How to Design a Mardi Gras Float
Mardi Gras is a celebration dating back to 1730 that takes place mid-February in New Orleans. It is also known locally as the "Greatest Free Show on Earth." The festival is known for its parade of colorful floats that winds through the downtown area. To design a Mardi Gras float, you need to be aware of the symbolism of the holiday, including the colors and rituals that surround the occasion, plus the basics of float design and execution. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Books or websites about the history of Mardi Gras to use as reference material
- A low-boy flat trailer, average length 8 feet
- Plywood
- House paint in desired colors
- Skilsaw
- Hammer and nails
- Crepe paper streamers
- Plastic beads
- Staple gun
Instructions
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Designing the Float
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1
Research the history of Mardi Gras in several books and on websites. Take notes on the symbolism you want to convey. Do you enjoy the Mardi Gras colors, the plastic beads, the religious symbols? Incorporating any aspect of Mardi Gras you are drawn to will add to the float's overall design.
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2
Nail a sheet of plywood over your flatbed trailer (or whatever other kind of "stage" you are using to support your float). The general aim of float-making is to hide the underlying support so that the parade crowd only sees your design and decoration.
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3
Paint the plywood sheet black to bring other elements of your float into the foreground, or paint the plywood in festive Mardi Gras colors. House paint is less expensive than tubes of artist-quality acrylic or oil paint for the amount of space that will need to be covered.
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4
Measure the length and width of your trailer. Measure and draw designs into your plywood. Cut designs you would like to attach to the float sides, front and back with a skilsaw. Always wear safety goggles when using a skilsaw, and never operate a saw without understanding the directions and inherent dangers of power tools. Ask someone to help with the sawing if you feel uncomfortable using power tools.
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5
Nail the cut designs to the sides, front and back of your float. Paint these plywood designs in your desired color palate.
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6
Attach decorations to the basic float skeleton to add more color and eye-catching flair. This is where elements of design will come in. Arrange beads and crepe paper around your float to add shine and visual appeal. Attach the beads and crepe paper with a staple gun for added strength during the parade route.
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Tips & Warnings
There is no incorrect way to design a float. Keep in mind that bright colors and striking images attract parade watchers more than a drab palate or designs that are hard to see from the street level.
Before you bring your float to any parade, register your float and understand all the rules and regulations of the parade you would like to participate in. Be respectful in areas where children will watch the parade and do not incorporate images or material that is not family-friendly.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
