Make: Props and Costume Armor: Create Realistic Science Fiction & Fantasy Weapons, Armor, and Accessories (Make: Technology on Your Time)

Are you ever called upon to make stage armor? Perhaps you just have an interest in learning more about the subject, or perhaps you want to dress up like Iron Man at some point in the future. Regardless, get your hands on a copy of the new title from Maker Media, Make: Props and Costume Armor by Shawn Thorsson. It's a must-own reference manual on a whole host of materials, methods, and techniques for creating such things. The book is written in an accessible, knowledgable way that demystifies a complex and often daunting area of costume production--the full color photographs are often helpful but occasionally hilarious (like the shot of an unfortunate housefly which got stuck in mold medium). Thorsson has aimed the book at primarily a cosplay readership, but the practical concerns of the cosplayer are the same as those of the theatrical costume artist: cost, time, quality, weight, mobility, etc. And, while i've purchased self-published books on these sorts of topics written by cosplay authors, the probably from a professional's perspective with a self-published text is the potential lack of vetting of the methods/media described within for accurate industrial health and safety practices. This book has clearly been edited by an IHS professional for proper practice and PPE recommendations. Thorsson divides his book into five sections: Prototypes and One-Offs, Molding and Casting, Vacuum Forming, Painting and Weathering, and Bringing It All Together. He covers everything from the tools and materials you'll need for various processes, through several how-to sections, up to and including movement tips for wearers of costume armor. In fact, I have to give big ups to this book for actually tackling the question of how to assemble armor in such a way that the wearer can conveniently answer the call of nature. The topics and illustrative projects range from the very simple to the extremely complex, so whatever your skill level and experience coming to the book, there's something new to see. I'm particularly gratified to note that the book contains sections on the application of digital technologies--from using Pepakura software to create faceted printable PDF patterns, to 3D printing and CNC carving of armor and prop shapes. This is an area of production which is only going to increase in importance--we've been 3D printing costume elements at PlayMakers Repertory Company for over two years at this point, and we had a show with ten Pepakura-style masks in it last season. My one tiny quibble pertains to the section on straps, specifically leather strap construction methods to which Thorsson only makes passing reference. Due to my time spent working at a high-end custom leather shop, i'm a bit of a strap snob, as one might surmise by my La Bricoleuse blog post on the various means of making strong but beautiful leather strapwork. But this is such a minimal grouse about the book that it makes no impact on my wholehearted, unreserved recommendation of this title. At only $30 for a copy, it feels like a steal. This review initially written for La Bricoleuse costume crafts artisanship blog.

I have been interested in prop making for as long as I can remember. While, it seems, most are interested being in front of the camera, I've always had a fascination with everything that goes on behind the scenes. I've done small projects, created molds, casts and some prototypes; I've read books and other how-to guides, but I've just really never got all the details I've needed - and certainly not in one place (granted, I'm sure I could have done a lot more research, but hey :)). I saw this book and pre-ordered it immediately and I just received it. It's great! The book is full of details, how-to's, and humor. Reading it has been entertaining as well as informative. While I've not had a chance to start any of the projects or use any of the tips, I have a much better understanding of what and how I need to do things moving forward, and I've had a good chuckle or two (or three, but who's counting).

Easy to follow instructions written in a fun and humorous manner. This is a must have for a beginner while still being extremely helpful and informative to more seasoned prop and costume makers. Great valie!

So this book is full of nice step-by-step projects for practicing your cosplay crafting skills. If you're getting this though it's for the experience of a book if that helps you as a learner as opposed to a video. That's because there are no skills in this book that you can't get online for free. I like the step by step help but if you're buying this just for the information you can get it for free.

I follow this guy's blog. This book is good for the learner and the experienced crafter. It is NOT a step by step detailed guide for every little thing, what it IS is a good summary of best-practice ways to build something with basic tools and materials and written with humor. It won't help a noob who hasn't done research, but it will get them familiar with terms and tricks for how to get started. For the advanced or experienced builder it is a good refresher of things we forget, with some new tips for sure. Good all-around and you should have it in your drawer to consult for sure. Not an almanac. Not a blue print. No hand-holding. Good "what's this?" "Why do that?" "why don't do that?" etc.

Great, it's like a bible for cosplay building. Loving everything I'm learning from this book. Highly recommended.

Info for making cosplay props & armor. Some techniques that are new to me. Instructions are clear & easy to understand, taking away the intimidating aspect of some new methods. Organized in a logical progression. Wish had gotten sooner. Will be improving my cosplays with these ideas. Pictures give added clarity to clearly written instructions. (Would be marvelous gift to cosplayer who makes stuff)

This is a great little collection of diy costume crafts all in one place. You can find most of this information on the internet, but having it all in one place has its advantage.

Nice

Impeccable, plusieurs techniques bien expliquées

Voy a usarlo para construir accesorios para cosplay. las imágenes son una buena guía.

Really good book, lots of detail, has a wide range of skills and techniques which are transferable to any project you might need to do. As a person with none of these skills and never used any of these tools before I think I might struggle a bit to follow the instructions as when I first read it I found myself thinking 'but how did you do that', so I may need a bit of help from someone who has used these tools and techniques before to get me started, but overall the book seems very well written, lots of hints and tips as well as important health and safety information. Very interested read can't wait to start my first project.

Easy to read and follow. The author provides great tips and solutions for starting the journey of making your first cosplay costume or prop. The list of resources mentioned throughout and at the end of the book are worth the price of admission alone. Authors like this are an inspiration to makers everywhere. Thank you.