The black cat is a symbol of superstition, but how could a creature as charming as this bring bad luck? Crepe-paper markings play up the feline features of the mask, and the eyes peering out are rimmed in black makeup for a shadowy effect.

Crepe-Paper Basics
Versatile and inexpensive, crepe paper is the secret to these projects. With finessing, it becomes a ruffled plume, stiff whiskers, or a toothy grin. We used two types of crepe paper: florist crepe paper for thick pop-out elements, and fine crepe paper for everything else. 

Cutting Cleanly
When cutting crepe paper, use scissors instead of a craft knife. Pay attention to the grain of the paper; our templates indicate in which direction the grain should run. Stretch and shape the piece as needed by gently pulling against the grain.

Gluing Cutouts
In most cases, a glue stick works well for adhering crepe-paper embellishments. But when a firmer hold is needed -- say, when attaching whiskers to a mask -- use a hot-glue gun.

Adding Thickness
To give crepe paper a little extra heft, make a double layer, using a glue stick to join two pieces. For even more strength, glue crepe paper to card stock in the same color.

Black Cat Mask
Cut off the existing elastic band from a papier-mache cat mask. 

Paint front and back of mask with black acrylic paint. Let dry. 

Cut out the whiskers and brows from gold florist crepe paper, using the templates. 

Cut out the remaining features from fine crepe paper, matching the color to the templates. 

Glue all features using a glue stick, except whiskers; use a hot-glue gun for those. When gluing the gold brows above the eyes, fold the edge of the paper inside eyeholes for a neat look. 

Add two ribbon ties to replace elastic; we used twill tape, which comes in lots of colors and ties into good, tight bows.

Sources
Florist and fine crepe paper: castleintheair.biz 

Fine crepe paper and acrylic paint: misterart.com

Masks: mardigrasoutlet.com 

Boxes: marthastewartcrafts.com, blumchen.com, and germanplaza.com