If someone could help me out, it'd be greatly appreciated =]

[No_Regret]

Alright guys, I really want to learn how to make my own masks and props and what not. I was wondering if there were any good websites in helping make realistic looking masks or props?

Also, I was wondering if there were any reputable books on these subjects? I went to a Barnes and Noble earlier, and they had absolutely nothing for this, so before I go buying books for this over the internet, I was just wondering which ones were the best way to go?

[spookhaven]

There are several video's available out there. The one book we got was monster making. They also have a website www.monstermakers.com. We actually have been doing research on this ourselves in the past week. You should also try www.smoothon.com which is where we buy our silicone from. Allan Hopps is a good one to answer a lot more questions on this subject. I have purchased one of his masks and he makes everything under the sun. I am sure he will post or send him a PM.

Also go to Utube and search mask making, there are tons of educational videos on this subject there.

[screamforadream]

Check out www.monstermakers.com they will probably be your best bet.

[No_Regret]

Okay, thanks for the help guys.

Hopefully my lack of artistic abilities dont kill me LOL.

I can visualize demented looking creatures to turn masks into, but ive never been good at art type stuff...so this will most definitely be a challenge.

[Front Yard Fright]

I had thought about making my own masks and props as well but after doing some research and realizing how expensive the materials are, and how time consuming it all is... I settled for just buying my props/masks!

Good luck, and be sure to post any creations you come up with!

.

[Motograter]

I learned from Smooth-on.com and youtube.com. Just like Front yard Fright said, it can get expensive very fast for the materials. So before you start making your mask, be sure that you know what you are doing because if you mess up just once, it could cost you $$$

[Banshee]

http://theeffectslab.com/

[deathstaste]

I sugest

I recommend The Prop Builder's Mask-Making Handbook by Thurston James it has info on lots of different types of materials for all kind of creative mask I believe you were interested in casting and mold making in a recent post so I would also suggest his book The Prop Builder's Molding & Casting Handbook. also check out http://www.youtube.com/user/Stiltbea...13/xiS3aadCh6Q and http://www.youtube.com/user/Stiltbea.../7/jDmwJ85u1uM

[Allen H]

Alright guys, I really want to learn how to make my own masks and props and what not. I was wondering if there were any good websites in helping make realistic looking masks or props?

Also, I was wondering if there were any reputable books on these subjects? I went to a Barnes and Noble earlier, and they had absolutely nothing for this, so before I go buying books for this over the internet, I was just wondering which ones were the best way to go?

Good websites- kinda tough. the best way to learn is to just start doing it. I know that answer sucks but thats a true one. Where are you located? are you going to TW? west coast haunters convention? MHC? I wouldnt mind sitting down with you and talking shop some at all. I have a youtube channel that I have added a few things on and that may help out some.
http://www.youtube.com/user/Stiltbea...s?feature=mhum

I suppose I can give you a run down of basic skills and what you should work on.
Mold making- start with a one piece mold, something flat sided like the brain mold in my youtube series.
then try a two piece mold of a mask (on a head form) buy that from monster makers or CFX studios ).
those are the two biggies for molds.
painting skills- another big deal for props and such. the main one I get the most milage out of is called drybrushing. simple technique, just look it up. Another good one is called Antiqueing another great technique.
Bottom line get your self some clay plaster and latex and get to it. If you need hep finding them let me know and I will be happy to help. experience is really the best teacher. But hit me up and I will be happy to help you out anyway I can.
Allen H

[No_Regret]

Thanks for all the replies guys, I am definitely going to start checking all of this stuff out.

Allen, thank you for the more in-depth response. Unfortunately, I will not be getting any vacation time at work until around the end of August, so going to any of these awesome conventions is out of the question.

In the time being, I am going to start off small, like you said and just try to better myself.