Masquerade Masks

Channel your inner "50 Shades Darker" with this fun masquerade mask project inspired by Mark Montano that was featured in The Big Ass Book of Crafts 2 within the "Heady Stuff" chapter! I am going to demonstrate how you can make this mask using two different types of media: fabric and paper!

To make these masks, you will need to gather up these materials:

• cardboard
• 1/4 yard of your choice of fabric
• scissors
• X-acto knife
• pencil
• glue gun
• woven lace (thick or thin)
• pearl trim
• several rhinestones
• a copy of the mask template (shown in The Big Ass Book of Crafts 2 on page 376), which I will show you in a bit

For the paper version

• decoupage paper
• Mod Podge
• 1 inch paint brush or foam brush

First, if you hgave a copy of The Big Ass Book of Crafts 2, go to page 376, and scan a copy of the masquerade mask template according to the size requirements. Enlarge it as needed, then print it out!

Next, cut out the two patterns: the mask and the fleur de lis, and use a pencil to trace them out on a piece of cardboard. Then, take the X-acto knife to them, and carve them out. Also, bend the cardboard mask a little bit so that it will fit on top of your face. if you plan on wearing it!

Now, take the cardboard pieces and transfer them over to a sheet of fabric. I chose a white floral print fabric. I find it easier to place the fabric facing down so that when you cut out your shapes, you can see just the fabric and not the pencil markings after you've traced them. Trace the shapes on the fabric, and cut those out as well. Make two pieces of fabric, so that when you glue them onto the cardboard, when putting the mask on, it will be a comfortable fit.

From there, glue the fabric pieces to the front and back of the cardboard.

For decorations, begin by hot gluing a woven trim going around the mask. I chose a dark blue and gold woven trim. Start from the center on top of the mask, and work your way out! Do a small section at a time, so that it doesn't look too messy. Then, do the same with your pearl trim. I chose this beautiful baby blue pearl trim. Again, start from the center on top, and work your way out.

Then, hot glue down just the pearl trim on the fleur de lis shape. Do it just like how you've done the mask.

Now, hot glue the fleur de lis on top of the mask with the point towards the bottom of the mask and let dry.

For the final touches, cut a piece of 1/4 inch satin ribbon in half, and glue a piece to the top corners of the mask. Then, place a large rhinestone on top to cover the end of the ribbon. I chose silver ribbon. It was about 1 inch, so I cut it in half so it will look 1/4".

Finally, glue some rhinestones on the fleur de lis for an fun, embellished look! I chose a mix of teal and silver rhinestones for a fun contrast to the white fabric and baby blue pearl trim.

For this mask made with decoupage paper, just follow the same steps, but instead of using fabric, use decoupage paper and Mod Podge! Brush on a layer of Mod Podge to the cardboard mask pieces, and add decoupage paper on top, adding another coat of Mod Podge to seal. Then, just follow through with the decorations! I chose for this mask a fun black and white geometric paper, with contrasting colors of light pink, dark pink, and silver.

Now, they're ready to wear or display! These are perfect for parties, Mardi Gras events, and Halloween! Best part? You can use whatever colors of fabric, paper, and trim that you like!