How to make Venetian Mask

 

1. Step 1

   Draw out the ideal final design you want for your Venetian mask, paying attention to what colors and decorations you would like to use. It's better to start with a mapped-out plan so that you will know what tools you will need, and to eliminate any possible mistakes.
   

2. Step 2

   Cut the mask with the X-Acto knife to the shape of your liking if your design calls for a less-than-full-face mask. Venetian masks vary in shape and size, from full face masks to those that simply cover the eyes.

3. Step 3

   Paint the mask in the base color you've chosen, or you can leave the mask white. Draw your design idea onto the mask using pencil. Remember that there is no traditional design for a Venetian mask; some are symmetrical with swirls and bursts around the eyes, while others may be heavily designed on one side with the other side left bare.
   

4. Step 4

   Paint your design in the colors of your choosing, using latex acrylic paint. One idea to help give the mask a rustic Venetian look is to employ gold or silver leaf foil, which you can buy at most craft stores. This foil is adhered to a surface and, when pulled back, leaves behind tiny flakes of gold, creating a lavish and intricate look. When you are done, wait for the paint or foil to dry before continuing.
   

5. Step 5

   How to make Venetian Mask

   Adhere any embellishments to the mask with superglue. Venetian masks can be embellished with anything from feathers, gemstones and tassles to buttons and fabric. Puff paint is also a good embellishment tool; use it to trace over your design outline to give a textured, 3-D look. You can also use feathers on one or both sides of your mask. Costume gemstones are great to line around your mask, or design, to add flair. Many Venetian masks also have fabric lining the borders of the mask, or implemented into the design. Let any glue or paint dry completely before wearing.

Venetian Masks – the creation

Origin

1. Venetian masks were first made in Venice, Italy, beginning around the start of the medieval period.

   Construction

2. Venetian masks are made from a papier-mache base, and are then decorated in a variety of ways. These accouterments can include paint in wild colors, beads, jewels, feathers and even fur.

   Purpose

3. The original purpose of the Venetian mask was to provide its wearer with anonymity. During a time of religious and moral persecution where communities were small and neighbors often knew each other, Venetian masks were worn when people wanted to pursue less than moral activities such as gambling, drinking, dancing or engaging in promiscuous sex.

   Modern Uses

4. Venetian masks held on as times changed, and have since become a symbol of Carnevale festivals. Though this celebration of hedonism fell out of favor during the Enlightenment, it was officially re-introduced in 1979.
   
   
   

   Varieties

5. There are a number of different Venetian masks, from the Bauta (a full-face, heavily gilded mask with no mouth line), to the more famous Columbino (a half mask which is attached to a stick that is held up to the face). There are more types, including Harlequin pattern of checkered black and white, and masks with huge noses and pursed lips.

Venetian Masks – the creation

Face Masks Venetian Carnival

Masks are an essential feature of iL Carnevale di Venezia. Venice's Carnival began in the 11th century, and the wearing of masks and costumes was well established by 1436, when mask makers or Mascereri were officially recognised with their own guild.

 

The practise of wearing masks for disguise reached its peak in the 18th century when Venetians of different social classes used Carnevale as an excuse to mingle and, in some case, to make sexual favours without fear of recognition or retribution.

The mask was always worn over a black hood with a black Tricorn Hat, along with a long black cape to give the maximum degree of disguise. Venetian masks Worn all year round by the Venetian upper classes, The Bauta was the most popular of disguises during Carnevale.

Face Masks Venetian Carnival