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    Home » Celebrations & Holidays » Winter Holidays

    Ugly Christmas Sweater Masks - DIY!

    Published: Sep 28, 2020

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    DIY Ugly Christmas Sweater Masks

    An array of 3 gaudily decorated "Ugly Christmas Sweater" style face masks, on a white background.

    Looking for a fun activity, something fun to wear, or a goofy souvenir of this wild year? Try making your own Ugly Christmas Sweater Masks!

    Am I posting a holiday article at the end of September?

    Yes.

    Am I also a logistics person who doesn’t want to see anyone in a time crunch because I didn’t post this til it was more seasonally appropriate?

    Also yes.

    So, mea culpa on the timing, I hate Christmas Creep as much as everyone else. However, some things require a bit of planning ahead... and never has that been MORE the case, than since Covid hit.

    Fabric shortages, elastic shortages, entire sections of supplies being sold out at craft stores, long wait times for delivery...

    So, I’m putting this out there now.

    An array of 6 gaudily decorated "Ugly Christmas Sweater" style face masks, on a white background.

    These DIY ugly Christmas Sweater masks are tacky, ridiculous, totally unnecessary... but a fun project to make, and will be sure to brighten some days when you eventually wear them.

    I’m totally planning to wear ours grocery shopping - assuming that’ll be a thing, come December - to maybe bring some cheer to the grocery clerks who are having to deal with far more crap than anyone could ever pay them to.

    I’m guessing they’d enjoy having a laugh (Or smile - even if you can't see it!) at someone with strands of fake Christmas lights draped off their (MY!) nose as a brief break from the stream of... not exactly being given a reason to smile.

    A green face mask covered in crystals, with 2 loosely draped lines of lightbulb shaped beads hanging across it.

    Dark times require some moments of ridiculous levity, IMHO.

    Anyway... If ridiculous DIY Ugly Sweater masks are TOTALLY up your alley, but you’re all set for craft supplies and are WAY too busy enjoying the fall leaves and PSLs / Apple Cider... I hear ya!

    Bookmark this and revisit when you’re ready!

    However, if this is right up your alley and you’re NOT set up for the supplies for it... take a couple minutes to get that sorted, any orders off.. And THEN set it aside till you’re ready to face the holiday season!

    Another thing to consider...

    An array of 6 gaudily decorated "Ugly Christmas Sweater" style face masks, on a black background.

    DIY Ugly Christmas Sweater Masks Parties

    I’m all for finding creative ways to be social - from a distance - catching up with and having fun with friends. It’s been a weird year, and this holiday season is going to be challenging for some people.

    I think getting together on Zoom with some friends to have a long distance craft night would be FUN!

    Pour some drinks, break out the glitter glue, and have at it. Share in some ridiculousness, compete for ugliest mask, share some fun masked selfies the next day, after the paints and glues have dried.

    A white "Ugly Christmas Sweater" style face mask. It says "Happy Holidays" in red, with a green christmas tree and sequins all over it.

    Alternatively, it could be a fun distance project for kids, too - of pretty much any age.

    Doing Ugly Christmas Sweater Face Masks as a craft night or school project lets you get a bit more efficient with the supplies, if you’re willing and able to plan ahead.

    Logistics: One person can pick up the supplies, divide them out into kits, and mail them out to everyone else.

    This is great, because a packet of any one type of supply is going to be WAY more than any one person needs for this. The little pack of tiny Jingle bells, for instance, comes with HUNDREDS of them.

    I used 11 of them on the one mask where the jingle bells were the whole point!

    Personally, I’d invest in a pack of small jewelry baggies, divide everything up, and mail em out a few weeks ahead of time.

    I’d probably make a couple extra kits for last minute joiners, too.

    While none of the supplies cost much on its own, they can definitely add up if you don’t have it on hand and would like a variety. If purchased and divvied up, you could each be paying more like a couple dollars for craft supplies.

    ... but you’ve got to plan ahead, and allow time for shipping, both to receive any ordered supplies, and to get packages out!

    THAT is why I’m holding my nose and posting about Christmas stuff in late September. Logistics and efficiency above all else, IMHO!

    ANYWAY.

    Let’s get to it!

    An array of 3 gaudily decorated "Ugly Christmas Sweater" style face masks, on a white background.

    Note: This site is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for the site to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites. While I’ll only ever link to items that I, personally, wholeheartedly recommend, I do need to put that disclosure out there!

    A Note on Use

    Depending on how you decorate it, these masks are likely to be either be hand wash only, or non-washable.

    Shouldn’t be a deal breaker - who’s going to have the opportunity to wear something like this more than a couple times, right? - but figured I should mention that up front, so you can plan accordingly!

    What You Will Need for Ugly Christmas Sweater Masks

    Supplies

    A selection of craft supplies is arranged on a work surface. There are paints, glitters, glues, sequins, beads, and more.

    Masks

    First of all, you’ll need face masks to decorate. You can make them from scratch (How to Make a Comfortable Wired and Pleated Face Mask), or buy Ready Made Face Masks - Plain or Holiday Print

    A selection of face masks in Holiday colours - 2 green, 2 red, 1 white, 1 light blue.

    If you’re making them from scratch, you can applique them before assembling - more on that in a bit.

    Personally, I like starting with a basic, solid colour in something holiday-ish, or holiday adjacent. Red, Green, White or Black (as a neutral background), or a pale blue for my snow design background.

    3 pieces of holiday print fabric, laid out on a flat surface.

    If you’re not sure about how to design, you can make one from a holiday print fabric, and dress it up a bit.


    Just, you know, if you’re making it from scratch and have the inside and the outside the same, make sure you’re actually decorating the outside of it.

    We didn’t pay attention when we were decorating, and the folds on a few of our Ugly Christmas Sweater Masks are facing the wrong way. Whoops!

    Decorations

    When it comes to decorating these masks, you can really do whatever you want - just go wild with it!

    These are the things we used, with handy links to purchase so you don’t need to go on a wild hunt. (Let me tell you, finding appropriately sized jingle bells was annoying!)

    Fabric Paint
    Glitter Paint
    Glitter
    Sequins
    Crystals
    Jingle bells
    Christmas Bulb shaped beads
    Mini Holiday Stamps
    Pom Poms (We found these locally, and I was unable to find the same sizing on Amazon 🙁 )

    Foam or Other Stuff for Making Stamps

    I used some scrap upholstery foam to cut some makeshift Christmas Tree and Bell stamps out of, but you could use (clean!) sponges or other types of foam.

    A montage demonstrating the Stamping technique in 4 steps.

    You could even take a page from kid crafting back in the day, and cut up a potato to make stamps.

    Other Supplies

    Washable Glue Sticks for Applique
    E-6000 Fabri-Fuse
    Aleene's Tacky Glue
    Craft paint brushes
    Fishing line
    Pins

    A light blue face mask with glittery white and silver snowflakes all over it.

    Equipment

    The equipment you’ll need will vary based on what kind of decorations you’ll be doing, but as a basic idea of what we used:

    Scissors - I like Fiskars brand. Kinda religiously so, if we’re being honest. In particular, I have several of these larger ones, and a bunch of these smaller snips.

    Needles - A variety pack like this is great, to cover your bases - thread and/or fishing line.

    8" x 4" Styrofoam Cake Dummy
    - I use these to hold the masks in place, pin folds into place - or out of the way - etc. Not a necessity, but I had some on hand and they’re cheap & useful!

    A finished face mask is pinned to a round of styrofoam.

    Techniques

    While using fabric paint bottles to doodle on your mask is fairly straightforward, I do have a bit of advice for a few of the techniques here.

    Applique

    If you're going to applique - sewing a cut piece of fabric onto the mask - I recommend doing it BEFORE assembling your mask. This is for safety, comfort, and aesthetic reasons.

    Safety: No sense poking holes - however miniscule! - through two layers of cloth mask, when only one is needed! Additionally, having the two layers be free from each other may allow for a little more protection, both for yourself and others.

    Comfort: Masks with appliques sewn through both layers won't be as comfortable as those sewn to a single layer.

    Aesthetic: Masks with appliques sewn through both layers won't necessarily lay right or move right / as freely as those sewn to a single layer.

    Because you're planning to breathe through this mask, I highly recommend NOT using fusible interfacing, or any form of adhesive aside from Washable Glue Sticks - and those should be used sparingly, around the edges only.

    To safely applique fabric to your Ugly Christmas Sweater Mask

    Design your applique. I like to use medical exam table paper (I use this for pattern making in general), but tissue paper is another great option.

    1. Trace your mask pattern, then mark off plenty of border for your seam allowances. Design your shape to fit within those borders.

    2. Use the pattern to cut out your fabric design from the fabric you’ll be sewing to your mask.

    3. Place the fabric right side down over a piece of paper (this will protect your work surface).

    4. Lightly dab your washable glue stick around the edges of your cut piece of fabric, wiping / picking off any clumps that may transfer to it, while doing do.

    5. Place the applique right-side up on the right side of your mask fabric, allowing plenty of room around the edges for seam allowance

    6. Allow glue to fully dry.

    7. Use a wide zig zag stitch to sew the applique in place, sewing around the entire raw edge and backtracking a few times at the start/finish to secure the seam in place.

    A montage photo demonstrating the applique technique described, in 4 steps.

    8. Assemble your mask

    9. Wash the mask before proceeding with decorating.

    Image of two face masks. One is red with a white snowman sewn on, the other is white with a green christmas tree sewn on

    Glitter

    1. Secure your mask to a firm styrofoam surface - like a 8" x 4" Styrofoam Cake Dummy - if desired.

    2. Use Fabric Paint, Glitter Paint, or E-6000 Fabri-Fuse to draw out your intended glitter pattern

    3. Pour a generous amount of glitter over your wet design

    4. Allow to dry fully before shaking excess glitter off.

    A pale blue face mask is shown as a progression of 4 photos, as glitter snowflakes are piped on it.

    If you're doing more than one colour of glitter, do one colour at a time. I like to start with the colour that has the most coverage, and work my way down to the colour that will be in the smallest amount.

    Christmas Bulb Beads

    These Christmas Bulb shaped beads are super cute, and we used them in two different ways:

    A red mask is laid out on a table, with a line of beading across the top.  There is a needle and fishing line extending off the mask, as the beading is in progress.

    1. My husband sewed his directly to the mask, using fishing line for strength.

    A green mask attached to a round of styrofoam.  A string of beads that look like Christmas tree lights is secured to one corner, and laying on the table in front of the mask.

    2. I made a strand of "lights" on fishing line, knotting each bead into place. When I was finished, I sewed the ends of the strands to the outer edges of my mask, so it hung like draped Christmas lights tend to.

    Either way, be sure to only sew through one layer of fabric, if at all possible. Also, you'll want to knot them on the outside of your mask - a few times, tightly - before trimming. Having the knots on the inside of the mask would be uncomfortable!

    Mini Jingle Bells

    These Jingle bells are not only cute, they make a *little* jingle. Enough to be festive, not enough to be obnoxious - especially so close to your ears!

    (And this is coming from someone who loathes SA Bell Ringers with a passion - trust me, these mini jingle bells do NOT set off any sensory issues for me!)

    We used these with the same techniques as the Christmas Bulb Beads.

    A green mask with "Jingle all the way" written across it in red.  There is a line of green christmas trees across the top, and a line of yellow bells across the bottom.

    Sequins

    Use E-6000 Fabri-Fuse or Aleene's Tacky Glue to make a small bead of adhesive wherever you would like a sequin. Push the sequin into it, so the glue pools up through the center a bit - that's what anchors it in place!

    Crystals

    Use E-6000 Fabri-Fuse to make a small bead of glue wherever you would like the crystals to go. Carefully place a crystal on each bead of glue - I LOVE the Crystal Katana tool, and highly recommend it to anyone who works with a lot of rhinestones.

    It's what I use for my custom figure skating dresses.

    Use a Crystal Katana or toothpick to gently press the crystal down into the glue, allowing a bit of the glue to come up around the sides of it, forming a bit of a cup around it. This is what holds each crystal securely in place!

    A red mask has a white snowman, and the words "Let it new" painted in green glitter.  The whole mask is covered with clear rhinestones.

    Looking for More Homemade Gift Ideas?

    We have a few DIY gift tutorials, with even more coming! For now, be sure to check out:

    Booze Bouquet Tutorial.
    DIY Citrus and Cedar Bath Set
    DIY Cutting Board Tutorial - Colourful Squares
    DIY Mustard Bath Gift Set
    Homemade Cutting Board Tutorial - Log Cabin
    Homemade Hop Spa Bath Set
    Homemade Peppermint Eucalyptus Spa Set
    How to Sew A Cute Makeup / Toiletry Bag Travel Set
    Mop Doll Air Freshener Covers

    *****

    Share the Love!

    Before you give away your set, be sure to take some pics of your handiwork! If you instagram it, be sure to tag me - @OverlordMarie - or post it to My Facebook Page - so I can cheer you on!

    Also, be sure to subscribe to my free monthly email newsletter, so you never miss out on any of my nonsense.

    Well, the published nonsense, anyway!

    *****

    So... now that I've virtually "talked your ear off" ("Typed your eyes off"? LOL!) about how to do these, let's get to the SUPER simple Ugly Christmas Sweater Masks tutorial!

    Have fun, come up with something wild... and maybe baffle some future historians some day!

    An array of 6 gaudily decorated "Ugly Christmas Sweater" style face masks, on a white background.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    5 from 1 vote

    DIY Ugly Christmas Sweater Masks

    Looking for a fun activity, something fun to wear, or a goofy souvenir of this wild year? Try making your own Ugly Christmas Sweater Masks!
    Prep Time15 mins
    Cook Time1 hr
    Total Time1 hr 15 mins
    Author: Marie Porter
    Cost: $5

    Equipment

    Scissors
    needles

    Ingredients

    Face Masks

    • Ready Made Plain Masks or
    • Ready Made Holiday Masks or
    • Homemade Masks

    Glues, Etc

    • Aleene's Tacky Glue
    • E-6000 Fabri-Fuse
    • Washable Glue Sticks
    • Fabric Paints
    • Glitter Paints
    • Craft Paint Brushes

    Decorations

    • Christmas Bulb Beads
    • Mini Jingle Bells
    • Crystals
    • Sequins
    • Glitter
    • MIni Holiday Stamps

    Other Stuff

    • Fishing Line
    • Sewing Needles
    • Pins
    • Scissors
    • Styrofoam rounds Optional

    Instructions

    • If you are appliqueing your mask, that should be done first - ideally before the mask is made.
      A montage photo demonstrating the applique technique described, in 4 steps.

    Prepare your Mask

    • Use pins to affix your mask to a styrofoam round, if you’re using one. How you do this will depend on your design - either open and around an edge, or flat and straightened out.

    Glitter

    • If you’re using glitter, it’s *usually* best to start there.
    • Pipe or paint your design on the prepared mask, cover with glitter, and allow it to dry before shaking off ALL excess glitter.
    • If you’re using a second colour of glitter, make sure all excess glitter is gone, before repeating the last step.
    • Make sure all excess glitter is off the mask before moving on to other embellishments.
      A pale blue face mask is shown as a progression of 4 photos, as glitter snowflakes are piped on it.

    Stamping

    • If you’re using stamps, it’s usually to do that after the glitter, as glitter may stick to some fabric paints, even when dried.
    • Either cut your own stamp - from foam, a potato, or .. Whatever! - or use a purchased stamp. It’s best to stamp into fabric paint. I like to re-stamp after each instance.
    • You will usually want to allow stamped design to dry before proceeding, but if you’re careful, you don’t necessarily need to.
      A montage demonstrating the Stamping technique in 4 steps.

    Fabric Paint & Glitter Paint

    • Fabric paints and glitter paints should definitely be done after glittering, and will usually be done after any stamping.
    • You’ll likely want to allow the paints to dry before proceeding, but if you’re careful - and depending on the design - you may not have to.
    • Use the paint applicator or a paint brush to draw your design on the prepared mask.
      A white face mask is stretched over a round of styrofoam. A hand is piping the words "Happy Holidays" across the front, in red fabric paint.

    Sequins, Pom Poms , Crystals

    • These items will usually be best done after any glitter, stamping, and painting.
      A white mask is stretched over a round of styrofoam. "Happy Holidays" is written in red, and the whole mask is covered in gaudy sequins.
    • I like to use E-6000 specifically for crystals, and Aleene’s specifically for pom poms, but either one works well for sequins.
      A red mask has a white snowman, and the words "Let it new" painted in green glitter. The whole mask is covered with clear rhinestones.

    Jingle Bells & Christmas Bulb Shaped Beads

    • Generally speaking, Bells and beads are best left for the last step, after all the design has been done, dried, and shaken off.
    • You can sew the beads and bells directly onto the mask, or string them on fishing line and sew THAT to the mask.
      A red mask is laid out on a table, with a line of beading across the top. There is a needle and fishing line extending off the mask, as the beading is in progress.
    • Ideally, aim to only sew through the outer layer of mask, and tie your knots on the outside of the mask.
      A green mask attached to a round of styrofoam. A string of beads that look like Christmas tree lights is secured to one corner, and laying on the table in front of the mask.

    Selfie!

    • Be sure to take a photo of your Ugly Christmas Sweater Mask project, and share it with us on social media!
    An array of 6 gaudily decorated "Ugly Christmas Sweater" style face masks, on a black background.

    Looking for a fun activity, something fun to wear, or a goofy souvenir of this wild year? Try making your own Ugly Christmas Sweater Masks!

    Related posts:

    A bouquet made of mini liquor bottles. Each is wrapped in red mylar to look like a rose. Booze Bouquet Tutorial 5 finished Mop Doll Air Fresheners in a row Mop Doll Air Freshener Cover A three piece peppermint-eucalyptus bath set - bath salt, salt scrub, and a soap. Each is wrapped with a light green bow. Peppermint Eucalyptus Spa Bath Set A close up view of 2 DIY cutting boards, each made up of colourful squares of wood - red, purple, and yellow. DIY Cutting Board - Squares
    « Citrus and Cedar Bath Set
    Cranberry Wine »

    Reader Interactions

    Trackbacks

    1. December’s Fab 5 says:
      December 1, 2020 at 2:37 pm

      […] It looks like we are living the pandemic life for a few more months and as long as we are stuck wearing masks Marie at Celebration Generation has found a way to make them fun and festive. You might want to gather the family around and make your own to wear throughout the holiday season. Check out the tutorial here: https://celebrationgeneration.com/ugly-christmas-sweater-masks-diy/ […]

      Reply
    2. The Wilde Ride for 12/16/2020 – The Wilde Ride with Jennifer Wilde says:
      December 16, 2020 at 3:37 am

      […] Ugly Christmas sweater masks are the new thing this year. Here’s how to make your own. […]

      Reply
    3. 80 DIY Face Mask Ideas for Your Protection ~ GODIYGO.COM says:
      February 28, 2021 at 9:11 pm

      […] Green Fabric Mask from Celebrationgeneration […]

      Reply

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    Note: This site is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for the site to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites. While I’ll only ever link to items that I, personally, wholeheartedly recommend, I do need to put that disclosure out there!

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