Turn a couple of sheets of craft foam into a wearable raccoon mask, complete with the classic black “bandit” eye markings. This activity takes about 30 minutes, uses a free printable pattern, and kids can wear the finished mask for pretend play, Halloween, or a nature-themed party.
Materials
Supplies:
- 1 sheet of brown fun foam (12″ x 18″)
- 1 sheet of black fun foam (8″ x 11″)
- Raccoon mask pattern (printable PDF)
- Glue (craft glue or hot glue with adult help)
Raccoon Mask Pattern
Tools:
- Scissors
- Stapler
- Printer (for the pattern)
No fun foam? Use cardstock, construction paper, or even a paper plate painted brown with black around the eyes. The mask won’t be as durable but works for a quick version.
Steps
- Print the pattern. Download and print the raccoon mask pattern. It includes two pieces: the larger brown mask shape and the smaller black eye band.
- Trace and cut the brown piece. Lay the large pattern piece on the brown fun foam. Trace around it with a pen or marker, then cut it out. This is the base of the mask, including the outer face, ears, and nose shape.
- Trace and cut the black piece. Lay the smaller pattern piece on the black fun foam. Trace and cut. This is the raccoon’s signature black mask that covers the eye area.
- Glue them together. Center the black piece on the front of the brown piece and glue it down. The eye holes in both pieces should line up. Press firmly and let the glue set for a few minutes.
- Make the head strap. Cut a strip of brown fun foam about 4 centimeters wide and 30 centimeters long (1.5″ x 12″). Staple one end to one side of the mask. Hold the mask up to the child’s head, wrap the strap around to fit, and staple the other end. Trim any extra length.
- Wear it. Slip the mask on and head outside to explore like a raccoon.
Grownup help needed: An adult should handle scissors for younger kids and the stapler for the head strap. If using hot glue instead of craft glue, an adult should do the gluing.
