Mardi Gras Float Craft

19Feb09

I spent part of my childhood in New Orleans, where Mardi Gras is one of the biggest events of the year. Every year each kid in my school created their own Mardi Gras float out of a shoebox to display in the school parade. Out of all the Mardi Gras crafts, making a miniature shoebox float was my favorite.

This craft leaves you with a lot of room to be creative. There are no right or wrong ways to complete a shoebox float. Mardi Gras floats traditionally have a theme. Maybe you have a favorite movie or pet that you would like to model your float after.

Two years ago my family made a full scale float with the theme the Pixar movie Cars. We went with a new release movie that might be popular among children. This is your chance to use your imagination.

What you need:

Shoe Box
Paint
Scissors
Glue

Optional Supplies:

Tissue paper
Tinfoil
Felt
Ribbon
Beads
Glitter
Felt
Stickers
Sequins

(1) Turn your shoebox up side down and paint the box and lid whichever color attracts you. The traditional Mardi Gras colors are green, purple and gold. (2) Once dried, glue the lid to the back end of the shoebox float. (3) Use your supplies to decorate to a theme or no theme.

Remember there is no right or wrong way to complete a Mardi Gras shoebox float. It can be as bright and chaotic as you wish!