Here we have the two shoulder pieces and the 4 hip panels. The hip panels are basically stapled to leather belt and instead of a buckle I used industrial strength Velcro. I think the pieces pictured here are the other set I made. The layer are as is, wonderflex, 2 layers of Joint Compound, Mod Podge, 2 layers of paint and 2 layers of clear. This set I put Mod Podge on to help with the flexing of the pieces and I am glad I did that. On the shoulder pieces I had to use a glue brush to apply joint compound on the top because the piece bent at a 90 degree angle and had eyelets sticking out. That was kinda odd because you should use a drywall knife, but it worked. :p After all the painting, I laced the pieces with laces used for lacrosse sticks.
Here is pictures of how the front and back pieces of the armor. Each piece has 4 layers of joint compound. I bought a 12lb bucket of joint compound from Home Depot and there is probably about 2lbs left. Joint compound was actually a good decision. It went on easy, dried fast and is very sandable but not flexible, but I've already thought of and alternative for that. The two pieces are held together with a hinge with a brass rod, for easy break-down. Two pieces bridge the front and back pieces of the armor that also hold the shoulder pieces in place. These two pieces are the ones that flexed the most and have suffered the most. All of the pieces of armor are 'buttoned' together with 'frogs' that I bought at G-Street. Finding the correct lace length for the shoulder area was rather time consuming. With everything on, its actually not that heavy at all.
For the face mask, I just paper mached a balloon. Hot glued an elastic band on the back. The eye and mouth holes are covered with a black lace material that I found at Michaels. Since I did not want the yellow eyes to actually sit where the eyes actually are, I took some artistic freedom and put them right below the eyes. The eyes are LED pendants with white lights. I had to buy some white LEDs because the pendants are actually colored. I didn't paint the pendants and used a yellow plastic file folder so when the LEDs are on they are yellow and not white. I will be putting more holes around the mouth area to add more venting for the mouth. I am actually thinking about getting a walkie talkie with a headset for communication purposes. Can't actually hear the other person with a mask on. :p
This is one of two sword I had to make. The scabbard is three pieces of flora Styrofoam shaped with sandpaper. I took a hot knife to groove out the styrofoam for the blade of the sword. The 3 pieces of styrofoam were then covered in wonderflex. The handle part is also made of styrofoam and covered in wonderflex. The blade is basswood and blasa wood and a lot of sanding. Primed, silver paint, masked off so I can imitate the metal being sharpened then coats of clear. The knots on both the handle and the scabbard are done by me through the wonderful youtube. :) Nothing you can't find how to do on youtube! Oh, the finger guard is all balsa wood. My intention was to make two swords that would pass for real ones. I've gotten some pretty good feedback on them so I'm pretty happy with them. :)
Finished! :D For the fabric part of this costume please visit Bethii chan's blog.
Photo taken by Jeremy Zeigler.
I haven't decided yet but this might be my next project. Double kudos to anyone that knows what this is.
I'll try and keep more updated entries. I'm currently working on small papercraft projects right now. I'll post pictures of two of the bigger papercraft projects when I get to them. Whenever that is. Till the next time.
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wires to a car radio or some car electronic device. Maybe even a car computer.
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