Halloween gets even more exciting! A collection of DIY mask ideas using a variety of materials
Ghosts, skeletons, bats, and jack-o’-lanterns—when it comes to Halloween, all the creepy, slightly scary characters come together! Even if makeup seems tricky, you can easily enjoy dressing up with a handmade mask.
They’re simple to make with paper or fabric, and you can decorate them however you like! Here’s how to create whimsical masks that kids and adults alike can enjoy with excitement.
Add some clever touches around the eyes and mouth for a more authentic finish.
Become your favorite character and have fun this Halloween!
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Halloween gets exciting! A collection of DIY mask ideas using various materials (31–40)
Halloween hat
Using two sheets of construction paper in your favorite colors, here’s a cute hat that’s perfect for Halloween.
When making the 3D hat section, use glue or tape to assemble it.
If you make it too large, it may end up loose, so it’s best for a teacher to check the children’s head sizes and adjust while making it.
When attaching the paper and cutting the brim of the hat with scissors, be careful not to cut too much.
You can also make cat eyes and ears to turn it into a black cat hat, so definitely give it a try.
Matching it with a costume is recommended, too.
A mask-made face mask
Let’s make an oni (ogre/demon) mask using a household face mask.
Since it already has ear loops, you can put it on and enjoy it right away.
The method is super simple: color the mask red, draw an oni illustration, and cut out holes for the eyes—that’s it! The illustration you draw on the mask is a great place for your child to unleash their imagination.
Masks come in many colors, so a black oni or a purple oni could be fun, too.
If you use a 3D mask, you can even create a more three-dimensional oni mask!
A moving ogre mask
A unique demon mask with a movable face.
It’s easy to make with just yarn and construction paper, so it’s perfect for a parent-child craft! First, you’ll make the demon’s moving mouth.
This might be a bit challenging for small children, so adults should help out while making it.
Let kids freely and joyfully create parts like the eyes, fangs, and horns! Finally, attach the movable eye parts and yarn for the hair, and you’ll have an adorable demon mask.
Of course, it’s also fine to make it into a powerful, scary demon if you like.
coloring mask
Coloring is one of children’s favorite activities, right? So how about trying a mask-making project using coloring pages? First, prepare a coloring page of an oni (ogre) face to use as the mask.
If you choose a cute design, everyone can wear it without getting scared and enjoy the activity together.
Next, have the children color it in.
Letting them use their favorite colors will make it feel personal and special.
Finally, cut out the colored picture and attach a rubber band to complete the mask.
Enjoy bean-throwing with your uniquely decorated masks!
Origami mask
As Setsubun approaches, many daycare centers and kindergartens probably fold oni (ogre) figures out of origami.
You can use that same origami oni as a mask.
First, fold the oni’s face, then make two strips out of origami paper.
Finally, attach the two strips to the origami oni and fasten the ends of the strips together with a rubber band, and you’re done.
If you use other motifs for the face, you can make Otafuku masks or animal masks, too.
The person throwing beans can wear an Otafuku mask, and there are lots of ways to have fun with different masks.
milk carton
Why not try making a mask using a milk carton? In this method, we cut the carton into a band and create a mask that sits on top of the head.
If that feels too small, you can increase the coverage and make a version that hides the entire face.
Use the leftover milk carton pieces to make horns for an ogre (oni) mask you’ve already made, or layer them to add strength.
When you want to attach milk carton pieces together, using a stapler makes the process smooth.
A simple mask made from construction paper
It’s a classic, but making oni masks out of construction paper might be the smoothest way to get the job done.
It’s great for preschools or community events where lots of kids gather.
Attaching the elastic bands that go around the ears can be a bit tricky for small children, so please have the adults nearby help with that part.
I’m sure the kids will get really excited when they draw the oni faces on the paper! And instead of just drawing with crayons, you can add masking tape or sprinkle on some glitter—maybe it’s no longer the era of making only scary oni masks.
A mask with a lovely smiling oni would be great too!
Construction paper folding
While oni masks are a staple for Setsubun, some kids don’t like wearing something that covers their whole face.
As a cute alternative that lets their faces be clearly seen, how about making a hat instead of a mask? Fold construction paper into a triangle with staggered layers on the inside to create the base, then shape it like a samurai helmet.
Once you have the helmet shape, add hair parts so that the oni’s expression and the pointed, sturdier sections look like horns—your oni is complete.
Punch holes and thread elastic through to finish it as a hat.
You can customize the construction paper color, the oni’s expression, and more, so try incorporating lots of different ideas.
Three-dimensional papercraft
If you’re going to the trouble of making an oni mask, and you want to capture a three-dimensional look for extra impact, papercraft is a great option.
The process is simple: cut out the parts along the template and glue them together.
You can download templates from the internet, so try searching for a mask you like.
Consider various arrangements for the facial expression to match the children’s vibe and the situation where the mask will be used.
If you have the children attach the facial parts themselves, you can create uniquely expressive masks!
A half-face mask made from a paper plate
Paper plates transform into oni masks! This is a great mask idea for anyone with extra paper plates at home.
There aren’t any difficult steps, so children should be able to make it smoothly.
Cut a paper plate in half, paint it your favorite color, and cut out the eye holes with scissors.
If you use an awl to make holes for the elastic, be sure an adult stays nearby or helps out.
Let your child freely create the oni’s horns, hair, eyebrows, and more using their own imagination! It’s also wonderful for parents and children to make their own masks together.