This is a new kind of post for the blog which I’m going to be calling ReImagine Shopping. It’s going to consist of what I think are great opportunities for costume shopping that I think people will enjoy! And what better way to start things off than sharing one of my favorite kinds of costume/crafts goodness, leather work! Some of the best costume materials I’ve seen lately have been done up in leather, from corsets to steampunk bags and belts (there will be some of that later!) and of course, masks. I’m sure there are thousands of great sites up around the internet selling quality goods, but I’m going to only post two of them that I’m familiar with.

My first one was shared with me by Chris Z. from Facebook (thank you Chris!) and it hails from that wonderful hive of creative gold, Etsy.com. While there are many leather workers out there, this one’s masks are top rate. It’s called Epic Leather and their stuff looks GORGEOUS. I adore the work they do because of the layers of the leather and the concepts they manage to weave: their Baphomet headgear threw me for a loop! I’m a big fan of their designs and plan to invest in one myself for one of my live-action roleplay characters in the future.

The second link I’ve got is for an artisan that is near and dear to my heart. Zack M is known as The Pointy Eared Artisan and his leatherwork has been a staple in my collection since I met him on the convention circuit a few years ago. Not only does he do masks but book covers, pouches and other costuming must-haves. It’s his work with masks that had me floored – his leafy, Green-Man style mask is one of the most intricately worked things I’ve ever seen. If you don’t see something on his Etsy page that catches your eye, give his website a look. He’s got a slideshow and you can order any of the designs off there!

In my trip to the New York Renaissance Fair next week I’ll be gathering some more links that might tickle some people’s wallets into costume goodness. Stay tuned for more shopping changes!