Armormaking with Foam

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Armormaking with Foam

• Compilation by Bonnie

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Entropy Houses Helms Deep

• Craft foam
• Posterboard
• Elmers school glue
• Fabric for backing
• http//entropyhouse.com/penwiper/costumes/helmsdee
  p.html

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Pattern

• Posterboard (or paper)
• Stiff posterboard
• Tape to yourself
• Basic shape
• Transfer to foam

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Putting it together

• Cut out the pieces
• Arrange and glue together
• Add raised/etched design guides

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Shaping

• Heat the foam
• BE CAREFUL!
• Shape once it is soft
• Can reheat if needed
• Add fabric backing
• Stiffen/strengthen
• Cotton crinkle gauze
• More layers for increased stiffness

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Sealing

• Sobo glue (or Elmers), flexible fabric glue,
  water
• 112
• Several layers of thin coats -- 7-8 coats
• Let dry in between layers in lint-free area
• Ready to paint
• Gesso
• Might lead to heat curves

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Positives

• Inexpensive
• Light
• Flexible

Negatives

• Wrinkling
• Denting

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Progress
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Other resources

• Amethyst Angels armormaking guide
• http//amethyst-angel.com/armormaking.html
• Rydian.orgs overview of foam props
• http//cosplay.rydain.org/index.php?itemid4
• Milk bottle idea Hikaru_Claires Ichigo Hollow
  Mask gallery
• http//images.cosplay.com/gallery.php?cat33813me
  mber22938
• Purchasing foam
• http//www.foambymail.com

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Examples