Local Help Needed--Koopa Shell

[BlackjackGabbiani]

I want to go as Wendy O. Koopa to the next cons, but I have no idea how to do her shell. Anyone in the Beaverton/Portland area able to help me? I'll pay you, as well as cover the materials.

[Vondan]

I dont have the pictures up right now but I made a tottlor lady bug costume ware the shell was a pillow sort of thing that was worn like a back pack.  I have seen kids turtle costumes set up the same way.

[BlackjackGabbiani]

Oooh. Doing it like a backpack is what I was thinking too, but I've no idea what to make it out of or how to put it together.

[Vondan]

The shell I made was a red leather cover (with the dots made from leather cut outs stitched on) stuffed with a piece of foam cut into an oval and then loose batting to round out the shape.  The stuffing all went into a hole with laces like on a football that was on the front of the shell hidden by the wearer.  

That could be done and use a large pieces of foam inside cut in concentric layers like a wedding cake.  Imagine if you had a large green oval couch seat cushion on your back.  I have no idea how round or humped you would want Wendy’s shell and if her shell has ridges, that will require some figuring a pattern to get it more shaped like an Igloo than a flat cushion.   Another idea would be to build up a foam and paper mache’ shell on something like a plastic snow saucer or the lid to a storage tub.


And then you have to do a Karaoke Song by the Plasmatic.  But no one under 30 knows who they are so just do the Blondie song “One way or another” with some of the lyrics changed

[BlackjackGabbiani]

Well, her shell has spikes on it. I've no idea how to make spikes.

[superjaz]

you make a cone out of fabric like you would paper stich a spike is a cone or triangle try it with paper and see what you like you'll need to fill it probably with poly stuffing, i'm thinking felt might work

[Vondan]

oh for the spikes we need to use Chrome steel or maybe Human thigh bones

[goldy496]

Shell most likely would be easiest if you made it out of stiff foam, and then covered it with whatever looks like the turtle pattern. I'll assume looks similar to Bowser or something. So you would need shiny leather/plastic cut into the turtle pattern. Spikes are relatively easy, depending on how big they are. Even posterboard works, if you cut them out and roll them, but that's a pain. You could also buy stiff foam cones, but you'd have to find the right size, and then spray pain them and stuff.

Don't forget to carve into the shell, so it fits naturally on your back, as opposed to a flat surface that would have edges jutting out here and there.\

hope that helps.  :?