Kunin Felt Classroom: Felt Mask Making

KFC Mask Making P1
Welcome back to the Kunin Felt Classroom! This past weekend I had lots of fun making felt masks with the older grandlittles during our annual Valentine’s party. They love to make things and also enjoy having their pictures shared too!
The other best thing about making the masks is we got to use DT member Laura Kelly’s new mask dies with Sizzix. Even better she has two, the boys got to make Robot masks and the girls the Forest masks.

a11129 Woodland Mask
http://www.sizzix.com/A11129/sizzix-bigz-xl-die-mask-forest

You will need:

  • 9″ x 12” craft cuts Kunin Premium or Friendlyfelt™: 2 Black, 2 Fuchsia ( 2 per mask)
  • Fabri-tac and or Felt Glue by Beacon www.beaconadhesives.com
  • Mask Dies by Laura Kelly for Sizzix www.sizzix.com
  • Assorted trims, buttons, nuts, bolts, wiggly eyes
  • 1/4″ Narrow elastic, 16″ per mask
  • Scissors, Big Shot and 12″ cutting pads

KFC MM P2

1. Die cut as many mask pieces as needed. Since the children are gluing on several items to front of mask cut out a front and back for each piece to make the mask sturdier.

2. Use extra felt scraps to cut out the accessory pieces at end of dies in different colors.

TIP: When running die through Big Shot roll it backwards to go over the cutting surface twice before removing from Big Shot.

3. Give the children extra embellishments, adhesive and let them decorate the mask front!

TIP: There were a few screws in the boys embellishments and one of them glued two screws sticking straight out. His comment: “No one was going to get close and kiss him on Valentine’s Day!” He was gently advised to adhere them laying down. So please choose appropriate embellishments for the age of the child. The felt ones included are very safe. The tile spacers were fun, they look like X’s and the nuts like O’s. Small bolts work well too, glued flat of course.

KFC MM Robot P3
4. While they were decorating the front I knotted one end of the elastic and put through one side of mask. Measured around their head and put elastic through second hole adjusting it to a comfortable fit. Trim off remaining elastic.

5. Once they are finished decorating front glue front of mask to back, let dry and then let the imaginary play begin!

KFC MM P4

Tips for Crafting with Kids

1. No matter what the size or age level of group being prepared is key to a fun and successful experience. Make sure to cut out at least two extra masks in case of crafty accidents. Have several of the items to share like glue, scissors available between two to three children.

2. When planning a project think about what is the most fun or what will engage the children the most. Allow for lots of time for each step. Decorating the front of mask fun, pushing elastic through tiny hole not as fun. So I handled the elastic while they decorated.

KFC MM P5

3. Have a completed project to show them and a few variations just to give ideas. Take a group and individual photos after the project is completed

When shopping for felt make sure to read the labels on the craft cuts. Imported craft felt is not of the same quality or weight at 2-3 oz. compared to the 5-8 oz. of our Kunin felt products and could lead to disappointing results. Glue can bleed through thinner products leaving hard white patchy spots.

You can now find an expanded color line of Kunin Eco-fi Classicfelt; Eco-fiPlus™ Premiumfelt and ShaggiChic non-wovens fabrics in cut by the yard at your local Walmart; please inquire as to what is available in your area.

Thank you for stopping by!
Debra