My most complex paper mache mask yet. A bit of a rush job, though. I didn't do an extra layer of paper mache, I did the gesso pretty quick, and I flashed through the painting and just felt it out as I went.

Still, fairly pleased with the result!

There's a funny story behind this mask: It was made to match a dragon hoodie my mom made me... 17 years ago. My fourth-grade Halloween costume was that dragon hoodie! The hoodie was a bit big on me, and I only grew in height for another year or two after that, so the damn thing still fits, and I've decided to bring it back.

In fourth grade, I was also adamant that I wanted a full dragon mask with a muzzle and everything, rather than a simple eyemask or facepaint. We ended up getting a cheap, brittle plastic dinosaur mask that came with a child's t-rex costume.

If I could go back in time, I'd love to see my fourth-grade self's face if I showed up with THIS mask!
Also really looking forward to my mom's reaction when I tell her I've turned her costume into a 17-year collaboration and will proudly wear her costume around at 27 years old and tell people my mom made it. Mom always made such cool Halloween costumes, and I'm sure her efforts are part of why I continue to be in love with Halloween and costumes.