masks -- waxed linen?

If I waxed linen with beeswax, it would probably be too delicate to make an entire mask.  However, could I incorporate it into a mask somehow?  Maybe in the eyeholes?

Or!  Waxed felt!

basic machê paste

2 tab. flour
1 2/3 c. cold water
1 drop clove oil

Put flour in a small saucepan.  Mix water into flour, a tablespoon at a time, to make a smooth paste.  When all water is mixed in, cook paste over low heat, stirring continually, until it bubbles and thickens.  Once it bubbles, keep cooking it for a few minutes, still stirring.  You want the flour starches to cook thoroughly, to make the paste stronger.  Once the paste is cooked, let it cool.  Add a drop of clove oil to help prevent molding.  Store unused paste in the fridge.

You can double or triple this recipe as needed, based on the size of your project.

*** I will probably experiment with adding small amounts of basic PVA glue to this paste to make it stronger.

masks -- sketch blank

masks -- materials

When I was making masks in the Before, I used layers of tissu machê and papier machê.  Building up the layers took a long time.  The masks also tended to warp over time if they were not displayed or stored on a form.

I am going to try to use a single layer of wool felt, with a layer of machê using strips of dryer sheets on top.  If that will take gesso and reach a smooth, paintable surface, then it will pass the first test.  If it does not warp badly, it will pass the second test.

I am suspecting, however, that I am going to have to make forms to display all of my masks on, when they are not being worn.