1Print out the mask template.

Choose from any of these elephant mask templates. Print out the file on A4 or Letter size cardstock.

2Color the mask.

If you chose the black & white mask template, color or paint all the pieces. You can use crayons, colored pencils, markers, or a water-based paint such as tempera, poster paint or acrylic paint.

Leave out the sections bordered by dotted lines—the eyes, the pair of little circles at the sides of the mask, and the tabs on the ears with the words "Glue here".

3Let the paint dry.

If you painted your mask, let the paint dry completely.

4Cut out the pieces.

Cut out all the pieces—the head, the pair of ears, and the trunk.

5Cut out the eye holes.

Cut out the holes for the eyes.

6Strengthen the holes.

Notice the pair of little circles on each side of the mask? These are the spots where you need to punch holes for attaching the string. Paper masks normally tear around these holes after a few uses. To reinforce these spots, put transparent tape over the marked holes and fold the tape towards the back of the mask.

7Punch holes.

Punch holes on the pair of little circles.

8Apply glue on the tab.

Take one of the elephant's ears. Apply glue on the entire tab area.

9Glue the ear behind the mask.

Position the ear behind the mask, aligning the dotted line on the ear with the side of the mask.

Carefully press on the side of the mask to glue the ear in place.

10Glue the other ear.

Similarly glue the other ear on the opposite side of the mask.

11Glue the trunk.

Apply glue behind the top edge of the trunk. Glue the trunk below the elephant's eyes.

The mouth is hidden underneath the trunk, just like a real elephant's.

12Attach a string.

Cut a length of elastic string, mine is around 16 inches. Tie the ends of the string around the holes on the sides of the mask.