DIY Masquerade Mask: Cut and Decorate in Minutes!

Instructions

STEP 1: GET MY FREE DIY MASQUERADE MASK FILE

First, download my DIY Masquerade Mask designs from my free resource library -- it's design #434. You can cut the PDF by hand, or use the DXF with another cutting machine, but I'll show you how to prepare the SVG to cut on a Cricut.

The collection includes several options, including a customizable version I'll show you how to adjust.

I tested these mask designs on kids and adults and the sizing worked for both. If you are concerned about the size of the mask, I recommend cutting the design on a test sheet of cardstock before making your final design.

TIP: If you are not sure how to upload an SVG cut file to Cricut Design Space, watch this helpful video training series I made. If you are on an iPad or iPhone, here is how to download and upload SVG files to the Cricut Design Space app.

STEP 2: PREPARE YOUR DIY MASQUERADE MASK SVG

This is what my DIY Masquerade Mask SVG file looks like on the Canvas. Click the minus (-) in the lower left corner of your canvas to zoom out. This allows you to see all of the designs.

There are six different mask designs to choose from!

You can make:

• a plain mask to decorate,
• an intricate cut mask,
• a geometrical mask,
• a mask with swirls,
• a butterfly mask with cutouts,
• or a butterfly mask with a solid backing.

I'll show you how to make the intricate mask, the layered butterfly mask with a solid backing, and the plain mask for a DIY design. I will hide the rest of the designs for now.

Click Ungroup above the layers panel.

You can click the little eye icon next to each layer to hide any of the masks that you don't want to make today, or delete them. You can also right click over the design you want to delete.

I plan to use different types and colors of cardstock for each mask, so I'll use the color box at the top to change the intricate cut design to another color.

TIP: If you are changing the color of a grouped design, you can select the layer from the Layers panel without having to ungroup the design. Of course, ungrouping is fine too.

Make sure the machine you'll be using is selected in the upper right corner and click Make It.

STEP 3: CUT YOUR DIY MASQUERADE MASKS

On the Prepare screen, you will only need to change the material size if you are using something different than the default 12" x 12". I'm going to click on the plain mask and change the size to 8.5" x 11".

Click on any other mats that you need to change and when you're done, click back on the first mat and click Continue in the lower right corner.

Next is the material selections. I'm going to use glitter cardstock for the intricate mask and top butterfly layer. I'm going to use holographic cardstock for the plain mask, and foil poster board for the back layer of the butterfly mask. If you don't see the material you are using displayed on your screen, click Browse All Materials to search for it and select it.

Like with most of my cuts, I recommend changing the Pressure to More.

Place your first piece of cardstock face up on your cutting mat. Use a brayer to roll over the cardstock and ensure the best adhesion to the mat.

TIP: If you are using a brand new mat, you do not need to apply a lot of pressure with the brayer. It could cause your cardstock to stick and tear from the mat.

Before loading your mat, it is very important to check and clean your blade. The smallest piece of debris can ruin your mask cut. My favorite technique is to poke it in to a ball of foil. This is very important to do after each mat, especially when cutting glitter cardstock.

Place your mat into the Cricut and press the flashing arrows to load it. When the middle button begins flashing, press it to cut your designs.

When the mat is done, click the flashing arrows to unload the mat. Flip the mat over and pull it away from the cardstock. This will help prevent curling.

The scraper tool comes in handy when removing small bits from the cutting mat, especially after the intricate cut.

When your mat is clean, place the next piece of cardstock on the mat. Confirm your material settings in Design Space if you are using multiple materials like me. Load your mat and cut your design. Repeat this step for the rest of the mats. Don't forget to clean your blade between each mat!

STEP 4: ASSEMBLE AND DECORATE YOUR DIY MASQUERADE MASKS

There are so many fun options to embellish your DIY Masquerade Masks! I'm going to use some sequins, feathers, and glitter glue. I'm also going to add a dowel to hold one and show you how to use ribbon in case you prefer that instead.

Before you begin adding anything to your mask, place a piece of butcher paper down to protect your work surface.

For the intricate cut mask design, I'm going to paint the dowel with acrylic metal paint. I used gold to keep with the theme.

I used some extra dowels to create a drying rack for my painted dowels. Set it aside to dry. Mine was ready for attachment after about an hour. I used my hot glue gun and placed a dab of glue on the back of my back. Press the dowel into the glue.

Once cool to the touch, your mask is ready to be formed. Gently bend the mask so that the nose area curves up like a rainbow. You can keep working at it until it holds the shade you're happy with

Next up, we will work on the butterfly mask. Flip over the top part and apply minimal dots of glue around the back of the butterfly. The biggest goal is to not have glue seep out when we attach it. The tiniest dots held my mask in place.

Turn over the butterfly top piece and align it over the bottom layer. Gently press it in to place and set it aside to dry.

Bearly Art Glue is very fast drying. Give it about 10 minutes to be safe and then gently bend the mask to form around your face.

Lastly, we're going to attach ribbon for this one. Everyone's face is shaped differently. I think the best way to know the proper placement of your ribbon is to hold the mask to your face and press your thumbs where it feels most natural to have a ribbon. Cut your ribbon, mine are about 17" on each side, and attach one with a dab of hot glue.

Repeat for the other side. It will look best if the ribbon is symmetrical so eyeball the placement of the first ribbon and glue the second side in place.

Lastly, I'm going to show you how fun it is to jazz up a plain mask with your own creative touch. I'll be using glitter glue, feathers, and sequins.

You can attach the sequins with the glitter glue or with craft glue. Drawing designs with the glitter glue is also fun!

Lastly, I'm going to add some feathers to the side of the mask. I found it easiest to hold the feathers in the desired arrangement and glue them together with craft glue. Once they are dried together, glue the bunch of feathers to the mask.

STEP 5: SHOW IT OFF

There are so many fun options to create! I can't wait to see your DIY Masquerade Masks! Here are a few of my finished designs.