Design Your Own Secret Identity Filter - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

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Design Your Own Secret Identity Filter

Design and build your own secret identity filter mask using paper, fabric, and markers; decorate, fit with elastic, and test how it changes your appearance.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to design your own secret identity filter

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Identity Explained for Children | Pop'n'Olly | Olly Pike [CC]

What you need

Paper, scrap fabric, coloring materials such as markers crayons or fabric pens, scissors, glue or fabric glue, elastic band or hair elastic, ruler, pencil, safety pin, adult supervision required

Step 1

Gather all materials and bring them to a clear flat workspace.

Step 2

Fold one sheet of paper in half and draw half of a mask shape that will cover your eyes and nose.

Step 3

Cut out the folded paper mask so both sides match and open it to see the full template.

Step 4

Hold the paper template against your face and use a pencil to mark where the elastic should sit near your ears.

Step 5

Place the paper template on your fabric and trace the mask shape twice so you have a front and back piece.

Step 6

Cut out the two fabric mask pieces following the traced lines.

Step 7

Decorate the front fabric piece with your coloring materials to create your secret identity look.

Step 8

Put the two fabric pieces together with the decorated side facing out and glue around the edges leaving a small gap.

Step 9

Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and use it to thread the elastic through the gap you left.

Step 10

Tie the elastic ends together behind your head or ears so the mask fits snugly but comfortably.

Step 11

Seal the small gap with more glue or a few stitches to keep the elastic inside.

Step 12

Try on your mask in a mirror and make any quick decoration or fit adjustments so your secret identity looks perfect.

Step 13

Take a photo and share your finished secret identity filter mask on DIY.org.

Help!?

What can I use if I can't find elastic or the exact fabric called for in the instructions?

Use ribbon, a shoelace, or a cut strip from an old knit T‑shirt in place of elastic and substitute sturdy cardstock or an old cotton shirt for fabric, then follow the same trace-and-cut steps to make a front and back piece.

I'm stuck threading the elastic through the gap with the safety pin—what should I try?

If the safety pin is hard to push or the glue is tacky, secure the gap with a clothes pin, attach the safety pin firmly to the elastic and push slowly or use a straw or bobby pin as a guide, then tie and seal the gap as instructed.

How can I adapt this activity for younger kids or for older kids who want more challenge?

For younger children, have an adult pre-cut the mask template and use fabric glue and ribbon with close supervision instead of scissors and a safety pin, while older kids can add hand stitching, fusible interfacing, or small LEDs after decorating the front fabric piece.

What are some ways to personalize or make the mask more durable?

Before gluing, add fusible interfacing between the two fabric pieces or sew around the edges, insert a pipe cleaner in the small gap for a nose bridge, and embellish the decorated front with sequins or fabric paint before sealing.

Watch videos on how to design your own secret identity filter

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Exploring Perceptions About Identity Through Self-Portraits

4 Videos

Facts about mask-making for kids

🎭 Ancient Greek actors wore masks so one actor could play many roles and everyone could see expressions from far away.

✨ Bright colors and bold patterns on a mask can make certain facial features pop and change how people notice you.

✂️ Paper was first developed in ancient China more than 2,000 years ago and has been used for crafts ever since.

🧵 The rubber band was patented in 1845 by Stephen Perry, which made stretchy fastenings — like mask elastics — common.

🕵️ Simple changes like a mask, hat, or glasses can make a person much harder to recognize—perfect for a secret identity!

How do I make a Design Your Own Secret Identity Filter mask?

To make a secret identity filter mask, start by sketching a design and choosing shapes that change your look. Transfer the shape to cardstock or sturdy fabric and cut it out. Decorate with markers, fabric scraps, stickers, or paint. Punch holes at the sides and attach elastic or ribbon, knotting or sewing to fit comfortably. Try it on in a mirror or camera and tweak decorations or fit.

What materials do I need to design and build a secret identity filter mask?

Gather paper or lightweight cardstock, fabric scraps, child-safe scissors, markers or fabric pens, glue or fabric glue, a hole punch, and elastic or ribbon for ties. Keep tape and basic decorations like sequins, feathers, or stickers handy. For sewing options you may need a needle and thread or adult-use hot glue. Recycled cereal boxes and old clothing work well as budget-friendly alternatives.

What ages is the secret identity filter activity suitable for?

This activity suits ages 4–12 with varying supervision. Ages 4–6 enjoy simple shapes and need close adult help for cutting and small decorations. Ages 7–9 can add more detail, practice fitting elastic, and use glue independently. Ages 10+ can plan complex masks, sew fabric pieces, and experiment with special effects. Always supervise scissors, small parts, and any hot-glue or needle use for younger children.

What are the benefits and safety tips for making and wearing a secret identity filter mask?

Making secret identity filters boosts creativity, fine motor skills, confidence, and storytelling through role-play. It builds problem-solving when fitting and decorating masks and encourages teamwork. Safety tips: use child-safe scissors and non-toxic markers, avoid covering breathing or vision, keep elastic comfortably loose, and remove small choking hazards. Try variations like glow paint, cardboard visors, or a camera "photo filter" challenge to mix things up.

Ready to create?

All Activities

Design Your Own Secret Identity Filter

Design and build your own secret identity filter mask using paper, fabric, and markers; decorate, fit with elastic, and test how it changes your appearance.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to design your own secret identity filter

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Identity Explained for Children | Pop'n'Olly | Olly Pike [CC]

What you need

Paper, scrap fabric, coloring materials such as markers crayons or fabric pens, scissors, glue or fabric glue, elastic band or hair elastic, ruler, pencil, safety pin, adult supervision required

Step 1

Gather all materials and bring them to a clear flat workspace.

Step 2

Fold one sheet of paper in half and draw half of a mask shape that will cover your eyes and nose.

Step 3

Cut out the folded paper mask so both sides match and open it to see the full template.

Step 4

Hold the paper template against your face and use a pencil to mark where the elastic should sit near your ears.

Step 5

Place the paper template on your fabric and trace the mask shape twice so you have a front and back piece.

Step 6

Cut out the two fabric mask pieces following the traced lines.

Step 7

Decorate the front fabric piece with your coloring materials to create your secret identity look.

Step 8

Put the two fabric pieces together with the decorated side facing out and glue around the edges leaving a small gap.

Step 9

Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and use it to thread the elastic through the gap you left.

Step 10

Tie the elastic ends together behind your head or ears so the mask fits snugly but comfortably.

Step 11

Seal the small gap with more glue or a few stitches to keep the elastic inside.

Step 12

Try on your mask in a mirror and make any quick decoration or fit adjustments so your secret identity looks perfect.

Step 13

Take a photo and share your finished secret identity filter mask on DIY.org.

Help!?

What can I use if I can't find elastic or the exact fabric called for in the instructions?

I'm stuck threading the elastic through the gap with the safety pin—what should I try?

How can I adapt this activity for younger kids or for older kids who want more challenge?

What are some ways to personalize or make the mask more durable?

Watch videos on how to design your own secret identity filter

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Exploring Perceptions About Identity Through Self-Portraits

4 Videos

Facts about mask-making for kids

🎭 Ancient Greek actors wore masks so one actor could play many roles and everyone could see expressions from far away.

✨ Bright colors and bold patterns on a mask can make certain facial features pop and change how people notice you.

✂️ Paper was first developed in ancient China more than 2,000 years ago and has been used for crafts ever since.

🧵 The rubber band was patented in 1845 by Stephen Perry, which made stretchy fastenings — like mask elastics — common.

🕵️ Simple changes like a mask, hat, or glasses can make a person much harder to recognize—perfect for a secret identity!