Is your balaclava looking a little tattered around the edges? Maybe your crew isn’t throwing down the proper respect you’re due. Bring on the bling, baby—a little satin and sequins on that winter mask and they’ll be calling you “El Bandito,” the perp of mystery, a hood to be reckoned with.

You can use the template provided or let your imagination run wild, creating luchador personas for all the gang—El Guapo, Tía Diabla, Carta Blanca—the possibilities are endless. At the next big heist, they won’t be looking at your face, but admiring your crazy loco style.

SUPPLIES

Scissors

Straight pins

Craft felt (see Notes)

Sequins, beads, feathers, glitter, glitter glue——bust it all out! This project screams for overembellishing.

Hot glue gun (see Notes), feathers, glitter, glitter glue——

Full-face “robber-style” ski mask (see Notes), feathers, glitter, glitter glue——

HOW TO

1. Enlarge the template from the book 120 percent or to fit your mask.

2. Cut out the template and pin it to the felt.

3. Cut out the felt and embellish it with sequins, glitter, and other craft accessories.

4. Glue the decorated felt and other ornaments to the mask. Do not try on the mask until the glue is completely dry and cool. The last thing you want to do is blister your pretty mug!

Notes:

This is a great project for using up colorful remnants from your scrap felt bin. You’ll need a full 8½ x 11-inch sheet of felt for the included template.

A patient crafter could choose to sew the decorative bits to the wrestling mask, but if you’re in a hurry, like me, with Interpol hot on your tail, well then, the instant gratification of the glue gun makes it the weapon of choice.

These wool balaclavas are very inexpensive——under $10 at most army surplus stores. While my taste runs to classic black, camouflage hats would make excellent wrestling masks, as well.