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Mouse Mask
Are you spending this Halloween in a funk because you don't have a cool costume like all those kids who keep showing up and taking your candy? Never fear, help is on the way.

YOU'LL NEED:

  • Adobe Acrobat Reader (it's available free if you don't have it)
  • mausmask.pdf
  • a printer and optional photocopier
  • markers
  • construction paper or cardstock
  • a gluestick
  • an X-acto knife
  • a holepunch
  • elastic or string

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Download and print out the Mouse mask. (The line quality will probably be much nicer in the printed copy than it shows up on your screen.) If desired, use a photocopier to resize the mask so it's a perfect fit for your face.

2. Color in the mask. (Scribbly strokes work nicely on the hair. So does glitter, for that matter.)

3. Glue the mask to a piece of construction paper or cardstock.

4. Cut out the mask.

5. Use the X-acto knife to carefully remove Mouse's eyes. You can also make airholes at the nose and/or mouth if you wish to breath.

6. See the cleverly marked dotted-line circles on the ears? Punch holes there.

7. Tie a piece of elastic or some string to the holes. Adjust the length to fit around your head comfortably.

8. You can easily complete the look with boots, black pants, and a white sleeveless t-shirt. Otherwise, you can claim to be dressed as Mouse "on Casual Day."

9. Sit back and relax, secure in the knowledge that you are no longer a costumeless loser. You are now the proud bearer of a homemade paper mask based on a cartoon character very few people recognize.

I feel better about my life!

10. (optional) Give in to full-blown self-pity, lock the front door, and eat all the trick-or-treaters' candy by yourself.

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