And the Winners Are....

February's board displayed Children's Literary winners so a festive Mardi Gras theme seemed more appropriate (and fun) than a typical Valentine's Board.  Additionally, the winners were not announced until halfway through the month making this board a fun, interactive board in which the winners were revealed at a later date.

Technique

Materials

• Mask template
• Xacto knife or scissors
• Pencil
• Decorative cardstock or heavy weight construction paper
• Trim - feathers, glitter, sequins, flat back rhinestones, foil stickers, paper punches in festive shapes, etc.
• Tacky Glue
• Washi tape* (optional - can be used also for decoration)
• Paper Straws
• Metallic paper (shiny on one side) for Question marks

Masks

1. Using this template sourced online, I printed it twice and cut out two originals. One for me and one for my helper - just print and cut the templates for your needs.
2. Trace the original template onto card stock.
3. After cutting out masks: decorate!
4. Paper straws used for handles were attached in different ways: one method is using the tacky glue and additionally gluing construction paper strips over the straw to secure it; the other is to take the washi tape in the same manner but without the glue.
5. After decorating and applying the paper straw handle your mask is ready!

Question Marks

1. Using a question mark found online I enlarged the image, printed it, and cut it out creating a template.
2. Trace template backward on the wrong side of the metallic paper.
3. Cut out and enjoy your metallic question marks!

Making the masks was definitely the best part of this masterpiece board, yet, the whole vision came together beautifully. Category names were supplied by the Children's Librarian - they are laminated and reused each year. The book images were color printed on printer paper. Mardi Gras themed feather boas from the dollar tree made a wonderful border for the main board paired next to metallic yellow border on the informational side of the board. The backdrop of shiny purple, the metallic letters, gold painted staples, rhinestone push pins, and metallic fleur de lis sprinkled about created a festive environment for showcasing this year's winners! Enjoy! 

Feedback or suggestions? Let me know!