of Mask Making at the Veterans Home
There’s something truly special about sharing creativity with others—especially when it brings smiles and a little bit of mischief to a group of sweet elders. Recently, I had the blessing of spending a couple of afternoons at the local veterans home, leading a mask-making workshop. Even better, my youngest daughter, Hanna, joined me for the adventure. If I’m being honest, I think the veterans enjoyed her spunky energy even more than my own, and I loved every minute of it!
Day One: Foam Clay and Big Imaginations
Our first day was all about getting our hands a little messy and our imaginations running wild. With foam clay at the ready, we shaped the bases for toucans, raccoons, cats, and even a few sharks. The room buzzed with laughter and creative energy as Hanna and I moved from table to table, helping each veteran bring their mask ideas to life. There’s a special kind of joy in watching someone’s face light up as they realize they can still create something beautiful, no matter their age or ability.
Letting the Masks Dry and Returning with Color
After our sculpting session, we left the masks to dry for a few days. When we returned, paintbrushes in hand, we were greeted with eager anticipation. A couple of the veterans weren’t feeling their best that day, so Hanna took the lead painting a raccoon mask while I sat with Verny—a former landscape artist with a sharp wit and an even sharper eye for detail.
Lessons in Patience, Art, and Encouragement
As Verny and I worked side by side, I could sense her frustration. Her hands didn’t move the way they once did, and she was quick to critique both her work and mine. At one point, she turned to me and said, “Can I just teach you so I don’t have to do this crap job anymore?” We both laughed, but I could feel her inner struggle. She offered advice—sometimes blunt, always honest—about blending colors and painting within the lines. Instead of letting it get to me, I embraced the moment as a learning opportunity, both in art and in life.
We talked and laughed, and as our session wrapped up, I thanked Verny and reminded her that she was her own toughest critic. Every person I’d met that day had told me about her incredible talent. She didn’t believe me, so I called over two nurses and a volunteer and asked what the first thing they’d told me about Verny was. She blushed as they sang her praises, and with a smile, she told me I’d better come back for Christmas crafts. I promised I would.
Why These Moments Matter
Mask making at the veterans home was more than an art project—it was a chance to connect, to listen, and to remind each other of our strengths. Whether it was helping someone paint a raccoon or sharing a laugh with my daughter and new friends, I left feeling grateful for the creativity, patience, and encouragement that filled the room. These are the moments that inspire me most, and I can’t wait to return for the next round of crafts (and maybe a little more painting advice from Verny).
A Paige of Inspiration 
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