At long last! Instructions on how to build your very own Shark Mask!

To begin: You will need 2 sheets of shark colored construction paper (I went with blue, but you could also use gray, beige, or white if you wanted), 1 sheet of white paper, some string, tape or glue, and something to write with.

The first thing to do is to cut out some teeth. Fold the white sheet of paper about two inches from the short edge (precise measurements aren’t necessary) and trim it from the rest of the sheet. Then cut out a jagged, row-of-teeth shape. It’s important to leave some gum-space on the tops and bottoms. (You could just cut out a bunch of triangles, but then you’d have to glue them all in individually. This method saves work). Finally when you cut along the fold, you’ll have four rows of teeth. Set them aside for now, but they’ll be important later on.

Then fold all your shark-colored paper in half, lengthwise. On one of the folded sheets measure 3 inches inward from the short end. Also mark 3 inches in from the diagonally opposite corner. Using a ruler, draw a line between these two points and cut along said line.

Take the piece that looks kind-of like a letter V and glue a row of teeth on the outside edges of the V. Then tape the inside edges of the V together. If you don’t have tape (or want to make an especially durable mask) you can take the left-over piece of white paper, fold it in half, cover it in glue, and use it like a ridiculously thick piece of tape).

On the square-end of that same piece, measure an inch and a half (approximately) from the outer edge and make a crease between that point and the middle fold. (It’s easier to do than to explain, just look at the picture).

Finally, glue the second piece of shark-colored paper (the one we haven’t done anything with yet) to those triangular tabs you just created. Draw some dark circles for eyes and the top part is done! (Make sure all glue is 100% dry before putting it on anybody’s head. Nobody likes glue-hair).

Next, we move on to the piece that’s shaped almost like an arrow. With it still folded, cut a rough quarter circle out of the square corner. Don’t worry about making it perfectly round. This part just has to go around the neck and the human neck is far from being perfectly round. It’s a good idea to make the semi-circle a little smaller than you’ll think you’ll need because you can always enlarge it later. Test it to make sure it fits on the intended wearer before continuing.

Glue the remaining two sets of teeth to the diagonal edges. If you really want to go for extra credit, cut a piece of red or pink construction paper to the same shape and glue on the inside. A two-ply mask is not only stronger but looks better. The inside of mouths are usually reddish, after all. This last step is optional, though.

Finally poke some holes in the corners and reinforce the edge with some tape (otherwise the string or yarn will cut through the construction paper like a knife). Thread the hole with string and tie in loose knot.

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