In this class you will learn how to work with the foam, including several tools you probably already have to work with it. You’ll learn some basic pattern making, and how to cut, stack, sculpt, and etch your pieces to add huge amounts of detail you may never have thought possible. You’ll also be able to follow along and make your own cool looking helmet, and then be able to apply what you’ve learned into making your own super cool set of armor!
Open Facebook Group to students of this course:
Curious Mondo: Beginner’s Armor Making with EVA Foam
Time table:
9 hours
Level:
Basic / Intermediate / Advanced
Target market:
Anyone interested in making armor with foam, cosplay and film.
Main objective:
Learn all about how to make armor with foam floor mats.
Prerequisite:
None
Class 01:
- Intro
- About me
- Why foam? (cost, availability, ease of use, lightweight)
- Where to get it (hardware stores, online, etc.)
Class 02:
- Tools and Shop
- Shop safety and supplies
- Tools list: Just starting out
- Tools list: Upgrades!
- Adhesives
Class 03:
- Working with Foam
- Straight cuts
- Angled cuts
- Bevels
- Curves
- Undercuts
- Layering (stacking different thicknesses, offset edges)
Class 04:
- Quick recap
- What do you want to make?
- Existing object: gather references
- Personal or Concept design: sketch it out
- Determine size, details, inner structure, etc. Mobility!
Class 05:
- Pattern making: Pepakura
- Difference of use (premade/downloaded vs. self-made, regular pep vs. foam pep)
- Quick demonstration of unfolding a file
- Organizing parts for printing
- Overlapping pages
- Pattern making: Freehand
- Example with Ed Head
- Mark center line
- Sketch out base pattern (optionally able to make 2 different patterns on the same head) including hash marks for guides
- Cut pattern carefully off the head
- Transfer pattern to paper/card stock, watch for any needed darts
- Extend patterns using hash marks to account for foam thickness
Class 06:
- Assembly
- Trace patterns to foam and cut
- Heat gun to shape hardest curves (knee anvil trick)
- Contact cement, hair drier to speed up the process
- Line up hash marks while attaching parts
- Cut and assemble both helmet patterns (sci-fi style, fantasy style)
Class 07:
- Quick recap
- Male vs. Female armor making
- Shapes (stereotypes, ideas on how to break them)
- Future vs. Fantasy
- Historical vs. Fantasy
Class 08
- Adding details: Sci-fi helmet
- Layering
- Holes: pipe
- Rivets
- Bevels
- Tube port
- Etched designs
- Flip over for carbon fiber effect
Class 09:
- Adding details: Fantasy helmet
- Curved and organic crowns
- Rear horn
- Cut in crowns
- Hammered textures
- Cuts
- Supports as necessary for open visor
- Craft foam designs
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