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I'm working on some sketches for some masks and costumes for next summer. I intend to cast my face and use it as a mold for the base. Anyone have some suggestions on material to construct it out of? Looking for lightweight, durable, and archival. I want something I can use for years.

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I <3 Puns

The reason why I don't like masks in CJ performances: They end up with headrolls.

Please, tell me that I'm wrong...

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please, let me know if you're coming to Brazil! O=D

It depends on how detailed you want to get. Masks do not have to be form fitted to your face exactly in order to fit really well, but if you are already planning on making a mold of your face (get a freind to help, its hard to do) then you can make a lot of different things. The simplest would be a stiffened felt mask. You can wet a piece of felt and stretch it over the form of the face and then set it with fabric stiffener (like the stuff people use to starch crocheted snowflakes etc). You can purchase premade thin craft felt or the wool stuff at a craft store, so the range of cost would be somewhere from 5 to 12 dollars for the felt and the stiffener.

Another option is Paper Mache, which I know sounds like it wouldn't last very long, but take into account if you slowly by slowly build up every layer to a good thickness, then seal it really well with spray sealant, it can last a very long time. Paper mache used to be used to make helmets and armor in ancient China, the stuff is amazing. Paper mache also gives you great freedom to add horns or decorations or change the shape of the face without sewing or building things

A third option is leather. A well sealed leather mask will last forever, but you will need to purchase good leather and watch some youtube tutorials on how to form it properly.

A fourth (and much more complicated) idea is a chainmaille mask. I only say this because I've worked with chainmaille and while it takes forever to produce anything, it doesn't take too much time to learn the skill. And chainmalle masks are so cool.

I'm a longtime crafter and jack of all trades. Let me know if you have any other questions about masks or costumes

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"Do not fear me. Ours is a peaceful race, and we must live in harmony..."

Can paper mache be sanded? I'm trying to mimic some hard materials, stone and wood and such...

I don't do headrolls yet lucas =) so I won't have a problem with that for a while. I do a mix of traditional and contact juggling and I'm trying to put together a solar system routine that uses my head as an object also... so lots of isolations and revolving effects.

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I <3 Puns

Paper mache can be sanded, but if you do it smoothly and one layer at a time, you probably wouldn't need to much. As far as simulating materials, I would definitely reccommend paper mache as long as you have any sculpting skills at all, because anything else to simulate that material would be hella heavy. Also, if you want something spherical to put on your head or something large to juggle, you can always do the old trick of paper macheing over a balloon for a couple of layers and then popping the balloon.

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"Do not fear me. Ours is a peaceful race, and we must live in harmony..."

this seems to be cool Jackelope, send us a video when you have it!

=)

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please, let me know if you're coming to Brazil! O=D

I would not suggest molding it directly to your face, that can get sweaty and uncomfortable very quickly, you want some space between the mask and your face, believe me. pad out the inside of the mask with foam to keep it off your face.

I've used a paper mache variant using thicker paper (like paper bag material or craft paper) and wall paper glue. This wont flake or crumble like paper mache can (when it dries it can get brittle unless its very thick, and when it's thick, it's heavy). I've made several with this technique and they are super flexible, durable and lightweight. PM me for more details.

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il faut pas avoir peur de ta liberte.

Masks can be a boon and a bane in my opinion. I wear them often while performing, (I have a thing for them). Loss of perhipheral vision is the single largest problem I have with them. They do get hot fast (as previously mentioned) and they tend to slip. foam pads are your friend. I recommend a strap over the top to help hold it up. and elastic bands are brutal after a few hours. Silk ties, or soft leather buckle straps.
Keep it light, keep it away from the face, and make it well ventilated, especially if you perform in the sun.

Thermoplastics are another wonderful choice for bases. Make a mold of your face first though. Holy hot melty plastic. Heat the sheet of thermoplastic over the mold with a hair dryer and trim to shape. I've had a blast with Kydex, the texture is very sci-fi.

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The Universe cries. Does it cry with you, or for you?

Does it make you less approachable for your audience?

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I use craft porcelain to mold my masks with. It's easy to work with, you don't have to bake it, it's lightweight, looks even better after it's painted, and sturdier than other types of material that I've used.

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