Category Archives: decorative collectibles

Masquerade Ball Masks

Posted on by

Think dolls are creepy? Can’t imagine living with all those eyes staring at you? Then using masquerade ball masks as wall decorations may not work for you either. But if the problem with dolls is the presence of a life-like eye, like it is for me, then the empty eye holes of masks may not creep you out.

Why would anyone want masquerade ball masks hung on their wall? For one thing, some of them are made by artists and master craftsmen. The Venetian masquerade masks are beautiful and ones by known makers are quite expensive. Whether they are ever worn (and you better not) or not, they are beautiful when hung on a wall like art. Securely fastened to the wall, and with a spot light, real Venetian masquerade ball masks for women can be the highlight of your decor and your collection. Add a few others in an arrangement around the Venetian mask, one’s you really like, and see what conversations begin.

Don’t think you will end up with a collection? Ha! I say again, ha! The only way to tell better masquerade ball masks from ordinary masquerade masks is to look at them. And as you look and learn, a few will call your name and require you to take them home with you. Voile! A collection is born. Struggle against the notion as you will, you will end up with more than one, and that is a collection. And there is nothing wrong with that. Collecting is fun as well as educational. You will learn how masks are made, and their history. Almost all cultures create masks, and for various reasons. World culture at your fingertips. And as your taste improves, you can give the masks that no longer measure up to someone else to get them started. Pass on the insanity to someone you love. It is only fair, and then you two will have something in common to talk about at family gathering or during half-time.

So, now you want to begin looking at masquerade ball masks and maybe buy a few. Look at state and local fall fairs, Renaissance Fairs, and craft fairs and malls. Gift shops will have mass produced masks, but if you like it, the production method doesn’t really matter. Look at Halloween stores and season sections of general merchandise stores, just in case. Watch for masks when you travel. And when you are ready, start looking at the hand-made masks from Italy and Venice. You may not want one from the top echelon of mask makers, but there are plenty of masks from lesser-known mask makers, and you may find one you like enough to collect his or her masks extensively.

Still think I am crazy? That’s OK. Not all collectibles are meaningful to all people. If you do not like masquerade ball masks or dolls, try fishing lures or quarter gum-ball machine prizes. Anything can be an American collectible.

Go to the Table of Contents to see all the topics covered so far.

Click American collectibles to go to the latest entry on this site.

A Masquerade Mask

Posted on by

Why would anyone have a masquerade mask hanging on their wall? Or more then one? Well, one reason is that it is a souvenir of Venice, New Orleans, Mardi Gras or some other place and time where a mask is worn so a regular person can act out some of his or her fantasies, like being famous, mysterious, or dangerous. While most people are not these things in regular life, we often would like to try on one of these characteristics for a few hours. And how better than by wearing a real mask, and becoming someone else?

Masks for a masquerade ball are a good way to assume another personality. While you may be recognizable to your friends and family, it still gives you something to hide your usual self behind and lets you behave in ways you would not ordinarily act. If done without malice or the intent to deceive, this can be fun and a form of self-exploration. Ever thought what character of movie or literature you most resemble? Or who is your opposite? A little time being your opposite could be a learning experience, as you find that humans are far more alike than different, especially if you can become your opposite just by altering your face a little and acting a little differently.

Just want masquerade masks for decoration? That’s cool, too. You can then choose a mask that might be damaged by being worn. Masks with feathers are really interesting, especially peacock feathers, but a little wearing can really harm the decoration. Image a mask with peacock feathers extending over the head or trailing on one shoulder. Or the black and white spotted guinea fowl feathers, laid around the eye openings of the mask. Or you can get a masquerade ball mask with lace and fringe, expressing your inner flamboyance, even if you would never actually wear the mask. Or go all pink, although if you dislike pink, the chances of you liking to look at a link mask everyday is remote.

The masquerade party mask can be a remnant of a special occasion, when you successfully carried off a costume and impersonation and fooled the rest of the attendees. This is more likely in a large crowd, like Mardi Gras in New Orleans or Carnival in Venice. The celebration of the last day before Lent begins is a popular time for blow-out parties that include costumes and masks. This last chance to enjoy yourself before Lent is known by a number of names and is a common celebration in cultures that are predominantly Roman Catholic. If you decide to travel in late winter/early spring, check the local calendar and see if you can visit one of these areas at this time, and enjoy the fun.

There are mask forms, both wearable and non-wearable, available if you want to make your own masks. With craft paints, glue, feathers, sequins, beads, lace, fringe and anything else you can imagine, you can make your own masks, for use or display. You may find this a one time deal, or get into making masks for fun and profit. Either way, making masks can be a way to express yourself.

Go to the Table of Contents to see all the topics covered so far.

Click American collectibles to go to the latest entry on this site.