<p>Ahh, Mardi Gras. The wholesome holiday where we can all come together in joyful celebration of, well, the spirit of Party On.</p><p>The best thing about Mardi gras is the costumes and masks. It&#39;s like the hardcore Halloween that works to sweep away the Winter blues in a flurry on confetti and brass horns.</p><p><strong>The Mask</strong>:<br/>You can take on Mardi Gras this year with a mask that not only looks fabulous but is custom-made to fit your very own face.</p><ul><li>Use this Paper Mache Mask photo tutorial to get you started with a blank mask that is fitted to your own face. From here, you can paint it, or add feathers.</li><li>Make a Feathered Mask A feather-covered mask is not only impressive, but it can be easy to make. I&#39;ve put together some simple diagrams to get you full-coverage plumage. Caw!</li></ul><p><strong>The Color Scheme</strong>:<br/>It&#39;s not a must, but I thought I should mention here that the traditional Mardi Gra colors are purple, green and gold. In 1892, Rex, the King of Carnival, chose the Mardi Gras colors.</p><ul><li>Purple symbolizes justice.</li><li>Green is for faith.</li><li>Gold stands for power.</li></ul><p>Check out our Mardi Gras Stencils and Mardi Gras Party Hats for basic color inspiration. Decide just how much justice, faith and power you want to portray.</p><p><strong>The Costume</strong>:<br/>Here are a bunch of full costume tutorials for you to use with your mask. Most of these call for household objects and cheap materials.</p><ul><li>Fairy Costume</li><li>Mermaid Costume</li><li>Flapper Costume</li><li>Marilyn Monroe Costume</li><li>Playboy Bunny Costume</li><li>Disco Costume</li><li><strong>More Wild Costumes to Make</strong></li></ul><p><strong>Finishing Touches</strong>:<br/>To enhance your disguise, try adding these wigs, wings, and accessories:</p><ul><li>Make a Tiny Top Hat</li><li>Make a Feathered Party Hat</li><li>Ruby Slippers or Glittery Shoes</li><li>How-to Yarn Wig</li><li>How-to Fairy Wings</li><li>Make Dragon Wings</li><li>Yarn Party Hair</li><li>How-to Belt Pouch</li><li>Make a Hooded Cape</li></ul><p><strong>Costume Inspiration</strong>:<br/>The important part is to remember <strong>not</strong> to be yourself. Wear a wig, try on some stilts... the sky is the limit, and we should all have a day to celebrate that. Here is some inspiration from experienced revelers. Party on, Wayne!</p><ul><li>Photos from Bourbon Street</li><li>Mardi Gras 2005</li><li>Mardi Gras 2007</li><li>Mardi Gras 2009</li></ul>