also allows you to easily make it as elaborate or simple as you wish, while incorporating all of your favorite colors and embellishments.
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