Peacock Masquerade

Halloween is one of my favorite times of year: a chance to eat lots of sweets, get dressed up, and get crafty! When I got the Facebook invite to a masquerade, I immediately thought back to all the masks I saw in New Orleans and the ideas started flowing. I went to Pier 1 Imports and couldn't find exactly what I wanted, so I decided an upcycle project was in order. I picked one of the masks on clearance that looked a little worse for wear so the awesome store clerk gave me a discount. From there, I picked out some accessories at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores and gave this mask some TLC! I hope this tutorial is helpful and that you enjoy! Happy Halloween!

Step 1: Gather Supplies

What you will need:

1. Mask (I got the Animal Print Mask on clearance at Pier 1 http://www.pier1.com/Animal-Print-Mask/2943443,def...) ~$8

2. Peacock Feathers (I got the feather pad at Joann but loose feathers would be better http://www.joann.com/feather-peacock-eye-fringe-pa...) ~$6

3. Glitter Ribbon (I used the American Crafts Glitter Strips Peacock color http://www.joann.com/3-8in-glitter-peacock/1115566... )~$2

4. Hot glue gun and glue sticks

5. Finishing elements (I had two rhinestones lying around to put at the corner of the eyes)

Step 2: Remove Undesired Elements

The mask was top center heavy and the silver was jarring against the blue so I wanted to remove everything but the feathers on the face of the mask.

1. Very gently tug at the seam of the outer trim until you find a weak spot and pull it off.

2. Pull off sequins gently around eyes.

3. Yank top long and short feathers up and off.

Step 3: Hot Glue Glitter Ribbon

1. Align edge of ribbon on top corner of mask.

2. Place a dab of hot glue to hold down corner.

3. Alternate hot gluing small segments around the outer edge of mask while slightly curving the ribbon.

4. When you reach the edge, cut the ribbon at the angle of the mask.

5. Hot glue ribbon along top and bottom edges of mask and around the eyes, keeping the ribbon on the spool until ready to cut the edges.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

1. Hot glue long feathers on either side of the eye.

2. Pull peacock feathers off the pad and look for feathers that seem the most symmetrical.

3. Hot glue a peacock feather on either side to cover the stem of the long feathers.

4. Hot glue the biggest peacock feather in the top center of the mask.

5. Hot glue another peacock feather on either side at about 30 degree angles.

6. Affix rhinestones to the outer corners of each eye and voila, peacock mask complete!