Do you wholesale?
I do, but only to very select clientele. If you have a cool and trendy "brick and mortar" shop and would like to be on the list just contact me for details.

How can I purchase an item?
We accept Visa, MasterCard here by calling 706 594 0776 or you can use Pay Pal  (which also accepts American Express and a host of other payment options) on any mask that has a Pay Pal button with it. I can also send Pay Pal fund request invoices which a very easy to use and are trackable. Classic half faces are purchased and then crafted in the color you choose and usually ship in about one week.  If the mask is a currently available one, then its a one of a kind mask and once purchased are shipped out on the next business day whenever possible. Contact us for international shipments.

Please note that rush requests for custom orders are handled on a sliding scale *PITA basis. The bigger a *PITA it is the higher up the scale is the fee. :)

How do you make the masks?
I sculpt using my fingers, and a few simple hand tools to beat and coerce the leather into submission. There are between 15 and 25 major individual steps that go in to the creating of my masks, depending on their size and scope.

How long does it take to make a mask?
It takes over 20 years of leather working skills and many life experiences, plus several days...give or take 59 minutes.

What materials are used in your works?
Everything I use is of the best quality I can find: Custom tanned top grain leathers, fine woods, stainless steel, Sterling silver, gold, nickel; copper and brass wires, solid brass bells and studs, Swarovski crystals, Fresh water Pearls, various beautiful feathers from non-endangered birds, solid copper, brass and nickel rivets, various leather dyes, and acrylic paints as accents. The leather is, of course, a natural material, and each piece has its own characteristics and markings that only add to the masks' charm. I do not use rhinestones, cheap beads, cheap bells, sequins, rickrack, etc. It is just not my style.

 No animal testing is used in the mask making process but having said that...several cows that were already dead have been recycled. (While alive they were seriously into farting; so it’s better for the environment with global warming and all…)

Are there size differences, or males and females?
There are no specific male or female masks.  Some may feel that the eyelashes make a mask female, but I have sold them to macho male bikers and they look great. If it looks good - wear it. Size-wise, some are larger, some smaller - but 97.3% (Like I did a survey...) will comfortably fit all but the extremes. Let me know if there are any major face/head size factors or other considerations (such as spectacles) and I will make any necessary recommendations.

How do I care for my mask?
Wear it, treat it with respect and do not abuse it. But definitely wear it. Please note that the masks do not provide protection from asteroids, hemorrhoids or anything else for that matter.

While the mask is flexible, do not attempt to spread it flat. This is for the flat earth people who apparently have a need to see anything that is multi dimensional flattened out in order to understand it.
To clean, just wipe with a soft cloth or duster. There is no need to oil or condition the leather, as you want it to be stiff.
As with any work of art, avoid direct sunlight!
Avoid excessive moisture. Some sweat is fine, but do not wear your mask in the rain or as swimming goggles. No really... don't.
Should your mask become wet, allow the mask to dry supported in its original shape. 
Use display (as below)

How should it be displayed?
I make very simple wire wall display racks and more ornate single and multiple self-standing displays for sale. The masks should be evenly supported and the best way is with one of my displays so you should buy several... :)  Display in an area of indirect lighting.

Do you do custom work?
Yes, I will  do custom work within my style.  If you see a mask that I have created in the past that you like, I can make a similar one -but it will still be unique and vary according to my current state of artistic inclinations. Let me know the colors you desire, the general style you like, and I will create your personal mask or eye patch .  All my masks are based on the human face but with wild characteristics, so while it may have tiger stripes with rabbit ears and horns, it is still very humanoid.
I do not make the classic commedia masks that are made with a face mold system; they are not my style.  If you are looking for incredible commedia or realistic animal masks, please e-mail me for suggestions, or check my links to find some great mask-makers who do such work.

Delivery times vary from two weeks to four months, depending on the season. But check with me anytime as I am always creating new works and may have something in stock that fits the bill.

Will you make me a Kane mask?
No, I created that design for him.  But thank you for asking.

Can you craft me a custom made wrestling mask?
Yes, these heavy-duty masks are only done on a custom basis.

Can you teach me how to make masks or work with leather?
YES! I now have a simple kit available that includes a pre-cut but unformed leather mask cut from my custom tanned leather, strap and instruction booklet showing how to make my simple Bandit mask. It is a wealth of information in an easy to follow photo guide.

Can I link to your site?
Yes, thank you. Please note that in general I only do reciprocal links with people and companies I know personally or have worked with and recommend. However, I will gladly link with artists that create kick ass works.

Can I steal your hard work?
Again, thanks for asking. While I consider those that imitate me or others to be exhibiting the proverbial sincerest form of flattery, and realizing that many masks among different mask makers have obviously similar themes (leaves...a sun...hey, his have two eyes too!), create your own designs and you will be more satisfied and less likely to be troubled...

How much are they?
Standard Half Face Masks start at $ 40.00 here on the web site.  Each Elaborate mask is priced individually, and the price is based on that particular mask's characteristics. Two masks that appear similar may have a price difference due to size, quality, detail and accessories.

What is your return policy?
All my standard items can be retuned for exchange if retuned unused and undamaged within a week of delivery.  Custom orders are not returnable, however I will make every effort to ensure  your satisfaction!

Do you ship internationally?
Yes!

Are your eye patches good for medicinal purposes?
I think so and I have provided many patches for satisfied clients who medically require them but if you are buying eye patches for medical reasons it is always a good idea to check with your doctor first.

 

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Maxx Empire LLC copyrights all images, text, designs, masks, hats, crowns, headdresses, purses and displays 1997 through 2008. All copyrights remain the possession of Maxx Empire LLC.  You do not purchase the copyright when you buy a mask or any other item.