Everytime, more than last time.

How to Make a Mask Out of Plaster Bandages... (Continued Questions)

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 01:32:37 GMT

Here is a compiled list of questions i frequently get asked about mask making. I will update it whenever i get a new question.

Duration, Drying & Process Questions:

How long does plastering take? This really depends how quickly you work. For myself, Its never taken me more than 10 minutes to do a basic face cast. Frequently, the mask has been dry enough to carefully remove a few minutes after the last strip was placed. The actual making of the mask is a fairly rapid process. However, everything before and after the plastering will definitely eating up some of your time. This includes preparation (like cutting up the bandages), setting up (laying down a drop-sheet, putting jelly on the face) and cleaning the mess once you're done.

How long does it take for the bandages to dry? That depends on how many layers you do, as well as how wet you get the strips before using them. On average, for removing the mask from the face 5-10 minutes is usually all that's necessary. However, its always a good idea to leave the strips on a hot air vent over night afterwords, just to get as much moisture out as possible. I never start working on a mask immediately after i've made it... there just too much risk for it to break.

Is it nessacary to let the layers dry in between? No, I really don't feel this is a necessary step and I've never done it before. Although, i always leave the final cast on top of a hot air-vent or in front of a fan overnight before working on it further. Technically, you could just let the layers dry in between. Although, the model would have to stay still for longer, which is a tiresome thing...

Does the temperature of the water you use matter? Not at all! Bandages like it everything which way.

Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline) Related Questions:

What is the purpose of using petroleum jelly? Petroleum jelly (or popular brand name for it: Vaseline) is used just to make sure the plaster-bandages don't stick to your skin, or tear out hairs that can get stuck in it while working. It prevents the process of removal from being like taking off a band-aid. Its a totally necessary step, but a gross one as well. You'll want to wash and scrub your skin tons when you're done, to avoid clogged pores.

What is better: using petroleum jelly or vaseline? Depends! For most jobs - petroleum jelly without a doubt. If you're doing the top of your head & have hair there to protect: i'd tape a plastic bag down or use a swimming cap for sure.

Is there anything i can use besides petroleum jelly? Not really unfortunately... I mean, you might be able to get away with lotion if you really load it on, but there's still the risk of tiny hairs drying into the cast, which will get ripped off when you remove the mask. Sometimes you can tape a plastic bag over the areas you want to plaster though. if you really can't stand petroleum jelly, you might want to go with this option. Although, that method still comes with the painful process of removing the tape as well >_o

"How do i...?" Questions:

The final plaster product is rough - how can i smooth this out? You can use sand paper on plaster caster and smooth it out that way. However, some types of caster are toxic and dangerous to breath in as particles, so you might need a proper face mask with the right filters to do that. I mean, even if you do have the non-toxic kind, its probably worth wearing some kind of mouth cover anyways - it isn't pleasant to breath in. The other option is to use paper mache on top of the plaster caster. The rough texture can be smoothed out by layering newspaper over.

How do i make a STRONG mask? A lot of the materials durability depends on how thick you make the cast. It can be fairly flimsy at only 2 or 3 layers, but get it up to 8-10 thick and you'll have a fairly sturdy product. However, if you plan to use the mask as some kind of safety protection, it would probably be smarter to go with something designed specifically for that purpose.

Can you paint on the plaster or add anything on top of it? Absolutely! Plaster takes well to paint and you can attach all sorts of things using glue. If you're looking for something only semi-sturdy a glue gun would cut it. However, crazy glue or apoxy would be better for a more secure stick.

How do you make a FULL head mask? The best way to make a mask that covers your whole head is to either...

A) Make a regular face mask and then use fabric & velcro on the back to make a more comfortable, easily adjustable fit. These materials can easily be attached using a glue gun. This is the method i prefer to use, because it find it gives a really snug fit that's more flexible to its wearer, as well as easy to put on/remove. However, you are welcome to try option B...

B) Plaster your entire head using a swim-cap to cover up your hair. (Watch out when plastering with the swim cap though. If your ears are big (like mine) swim caps will cause them to smush against your head and will make wearing a mask later really painful.) If you're gonna go with a hard full head though, it still might be easiest working with Velcro. Just make the full head piece, cut it off yourself (which will end up being the toughest part - for sure) and then just use Velcro across either side to secure it in place. I find that stuff works really well, cause you can just glue gun it in place. Its easy to cover over with other materials too, and you can endlessly attach-reattach it to itself.

"How much/How many" Questions:

How many masks will 1lb of plaster make? I'm going to estimate about 2-3 masks, but this is only because I usually buy the 5lb bags of plaster from DeSerres and they last me ages. Once again, how far your plaster g it depends on factors like how many layers you apply & how much of someone's face you're plastering. Its tough for me to give an exact number for this, because i always just buy a big bag and forget about it until i run out.

How much are plaster strips/bandages? During the summer of 2009, DeSerres listed the cost on their website as...

1lb - $6.95
5lb - $25.95

20 lb - $96.95

Questions about the video:

What is the song in the background of the video? Its a track called "Searching Flesh" by Dandi Wind. Their official music video is posted below:

Come out, come out, come out...

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:34:49 GMT

I just got back from the border with 'em, which should be a testimonial in itself. I mean, driving down to Portland just to bring this guy up to perform is my way of saying "This is worth your time to see."

...so, yeah! Birth! is head-lining a show with Vancouver's Stamina Mantis, The Nihilist Party, Blouse, and V. Vecker this Thursday, at Pub340.

Boo! I think it'll be major fun, and hope to see everyone out! -Allison

Oh geez, its true.

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:34:02 GMT

The "Mon Don" mask is done done done...!

I decided to put a stop to it, even though its still not "finished." I mean, i've been working on it for over 2 months now. I can't even count the hours i've funneled into it... hundreds, at least. I mean, even if i did keep on working, i'd probably just end up in the same spot i am now: the project still wouldn't be "done." Oh geez... never ending Mon Don maskery. Definitely not for me.

Anyways, additional images & the entire process (from concept sketches to finish) can be found here: http://crabplant.deviantart.com/gallery/#Mon-Don-Mask

Weet-woo... so yeah! That'll probably be the last mask i make for awhile. I'm heading over to the UK for a month soon, and after that (assuming i get accepted into one of the schools i applied to) i'll be moving out East. Big changes. Lots of adventures. NO MORE MASKS, for now. -Allison

Mon Don Mask - Concept Sketches.

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 23:08:11 GMT

New concept for a mask. 'Es name is "Mon Don" and although none of my preliminary sketches ever end up resembling the final product, i'm still gonna give it a shot. I can't work with the same intensity i usually do right now, so this might take awhile. I mean... I hate to describe myself as "exhausted" lately, but between work & my back, i definitely don't feel 100%
It's not such a bad thing either. There's gonna be a lot of sewing involved in this one. I don't know how to make big frilly court-jester's neck-like, but functioning in slo-mo might give me the patience to figure that out. Mm, and who knows... I'm on my 3rd day of not consuming sugar, caffeine, hydrogenated oils, red meats, and gluten products. I feel like it's helping, considering I've been at the edge of sickness since Wednesday, sleeping excessively to compensate for it... I figure i would have tumbled into illness earlier had it not been for this "cleanse" business, so maybe i just have that flu that's going around, and i'm not as physically miserable as i imagine. Boo.
Either way, in other news: I'm going to buy a ticket to the UK next week. Always wanted to return there someday, but the timing wasn't right until now. Gives me something to look forward. I can't really get excited about "THE BIG MOVE" cause it'll be another couple months until i know whether or not i've been accepted in the schools i've applied to, but yeah... more importantly, i debate: to visit for 3 weeks, or a month? -Allison

IT CAME FROM THE 90'S

Sat, 24 Nov 2007 13:10:54 GMT

http://thallium.homestead.com/bigwig.html

The only perk of being sick, apart from now having a good excuse to lie around all day and watch America's Next Top Model: i over hauled the old website. Theres a new layout, along with new content, so check it out and send me your feed-back, pah-lease :) -Allison (passes out, now-like)

New mask?

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:03:09 GMT

Well... it's kinda new. I documented it today (at least), but it was completed a couple months ago. Geez!

Either way, probably the most technically competent mask i've ever made, but definitely lacking in the concept category. I mean, augh, its ummmm... COLORFUL? -Allison

Electronic Endorphin Doll.

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 00:56:34 GMT

Got a new video, documenting a newly finished project, and i guess i should give out a warning as well: watch out for semi-graphic content ahead? Aughhh... but seriously, its not intense. See for yourself.

*update: video deleted from youtube.

Thanks to Metal Steve (metalsteve) for feed back on one aspect, and Ziv (dreamking) on another (^_^) -Allison

Mechanical Mask: Hello...? HELLO!

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:59:22 GMT

Hello?

HELLO!

New mask, with mechanical components-like! A photocell beneath the chin triggers the eyes to light-up when y'shine something on it. Oh wowz... thanks Metal Steve for all the help with trouble-shooting. I know now: parallel, not series! Geez! Excuse some of the aesthetics, ok ok? I made this in 3 days. Academic dead-lines fer life. -Allison

James.

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 02:49:27 GMT

So it seems (originally thought: long lost) on my hard drive i have little bits of memory, that remind me what i liked about 'em so much. It was 'es sense of humor more than anything, so intensely dead-pan, sincere and ultimately so sarcastic as well...

It's only a couple seconds, and the quality of the image makes it tough to see, but... i dunno. It makes me laugh. I figure other people who knew 'em might find this sort of warming too. Silvi, i'm thinking of you. -Allison

Women's Work.

Sat, 15 Sep 2007 03:23:53 GMT

So "Women's Work" is for sale, officially-like.
http://vancouver.craigslist.org/art/424299185.html

Someone should buy it, so i can continue pretending to read. -Allison

Sunday the 2nd around 2PM?

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 00:26:02 GMT

So I'm going ahead with Sunday afternoon around 2PM for the group photo mask whaty-whaty. I still need some more models, so naturally, if you know anyone who wouldn't mind lending themselves to the occasion, I'd super appreciate it. As well, if anyone is interested in photographing, that'd be awesome too. I'd like to be in the picture if possible, so naturally it'd be great to find someone to take over camera duties. Of course, i'll cover whatever film costs y'got. Mm, yeah... so see you guys this weekend! -Allison

PS: If you haven't claimed a mask yet, go for it. (^_^)

Group Photo! I need your help! ... an update!

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 05:24:17 GMT

I'm still working towards figuring out a date for the group mask photo shoot. I'm leaning towards the 2nd of September (a Sunday!) for it to happen. Right now its just a question of "Will there be enough people?" I got a hypothetical confirmed number of 8 volunteers, although for sure, i could use some more. Naturally, i'll keep folks posted. Double-naturally, if you wanna help out: DO IT. -Allison

More info & whaty what here: http://ahora-rockets.livejournal.com/71359.html

Group Photo! I need your help!

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 05:35:59 GMT

In the next week(ish), i'd love to do a photo shoot and attempt to make the picture below realz-like.

I have 10 masks, maybe 12, depending if i end up including the ones I've left out of this crude paintshop whaty-whaty... Anyways! I need your help! I'm looking for 10-12 folks who would be willing to dress up like the characters, and donate an hour or two of their afternoon to help make this happen! Naturally, i'm open to anybody who's into it, although some masks won't work with some faces, seeing that a lot are custom fitted... Anyways! I'd really appreciate any offers o' help. I'd like to do this sometime next week, cause after that i don't know when i'll get the chance to do this...

So! If you're interested in getting involved, just leave a message with the mask(s) you're interested in, along with your availability over the next 10 days. If you know anyone who might like to help, send them my way! Mm, ...but to start: read onto the mask descriptions to get an idea of what face might work for you. Keep in mind, all masks are gender flexible. If y'wanna cross dress, go for it (^-^) If you wanna stick around for a drink after the shoot too, i'd suggest indulging in that as well. -Allison

First Rabbit: This one will fit almost any face. The outfit it wears is flexible too. I've got some pretty awesome dresses it would go with it if you're not sure what you might want to wear.

The Debutante: Fitted for a small-medium face. No specific outfit in mind. However, frills, lace and flowers are always glorious.

Doll Face: Suited to a small-medium face, but can take Evad-sized mug. Outfit is flexible, although dainty to dirty is dandy.

Emotional Vulture: Custom fit for a smaller face, but is somewhat flexible seeing it only inhabits the top part of a face. Outfit is flexible, but ideally color coordinated.

"Gay Raver Dragon": Suited to a medium sized face. Fabric on mask is large enough to cover the entire upper portion of your body, so choice in outfit is easy, seeing that y'really don't need to wear much more than pants.

Geez Bunny: Suited to a small-medium face. Can express both happiness & sadness! Wooooo... i'd prefer to keep this one's outfit really simple, like jean & tshirt-esq, but whatever works really.

Toxins, Tumors & Tylenol: Suited to a smaller face, although maybe its flexible... i haven't put it on in years, so i can't recall. Anyways, i'd like a more conservative outfit for this one, something more "i live close to main street and think my old fashion wearz is ultra radical", y'know? CLAIMED!

Big Cat, Baby: Suited to a small-medium face. I have large fake nipples that i would adore if someone would be willing to sport. I really don't care what your gender is for this either, as long as you're into fake tits and big lips.

Plaid Party Mask: Needs a small-medium sized face. I have an outfit for it, bandages, beads and the whatever else alike. If you think you might have a party uniform that would suit it, i'm willing to take a chance ;)

NEWEST MASK, unnamed! & with no photo: Needs a small face. No particular outfit, but color coordination is a must! CLAIMED!

Do i look like i wear cargo pants?

Sat, 11 Aug 2007 10:24:30 GMT

Holy shit. I should just become a drug dealer to the kids of Emily Carr. I don't know how many fucking times i've had folks from that school randomly approach me for drugs. DO I KNOW WHERE TO GET YOU COCAINE!? I'M SORRY, ACID WAS TOTALLY 6 YEARS AGO!? Either i'm Vancouver, and Vancouver just stinks-of-high, or i look like a total fucking sketch case, and yeah, i'll sell you a point for a painting. Totally, totally... Geez! ...NO. -Allison (intoxicated, but christ, its of the legal kind!)

Cops didn't catch us, but i still lost.

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 06:33:21 GMT

Holy fuck, i've gone from 2 to 1 pairs of pants without holes in 'em. That's what y'get jumping fences for pools. That's what y'get for trespassing.

C'mon y'guys!

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 16:33:04 GMT

Why is everyone bashing Toronto? It is a beautiful city! -Allison

Preparing to travel...

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 05:43:38 GMT

I'm heading out to Toronto on Thursday. I'll be gone for as long as these vitamins last me; about 11 days. -Allison

Steven's Interview

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 07:20:03 GMT

...because social dynamics never really change that much. -Allison

Because we all can't be born manic-ish.

Sat, 14 Jul 2007 08:44:14 GMT

Rule Set #1 of Remaking "Event Horizon":
-NO ~~decent~~ famous actors.
-NO computer graphics (of the high caliber kind)
-NO elaborate sets or props (that appear realistic to the story's actual setting)
***everything should look like the everyday, mediocre, mundane...

Rule Set #2 of Remaking "Event Horizon":
-Shots must be kept consistent to the original, ie: objects/actors should be set up so their placement within the images frame match the original movie, ie: it just has to look awfully damn similar.
-movements, voice tonalities and pacing must be acted out the same.
-the script must remain the same.
***however, set #2 is within reason. things that conflict with the set #1 can be modified to suit the new piece.

Rule #Whatyever of Allison's Life:
-Don't try to remake movies, unless you got an army of methed-up trust fund kids to help you out :)

Mm, & with that aside: It's been one year since i dropped the Freaks Remake project. I get positive feed back about it from random folks online now and again. Makes me almost want to try and finish it. Good thing almost doesn't count. -ALlison (not methed up, but thinking strippers and cocaine a good birthday would probably make, although, so far, watching Event Horizon & getting a laugh at the horror gone comedy with the roommates is pretty alright too)

Oreo Cookies for Dinner!

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 02:16:44 GMT

THE INTERNET. Old journal doodle.

When y'get Dave telling yah something bad for yer health, that's when y'know there's trouble. Taking off the tops of two, regular Oreos & combining 'em to make the ultimate dinning experience: absolutely mathematical. Taking off the tops of two, DOUBLE-STUFFED Oreos & combining them to make the cookie equivalent of a Big Mac: stomach-pumper-ific, cause christ, honestly now ...FUCK. -Allison

Pen in sketcher-book-o.

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 05:29:48 GMT

Miss Compact Cassette.

I dunno how long it’s been, not keeping a regularly-abused sketchbook, or at least doing drawings that require more than a minute of attention. Well over a year-ish, at least... but hey! I've been drawing lately, and its not dis-enheartening in a "Why do all my doodles suck?" kinda way. No axieties about being digressive either. Video needs a break to breath. I can piddle way on paper if i like. Puh! Indeed! So yeah... DRAWING UPDATE: Enjoy, etc.etc. & ...Happy Father's Day! -Allison

Doberjill

Matt thinks it needs color... Bacon & blue-cheese sandwiches to that!

ar ar art...

Wed, 13 Jun 2007 06:54:51 GMT

(old) Art update, cause putting together a digital portfolio opens up potential for there to be one. Mm, & on that: gonna apply here & there, thinking maybe Halifax isn't it and Toronto might be a better situation. Either way: I move within the next year. I'm just gonna be working, it might as well be somewhere different, yeah? ANYWAYS, images:

Plaid Party Mask (Photos by Matt Wise)

Big Cat Mask

Still from video short

Allison Bigwig Barker

Fri, 18 May 2007 21:54:26 GMT

I went with "Bigwig." It should be official in 4-6 weeks, unless i've committed crimes i'm not aware of. Mm, ...been waiting to do this for awhile now. Although, christ, i can't remember when exactly i decided that'd be a suitable change of name. However, i never forgot when i planned to do it. It was always right after my passport expired. Yeah, nothing monumental, but very practical. -Allison

Hrm.

Mon, 14 May 2007 04:34:16 GMT

Just got back from Halifax. Starting to feel a little shit faced from casinos that still do happy hour, and that 4 hour time difference. My head is too murky to be all concrete, decisive-like, but i get the suspicion i still won't be into moving there tomorrow. A little too small-town and cold for my taste. I thought i might be into that, but now i'm wondering what it'd have to offer. The program is solid, though. I mean, i suppose i'd finish off at NSCAD before i would bother anywhere else (anywhere else just being Emily Carr.) However, that's hypothetical, just like the possibility of moving to California, or even Rhode Island. But i'm more into those ideas right now. Yeah, and i know they're still just ideas, but i'll make a point of thinking about them later. -Allison

Budgie's Burritos: New Video

Fri, 04 May 2007 05:16:23 GMT

...because we like their food almost too much. -Allison