Charlotte's Web of Illusion- illusionmasks.com - Masks for Halloween, Mardigras, Masquerade!

Thank you for visiting:

Charlotte's Studio

"Where the reality becomes illusion ."

All my masks are made entirely by hand and are original designs.

How it's Done.

I use a technique called "Vacuuform" to make my masks. This process involves a Vacuuform machine, molds, plastic sheet goods, paints, trims and imagination. And coffee!

 

Step one is to create a mold. I do this by building a face with clay, then casting it in plaster. I then cover the mold with foil to create a non-stick surface during the vacuuform process.

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Next, I fire up the machine, insert the sheet of the desired thickness and I'm ready to press:

The electric coils heat the sheet of plastic evenly. When hot, a quick flip over onto the form and the vacuum sucks the soft plastic over the mold.....

and Viola!

Next: it's time for a paint job,

a bit of cutting here and there,

and the application of some French enamel varnish.

Now the "skeleton" of the mask is complete and it's on to ornamentation!

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My worktable is full of masks in progress:

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After much trimming and snipping, the final stage approaches.

To make sure a mask is comfortable, fabulous and functional,

it must be tested.

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Then worked into a display

or packed and shipped to it's new owner.

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Thank you for visiting!

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