Alice In Wonderland Armor - Work In Progress Thread - Fun with Wonderflex

[Capn_Jack_Savvy]

OK kids! I am embarking on setting up a budget to make the Alice In Wonderland suit of armor with shield. Vorpal sword I am hoping some company will get the replica on the market soon.....at least before Halloween.

This costume will most likely be worn once or twice this year and go up on a display after that. In no way will it be the same size as worn by Mia in the movie because of a different body type and height. I saw the "hero" costume at the El Capitan theater and MAN it was tiny. I'm surprised Alice used such a small shield to protect herself from the Jabberwocky!!!!

Anyway in my research I have seen people use the high end route of fiberglass (impossible for me), vacuform (again impossible for me), Pepakura paper design (but still needs some sort of molding). I have also seen armor (anime, manga) made of cardboard (sealed with epoxy resin), plastic (painted), art foam (again somehow sealed), foam (someone made Boba Fett), and finally Sintra (which I have never seen in person). The shield will most likely be art foam or Sintra (sorry I see Sinatra every time I type it) in order to keep it lightweight and CON friendly.

Which reminds me...I need to follow Master Le's Iron Man thread regarding the materials he is using. No idea of cost!

So for a "budget" suit of armor which will most likely be painted which medium do you think would be the easiest to work with, least expensive (and smelly), and allow the wearer ease of movement?

I have about 6-months time so there is plenty of time to construct this costume. Opinions?

 

[Riceball]

Re: Alice In Wonderland Armor - Work In Progress Thread - Research

From what I've seen people use and the options you've listed I'm thinking that Sintra might be the best way to go. From what I've read it's pretty to use and can be formed using just a heat gun or a good hair dryer and it will (probably) require less work to get a smooth surface than foam which would require a lot of sanding. However, unless you're using some sort of form to sort form the Sintra over you're going to need something else to go on the Sintra to make the details.

 

[the_eli]

Re: Alice In Wonderland Armor - Work In Progress Thread - Research

Sintra is amazing!

 

[Ramiel]

Re: Alice In Wonderland Armor - Work In Progress Thread - Research

If someone would be able to sculpt the armor parts, this would work great as a vacuformed armor... There aren't ultra sharp details and the surface isn't totally smooth (with all those battle signs, dents, scratches, etc...)
For the "soft parts" you just need to find textured silver leather, vinyl, pleather, or whatever it is, and make those parts...

Can't wait to see what you can come up with

 

[Capn_Jack_Savvy]

Re: Alice In Wonderland Armor - Work In Progress Thread - Research

I am thinking Sintra as well mostly because it is lightweight (from what I have read) and will make it easy to move around in. The chain mail and the simulated chain mail underneath appears to be shiny material at least from the HI RES images that I have. That shouldn't be too difficult to create.

My other concern is how to attach everything when she is ready to gear up. I want to make something simple and doesn't require 4 hour prep. That is the last thing she wants.

How long does it take someone to get geared up in TK armor? Is the armor attached to the black suit or is each piece applied to your body when getting ready? Sorry I have no experience with this level of costuming.

As far as vacuforming the armor I need to talk to a specific "mate" of mine (C-2.0).......

 

[Ramiel]

Re: Alice In Wonderland Armor - Work In Progress Thread - Research

I'm sure you already have these references, but, just to be sure...
http://www.costumersguide.com/aliceArmor.shtml

 

[fuelish]

Re: Alice In Wonderland Armor - Work In Progress Thread - Research

I was looking at some closeups of the Vorpal blade, that would be a tough one(If accurate) to do if no one makes a replica.

I would use 1/4" plywood and sculpting putty for the shield. Either steam bend or saw out and brace from the back the main shape. Base layer of putty for texture and then shape putty and apply for the detail.

 

[Jodo]

Re: Alice In Wonderland Armor - Work In Progress Thread - Research

I can tell you know sintra is wonderful to work with...Made me first 3 costumes with it.

 

[Capn_Jack_Savvy]

Re: Alice In Wonderland Armor - Work In Progress Thread - Research

Thanks Ramiel! I haven't been to that website since Pirates!!!

It appears the gauntlets (top and bottom) and the hand guard can all be made from wet molding thick leather!!

It also appears everything is held together by belts...silver belts!!

Chain mail is going to be a challenge but maybe there is some ready made stuff that can be "simulated." The fun part is going to be the plates ontop of the chain mail. They all seem to be linked together. This could be cast from resin mold or maybe Sintra as well.......

Oh the creative juices are flowing!!!!!:love

 

[Ghostsoldier]

Re: Alice In Wonderland Armor - Work In Progress Thread - Research

Oh the creative juices are flowing!!!!!:love

Is that what I'm stepping in? :lol
Rob

 

[AaronLee]

Re: Alice In Wonderland Armor - Work In Progress Thread - Research

There are beefier grades of velcro you can purchase to strap everything in and hold it in place.

 

[ADarkly]

Re: Alice In Wonderland Armor - Work In Progress Thread - Research

Would have to ponder more about methods for the rest, but Sintra is cheap. It's well worth trying a test piece for each section out of Sintra and see if it gives you the results you want before moving on to more complex or more expensive options. Plus you will ALWAYS find another project to use it for if not for this.

I do have an idea for you regarding the chain maille scales. This site is highly regarded among chain maille enthusiasts and they offer scales in a bunch of colors/metal types: http://theringlord.com/
You'd have to modify them but it's worth looking into, if nothing else for a method to construct the skirt-y bit if you use another material.

Just a thought!

 

[Jodo]

Re: Alice In Wonderland Armor - Work In Progress Thread - Research

Yeah, the chest plate might be a bit to complicated in the center of it for sintra (although I've seen some awsome layered sintra builds.), the forearms and shoulders would be excellent to be made from sintra.

 

[Jayn]

Re: Alice In Wonderland Armor - Work In Progress Thread - Research

You are right about the leather parts.. I've even looked to see what metallic silver leathers are out there.. (I'm not making a costume, just a fan of the designer)
I would venture to guess that they used actual silver (gilding) leaf in the process as well as using charcoal & raw umber brown in the colouring to give it that aged sterling silver look..
If I were you, I'd sculpt and cast all of the mail-plates. the chain is that stuff from India that you see on all of the belly dancewear with the little floral shaped connector.

Oh.. forgot to add.. I have some of the fabric that was used for the sleeves/legs ..pm me if you want a sample..I could shop it for you if it's the right stuff

 

[Capn_Jack_Savvy]

Re: Alice In Wonderland Armor - Work In Progress Thread - Research

Still searching for a silver fabric for the robe underneath the armor. Nothing in the normal stores (JoAnns) exists. Time to take a trip to the wonderful garment district of downtown Los Angeles (UGH!)

If you have photos of the material you mentioned above I am interested in seeing some. Thanks!

 

[Capn_Jack_Savvy]

Re: Alice In Wonderland Armor - Work In Progress Thread - Research

I have been looking at Brillo Leather Dye spray in a can! It comes in silver. Has anyone used this stuff before? It states it is good on leather, plastic, and vinyl. How would it be on Sintra? I am assuming a sealer is going to have to be applied to all parts after they have been painted.

 

[Cousers]

Re: Alice In Wonderland Armor - Work In Progress Thread - Research

You are right about the leather parts.. I've even looked to see what metallic silver leathers are out there.. (I'm not making a costume, just a fan of the designer)
I would venture to guess that they used actual silver (gilding) leaf in the process as well as using charcoal & raw umber brown in the colouring to give it that aged sterling silver look..
If I were you, I'd sculpt and cast all of the mail-plates. the chain is that stuff from India that you see on all of the belly dancewear with the little floral shaped connector.

Oh.. forgot to add.. I have some of the fabric that was used for the sleeves/legs ..pm me if you want a sample..I could shop it for you if it's the right stuff

Yes yes! I am also making the armor and I would love to see pics of the fabric you have, I am looking into all of my options.

 

[Cousers]

Re: Alice In Wonderland Armor - Work In Progress Thread - Research

Also does anyone know what trim or cording was used for the neckline on the the under-
armor?

 

[wingnut]

Re: Alice In Wonderland Armor - Work In Progress Thread - Research

Hi, new here, and was wondering how your costume is going? We were down in the LA fashion district today looking for project materials and checking out the Alice in Wonderland costumes on display at the FIDM

Museum & Galleries : Facilities : FIDM

including the armour (your right! it's tiny). I believe it says it will be on display until the end of September, but no cameras allowed (bummer :wacko ) I was trying to see the back, leaned over the low wall, and got close enough to have the guard walk over and stand nearby, but she didn't say anything.

I'm pretty sure that if you watch the fight scenes closely in the movie, you will see that at some point (probably on the stunt girl) the back plate folds as if it's made of silver fabric covered foam. It was pretty fast, but I don't think I imagined it. I'm curious what the main costume armour was really made of though. From an armour standpoint, it really was decoration over function, even if the chainmail had been real, instead of just a patterned silver body suit. I thought the silver pants were a bit silly looking.

I would love to see photos of your costume in progress, when your ready to share them!

 

[Capn_Jack_Savvy]

Re: Alice In Wonderland Armor - Work In Progress Thread - Research

Well the research phase is over. I have my paper patterns drawn out to the dimensions of the wifey.

I have decided to go with Wonderflex for the armor. Readily available and not too expensive for a very detailed armor costume that will be worn maybe once or twice and put up on a display mannequin.

Arm gauntlets might be made of leather but I think I am going to go with Wonderflex.

With the paper templates I am trying to figure out the easiest way to put on the leather belts / buckles so that it is easy to put on and take off without spending too much time. Some pieces like shoulder and chest plate can all be connected together at the neckline and the leather straps cinched up for stability. I will probably use Wonderflex for each piece of the shield like chainmail that hangs at the bottom of the chest and back armor.

To test the Wonderflex I am going to work on the shield and sword first just to get more familiar with the material. Off to Home Depot I go. I just wish I had more time at night to work on this armor.:confused