So we're officially in Halloween mode around here. I always say I'm going to get started early but I never do. It really sucks too because things are coming together really wonderfully. After a few weeks of telling Marcel I need a costume idea I finally gave him an ultimatum. Four costume ideas in twenty four hours or he gets a store bought costume. He was a little horrified, trust me. He came up with Batman (gray suit), Batman Beyond, Megaman, and a Zombie. Batman would require lots of latex, a new head bust, more vinyl, plus all all the molds (mask and glove spikes). Just too much work and not enough time despite how much I would love to do another Batman costume. The Batman Beyond would be a lot easier but would still require a headbust and lots of latex for the mask so it too was a no-go. The Zombie idea was great but without liquid foam latex and a small oven to cook it in it just wasn't feasible. So Megaman won by default really.So I usually take Olivia to the garage with me, open up the garage doors, turn the radio on and put her in baby jail (otherwise known as the Pack and Play). She absolutely loves it. She loves watching the tree rats (squirrels for you rodent lovers) play, the cars pass by and dances to the music when not playing with her toys. I was really surprised how much she likes being in there with me which allows me to get a lot of work done.
So far, it's coming out awesome. In just three days of work I got the backpack and chest emblem forms made), molded and cast. The helmet base is made and ready for great stuff foam to sculpt and the shoulder armor bases are done. Today's mission is to cast the big part of the backpack, shoot foam on the helmet base, start sculpting the shoulder armor, and assemble the backpack. Sound like a lot? It does to me too but really it's not that time consuming considering most of it will be spent waiting for fiberglass and milkshake to cook. What's milkshake you ask? Just the most badass, super-awesomeo stuff for making smooth casting!
And here's the recipe!
| Milkshake Mix Ingredients
Things You'll Need
Set up your work area before starting! This stuff cooks pretty fast. You have roughly around five minutes before it gets too hard to work. First thing to do is prepare your mold with a mold release. Petroleum jelly works great with resin and body filler and is super cheap. Just take a brush and cover well with a thin layer. If you want to get rid of the brush strokes take a heat gun and lightly go over the petroleum jelly. Now you're ready for the first cast. Pour the proper amount of resin into a cup and weigh it on your scale. (It takes fourteen drops of MEKP per ounce of resin but remember not mix too big of a batch since it cooks pretty fast). Then add an equal part Body Filler by weight to the cup. Now add your proper amount of MEKP and hardener cream and mix thoroughly. Mix quickly, but completely, then take another brush and begin painting your Milkshake into the mold! I suggest doing at least two layers to allow for final sanding on the finished product and then adding a layer or two of standard fiberglass for added strength. This recipe will give you a smooth casting with the strength of fiberglass resin and the smoothness of body filler. Enjoy! |
In case I have time, I'm going to be Frank the Bunny from Donnie Darko and Lana wants to be Gene Simmons. I really would love to do the Kiss costume so even if we don't get done in time, I'm doing this one. :)
Marcel's costume takes priority over everyone though so it's off to work for me!
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