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The Art of the mask

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Above: selection of examples of "Green Men" masks The Art of the Mask  is a shop in etsy that features some of the most awesome fae inspired masks I've seen. Surreal and some of them with a spice of dark. They are made of   paper mache and made to be worn (though many will have a hoop ring so you can attach them also to the wall). The crafter uses  imported 100% wool paper that makes the mask durable yet lightweight and also makes all of the embellishments (leaves, flowers, etc.) with either wool or parchment papers. Things like berries, rose hips, and acorns are made with paper clay. They are delicate and stunning one of a kind items and though no two masks are exactly alike, she  can produce multiples of any thing you see here ... or make a mask to suit your fancy as custom work.

 
Steampunk masks

Tom Banwell outstanding STEAMPUNK MASKS

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  Tom Banwell: Leather and resin projects is a blog maintained by this artist and crafter where we can see his projects and commissions. He also does link to items ready to be purchased and shipped. The quality of the steampunks is really outstanding. He and his wife design, cut and paint the maks themselves in their studio located in California. Note: not knowing really what "Steampunk" means? Please the wikipedia definition of this fantasy/sci-fi genre and trend.

 

Venetian Masks: The Masquerade

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The venetian masks always cause a double impact. The first time I saw the movie "Into the labyrinth" I was fascinated by the Masquerade Ball scene where Jareth (see previous article about Labyrinth's goblin king)  and Sarah dances. It all had a magical,  elegant yet slightly decadent  look. There's something in the venetian masks that fascinates us and also can awake a slight sense of horror too. The Carnival of Venice  o Carnevale di Venezia ( read wikipedia article for in detail historic information) will take place next February in Venice (Italy) but throughout the year the masks and its symbolism have become part of every masquerade ball and fantasy party and meetings.

 

Featured upcoming events: Faery Ball (UK) and Faeriecon (USA)

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Mythical masks

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Above: Dragon mask Mythical masks is a website that features a large collection of handmade  leather masks inspired in fantasy perfect for masquerade balls, ren faires and fantasy festivals. Masks come in different categories and collections from birds (raven, owls, peacock and more), animals, dragons (western or oriental) to elementals,  mermaid and ocean inspired, green men and fairy inspired masks. 

 
grand marie antoinette dress

Marie Antoinette and other Rococo fantasies

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  There is just SO MUCH about this period and style that this is the first of quite a few articles around this topic... Still we had to start some point and here we are. Recently, Sophia Coppola's aproachment to this character (performed in the movie by Kirsten Dunst) in  Marie Antoinette drew new attention to it and The Rococo period (late 18th century) rendered really the most flamboyant, colorful and beautiful dresses in fashion history. A tight bodice right with a front stomacher to enhance women's sihouettes and ahem!... generous sexy generous breasts, along with a wide skirt with the proper side panniers and petticoat.   Above: Rococo Marie Antoinette dress made by "Time after Time designs" Hats, artificial flowers, ribbons... More and more ornaments almost sinfully. If you want a custom made  "Marie Antoinette" corset  you can order it in Bibian Blue's shop. Based in Barcelona, we previously covered this designer in an article, aside of the collection that you can find on her website, she can also make a custom order for you. I have a rococo black corset for my performances that I certainly love (pics coming soon ;-) I will highlight this lovely dress called "Grand Marie" in "The twilight parlour" website. In ivory and cream color with flat fronted bodice and yards and yards of fabrid in the skirt! Looking here and there you can find dresses to make to bring your character to life! An affordable option is this one, the seller offers it in different colours at around 300$

 

Falconrose: leather mask of the Renaissance and the Faery

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Falconrose is a delightful collection of leather hand crafted masks, the site and the style of the masks themselves reminds us of ancient times and mediaeval tapestries...  The site is not only worth because of the wonderful masks they make, but also becuase of the throrough description of the creatures that makes it interesting enough even if just only for reading about the myths and legends that inspired them.

 

FAERIECON: Good and Bad Fairy Balls Masquerade (Philadelphia)

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Another entry regarding an interesting event where you can attend and showcase your fantasy costume. Celebrating every year in Philadelphia, Faeriecon is a macroconvention devoted to fantasy and fairy worlds where you'll find hundreds of booths selling garments, masks, and also conferences, movies and entertainment. And also fantasy illustrators  and guest artists like Brian Froud (The Dark Crystal, Into the labyrinth) and Alan Lee (The  Lord of the rings), faeriec costume contests and much more!!!.  I'll be myself opening the good and bad faery ball this year (the balls take place in Trocadero Theatre Friday 10th and 11th October.

 
horse riding pants Jareth leggins

Into the Labyrinth: The realm of the Jareth, mighty Goblin King

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Jim Henson's Into the Labyrinth is one of my favourite movies. When I was a little girl of course like many other women in my generation I was deeply in love with Jareth the mighty Goblin King (sigh!!) Yes, Jareth was one of the best and coolest characters ever... and we, the girls wanted every prince of our dreams has his bitter spice, or be Sarah... to end the movie quite differently (evil green). Isn't he sexy?

 

Feather fans: a noble touch for the Masquerade

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Here is a link where you can read an article about the fan through culture, including the feather fans. these accessories typical of the elizabethan era and so used in Masq uerades. In one of our previous article about feathers you will find materials if you feel able to make one which is actually not very difficult if you pick a nice selection of ostrich and peacock feathers. Also in "Saphire and sage" specialized in Renaissance Era reproduction Accessories. They have a wealth of models some even reversible, that will delight you and will add a final touch of nobility into your masquerade set. These ones are not only gorgeous , they're also customizable so you can decide the colour of the beads, color of wood, type of feathers and many other details. I'd love to have one of these in plain black raven mood... (sigh!)