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GriffinLeather — Plague Doctor Mask 1
Published: 2010-09-19 23:37:23 +0000 UTC; Views: 6816; Favourites: 20; Downloads: 316
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Description
After looking at quite a few versions of the Plague Doctor masks I decided to go a bit more traditional.This is just my version. I make no claim on how they should look, as no can really answer that question in the first place.
I felt the beak should taper down a bit. Not be so long as to make it comical, and not to short. I was thinking that lots of stitching would be frowned on at that time considering the mask was worn to protect the good Doctor.
I also felt that it should not expose the neck and make it easier for the cloak and hood to cover exposed parts of the skin. It should also be light, ridged to hold the herbs etc in the beak, and fairly stiff in order to hold its shape.
Another very important thing would to have the eyes placed so the doctor could actually see out of it. And since glass or crystal was quite expensive at the time, the lenses would be just large enough to be functional.
Made of veg tan leather that is sculpted and shaped. Brass rivets/ buckle. Plexiglas lenses. Thread and resin.
These will be for sale. And their will be more than one version. If interested please send me a note and I will supply a link.
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Comments: 36
Thanks. I have sold quite a few of them, especially in Europe.
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I want to try this as well... I plan on making it with black leather. Will this be possible using the same methods you used, or is this going to give me different results?
You said you used 2-3 oz leather. What is a preferable size?
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If its black leather it will probably be tanned with chromium salts. That will create a problem unless you know how to leach the salts from the leather. And if you do, you end up with a toxic sludge, so I advise against it.
Best if you use vegtable tanned leather. Apply the dye to the leather and then go through the forming process. You will have to redye the leather, but the first application will give a better penetration of pigment into the leather. When leather is wet formed it shrinks abit and the pores reduce in size. Thats not a problem if you are using a paint on the leather, but dye actually enters the leather.
Yes, I use 2-3 oz leather for these masks. Size? I assume you are talking about how much leather. If so, prepair to have 4 square feet available. Thats more than you will need, but better to not fall short on material. Make sure and give your pattern quite a bit of thought. Measure twice, cut once. And dont be concerned with over weting the leather, or wetting it several times. Keep in mind that when leather dries it will want to shift. So you will have to keep an eye on it.
Good luck and let me know how it turns out.
Brian
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So I'm abotu to attempt this....any suggestions?? Like how do I "Sculpt" leather??
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Depends on what you plan on making. Choosing the correct weight of leather is important. Many items I sculpt are made with 2-3 oz leather. Considered to light for most applications, but for my process it works quite well.
Generally leather is formed with water but I have heard of using rubbing alcohol. But be very careful if you use alcohol. It is very flamable. I generally stay away from all flamable elements.
The items I use are a hair dryer, a small powerful fan, clay sculpting tools, a form of some sorts, a hole punch and strong thread (for holding edges in place), and an assortment of clips and clamps to hold things down and in place.
An old school method is to boil the leather for a very short time, but I prefer not to do that as well. Soaking the leather in water and using a hairdryer can get similar results with more control. Leather wants to shrink when it dries. And you want to use that to your advantage. Working from the inside out to the edges is important. You dont want the edges of your work pulling out detail from the center as it dries. And not all leathers react the same so you should test the leather to see how it reacts before committing to a large cut from the hide.
After it is shaped it will take days for fully dry and should be attended to on a regular basis to press or sculpt details back into the work. The demon face I make, for example, takes abour 5 hours of on and off attention. I come back to it every 30 to 45 mins to correct any distortions to the design.
For leather placed and streached over a form like the plague doctor masks I make. Everything is placed and straped down then the powerful fan I use fast dries the mask from the outside in. That basicly creates a hard outer shell that reduces shifting of the leather and the inside of the hide in contact with the bust follows suit in a day or so.
Hope you found this helpful.
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OH MY GOSH YES!!!! Thank you SOOOOOOOOOOO very much!!! Thank you for your time and help!!!
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You are very welcome.
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I know you will my friend. And happy B Day!!!!!
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These things have always fascinated me - I have never seen one made before! Really lovely, I like this very much. From where did you obtain plexiglas lenses; were they difficult to put in? What did you use to mould the leather around, did you make your own dummy? I do hope you don't mind all the questions - it's very interesting to me.
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Yes, they are striking for some reason. And with the history behind them, its even more interesting.
The plexiglass can be purchased form a home improvement store or in my case a plastics company. I cut them with an abrasive cutting wheel on a roto tool. Then they are further shaped on a drum sander then glued into place. I cast the leather over a bust I made out of claycreet and then fiberglass. So basicly its a sculpture.
Other details are a bit of a trade secret.
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I expected there to be trade secrets. 
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You are welcome.
Yes, I sell quite a few through ebay and direct orders. Some have been purchased for films as well.
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I am looking into it. Two ways to do it. Paint the mask and find a leather that will work with the process I use that has a white finish. I take it that you want one that looks like one from the video game? Had quite a few people ask about it.
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Lol, how did ya know? Yeah, just asking because white is usually taditional.
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LOL...I have had several people ask me. Both on DA and ebay. I make black ones and am working on making white ones as well. But there is no effective white dye for leather so I am trying paints at this point. Problem with paint is that it wont stick for a long time. Not enough penetration. But I have a feeling that I will find a solution to the problem.
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For the white ones...not sure yet. For the black ones, $130.00. But I dont sell those on ebay. Just the natural color ones at the moment. But you can direct order through my email via paypal. I have a merchant account with them.
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I see... When I have more money I'd like to buy one. Have a fancy with those masks.
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If you wnat to purchase one, send me a note as opposed to a public posting.
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Ahh ok will do when I get the time.
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wonderful! i love the thought that you have put into the design...
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Thanks. Once in a while I try a close reproduction of sorts.
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