Back To Work!

Well, had a nice break from the Creep Factory, but now it's time to get back into the swing. I'm really happy about the new compressor I just scored! Its a dream compared to what I had been using. My old one was very noisy, making it virtually impossible to paint late at night. It's better suited for nail guns and stuff like that.  This new one is basically as quiet as a refrigerator when it refills its tank. I must have good karma, because I got this for a song! It's basically new, lightly used by an art student for a semester. The kids dad even threw in 2 Iwata air brushes!!! I paid $150.00 total. I couldn't hand him the cash fast enough! Life is good.

A Creep Factory Halloween

Well, after my first solid year of mask and prop making, I decided to keep it somewhat low key at my homestead..I guess I was a little "too pooped to party"! Our scarecrow made its annual return, a new witch prop I made was there creepin people out, and the wife played "granny the candy passer outer" ...I threw on a Creep Factory Skull mask and hand set (and a store bought robe) and stalked about the yard greeting kids and parents. 

The Creep Factory was also invited to a Halloween art show at Stix Rideshop 
(in  Monrovia, CA) back on October 22n'd, where I rolled out some of my prototypes for display, and sold  production mask's..It was great fun and I heard some great feedback and product suggestions directly from the public. Only 365 more days til next Halloween... time to get started on next years mask's and stuff!

Taking Care of your Latex Mask's

This is straight from Don Post  himself!

A LESSON IN LATEX

Latex is a protein derived from the sap of a tree and has a limited shelf life. Latex used for mask making can deteriorate faster than the "pure gum" form used for making latex gloves. The latex used in mask making (slip casting latex) contains a clay filler to increase viscosity and cause the latex to hold its shape.  Manikin slip casting latex, for instance, contains even more clay filler and is completely rigid.

The filler in slip casting latex also makes for a more porous structure making it vulnerable to attack from skin oils and/or spores that may implant themselves in the latex and grow there. Latex, because it is a protein, can also be attacked by copper or brass. If a mask comes into contact with these metals, it will immediately show the effects. If someone touches a penny or a brass door knob and then handles a latex mask, they will leave a gray fingerprint on the mask.

We do not see these effects in other latex items such as cleaning gloves, surgical gloves and balloons.
Dip casting latex contains no fillers. They are not "slip" cast in a negative mold. They are dip cast on a positive mandrill. During the casting process these items also are bathed in a chlorine bath. The bathing chafes the latex which closes the porous surface of the latex keeping out oils and spores.  This bathing makes the latex smooth to the touch.

DETERIORATION PROTECTION

To prevent early deterioration to latex masks, there are several precautions a collector can take:

> Keep your masks away from direct sunlight or artificial UV light such as florescent light.
Milk is a protein. This is why plastic milk cartons have a rough surface to deflect the UV light rays.

> Keep in a cool room. A hot garage during the summer will accelerate deterioration.

>Be cognizant or your heating system.
Is the heat in your home from a coal or oil burning source? The oils will affect your masks.

>DO NOT allow your masks to come into contact with metals.
Wipe your hands before touching masks. Better yet, wear white gloves to truly protect your masks from oils, etc.

>Perspiration and skin oils can cause serious damaged to your masks. If you intend keeping your mask for a long time, wash it after use. Wash the interior of your mask with bleach after use.

> Use ONLY UNSCENTED talcum powder on the interior of your mask.

> When storing your masks, keep them in a plastic bag in a dark place at room temperature.


Follow these useful tips and enjoy your masks for years to come!
~Don Post

New Bayou Creep

Here's the Latest Bayou Creep mask. Slight re-design allows greater head space and airflow (notice the nylon mesh areas incorporated into the sides). Cotton headsock insert, followed by a layer of soft padded foam, and a latex outer shell. More comfortable and quite cooler than a standard full head, latex mask.

Dream Gurl Deux

Dream Gurl Version 2.0 

A little more gore! This one is set up to deliver a burst of air and water through the slit in the mouth! I sell these folks!

 

Dream Gurl Prop

Designed with a pop-up mechanism in mind, this gurl is a dream. Made from Latex, poly foam, canned foam, and a PVC support armature imbedded down the spine..Very light weight, but sturdy enough to take repetitive movement.

Plague Reaper Mask!

Submitted for your approval. This is a big mask...covers your shoulders and part of your chest. It gives kind of a "shrunken head illusion" since the actual skull is life-sized, making it on the smaller side, and the hood is heftier.. . (Your head sits back in the mask)..This would also make a great scarecrow. This actual prototype is for sale and reasonably priced! Email : info@creepfactory.com for details.

Chomp!

 Latex Half Mask Illusion. I could have called it Nom, Nom, but Chomp seemed better. Below is a Creep Factory insider demonstrating the mask, sorry if it looks a bit Miami Vice era. We do our best with what we have here.
Email for ordering/pricing info! info@creepfactory.com

In Progress!

Not sure what he'll become. He's still just a life-sized hunk 'o clay...I just thought you might like to see what goes on over here. Check back for updates on this guy...(girl?) !!

Here's the first latex pull (copy).  Why is he so happy? Doesn't look so scary to me! Hmmm, oh well. Maybe the paint job will help.

Rusty Pipe Props

Took a short break from the monster mask's to take care of a side project. These are going to tour the U.S. later this year with New Years Day. This is one of several pieces that will rise from all 3 guitarist's amplifiers. There are also some smaller details in the works such as faux shut off handles, bolts and nuts, ect.. Time permitting I'll carry the theme forward stage with some pieces to sit near the singer. Rumor has it, and of course budget permitting, we may even make them shoot some "steam"....  but we'll have to see about that. 
I just cant help but picture these surrounding a Freddy Kruger bust, or maybe even a full size figure! Its my love of horror trying to butt back in.

October Scarecrow

Thought I'd ad a picture of the scarecrow I made last year. He's been waiting patiently ever since.

 

"Momma's Boy" Latex Mask

Eek! Whats to say? Is it a man? Is it a doll?

Thickly cast, with a meaty strap and buckle. This mask is quite large. Best for a larger person. Pair it with a pretty dress and some combat boots perhaps? Maybe add a wig? I gotta stop,  I'm creepin' myself out.

This piece was inspired by Neil Harvey at Rubber Gorilla. (One of my favorite mask makers)...Thanks Neil, its was nice meeting you at Monsterpalooza!!

email : info@creepfactory.com for pricing and ordering information

 ( unpainted blank mask :)

Product Testing!

Checking the jaw action on a corpse skull. This is a full head latex mask reinforced with nylon webbing ( this is a virtually indestructible mask!) with laces up the back. Still designing exactly how the jaw will play in. In this shot, its attached to my head via its own strap...that might change. 

Dark Harvester Scarecrow Mask.

Here's a new one called Dark Harvester. These will be made to order, just for you. This is a full, over the head latex and "rubberized burlap" mask. Its a large mask, but because of the way I rubberize the burlap, I managed to keep it quite light. The fabric appears to be free flowing, but always retains its shape. Your head slips into a stretchy fabric sock inside, so it keeps the whole thing in place, and, you never come into direct contact with the burlap. This isn't your typical all rubber mask, but something very special. This would also be a great topper to finish off your home made scarecrow prop! Email info@creepfactory.com  for pricing and delivery information.

**SOLD**