I wanted to share the making of a mask for a fetal skeleton character in an upcoming tintype. As with the other tintype props, everything is painted not for realism but in grey scale to make the photographing easier.
The roughest of sketches.
Epoxy clay was used to match the contours of the fetal skull and to give me a rigid base for sculpting over. For the eyes, wooden balls were recessed.
The finished clay sculpt.
A mold was made of the clay sculpt and a resin copy produced. The resin mask was sanded smooth and primed.
The finished mask after painting and sealing.
Leather straps with metal fittings were added for the head harness. The mouth bit bone is articulated and silver guilded.
The finished fetal skull mask with head harness.