The only mold used is a mold of a human face or a wig head used on the inside, upon which I sculpt the design I have in my head. Each mask is sculpted by hand, even those in a numbered series. So each one is unique, with its own personality and character. I then take paper mache and apply it to the base. I use a combination of sculpting tools and my fingers to sculpt the design which I am working on.
Some designs also involve imbedding wire or wooden dowels into the paper mache as part of the mask.
Other times a mask must be made in stages if one part of it needs to be sanded smooth before another part is attached. My hands tend to have plans of their own. But some of the more elaborate designs are sketched out on paper first, especially if there are any engineering details to be worked out such as how to attach a full back headdress or horns without over balancing the piece. Once the mask is sculpted it takes several days to dry. Depending upon how much paper mache is used it can take between 2 and 10 days.