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- 1). Trace mask shapes onto sturdy poster or foam board, including openings for the eyes and mouth. The easiest masks are kidney-shaped and cover only the eye area, leaving the nose and mouth exposed. You can also trace ovals for masks that cover the entire face, though these may take more time to decorate and complete. Cut the masks out carefully with a craft knife.
- 2). Spray paint the masks in rich, metallic shades, like gold, burgundy, teal and silvery black. While the masks dry, paint craft sticks or thin wood dowels with gold spray paint; these will serve as the handles for some of your masks. The tracing and painting of the masks and handles should be done well in advance of the classroom project to maximize the time students may spend decorating their creations.
- 3). Prepare your decorations with any necessary painting and cutting before students begin their mask project. Measure the circumference of the masks and cut lengths of sequin tape, ribbon or lace students can use for mask edging. Pasta shapes can become decorations with a coat of metallic paint; spray shapes, like elbows, bow-ties, wagon-wheels, shells or novelty pastas with gold and silver paint for inexpensive decorations.
- 4). Let students decorate masks according to their personal tastes. Project images of famous Veronese symbols from a classroom computer or overhead projector for inspiration; the flag of Verona is a light blue field quartered by a yellow cross and its symbol is a golden crown. Images of traditional Veronese carnival masks are informative and inspiring; Verona's Carnival is always led by "Pappa de' Gnocco," the Father of the Gnocchi (a dumpling-style pasta). Traditional masks from the neighboring carnival in Venice or from the Italian theatrical tradition of commedia dell'arte would also be creative image references for students.
- 5). Finish masks by gluing a craft stick to the back left-hand corner of the mask or glue two strands of ribbon, one to each outer eye-corner, to the back side of the mask. Masks can either be held up to the face or tied gently in place; tying the masks works best if the mask is made of sturdier foam board. Play traditional 16th Century Italian music while students create their masks and allow them to mingle in their own impromptu "masked ball" until the project is complete.
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