Avalyn
New Member
Hi! Want to follow my progress as I create a set of Female Barbarian armor from Diablo 3? You can also follow along with me on Twitter/Instagram @PadmeAmanda and on Facebook http://facebook.com/artistavalyn
I thought I would share what I am working on in case anyone is also interested in exploring using Worbla or Wonderflex. I have been creating replica costumes as a hobby for about ten years, but on this project I am working with thermoplastics for the first time, and boy is it fun!
Essential Materials and Tools:
- Worbla (and Wonderflex) thermoplastic (est. 3.5 Jumbo sheets) - cosplaysupplies.com
- Craft Foam - Michaels craft store
- Fabrics: Faux fur (long Mongolian fur), suede-like fabrics, lining. - Fabrics.com
- Primers: Gesso, Wood Glue, matte black spray primer
- Paints: Silver spray paint, acrylic paints
- Finishing: Acrylic gloss spray coat
- Heat Gun
- Sewing machine, serger
Research:
A lot of cosplayers have already done the female Barbarian based on the game art and concept art. I wanted to do something different and base my barbarian on an in-game armor set. I have two Barbarians, a Hardcore one at level 33 and a top-level Normal barb. I liked the look of the armor on my level 33 Barbarian better, so I found pieces that were all of the same design set and then got shots from different angles.
Youtube and Instagram are great places to find tips on working with Worbla and Wonderflex. KamuiCosplay has a lot of excellent tutorials on YouTube for creating armor from Worbla and painting props and armor.
Time:
Started November 2013. I have a 6-month-old so I only get maybe an hour a day to work on this if I'm lucky. My goal is to complete this for Emerald City Comicon (end of March), but if I miss that then I should have it done by PAX Prime 2014.
Reference pic
Progress as of January 13, 2014
Discoveries:
- Gesso is a nice primer, but wood glue is cheaper and more efficient. It gives a smoother surface with even just one coat, no sanding, and a tube of wood glue is only $1.67 at Target.
- They make SMOOTH Wonderflex now! Wonderflex is a less-expensive option but Worbla scraps can be reused so there is zero waste of materials. (Wonderflex has a fabric structure inside but Worbla does not.) A combination of both materials seems to be the best solution - use Wonderflex to create a sturdy base, then use Worbla for all of the details. Now that they have smooth Wonderflex, there should be no hassle with sanding and priming to hide the grid texture, at least in theory. I am experimenting with this.
- Two layers of Worbla is better than one when cutting strips to add line details on armor. With only one layer, you risk losing the detail when you add a lot of primer. Two layers gives more depth and dimension. Also, with two layers your strips do not warp as easily when handling them while hot, though you can still curve them nicely and stretch as needed.
I thought I would share what I am working on in case anyone is also interested in exploring using Worbla or Wonderflex. I have been creating replica costumes as a hobby for about ten years, but on this project I am working with thermoplastics for the first time, and boy is it fun!
Essential Materials and Tools:
- Worbla (and Wonderflex) thermoplastic (est. 3.5 Jumbo sheets) - cosplaysupplies.com
- Craft Foam - Michaels craft store
- Fabrics: Faux fur (long Mongolian fur), suede-like fabrics, lining. - Fabrics.com
- Primers: Gesso, Wood Glue, matte black spray primer
- Paints: Silver spray paint, acrylic paints
- Finishing: Acrylic gloss spray coat
- Heat Gun
- Sewing machine, serger
Research:
A lot of cosplayers have already done the female Barbarian based on the game art and concept art. I wanted to do something different and base my barbarian on an in-game armor set. I have two Barbarians, a Hardcore one at level 33 and a top-level Normal barb. I liked the look of the armor on my level 33 Barbarian better, so I found pieces that were all of the same design set and then got shots from different angles.
Youtube and Instagram are great places to find tips on working with Worbla and Wonderflex. KamuiCosplay has a lot of excellent tutorials on YouTube for creating armor from Worbla and painting props and armor.
Time:
Started November 2013. I have a 6-month-old so I only get maybe an hour a day to work on this if I'm lucky. My goal is to complete this for Emerald City Comicon (end of March), but if I miss that then I should have it done by PAX Prime 2014.
Reference pic
Progress as of January 13, 2014
Discoveries:
- Gesso is a nice primer, but wood glue is cheaper and more efficient. It gives a smoother surface with even just one coat, no sanding, and a tube of wood glue is only $1.67 at Target.
- They make SMOOTH Wonderflex now! Wonderflex is a less-expensive option but Worbla scraps can be reused so there is zero waste of materials. (Wonderflex has a fabric structure inside but Worbla does not.) A combination of both materials seems to be the best solution - use Wonderflex to create a sturdy base, then use Worbla for all of the details. Now that they have smooth Wonderflex, there should be no hassle with sanding and priming to hide the grid texture, at least in theory. I am experimenting with this.
- Two layers of Worbla is better than one when cutting strips to add line details on armor. With only one layer, you risk losing the detail when you add a lot of primer. Two layers gives more depth and dimension. Also, with two layers your strips do not warp as easily when handling them while hot, though you can still curve them nicely and stretch as needed.
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And you are doing GREAT for a first timer. I wasn't that good with worbla the first time....
