Hi FellHarbor,
I saw your photo with paper mache covering balloons. My first costume of a mallard duck used that technique. Then, I used 10-gauge copper wiring to fasten the bill. It was cumbersome to wear, but it was my first costume in 1999.

Since then, I believe I have gotten better at my technique, but I still use paper mache and copper wire. The only problem is the masks being heavier than foam or mesh heads. Paper mache is VERY forgiving if you want to make adjustments, change holes, etc. Then, you can cover up changes with more paper mache.

Everyone has their techniques.
Cheers,
---> Wally

Thanks, Wally! I certainly didn't mean to disparage the use of ALL paper mache. Even though it's not typically considered "proper" for fursuit masks, I still stand by my use of it for these particular suits. The heads were actually rather light-weight and had that perfect round shape.

The downside to these included extremely poor vision and bad ventilation. However, we had 3 handlers and -believe it or not- fans inside the heads (hand-held personal fans attached via velcro haha!). And I think the majority of our issues were due to the character design and not the fault of paper mache itself. Have you seen how tiny Kero's eyes are? xP

You're right - paper mache IS very forgiving. And strong! I use it for prop-making now and am never disappointed. If you achieve the desired results, it's a win in my book! ^-^

Hi Fellharbor,
Thanks for your response.

As I mentioned, the mallard duck was the balloon-helmet head style of mask. Since then, I have built my masks as a facial-contact with strap-padding on the back of my head. Seems to work for me. I use 3 facial points of contact, such as the forehead with a large pad and 2 cheekbone pads. I also use 2" square lenses to serve as my glasses in the mask. I too use a computer fan powered by a 9V battery blowing air on my face. I "blame" Pack Rat and Sporty Fox for the idea of ear-vents by having chimney's in the curvature of the ears. I use house-screen for the eyes even over the whites of the eyes. I have a gap of about 3/4 inch between the eyes to give me perspective vision to the point of being able to throw a ball, roller/ice skating, and play mini golf.

I have two deer mask shells that have been in progress for the last 4 years. Other life circumstances were more of a distraction from this project, but I will be itching to get back into again. The challenge is what will the deer look like, as well as deciding what fur to use by reviewing the swatches. If will be "fun" work. I am still getting a lot of use of my green/yellow husky costume. :-P

**looks at Kero's eyes** Oh wow! You are not kidding. I am glad no one played connect-the-dots on your face. The goal of my costumes are to have good vision, ventilation and mobility. If these are not met, I tend to not use the costume. I had a gray squirrel that was cumbersome to wear, and as a consequence did not get worn much.

Best wishes on your Sakura head. **sees the big ears as a potential wind-sail**
Cheers,
---> Wally