Categories: Costume, Halloween, Holiday

This black bird mask uses OlyFun, a non-fraying fabric. It cuts like paper and sews easily, making it perfect for 3D effects and lightweight masks. I chose Jet Black OlyFun, however this same project can be created with any of the 18 OlyFun colors. You can add gems with Beacon Gem-Tac Glue and Tulip Soft Fabric Paint in metallics, for added glitz. I kept mine plain. I wore it to a masquerade. I got many compliments. People were amazed on the dimension OlyFun allowed me to create. This Olyfun mask isn’t heavy and hot like a felt or leather mask. Perfect for children through adults. If you do get tired of wearing it as a mask, it makes a lovely hat.

What you need to make this project

Materials: Oly-Fun Craft Pack in Jet Black

Supplies: Black thread; Scissors; White chalk or pencil; Sewing machine

Instructions

Step One

Create a mask template to fit your face. Make it symmetrical. Cut two from Jet Black Oly-Fun.

Step Two

Cut a pie slice shape about 2″ long by 2″ curved. Make the shape longer for a larger beak. Make it wider along the curve, if the wearer has a wider nose. Cut two. Cut a notch at the center of the curve.

Step Three

Sew the two beak pieces together, about 1/8″ from the edge. Stitch down the center from the curve to the point.

Step Four

Lay the two mask pieces together. Pin if desired. Stitch around the outside and eye holes, 1/8″ from the edge.

Step Five

Center the beak curve to the nose arch on the mask. Pin if desired. Stitch the nose and mask together, following the previous mask stitch line.

Step Six

Cut feathers in various sizes from 1″-2″ long.

Step Seven

Work on one mask half at a time, in rows from outside to inside. Stitch feathers onto the mask from the top corner to top center. When you get to the center, stitch back to the top corner without adding more feathers. Stitch feathers to the mask from the top corner by the beak. Stitch back to the top center without adding more feathers. Use longer feathers near the top corner, decreasing feather size towards the center and eyes. Use the smallest feathers around the eyes.

Step Eight

Continue doing stitch feathers to the mask, until only the center and around the beak are blank. Repeat for the other half. Trim away any overlapping feathers from the eyeholes.

Step Nine

Around the nose and center, stitch on small feathers, filling that space.

Step Ten

Cut two long rectangles 1.5″ by 18″. Working on mask half at a time, Lift up the feathers, leaving the 1st row exposed. Pin a strap to the side, on the back. Stitch the strap onto the mask, along the 1st feather row stitching. Repeat for other strap and mask half. Trim back any excess overlapping strap fabric.