Fetal Skull Mask

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.

Trumpet Prop

While I’m learning about photographic chemistry and shooting a tintype independently , I continue to sculpt and make props and scenes for upcoming tintypes. This miniature trumpet was created by combining turned aluminum and sculpted elements.

I began by roughing out the bell of the trumpet from aluminum stock on my metal lathe.

The finished trumpet bell.

The finished turned aluminum pieces next to the work drawing.

The sculpted elements were added using epoxy clay and resin, after which they were primed using an airbrush.

The primed sculpted bones were then guilded with silver leaf and sealed. I always prefer guilding, as opposed to painting with metallic paint, as nothing reflects light like real metal.

I used my micro drill press to add holes to the underside of the trumpet for the flag rings.

The finished miniature trumpet prop next to the work drawing.