The Care and Feeding of Your Mask

The care and feeding of your new mask isn't a very complex and delicate process. It simply takes common sense.

1) When wearing your mask, please do NOT wear it in the rain for several reasons:
-Ostrich feathers wilt and do not dry well, it is not a pretty sight.
-All other feathers will perk back up, if wet, simply lay flat and blow dry on low.
-Leather or fur that has been soft molded has the same problem, though it can be reshaped carefully. It doesn't always smell very good when its wet or drying (think wet shoes and dog) -Some fabrics may stain just like a prom dress in the rain. 
-Feathers, some fabrics and leather are not colorfast. 
*Fog is pushing it with dampness, as is hanging a mask in or near a bathroom. 

2) Don't store your mask in a hot car or in the desert sun for these reasons:
-the glues may soften
-colors may fade
-plastic and leather may crack

3) Store your mask carefully when you are not wearing it.
-do not crush the mask, it could be forever ruined
-display on a wig head (you can wrap the head in some pretty fabric to avoid the Styrofoam™ or plastic look.)
-display on the wall, with non printed paper or fabric stuffed behind it to help keep its shape. -flat, wrapped in its original muslin, with mothballs (off of the mask)
- Feathers, some fabrics and leather are not colorfast.

4) Be careful of stains, leather takes color very well, unfortunately, it takes dirt very well, too. Do NOT Scotchguard™ a mask, it can ruin the paint and dye on a mask, make the beads and rhinestones dull and the feathers wilt. Use clean hands when handling your mask, the oils on your hands will transfer to the feathers, fabric and leather and collect dirt.

5) Feather quills, beadwork and even elastic bands can and will break if roughly handled or caught on something. Do not tug on them. Be careful. While masks are built to be worn, try not to abuse them.

6) If your mask gets dusty, use a blow dryer, without heat or on the lowest setting, to remove the dust or carefully wipe off the dust. Don't use household cleaners. Feathers other than ostrich may be steamed back to fluffiness. Do NOT steam ostrich feathers. All leather masks may be wiped with a slightly damp cloth, do not get clay, papier mache or plaster wet in any way. If feathers become ruffled, they may be stroked back into proper form. Feathers, some fabrics and leather are not colorfast.