Need help for my cosplay

[shikyo]

I need help on how to make my cosplay's device.
Can her device be made of styro(sp?) foam?
(I'm cosplaying the girl wearing white)
http://www.animeversand.com/images/products/normal/ADV00584.jpg

[EveofAbyss]

The hammer/staff thing? That shouldn't be too hard. The staff part could just be a wooden rod or staff, you wouldn't have to make that, I don't think.

And you could sculpt the upper part, the head out of styrofoam or some sort of foam. You would just have to be careful with what paint you use, since some types erode styrofoam.

Good luck! If I think of any more tips, I'll be sure to post.

[shikyo]

Ok thank you!

[nikkiolie]

Yeah styrafoam would work just fine. What I put over my foam to give it a smoother finish is Resin, you can buy it at most craft stores. All it is is two liquids and you mix them together then pour (I paint) it onto whatever you need. I used that to add strength to armor bits and to give my props a smooth finish. I'll show you some example.

Not the best picture but it will work http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/2089/008tfb.jpg
Here is a picture for the guantlet I am making for Albel
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/108/l_07386a822f1545088c0f54803f145683.jpg
And this is what Albel looks like
http://albelxnel.kuroi-hoshi.org/game/Albel.jpg
So it is supposed to have an armor look and I think I got that.

[EveofAbyss]

Wow, so that's from resin, Nikki? How easy is it to work with? I may go that route in the future with some props.

[nikkiolie]

Very very easy, just pour two equal amounts into two different cups then mix them together and you are good to go. It takes about a day to dry but if you do it over night it should be done by the time you get up.

[EveofAbyss]

Ah, wow. Thanks for the advice. I had never even thought about sculpting and resin and all that, but that just opened up a whole new area full of options. Thanks, Nikki. ^_^

[nikkiolie]

If you are using craft foam for any reason the resin makes it much more sturdy and it also gives it that smooth finish. I'm sure you know what craft foam looks like if you just put paint directly on it. It doesn't look like armor that is for sure XD

[EveofAbyss]

Yeah, that's for sure. That will be great for Steiner and future gun-arms.

[shikyo]

Wow I must remember to buy that! Thanks for the tip.

[BangBangNeko]

lol Resin is your friend XD I found this out working on my Bioshock cosplay
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NIDdVQtLsjw/SfhkkuW43EI/AAAAAAAAA54/K1bbE1BLqSM/s1600-h/big_sister_final_01.jpg

If your working with resin, make sure to see what kind it is. Because I went to the plastic/resin store in portland and they told which resin are good for different project. If your looking for a clear style resin I would suggest easy cast, you just mix in equal measurements and this stuff doesn't smell bad. But if your painting it then you want quick cast, it's fast curing and very durable. And paint takes to it better. Then there's the other stuff, but it's got really harsh chemicals so you'd have to work fast and outside. But it it's the stuff were used for my head and armor piece. http://images.cosplay.com/photos/21/2187503.jpg

And I would suggest getting a styrofoam cutter, it works wonders in getting little details and it leaves no mess. Because it's just a electric heating needle, so it just melts the styrofoam away.

Anyways good luck can't wait to see it at the con. ^_^