Mardi Gras is one of those rare festivals that instantly fill the air with excitement, rhythm, and a burst of color. Known for its lively music, rich traditions, and dazzling costumes, it offers the perfect excuse to get creative. While the parades and street celebrations are iconic, one element stands out more than anything else — the beautiful Mardi Gras masks. This year, you can bring the spirit of the festival home with your own DIY Mardi Gras Masks, made using simple supplies and a free printable template that you can decorate in endless ways.
Whether you’re preparing for a themed party, a school craft session, or just a fun weekend activity with kids, making your own mask is the perfect combination of art, imagination, and festive cheer. In this guide, we’ll explore the history behind the masks, the meaning of Mardi Gras colors, and step-by-step instructions to create stunning handmade masks at home.
What Is Mardi Gras & Why Are Masks So Important?
The word Mardi Gras literally translates to “Fat Tuesday.” It may sound unusual at first, but the name has a meaningful origin. Mardi Gras is celebrated on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, marking the final day before the season of Lent begins. Since Lent is traditionally a time of fasting and abstinence, people feast on rich and indulgent foods on this day — hence the name, Fat Tuesday.
The celebration officially begins after Epiphany (also known as Three Kings Day) and continues through the weeks leading up to Lent. Over time, Mardi Gras evolved into a festival full of music, costumes, parades, and especially masks.
Traditionally, masks were worn so people could step away from social identity for a day — rich, poor, noble, or common, everyone could enjoy the celebration without hierarchy. Over time, mask styles became more elaborate, often inspired by mythical beings, fairies, or theatrical characters. Today, the designs are more flexible and modern, but the love for creativity remains unchanged.
The Meaning Behind Mardi Gras Colors
Before you start decorating your DIY Mardi Gras masks, it helps to know the symbolic meaning of the three classic festival colors:
- Purple – Represents justice
- Green – Symbolizes faith
- Gold – Signifies power
These vibrant shades are used in almost every part of the celebration, from beads to costumes to street decorations — and of course, the masks. When making your own mask, using these colors keeps the craft connected to Mardi Gras tradition, yet you can always add your own creative twist.
DIY Mardi Gras Masks — Step-By-Step Guide
Creating your own Mardi Gras mask is simple and fun. Kids, teens, and adults can all enjoy this craft, and each finished mask turns out beautifully unique. Here’s a complete guide to making them using a free printable template.
Materials You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy tools. Simple craft supplies are enough:
- Printable Mardi Gras mask template
- Thick paper or cardstock
- Scissors
- Crayons, sketch pens, or color pencils
- Glitter pens or metallic markers
- Jewel stickers or rhinestones
- Foam stickers, small stars or flowers
- Craft feathers
- Strong glue
- String, ribbon, or a craft stick
Step 1: Print the Mask Template
Start by printing the mask template on cardstock. Cardstock works best since it gives the mask structure and makes decorating easier. If kids are making the masks, you can print multiple copies so they can try different designs.
Step 2: Cut Out the Mask Shape
Carefully cut along the outline of the mask and the eye holes. Younger children may find it easier if you help them with the finer cuts. Another option is to color first and cut later — this reduces the chance of ripping the mask while coloring.
Step 3: Start Coloring Your Mask
This is where creativity truly begins. You can stick to the traditional festival colors (purple, green, and gold) or experiment with your own combinations.
Some ideas:
- Make symmetrical patterns
- Use glitter pens for the edges
- Add metallic gold for a royal finish
- Color feathers, swirls, and decorative lines
Coloring sets the base for your entire mask, so encourage kids to spend time making it vibrant and neat.
Step 4: Add Jewel Stickers & Decorative Borders
Begin decorating by placing small jewel stickers around the border of the mask. These give your DIY Mardi Gras masks an instant glamorous touch. Kids especially love using shiny embellishments, and the stickers help transform the mask into something truly festive.
If you have stick-on beads or tiny sequins, you can use them for added sparkle.
Step 5: Attach Larger Embellishments
Now move on to bigger decorative pieces such as foam flowers, stars, sequin clusters, or metallic stickers. Place them on the corners or around the eyes for a dramatic design. The idea is to make your mask bold and colorful without covering the entire surface — leave space for the colors to show through.
Step 6: Add Beautiful Craft Feathers
Feathers are an iconic part of Mardi Gras masks and instantly make your creation look more festive. Choose feathers that match your theme — purple, green, or bright contrasting shades.
Glue feathers:
- On one side of the mask for a classic look
- In the center for a dramatic carnival style
- In a cluster for a fantasy-themed design
Make sure the feathers do not block the eye holes.
Step 7: Attach the String or Handle
To wear your mask, punch a small hole on both sides and tie a ribbon or string. Adjust the tightness to fit comfortably.
Alternatively, attach a long craft stick to one side of the mask. This creates a “handheld” Mardi Gras mask — perfect for photos, parties, or parade-style fun.
Creative Variations for Your Mardi Gras Masks
Once you’ve made the basic version, try these exciting variations:
1. Glitter Masks
Use gold glitter glue around the borders or create glittery swirl designs.
2. Metallic Masks
Use metallic markers in silver, gold, or bronze to outline details.
3. Nature-Inspired Masks
Add dried leaves, tiny flowers, or natural textures.
4. Fantasy Masks
Use bright neon colors and feathers for a fairy or mythical creature look.
5. Kids’ Character Masks
Let kids recreate their favorite characters in Mardi Gras style.
Why DIY Mardi Gras Masks Are Great for Kids
This craft is more than just fun—it supports learning and development:
- Improves hand-eye coordination
- Encourages imaginative thinking
- Builds fine motor skills
- Boosts confidence
- Helps kids understand cultural festivals
- Provides a screen-free activity
Parents and teachers love this craft because it keeps children entertained while helping them learn something new.
Celebrate Mardi Gras With Color, Creativity, and Crafting
Mardi Gras is a festival full of joy, music, color, and tradition — and making DIY Mardi Gras masks at home lets you bring a little of that magic into your own space. Whether you’re crafting with kids, preparing for a themed celebration, or simply exploring creative DIY projects, these masks are a wonderful activity.
With just a printable template, some basic craft supplies, and a little imagination, you can create stunning masks that reflect the true spirit of Mardi Gras. So roll up your sleeves, bring out the colors and feathers, and let the celebration begin!