Mardi Gras Masks: Venetian With a Hint of Fruit

In 2010, my husband and I decided we would be in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. We were living in a small town in Texas at the time and used any excuse for a road trip. It was the only time we ever owned a car and every weekend we would drive somewhere, close or far - it always felt like vacation. 

So, we were going for Mardi Gras! But being us, there had to be something more to it. We weren't going for the beads... we wanted to be part of the traditional carnival! So, we decided we needed costumes. Hand-made. Original. And together we came to the idea that the we would be fruits. Venetian fruits.

We made masks with clay and styled them to look Venetian as well as a banana, a strawberry and a watermelon. 

We scavenged through thrift shops for clothes and accessories and fashioned them to match the theme. It was so much fun and I was very lucky my husband and his brother were as committed to craft and creativity as I were. 

Lastly, we were finally in New Orleans all dressed up and ready to experience all that Mardi Gras has to offer. To our surprise, there were very few people in costumes at Bourbon Street and we immediately became the center of attentions. People wanted to take pictures with us! All in all it was a unique and unforgettable experience.