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Where the Wild Things Are – Paper Bag Mask Craft

March 3, 2020

Oh we have a fun Where the Wild Things Are Mask craft for you today! If you and the kids adore this classic book my Maurice Sendak, you HAVE To have a go at this Easy Paper Bag Mask Craft!

Perfect activity to while away an afternoon.. or if you are getting Halloween Dress Up ready and need something easy and fun.. do have a go!

Lucy from Flisat Fun kindly shared some of their photo makes with us! I love seeing reader photos. Thank you for letting us share them!

Easy Wild Things Masks for Kids - collage of kids and crafting

This post was first published in February 2012

You may have seen the magazine craft challenge a couple of month’s ago, now there is a fabulous Paperbag Craft challenge by Tinkerlab. I always get into a creative tizz when it comes to Tinkerlab’s challenges, as all the blogs taking part have such wonderfully creative ideas. This makes a great addition to our Crafts for Boys as well as World Book Day Costume ideas too!

After much pondering, we finally came up with our paperbag craft. I knew we wanted to make a paper bag mask of some sort, just not which.

Then one day… Red Ted, Pip Squeak and I were sitting on the sofa and reading one our much loved books and the idea came to me – A Paper Bag Wild Things Mask. This also doubles up nicely as a No Sew Halloween Costumes for those that are reluctant to dress up! We also have some fabulous  Paper Halloween Craft for kids that you may wish to explore!

The Book

Where The Wild Things Are

Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak. I am a HUGE Maurice Sendak fan – ever since I had his nutshell library as a little girl.

Needless to say I am chuffed that the children adore Where the Wild Things Are. We do like a good rumpus. And as luck will have it Pip Squeak is currently “reading” this book at nursery too.

If you don’t know the book, then you really must get hold of a copy – a real childhood classic. Max is a little boy who has been sent to his room for being naughty and rude to his mother (without any supper). Once up there he begins to day dream and goes off into the land of Wild Things, where he is the wildest of all and becomes king. Eventually, he misses home and his family so he returns, to find that his mother has brought up some lovely supper for him.

Fabulous Sendak illustration and quirky drawings. Highly recommended.

Easy Wild Things Masks for Kids - collage of kids and crafting

Photo by Flisat Fun

The Craft

I decided that paper bags are perfect for masks. They fit so neatly over one’s head. We had snaffled 3 paper bags from my mother in law, as they are not that common here in the UK. And two were perfect for the craft.

Materials: One paper bag per mask, acrylic paint (it won’t crumble), scissors and glue. For Max’s crown, we also used a bit of very thick felt that came from somewhere random.

If acrylics are not your thing, why not use coloured card or felt?

The Wild Thing:

were the wild things are craft

1) We first made our wild thing. I shaped some horns out of the top of the bag and secured it with tape. This serves two purposes – 1) we have some horns and 2) the bag fits Red Ted a little better. Of course you can just glue some horns on and cut the paper bag down a little!

were the wild things are craft

2) Then we “located Red Ted’s eyes and cut some holes.

paper bag crafts
paper bag crafts

3) Now the painting and decorating started. Some big yellow eyes, a big brown nose. Triangles for teeth…. We painted some extra paper dark brown for the shaggy hair and beard. Then cut strips and stuck them on.

paper bag crafts

Done!

Easy Wild Things Masks for Kids - collage of kids and crafting

Photo by Flisat Fun

For Max 

paper bag crafts

1) I trimmed the bottom part of the paper bag off – this is to create a better fit for Pip Squeak. I kept this paper and we painted it gold, to be used as a crown later.

wild things crafts

2) Using Red Ted as a guide, I cute a “face shape”.

maurice sendak crafts
paper bag crafts

3) Then we painted it all white. I pinched and glued down the sides down a little to make the “Max shape” (rather than have a square face).

where the wild things are costume

4) Cut the crown and cello tape it to the top and add your piece of white felt (or use paper or use cotton wool)!

where the wild things are costumes

Done!

Easy Wild Things Masks for Kids - collage of kids and crafting

Photo by Flisat Fun!

This is what Pip Squeak thought of it all (she was napping whilst we were crafting)

where the wild things are costumes
paper bag craft ideas

What do you think? Do you like Where The Wild Things Are crafts? What have you made? I wonder what everyone else’s paper bag craft will be!!!

Need some more No Sew Halloween Costumes? Check out the full set:

No Sew Costume Ideas - ideal for Halloween

Happy Trick or Treating!

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Filed Under: Costumes, Halloween, Kids Craft, Paper Crafts, Party Ideas, Recycling 62 Comments

Comments

  1. Rachelle | TinkerLab says

    February 6, 2012 at 6:59 am

    Oh — my — goodnes!!! Maggy, these are adorable! I love Where the Wild Things Are, but my kids not so much. It\’s great that you were able to bring the characters to life for your kids, and have them play a part in the process.

    Reply
  2. Red Ted Art says

    February 6, 2012 at 7:39 am

    Oh thank you Rachelle! So lovely of you to say! Yes, can see why not all kids like the book (it is a bit like the Gruffalo – why would you like big ugly monsters??)… ๐Ÿ™‚ Can\’t wait to go off now and see what everyone else made. Such a fabulous challenge! Thank you for organising!

    Reply
  3. Vanessa says

    February 6, 2012 at 8:19 am

    Oh my golly. They are AMAZING. Hurrah!
    *brain starts ticking, starts looking for paper bags!*

    Reply
  4. Liz Burton says

    February 6, 2012 at 10:04 am

    Goodness Maggy, your children are so obliging!!

    LOVE the masks, they are fabulous.

    I\’m a big Sendak fan too. x

    Reply
  5. Red Ted Art says

    February 6, 2012 at 10:36 am

    @Vanessa would love to see what you make

    @ Liz – Aren\’t they just? I am very lucky that for now they like posing!!

    Reply
  6. Jude says

    February 6, 2012 at 11:11 am

    Fantastic masks – I had originally planned to do masks too – but nothing as good as these!

    Reply
    • Red Ted Art says

      February 6, 2012 at 11:58 am

      Thank you Jude!! I love love love EVERYTHING you make, so that comment means A LOT to me!! *BEAM*

      Reply
  7. Rachel says

    February 6, 2012 at 2:02 pm

    Pinning this because it is amazing ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  8. Red Ted Art says

    February 6, 2012 at 2:36 pm

    THANK YOU ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  9. Bernadette - Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas says

    February 6, 2012 at 3:06 pm

    OH my goodness! Brilliant, Brilliant, did I say BRILLIANT!? They look adorable Maggy!

    That is one of our favorite books and your masks just brings the story to life – I am pinning this!

    Reply
  10. Anna @ The Imagination Tree says

    February 6, 2012 at 3:14 pm

    You know what I think about these already, but of course a comment is nice too…so they are GORGEOUS!! So impressive and I can\’t wait to do something similar when C is a bit older. Wonderful results and very happy adorable children ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Reply
  11. Roopa says

    February 6, 2012 at 3:30 pm

    These are amazingly wonderful Maggy!! love them!!! I need to go beg/borrow some big bags now to try something like these:))

    Reply
  12. Red Ted Art says

    February 6, 2012 at 5:17 pm

    Oh my, dear lady friends, I pop out and I come back to all these lovely comments!! **THANK YOU** ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  13. Melissa @ The Chocolate Muffin Tree says

    February 6, 2012 at 7:37 pm

    These masks are great! Love the WIld Things and what a fab idea!

    Reply
  14. Brooke@let kids create says

    February 6, 2012 at 10:36 pm

    Wonderful masks! Your kids look cute in them!

    Reply
  15. debbie clement says

    February 6, 2012 at 11:30 pm

    I predict that 15 years from now, the picture of your two WonderPeeps together will be one that melts your heart. It\’s one of those classics that will make you sigh, as they\’re getting ready for graduation festivities and it catches your eye on the mantle place.

    KUDOS. Such a treasure.

    Debbie Clement

    Reply
  16. amber says

    February 7, 2012 at 1:05 am

    These turned out so good. Very Very cute!

    Reply
  17. Jill @ A Mom With A Lesson Plan says

    February 7, 2012 at 4:32 am

    I love those! They are perfect masks and i bet your kids loved making a RUMPUS in costume!

    Reply
  18. Red Ted Art says

    February 7, 2012 at 7:41 am

    @Debbie you say the nicest things!
    @Jill oh yes indeed.. mine are very good at Rumpusing!!!

    Thank you for all your very kind comments! I think we need to go off and play Wild Things again now.

    Reply
  19. se7en says

    February 7, 2012 at 9:07 pm

    Man those are just totally superb!!! Stunning!!! We had a Wild Thing Party last year that I think you would enjoy: http://www.se7en.org.za/2009/09/03/where-the-wild-things-are-party-in-se7en-steps

    Reply
  20. Mummy..Mummy..MUM!! says

    February 7, 2012 at 10:37 pm

    Maggy, they are gorgeous!

    Reply
  21. artsy_momma says

    February 8, 2012 at 7:48 am

    Those turned out soooooooo good! Coolest Paper bags ever ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  22. Eva Scott says

    February 8, 2012 at 12:50 pm

    These are seriously so adorable! I have a friend who loves this story. I\’m going to share with her!

    Reply
  23. maryanne @ mama smiles says

    February 8, 2012 at 1:25 pm

    Your masks are fantastic!

    Reply
  24. Allie says

    February 10, 2012 at 2:28 am

    HI Maggy! I featured these cute masks on my blog today! Stop by and grab a button if you wish. I LOVE them. So creative. http://www.missloviecreations.blogspot.com/2012/02/my-favorite-things-thursday.html

    Reply
  25. Red Ted Art says

    February 10, 2012 at 8:25 am

    Oooh thank you for the feature!

    Reply
  26. Brittney says

    February 10, 2012 at 3:22 pm

    These are absolutely wonderful! I wish I had half the talent to come up with something like this for my kids!

    Reply
  27. Trisha @ Clarion Wren says

    February 10, 2012 at 5:07 pm

    Great masks for a great book!

    Reply
  28. Red Ted Art says

    February 10, 2012 at 5:43 pm

    Thank you so much for your oh so lovely comments and yes, the book is BRILLIANT!

    Reply
  29. Marissa says

    February 11, 2012 at 3:36 pm

    These are amazing! What child wouldn\’t have fun making these – not to mention playing with them!

    Reply
  30. creativejewishmom/sara says

    February 12, 2012 at 9:25 am

    Love your paper bag masks, love the book too! Thanks so much for sharing this and all your projects on Craft Schooling Sunday! Could you please send me a large version of the last photo of the post (with the 2 kids) so that I can feature this? Thanks so much!

    Reply
    • Red Ted Art says

      February 12, 2012 at 9:51 am

      Oh yes, of course, thank you ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  31. Eddie - The Usual Mayhem says

    February 12, 2012 at 4:08 pm

    Those are brilliant!

    Being not so brilliant myself, I just realized that I submitted two projects (St.George and Harry potter unit) on the wrong linky list. Sorry about that!

    Reply
    • Red Ted Art says

      February 12, 2012 at 8:28 pm

      Ah never mind! I am not in “control” of that linky, but I think they will be deleted. Hope that is ok.. but here is the one to link to if you still want to:
      https://www.redtedart.com/2012/02/08/paper-bag-crafts/

      Reply
  32. The Monko says

    February 12, 2012 at 10:32 pm

    your paper bag masks made me smile, they look fab.

    Reply
  33. toysinthedryer says

    February 17, 2012 at 5:06 pm

    I love this! Found you on Skip To My Lou. Would you please share this with our readers for Fun Stuff Fridays? http://www.toysinthedryer.com/2012/02/fun-stuff-fridays-11.html

    Reply
    • Red Ted Art says

      February 17, 2012 at 5:30 pm

      I would love to!

      Reply
  34. Liz says

    February 18, 2012 at 8:10 pm

    Thank you for sharing this great idea! One of the dress-up days for March is Reading MOnth at my kiddos\’ school is dress as your favorite book character. These masks will be perfect.

    Reply
    • Red Ted Art says

      February 18, 2012 at 8:13 pm

      Oooh I am so pleased!!! Would love to see a photo if you do end up making them!!

      Reply
  35. @ZingZingTree says

    February 20, 2012 at 12:26 am

    Oh this are so fab. I love them!

    Reply
  36. Annie says

    February 21, 2012 at 1:46 am

    These look so cool! Forget the kids – I want to make one for me !

    Reply
  37. Keitha says

    February 25, 2012 at 11:40 am

    Those are the cutest bags ever!

    Reply
  38. Robin @ Sweet Tea Classroom says

    June 2, 2012 at 3:18 am

    Wow! You are so talented.

    Reply
  39. Rachel says

    August 16, 2012 at 11:05 pm

    You’ve saved my life, thanks. My child’s Grade 1 class are doing “Where the Wild things are” for the school concert, and I was stumped for costume ideas..these will be prefect, thanks.

    Reply
    • Red Ted Art says

      August 17, 2012 at 6:56 am

      Oooh I am SO pleased! Hooray! Have a fabulous school play!

      Reply
  40. Bethany @ No Twiddle Twaddle says

    September 27, 2012 at 1:23 am

    Those are awesome. Thanks for sharing. I’m excited about adding these and your adorable witch costume to my list!

    Reply
  41. doro K. says

    October 2, 2012 at 8:26 am

    i like it, too. perfect for little boys.

    I linked to your tutorial on my blog – thanks for sharing!

    doro K.

    Reply
  42. Isabel Thomas says

    March 11, 2013 at 10:11 pm

    Fantastic! I adore this idea. It gives the wild things exactly the right amount of ‘bigness’ and otherness! I wrote a piece for the Guardian about making Max’s wolf suit for World Book Day. Next time I use the costume I’m going to make a horde of paper bag wild things too!

    Many thanks for sharing!

    My Max: http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/2013/mar/05/world-book-day-make-max-costume-where-wild-things-are

    Reply
  43. The Activity Mom says

    September 6, 2013 at 12:36 am

    Hi there,
    I’d love to feature this craft on a Wild Things collection post. If you are ok with it can I show the picture on my site with a link to this post? If so, email me the pic at nduggan2@gmail.com
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Red Ted Art says

      September 6, 2013 at 8:43 am

      Ooh yes please! Thank you!!

      Reply
      • The Activity Mom says

        September 6, 2013 at 12:36 pm

        Awesome! Thanks!
        I actually got the image from a different site that linked up. Hope that is ok. I’ll send you the link to my post when it is up.
        Thanks!

        Reply
  44. Mila says

    October 28, 2013 at 4:25 am

    It is really cool project and I added it to my Halloween Craft Collection! You can find it in my Sweet Garden
    http://cltodo.blogspot.ca/2013/10/passion-of-halloween.html

    Reply

Trackbacks

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