Stetch's Twisted Party Masks Vol. 1

Thanks to David Brenion masks have become very popular, albeit, time consuming.  I was intrigued when Stretch announced that he would be teaching his style of masks on his summer teaching tour.  As I was not going to be able to attend any of the classes I was awaiting the release of the class material at the end of the summer.
The instructions are in PDF format, which was nice because I didn't want to wait for the DVD to come in the mail.  The masks mostly use 360s and in the opening Stretch explains why he uses 360s over 350s, length.  If you do not have a lot of 360s, which ever 350s you plan on using, you will use extra.  I used 360s for about half of the masks and it makes life a lot easier.
The masks with a couple exceptions have the same basic structure and the instructions are very easy to follow along with.  By the time I had worked through them all I was getting very fast and improved bubble consistency.

Let's see what we have...

Alligator
This is the first model in the book and I think a poor first impression.  This model does not use the same base as most of the rest, it is straight forward, and fairly quick.  The jaws are not long enough and the eyes don't look right to me.  I have an alligator mask in my repertoire and have no future plans of making this one again.  I will say that I do like the way the teeth look, using the 160s instead of 260s make them look more threatening to me.

Bear Mask
This model introduces the basic structure that will be used for the rest of the models.  It took me a few times to make a satisfactory mask, make sure your stretch and soften as you go, I also recommend inflating a little less than instructed.  This is the only model that uses 5in rounds for the whites of the eyes and placement of them can be tricky.  Also, the only position for the pupils is the cross eyed look.  I was very pleased with what I finally came up with and plan on using this in my balloon story telling.

Cat Mask
Very straightforward design.  The attachment of the muzzle places a lot of stress on the bubbles and I several slow leaks, as seen in the picture.

Elephant
I first saw a picture of this on another twisters Facebook and was excited to give it a go.  Same base as the others and by this time, the designs are taking a lot less time.  I love some of the other masks out there, but this one has the best look to time ratio.

Frog
My first thought when I saw the picture, what is it?  It is a frog and once you know it you can see it.  This is a variation on the rectangular base, shows the versatility of Stretch's basic concept.  Not planning on making this one again.  If you do and you use Qualatex, this will take at least two extra 350s.

Person
New variation of the rectangular base, two colors.  Fairly simply to master.  Not much to this design, adding more details will really take this one to another level.  There is a photograph later in the book of what types of details can be added.  One observation, the really isn't a nose, just part of a pinch twist.  Will be interested to see how this plays with clients.

Frankenstein
I might have misunderstood the instructions, but the eye structure differs from some other masks for no apparent reason and not in a good way.  Personally, I think Stretch's Frankenstein Mask from his Halloween DVD has more character.  Something about not having a big forward takes character away from this mask.  An example of a more detailed version is in the bonus section and makes it better, but not as good as some others.

Witch
The only thing keeping this from being an amazing mask is a nose.  Note of caution when making the hat, soften the bubbles a lot as you go.  The black balloons, not matter the brand do not like the pressure that the hat puts on them.

Santa
I really like this one and have plans to use it in the future.  Great amount of detail included in the instruction, only complaint is the nose, I would a pink 5in for a nose.

Summary
As this is Stretch's first PDF, I think that there are things that he could learn from other makers of PDF instructions.  The photographs are all taken from the same distance and although there is little detail work with these models, some close up shots would have clarified things.  Stretch gives a great base that can inspire creativity in others and the masks are versatile, can be used as wall pieces, heads for larger sculptures, and of course masks.  They can also be made larger, there is a picture of a 660 mask on the last page that is really impressive.  
Stretch is constantly having sales and if you can catch this on sale it is a great buy.

My Rating A-

Great review CJ - thanks for taking the time to post it.