Long awaited Hera's mask tutorial (no cat base, low budget)
example of the masks I've made, here:
Author note: I have a 3 year experience, and I got used to making gear like this, so if you are trying masks for the first time, you might find some difficulties.
also, the whole thing Is REALLY "trust the process"... Anyway here we go!
You need: Cardboard, paper(optional), hot glue gun, felt/something to fur it/any material is okay if it works, foam (optional), basic tools like scizzors
You need a piece of cardboard that's kinda a little bigger shape than your face, and measure where the eyes should be, so you can see well.
you can make the mask symmetrical by bending it in half, but it's optional
the first picture down there shows the back of the mask, don't be scared to pull it in and out, I'd say, you need to form the mask shape with your fingers VERY GOOD.
it really depends on what species you wanna make, I'm making a snow leopard rn!
you can even cut it almost in half, and shape it to your liking
for this part, when you have your BaseOfTheBase ready, you need to make it more 3d, so it doesn't seem flat. small pieces are a key.
u can use various materials to recreate the real look, for example - foam that is easy to work with, and maybe more cardboard pieces layered on eachother. also you can use the pieces to glue the whole thing down together so it's sturdy.
I smooth it out with paper too, so the fleece/felt/fur sticks better to the mask and doesn't leave unnecessary bumps..
you use the bends like that to create a 3d effect, and expand the mask a little.
That's what I came up with! I added alot of paper pieces to smooth it down ^^
3. furring/felting, and the final touches
this part may be kinda tricky, so i reccomend you to watch various of felting tutorials on cat masks, cause this works basically the same!
I didint take any more photos rly, but here's the final product, and only felted one. (the nose is made out of hot glue)
I don't really want to elaborate on how to do the patterns, since you're the one who's customising the mask, but I like to use alcohol-based markers to make them! acrylic paint is also okay ^^
I hope I helped in some way !
If you have any questions, feel free to ask <3