Owner’s brother creates one-of-a-kind accessories

Unique, handmade masks can be found locally at The Enchanted Garden.

Deb Beckman Cockrell, owner of The Enchanted Garden, looks forward to this year’s fresh new selection of Mardi Gras masks for her customers. Her brother, Dennis Beckman, is the custom mask designer for the shop.

“I make custom made, one-of-a-kind fantasy masks, as well as Venetian style non-custom masks for both men and women,” Beckman said.

“The opportunity for Dennis to be here during some of the Mardi Gras season was perfect,” Cockrell said. “For 35 years, he has been well-known in the San Francisco area as the person to go to for special masks and jewelry for the many various masquerade balls.”

The masks are truly exquisite works of art, perfect for decoration in the home or for wearing to a ball or other Mardi Grasthemed event.

“All masks are wearable and comfortable, but most can also be designed to be hand held,” Cockrell said. “Many of my customers collect the more elaborate masks to use as decorative elements in their home.”

Beckman cuts no corners in his creations. “I use mask bases from Italy, where Carnavale in Venice was the precursor to Louisiana’s Mardi Gras,” Beckman said. “I then select feathers, sequins, crystals, glitter and other decorative elements that I have collected over the years.”

Custom masks range from $18 to under $100, while non-custom masks start at only $8. “I’ve been creating custom masks for over 35 years at my store, The Enchanted Crystal of San Francisco, for the various masquerade balls and parties in San Francisco and around the country,” Beckman said. “I’ve also created many of these parties and events where my masks were worn and used as decorations.”

“I love the creative process of selecting materials to create a concept, trying different materials and seeing what looks best, then gluing the materials to the mask and adding finishing touches like crystals and sequins that make the mask ‘zing,’” Beckman said. “I also love working with customers to design a mask that looks great on them and complements their outfit or gown.”

The love of Mardi Gras and it’s history goes back a long way for Cockrell.

“James, my husband, and I were charter members of the Krewe of Centaur and have attended many Mardi Gras balls, parades and special events for over 25 years,” Cockrell said. “Mardi Gras has been amazing for the Shreveport-Bossier area.”

– Betsy St. Amant