Tapestry of Faith: Circle of Trees: A Multigenerational Program about Nourishing Deep Connections with Nature

Activity 4: Mask-Making

Part of Circle of Trees

Activity time: 20 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Mask-making supplies, such as construction paper, markers or paints, stones, feathers, shells, other found and recycled objects, scissors (include left-handed), glue, glue sticks, and yarn
  • Optional: Purchased pre-made masks to which objects can be attached

Preparation for Activity

  • Read the activity several times so you will be comfortable leading it.
  • Designate a particular area for mask-making, and set up the supplies there.
  • Optional: If you are conducting this workshop outdoors, you may wish to relocate indoors for this activity, to enable participants to use a glue gun and/or have easy access to work tables, art supplies, and a water source for clean-up.

Description of Activity

Invite participants to open their eyes. Have them move to the mask-making table or area and silently begin creating a mask to represent themselves as the being or part of nature they just envisioned. Assure them that the mask does not have to look exactly like the being, as long as it feels representative. Remind them to make a large mouth hole so that everyone else can hear their being or nature spirit speak during the Council Among the Trees.

Encourage participants to continue working in silence, although a small amount of talking can be okay.

Some participants will want to spend a long time on their masks. Remind them that the mask is only a representation.

Give the group five-minute and one-minute warnings for finishing their masks.

Engage everyone to help with clean-up.