TOP 10 MOST BEAUTIFUL MASKS

Halloween doesn’t have to be all about horror, ghouls, and gore. I like to think of it as an opportunity for beautiful masquerades. So, with Halloween just around the corner, we’ve curated the Top 10 Most Beautiful Masks on Etsy. If you hurry, you can snag one right now!

1. OCEAN MEDUSA HEADDRESS FACE MASK. By: Semmerlingmasks

Master mask maker Jeff Semmerling designed and handcrafted this richly colored leather mask, studded with Austrian crystals. It is incredibly delicate looking, yet strong. Each edge is turned, to add durability. The inside is hand sanded and glazed to offer a smooth surface next to your face.  

Photo: Courtesy of Eden Bachelder. Spring Earth Elements Leather Bird Mask.

2.  SPRING EARTH ELEMENTS LEATHER BIRD MASK. By: Edenbee.

Eden Bachelder is a talented artist who also crafts masterpiece masks out of leather. She handpaints them to create magical patinas. The Spring Earth Elements Leather Bird Mask is painted in dark brown, speckled with black and bronze to resemble rich soil, with metallic dark bronze highlights. Gorgeous green and blue leather feathers sprout from the top, shot with gold highlights. Wear it proudly and/or display this work of art on your wall.

Photo: Courtesy of Catherine Rose. Flirty Lilac and Black Mardi Gras Mask.

3. FLIRTY LILAC & BLACK MARDI GRAS MASK. By Beadmatrix

This beautiful beaded mask doesn’t have to be just for Mardi Gras, despite its name. Mask designer Catherine Rose, created this Venetian styled gem by hand-weaving Czech glass seed beads in an  off-loom Native American brick stitch. A sterling silver chain accented with Swarovski crystals holds it in place on your face. This one s lilac and black, but Rose is happy to custom make one for you in custom colors of your choice.

Photo: Courtesy of Linda Hawkins. “Barking at the Moon”

4. BARKING AT THE MOON MASK. By: Dragonswire

Award-winning artist Linda Hawkins specializes in crocheted wire creations. This gorgeous mask is made of a variety of metal wires, Swarovski crystals, and glass beads. She uses several techniques, ranging from hollow form construction, flat form manipulation, and single chain stitches to give this mask its 3D shapes. The beads and crystals were applied after the mask was completed. You can see more of Hawkins’ works on display at the National Bead Museum in Phoenix Arizona.

Photo: Courtesy of Nicael Leistikow. Brunilio.

5. BRUNILIO MASK. By: Leatherythings

Artist Nicael Leistikow constructed this mask from hammered copper and brass. The metal is heat treated to add color and give it aging patina. You can’t wear this one -- at least not comfortably, but it will add grace to your walls. Its patina will continue to age over time.

Photo: Courtesy of Cyndy Salisbury. Wyvern.

6. WYVERN MASK. By: TheArtofTheMask

Wyvern, a Dragon of Myth & Legend, is realized in this handmade piece by artist Cyndy Salisbury. The mask is made of paper mache, using an unusual 100% wool paper. It is durable yet lightweight, and stunning. All of the embellishments (leaves, flowers, etc.) with either wool or parchment papers. Berries, rose hips, and acorns are made with paper clay. Each of Salisbury’s masks are one-of-a-kind. She can also custom design a mask for you.

Photo: Courtesy of Diamondwood. Greenman Leather Mask.

7. GREENMAN LEATHER MASK. By: Diamondwood

The Greenman Leather Mask looks like a fantasy play of Autumn leaves. It is made of hand-cut, stitched, tooled and dyed leather. The design was inspired by the Druidic Greenman. We love the pointed curves and the ombred hues. Wear it or display it.

Photo: Courtesy of The Fantastic Aztec. Pyramid Warrior Mayan Mask

8. PYRAMID WARRIOR MAYAN MASK. By: The Fantastic Aztec.

Cousins, Cheli and Jesse Villarruel, work together to create Mayan inspired masks, like the Pyramid Warrior. Each is one-of-a-kind. Made of local soft-hearted cedar, this stunning piece features a warrior in life and death transition. It illustrates fearlessness and synergy. And it is full of symbolism. Look closely to see stylized serpents and a very detailed jaguar.

Photo: Courtesy of Julie Keller. Iridescent Wrapped Coil Headpiece.

9. IRIDESCENT WRAPPED COILED HEADPIECE MASK. By: InnerEye

This mask, by artist Julie Keller, has an ethereal ghostly quality. Handmade of hemp, copper, fabrics, paint, threads, and iridescent foils, it has a Klimt-like look. Of course it is lightweight, so you can float into your Halloween soiree with ease.                                                                                                                                                                          

Photo: Courtesy of Ragged Edge Leather. Wild Deer Mask.

10. WILD DEER MASK. By: Ragged Edge Leather

As long as your Halloween party is not being held in the woods, the Wild Deer Mask is a magnificent choice. The mask is handcrafted from premium leather, hand painted, lacquered, and layered with springbok hide.  Crowned with adjustable leather antlers  and studded with Swarovski crystals, it sits lightly, and beautifully on your human head. Custom pieces are available for order.

Read about Beautiful Masks all this week, as they relate to Arts/Design, Nature/Science, Food/Drink, Place/Time, Mind/Body, and Soul/Impact.

Get busy and enter the BN Competitions, Our theme this week is Beautiful Masks. Send in your images and ideas. Deadline is 11.03.13.

Also, check out our special competition: The Most Beautiful Sound in the World, which opens for entries today! We are thrilled about this effort, together with SoundCloud and The Sound Agency. And we can’t wait to hear what you’ve got!