Mardi Gras Mask - Update 1

So, new day, new project! Actually, I have been pondering making this mask since I saw it in the Jan/Feb 2013 issue of Just CrossStitch magazine. I am making it for an old friend who, I remembered somehow, collects masks. This project will be done on 28 count black linen, and includes 5 spools of Kreinik blending filament and 1 spool of Kreinik braid. Lots of greens, yellows, silvers/grays. The pattern was designed by Sharon Pope.

Here is the first section of stitches.