Help with a helm

[DarkenedWaters]

Hey all. I just got into leatherworking, so I might be going a bit over my head for what I'm tryin to make. Basically I'm tryin to figure out how to make the top part of the helm so i can attach other pieces to it.

Heres what I'm tryin to pull off (cause I'm horrbile at descriptions)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/Darkenedwaters/3.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/Darkenedwaters/1.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/Darkenedwaters/2-1.jpg

I know how to make the top piece (the animal face) but I'm not sure whats the best way to make the piece that would fit on around a person's head allowing me to rivet other pieces to it.

Thanks :)

[CB Swords]

http://www.diycostume.com/article/leather-helm/

Except with rigid leather for the main frame.

[Mububban]

Balancing somethign that big and heavy will be a problem. You'll have to make it so it's not too front or back heavy or you'll be forever adjusting it. That's quite a challenge you've set yourself for a first project!!!