Made by Ana Friesema
I was challenged by a friend to create a pair of bird skull masks for a costume contest. These are mostly fashioned after crow and raven skulls but it’s generic enough to be a wide range of birds.
I created a clay sculpture of what I wanted it to look like. I sealed the sculpture with an acrylic paint and varnish. Then, for good measure, I applied a thin layer (but not thin enough as I later found out) of petroleum jelly before laying down my first layer of newsprint.
I followed that layer with one brown paper layer, one blue shop towel layer, one layer of homemade gesso, one layer of acrylic gesso, then a final paint job that was probably 4-8 layers.


These are so inspiring. Thank you for sharing what you did! You are so talented.
Thank you ravyn! I appreciate the positive feedback!
I love ravens and am not much one for skulls, but you did an awesome job. Your talent is evident in the creation and in the painting. Thanks so much. Happy Halloween.
Thank you! I appreciate the kind words.