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merimask ([personal profile] merimask) wrote2007-06-15 01:25 pm
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New designs: Venetian masks

Well, my trip to visit my brother in Vegas has led to inspiration;  Venetian masks.

These are the "birds".  Don't ask me what kind of birds they are 'cause I don't know.  Venetain birds I guess.  Italian birds.

The designs are all very embarrassingly derivative of the masks I saw in the mask shop at The Venetian.  I liked them so much that the next day I was sketching and everything I did had gold piping and lots of swirly swirls.  Like [profile] moko_mokosaid at the time;  "It's not like you have them in front of you...so you were just inspired by them".

So yeah... here they are.
 
The "birds" from another angle:


I guess it's sort of a fanciful raven.

I love this design...

It's one of those rare masks that actually looks great on me.  Curiously enough, I'm not a mask wearer.  I want to do it in all kinds of different color combinations.  I was a little cheesed when I did this one, because the silver paint pen I was using for the swirls (which was brand new & pretty pricey) clogged up on me and nearly blotted all over the place.  I had to switch to gold.  It actually looks good that way, though.  

This one is simple but fun.  I think the red/white/black masks look the most "Venetian".

I love the copper swirls on white.  I was going to go with red, but I decided to keep my swirls metallic (except for the black).

The cool thing about these is that they are completely wearable & very durable.  The masks I saw in the Venetian were lovely but SO delicate with gold leaf and plaster detailing...they'd probably crack with too much handling or wearing.  These are all leather & just as tough as anything I make.  I predict they'll be great party masks.
ext_12512: Hinoe from Natsume Yuujinchou, elegant and smirky (Default)

[identity profile] smillaraaq.livejournal.com 2007-06-16 12:59 am (UTC)(link)
Oh MY. Those are absolutely stunning. The colors and the metallic scrollwork put me in mind of pretty Florentine stationery. Those just practically are demanding to be worn, with elaborate ball gowns made to match!

(Posted a few BPAL ideas for you, btw -- a few I can actually spare and send you, others I can at least put a little sniffable sample on card. Must post reviews of the last few I've tried, the last of the Somnium blends has the most divine lemon-blossom scent!)

[identity profile] merimask.livejournal.com 2007-06-16 03:30 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you! I'm quite happy with these masks. It was a little scary 'cause I just free-handed all those swirls on...no do-overs 'cause the paints are all permanent. I just channelled the spirit of my great great grandfather (he was a French carriage builder in Paris. He built fine high-end horse drawn carriages and his specialty was the detailing...he could free-hand piping & lay the neatest gold leaf in the business) & I went for it. It all came out just fine. 99% of completing a task neatly & efficiently the first time is to move with authority & confidence...that's true in art and life (I truly believe this).

The Somnium sounds devine...I love a light floral/citrus. It makes me feel clean & happy.

I finished your mask tonight! Hopefully I will get to the post office in time to mail it on Saturday (if not, then Monday for sure).

[identity profile] merimask.livejournal.com 2007-06-16 03:34 am (UTC)(link)
Grr! lol..."divine divine divine". That's one of those damn words I habitually misspell.
ext_12512: Hinoe from Natsume Yuujinchou, elegant and smirky (Default)

[identity profile] smillaraaq.livejournal.com 2007-06-16 02:33 pm (UTC)(link)
*squees some more*

Have you ever tried painting on textiles? I can so see those colors and swirlies on a silk scarf....