Prop-a-sutraThe Beginner’s guide to prop-making

- Sai Prakash

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In a cosplayer’s context, a prop is something that the cosplayer uses, to bring his character to life, on-stage.

Examples: Swords, Shields, etc.

A Prop?

You can either buy the props online, or go by the traditional “Do-It-Yourself” approach.

Most people generally prefer making their own props.

WHY DIY? –• Much cheaper to make, than to buy online.• Can be customised as needed (dimensions, looks, etc).• Satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.

WHY NOT DIY?• Presumption that that would not be able to bring out the prefect

appearance of the prop.• Too lazy.• Not enough time.

Buy or DIY.

1. Identify & Understand.

2. Plan.

3. Make.

1-2-3 of DIY

Decide on the prop you are making.

Understand the structure and distinctive features.◦ Height◦ Curves◦ Design.◦ Look.◦ Usage.

1. Identify & Understand

Cost involved Time Required. Availability of the resources. Procedure.

2. Plan

Disclaimer: Prop making is not a very cheap process. It takes a lot of money (sometimes less) and a lot of time.◦ No further notes on the cost.

Time-◦ Bigger the prop, more time it takes.◦ More detailed the prop, more time.

Start early if you want to avoid sleepless nights closer to the convention.

2.1 Cost Involved & Time Required

EVA Foam Foam Boards Card Board Pipe-shaped wood. Wood Sheets or Ply-wood. Paper Mache. PVC Pipes Binding Wire. Paints.

Note: Comic Con does do not allow props that could lead to mass destruction or murder, especially those made of any metal.

2.2 Resources Available

Are you strong enough to carry a huge prop all day? (all by yourself)◦ Definitely not.

If the prop is huge, like Nozarashi from Bleach, the material used should be sturdy and of course light.◦ Examples- Foam Boards.

Detailed-◦ Materials for easy engraving of details should be used.

EVA Foam. Paper Mache.

For props such as swords and katanas (average in length) Wooden sheets are to be preferred.

What Material do I use?

NOZARASHI

If you want a good & awesome prop, a mom’s scolding, a few sleepless nights and a little pain in the back is all part of the game.

But in the end, all is worth it.

3. Make it

SwordsKatanasShieldsMasksSpearsArmors

Simple Procedures for Simple Props Props

Step 1: A Wooden sheet of desired length (preferable 6mm) and cut into the desired shape

Step 2: EVA/Foam Board/Card Board for the sheath and crossbar.

Step 3: Dremel or Sandpaper, to smoothen the blade.

Step 4: Primer for glossy look. (expensive) Step 5: Spray paint (use gloss enamel for

effect)

Sword

Follow Steps 1-5 of the sword procedure.

Key points:◦ Curve of the Blade.◦ One side of the blade is slim.◦ The Tsuba (crossbar). Every Katana has a unique

design.◦ The Tsuka. (the Handle) Follow traditional

japanese method, a.k.a Tsukamaki.

Katanas

Tensa-Zangetsu

If it’s a round shield like Captain America, all you need is a Frisbee that fits your requirements, with minute adjustments, ofcourse!

You can imagine the rest.

Else, use EVA Foam.

A shield

1. A blown balloon the size of your face2. Cover the entire balloon with paper mache3. Pop the balloon after the mache dries/

hardens4. Cut the balloon shaped paper mache into

two halves5. Give effects for details and Paint your

desired mask.

A Mask

Use a PVC pipe or Pie Shaped Wood for the staff.

Use Foam Boards/ EVA Foam/ Card Board/ Theromocol/ Papermache for the Pointed head of the spear.

Spears

Find or Make a Blueprint. Cut EVA into pieces of armor.

Heat Eva foam to shape it and bend it. Use Hot Glue Gun or Rubber Based

Glue to put it together. Give a coat or 2 of Primer.

Spray paint

Armour

A beginner, Low-on-cash and a “not so good with crafts” person can start off with basics using

◦ Paper mache ( glue and water and paper)◦ Plaster OF Paris◦ Wood.◦ Itsy Bitsy

A little on the cheaper side

EVA stands for Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, which is of great advantage to a costumer.

WHY EVA?◦ good weather and chemical resistance◦ good acoustic properties◦ oil resistance◦ environmentally friendly◦ Very flexible◦ Easy to work with

EVA, EVA and more EVA

EVA foam has many wonderful properties, but it is very unforgiving when it comes to sloppy workmanship.

Accurate tracing of the patterns and careful cutting are the best ways to insure a beautifully finished product.

NO Sloppy Workmanship

Materials like Foam, requires special tools to work with.

Heat Gun. Dremel (for small engravings) Soldering iron ( detailings) Glue Gun Rubber cement (not really recommended)

Our very local Fevicol ‘SR’ or the FEVIBOND.

Tools used.

Improvising goes hand in hand when prop making.

Once you start building, there’s no 100% assurance that you get all your resources.

Being an Indian, the art of improvising and reducing costs comes inbuilt, in the blood.

The Art of Improv

Some are simply Awesome, And some simple and awesome!

Any Questions?

Thanks!!!