Get ready for Halloween or Día de Muertos with this fun and easy DIY project! This cardboard skull mask is perfect for kids and adults alike. You only need a few supplies, and you can customize it to be spooky or festive.
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What you’ll need:
- Cardboard (cereal boxes work great!)
- Free skull mask template (search online for options)
- Scissors
- Craft knife
- Glue
- Newspaper
- White paint
- Black Sharpie or marker
- Markers
- Paint for decoration, rubber band
- Rubber band
Video Tutorial
For an easy-to-follow, visual guide to all the steps, be sure to watch our video tutorial! It will make crafting even easier and show you some extra tips and tricks. Craft along with me!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own cardboard skull mask:
- Print and Cut the Template: Find a free skull mask template online, print it out, and carefully cut out all the pieces.
- Trace and Cut the Cardboard: Place the template pieces on a piece of cardboard and trace around them. Carefully cut out the cardboard skull mask shape.
- Shape the Mask: Some templates have notches to help give the mask a 3D shape. Glue these notches together, overlapping the edges slightly, to create the curved form of the skull.
- Paper Mache (Optional but Recommended): Tear small pieces of newspaper and cover the entire cardboard mask with them, using glue to adhere them. This will give the mask a smoother surface for painting and decorating. Let the glue dry completely.
- Apply White Paint: Paint the entire skull mask with white paint. You may need two or three coats to achieve full coverage. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
- Outline with Black: Use a black Sharpie or marker to highlight the eyes, nose, and draw the teeth. Get creative with the tooth shapes!
- Decorate (Optional): To turn your skull mask into a festive Mexican sugar skull, use markers or paint to add colorful flowers, arabesques, hearts, and any other decorations you like. Let your imagination run wild!
- Make Wearable: If you want to wear your skull mask, attach a rubber band to each side of the mask. Make sure the rubber band is long enough to comfortably hold the mask on your face.
Tips and Ideas
- Use different colors: Don’t limit yourself to just white and black! Use colorful paint and markers to create a unique and vibrant skull mask.
- Add glitter: Add glitter to your mask for a sparkly and festive look.
- Experiment with textures: Use different materials, such as gems or yarn, to add texture to your mask.
To complete your sugar skull mask, consider adding a head crown of flowers! You can use fake flowers or create your own DIY paper flowers, like marigolds (cempasúchils), which are traditionally used in Día de Muertos celebrations. Attach the flowers to a headband or directly to the mask for a festive touch.
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Your mask can be used as a decorative element for Día de los Muertos. If you want to wear it for a skull Halloween costume or a Catrina disguise, just fix a rubber band on both sides to hold the mask on your face.
Have fun crafting for Halloween and Día de Muertos!
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Want to remember it? Save this DIY Skull Mask on your favorite Pinterest board.
