"The Phantom of the Opera" Crafts: Keychain, Bookmark, Invitation Card

Originally published in 1986, The Phantom of the Opera is a gothic tale with mystery, romance, and music. The plot includes the real Opera Garnier and the fictional Soprano Christine Daae, but the story highlights the character Eric, a musical genius who wore a mask to conceal his disfigured face. The Phantom of the Opera became popular with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical adaptation.

The novel never specifically described Eric’s mask, but the musical portrayed a white mask that covered the right side of his face. It has become the iconic symbol for the tale and is used in art, costumes, and crafts. Today, I'll teach you how to make a keychain, bookmark, and invitation card!

This keychain is the perfect accessory for your keys. It is relatively simple to make.

What You'll Need:

• Polymer clay
• Jewelry chain
• Something for a little red rose
• Key ring

Notes:

• You may recycle an old keychain for this project.

• You may use red polymer clay or a fabric rose to use for the rose that belongs with the mask.

Shape a small piece of white polymer clay into the shape of a mask. When shaping the clay, be sure to add a pinhole on the side to attach the chain. Heat the little sculpture in the oven according to the instructions on the package.

Cut the small chain to the desired length, I cut this chain three and a half inches in length. Then, accent it with black paint.

Run a metal (I chose gold) wire through the little hole on the side of the mask. Connect it to the last link of the little chain.

Attach the red rose to the chain. I tied a tiny fabric rose with green yarn to the chain. Then, secure the tiny rose with hot glue. I also put hot glue on the tips of the gold wire.

Slip the key ring onto the chain.

The Phantom of the Opera bookmark is perfect to mark the page you are reading. This corner bookmark is convenient to use and easy to make.

What You'll Need:

• Glue gun
• Felt (white, black, and red)

First, measure three inches from the corner of your favorite book.

Cut three inches from the corner of a sheet of black felt into a triangle. Cut two pieces that are the same size.

Sew the black felt triangles together. Make sure to leave the bottom open. I used gold embroidery yarn, but thread will work just fine.

Cut out the icon shape of the phantom’s mask out of white felt. Cut the mask to fit inside the triangle. I drew the shape onto the felt first to make it easier to cut out.

Hot glue the mask onto the black triangle.

Hot glue pieces of red felt to the triangle to create the rose. I glued on green yarn for the stem. All done! Simply place the bookmark on the top corner of the page you have stopped reading.

What You'll Need:

• Black and white cardstock paper
• Tiny fabric roses
• Mod Podge
• Musical stickers

Cut a piece of black cardstock paper 12" by 6" inches (the card size may vary according to your preference). Carefully fold it in half. Cut out the shape of the white mask out of white cardstock.

Glue the mask onto the paper with Mod Podge. You may go over the entire front of the card with the adhesive. I was partial to the dark shadowing, so I only applied it over the mask.

Add musical stickers to the card. Glue little red fabric roses onto the front of the card.

Now you can invite someone to a party inspired by The Phantom of the Opera or even a masquerade party. These crafts are a lot of fun! I hope you enjoy making them!

Cited Source:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFVMEORxPP4