Venetian Masks

Venetian Masks are worn during the Carnival of Venice in Italy, which celebrates the start of Spring with street parades and parties. These highly decorated masks are either tied to the head, or held on a stick, and are worn along with colourful costumes.

You will need:

Card from a cereal or pizza box
Pen or pencil
Scissors
PVA Glue
Either:

Leaves and natural materials

OR recycled materials

Method

Mask Shapes

1. Use a piece of card such as a cereal or pizza box that is at least 18cms wide. Measure and cut the card to a width of 18cms and fold in half so that each half is 9cms.

2. Choose a mask shape such a bird, butterfly, cat or simple half mask. Draw one half of the shape, starting at the centre fold in the card and making sure that the shape fills the whole width of the card.

3. Mark out the eye by measuring a gap of 2cms from the centre fold, then 3.5cms for the width of the eye. Draw in the eye shape.

4. Cut out the mask shape, keeping the card folded and cutting through both layers. Fold open and cut out the eye by gently folding the card and making a small cut in the centre of the eye. Fold the card in half again and draw the other eye to match.

Decorating the Mask

1. Collect an assortment of any decorative materials you can find. They could be either natural materials such as leaves and catkins; or recycled materials such as foil, milk bottle tops, mesh net bags, ring pulls, etc.

2. Attach elastic or lengths of string to the sides of the mask, or attach a stick to hold the mask in place.

3. Arrange the materials on the mask and glue in place ensuring that the holes for the eyes are left uncovered. If you are gluing on leaves, it helps to put something heavy on top of the leaves to help them dry flat.

4. Outline the eyes for stronger definition, allow to dry before wearing.