Need Shredder Shoulder Bell Help!!!

[oujala]

Hey guys, I need some opinions! I'm currently working on Shredder's shoulder bell from TMNT as seen here (post 3):

http://www.therpf.com/f45/three-my-most-prized-prop-possessions-pic-heavy-72796/

Ryan has been a big help on this project and deserves a big thank you!

Now, the part I need help with at this stage is how to re-create the "chain mail" on top. I'm using Sculpey clay, and I wanted to mix up some clay with water and put it on like cake icing, which is what it looks like. I have a friend who makes chain mail (don't we all?), but I would rather try to approximate the look of the actual prop as well as I can. I'm no sculptor!

Here are some progress pics, though I don't have a pic of the finished base right now.

Any ideas?

 

[oujala]

Quick low res pic of the base I will be using:

The actual prop is not very precise, like most props aren't, and I'm going for that look, not idealized.

 

[Jeff C]

I would put the chain-mail on it, press it into clay to make a sort of mold, then cast the final piece from that.

 

[The Death Curse]

It's off to a nice start!

Let me just say that any type of "chain mail" you add to this piece will undoubtedly look 500% better than the real thing. Seriously. Its details are sloppy and inconsistent all over, so don't sweat it.

By the way, I would recommend crafting an inner support structure for each individual blade - such as wood or styrofoam - if you're going to use Sculpey. This'll help keep their overall shape and directional flow intact when molding, since they get so thin at the points. (Sculpey of any kind hasn't proven to be a reliable medium in my experience, and is *WAY* too soft.)

...Optionally, you could just switch to a much harder type of oil clay for the blades (such as Chavant NSP Medium) and avoid the impending headache!

Cheers,

Ryan

 

[oujala]

Thanks for the replies, guys!

I'm not sure if I want it to look "better" to be honest. I kinda like the idea of it being rushed. I'm gonna try and figure something out by this weekend.

Thanks for the tip on the blades! I'm gonna bake this stuff first to get it firmer.

 

[sswift]

You know when I watched the film, I thought shredder's little shoulder blade things were supposed to be made from turtle shells.