Make a Dandy Mustache Drink Topper

This idea was inspired by a Christmas holiday visit to California a few years ago. We came across some gag mustache toys at an old vintage shop in New York and thought it would be fun to wear them for our holiday get-together. We have a large family and decided that, when it came time to exchange gifts, everyone had to choose a mustache to wear and pose for a witty photo before opening a gift.

Our families had a blast, and we reinterpreted this idea into our Mustache Drink Toppers. It’s always fun to play disguises, and children and adults alike are always amused with this lighthearted gag. We also discovered that these mustaches are a certified, guaranteed cure for the common case of camera shyness.

This how-to is featured in Paper Cup Design’s new book, Paper + Craft. Score your own copy from Chronicle Books, Amazon, or an independent bookseller near you.

Materials:
Mustache template
1 sheet 8 1⁄2 x 11 in(22 x 28-cm) white text-weight paper
Scissors
1 sheet 8 1⁄2 x11-in (22 x 28-cm) construction paper in black, red, orange, gray, or brown
Pencil
Hole punch in the same width as the straws
Bendable or straight straws
Hot glue gun (optional)
Drinking glasses

1. Download the mustache template and print onto text-weight paper. Using scissors, carefully cut out the template (see Fig. 1).

2. Place a mustache piece onto the colored paper and trace the shape with a pencil. Repeat for as many mustaches as you want. Using scissors, cut out the shapes.

3. Using the hole punch, punch a hole in the center of each mustache and insert a straw. The mustache should be sitting right above the bend.

Note: If not using a bendable straw, do not punch a hole in the middle of the mustache; instead, use a hot glue gun to attach the mustache to the front of the straight straw.

4. Pour a cool beverage into the glasses, add the straws, and enjoy!

Additional Ideas:
•Use different colored paper to match guests’ hair color.
•Put a mustache on a stick to use as a masquerade or for taking fun pictures.
•Make a mustache napkin ring by attaching it to a ribbon or paper band.

Thank you Minhee and Truman Cho of Paper + Cup and the good folks at Chronicle Books for sharing this project with us. For more projects, check out Paper + Craft.