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Palm Bark Masks

© Vickie Ferguson

Before you say anything like, "what the heck is a palm bark mask", let me explain.

For those of you living in areas that do not have tropical climates and swaying palm trees, palm bark is a sort of thin, leathery looking husk that peels away from the palm tree (at the top) and creates what looks like a perfectly shaped "mask". They can range in size anywhere from 6 inches to 14 inches.

When I drove into the office complex where I work the other day, I saw about 30 of these strange configurations strewn all over the parking lot. Well, my creative light went on and when my first break rolled around, I walked down to the location and started gathering several of the more interesting pieces.

I'd always known the palm trees lined the driveway but had never seen these husks. We've been having an extremely rainy season here in Florida and the day before had also been very windy, so I figure the gusts of wind must have caused the abundance of shell/husks.

The texture of the shell has a plastic feel. The skin itself has a shiny sheen but a leathery look. They have the distinctive look of a tribal mask. I've included a picture (which really doesn't do it justice) but at least you'll get a basic idea of what they look like.

Now, what I was thinking is how creative kids (and adults) could be painting these natural facemasks! These would make great decorations for Halloween or just fun masks to decorate a porch or kids room. If you're planning an outside party, strategically place them all around the yard along with Tiki lights and torches. Nice affect!

I'm using oil-based paint on one of the masks and I'd like to try the bright florescent colors on another to see the difference. Once they're completed, I'll spray them with a clear sealant.

I also have multi-colored beads that I'm using for additional decoration. These can be hot-glued onto the surface. Bits of dried flowers such as statice, baby's breath and straw flowers can be used for decoration and also, colorful silk flowers native to your area. With this type of project, there is no limit to the visual effect you can create.

If you're a fan of the show, Survivor, on one of the episodes the group had to create tribal masks using trinkets such as beads and feathers. They were really spectacular and these can be the same!