Venetian Inspired Masks

I've always been intriqued by masks, particularily Venetian and Mardi Gras masks. I've been watching a lot of Cirque du Soleil lately and the makeup/masks/costumes are incredibly inspiring. I'm actually pondering trying to become a mask/prop designer for them.

These mini masks can be used as pendants or hung on a wall or placed in a shadow box.

They are made from 100% polymer clay except for the hanging rings (which are imbedded firmly in the clay) and sometimes hidden armatures (like the wire that's inside the horn for strength). Future masks may have feathers (I'm trying to figure ut how to imbed them without them melting in the oven) or other embellishments but the bases will always be pure clay.

Updated 3-5-07