Color the rims of the balaclava, probably with paint, or if you can sew a bit, there is time to take black thread to the edges of the openings to make them the shapes you need. Using white paint on the black pantyhose to make the gap at the mouth would fix that problem.
ETA: The biggest thing with using black under white would be ensuring how dark the hose would look worn and matching the embroidery/paint.
[QUOTE=Lord Il Palazzo]
I actually saw and considered that very auction.
The problems I found were these:
The black rings around the eyes. I’d have to white them out or black over the lenses and that could be a problem.
Rorschach’s mask extends a little down the neck.
I couldn’t be sure if the masks black parts might show through the marker I use.
[/QUOTE]
I’d use the black marker on the white lenses. Should just soak right in to the fabric and not affect vision at all. Then I’d use black fabric paint on the other areas where vision isn’t an issue.
You might also email the seller and ask if he has any like that in solid black. The do the artwork with white paint.
re: the neck, a black or white strip of cloth choker would be perfect.
Another thought, if you know someone handy with sewing gear you have plenty of time to pick up some fabric and have them whip you something together.
[QUOTE=Projammer]
I’d use the black marker on the white lenses. Should just soak right in to the fabric and not affect vision at all. Then I’d use black fabric paint on the other areas where vision isn’t an issue.
You might also email the seller and ask if he has any like that in solid black. The do the artwork with white paint.
re: the neck, a black or white strip of cloth choker would be perfect.
Another thought, if you know someone handy with sewing gear you have plenty of time to pick up some fabric and have them whip you something together.
[/QUOTE]
An interesting idea. Is there any reason to go black instead of white? Remember that Rorschach’s mask is mostly white.
[QUOTE=Lord Il Palazzo]
Any thoughts or advice you could offer would be much appreciated.
[/QUOTE]
I did a Rorschach costume when I was in high school, so it’s been about 20 years, but IIRC my mask was made from a white pillowcase, on which I used a fabric marker to draw in the black spots. Obviously, the spots did not move.
No holes for eating or breathing (I just breathed through the fabric), and the material was just sheer enough to see fuzzy shapes so I didn’t walk into anything. It was not the most pleasant costume of all time, but I like to suffer for my art. 
Despite the non-moving, clearly drawn-on spots, you’d be surprised at how effective a mask that has no holes is. It disturbs people to look at a face and not be able to see the features.
[QUOTE=Lord Il Palazzo]
An interesting idea. Is there any reason to go black instead of white? Remember that Rorschach’s mask is mostly white.
[/QUOTE]
Because if the mask is solid black you don’t need to figure out how to make the eye area black while still being able to see through it.
[QUOTE=muldoonthief]
Don’t forget body odor, and eating cold beans from a can. You should probably forego breaking another party guest’s fingers however.
[/QUOTE]
But if anyone hits on you, don’t forget to drop them down an elevator shaft. {Couldn’t you just strip off, paint yourself blue and go with your willy hanging out as Doctor Manhattan?}
Get it in white and then do the design in black.
[QUOTE=Lord Il Palazzo]
An interesting idea. Is there any reason to go black instead of white? Remember that Rorschach’s mask is mostly white.
[/QUOTE]
What Otto said. I believe it would be easier to fill out the mask with an opaque white fabric paint than trying to darken the sheer eye panels. You couldn’t use a paint for that because it would make the fabric opaque.
A zentai suit mask is perfect. See the black version here: http://cgi.ebay.com/Lycra-Zentai-black-hood-mask-over-all_W0QQitemZ190155315492QQihZ009QQcategoryZ36306QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Zentais are MADE for costumes like this, and I’m pretty sure with some searching you can find a white version and buy just the mask. They tend to be made as a full body suit and marketed for cosplayers or as fetish gear, so target your search with several applicable keywords. It’s going to be easier than pantyhose and they are made to be work on the face, so will likelier be more comfortable.
[QUOTE=Elysium]
A zentai suit mask is perfect. See the black version here: http://cgi.ebay.com/Lycra-Zentai-black-hood-mask-over-all_W0QQitemZ190155315492QQihZ009QQcategoryZ36306QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Zentais are MADE for costumes like this, and I’m pretty sure with some searching you can find a white version and buy just the mask. They tend to be made as a full body suit and marketed for cosplayers or as fetish gear, so target your search with several applicable keywords. It’s going to be easier than pantyhose and they are made to be work on the face, so will likelier be more comfortable.
[/QUOTE]
Elysium, while that looks like it would be perfect, if sounds from the question and reply here like vision is severely impared. I’ll keep this in mind but I really would like to be able to see as clearly as possible.
[QUOTE=Askia]
3) A working grappling gun would be way cool, but if you just need something that just sorta / kinda looks like one, I’d suggest some combination of a broken hand-held hairdryer, with some sort of feeding rope attached to some sort of grappling hook. Here’s a thought: it’s not hard to find “Captain Hook hands” in kids’ costume packs at dollar stores around this time of year. I suggest epoxying three or four at the handles and attaching it to the front of the hairdryer.
[/QUOTE]
How big does the grapple need to be? Here is a four prong cleaning hook horse fanciers use. It’s about a foot long.
Why don’t you go as Walter Kovacs instead? Making a “the end is near” sign is easier than making the mask. Use red hair spray et voila.
Here we go. Can you afford to pay $50 for it?
http://tinyurl.com/22ep4z
If not, why not just paint your face white and black. It would do.
or, for a home made effort: http://www.surlyrobot.com/?p=171#comments
One final touch your costume needs - a dried rose.
[QUOTE=Peter Morris]
Here we go. Can you afford to pay $50 for it?
http://tinyurl.com/22ep4z
If not, why not just paint your face white and black. It would do.
[/QUOTE]
I don’t know. Buying a premade mask would feel like cheating after all the thought I’ve put into how to make one. Besides, I’d have a bit of trouble justifying $50 bucks for a mask.
[QUOTE=Peter Morris]
or, for a home made effort: http://www.surlyrobot.com/?p=171#comments
One final touch your costume needs - a dried rose.
[/QUOTE]
That sounds perfect. Thanks for the link. I’ll have to give it some looking into.