Shutter Shades Photo Prop to Color and Craft: Free Printable

80s shutter shades with horizontal slats as a photo booth prop on a stick, ready to print

Horizontal slats and bold neon colors – with this printable shutter shades prop, guests travel straight back to the 80s. Color it, cut it out, and attach it to a stick. This free photo booth prop is the iconic accessory for any 80s party and retro photo booth.

Why These Shutter Shades Are So Iconic

The slats make these glasses a signature party accessory of the early 80s – everyone recognizes them instantly. In neon pink, green, or yellow, they really glow in photos. On a stick, you just hold them up to your eyes and strike a retro pose. If you like, an adult can help cut out the slits so you can actually see through them.

πŸ•ΆοΈ
Slatted lenses
The classic 80s look.
πŸ’—
Neon colors
Bold and eye-catching.
πŸͺ„
On a stick
Hold them up and pose.
πŸ“Ό
80s set
Part of our 80s Photo Booth set.

βœ‚οΈ Craft Instructions: Turn the Template into a Mask

🧰 What You Need

  • Printer + heavier paper or cardstock (65–110 lb)
  • Colored pencils or markers
  • Scissors
  • Wooden dowel, craft stick or paper straw
  • Tape or hot glue (hot glue: adults only)
1
Print
Print the template on thick paper or cardstock.
2
Color
Color the prop boldly – strong colors pop best in photos.
3
Cut Out
Cut along the outer line; you can keep the drawn stick or cut it off.
4
Attach a Stick
Tape a wooden dowel or paper straw to the back (blunt end up).
5
Strike a Pose
Hold the prop up to your face and head to the photo booth!
πŸ’‘ Craft Tip: Color the glasses with neon highlighters or fluorescent paint – they glow extra bright in the camera flash. If you cut out the slits, leave enough cardstock between them so the glasses stay sturdy.

⚠️ Safety: eye holes, craft knives and hot glue are grown-up jobs. Don’t run or play rough while wearing a mask that limits your view – and never put elastic around the neck.

πŸ“¦ Included in These Craft Sets

This mask also comes as part of a bundle – one free PDF with a cover page, craft instructions and every mask in the set:

Ideas for Your 80s Photo Booth

Strike a classic 80s dance pose with shutter shades and a thumbs-up. Give each guest a different neon color so the group makes a rainbow. Combine shutter shades, a cassette tape, and a boombox for a total retro shot. Then strike a sporty pose together like an old-school workout video.

Fun Facts About the 80s

Glasses with horizontal slats were a huge fashion trend in the early 80s and have made comebacks ever since. The 80s were also famous for bright neon colors, big hair, and music on cassette tapes. Real neon signs glow because electricity makes a gas light up. Important: paper shutter shades don't protect your eyes from the sun – they're just for photos. Lots of 80s trends are totally back in style today.

Color Ideas for Your Shutter Shades

Bold, glowing, or retro:

πŸ’— Neon pink
Bright pink for an iconic look.
πŸ’š Neon green
Loud and eye-catching.
πŸ’› Neon yellow
Like a highlighter.
🌈 Neon mix
Every slat a different neon color.

Great Times for the Shutter Shades

These shutter shades bring retro vibes to:

πŸ“Ό
80s party
The iconic accessory for any retro party.
πŸŽ‚
Birthday party
A fun prop for milestone birthdays.
🏫
Spirit week
Perfect for decades day at school.
πŸ’ƒ
School dance
Great for a disco photo booth.

80s Facts at a Glance

Totally rad facts to share:

πŸ•ΆοΈ
Shutter shades

An early 80s trend.

πŸ’—
Neon colors

A signature of the decade.

πŸ’‘
Neon signs

Electricity makes gas glow.

⚠️
Photos only

Paper glasses don't block the sun.

More 80s Props

Cassette tape, boombox, and roller skate props are ready too – see all our 80s props.

Your Benefits at PureSketchy:

  • A Real Craft Template: Face-size mask with eye holes and marks for elastic, a stick or glue tabs.
  • Free to Print: Every mask and craft set as a PDF or image, no sign-up required.
  • Print-Ready A4: Clean vector lines that print crisp on any home printer.
  • Kid-Friendly Designs: Cheerful characters, nothing too scary, no brand logos – perfect for home, preschool and school.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What age is this mask suitable for?
The shutter shades prop is designed for ages 9 and up, teens, and adults. Older kids color and cut out the prop themselves, and an adult helps attach it to the stick – for example with a hot glue gun. If you'd like to cut out the slits, an adult can help with a craft knife.

Will the mask fit a child’s face?
Yes – printed at actual size (100 %) on A4 or US Letter, the mask is roughly the size of a child’s face. For adults, scale it up to 110–115 % or print on A3/Tabloid.

What paper works best?
We recommend cardstock of at least 200 gsm (about 110 lb) so the prop doesn't bend on its stick. Wooden dowels, craft sticks, or paper straws make great handles.

Is the download free?
Yes, all masks and coloring pages on PureSketchy are 100% free for personal use, preschools, and schools.

Is there a German version?
Yes! You can find the German version at Neonbrille Fotorequisit.