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Crafting Resources for the Creative
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items I've been creating masquerade masks and costume crafts for 13 years and I've gone through quite a few different techniques that called for a bunch of different materials. That said, keeping costs down is pretty important so here I've gathered my reso...
Sections
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Masquerade Masks & Costume Crafts
Equipment & Saftey
Masquerade Masks & Costume Crafts
These are some of the base materials I keep supplied in my studio.
These make great bases for most of my masks! Can be cut into or adhered to pretty well, and for more custom pieces you can make a alterable pattern from them by taping fabric to them and cutting the excess. You do need to take steps to prevent collap...
RUSVNO DIY Paper Mache White Masks
I use this as a backing on all of my masks! Creates a great first-defense barrier between the mask and my sweaty face lol.
Smooth Faux Leather Sheets Roll 12"X53" Black
Generally for things like flowers, leaves, or fabric imitations that I need to hold up under stones and beads, I use this before foam clay. Depends on the project. Works faster than foam clay because there's no dry time and is shaped with a heat gun....
AMZQNART EVA Foam 2mm Black 16x59in Roll
Great for detail work and dries super light, so if you want to make large flowers or other large pieces but you don't want them to weigh down the base, this is a great material to use. I do also recommend getting/making a mold with them though, as th...
Moldable White Cosplay Foam Clay - High Density
A great reinforcement material to have on hand that can help less sweat-resistant materials maintain their shape during and after performances. Plus they can be pretty easily cut with heavy duty craft scissors.
Mltanccy 6 Pack 12x8in 1mm 20 Mesh Stainless Steel Screen
For day-of emergency repairs! I always keep a bottle in my costume suitcase. You do need to be careful about reactions with certain finishes or paints though so test it out first so you know what you can use it with before you accidentally make a sma...
Boot-Fix Instant Professional Shoe Glue
This goes over all of my paint work on my masks before any stones/additions get added since it's made for outdoor protection, my sweat has no chance! They also make a matte version. Hour long dry time before you can work with it also works on painted...
Rust-Oleum 302110 Clear Topcoat Spray 11oz
I use this for stones on masks. I find that with this adhesive stones are easier to repair and less damaging to the base coat if they fall off. Plus it comes with its own little nozzle. **Use a mask when working.
E6000 Fabri-Fuse
Equipment & Saftey
Comes with a great array of heads that work really well with EVA foam or Foam Clay after drying for detail work or cleaning up flaws. Charge time is relatively short and lasts a good while!
HARDELL Mini Cordless Rotary Tool Kit, 69 Accs
Works really well, fairly lightweight and stands up on its own for easy molding. Plenty of control over the heat/force and can be used for pretty long stretches. Just need to be careful about running it too long by a smoke detector lol.
DIAFIELD 1850W Heat Gun, Dual Temp, 4 Nozzles
A MUST HAVE for anyone working with microplastics (like sanding foam clay or EVA foam), aerosols (like the paint finish I posted), or certain adhesives (like the e6000 I posted). Safety should never be disregarded with these materials. Your art shoul...
3M 65023QLHA1-C Pro MultiPurpose Respirator Medium
If you live in an apartment like I do, this is a MUST HAVE space-saver. It folds into a foot-width and it’s very stable when opened. Not to mention locking wheels!! Easy to clean too.
Sew Ready Hobby & Cutting Table 58.75" W
Surface saver alert!!! In my opinion it also makes cutting easier.
X-ACTO Self-Healing Cutting Mat, Gray 18x24