Start of detailing on headdress (Posted 2 Weeks Ago)

After applying several layers of paper Mache (I like to use small, torn sections of newspaper with a mixture of PVA glue and water) which I allowed to dry completely in the airing cupboard I was ready to start adding the gold detailing. I decided to build up the details by layering up cardboard which I will then cover in a layer of paper Mache (with tissue paper) to seal the design before painting. I did that method for the designs on my shamisen and it seemed to work pretty well. The first thing I did was cut out a diamond shape for the detailing at the front of the headdress. Once I had made the base diamond I drew out the inner pattern so that I could get the proportions right and when I was happy with that I used greaseproof paper to trace the pattern. Next I traced the pattern several times onto another piece of cardboard and then cut them out. I stuck each piece of the pattern that I wanted to stand out onto the base diamond until I had achieved a slightly raised effected which I would later cover with paper Mache.
Next I cut out several thin strips of cardboard that I stuck using a hot glue gun to the front of each antenna. This was to give each one a smooth even base on to which I would later add the ridged detailing. I also made eight cardboard templates of the antenna so that I could create the gold lines that decorate the side of each one. I measured about half an inch around each template on the inner edge drawing a line all the way around so that when I cut the inner section away I was left with a thin strip in the shape of the antenna that I could stick to the side edge. Two strips for each side of the antenna seemed to be enough to give a nicely raised edge which I hope will be easy enough to colour gold and weather with dry brushing with black paint.

Base of headdress (Posted 3 Weeks Ago)

After about a week mucking about with wire mesh I have finally made the base for the headdress…I seem to have an antenna theme going on with my costumes at the moment what with Pang Tong and now Lu Bu. The base of the headdress is made from wire mesh, garden wire and cardboard. I started by making a crown piece, secured by a thin craft wire and was made slightly larger than my head so I could line it later as I don’t fancy going all day without some kind of padding in the thing. Next I cut an oval shape from card and once happy with the size I used this as a template for the wire mesh. I attached the oval to the front of the crown by threading the craft wire through the holes. I repeated the progress with the two gold wing details at the side of the headdress, keeping a cardboard template of each detail so I would be able to define the gold patterns after the base had been applied with several layers of paper Mache. Once the wire mesh was in place I had added a section to the back of the headdress between the top of the oval and three inches down which I hope will be a good enough support for when I add the feather plumes. Then I used more cardboard templates to define the shape if the headdress at the bottom, sides and around the oval.
The antenna I made by drawing out a cardboard template which I used too cut the shape from wire mesh. This I added to the front of the headdress with garden wire and small sections of wire mesh. I ran some lengths of garden wire up through the mesh to give more support before adding templates of cardboard with more cardboard sandwiched between them and covered in masking tape. Finally I covered the whole base of the headdress in masking tape ready to apply the paper Mache.

Started on Lu Bu! (Posted 4 Weeks Ago)

Oh no…it’s Lu Bu.
I am so nervous but extremely excited about starting this monster of a project. I know starting a week after I returned form Oct Expo may seem a little too keen but considering the work involve I thought it was wise to allow myself plenty of time for experimentation, failures and actually completing the costume. And if making one of the most awesome armoured costumes in the Dynasty Warriors 6 game wasn’t enough of a challenge I had also decided that I would like to try out some new craft techniques on this project.
After asking SANDS for advice regarding the creation of Lu Bu’s headdress (if you need advice on making headdress then ask SANDS as she is the queen on that subject) I decided to make mine from a sheet of metal mesh that I had found in the shed (AND RECOMMENDED BY RYAOKI)as my first attempt with chicken wire wasn’t very successful. I have never worked with chicken wire before so I guess in time I would become more skilled with manipulating it and once covered with the details it would have improved but everything looked far too untidy and flimsy for me. The wire mesh was harder still to handle and manipulate but I feel happier with the result so far. I have made the necessary base for the headdress and hope to start the details that need to be added pretty soon.
I have also decided to try my hand at embroidery as to be honest I wanted to do more with this as it is my dream costume than simply hand paint all the details. I thought it would be an interesting if slow project and add a little more texture to the costume. I made a cardboard template of the details I wanted to embroider from a reference picture, traced it onto a black cotton panel and I am currently and very slowly embroidering the design on the front of the tasselled skirt piece. Metallic thread is evil…I guess I must have picked one of the hardest threads to work with especially as I am a novice when it comes to embroidery but I am not going to let it beat me and find it quite relaxing. Fifteen centimetres over a few hours for three evenings is painfully slow but not too bad considering it is my first time at embroidery so with luck I will get it finished by the New Year!