Mothman LARP Masks

Wow, no new post since February. Oops! Well, let's just get right back into the swing of things. I'd like to start updating this at least once a week, so watch for lots more!

I am super excited to show you my latest project: Mothman Masks.

This is (again) for a LARP, this one themed around the legendary Mothman.

This project has definitely put me through my paces. It took me some trial and error to find just the right materials. I am pretty proud of the result, and I think the LARP group will look pretty badass when they add these masks to their matching winged and furry costumes. If I get pictures of it, I will definitely share!

This is the moth we based the idea off:

Photo credit: Anish Kirtane

This is the result:

I hope you enjoy taking a look at them. If you're interested in more, check out my Etsy Store, and drop me a message for custom work.

Cthulhu LARP Masks

So I have finally finished a two-month-long major project: Creating eight original masks for a Cthulhu-themed Live Action Role Playing event. It was a challenge, but I enjoyed almost every minute of it!

The tentacles were made from polyfill fiber stuffed into plastic cones, with a wire center to create the twists and curls. The mask itself was cut from a piece of vinyl, then a layer of fusible webbing was added to the back, then a layer of felt for the wearer's comfort. The front was layered in small sequins. The entire mask was then painted with liquid latex. The paint job is entirely done by hand. Then a clear coat to seal everything completed the piece!

I couldn't believe how long it took me. I set them up assembly-line style, so they were all completed right around the same time. I think much of the time was waiting for the glue to dry, and of course those damn tentacles. If I were to make just one, I think it would take me a week... times that by eight... yeah, two months! I'm glad I got started nice and early...

Each mask is different, but they all look like something crawled up from the deep ocean... with the sole purpose of driving me completely insane. I read H.P. Lovecraft's The Call of Cthulhu for inspiration, along with an entire book of other Lovecraft stories of the weird. I can't believe I never read them before; they were perfectly to my strange tastes. Cthulhu fhtagn! :D

This project was a blast, but I need a break after all the hectic insanity. No rest for the wicked though; I have a bridal party that needs hair clips!

Finally, an Update!

Yikes! It's been nearly five months since my last blog post! I apologize. It was a vicious circle - I got too busy to blog, then I realized there was a lot I wanted to blog about, so the list of things I wanted to include in my post got longer, then I realized I didn't have time for it, then I got to busy to blog; repeat. Eeek! I won't let that happen again. Lol.

Let's see, where did I leave off? Pics of the autumn LARP and some fun wedding hair clips. What have I been up to since then, you ask? Well, the two major projects that I am most proud of are:
*Another set of LARP masks, with an alien monster theme this time!
*A set of 18 headbands and 12 clips for a dance troupe in Italy!

So of course, here are the pictures!

My husband is modeling one of the masks in the first two photos. The last one is of the entire set - as you can see, they are each unique and one of a kind. I spent a long time hand painting them so the snakeskin fabric stood out, so each wrinkle was accentuated, and every mandible had the right texture. It was my first experience using this kind of medium, and I have to say I'm proud of how they turned out! I hope for the chance to do more in the future!

Now for the dance troupe's accessories.

Each autumn leaf clip was unique, and most of the headbands were unique as well, with just a few repeats; but even the repeats were set up slightly different from each other. The summer berry theme was my favorite to work with!

If I get any photos of these pieces in action from my customers, I will be sure to share! In the meantime, check out my newest store: WePay Store: Natura Pluma Designs. Using WePay, there are less fees, and you don't have to be a member to make a purchase. I am looking at setting up an Artfire store as well. I feel it will help to have options other than Etsy; though as of right now, you can still check out my Etsy store, Natura Pluma Designs for some great clearance-priced deals! I am still looking to clear out my inventory in preparation for a move, so help me out and get a great deal at the same time! :)

Just for fun, check out the other blog I created: a recipe blog called Veggies vs Bacon where I show you step by step some tasty, healthy recipes of my own design, and heart-cloggingly delicious recipes my husband has tried out.

Thanks for reading, and I will definitely be back with updates much sooner!

Listening to: Unwoman
Pics: A few new products!