NEW ACTIVITY ALERT: Hot Stuff Studios now offers Mardi Gras mask decorating

Laissez les bons temps créer! Hot Stuff Studios is thrilled to introduce our newest offering: Mardi Gras-inspired mask decorating, a vibrant, hands-on experience honoring New Orleans favorite holiday. This activity was recently requested by a recurring client, and we’ve decided to make it official and add it to our standard offerings.

Whether your group is full of New Orleans locals or people visiting during Carnival season, this activity is perfect for team-building, conferences, celebrations, and community gatherings. We’ll come to your venue or even drop supplies at your hotel or BnB!

The Mystique of Masks

The Krewe of Iris in 2014. Photo from Museum of Cultural Masks.

If you’ve attended any Mardi Gras parades in the past, you already know how krewe members wear masks on every float. It’s actually law that float riders wear a mask during Mardi Gras parades. What started as a tradition for krewe members to escape social and class constraints has become a symbol for the season. But you don’t have to ride in a parade to wear a mask at Mardi Gras or design one to take home. 

Mask decorating is a piece of Mardi Gras tradition, and we make it an accessible creative activity for groups of all kinds. Participants start with a high-quality blank mask and transform it using paints, feathers, glitter, gemstones, and bold textures inspired by the spirit of Carnival.

Whether the vibe is elegant masquerade, maximalist chaos, or playful alter ego, every mask tells a story. This activity is a chance for your group to tell theirs, no artistic experience required.

Why Mask Decorating Works for Groups

Of the many activities Hot Stuff Studios offers, mask decorating is one of the most beginner-friendly creative experiences. It’s a fun time for kids and adults alike. And while yes, you can always buy a keepsake mask at a shop in the French Quarter, there’s nothing better than having a souvenir that you made yourself, especially when surrounded by friends, colleagues, and a group of supporting people. 

We make mask decorating easy by providing an array of supplies in all colors to choose from. Everyone in your group can take what they need and leave the rest. No need for you to buy a 1000 pack of gemstones when you only need 5. These supplies are great for sharing and activities are perfect for:

• Corporate team-building and happy hours

• Creative conference activations

• Mardi Gras season visits for your group of friends

• Arts, culture, and community programming

Create memories and keepsakes that will last!

What Hot Stuff Studios Provides

Hot Stuff Studios is a fully mobile workshop studio, which means there’s no need to gather 20 people and get them all to a studio during the hectic Mardi Gras season. We bring everything to your hotel, venue, conference center, or AirBnB.

Every mask decorating workshop includes:

• Blank masks in a range of styles

• Paints, paintbrushes and palettes to create your masks’ base layer

• A curated selection of Mardi Gras–inspired materials - feathers, gemstones, glitter, and more to stylize each mask

• Aprons for each guest, so no button down gets ruined

• Table coverings to protect the space

• All setup and cleanup

• A welcoming, affirming environment for every participant

• Experienced facilitators for those who don’t know where to start

Activities typically run 90 minutes and work best for groups of 10-50 people, with options to scale for larger events. 

We love customizing workshops to match your theme, brand colors, or event goals, from elegant and elevated to full glitter-and-feathers extravaganza. You also have the choice of a set workshop (for groups <50 people) or activity station (for groups up to 500).

Ready to let the good times roll?

Schedule a quick 20-minute consultation to get started! We’ll use that time to better understand your group and event needs in order to build a custom proposal. Rates for mask decorating start at $450.