Third Cosplay - Hrist

The End of the Construction is Nigh!

2010-04-28T12:20:00.000-07:00

1.) First fitting
2.) Skirt
3.) Spear/Halberd head
4.) Leg guards & upper arm guards
5.) Helmet
6.) Greave & foot armour 1
7.) Foot armour 1
8.) Breastplate (back)

So, the construction of the armour is almost complete now. After that, it's mainly all the cosmetic work that needs doing to it all, and the making of the sword and scabbard.

We're getting there I think!

Progress is coming in chunks now!

2010-04-07T13:05:00.001-07:00

Here's how far I am to date with this project.

1.) The Spear.
2.) Breastplate front (this is actually a bit further along now).
3.) Breastplate back.
4.) Leg guard.
5.) Gauntlets (one being paint tested, the other just made),
6.) Upper arm guards.

I'm really going to be cracking down on this now in order for it to be finished for London MCM Expo, May 2010.

Updates Updates Updates!

2010-02-25T11:16:00.000-08:00

And I will be making sure I am doing more of them in the near future, considering I've scheduled this costume for London MCM Expo, May 2010!

1.) Helmet (papiermached on one side).
2.) Greaves/Boots started.
3.) First "so far" costume run, though without the helmet and wig.

Helmet, Skirt, Spear & Armour Updates

2010-02-19T13:42:00.000-08:00

I can now say the helmet is ready to have the final coat of papiermache on it ready for painting. The feathers will be added when all of the painting is done.
1.) Front/Side View
2.) Side View Close up
3.) Wearing the helmet

As for the skirt, there's not a lot of detail added on to it right now, and I need to build up the gold colour over it. Here is the current progress on it though - Skirt Progress.

The spear is also coming along nicely, and the front of the breastplate is also about 3/4 made.

Helmet and Spear Update

2010-02-02T10:01:00.000-08:00

I've covered the spear head in foam now. I just need to make the top blade and add the papiermache before I can paint it.
And there's a bit more progress with the helmet as well.

Aside from that, there's really nothing else to report.
I hope to be working on the patterns on the drape-skirt soon.

Shaping up a little!

2010-01-17T13:42:00.000-08:00

Here is the current detailing on the helmet.
I'll be waiting until it's ALL papiermached and painted before I glue the feathers in.
I must remind myself to buy some spare feathers if I can get a hold of them.

The breastplate is still coming along bit by bit, but it still looks very much like a fly's head...
Front view
Side view

And finally....here's what the skirt drape looks like at the moment!
Skirt Drape Front
Skirt Drape Side

Helmet, spear and sword

2010-01-08T10:33:00.000-08:00

Here is my current progress. Considering the festive season, it's taken some time to get some more up here.

I am building up the detail on the helmet in stages, and now the decoration detail has just begun.
Helmet stage 2 part 2 (Front)
Helmet stage 2 part 2 (Back)

The spear head is something else entirely. I found that wood was probably going to be too difficult considering the design of the head (as it appears to be slotted right through the pole). So instead, here's the skeleton of it made out of corrugated cardboard. I'll add foam on top with papiermache.
Spear head skeleton

I've also just made the template for the sword.
Sword template
Sword template (Hilt)

Here's a little of the breastplate progress as well.

Breastplate - stage 1 part 1 + Helmet update

2009-11-25T09:25:00.000-08:00

This might look a little odd, and currently not much like Hrist's breastplate, but I can assure you it is taking form slowly but surely. I still have to work out how to get the surface smooth and without lumps etc. I can find Gesso from Liquitex to get rid of the tiny squares that cover the entire surface of Wonderflex, but it's the bits that seem to keep getting lumps on the surface that I need to cover so it doesn't show when painting.

Take a look - Breastplate stage 1 part 1

I have also added more to the helmet.
1.) Helmet - stage 1 part 2 (side)
2.) Helmet - stage 1 part 2 (back)

Tiling grout/wall adhesive was added and sanded to build the helmets rounded shape (filling in dips and uneven areas of the surface), and then with more papiermache over the top.

Helmet and gauntlets - stage 1

2009-11-22T07:39:00.000-08:00

I only have a few photos of them at the moment...
1.) Helmet - stage 1 (back)

2.) Helmet - stage 1 (side)

(The helmet has actually now been papiermached as it is, but there's still more work to do before it's worth taking more photos. It is also made from a corrugated cardboard frame with funky foam underneath and on top to build the shape).

3.) Gauntlets (top side)
(The gauntlets and as much of the rest of the armour is and will be made from Wonderflex).

~~***~~

I am also working on the landing net pole that will be used for the spear. It's made from fibreglass, and so I've had to sand it down, primer it and spray paint over the top. The pole itself is 3ft 5in when compact and 6ft 2in when extended.

I am waiting on a spray lacquer to add on afterwards to protect it. You won't see the spear head just yet (perhaps only a template), as my dad will be helping me with this as and when he can. As it is getting near Christmas and considerably colder and wetter, it'll probably be done as soon as the weather is better. Saying that, it's what I expect.

Gathering materials

2009-11-08T08:00:00.001-08:00

The current list is as follows:
* Wonderflex sheet 1 metre x 1.45 metre for armour (not sure if I'll need more yet).
Bought from Flints.

* White skirt to be modified into the drape.
Bought from eBay.

* Black landing net handle, 2 sections, 6ft 2in when extended and 3ft 5in when compacted.
Bought from eBay.

* Gold spray paint.
Bought from eBay.

I'm just waiting for them to arrive.

As for other things I want to purchase for it in the near future...
* Gold eyelets to hang the leaf shapes (that I need to make) from the drape.
* Gold fabric paint for the drape patterns.
* Foam and foam tape.
* The sword (will get from eBay).

The landing net pole will be for the spear, so it can be compacted and carried around safely at the event.
Of course I'll need many more materials, but right now I need to wait for what I have already bought and work on it from there.

Preparations

2009-10-28T14:55:00.001-07:00

I am currently speculating and preparing how to approach this cosplay.
Hrist Valkyrie's armour is something to be reckoned with, and after my most recent cosplay as Rose from The Legend of Dragoon (the standard outfit) I know it's going to be a real challenge. However, if I can find a good method of putting it all together then it should make things a bit easier.

I'm not sure about what to do for the halberd yet, but I have an idea if I can just find what I want.
My current ideas for the drape are to probably by a long white skirt (although I hate the damn things) and cut the slits in it before putting the decoration on. I can probably use the black wig I used for Rose, and the rest is mainly armour (plus a sword of which I can just buy a wooden one on eBay I should think).

Here are a few reference pictures...
1.) Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth (conceptual art)
2.) Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth (cgi conceptual art)
3.) Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria (CGI)
4.) Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria (wallpaper)
5.) Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria (conceptual art)