• Neoprene mask care
  
  
• Vacuuformed mask care
  
  
• How to wear your horns

Your mask is unique and wearable work of art made from a man-made material called Neoprene. It is similar in some ways to latex rubber, but is far more durable. Properly looked after, your mask should bring years of enjoyment. To maximize its life, please keep the following points in mind:

• SUNLIGHT - It is best to display your mask out of direct sunlight. While neoprene is far more UV-resistant than natural latex, UV may cause unpainted or lightly painted areas to discolor over time, or some painted areas to fade.
• HEAT - Neoprene becomes more flexible in a hot environment, so to prevent the mask's shape from becoming altered, avoid leaving it on sunny car dashboards or in hot car trunks. If the mask's shape does change, use a hairdryer over the area to soften it slightly, then hold or prop it back in the correct shape until it cools.
• COLD - Never flex your mask in a cold environment! While most neoprene is semi-flexible, it may become slightly brittle in cooler temperatures. The basic rule of thumb is a temperature comfortable for you is comfortable for your mask. If a cold mask is over-flexed, this could result in a few hairline cracks. Shallow cracks should not compromise the strength or wearability of the mask.
• DUST & DIRT - The outside of the mask has been finished with crystal clear finish or art wax. This helps protect it from dirt and moisture, but ultimately you should try to keep your mask away from excessively dusty or damp environments, particularly if it has been finished with light-colored paint.

The inside of the mask has been coated with crystal clear finish, and can be cleaned with a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol. The foam pads inside your mask have Velcro backing, and can be removed for cleaning.

Enjoy your new mask!

Your new mask is a unique and wearable work of art. Properly looked after, it should bring years of enjoyment. To maximize its life, please keep the following points in mind:

HEAT - Heat is used in forming the mask, so do not subject it to extremely hot temperatures. Sunny dashboards and hot car trunks should be avoided.

MASKS WITH FEATHERS:

Many dyed feathers are not colorfast, so must be kept out of the rain. If feathers do become wet, dry them immediately with a hairdryer on a low setting. Dyed colors can also fade over time if they are displayed in direct sunlight.

PAPER-VENEERED MASKS:

MOISTURE - Your mask should be kept out of rain or extremely humid environments. The inside of the mask has been sealed with water-resistant sealer to help it hold up to sweat and condensation while worn. After you wear your mask, be sure to allow it to dry completely before storing it.

DUST & DIRT - The outside of the mask has been finished with either crystal clear finish or art wax. This helps protect it from dirt and moisture, but ultimately you should try to keep your mask away from excessively dusty environments, particularly if it has been finished with light-colored paper.

SUNLIGHT - To prevent fading, those with a colored paper finish or feathers should not be displayed in direct sunlight.

Enjoy your new mask!

Your new horns are handmade from durable Neoprene rubber and strung on a strong acrylic polymer jewelry cord.

WEARING: It should be as easy as wearing a headband. Place the stretch cord behind your neck, and position the horns at the top of your forehead. Do not place the cord in front of your neck and wear the horns like a party hat--it both looks and feels uncomfortable!

TOO LOOSE: Tie a second knot higher up the cord on cord to adjust tension, trim off excess cord.

TOO TIGHT: Gently exercise the cord until it stretches slightly.

ADJUSTING SPACING, or REVERSING: Horns can be slid closer or further apart along the cord to achieve just the right look. Take the horn that does not have a knot inside it, and carefully pull out a couple of inches of cord from one side of the inside. Then pull the excess cord outside the other side of the horn. If you move the horn all the way along the cord in this manner, you can also change the direction your horns point, thus "Innies" become "Outies".

STORING: Neoprene horns are fairly durable, but keep them separate from keys and other sets of horns to avoid tangling or scratching the paint. Natural-colored horns should also be stored away from direct sunlight or some discoloration may occur.

RE-THREADING: Use a large curved embroidery needle to make re-threading easier. New cord can be purchased by the foot from many bead shops, or by the spool from craft supply stores like Michaels.

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© M. Roxburgh 1998-2004 unless otherwise noted