it's always good to start with making 'face casts', especially if what you want to do, is to make wearable masks. There are numerous ways to make 'face casts', too. I suggest that to start, you try making one using 'plaster guaze" (the material used to make casts for broken bones, etc.) It's usually cheaper to buy the rolls of plaster guaze from a medical or pharmecudical company rather than an art supply store (which charge, often, twice the cost!!). Once you have made a cast/mold of someone's face, pour some plaster into the mold (which has first been coated with a lubricant, like vaseline) Once you have the solid plaster casting, you can proceed with it, to use as a form, for papier mache, latex, clay, fabric and many other mediums. By having the plaster mold, you will be assured of coming out with a wearable mask.
You don't mention wether or not you have had any art experience? There are soooo many ways to approach mask making, that it would be helpful, to be able to offer some advice, if I knew what your background and experience is.
I have worked with mask making for about 40+ years and have made them in many, diverse materials and for many uses, as well. From wearable and useable for theatre, film, video productions, for masquerade, as art objects......and so forth.
My best advice, is to focus on the direction you want to go. You mention the elaborately decorated types. Do you have any other experiences that might help? Like sewing, for instance? Anything having to do with the creative process helps......even, believe it or not, cooking!!!
Well, good luck with your project. Masks are a very important part of my life and I love to encourage anyone entering in the world of masks. This "maskmakersweb" site is wonderful, too, for being able to see samples of so many other artist's work!! Dont you agree? Just keep looking at others work all the time. I still do it regularly, for inspiration, after creating masks for over 40 years!! Keep those creative juices flowing!!
Happy maskmaking!! 
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