Party Masks (Twenty to Make)

July 10

You don't have to be preparing for a grand entrance at the Venetian Carnival, or flying down to Rio to need a party mask! Here are twenty for just about every occasion you are likely to need one for, from Hallowe'en trick or treating to glamorous balls. I was impressed by such an unusual and imaginative subject, having made more than my fair share of masks for school plays and art exams. There are certainly lots of different options for your mask base on offer, from preformed masks to paper plates and papier mache. From then the author's imagination runs riot, and it is surprising how easy it is to make a mask to transform a person into a beautiful flower fairy, red devil, robot warrior, witch, punk, green man, animal or my favorite the Nepalese Bhairab mask. There are some handy templates to use plus plenty of ordinary modern craft materials such as feathers, sequins, paper flowers, funky foam, craft paint, raffia and more. Nothing is likely to cost too much nor take too long to make, and there is a great emphasis on having fun while producing something professional.

Sept 10

How to make 20 great masks for adults' or children's parties using paper plates or redily-available mask blanks. You're sure to find something here for any occasion, whether you want to go as a fairy, an Aztec, an alien or a witch. There are easy to follow instructions and it's a great little book filled with ideas to while away a day or two in the school holidays.