CraftsPreschoolersGrade SchoolKindergartners3 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
WANT TO SAVE THIS ACTIVITY?
Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox so you can access this activity later! Plus, you'll get simple activities from us every week!
Leave a Comment