Hey there,

So at the moment... I had 3 tries making Princess Garnet's crown/head dress... and so far it's failing! XD; And so before attempting the fourth one I'm wondering how to make is strong so that it doesn't break after hardening each time ;o;

Also if you could think of any other materials that would be good instead of Fimo or Das then that would be really helpful! X3 Though at the moment fimo seems to be the most preferable option as Das kinda failed on me when moulding xD;

Please and Thank you ^^

P.S. Forgot the reference pictures!

Clay alone might be too fragile, but you can experiment with strengthening it. You can embed wires or other strong pieces into the clay before baking, which is something I did for a lot of the clay pieces on my Esther costume. Perhaps build over a thin wire headband to have support running through it all. Also, a simple thing to do is to make sure you are sculpting the pieces fairly thickly, that could make a difference.

Another option is to glue a backing on after baking. Although I didn't make my own Garnet crown, I know it's entirely made from clay, and the pieces have sheet metal glued to the back for support (any stiff backing should do, even tough cardboard, but something to look into might be wonderflex as a backing, especially since it can be curved to fit your head). What also might be significant, is it's not all made in one piece. There's a few sections, and they're attached to a hairband somewhat flexibly with loops and wire, so they can shift a bit and are less likely to snap apart. I imagine it's a lot easier to sculpt when divided into smaller sections too.

If you don't want to use clay, consider looking into hot glue. You can build up detailed designs with care and practice. Wonderflex, other thin plastic and possibly craft foam would make a good base for the glue. One of hot glue's notable properties is that it's flexible, it'll bend rather than break ^_^

Thank you for your suggestions! =D

I was thinking of using a plastic headband as a base... though I was worried it might burn/melt in the oven! o.o;; And adding wire? That's a really good idea! =D Though wouldn't that burn? o.o;; Or is it completely safe? Ooo I've never thought of making seperate pieces! XD Dang I'm so foolish! D8 I might try that then =D

And I must get myself a hot glue gun one day! XD They seem really handy in the cosplay world! xD I'll try looking in DIY shops for a cheap one then ^^;; Or just borrow one off friends xD

I made mine ages ago but when I did I used bendy scupley (sculpey is like fimo clay). If you can get your hands on it I find it much easier to use. I made each piece of the crown seperately and put it on an long thing bit of the sculpey so you wouldn't have to mould the clay to any particular shape, you just sort of placed it on your head and it stayed absolutely fine! Not sure if that makes any sense but I don't know how to describe it XD;

A plastic headband probably wouldn't be a good idea in the oven, but a metal one should be ok. Another option is to attach combs, so they'll grip into your hair/wig when you wear it, and those could be glued on after baking if you're unsure.

Also, when you bake it, it needs baked in the shape it's going to end up, so try draping it over an oven-proof pot or something about the right size and curved. Unless you make it in separate pieces so the curved shape isn't so important.

As for wires and metal pieces inside the clay, I had no problems with them. I was worried about it at first, but absolutely no issues - kirby grips and metal skewers all survived fine. Fimo does bake at a relatively low temperature.

Oh yeah! I heard Bendy Sculpty was easier to work with as other Garnet's have used that... but I have no idea where to get that from! =X [Unless I ask my friend to get some via eBay or something XD]

And I've tried sticking the crown onto a bowl that's practically the size of my head... I think it flopped off though leading to breakage xD;; and awesome! =D I'll try adding wire to the sculpty/fimo to hold it in place... and if all else fails I'll do seperate bits! XD; [Though it's difficult if I do it in seperate bits as I don't have a glue gun to glue them together T-T]

Invest in a glue gun, it'll be worth it. My glue gun has saved my life SO many times, and it's only a mini baby one. A glue gun is a cosplay essential!

I couldn't agree more with MoonLily. I have used a glue gun to make half of my cosplays and I wouldn't know how I would have made the cosplays without it.

I haven't started on making the crown yet, but what I have in mind is modelling clay and then sticking the pieces on a hair band with a glue gun. A glue gun is strong and drys really quickly, which will work really well for the crown.

If your looking for a cheap glue gun, then the cheapest I saw is from WHSmith for £7.99 (Other crafts & arts stores may have it too) I think it's called "Stick it!" Sorry I forgot the name of the glue gun because I throwed away the box and instrutions. I was worried that it might lack in quality, but it still works well and it holds my Karin cosplay up throughout the Expo, so I don't think the sticking quality had any variation.

In btw, I hope your next attempt of making the crown goes well.

Only £8? Wow! I thought they were like £20! XD I'll definately get my hands on a hot glue gun then! >D *checks pockets*... After Xmas XD;

Thank you all for the great advice btw! ^-^ I'll definately use it and hopefully my 4th [and last] attempt will be successful thanks to you guys! =D

Glue guns are definitely something to pick up, and you should definitely be able to get one for under £10. Mine was £5 from fabric land.

If you find it looks a bit "bitty" when you make it piece by piece you could try covering everything in a layer of latex. Or even using fimo to make a mould and then using something a bit more flexible. Fran's helm was made by coating latex on fimo - see here:
http://www.cosplayisland.co.uk/costume/view/485

Only £5? I'm getting one now! XD *runs to random shops to invest in a glue gun*

And wow! Your crown/headdress for Fran looks amazing! It doesn't look like it's covered with latex! =D I might try that strategy! ^-^

Lol advice like these makes me glad I joined the cosplay island community xD

I half half a ton of Fimo and I swear, it's so hard to use -_-

I think my favourite modelling material so far is the legendary Green Stuff you can get from Games Workshop. It's been far better for the kind of modelling I've done so far anyway.

if you have an aldi store near you they sell glue guns for a fiver and boxes of 32 XL gluesticks for 2.99, and its a fairly hefty one too

i never got on with greenstuff myself, i prefer a mix of no more nails, fimo, hot glue and papermache (real stuff not newspaper and glue)

Gah! Unfortunately we don't have a Games Workshop OR an Aldi shop D= [Yes my little town really sucks xD;]... well... at least I don't think so! XD; I'll definately go see if we do though cause I definately like cheap stuff xP

We do have an Aldi! It's down the bottom end of town near the music shop and the bridge =3
I need to find my glue gun actually, no idea were it is though >.<