Plague Doctor Mask on Ebay

I have listed the Plague Doctor mask on eBay with a starting price of $25.

Plague Doctor Mask Finished

I've added the straps and darkened the color a bit, and here it is, all complete.


The mask has a strap over the top of the head to keep it from sliding down the face.


The eyes have been moved forward enough so that the wearer can easily see out of them.


This is my original sculpt in plasticene, from which I took the pattern.

Plague Doctor Mask Stained

Both lenses are in, and I've applied antiquing to the leather. I will make the mask a bit darker after the straps are attached.

Plague Doctor Mask Revised

I have altered the first pattern in several places to make this revised mask. I eliminated the center forehead seam and replaced it with two temple seams which extend to the eyes. In addition to looking cleaner it also allows the eyes to have more shape. I also added a dart to the underside of the beak so that it has a better curve.


The first picture shows the left eye being stretched open with an acrylic ring. I have also added tabs for attaching the straps with three rivets.

In the photo above I have stitched one eye lens with its leather trim into place. The darker leather is due to its being wet, which makes the hand stitching easier and lie smoother.

Maker Faire 2010

Come see me and my leatherwork this weekend at Maker Faire in San Mateo, California. I will be an exhibitor at Bazaar Bizarre, booth #56.

I will be showing (and offering for sale) hundreds of leather masks, plus selected steampunk items. Both Sentinel and the Rhino gas mask will be on display for the first time ever in the US.


I am also bringing a couple of steamy top hats. If you come to the show please stop by and introduce yourself.



For info on Maker Faire

Plague Doctor Mask

I've recently had several requests for a Plague Doctor's mask, and as it appeals to my sense of beauty I've begun working out a pattern.


I particularly like this one shown above (which resides in a Danish museum) as inspiration, because the beak flows gently from the face, rather than looking just stuck on. Unfortunately it does have a major flaw in that the eyes are too widespread, and the wearer would scarcely be able to see out of it.


This is my first attempt, with corrected eye placement. I'll be adjusting the pattern in a couple of places and trying it again.

Return of the Sentinel: A Video

I bought a Flip camcorder in order to show some of my steampunk leatherwork better. Here is my first video, with myself portraying an old warrior who has been called back to service, as a way to show the Sentinel helm, gas mask and gorget in more detail. It is filmed in HD. Please let me know what you think.

Return of the Sentinel video