Archive for September 2010
Pepakura Hyrule Shield
As previously mentioned on the Legend of Zelda costume post, we are making a Link costume for the kiddo. The project is underway, and we’ve started constructing the Hyrule shield. First starting with the 3D modeling software called Pepakura, I printed out the diagram of the shield on cardstock paper, which is the thickest paper that a standard at-home printer can print on. I cut out all of the pieces and glued them according to the number system on the paper. The result is below.
If you’d like to make your own Hyrule shield, you’ll need to start off with the Pepakura software found on the following link: http://www.tamasoft.co.jp/pepakura-en/download/designer.html
You’ll also need the file that has the Hyrule shield plan… I can’t seem to find it on the Pepakura site, but I still have the files on my hard drive. If anyone wants it, just message and I can send it to you by email.
You’ll also need:
1) Fiberglass resin
2) Several paintbrushes
3) Plastic containers for mixing; I used disposable cups
4) Something to stir with; I used barbecue/shishkebab sticks
I used Bondo fiberglass resin, which can be found at WalMart or on Amazon. I initially used plastic containers found in the paint section, but since they can only be used once, I opted for disposable plastic cups. The resin hardens fairly quickly, so you’ll need to make small batches of the resin when you lay the coats on the paper. Mix about 3-4 ounces of the resin at a time and paint the shield with thin coats of the resin. Between coats, you’ll need to let the resin dry completely. I did about three coats of the resin for both the top and the inside/bottom of the shield.
Additional pictures:
Posted in Clothing, DIY Projects | 
Tags: 3d model, hyrule, legend of zelda, link, nintendo, paper model, pepakura, twilight princess | 
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Legend of Zelda Link Costume
Photo Courtesy of IGN
When asked what he wanted to be for Halloween, my six-year-old son initially responded with, “Optimus Prime.” When asked to think very carefully if that’s what he really, really wanted to be (which was merely me being persuasive), he changed his mind and said, “Link.” So there you have it: my son is dressing up as Link for Halloween 2010 
When he was two, he also dressed up as Link. I used this [awful] green fabric I picked up from JoAnn Fabrics and started sewing away. The end result wasn’t anything fancy; if anything, it was bordering on atrocious: my stitching was starting to come loose around the armpit area, and the covers on the shoes that were to resemble boots were, well … pretty bad. I had purchased the Hyrule shield from eBay. Upon receipt, I realized just how easy it was to make (and how I could have saved $35 if I had done just a wee bit of research). It was made of foamcore paper board, colored construction paper, acrylic paint, and silver glitter glue.
So, this year, we’re going all out and learning from the mistakes of our past. The version of Link I’m striving to make is the Twilight Princess version, which means implementing more details on the tunic and on the accessories. I plan to omit some of the details to save time and sanity. This time, I opted for a darker suede-like fabric and this leather-like/pleather material for his boots and belt with strap. I actually looked up different sewing patterns and thus learned the backstitch. I’m pretty proud of how it’s coming along. The cap looks great (-enough), and the belt is looking pretty sweet. My only concern now is making sure I cut and sew the fabric straight, but I’m confident it will come with more practice. And patience. Yes. Lots of patience.
As for the shield and sword, oh boy… that’s where it gets a bit tricky. My friend and her husband are showing us how to make a shield replica out of fiberglass. It’s a multi-step process that will require precision, attention to detail, paper, cardstock, 3-D software, gloves, and possibly face masks 
Pictures of the completed costume will be posted!
Posted in Clothing | Tags: costume, halloween, hyrule shield, legend of zelda, link, master sword, nintendo, tunic | No Comments »