How to Make a Halloween Mask from Cardboard

Create a fun, custom Halloween mask using simple cardboard and craft supplies with this step-by-step family guide.

1. Gather Your Materials. You'll need: a large piece of cardboard (cereal boxes work great), scissors or craft knife, pencil, ruler, hole punch or sharp pencil, elastic string or ribbon (about 12 inches), paints or markers, glue stick, and any decorative items like feathers, sequins, or fabric scraps. Optional extras include construction paper, aluminum foil, or tissue paper for added texture and color.
2. Design and Plan Your Mask. Decide what character or creature you want to create. Look up reference pictures online or in books for inspiration. Sketch your design on paper first, keeping in mind that the mask needs to cover at least from forehead to upper lip. Consider where the eye holes will go and how decorative elements will attach. Simple designs work best for beginners.
3. Create the Base Shape. Place the cardboard flat and draw an oval or rectangle that's slightly wider than your child's face and tall enough to cover from forehead to upper lip. Cut out this basic shape. For animal masks, you might want a more rounded shape, while superhero masks could be more angular. Make sure the edges are smooth by sanding lightly with sandpaper if needed.
4. Mark and Cut Eye Holes. Have your child hold the mask base up to their face while you mark where their eyes fall with a pencil. Make the eye holes slightly larger than you think you need – about 1.5 inches wide is usually good. Cut carefully with scissors, starting small and enlarging as needed. Test the fit frequently to ensure your child can see clearly in all directions.
5. Add Character Features. Now comes the fun part! Cut additional cardboard pieces for features like ears, horns, beaks, or eyebrows. Attach these with strong craft glue, letting each piece dry completely before adding the next. For raised features, you can roll small pieces of cardboard into tubes or fold them for dimension. Remember that heavier decorations work better at the top of the mask.
6. Paint and Decorate. Start with a base coat of paint and let it dry completely before adding details. Acrylic paints work well on cardboard and dry quickly. Add patterns, spots, stripes, or other details with markers, colored pencils, or more paint. Glue on decorative elements like feathers, sequins, or fabric pieces last. Let everything dry thoroughly before handling.
7. Attach the Elastic. Punch holes on each side of the mask at about ear level. Make sure the holes are reinforced – you can add small pieces of tape around them to prevent tearing. Thread elastic string or ribbon through each hole and tie knots on the inside to secure. Measure the elastic around your child's head, making it snug but comfortable. You can also use a wide ribbon that ties in the back instead of elastic.