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Make Some Masks!

Make Some Masks!
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Design and create wearable masks from cardboard, paint, and elastic, practicing measuring, cutting, decorating, and exploring symmetry and self-expression through hands-on crafting.

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Step-by-step guide to make wearable cardboard masks

What you need
Adult supervision required, cardboard, colouring materials markers crayons, decorations stickers glitter ribbon, elastic band or elastic cord, glue, hole punch or awl, paint, paintbrushes, pencil, ruler, scissors

Step 1

Gather all your materials and put them on a clear workspace.

Step 2

Measure your face by checking the width across your forehead and the height from the bridge of your nose to your chin with the ruler.

Step 3

Fold a piece of cardboard in half to make a straight center crease for symmetry.

Step 4

Draw a half-mask outline along the folded edge using your measurements and add small side tabs for the elastic.

Step 5

Cut out the mask shape through both layers of the folded cardboard (adult supervision required).

Step 6

Unfold the cardboard to reveal a symmetrical mask shape.

Step 7

Hold the mask to your face and lightly mark where your eyes should go with a pencil.

Step 8

Cut out the eye holes using scissors (adult supervision required).

Step 9

Paint a base coat on the entire mask and let the paint dry.

Step 10

Add matching designs to both sides of the mask so the pattern is symmetrical.

Step 11

Make small holes in the side tabs using a hole punch or carefully with an awl (adult supervision required).

Step 12

Measure elastic around the back of your head to find a comfy length and mark it.

Step 13

Cut the elastic to the marked length and tie or glue each end through the holes to secure the straps (adult supervision required).

Step 14

Add final decorations like stickers glitter or ribbon to show your style.

Step 15

Take a photo of your finished mask and share your creation on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use if we don't have cardboard or elastic?

Use a cereal box or poster board folded and cut like the cardboard in the step 'Fold a piece of cardboard in half...', and substitute ribbon, yarn, or a shoelace for the elastic when you 'Cut the elastic to the marked length and tie or glue each end through the holes.'

The eye holes or side tabs keep getting messed up—how do we fix that?

If the eye holes are off after 'Unfold the cardboard to reveal a symmetrical mask shape', hold the mask to your face and re-mark the eyes before cutting, and if the side tabs tear when you 'Make small holes in the side tabs', reinforce the tabs with tape or a glued-on scrap of cardboard before punching or awling.

How can we adapt this mask project for different ages?

For younger kids have an adult do the 'Measure your face' and 'Cut out the mask shape' steps and let them paint and add stickers, while older kids can do the measuring, precise cutting, symmetrical designs in 'Add matching designs to both sides', and experiment with more detailed decorations or mixed media.

What are some easy ways to personalize or make the mask fancier?

After 'Paint a base coat on the entire mask', glue on feathers, foam shapes, or ribbon, add glitter around the eye holes, or attach a small paper hinge and brad for a movable mouth before photographing and sharing on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to make wearable cardboard masks

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How to Make Paper Plate Masks | Cute Craft for Kids

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Facts about mask-making and cardboard crafts

🎨 Acrylic and tempera paints stick well to cardboard and dry quickly for kid-friendly decorating.

📦 Cardboard is light, sturdy, and recyclable — perfect for building wearable mask bases.

🧵 Elastic or ribbon lets a mask fit many faces — measure carefully and knot or tape securely.

📏 Folding your mask pattern in half helps you cut matching, symmetrical sides every time.

🎭 Masks have been used around the world for thousands of years in rituals, theater, and festivals.

How do you make wearable cardboard masks with kids?

To make wearable cardboard masks, start by measuring across a child’s face and sketching a mask shape on cardboard. Cut out the outline and eye holes (adults use a craft knife), then sand rough edges. Fold the cardboard in half to design symmetrical patterns or paint a base color and let dry. Add decorations like feathers, sequins, or paper cutouts with glue. Punch holes at each side and tie elastic or ribbon to fit. Allow paint and glue to dry before wearing.

What materials do I need to make cardboard and paint masks?

You'll need sturdy cardboard (cereal boxes or poster board), washable or acrylic paints, paintbrushes, pencils and a ruler for measuring, scissors and/or a craft knife (adult use), a hole punch, elastic or ribbon, glue or hot glue (adult use), tape, decorative items like stickers, sequins, feathers, and sandpaper for smoothing. Also protect surfaces with newspaper and use smocks or old clothes. Optional: foam sheets, markers, and brads for movable parts.

What ages is mask-making suitable for?

This activity suits different ages with supervision adjusted. Ages 3–5 enjoy decorating and choosing shapes—provide pre-cut bases and non-toxic paints. Ages 5–8 can measure, trace, and cut with safety scissors while supervised. Ages 9+ can design more complex shapes, use craft knives with adult help, and add moving parts. Always supervise cutting and gluing, adapt tools and expectations to each child’s motor skills, and offer clear step-by-step guidance.

What are the benefits of making masks with children?

Mask-making builds fine motor skills, measuring abilities, and spatial awareness as kids trace, cut, and attach pieces. Exploring symmetry through folding and repeating patterns teaches basic math concepts. Decorating fosters creativity, self-expression, and confidence when children wear their creations. The project also supports problem-solving, planning, and following steps. Group mask-making encourages sharing, communication, and imaginative play. Praise effort to boost resilience and make th
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