DIY Fun with Paper: Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is celebrated in many different ways by Christians all around the globe, but nowhere is it more fun that in Portugal and Brazil, where colourful floats, bright garlands and dancing are the order of the day.  You might not be able to visit a parade this year, but these paper crafts for kids can help you recreate a little of the magic at home!

Create your own Mardi Gras float

This is a fun Mardi Gras activity that will keep the kids amused.  You can get really creative with these floats!  You’ll need to stock up in advance with brightly coloured feathers and stick-on jewels from your local craft shop, but once you have assembled your colourful art supplies the only limit is your kids’ imaginations!  Ask each child to decorate their own cardboard box according to their own colourful Mardi Gras theme and then host your own parade!  Perhaps with prizes for the best floats and dancers?

Detailed instructions can be found at Cindy De Rosier’s crafting website.

Colourful pinwheels to wave

If you’re going to host a parade, you’ll need some colourful decorations for the crowd to wave.  These pinwheels are just the ticket.  If you can get your hands on some sparkly paper, they are super easy and look fantastic.  Otherwise, your kids can have fun adding colour and decoration for themselves. 

Full instructions for making paper pinwheels can be found over at The Spruce Crafts.

Mardi Gras Party headdress

All good Mardi Gras parades need some dancers, so turn up the Samba and get busy with this fun make!  Create your own party headdress using bright pipe cleaners, card and some glitter trim. 

For full instructions, visit Free Kids Crafts.

Mardi Gras Jester’s hat

If the party headdress isn’t to your child’s style, then this Jester’s hat is a great alternative.  Similarly made from a craft paper base, it’s simple for kids to cut out and stick together.  Choose some lovely, bright shades of craft paper, decorate with glitter and feathers and you’ll be ready to join the parade! 

Find full instructions over at the Mardi Gras Outlet.

Now you’re ready to host your own Mardi Gras parade at home thanks to some easy-to-make paper crafting.

Have fun!