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)
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.
Halloween gets exciting! A collection of DIY mask ideas using various materials (41–50)
Paper plate + origami
This is an ogre mask you make by sticking a single sheet of origami paper onto a paper plate.
Choose origami in a color that matches the ogre’s face, round off the four corners, and glue it onto the plate.
Make sure to glue all the way to the edges so it doesn’t peel off.
Then finish by drawing directly or cutting and gluing origami pieces for the eyes, nose, mouth, fangs, hair, horns, and eyebrows.
Just changing the size of the pupils, the thickness of the eyebrows, or the number of horns creates a completely different look! Celebrate children’s individuality and have fun making original masks!
Paper plate + construction paper + cat yarn
During the Setsubun season, many regions still have plenty of snow.
So how about making an oni (demon) mask that feels warm and cozy? I especially recommend using cat yarn.
Cat yarn is a type of yarn often used for faux fur; it features a fluffy, soft texture.
Use it to recreate the oni’s hair.
For the mask base, it’s fine to keep it simple with a paper plate.
Even so, the cat yarn will give it a luxurious look.