Design a mask (research leather masks on the web to help give you inspiration). To make a pattern take a 11x17 piece of paper and fold it in half. Use the simple mask form, which gives the eye and nose placement as the starting base. From here add on to your design. Cut it out cutting through both folded layers. Cut out the eye socket areas.
Now it is time to use the leather- 3 to 4 lb weight tan leather (Note: Christina gets her leather from Napa Leather Hide Co. in Napa, Ca) lay the pattern/s on the leather b) tape it to the leather so that it will not move when you are tracing the pattern with a pencil. Leather is very expensive be sure to make use of the space on the leather hide wisely!
Using an X-ACTO knife: cut out the traced pattern with the sharp X-ACTO knife.
Make sure the mask: fits you face and the eyes slots are in the correct placeYou may have to make some slight adjustments.
Now you are ready to wet the leather: a) drench the leather with water. b) place the leather between two towels removing the excess water.
Now it is time to use the plaster face mold:a) place the mask on the plaster mold, to hold the shape b) continue to work the leather, using wooden tools and your fingers.c) depending on the style of the mask you may want to pinch, twist, fold, or curl the leather achieving the desired effect, as you work the leather:
Use a blow dryer to set the leather in place:The heat will keep the leather in place as you shape your leather mask. If the leather dries out rewet the leather and continue to work the leather.
When you are done, make sure the mask fits
Cut two slits on each side, ¼ inch long near the eye area which will be used for attaching a leather thong so that you can wear your mask. Or glue the leather thongs to the back of the mask covered by two small square pieces of leather.
Use Acrylic paints, feathers, jewels or whatever you like to decorate your mask! Finish/embellishments must be aesthetically pleasing.
Reflect on meaning and purpose of mask. Write brief critique.

Each year, more than 4 million people come to New Orleans from around the world to be part of what is often billed as the "greatest free party on Earth" -- Mardi Gras!


Mardi Gras, also called Carnival in some countries, is celebrated internationally. We're going to focus here on the festivities in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Beginning in January, the city of New Orleans starts a variety of festivities that culminate with Mardi Gras Day, or Fat Tuesday -- the day before Ash Wednesday and Lent. For about two weeks before Fat Tuesday, residents and visitors alike enjoy dozens of parades with imaginative floats bearing costumed party-goers, who toss colored beads and other trinkets into the cheering crowds. The parties continue into the night as revelers seek out distinctive "Nawlins" music as well as Cajun and Creole food.

Most of us have heard of New Orleans' famous French Quarter, but many of us have no idea what Mardi Gras celebrates. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the origins and traditions of Mardi Gras. We'll also look at some ways to enjoy Mardi Gras both in New Orleans and at home.

Mardi Gras Mask Inspiration - Create Your Own

I have a great collection of Mardi Gras Masks I have collected over the years. I keep thinking someday I will have a party and put them to good use. We use to attend a great fundraiser every year on Fat Tuesday for Epilepsy. It was such a great party and the decoration were always a treat. With a little time and a trip to the craft store I am sure many can be made from scratchMake your own masks. Find these ideas and instructions at Martha Stewart.

Feathers and paper masks

Using silk flowers and a hot glue gun create this beautiful flower petal
Oak Leaf and Silver Dollar Masks

You need:
Two paper plates
pencil
scissors
PVA glue and brush
Acrylic paint and brush
Raffia
6 paper fasteners
Electrical tape
Colored sticky tape
(any shade of purple or green)
Elastic
1 small plastic lid

Hold one of the paper plates up to your face and ask an adult to mark eye holes. Cut out the eye holes. On the back of the plate, paint your clown face. Allow the paint to dry.

Draw a triangular hat and bow tie one the remaining paper plate. Cut them out. Paint and decorate the hat and bow tie with paint and colored electrical tape or, you can use colored foils and ribbons instead. Finish the hat with a tassel of raffia. Attach the raffia with electrical tape.

To make the clown's nose, use the plastic lid from a tube of sweets or plastic juice container. Mix a little PVA glue into some red paint and paint the nose. When dry, glue the nose on to the clown's face. Use PVA glue to stick on the hat and bow tie. Allow glue to dry.

Push a paper fastener through a pan scrubber and position it near the top edge of the plate. Push the paper fastener through the plate and flatten the fasteners. Attach the remaining pan scrubbers in the same way.

Make a small hole in each side of the mask. Tie the elastic to one hole, then fit the mask before tying the elastic to the other hole.
And the Coco is ready to don your face.

This unique latex mask offers some separate dreadlocks, deluxe paint job and closed mouth mandible so the Predator Helmet can fit into place. Removable plastic faceplate also included, covers face of mask only, and is held in place by elastic bands. One size fits most adults. This is an officially licensed Alien vs. PredatorTM product. Remember the hands to complete the look!


nice collector's piece, BAD for those making a costume, May 23, 2008

First off let me emphasize how utterly HUGE this mask is. Anyone that has seen the Predator movies knows that the Predator is a large creature, and this mask and head are no exception. Even though they have put foam inside to try and accommodate a normal sized head, it is to no avail since the mask is simply too big for a person to put on.
Secondly, for those trying to make a costume, this mask lacks the Predator's signature dreadlocks. There are four dreadlocks that hang loosely, but the rest just form the back section of the mask and do little to impress.

For those looking to collect items of exceptional detail, this is a wonderful piece. The latex face and the exterior mask are nicely painted, and the sheer size is enough to impress.