Color Scheme

• No matter what design you choose for your bulletin board, settling on a color scheme is a first step. Though almost any combination of bold colors will suffice, the traditional Mardi Gras colors are deep purple, green and gold. The traditional Mardi Grad flag features wide vertical bands of each of these colors, with a purple crown in the center of the flag. Stock up on construction paper, borders, beads and markers in purple, green and gold to use on your bulletin board.
  
  

Mardi Gras Around the World

• Though Mardi Gras often brings to mind images of festive parties in the streets of New Orleans, the celebration is recognized by several countries throughout the world. One option for a Mardi Gras bulletin board is to divide the board into several sections and include images and a description of the various global celebrations that kick off Lent. Quebec, Canada, hosts a Mardi Gras similar to the American celebrations. In Germany, the festival is called Fastnacht, while people in the Netherlands celebrate Carnaval. Include fun tidbits, historical facts and aspects of each locale for an informative and festive bulletin board.
  
  

Bulletin Board Props

• Once you've established a basic layout for your board, get creative with three-dimensional props that add depth to your board. Strands of green, purple and gold Mardi Gras beads make a festive border or an elegant draping effect along the top of your board. Bright feather boas or Mardi Gras flags are also suitable for dressing up even a simple board design. If you have access to an outlet, consider a strand of purple, green and yellow miniature lights to illuminate your bulletin board.
  
  

Hands-on Boards

• One way to get the attention of residents, students or co-workers is to invite them to participate in decorating the board. Host an event or activity and invite participants to create Mardi Gras decorations for the communal bulletin board. Painted comedy and tragedy masks are a classic choice, but if you are feeling more adventurous, challenge participants to create parade floats out of old shoe boxes to tack onto the board. Even if you can't organize an event, your board can still encourage participation by including a space for students or residents to write or draw their favorite pre-Lent food indulgences.