Stuff you’ll need:

• felt, colored cardboard or craft foam for the basic mask
• glue and tape
• scissors
• a 1-foot piece of narrow elastic cord (long enough to go from the corner of one eye, around the back of your head and to the corner of your other eye
• decorative materials such as feathers, sequins, glitter, beads, ribbon, pipe cleaners or lace

To make an animal mask:

1. Use this plain template for the basic mask. Print and cut out the paper template. Use it to mark an outline on the felt or craft foam, then cut it out.
   « See Picture 1 for an image of the templates and felt »
2. Using scraps of colored felt or craft foam, cut out animal ears, a nose and eyes to decorate the mask’s eye openings. You can add other decorations such as a mane for a lion, whiskers for a cat (made out of pipe cleaners), stripes for a tiger or eyelashes for an elephant. Glue all the pieces in place and let them dry.
   « See Picture 2 for an image of the cut out mask pieces »
3. Cut a small hole on both sides of the mask for attaching the cord. Tie a knot in one end of the elastic cord. Thread it through the mask and around the back, securing it by threading it through a hole in the front of the mask and tying a knot. If you are using felt, you may need to use a needle and thread to make a small stitch in the front of the mask before bringing the elastic around the back to hold the elastic securely. Get an adult to help you!
   « See Picture 3 for an image of the completed animal masks »

To make a fancy mask:

1. Use this fancy template for the basic mask. Print and cut out the paper template. Use it to mark an outline on the felt or craft foam, then cut it out.
2. Now you can get creative! Decorate the mask using any materials you like. The fancier, the better! Use glitter, ribbon around the eye openings, feathers taped to the back, fluffy feathers all around the face, fake eyelashes and/or confetti. Glue everything well and let it dry.
   « See Picture 4 for an image of the completed fancy mask »
3. As described in Step 3 of the animal mask directions, tie a strip of elastic in a knot and thread it through the mask to secure it around your head.
4. Put on your mask and have a happy Purim!