Making a leather mask and geting the materials for it.?

Question

i plan on making my own leather mask, and i was wondering where i could get the proper materials i'll need.

i have sewing experience, but i'm not sure what to stitch with. the mask it self will end up rough and grotesque looking. here's an example of a mask that is made up of the materials i'd like to us: http://www.maskarts.com/mankindtwins2.jpeg (my mask will look nothing like that, but you should get the idea)

So I basically need to know what to get and where to get:

1) Leather material. I'd prefer thick "fake leather", but if real cow leather is "better" i can go with that.

2) Something to stitch it together with

3) Paint that wont damage the leather (i'd prefer a type of spray paint if it exists)

Getting a mask custom made is far too expensive for the type of mask that i want, so thats is 100% out of the question. If there is how ever a silicone or leather "mask base" out there, that'd be great. or maybe someone could suggest other materials to replace or add onto the ones i listed, i just need my mask to have that certain look and also be very sturdy. thanks in advance

Answer 1

A place like this'll have everything you need:

http://tandyleatherfactory.com/

There's a store locator on the web site, to find a store near you, unless you want to order by mail.

You could sew it together:

http://tandyleatherfactory.com/products....

or you could rivet it together.

Answer 2

you want real leather if you expect this thing to last longer than a couple of days.  artificial leather just isn't strong enough yet.  get the tough rivets and burrs (usually copper), not the cheap chrome rivets that just look like the studs on some 1960s jacket.  you will also want a leather stitching awl and some waxed cord that is spooled for your awl.  definitely be sure you have a pattern before you start.  you should be able to find leather paint and/or leather dye at any larger leather wholesaler.  macphearson's in seattle is a great for this kind of stuff.  i am sure you can find a similar place where ever you are.