Crowley’s Masquerade – Announcing The Winner

by Just-a-J | Feb 17, 2021 | Events

All of the entries in the Crowley’s Masquerade mask-making challenge are incredible. A lot of thought went into their design, and we were impressed with every single one. We hope everyone who entered had a lot of fun – and possibly learned a few new mask-making techniques along the way. Choosing an overall winner has been difficult – as we found something unique and worthy of winning in each design. We wish we could give a prize to everyone.

We’ve judged these masks based on our knowledge of the mask-making process. After careful consideration, the mask that impressed us the most, and therefore the winning entry has to be this beauty:

The Winner – Mask for Lord Beelzebub, by Skydivejo.

This was the only full face mask submitted, and work in progress photos show a complex method of sculpting a positive mould and then layering a mache or plaster form over that. We were particularly impressed that Skydivejo decided to make a non-human face shape, that’s just addding an extra level of complexity in to the challenge. Jo has clearly thought a great deal about how a fly’s face looks,  even down to choosing irridescent sequinned fabric to simulate the multi-faceted eyes. It’s a very effective mask, and well deserved winner. Congratulations! If Skydivejo ever decided to trade leaping out of aircraft for a more sedate hobby – maybe mask-making could be an option?

And now, in no particular order, our thoughts on the rest of the entries. This post might get quite long, grab yourself a cuppa…

Mask for Crowley, by Olivia Rendell.

This is lovely. Beautiful symmetrical design, with elements of Crowley’s personality – the hellfire, the eyes, the serpentine scales, combined with an eye for the Venetian masquerade style, and some pretty gems. All of those leaves and flames were cut out by hand, and individually painted. A delightful mask, and it looks good on too.

Mask for Pollution, by Lance.

This was the first entry we received, and we were really impressed. Unfortunately, there aren’t any work in progress photos – but that’s because it’s a bit hard to take photos of yourself when your face is covered in modrock! Lance has done a wonderful job, and we are happy to report he still has his eyebrows! We particularly liked the oily tears, and the stark contrast between the black and white feathers.

Mask for Lord Beelzebub and the Fly, by Rizoel.

Our Lord Beelzebub cuts an imposing figure in this masquerade mask. We love the humour of having the fly wearing its own mini mask too. The colours are perfect for Beelz and the mask even has real teeth (!) to symbolise Gluttony – the sin that Beelzebub represents. The black eye holes are very sinister. Another well thought out design, and bonus points here for full cosplay! Bzzzzzzzzzz

Mask for War, by EmberLeo.

With a little over one day to go before the entry deadline, EmberLeo posted that they had only just seen the competition. An hour or so later they posted a sketch of their design. Crowley worked a litttle demonic miracle to extend time juuuust a little, and EmberLeo must have worked non-stop to get this finished. The result was this War-inspired mask. It’s suitably unsettling, with the bloody sword slashing through the face of a skull, while above the fire and ravages of war rage on. Great design, and impressive mask-making to get it done on time.

Mask for Beelzebub, by LostinHeadSpace.

We was hoping to see some unique and unusual materials. This wirework mask is delightfully different. The jewels echo a multi-faceted insectoid eye, and the asymmetrical design works very well here, as a symmetrical mask in this medium could easily look like an elaborate pair of wire framed glasses. The feathers are just enough to give this a party/masquerade theme without being too imposing, and the whole piece has a very nostalgic 1920’s feel to it. So pretty!

Mask for Pollution, by Andrea Salva.

On the subject of unique and unusual media, Andrea has put a lot of thought into the creation of this mask for Pollution. It’s made out of materials that are hard to recycle. So plastic bags, bubble wrap, carton card, and felt are all in there, under the grimy oily paintwork and trademark tarnished crown. A Pollution mask made out of pollutants, what a fabulous interpretation of the idea. Aside from being a great mask, the statement appeals to my environmentalist side. Very clever.

A mask for Crowley, by Loomey.

Finally, there’s this beauty. Crowley hanging about in the stars he helped to create. The colours are wonderful, starry sky, but also Venetian blue and gold. Loomey worked in papier mache over a positive form, then cut the eye holes and other cut outs, at the expense of several decent scalpel blades. We can’t quite decide if the serpent is hitching a ride on a comet or if this is Crowley and Aziraphale snuggling up together in their true forms, but we really like the way his snakey tail is casually looped over the plumes. Gorgeous.

Special mention – unfinished mask by NevDaLiel

Unfortunately, Nev was unable to finish this mask in time to enter, but it’s such a wonderful design we had to share it. We do hope to see it finished someday, because this has the potential to be an absolutely stunning piece.

And that’s it! It’s intersting to see the choice of subjects, three for Beelzebub, two for Pollution, two for Crowley, one for War, and one (unfinished) for Aziraphale. It shows which characters really capture people’s imagination, at least where the possibilities for a masquerade are concerned. Sorry Gabriel, nobody invited you to the ball… 😉

Thank you so much to everyone who took part. WE hope you all had as much fun making your masks as we’ve had receiving the entries and looking at your design processes, and I appreciate each and every one of you.

Until next time…

Crowley’s Ratties.

Crowley’s Masquerade.

by Just-a-J | Feb 14, 2021 | Events

To celebrate @serpensdiabolus reaching 666 followers on twitter, we followed @Mr_AZ_Fell’s example and held an ‘I gave it away’ event. Up for grabs was this unique hand-sculpted, one-of-a-kind leather mask.

We thought that a mask-making challenge might be interesting. It would have to be Good Omens related, and hopefully something people could have a lot of fun with. Ultimately, if they didn’t win, they’d still have a cool mask.

Choose ONE of the following entities, and design a mask suitable for them to wear to The Doge’s Masquerade Ball in Venice.

Lord Beelzebub, Archangel Gabriel, Principality Aziraphale, Demon Crowley, One of the Four Horsemen, A Rat from Venice.

You can use any material, but the mask must be entirely hand made by you – not bought in and decorated. I want to see work in progress photos alongside your finished mask. Closing date for entries is 14th February.

We’ve had some brilliant responses so far – and are really impressed with the standard of work submitted. We’ll post photographs and announce the winner in the next post!