Easy Masquerade Mask Display Stand

I've had my White Rabbit mask haphazardly stashed on a back bookcase, but I really wanted a proper display for it. I'm actually quite proud of all the geeky creations John and I come up with, so I figured, why not use them as decorations around the house?

I hit the web looking for mask display options, but all I found were plastic mannequin faces. Meh. Not to mention a bit creepy when you're strolling past in the middle of the night for a glass of water. o.0

After some brainstorming and balancing the mask in my hand, I came upon a forehead-smackingly simple solution.

All you need (besides your mask) is a metal clothes hanger and a large candlestick, like this:

The only stipulation is that your candlestick needs to have a groove somewhere near the top. Why? Because you'll be cutting your hanger and wrapping the metal around that groove, like so:

See how the groove helps support the wire?

Here's a side angle:

Test the fit by placing your mask's eye holes over the two wire ends. The forehead of the mask should rest against the top platform of the candlestick, which may make the bottom want to slip forward. To prevent this, trim the wires to size and use pliers to bend up the tips of the wire just a teensy bit.

Because my mask is heavy leather and I worried the wire might dent it over time, I had John hammer the two metal ends flat before bending up the tips:

That's not necessary if your mask is plastic or resin, though. (For porcelain masks you might want a bit of felt or rubber for padding.)

And that's it!

Well, unless your candlestick requires a makeover, like mine did: a quick layer of brown spray paint, followed by a brushed on mahogany stain:

And then...

 

 Ta-da!

If you look closely, you can just see the metal tip supporting the right eye hole. (Click the pic to enbiggen.) I was going to paint the hanger wire gold, but since it barely shows I decided to take the lazy route.

Considering the whole mask is only supported at three points (the eye holes and the forehead) it's surprisingly sturdy; I can carry my new stand around by the base with no worry of the mask tumbling off or slipping.

The new finish matches my Vadore helmet stand pretty well, too:

Here's a look at the side and back angles:
 

My mask's leather straps aren't removable, so I used two small velcro strips (the kind used for bundling computer wires) to tie the straps together in the back, so they wouldn't dangle.

And now that I've decided to go ahead and let my geek flag fly in the main areas of the house, the front buffet cabinet has a whole new look!

YAY GEEKY STUFF!

John just pointed out we should add his Cheshire Cat top hat up there.  Maybe we'll squeeze that in next to the Mickey ears. ;)

Well, I hope this helps some of my cosplaying and/or mask-collecting friends out there! Happy crafting, everyone!

*****

PS: And now, the randomly-selected winner of this month's art give-away IS... ZeaBunny/Michelle! Congrats, Michelle, and please e-mail me your mailing address and choice of prize from my Pinterest art give-away board! (Although from your comment, I think I know which one you want. ;))