CraftsPreschoolersGrade SchoolKindergartners13 Comments
Okay, I probably don’t need to write the instructions for this classic summer craft; a simple homemade paper bag mask.
It really is pretty obvious. But I’ll go ahead and tell you how the kids each made a paper bag mask anyway.
Well, first, you need a paper bag!
Next time you’re at the grocery store, ask for a brown paper bag instead of those plastic ones. Save it to reuse for this simple craft.
How do you make a mask out of a paper bag?
Get one brown paper bag for each child to decorate.
I had the kids each put the bag over their heads so I could figure out where the eye holes went.
They thought it was hilarious when I was poking around inside and out to find their eyes.
No, I didn’t poke them in the eyes…
I made a mark with a marker where their eyes were and then cut big ovals out around it. Pretty much as big as I could make them without running into each other. I figured they wouldn’t sit on their heads the same the next time they wore them and that I’d need as much forgiveness as possible so they could see.
I also cut out their shoulders. Just a half oval cut out on each side of the paper bag.
After their eyes were made, it was all up to them on how to decorate.
Older kids may decide to decorate their paper bag masks as something, such as animals, or their favorite superhero, or maybe a character in their favorite video game.
Or, you can introduce new materials to decorate with. Take a look in your craft closet and see what you have on hand: feathers, sequins, buttons, fabric or paper scraps, ribbons, googly eyes, or whatever else!
They can also use markers, crayons, or even paint to decorate it.
We ultimately decided on scraps of paper and glue.
The boys cut shapes in all different colors and finished off their paper bag masks.
They used scissors to cut their scrap pieces of paper to the sizes they wanted, which worked on their fine motor skills. If scissor skills aren’t ready yet, tearing the paper also works that fine motor strength! So does squeezing the bottle of glue.
Crafting isn’t always just about creativity. There is a lot of fine motor work involved. But creativity is just as important!
George was kind of funny, copying most of what Henry did for his paper bag mask (for some reason I don’t have any photos of him making the mask).
Henry was pretty particular. Eyebrows, nose, mouth, beard… Plus some extras just to look cool.
And this is how George’s paper mask turned out. Pretty cool dude!
Once you’ve completed your homemade paper bag mask, it’s time for the next activity: pretend play! You can include these in your dress-up area.
My kids would love to take these masks outside, add a stick as a sword, and pretend to go on a hiking adventure through the woods.
More ways kids can make a paper bag mask:
- Brown paper bag masks from Toddler Approved.
- DIY Halloween costumes with paper bags from Handmade Charlotte
- How to make a paper bag mask from Red Ted Art
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tt789 app says
This looks like such a fun and creative activity for kids! I love the idea of repurposing paper bags into unique masks. Can’t wait to try this with my little ones and see what characters they come up with! Thanks for sharing!
BET PKR says
What a fun and creative idea! I can’t wait to try making these paper bag masks with my kids this summer. They always love crafting, and this will be a perfect way to keep them entertained. Thanks for sharing this classic project!
92 JEETO says
This paper bag mask project sounds like so much fun! I love how simple yet creative it is—perfect for keeping the kids entertained this summer. Can’t wait to try out some of the variations you suggested! Thanks for sharing such a great idea!
hiwin says
This is such a fun idea! I love the simplicity of making paper bag masks with the kids during the summer. It’s a great way to spark their creativity and keep them entertained. Can’t wait to try this out with my little ones! Thanks for sharing!
lucky 97 says
This looks like so much fun! I can’t wait to try this craft with my kids this summer. We’ll definitely personalize our masks with fun colors and designs. Thanks for the great idea!
S8 Game Play says
This post brought back so many memories! Making paper bag masks was one of my favorite summer activities as a kid. I can’t wait to try this with my own children. Thanks for sharing such a fun and creative idea!
teer win says
This is such a fun idea! I love how simple yet creative it is. Can’t wait to try making these masks with my kids – they’ll love decorating them. Thanks for sharing!
s9 game says
What a fun and creative idea! I love how simple yet entertaining this paper bag mask craft is for kids. Can’t wait to try this with my little ones this summer! Thanks for sharing!
vidmate says
This is such a fun and creative idea! I love how simple it is to make a paper bag mask, and it’s a great way to keep the kids entertained during summer. Can’t wait to try this with my little ones! Thanks for sharing!