How to create the best whimsical Mardi Gras mask

sandy sandler

7 years ago

Masks have long been associated with Mardi Gras celebrations. Originally, masks were a way to conceal one’s identity in order to transcend class constraints and allow revelers to mingle with anyone and everyone. You can celebrate Mardi Gras with your own special mask!

Make this fun and whimsical Mardi Gras mask with the step by step tutorial from Bowdabra designer Carole Lassak.

Supplies for the Mardi Gras Mask

Bowdabra Bow Making Tool
18″ length of Bowdabra bow wire
Three 8″ lengths of 6″ purple tulle
18″ length of 3/8″ purple ribbon
18″ length of 1/4″ green ribbon
20″ length of 2″ gold ribbon
54″ length of 1½” patterned grosgrain ribbon in Mardi Gras colors (purple, green, gold)
9″ to 12″ 1/8″ dowel rod
1 mask
Assorted beads and baubles
Classic Gold LiquidLeaf by Plaid Enterprises
Hot glue and glue gun

Instructions for Making the Mardi Gras Mask

Begin by painting the mask and the dowel handle with the Gold LiquidLeaf.

Next, decorate the mask with any beads or baubles that you desire. I used hot glue to adhere my baubles to the mask. Leave room on one side of the mask for the scrumptious bow that you’ll create.

Now, using the Bowdabra Bow Making Tool, let’s make the focal point bow.

Lay the bow wire in the Bowdabra.

Start layering the bow elements beginning with the tulle. Scrunch it into the Bowdabra with the 8″ side parallel to your work surface. Next, add the 20″ gold ribbon followed by the 18″ purple and green ribbons. Use the patterned grosgrain ribbon to make a fold-and-twist bow with three loops on each side. Begin and end the grosgrain bow with 8″ to 9″ tails. Tighten and tie the bow wire to secure the ribbons.

I like to coil the ends of the bow wire around a skewer to add a design element to the bow.