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Technical Details

• 6 Piece Assorted Masks
• Rainbow Sequin Masks
• Mask measures approx 2 1/2" wide, 8" long
• Sparkly and mysterious party favors to make a sure hit!

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Technical Details

• Venetian style mask-
• Orange-
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The Right Masquerade Ball Gown for You

The masquerade Ball is a relatively popular way of holding parties nowadays though the very first one of it dates back to antiquity. The modern man may have found the aura of mystery of masquerade balls to be appealing or he simply loves the feeling of old-fashioned class.

A masquerade party is a very demanding event. It requires a lot more than wearing formal attire, especially for ladies. Women have to wear theme-specific old style masquerade gowns, like the Victorian style ones that are not easy to find these days. However, a woman can find the right gown for herself using some simple tips.

Masquerade gowns are nothing like the evening gowns worn by women in modern day parties. They are uniquely marked by the old-fashioned look that the masquerade ball theme requires. The theme may be Victorian, probably the most popular, or it can date back to an even older era.

Masquerade formal dresses should fit the waist perfectly with ample volume in the skirt so size and design need special attention. One of the best options to find the right masquerade gown for a woman is to visit a specialty shop where common prom and wedding dresses can be easily altered to meet the desired standards.

Moreover, before deciding on what masquerade gown to wear, you must consider the basics of the masquerade party you are going to. You may need to 'dress up' when attending one of those higher end masquerade events, or you can wear a simple Victorian outfit otherwise. The mask, color and style will then be the only things left for you to take into consideration.

Your masquerade gown must be the perfect match for the mask both in color and in style, and take note, the masks are often provided by the hosts to complete the masquerade ball theme. Masquerade ball gowns are really special compared to other formal dresses but they are sure pleasurable to wear.

Masquerade ball gowns are not altogether easy to find. Only select vendors will have any sort of masquerade ball dresses, so if you have an upcoming event that calls for one, it is important that you begin your search early so you can find something that you like and that will fit just right.

How to Choose a Masquerade Mask

The masquerade mask has never been more popular. With the fall holidays approaching, many clubs and organizations are scheduling high end balls, complete with medieval decorations and food. These fanciful parties usually involve attendees wearing costumes and concealing their identities. Here's how to choose masquerade ball masks for your next event.

Before you begin searching for a mask online, consider the event you'll be wearing it to. If you've been invited to a wedding, and are required to wear a white masquerade mask, then you definitely want something classy. Ladies might go for the mask on a stick, while the guys might opt for a half face mask.

If you're attending a prom, then your options are pretty wide open, but you want to make sure you choose a color coordinated masquerade party mask to compliment your wardrobe. If you can't find the right color, then go with a black and white mask. These are classic colors, no matter how you match them, and will work with most outfits.

If you have been invited to attend Mardi Gras, then you can get as flashy and elaborate as you like with your Mardi Gras masquerade mask. There are handcrafted artists, that can design and make you a one of a kind mask for any event. These art pieces are costly, but worth every cent in value and durability.

The cheap masquerade mask almost always look pretty, however, they really aren't designed to be worn very often, or for long periods of time. They will get the job done, but you may be disappointed with the construction of these masks. Investing in a quality mask, for the right occasion, will ensure happiness with your product, and make for a great time at your event.

Remember, when choosing masquerade party masks, make sure that they fit comfortable. If you are only going to be wearing it for a few minutes, it's okay if it's a little annoying. However, if you have plans to wear it throughout an evening, then you want to make sure that it is comfortable, and will stay in place.

Another thing to consider when purchasing a Venetian masquerade mask, is the material it's made from. Paper mache masks and feather masks are lightweight. Leather masks tend to be a little heavier, and harbor more heat. If it is a winter celebration that you will be attending, leather masks would make a great choice.

Taking time to research a masquerade ball mask that is comfortable, durable, and beautiful will only make your event that much more enjoyable.

Be sure to follow the links below, to visit the Masquerade Mask Guide, and to learn more about the masquerade mask and where to buy them. They have resources to thousands of masks that you can view online!

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Technical Details

• SeasonsTrading custom made black Venetian half masquerade mask with sparkling red glitter
• Made of strong durable plastic
• Dream tale swirl design
• Black ribbons attached for easy wear
• One size fits most. For product details, please see product description below.

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Technical Details

• Hand made and hand decorated in Venice, Italy
• Comes with ticket of authenticity.
• Authentic masks from Venice, Italy.

Masquerade Party Ideas To Help You Create Magic And Mystery!

masquerade balls became popular in Italy during the 16th century when aristocrats cloaked themselves with a mask and took on a new persona for the evening. This type of party has become one of the most sought after social get togethers, with growing popularity expanding worldwide. So, you might as well get on the bandwagon and prepare to host a masquerade extravaganza!

Here's a few masquerade party ideas that would be perfect whether you're celebrating Mardi Gras, a Sweet 16 birthday, an anniversary, a masquerade birthday party, or to help you create a prom theme that is masked in mystery and intrigue.

So, if you're ready to glam it up, in masquerade style, then check out these fun ideas and let the preparations begin.

MASQUERADE PARTY INVITATION - Instead of mailing out a boring or dull looking invitation that won't catch the eye of your potential guests, you might want to consider mailing out invites that are made from cardboard cut-outs of fun Venetian masks. To make them even more interesting, you could take a simple mask and embellish it with feathers, sequins, stick-on jewels, glitter, etc.

MASQUERADE COSTUME IDEAS - Be sure to invite your guests to wear a mask to the party, along with dressing up in their fairy best, their stately attire of kings and queens, or they could opt to be a salty pirate. Remember, extravagance is A-Okay and in fact, is encouraged! Also, be sure to remind your guests that they need to strive to hide their identity through the use of a mask and costume.

Depending upon your budget, you can find many of these types of costumes at fancy dress shops, a costume shop, or even at thrift shops or flea markets. You just have to start early so you can pick up the necessary pieces in order to create a costume that ultimately has Wow-Factor.

PHOTOGRAPHER - Another good idea for this kind of party is to hire a photographer to take photos of your guests as they arrive. Place this person at your entryway and create a photo-op corner with appropriate masquerade party decorations as the backdrop. The people attending the party will love posing for photos dressed in all their masquerade garb. In fact, in order to be sure you catch all those candid shots you might consider having two photographers. To cut down on the cost, you could hire budding photographers from your local high school.

MASQUERADE PARTY FOOD - Since these parties have their roots in Italy, you might want to consider serving an array of Italian dishes. Most people love a good lasagna or chicken alfredo. Also, be sure to have plenty of bubbly on hand--Sparkling Apple Cider is always a great choice!

Bottom Line: This is one of the most fun parties to host and attend. Just think thoughts of glitz and glam with color and pizazz. There are so many options for decorating your party areas, that the only problem you'll have is putting on the brakes. So, go for the gusto, and your guests are sure to have a night of mystery and intrigue!

Find additional ideas for invitations, costumes, party decor, food, and favors for your Masquerade Party by visiting www.birthday-party-ideas-101.com, a party planning website written and edited by Professional Organizer, Elizabeth Chastain.

Copyright: You may freely republish this article, provided the text, author credit, the active links, and this copyright notice remain intact.

Janome Sewing Machines - A Quilter's Best Friend?

Quilters have different needs when it comes to sewing, and several brands of sewing machines have features catering to them. Because quilters work on large pieces, they need a big sewing machine that has a lot of space to the right of the needle. Pressure-foot controls and walking feet, which help feed layers of fabric evenly, are great for sewing several layers of material that many quilting projects require.

Janome Sewing Machines typically have more than 150 stitches and 10 automatic button hole styles plus three fonts for adding monograms - great for special quilts. Automated stitching and electronic controls are features that many quilters are finding to be not just extras, but necessities for modern quilt making. They not only make sewing faster, but increase quality of the final piece as well.

Many models also have a knee-lifter, which allows you to raise the presser foot while keeping both hands on your work. This is a real plus for quilters who constantly need to change directions and move their work without lifting the needle out of the piece. This feature is one of the real time savers that serious quilters often request. In addition, it has been shown to reduce some repetitive stress injuries that some sewers have suffered from due to the awkward positions you once had to endure to make some of these quilts.

Some of the more deluxe Janome Models add an extension table and a walking-foot system which works to feed several layers of fabric evenly through the machine. Again, not only a huge time saving feature, but makes what was one of the hardest parts of quilt making an easy task. This feature can also improve quality of the final quilt. Many of the Janome users I spoke with said that this feature is the sole reason the only use a Janome product. Mind you, these were professional stichers, but they stood by their machine as they said it made them 40-50% more productive.

Janome Sewing Machines are ideal for the "heavy lifting" that is required for quilt making. Some other machines, Viking Sewing Machines, for instance, can't always cut it when it comes to sewing the heavy duty material for quilting (Viking machines are more well known for their embroidery). As quilters have many different needs when it comes to sewing, Janome Sewing Machines have been proven over time to be a quilter's best friend.

If you would like more info regarding Janome sewing Machines, you can visit http://www.berninasewingmachines.us. This site provides reviews, links to other resources and links to the latest new or used Janome Sewing Machines out there.

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Technical Details

• Face framed with long peacock tails.
• Eyes are outlined with shiny sequins.
• Has a black cord to secure mask around your head.
• Mask is hand made of natural feathers and may have slight color variations.
• Imported

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Technical Details

• Venetian eye mask
• Hand made in Venice, Italy
• Comes with ticket of Authenticity

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Technical Details

• White fabric both sides
• Adjustable white ribbon tie behind the head
• Light Blue Feather, genuine European crystal trim with small sequin detail
• Mask made in Italy, embellished in the USA, boxed

Fitting and Sizing Tips For Renaissance Costumes

Whether you're attending a Renaissance or medieval faire, a Renaissance costume party, or participating in a reenactment or chivalry sports event from a certain period in history, it's important to buy a costume that fits comfortably. Wearing Renaissance costumes is fun and exciting, but only if the costume allows you to move and breathe freely. These tips on fitting and sizing will help you find just the right costume for the occasion.

Fitting for Online Purchases

Many people buy Renaissance costumes or medieval garb online, so proper fitting is extremely important. Order far in advance of your event in case it doesn't fit properly and you need to make an exchange or get alterations. Also, pay attention to the sizing instructions provided by the online costume retailer. Sizing varies from one store or brand to the next. Some medieval or Renaissance costume pieces may be designed to fit loosely while others may have a snug fit. Look for words like "tight or close fit" or "generous fit" and take into consideration your body shape, height, if you are short waisted, have long or short legs, etc. Ask a close friend or relative to help you with measurements so your sizing will be as accurate as possible.

How to Take Accurate Measurements

All measurements should be taken in "inches." Using a tape measure, the bust area should be measured under your arms and around the fullest part of your chest, with your arms at your sides. The waist should be measured around the natural waistline, with the measuring tape a bit loose. For hips, measure the fullest part of the hips. For skirt length, measure from the back part of your waist to the floor.

Trouser measurements for the inseam should be taken from the crotch to the desired length of the trousers (with shoes on). The outseam measurement should be taken from the natural waistline (below the belly button) to the desired trouser length (with shoes on). The neck measurement is the full circumference at the base of the neck.

Critical Measurements for Women's Renaissance Costumes

For women, the critical measurements are the bust, waist, hips, height, and skirt length. Sizes usually range from small to 3X. For leather bodices, the bust and waist measurements are needed, but the waist measurement is the most important. Girl sizes usually come in small, medium, and large and are often comparable to store sizes.

Fitting for Men's Renaissance Costumes

For men, critical measurements are the waist, chest, hips, neck, and height. Men's sizes usually range from small to 3X, and boy's sizes usually come in small, medium, and large based on store size ranges.

Minnetonka hat measurements should be taken around the circumference of the head just above the ears, where the hat will rest. Women should consider the type of wig they will wear and measure accordingly with a little room to spare. Hat sizes typically come in small, medium, large, or extra large.

Look for a detailed sizing chart when ordering online. The company should provide measurement instructions and/or customer assistance to ensure that your Renaissance costume and accompanying gear fit properly. Also, shop where you can buy all your costume items and accessories together to save on shipping. Items offered can include medieval swords or other weapons, SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.) armor, SCA garb, medieval wedding accessories for weddings, pirate costumes, medieval jewelry, games, costume patterns, tights, boots, or shoes.

With the right fit, you'll be able to enjoy the Renaissance costume event to the fullest!

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.
Learn more about Fitting Tips Renaissance Costumes.

Masks of Masquerade

masquerade masks are masks that were made to hide certain parts of the face, thus giving the person a mysterious look about them. These masks can cover the entire head, others cover just the eyes or the nose and mouth. masquerade or party with masks and costumes have been going on for centuries since the medieval times, there are so many masquerade masks that you can choose from, there are feathered ones, jeweled ones and even ones that are not so fancy. Specifically these masks are not only for things such as masquerade parties, they can also be used at weddings and many other events.

When choosing your mask you want something that would personally fit you, so when shopping for one you would want to look at all the possibilities that they offer in the mask selection. Personality is one of the main expressions people look for upon a mask, they often look for something that may show spunky, others that may show happy or sad and even very sophisticated masks, it all depends on what your personal needs and wants are for choosing your masquerade mask. Even in the design of animal heads are one of the options that you can pick, there is the horse head, wolf head etc.

Masquerade balls are fun, you meet a lot of people and can see the many different types of masks they have there, the beautiful gold, white and even feather coated ones, sometimes you'll even see masks that may sparkle with glitter being sprinkled on them and held with a very fine glue, others have gems that twinkle within the light of the room, anyone of these are sure to get quite a lot of attention from the other patrons at the dance, these specific masks hold a mystery to them and that is what makes wearing a masquerade mask fun.

Veronica Vrooman loves to think about going to a ball in a masquerade mask. The has such an affinity for history, so much that she loves everything to do with venetian masquerade masks as well.

The Masked Fool

The Fool

My first direct experience of the fool in masking was watching Morris Dancing here at home in Yorkshire, England. The Morris dancers were dressed up in their usual dancing shoes with bells and baggy pants. To be absolutely honest I have always found Morris men a bit funny! Perhaps I should explain about Cecil Sharp, no I'll leave that to a footnote.

The Boars Head Morris Men were dancing in a pub car park. ( Pub short for Public House a place for drinking beer etc. in the UK.) They were doing the usual dances that are related to fertility, good crops and harvests etc. But of course they really don't quite have the pagan beliefs off pat. Mind you when you see them drink ale in the quantities that they did then you would realise that they had perhaps fully understood the pagan ways of having a good time. ( Not to say all people who follow the pagan ways drink lots of ale, just a convenient concept )

What you are probably asking by this juncture is this to do with fools?

Well the Boars Head Morris Men had a masked fool. He was complete with boars mask pantaloons and boars headed stick. He also carried a bucket for collecting cash donations for charity, or maybe beer money. He followed the dancers mimicked them and cajoled the watchers for change to fill his bucket.

Interestingly I knew the fool quite well and in real life, with out the mask, he would never do what he did with the mask. Being English he was just far too polite!

The Boars Head stick became a threatened cudgel, never used, just pointed and waved. The mask was a place to hide behind, for a normal everyday person. As you will find by looking further on this site the mask allows people to change personalities. He bullied and pranced and enjoyed his dual mission to collect money and to protect the dancers from the crowd. Sometimes the children get too close. That is not allowed. Sometimes the dancers space is threatened by cars entering the parking space. Wow! That is not a good idea!

But suddenly the fool sets off in pursuit of three attractive women. He rattles his bucket and rounds them up as a sheep dog would. They are pressed into donating generously. He just leaves his dancers unprotected to fend for themselves. The next ten minutes is exchanged in good natured banter. ( The wife of the fool is present! )

The above is from memory, probably about 20 years ago. In terms of mask traditions that is very recent. For mask traditions can be traced back at least 25,000 years. I am certain they go back to the time of the first questioning peoples; 50,000.................or more years?

What then is this reference to fools and masking traditions. Well as you dig through this site you will find that the fool crops up in several other traditions.

In masquerade the fool is an essential figure. On the surface he, occasionally she, is the one who keeps order. He controls the children, he stops their prying eyes invading the dressing room. His stick maintains the performance area. He cracks jokes, entertains, juggles pulls faces and GETS VIOLENT. He chases the children with a whip and hits them mercilessly if he gets the chance. He tries to seduce women, and does if he can!

Suddenly he becomes bored and goes away to sit and talk philosophically with a group of friends from his unmasked time. As the conversation progresses he introduces new ideas. He begins to ridicule the accepted norm. He questions the accepted reality. He attempts to turns arguments on their heads

The Ubiquitous Fool

The fool is a ubiquitous. The fool occurs in the masking traditions of North and South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, China, ........................ if you know some more please fill in my blank.

Universally the fool treads the line between normality and the incongruities that the world. The fool is both sensible and totally none-sensible. Not that he does not use his senses he just uses then in a different way. He questions and cajoles. He jokes and makes fun of others. Yet when someone over steps the arbitrary boundary, (who decided ) he changes. Suddenly he becomes the quiet hearth cat, the sleeping feline, domesticated, sleek and silky. And as you stroke and pleasure the cat she begins to become claws and teeth and worse growls. He becomes the raging tiger, claws and teeth.

What is the role of the fool?

The fool traditionally questions. S/He challenges the norm. S/He goes beyond the routine and everyday. S/He crosses the boundary between the physical and the spiritual. The fool knows both sides but sadly does not understand either. The fool is beyond judgement but is incapable of judging. The fool is a go-between, a hinderer, a creator and destroyer. He sets things up only to break them down.

To be honest I love the fool, because I feel I am one, at times. The fool embodies the contradictions of the world. He accepts our human frailties and simultaneously challenges them. For those of you who know the symbols on the tarot cards consider the fool, for those of you who do not make some time to find out.

Some Examples of Fools in masquerade Italy In Masks the Art of expression Cesare Poppi describes the Carnival at Moena in the Italian Dolomites. Two Arlechign, a local version of Harlequin, lead the masked group. They are dressed in chequered costumes, with a tall pointed cap below which is a loose veil giving them a featureless appearance. They carry horse whips. Around them the crowd of cheering young boys follows their moves. Suddenly the dash into the youths slashing fiercely with the horse whips, striking vicious blows to the confused youngsters. Panic ensues. A pleasing village scene has suddenly been turned upon its head.

China In China, or your local China Town, when the New Year is celebrated the Lion Dance is performed. This often acrobatic masked dance is performed by, usually two dancers accompanied by two Happy Face dancers wearing their papier mache masks complete with large grins painted on them. As the dance progresses through the streets the dragon collects lettuces and money to help bring luck in to the New Year. Around the dragon the two fools pester the crowd for money and simultaneously keep the crowd, especially the children, at a safe distance.

Pacific West Coast

Noohlmahl

During Kwakwaka'wakw Potlatch ceremonies in the West Coast Areas of Canada another fool prowled around. He is Noohlmahl. A filthy creature with a long nose from which snot streams he is up for a laugh but should the watchers mention his state, especially his nose, a violent reaction can be expected.

Iriquois False Face Society

The Iriquois False Face Society also have a fool mask to support the processes of healing that they undertake. These corn husk mask are relatively simple and disposable. As with other traditions the fool plays his amusing and organising role.

Playfulness has a major place in many masquerades.

In our lives we all play the fool, despise the fool in others and love the fool who entertains. Sadly the fool who entertains can also be torn apart by internal mental divisions.

The masked fool is the one who maintains order and at the same time questions it and sometimes on a whim destroys it. Traditionally the fool treads a fine line between the known and the unknown, the acceptable and the unacceptable. Even without the mask I am sure you recognise the fool in your life.

The fool is a universal being. Today (15/12/04) I lost my fool, she was our cat. If you wish to know she died of old age. She had the soft luxury of a purring fur to stroke and in a moment she transformed into a fanged biter. She had the gourmet taste of a French chef yet licked her own arse. She refused to go outside when the wind blew, because it was cold, yet sat happily on the wet grass when it was raining and blowing a gale. Tango, the cat, was my fool, just as I was hers when playing hide and seek. I loved her affection and was saddened by her rejection of the food I gave her. All in all Tango, our family cat, was all contradiction and beautifully herself. She is a very missed little being.

Footnote

Cecil Sharp collected folk sings in the British Isles. Amongst folk enthusiasts he is something of a hero as he preserved may folk songs and traditions. He was instumental in helping preserve the hundreds of different Morris dances. Yet as with the song lyrics he collected they were purged for naughty bits. Anything that went against his strict Victorian morality was censored. The whole of British folk tradition was made "nice".

Inspired by Masks the Art of Expression ed. John Mack ISBN 0-7141-2530-X and other sources that I have read and internalised long ago.

© Ian Bracegirdle 2004 1 Elderberry Close East Morton BD20 5WA UK 01535 692207

http://mask-and-more-masks.com You may use this article freely on condition that you include this copyright line and URL and that people who subsequently use this article follow the same conditions. Thank you for accepting these conditions.

Ian Bracegirdle is a teacher, course leader and therapist. He is the creator of the site http://www.mask-and-more-masks.com a site for all interested in masks. Ian is fascinated by the art form of masks as well as the cultural connotations. He has researched many areas of masks and recognise common links in many ancient traditions. He believes our current masking traditions are linked back to the time of shaman and other forms of magic predating monotheist religions. The earliest masking records are at least 25,000 years old.