Easy Mardi Gras Crafts for All Ages

It is that time of the year again to flock to Bourbon Street and party. For those of us staying behind, but still want to celebrate with the family, here are a few crafts to keep the kids busy and the adults entertained.

Before we begin there are a few things that need special attention. For one, you will want to stick to the classic Mardi Gras colors when making your crafts. They are purple, gold and green. Also, feel free to add feathers and beads to any Mardi Gras project to keep in the spirit of the celebration!

Mardi Gras Handprint Mask

This project is great for the younger kids or the ones who don't want to do a lot of painting or coloring. You will need: yellow, green and purple card stock, a jumbo craft stick for each mask you make, glue, scissors and a black marker. You can print the mask out (click here for the pattern) on yellow card stock to symbolize the gold. The great part about this craft mask is you don't use feathers to make it flamboyant, you use hand prints! Take your child's hand and trace the outline of it on purple or green cardstock. Cut them out and trace the edges of the handprint with a back marker. Glue the handprints to the mask as shown in the instructions here. Enjoy!

Jester Hat

This is a funky hat perfect for Mardi Gras. All you need is four brightly colored pieces of flat crafting foam, 36 jingle bells, low temp glue gun, stapler and the template for the hat (click here for that).
For complete instructions on constructing this hat, click here to be taken to making friends.com. I think I will make a few of these for all the jesters in my home!

Homemade Beaded Necklaces

Mardi Gras is not complete without those famous beaded necklaces. For a twist on the necklaces, why not make them yourself? Round-up the kids and take them to your nearest craft store. Go to the bead aisle and let the creativity begin. You will want to stick to the colors of Mardi Gras, purple, green and gold (or yellow) when selecting your beads. Some examples are: a pack of star shaped pony beads (click here), glow-in-the-dark beads (click here), or plain multi-color pony beads (click here). All you need is yarn and the beads. Make as many necklaces as you like and share with family and friends. Simple, easy and fun!

Sources:
www.freekidscrafts.com
www.making friends.com
www.joanne.com
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