How to Make Venetian Masks

Tap to Read ➤ Rutuja Jathar

Want o make a Venetian mask for an upcoming event? Here are some really simple instructions that will guide you through the process.

One of the century-old traditions in Venice is to wear masks during various occasions, including the carnival of Venice.

Venetian masks are characterized by their bright colors, complex decoration, and ornate design. As opposed to the common belief, learning to make venetian masks is a pretty easy and interesting process. Let's begin?

Making Venetian Masks at Home

If you are hankering for a great-looking mask for a masquerade, Halloween, or carnival party, and you have plenty of time at your disposal, then the best thing to do is to make the Venetian mask at home.

Method #1

Material Needed: Plain half mask Craft scissors Craft glue Satin fabric Chopsticks Ostrich feathers and glitter Sequins and rhinestones

Instructions: ♦ You can get the mask at any local party supply store or a costume store. If not, then you can learn to make paper mache masks at home too. ♦ Once you purchase the mask, decorate it with beautiful fabric like satin or silk of any bright color. For that, first apply dots of craft glue to the mask and then put the fabric on it.

♦ Once the fabric is glued to the mask, you need to decorate it. You can also use a fabric pencil to draw the design. ♦ Once you are done with the drawing, again run glue along the edges of the design and dust the glitter on top. Shake off the extra glitter. Similarly, use rhinestones, sequins, and feathers to enhance the look.

You can either create a handle for the mask with help of chopsticks, or attach an elastic or ribbon to it. For tying the mask, either use the elastic that your plain mask came with or replace it by 2 ribbon pieces.

If you want to use a handle, then first decorate the chopsticks with matching fabric or paint, and then attach them to either end of the mask, with craft glue. Once the glue dries completely, you can wear your mask.

Method #2

Material Needed: A cardboard stock Scrap paper Paper cutter or scissors A pencil Satin fabric Craft glue Glitter, sequins, and rhinestones

Instructions: ● Firstly, trace the shape of a half mask on the cardboard and cut out the shape. You may also need to create holes for eyes and nostrils. If you are making a full mask, make holes for your mouth too. ● After cutting, you need to create the background of the mask. For that, attach a short string on two ends of the mask with craft tape.

● The string should be short, so that the mask bends inwards. Then, add glue on the top surface of the mask and lay scrap paper on it. Allow the glue to dry and then apply another layer of glue and paper in the same way. ● This is the time to lay fabric on top of the scrap paper. While gluing the fabric, make sure to remove all the bubble pockets.

● If you don't want to use the fabric, then you can also apply glue to the entire mask and then dust glitter all over it. ● Once you are done with adding the upper layer, decorate the masks with sequins, rhinestones, and/or feathers that match your attire.

Making Venetian masks is really easy. It might take time, but there is nothing complex about the procedure.