Fem-mando Early Crusader (APPROVED)

[Arashi]

If you really want the lines to pop, try one of the Gel Antique dyes Tandy sells, I love the way those work.

[Pointoforigin]

If you can continue the brass collar onto the back without disturbing the backpack, I'd say go for it.

[seugtai]

Okay now, nobody run away screaming.
I've been messing around this evening with what my character might look like when her helmet isn't on and this is what I've liked the best so far. Do you think doing something like this would be fine? I wanted to keep her with a primitive look. I faux dreaded my hair and intend to add a few bits and bobs to some of the sections. I got this amazing idea from kisawings about keeping all her precious metals and jewels braided into her hair from her thread. She didn't object when I asked to steal the idea, so that's what I plan on adding into some of the dreads. I hope the design on my face isn't too earthy. I saw the inspiration for it on deviantart and fell in love with it and slightly modified it so it wasn't an exact copy.

Rell Xiinn without her helmet



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If you can continue the brass collar onto the back without disturbing the backpack, I'd say go for it.

I may give it a go, only down side is cutting that stuff out was no fun. But I do think it would make the back view look good.

If you really want the lines to pop, try one of the Gel Antique dyes Tandy sells, I love the way those work.

Thanks. I'll look into that. 

Words cannot express how amazing this build is or how awesome your creative skills are! You are an inspiration to us all! Bravo!

Thank you so much for that! Everybody staying behind me has kept me going on this very long project. I have everyone here to thank for inspiring me to even start it. 

SHE HAS RETURNED AGAIN!!! 

Loving this as usual

Haha, hopefully I wont disappear for that long again. Thanks Nico.

[Nico Fett]

*ladies mando moment* First off, you are incredibly beautiful

*back to seriousness* I think that looks very cool, designs are a nice touch, would look cool keeping 'in character' while having your buy'ce off at a con

[JaX Xin]

That is all



What about doing it in Henna Tattoo?

[GreatSkyRiver Falco]

its cool, maybe thicken the lines a little, maybe doe a clan of the cave bear thing with the eyes...

[Arashi]

I like the facial ink, its not overboard and looks like it could definitely be something in universe.  The faux dreads should work too, so long as they don't interfere with getting your helmet on and off.

Oh, If you are wanting to smooth out the edges of your leather so the fibers don't stick out like that.  Get an edge slicker and some Gum Tragacanth. Put the gum tragacanth on the edge and rub it in with the edge slicker, it will give you a nice finished look to your edges.  I usually do it after the dye, so the colors all match up.

[Talos Kot]

nice to see you !!!     dear lady mando,  beautiful costume build by a beautiful lady !!!!

[Theran_Bakagin]

Regarding the face paint, I hate to say it but my instant first thought was Avatar... 

I would agree with the consensus to continue the brasswork around the back of the chestpiece.  I believe you discussed it being a seal connector rather than jewelry.  It does LOOK more functional than decorative.

Very nice work.  As for a way to get the leather to stiffen, courbouli (I think that is the spelling) leather uses a wax for curing it.. usually gives it a much stiffer bit.

[Arashi]

There are a number of ways to stiffen leather.

You can soak it in melted wax...which will waterproof it and make it hard as wood...just don't leave it in a hot car afterwards.  I used this method for some of my combat grade SCA armor.

You can boil it in water, then bake it dry (works best on thicker leathers, 8-10 ounce and up holds it shape best with this method)

This link has a lot of good info on hardening leather.
http://www.personal.utulsa.edu/~marc-carlson/leather/hl.html

[JaX Xin]

Regarding the face paint, I hate to say it but my instant first thought was Avatar... 

Na'vilorian?! 

[Kel T Skirata]

Great stuff, Liking the face paint too 

[redkraytdragon]

nice to see you !!!     dear lady mando,  beautiful costume build by a beautiful lady !!!!

I concur!
This thread just keeps getting better and better, great work and keep it up!

[seugtai]

Thank you guys for the comments, it only took me 55 pages an almost a year to get the courage to post a picture of myself. I think maybe I should just dread my hair and start wearing tribal markings always.

Wow, thanks for the leather info Theran_Bakagin and Arashi! I'm fairly new to leather working and have lots of questions. If you don't mind, I'd love to pick your brains via PM. 

maybe do a clan of the cave bear thing with the eyes...

I gave it a go, and just didn't like it as much. But thanks for the idea, I forgot all about that movie.

I like the facial ink, its not overboard and looks like it could definitely be something in universe.  The faux dreads should work too, so long as they don't interfere with getting your helmet on and off.

Excellent, that was my biggest concern, that it might be too Earthy. The dreads aren't a problem getting the helmet on and off, they're not really all that bulky. I think I will just leave a few around my face, and secure the rest to the back of my head by weaving something rustic through my hair to continue the primitive look.

[Carter]

Couple of things about leather hardening, if you boil it or wax bake it, it will shrink a bit, so take that into account.  Also if you wax bake it, you should dye it first, and the dye will fade.   Boiling leather too long will make it hard, but brittle.  To make something really hard, but not as brittle, you can pressure cook leather in wax. But then you have to shape it and scrape it as well.

If you need any help, let me know.