Need to light a molded leather shoulder armor (FFXIII lightning) Suggestions?

[Fuyuko83]

Hey all -

My bestie is building a cosplay of FFXIII's Lightning, and I offered to mold her the leather shoulder armor. I'm not planning on actually hardening it (dipping in hot wax, etc) as in actual battle-ready armor, just using the cuir boulli (quickie hot water method) to mold it. I'm going to carve/tool it first to make the relief parts.

So to my question - those yellow stripes are actually lights. And she wants it to light up. Now I've looked at the various Iron Man tutorials, which is what she linked me to. But those presume a straight piece. These would have to be curved to allow the piece to sit on her shoulder properly. Any suggestions? (ps the more noobtastic the better).

Thanks!

 

[Crix]

EL wire or tape should theoretically work just fine.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EL_wire

As for the material itself, I'm at something of a loss, plastics knowledge isn't my strong suit.

Best of luck!

 

[Capn_Jack_Savvy]

Be careful with the hot water molding technique. If the water is too hot you will get some major boil over when the leather hits the water so be sure to wear googles and long sleeve shirt...keep your distance.

Also be aware that when you use the hot water technique the tannins in the leather tend to leach out into the water. This means all the blemishes and spotting will show up on the leather.

Be sure to treat the leather after you are done staining it so that it doesn't dry out!

 

[Risu]

Is there some point in the game where they say that's leather? Because it looks more like it's supposed to be metal to me. If not, all the advice so far is good. Courboulli is awesome for armor, but don't scald yourself.

 

[Fuyuko83]

Be careful with the hot water molding technique. If the water is too hot you will get some major boil over when the leather hits the water so be sure to wear googles and long sleeve shirt...keep your distance.

Also be aware that when you use the hot water technique the tannins in the leather tend to leach out into the water. This means all the blemishes and spotting will show up on the leather.

Be sure to treat the leather after you are done staining it so that it doesn't dry out!

Thanks =) It's really funny - I actually taught myself leather-working specifically to make 1/3 scale Captain Jack Sparrow Hats ^^ I don't use boiling water - it shrinks the leather too much. I don't need to thicken or harden it really, just make it pliable for molding.

Is there some point in the game where they say that's leather? Because it looks more like it's supposed to be metal to me. If not, all the advice so far is good. Courboulli is awesome for armor, but don't scald yourself.

I just figured leather treated with special metallic treatments for leather would make it better than the crappy cosplay PVC stuff I've seen so far. I can make it look pocked and weathered. Plus leather would be lighter I think. And finally I know zip about metalworking, lol. (Though I've been trying to find classes in Houston)

EL wire or tape should theoretically work just fine.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EL_wire

As for the material itself, I'm at something of a loss, plastics knowledge isn't my strong suit.

Best of luck!

Ooh, thanks so much! I know pretty much nothing about either electronics or plastics, so this is a good lead. I like that it's pliable and can run on AA batteries! I wonder if it puts off a lot of heat, though?

 

[jwrjr]

EL wire will be easiest if the ambient light is not too bright. Otherwise it will probably be necessary to use yellow leds. If so, properly diffused you can smooth out the worst of the bright spots.

 

[Fuyuko83]

EL wire will be easiest if the ambient light is not too bright. Otherwise it will probably be necessary to use yellow leds. If so, properly diffused you can smooth out the worst of the bright spots.

Oh hey good point - now that you mention it, all the EL wire pics are in low lighting. She wants this for conventions, so I assume the brighter the better. I know zip about led (but I learn stuff pretty quick) - what supplier do you think I should use? Thanks so much =)

 

[RaptorAdapter]

I have no knowledge of molding plastic, leather, or metal and would love to see progress pics if you have any, Fuyuko! I'm trying to assemble Lightning for Dragon*Con 2011 and so far I haven't been really happy with the fabric ones you can buy online from Chinese vendors. This prop will probably be the hardest part for me to tackle...

I'd love to check out other material options and how they look in comparison!