Design Your Own Secret Identity Filter

What can I use if I can't find elastic or the exact fabric called for in the instructions?

Use ribbon, a shoelace, or a cut strip from an old knit T‑shirt in place of elastic and substitute sturdy cardstock or an old cotton shirt for fabric, then follow the same trace-and-cut steps to make a front and back piece.

I'm stuck threading the elastic through the gap with the safety pin—what should I try?

If the safety pin is hard to push or the glue is tacky, secure the gap with a clothes pin, attach the safety pin firmly to the elastic and push slowly or use a straw or bobby pin as a guide, then tie and seal the gap as instructed.

How can I adapt this activity for younger kids or for older kids who want more challenge?

For younger children, have an adult pre-cut the mask template and use fabric glue and ribbon with close supervision instead of scissors and a safety pin, while older kids can add hand stitching, fusible interfacing, or small LEDs after decorating the front fabric piece.

What are some ways to personalize or make the mask more durable?

Before gluing, add fusible interfacing between the two fabric pieces or sew around the edges, insert a pipe cleaner in the small gap for a nose bridge, and embellish the decorated front with sequins or fabric paint before sealing.