From the cute to the sublime...also, I get a good idea

[merimask]

Let's start with the cute; a river otter mask.

He snurfles and waddles...you can just tell.   ^_^

It may not be sublime, exactly, but I'm very happy with my second attempt at the "Fighting Bettas" mask.

I think this second color combination is just as popular as the first one.

 
I can't tell which side I like better.  This new violet & white betta mask is up in my Etsy shop already.

What you won't see in my shop is the first betta mask; the red & blue one that was featured in Artvoice magazine.  That's 'cause I don't have it anymore.   I decided to donate it to charity!

See, I had this really good idea today, as I was getting ready to drive downtown & pick up copies of the magazine (which looks awesome by the way...the mask pics appear in several spots plus my full page ad is actually a wonderful eye-catching article that I couldn't be happier with; I have to take a pic & share it 'cause it's that pretty) .  The Mardi Gras celebration here in Buffalo is a fund raiser for Buffalo Hospice, a wonderful organization that helps people through the end-of-life crisis.  When my Dad was dying of cancer, Hospice was there for us & they were wonderful...I've always thought they were the bravest & most selfless of caregivers in a terrible time when most people turn away.  Anyway, the event next Tuesday helps raise funds for this organization, & considering the fact that the 8th anniversary of Dad's passing is fast approaching, & considering that my good friend Kimmie just lost her father too, I thought it'd be a nice gesture to donate the Fighting Bettas #1 mask for a charity auction.

It seemed the right thing to do.  This opportunity fell into my lap totally unlooked-for; an e-mail from a photographer who worked with me years ago.  This betta design is so wonderful & the catalyst for finally finishing this mask came because I wanted something really spectacular for the photoshoot.   So really, this mask belongs to the project & Artvoice will get to auction it on e-bay for Buffalo Hospice.  Anyone can bid on it.  100% of the proceeds go to Hospice.  I'll link the auction in here once it goes live (probably Sunday).

And here's something else; the editor was so overjoyed with the idea she hugged me!  Plus, she will be appearing on the AM Buffalo morning TV show on Monday and was planning to talk about the event, & now she'll bring my mask along too!  She'll talk about how it was on the cover of the magazine & announce the auction, & the whole thing is suddenly a really good PR moment for me.  Once again, unlooked-for (but much appreciated).

Proof again that when you reach out with an open, giving heart, good things will happen.  ^_^

Rose the photographer has invited me to attend the Mardi Gras celebration next Tuesday.  I can hardly wait!  I am even considering making a new Copperhead Medusa to wear to the event (I'm a maskmaker dammit...I have to go in style!).   Rose has been so sweet...I think I've made a new friend.  ^__^  It'll be so nice to hang out at a party with a friend...I haven't done that in so long.  I am TOTALLY taking a cab there & back.  ;-)   
 

Comments

[drriftwood.livejournal.com]

The violet mask is gorgeous!!
*hugs* for donating the mask and great that things are turning out so great!!(wait- there were too many greats in that sentence..lol) *touches wood*

[merimask.livejournal.com]

Thank you dear! ^_^

[ramblinsuze.livejournal.com]

Oh, I think I like this otter even more than the first one! *squishes*

And the violet/white bettas are gorgeous. They just look so elegant and cool vs. the fire of the first one. LOVE.

Good on you for donating your mask! I am a firm believer in the whole "however much you give away comes back to you threefold" sort of thing. A few extra checks in the plus side of the karma column is always a good idea. :)

[merimask.livejournal.com]

This otter is a cutie! Otters are all cute though. In Virginia Beach there's this awesome marine wildlife nature conservancy center with the nicest aquarium I've ever seen, & they have this HUGE habitat for a family of otters...I could just watch them forever. ^_^

Remind me next year & I'll donate something special for your Red Ribbon ball...meant to do it this year but I remembered too late (like, the weekend it happened!).

[thegeminifactor.livejournal.com]

The detail on both are incredible. What do you make these out of? Clay? Plaster?

[merimask.livejournal.com]

Thanks! You didn't see my mega-epic pair of tutorial entries about how I make masks? Here, let me show you it:
http://merimask.livejournal.com/175095.html
http://merimask.livejournal.com/175109.html

The short answer is; leather. ^__^

[thegeminifactor.livejournal.com]

It is irksome to see the date on those, to know I could have gone back not even a month and had an answer my question. *feels dumb*

Educational nonetheless. These only take you ten hours? Practiced hands notwithstanding, I would have figured on at least a little longer than that. Makes these doubly impressive that you can make these so quickly.

Girly hug

[musingnmeandering.blogspot.com (from livejournal.com)]

Things are going so wonderful for you. Sounds like you are in for some really great things. I'm so happy for you. Must be so exciting. :)

Re: Girly hug

[merimask.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much! Yep, I'm keeping busy here. ;-)

[(Anonymous)]

Woogie-coo! I still love your barn owl mask the bestest, but that otter's adorable. Congrats on the cover! I'd been wondering how the masks look when people are actually wearing them, and now I know...they look absolutely spiffy! Donating the fighting betas mask is a lovely, generous gesture that will surely result in more good things for you. Ohh, just looked at your Copperhead Medusa mask--that's scary and pretty all at the same time. It'll look really great with your hair, too:-)

[merimask.livejournal.com]

Thank you...the ladies were dancing around so much that they kept slipping but everyone had fun & the masks did look spiffy. :-)

[zannachan.livejournal.com]

Aww, that otter is just too cute!

And the Beta mask is incredible--just absolutely breathtaking. It's so different, too, from the first one you did--in tone, shape, movement. Amazing.

I love that you donate the first Beta mask to raise money for hospice. Hospice helped us when my grandfather was dying of cancer and they made a world of difference for both him and his family; because of them, he was able to stay home, as comfortable as his illness allowed, surrounded be familiar things and his family. Really an incredible organization.

I definitely believe in good karma, however you want to call it--good things have a way of coming back to you, even if it does so in unexpected ways.

[merimask.livejournal.com]

Thank you dear!

I'm just continuing to practice the lessons I learned last year, & good things are continuing to happen. Spring is coming soon too, so it's getting easier to be upbeat. ;-)

[amandaalon.livejournal.com]

I adore the new mask! I think the otter is adorable! And I know that when Kimmie hears about the donation she will be very moved--both for your dad and hers.

You're a wonderful lady!
Hugs!
S~

[merimask.livejournal.com]

Aww...you're so sweet. ^_^ It was REALLY good to see you on Saturday.

[oraien.livejournal.com]

Your art is utterly fantastic. I love your masks! Might I friend you to keep a watch on what you're up to?

[merimask.livejournal.com]

Of course! I'd be honored. ^_^