Creating Customs

[Sir Smittens]

Recently I've been very interrested in creating custom castle armor and weapons, but I haven't been able to find any good sites explaining how to do it. I've emailed Red Bean, but the more ideas the better. Basically, I need to know everything (sorry). Like what supplies I need, how to do it, etc. Any contributions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Blasterman]

You're in luck! I'll be writing a "how to" of sorts very shortly.

[Sir Smittens]

THANK YOU!

That would be really useful. Would you mind letting me know when you have it up? Just post on this forum.

Thanks again.

[Red Bean]

Hi Sir Smittens,

Will answer you here instead of via email. Actually, I've sort of started on a how-to as well just never have the time to get around to finish it. Jeff, just so we don't overlap materials; what will your how-to be about? Mine is sort of a starter where I'm mainly going to talk about the tools of sculpting and general things like that.

But back to Sir Smittens, you can get yourself started at this stage by going to a hobby store and asking for a thing called sculpey. It's a clay-like material which hardens when you heat it. So basically, mold it into the shape you want when it's soft, then heat it so it'd stay in shape and voila you have your custom helmet and armor!

R. B.

[Troy T. Moore]

Now this is VERY interesting! I have been looking at some of my premolded pieces that I will never use to build with and wondering, "Would it be possible to grind them up and mold them into something useful?" Particularliy I am thinking of an "armour" of some sort that would cover otherwise useless torso's and make them fit for castle. I am also throwing around the idea of painting some torso fronts silver and then using a clear sticker with black scale mail pattern (my favourite "soldier" torso pattern) Although I don't know if I can do it with my ink jet printer. Interested to see what you experienced fellows have to say at any rate.

[Sir Smittens]

...a thing called sculpey. It's a clay-like material which hardens when you heat it. So basically, mold it into the shape you want when it's soft, then heat it so it'd stay in shape and voila you have your custom helmet and armor!

Thanks! I'm going to buy some as soon as possible. But in my experiencce, molding materials have been pretty brittle. How's the durability of sculpy? Also, what tools do you use? I can't wait to see your and Jeff's "How To's"

[Blasterman]

Jeff, just so we don't overlap materials; what will your how-to be about? Mine is sort of a starter where I'm mainly going to talk about the tools of sculpting and general things like that.

Go for it! I'm not real big on sculpting, having only done a
few select pieces. My "how to" will focus on making weapons
and armour from existing pieces to scratch built.

I'll cover things like - materials, tools, paints, etc.

And I suppose I'll include some example pics too.

[wlister]

Not very skilled with sculpting myself, I do look forward to seeing the articles Blastermand and Red Bean produce. Another invaluable resource for the masses here at Classic-Castle.

Will

[Glencaer]

I just want to say that I'm glad both Jeff and Isaac are doing these articles, especially in their different approaches and different styles. The classic-castle community is one of the greatest ive ever seen.

sorry guys, just had to gush.

-len

[The Blue Knight]

Lenny, you gusher! But I must agree. I have downloaded some sticker designs Sava graciously posted, and I'm sure they were very time consuming. Now Jeff and Isaac are willing to share their little secrets. It is a wonderful thing to see fellow fans of what I once thought was my private passion. All this info would be considered propeitary (sp?) in the world of business. I truly appreciate all the hard work shared in our community for no fee other than the ole' self administered pat on the back! Thanks for all that you guys do. I only wish that such skills were my forte. I can't wait to see what you'll all come up next! I'm sure it will be more exciting than any Jelly Bean Kingdom set!

Richard

[Sir Smittens]

Thanks for all the help Red (or Isaac). I've made a helmet, and I like it a lot for my first creation, and a gladiator-like shield is in the oven as I type this. This is so cool!

[Sir Smittens]

Any tool suggestions? I've been using my hands and a scalpel (I have no idea how to spell that), but I'd like something finer.

[Jennifer]

OK, so I am no Jeff or anything , but I do sculpt a few things. I have used 'Friendly Clay', SculpeyIII and also Sculpey SuperFlex. I have some clay tools, available in the aisle in Michael's or Hobby Lobby where you get the clays. They are wooden with little blades and scoops and picks on the ends. I also find toothpicks, and paperclips very useful, along with my fingertips, and fingernails. I have only baked my items when finished, but I have heard you can boil them to set, and I will be trying this soon. Will let you know! I generally like the Testors Enamel for painting my finished products. Nice colors and finish. I recommend a sealer afterwards. Hope something helped. Good luck!

[Jedipawn]

I too am looking forward to learning to make my own customs!!! Bring it on! Thanks to those of you who are willing to share your talents with all of us!

Jedipawn

[porschecm2]

I've been thinking of making custom armour, weapons, etc, from a solid block of plastic. I think I can carve and sculpt it ok, but I don't know where to find a large block of solid plastic. ABS would be preferable, but it wouldn't have to be. Any ideas? I think I'd need a block maybe 3/4 inch squared. And long thin ones for weapons.

Cm2