Crafting Astrid's Armor: A Dragon-Worthy Adventure
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Materials Used
- Creating the Base
- Designing the Armor Patterns
- Cutting and Gluing the Foam Pieces
- Adding Fine Details
- Creating and Attaching the Scales
- Shoulder Straps and Gap Sealing
- Creating the Skulls for the Skirt
- Making the Forearms, Legs, and Knee Pads
- Designing and Crafting the Helmet
- Applying Primer and Metallic Acrylics
- Adding Iridescent Effects
- Adding Wear and Shadows
- Applying Protective Spray
- Conclusion
🛡️ Crafting Astrid's Armor from How to Train your Dragon 3
Have you ever wondered how to create a realistic replica of your favorite character's armor? In this tutorial, I will guide you through the process of crafting Astrid's armor from How to Train your Dragon 3. So, let's put on our creative helmets and embark on this exhilarating journey of crafting dragon-worthy armor!
1️⃣ Introduction
Welcome to this exciting project! Today, we will explore the step-by-step process of creating Astrid's armor. This costume is not only visually captivating but also highly articulated. We will be using a combination of faux leather and lycra to ensure both mobility and authenticity.
2️⃣ Materials Used
To bring Astrid's armor to life, we will need the following materials:
- Faux leather for the visible parts
- Lycra for the abdomen
- High-density 5mm foam for the armor base
- 2mm foam for finer details
- Acrylic ball for shaping shoulder straps
- Kwik Seal for sealing gaps
- Heat gun for foam shaping
- Contact glue for foam assembly
- Metallic acrylics for coloring
- Protective spray for finishing touches
3️⃣ Creating the Base
Let's start by creating the base of the armor. We will use a tailored part in faux leather and lycra for better mobility. Once the base is finished, we will move on to creating the patterns for the armor. With the help of someone, we will roll ourselves up in film and tape, resembling a sushi roll. This will serve as a reference for the armor's tripartite division.
4️⃣ Designing the Armor Patterns
To achieve authenticity, we will draw the 2D model of the armor in Autocad. This will help us position each scale accurately. We will then print the project and apply it to the base, adapting it to our proportions. It's essential to pay attention to every detail, ensuring the armor closely resembles the original design.
5️⃣ Cutting and Gluing the Foam Pieces
Once we have the pattern, we can proceed to cut each piece and glue them together using contact glue. Thermoforming may be necessary to give the correct shape to the armor. For finer details, we will use 2mm foam, such as shoulder straps, back flaps, and joint strips. These details will add realism to the overall project.
6️⃣ Adding Fine Details
Astrid's armor design is intricate, requiring meticulous attention to detail. On the front, small seams can be noticed, for which we will use 1mm foam. Each filament will be meticulously cut and glued one by one. Although this process is time-consuming, the end result is extremely satisfying.
7️⃣ Creating and Attaching the Scales
Now comes the most time-consuming part of the process – creating the scales. We will draw each individual scale on foam, sand the edges to smooth them, and seal the pores using a heat gun. Using contact glue, we will attach the scales to the bust one by one, giving a realistic and awe-inspiring appearance.
8️⃣ Shoulder Straps and Gap Sealing
Similar to the base, we will design the shoulder straps using Autocad and foam. By shaping the foam on an acrylic ball, we can achieve the desired roundness. After creating all the pieces, we will seal any gaps using Kwik Seal, ensuring a seamless and polished look.
9️⃣ Creating the Skulls for the Skirt
For the skulls in the skirt, we will utilize foam clay. Creating them from scratch, we will follow reference images to ensure accuracy. To form the mold, we will use silicone rubber. Once the mold is dry, we can fill it with foam clay, creating the perfect amount of skulls to adorn the skirt.
🔟 Making the Forearms, Legs, and Knee Pads
The forearms, legs, and knee pads follow a similar process to the previous steps. We will cut each piece, add fake leather stitching, and add blood-like paint to the scales for a battle-worn effect. Paying attention to details in every step will result in a stunning final product.
1️⃣1️⃣ Designing and Crafting the Helmet
Crafting the helmet can be a challenging task due to the variety of incorrect proportions and shapes found online. To ensure accuracy, we will take the Autocad drawing as a reference and create a prototype with paper. Once satisfied, we will reproduce each piece on 5mm foam, cutting and gluing them together. Horns will be shaped and finished before attaching them to the helmet.
1️⃣2️⃣ Applying Primer and Metallic Acrylics
With all the foam pieces complete, it's time to apply a coat of primer. Plastidip is recommended for this step, providing a protective base for further painting. Multiple layers are necessary to ensure durability. After priming, we will use metallic acrylics to add color to different areas of the armor, creating a vibrant and eye-catching appearance.
1️⃣3️⃣ Adding Iridescent Effects
To achieve an iridescent effect on the scales, we'll apply a coat of semi-transparent light blue metallic paint. This technique creates a mesmerizing play of colors, as the light bounces off multiple layers of metallic pigments. The result is a captivating and dynamic shine that truly brings the armor to life.
1️⃣4️⃣ Adding Wear and Shadows
To add depth and realism to the armor, we will strategically add hints of wear and shadows. Using an old brush, we will tap acrylic paint of a lighter shade onto the piece. Shadow points will be enhanced using an airbrush. These techniques give the armor a battle-hardened appearance, as if it has seen many fierce dragon encounters.
1️⃣5️⃣ Applying Protective Spray
Once all the coloring and finishing touches are complete, it's important to protect the armor from wear and tear. A coat of protective spray will ensure longevity and preserve the vibrant colors. So, rest assured that your hard work and dedication will be safeguarded.
1️⃣6️⃣ Conclusion
Congratulations, my fellow dragon enthusiasts! You have successfully crafted Astrid's breathtaking armor. As you don this magnificent creation, you embody the spirit of adventure and bravery. Now, go forth and conquer the dragon realm with style and grace.
