Corsairgryl
Member
I was looking for something different for my Moria Orc armor and came across a hide of rawhide at a local Leather Factory outlet. Normally used for drums or dog chews I decided to give it a try. After extensive searching on the net I found only a few tutorials on drummaking so there was a lot of trial & error. In order to work it I soaked it several hours in a large tub then laid it out on towels to blot up the excess water. I then cut it in half for manageability using leather shears. The hide is very slippery so use caution, leather shears can snip a finger off. I let it air dry a few hours.
Using cardboard templates I cut the armor out
while the hide is damp it's very flexible and can be molded into different shapes & ridges using clamps and ties
I experimented with dyeing it while damp and while dry (use gloves!)
It's extremely messy while wet but it gives a deeper color. I used a heat gun (CAUTION! Leather dyes contain alcohol which is flammable!) which gave unusual color striations and sheen, as well as bringing up texture.
Like all leather there is a rough and a smooth side so you can choose what side you want. I was able to make some fantastical shapes and unusual effects by layering on top of dyes (let each layer dry) and judicious use of the heat gun.
You can re-soak hide after it drys although prolonged soaking will leach out dye and many repeated soaking will cause the hide to peel which can be a plus depending on what kind of armor you're building. Always wear gloves or you will dye your skin whatever lovely shade of dye you use
Once you are finished with color and shape you can seal the rawhide to prevent the dye rubbing off. I tried Modpodge, thinned white craft glue and spray on paint sealer in gloss or matte, all worked equally well.
Now comes the fun part, enhancing your armor. You can drill, sand or carve rawhide using a dremel. I used two part Apoxy Sculpt to make ridges and claws.
Armor was mounted on a leather base
I'll be back and continue tutorial soon
Using cardboard templates I cut the armor out
while the hide is damp it's very flexible and can be molded into different shapes & ridges using clamps and ties
I experimented with dyeing it while damp and while dry (use gloves!)
It's extremely messy while wet but it gives a deeper color. I used a heat gun (CAUTION! Leather dyes contain alcohol which is flammable!) which gave unusual color striations and sheen, as well as bringing up texture.
Like all leather there is a rough and a smooth side so you can choose what side you want. I was able to make some fantastical shapes and unusual effects by layering on top of dyes (let each layer dry) and judicious use of the heat gun.
You can re-soak hide after it drys although prolonged soaking will leach out dye and many repeated soaking will cause the hide to peel which can be a plus depending on what kind of armor you're building. Always wear gloves or you will dye your skin whatever lovely shade of dye you use
Once you are finished with color and shape you can seal the rawhide to prevent the dye rubbing off. I tried Modpodge, thinned white craft glue and spray on paint sealer in gloss or matte, all worked equally well.
Now comes the fun part, enhancing your armor. You can drill, sand or carve rawhide using a dremel. I used two part Apoxy Sculpt to make ridges and claws.
Armor was mounted on a leather base
I'll be back and continue tutorial soon
