I finally smoothed out the rough edges, cut off the crooked cheek, and got a base coat of paint on my mask. This mask is taking so much longer than I had anticipated. I am stumped on how to build the muzzle. I have to watch the weight. I don't want the mask to be too front heavy. The horns and frilled crest already add a significant amount of weight to the piece.
Mask II, Phase III- Horns have been attached and heat cured. The whole thing is a bit heavier than I would have liked but, I do LOVE the big, twisted horns!
The next step is to add a light under coat of paint before adding the muzzle, nostrils, and some fiery bits. I don't want any white to show through. I think that would ruin the whole fiery effect.
I was originally going to add ears as well but, to keep the weight down and wear-ability up I have opted not to. Dragons are related to reptiles and birds after all and reptiles and birds have no outer ear. So, my fire dragon has only inner ears, you can't see them but they are there!
Well, Mask I is finally complete. I painted it and embellished with beads. All that is left is a bit of elastic to hold it on the head.
Here is a pic' of my friend Irma modeling it.........
Mask II, Phase II- Dragon Frill Crown
This crown gave me a lot of "FUN" challenges to figure out. It fell apart and ripped many times requiring several repairs and a supportive backing. I am happy with the final results.
Mask II, Phase III- Horns
OK, so this is the second set of horns for this mask. The first set were made over an armature of newspaper and were too heavy to attach and balance well on the mask. I need to keep the weight down so that the mask can be worn comfortably for an evening of dancing at the masquerade ball!
I know that these horns don't look like much in marshmallow-white but, once all of the components are together, painted, pearlized, and blinged-out they will be devilishly fabulous!!!
Mask II, Phase II, Part A: Bad to the Bone structure
Mask II, Phase II, Part B: Gimmee some skin, Dragon Skin!!!
My mother came over and worked along side me making a mask of her own..................
I am working on masks for the masquerade ball next month. I am thinking either fire dragon or phoenix and an Autumn Goddess for my companion.
The first form is finished and ready to decorate. I made it with Ultra-light by Sculpey.
I will be posting pic's of all of the masks in progress so please come back often to see where I am at.
I also welcome any suggestions and comments that you may have on techniques and materials. I have not made masks like this before so your encouragement and gentle critiques are greatly appreciated.
1st phase of decoration completed...................
Mask I, Phase III
Mask I, Phase IV, first coat of paint
No new projects to post this week. I'll get a better, finished picture of the ring bearer pillow posted soon.
In the mean time here are some pictures of some past Bottles of Hope that I have made. These are glass bottles, covered with polymer clay, and containing and inspirational message of hope. The bottles were all donated to Cancer/Chemo patients.
My donated Bottles of Hope
Green Witch 2005- I spent 3 days sculpting this head. I wish I had a better pic' and a profile pic'.
Butterfly Geisha 2006
Curmudgeon Gnelf, 1/2 gnome, 1/2 elf 2008
More about the BOH- Bottles of Hope Project including a gallery, tutorial on how to make your own, and information on how and where to donate: http://bottlesofhope.org/
