Wow! This is really cool! Can't wait to see the others! ^_^

Thank you! :)

This is one of the prettiest leather masks I've seen and was surprised to read it's not yet finished. I'd wear it just as it is.

Thank you so much! :) I admit I really like the plain look, too, I might make myself one and just add some leather dye to highlight the natural look of the skin. But they look really neat detailed/painted as well!

This is spectacular! You've captured the bold features of the owl perfectly! I can't wait to see more :>

Thank you! :)

Cool! 8D

Thank you! :)

wow! How absolutely unique and enchanting! I look forward to seeing these painted/carved up C:

holy crap, that's really quite amazing!

I <3 Leather masks.
How'd you do it? I tried once for masquerade masks and it didn't work out all that well. Couldn't stiffen the leather enough to make it keep the shape.

The two keys are the right type of leather (only veg tanned leather will work, the other types will be too stable to hold their shape) and heat. Hot hot water to soak the leather and some time in an oven set to warm (about 200 degrees or less) - this will lock the shape. But it only takes a few minutes or you can burn the leather and make it brittle!

Oh I see! I'm sure I didn't use the right leather...
Thanks for the tips!

Oh goodness this is beautiful. I love how it is stylized! I can't wait to see the others.

OH, this is very exciting. I can't wait to see a corvid style mask from you, it's going to be breathtaking!

Thank you! :) I have a design planned for raven, hopefully will get around to him in the next few days. :)

wonderful, much better than some of the ones ive seen on other sights, they basically take a few pieces of leather and make a sheet with some cut outs and paint, though i admit most of there items are more for human like design and such, the animal like ones are very plane. if this turns out well, are you planning to take commissions? only a few at a time im sure if you did, they look time consuming.

Thank you! :) I will probably take commissions eventually, after I get some stock patterns/masks up in my online shop. The biggest problem with custom masks of this sort is it can take me days to a week to get a pattern perfected, so a custom piece drastically different than the ones I've made will have to cost a lot more than stock masks. If it's a slight change, like a coyote instead of wolf or fox, that's not such a big deal, but if it's a totally different critter that will affect the cost. But I'll make a journal post about it when I do start accepting custom work. :)

Now that, is badass.

Wow, looks awesome!

this one looks really nice!

I try to get into leather works as well, but yeah... have to improvise when it comes to working tools. What kind of tools do you use?

Really just a pair of leather shears and my hands. :) My hands hurt like heck when I'm finished sculpting (I'm using pretty thick leather) but nothing fancy is required!

ah ok ^^ I bought a book about leathercrafting but they have so many different tools I can't afford ^^;

maybe it's better to improvise a lot, as long as the product looks great.

10/10 points for you :)

It really depends on what you're doing with the leather. :) A lot of leatherworking requires fancy/specialized tools - like skiving knives, punches, etc - since the skin is very tough to work with and has such specific properties. There are so many things you can do with leather there's a veritable army of tools to go with it. But a lot of times you can make do with a sharp object (razorblade, knife, scissors) and strength/patience. :)

Nice work and most imaginative. I'd like to see that owl mask demo'ed. It's going to look fantastic!

Thank you! I've got a few models in line that I'll be working with to get some really nice photos when I've got a few masks finished and ready to bring to them for a photoshoot. The masks look even nicer when worn!

Very nice, I can't wait to see how this turns out.

I love stylistic masks! And this one is fantastic, wow!
Sculpted leather sounds interesting. Different from your ordinary sculpting methods with paper mache or clay-- it must make for a different experience wearing it too? (I assume it'd feel different on your skin.)

I'm excited to see more of these!
And here I was just brainstorming about getting a mask done, open-eyed and stylized. Hm.. (:

The leather masks are awesome to wear - they are like having a second skin. They are semi-absorbent (sealed to protect them but still like wearing leather) so they have been a historically favorite choice in the theatre. :) I work with mache and clay as well but there's definitely something special about leather!
If you're interested in the future drop me a note or email. :) Like I had mentioned to a commenter above the completely custom designed masks will cost more if they are considerably different than the current patterns I have created since coming up with a new pattern can easily take me a week (these are single piece masks for durability and strength) but I always enjoy bringing an idea to life. :)

Oooh, I was thinking it would be something along the lines of that! I was even looking for that "second skin" feel specifically when I was thinking about my potential mask. I know a lot of furry customers have this taboo over "exposing human skin", but I like the idea of integrating your costume as an extension of your own body. I like the exposed, "use your own" eyes and the fact that the back of your head/hair will be left alone so I can have my own natural hair-mane coming out from it, haha.

Originally I was thinking of prosthetics (latex or something similar) for the "second skin" experience in wear it. I never thought of using leather! That might even be better since I have some intense skin allergies (I can't wear any fake metals, silver-- a lot of other substances will irritate it too), but my skin gets along with my leather collar fine.
Hmm, maybe the universe is telling me something. This seems most opportune. :)

I haven't nailed down a concrete concept of the actual design I wanted done yet. It wouldn't be anything complex. I just wanted a mask that would mirror the features/facial anatomy of my serpentfeline creature.
So basically a leopard facial/muzzle structure, with longer/sharp ears. Something to that effect, I'm sure.

I know it's a little too early to be talking quotes, but roughly how much do you think these would run? $100+, $200+? More?
I might have to start saving up..
(oh hay, any chance you'd be able to get your hands on some black leather? -- that would be amazing!)

I like leather over latex unless you're going for the super realism look - like adding a blended latex nose/prosthetic - but those can be incredibly uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time (since they dont breathe) and also require a lot of prep work. With a leather masks you can just take it on or off easily. Of course they are totally different looks - realistic vs. stylized. :)

The standard masks will be in the $100-200 range depending on their complexity, color work, etc. Custom would be a little more than that (the price would include a totally painted/finished/sealed mask and strap).
If you were looking for a slightly altered leopard it would not be a drastic price difference since I already have a cat face pattern down. :) Cat faces work so well with human faces, and I think with the leather and use your own eyes they will look incredibly striking. I agree with you about the appeal of the mixed features - what I really am going for with these is to make them work with the human face shape and blend features instead of just looking like a 'mask'.

I can dye the leather that I use any color, so black would not be an issue. :) I can work either from measurements or if you want to assure a truly perfect fit, a life cast of your face which is fairly easy (and inexpensive) to make - just takes a little bit of time and a friend. I'm working on getting an instruction tutorial up on the process. If I get a life cast from you I can sculpt your mask directly on it to ensure it really does fit like a second skin!

looks like a delightful owl! omg

wow...this has to be one of the coolest things i've seen in weeks