Mardi Gras is more than just a party—it is a sensory explosion of history, culture, and pure creativity. Known as “Fat Tuesday,” this vibrant festival marks the final day of indulgence before the traditional 40 days of Lent begins. While the grand parades of New Orleans and Mobile are famous for their towering floats and “throws,” the real magic of Mardi Gras has always been for families.
For generations, children have stood atop parade ladders, shouting “Throw me something, Mister!” as they catch glittering beads and doubloons. If you can’t make it to the French Quarter this year, you can bring the “Big Easy” spirit home! These 20 Mardi Gras Crafts for Kids are designed to improve fine motor skills, teach cultural history, and—most importantly—fill your home with the iconic colors of purple, green, and gold.
The Meaning Behind the Magic
Before you break out the glitter, it’s a wonderful time to teach kids what those famous Mardi Gras colors actually represent. In 1892, the “Rex” parade established the official symbolism that we still use today:
- Purple: Represents Justice.
- Green: Represents Faith.
- Gold: Represents Power.
20 Creative Mardi Gras Projects for All Ages
1. Paper Plate Masquerade Masks
The most essential Mardi Gras accessory! Cut a paper plate in half, snip out two eye holes, and let the kids go wild with purple feathers, gold sequins, and green glitter. Attach a wooden dowel to the side for a classic “masquerade stick” look.
2. Shoebox Parade Floats
Turn your recycling bin into a miniature Canal Street. Use an old shoebox as the base and decorate it with tinsel, small toys, and construction paper. This is a fantastic way to discuss the “Krewes” (social clubs) that build the massive floats seen in New Orleans.
3. DIY “Throw-Me” Paper Beads
Instead of plastic, make your own! Roll long, thin triangles of colorful magazine pages or construction paper around a pencil and glue the tip. String them together to create eco-friendly Mardi Gras necklaces.
4. King Cake Playdough
Mix up a batch of homemade playdough and scent it with cinnamon and vanilla. Provide purple, green, and gold glitter so kids can “bake” and decorate their own pretend King Cakes—don’t forget to hide a tiny plastic “baby” inside!
5. Handprint Jester Hats
Trace your child’s hands on purple, green, and gold paper. Arrange the handprints in a fan shape to create the “points” of a jester’s hat, then glue them to a paper headband. Add jingle bells to the fingertips for extra fun.
6. Mardi Gras Shaker Bottles
Fill empty plastic water bottles with dried beans, rice, and a handful of colorful sequins. Secure the lid tightly with duct tape. These are perfect for kids to shake along to jazz music or a neighborhood parade.
7. Paper Chain “Bead” Garlands
A classic craft that doubles as home decor! Loop strips of construction paper together in the 3-color pattern to create giant “beads” to drape over your banisters or windows.
8. Coffee Filter Fleur-de-Lis
The Fleur-de-Lis is the iconic symbol of Louisiana. Use a permanent marker to draw the shape on a coffee filter, then let kids use watercolors to “bleed” purple and green across the paper.
9. Paper Plate Tambourines
Take two paper plates, face them toward each other, and staple the edges halfway. Fill with coins or beads, finish stapling, and decorate. They are loud, proud, and perfectly Mardi Gras!
10. Pipe Cleaner Tiara
For the “Mardi Gras Royalty” in your house, twist together gold and purple pipe cleaners into a crown. Add green pom-poms to the peaks for a regal touch.
11. Beaded Mosaic Art
If you have leftover beads from previous years, cut the strings and use the individual beads to create “mosaic” pictures on cardstock. It’s a great way to recycle and create 3D art.
12. Footprint Alligators
New Orleans is famous for its bayous! Paint your child’s foot green and press it onto paper. Turn the heel into the head and use markers to add scales and a Mardi Gras hat to your festive “Gator.”
13. Tissue Paper Wreath
Cut the center out of a paper plate to create a ring. Have your child crumple squares of tissue paper and glue them around the ring to create a fluffy, vibrant front-door decoration.
14. Pasta Bead Necklaces
Dye penne or macaroni pasta using food coloring and rubbing alcohol. Once dry, kids can practice their fine motor skills by threading the purple, green, and gold “beads” onto yarn.
15. Jester Wand
Glue a large gold star to the top of a wooden dowel. Stream purple and green ribbons from the base of the star so they flutter when the “Grand Marshal” of your house leads the parade.
16. Salt Painted Masks
Draw a mask outline with white glue and sprinkle heavily with salt. Once dry, use a dropper to add liquid watercolors. Watch the colors travel through the salt for a “magical” effect.
17. Clink-Clank Noisemakers
Flatten out two metal jar lids and tape them to the ends of a folded piece of cardboard. When you squeeze the cardboard, the lids “clink” together—perfect for getting a float rider’s attention!
18. Carnival Crown Hats
Cut a large zigzag pattern across a piece of construction paper and tape it into a circle. Let kids use “jewels” (stickers or sequins) to decorate their own royal crown.
19. Mardi Gras Slime
Create a clear glue slime base and divide it into three bowls. Add purple, green, and gold pigment or glitter to each, then swirl them together for a mesmerizing “Carnival Slime.”
20. Stained Glass Windows
Use black construction paper to create a “frame” for a mask or a crown. Fill the center with bits of colored cellophane or tissue paper to catch the light in your window.
Why Crafting is the Best Way to Celebrate
Beyond the glitter and glue, these activities offer significant developmental benefits:
| Benefit | How it Happens |
| Fine Motor Skills | Threading beads and crumpling paper strengthens small hand muscles. |
| Cultural Awareness | Learning about “Fat Tuesday” and French traditions expands a child’s worldview. |
| Pattern Recognition | Using the 3-color sequence (Purple-Green-Gold) builds early math and logic skills. |
| Creative Confidence | Designing a unique mask allows for self-expression and pride in one’s work. |
