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Mardi Gras Shoebox Float

Mardi party! Join the parade at home by upcycling a shoebox into a colorful DIY Mardi Gras float.

Ages: 8 and up, Tween and up, 6 and up

CIY Staff

Create It Yourself

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Construction Paper
  • Glue
  • Markers
  • Model Magic
  • Paint
  • Paint Brushes
  • Modeling Tools
  • Pencil(s)
  • Ruler
  • Shoebox
  • Straw(s)

Steps

  • Step 1

    Cover outside of shoebox with paint. Dry 1–2 hours. Add second coat. Dry 1–2 hours.

  • Step 2

    Cover inside of shoebox lid with paint. Dry 1–2 hours. Add second coat. Dry 1–2 hours.

  • Step 3

    Flip bottom of shoebox upside down and glue to inside of lid to create float.

  • Step 4

    Create elements like fans and masks with cardstock and construction paper.

  • Step 5

    Embellish paper decorations with markers.

  • Step 6

    Use modeling tools to create Model Magic elements like coins and street signs. Dry overnight.

  • Step 7

    Embellish Model Magic decorations with markers and glitter glue.

  • Step 8

    Glue decorations to float. Dry 1–2 hours.

  • Step 9

    Add a Mardi Gras sign to front of float before parading your creation through the French Quarter!

Crafts

CIY Staff Tips

  • To create paper decorations that stand up: glue paper to straw, stick straw in small Model Magic ball, and glue ball to float.

  • Experiment with different Crayola Marker types and sizes for details and embellishments.

Related Crafts

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Craft Image

Shoebox Guitar

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