Nature Masks
Add a touch of handcrafted wonder to your little one's dress-up collection (or their Halloween costume!) with a DIY nature mask. Pair your mask with one of our silky soft Playsilks to complete the transformation into a woodland creature, whimsical fairy, or anything their heart desires.
What you'll need:
- Treasures from nature: sticks, leaves, flowers, pinecones—whatever speaks to your child’s imagination
- Strong, non-toxic glue
- Paint brush (to help apply the glue)
- Paper & pencil to draw your mask template
- String or elastic to secure the mask
- Optional: Playsilks to enhance the magical ensemble
How to Create Your Nature Mask:
1. Begin in Nature: Step outside to a favorite spot—a local park, your backyard, or a woodland path. Bring a basket and encourage your child to gather nature’s treasures: soft leaves, vibrant flowers, interesting stones, or even fallen acorns. Each found item holds the potential to become part of their one-of-a-kind mask.
2. Draw and Prepare: Draw a simple mask outline onto cardstock and cut out the mask shape. Punch holes on either side for the string.
3. Lay Out Your Finds: Set out all of the gathered nature treasures on a table. Encourage your child to arrange them on the mask, experimenting with different patterns and textures. This is where their imagination takes flight—whether they want to mimic the face of a forest animal or create something abstract and free-spirited.
4. Glue It Down: Once your child is happy with their design, use a paintbrush to apply glue and secure the nature treasures onto the mask. Make sure everything is firmly attached, but don’t worry about perfection—the charm of this craft is in its wild, natural beauty.
5. Attach the String: Measure the string (or elastic) to fit snugly around your child’s head. Thread it through the holes and tie it securely.
6. Let it Dry: Set the mask aside to dry. Depending on the materials used, it may take a few hours. If your little one used delicate flowers or leaves, consider letting the mask air dry naturally to preserve their beauty.
7. Transform and Play: Once dry, the mask is ready for play! Watch as your child transforms into a magical creature of their own creation. Our Playsilks in forest greens, golden yellows, or deep autumn oranges can add the perfect finishing touch to their imaginative adventure.
Seen above: Kai pairs his owl mask with an Orange and Black Playsilk to create a beautiful handmade owl costume!
There’s something truly special about watching your child bring nature into their play in such a tangible way. As they gather, create, and transform, they’re not just making a mask—they’re weaving a deeper connection to the world around them.
xoxo,
Sarah