Mardi Gras Madness

Contributor post by Sheila from BeadyEyedBird

Mardi Gras is Tuesday, Feb 9 this year. For those of you who love this fine celebration (as I do!!) or who love New Orleans, jazz, good Cajun food or even just a reason to party, we thought we’d share a bit of what our CIJ members like to do, make, or sell, to celebrate! We especially enjoyed hearing about what folks say they do to make the day special. Here are some Mardi Gras joys and delights…

Sara Bertola from ChimericalDragonfly  said:

I’m Italian and New Orleans’s carnival is too far for me… but I hope to go to Venice, another kind of carnival, but stunning and colorful too!  My boyfriend lived in Venice… but he hates carnival confusion and he did not accompany me…   Despite this, I will go to Venice to see beautiful costumes and masks… and I’m going to see them to take inspiration for my future items!

Sometimes I make masks, and last year, for carnival, I made a leather mask for myself with white feathers left over from another project.  I am listing this mask on Etsy. A client had asked me for a few changes, to customize the mask for last year’s Gala Nocturna (it’s a masked ball very well known in Europe). The theme of last year, for the ball, was Swan Lake, and I added to my leather mask different decorations in latex; I had to make an original in clay and then a tailored mold.

At the end of my work, I made this mask, and I’m very proud!

Made to Order Baroque Swan Mask

For this year’s Mardi Gras, I am creating a mask that is like the muzzle of a hyena … but unfortunately, I haven’t finished it yet, and if I want to wear it for Carnival, I guess I’ll finish by working at night … maybe you’ll see it in a few months in my shop!

Sue and Misty from shabbyshopgirls said:

We love decorating for different holidays & parties! Set your table for a real Mardi Gras Party with this fun souvenir New Orleans Tablecloth! Don’t forget your masks and delicious Creole & Cajun food and let the party begin!

Mardi Gras Tablecloth

globalvintageshop from globalvintageshop said:

We love Mardi Gras season for the good eating! Fell in love with the cuisine during a visit to the 1984 World’s Fair in New Orleans. From gumbo to jambalaya to all desserts, Mardi Gras means happiness!

This platter is for serving your pastries at Mardi Gras or any time during the year.

Vaseline Yellow Glass Platter

Corkycrafts from Corkycrafts states:

Green and Yellow plus Purple remind me of Mardi Gras Carnival Colors! A nice accent piece to your party table.

Crochet doily candy bowl

 Many thanks to all who contributed to inspire us! Until next time,

Sheila