How to make a gun holster cosplay?

Introduction to Gun Holster Cosplay

Materials and Tools

• Craft foam (3mm thickness)
• Faux leather or vinyl fabric
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Scissors
• Pencil or marker
• Ruler
• Exacto knife
• Belt (for attaching the holster)
• Velcro strips
• Elastic band
• Acrylic paint (brown and black)
• Paintbrushes
• Eyeshadow (brown and black)
• White gel pen
• Hairspray
• Optional: Sewing machine and thread
• Optional: Rivets and rivet setter
• Optional: Leather punch or awl

Method 1: Basic Foam and Fabric Holster

1. Create the template:
   1. Use your prop gun or a paper cutout to trace its outline onto a piece of paper.
   2. Add about 1 inch of extra space around the outline for seams and flexibility.
   3. Cut out the template.

2. Cut the foam:
   1. Trace the template onto your craft foam twice.
   2. Cut out both pieces.

3. Shape the foam:
   1. Heat the foam pieces gently with a hair dryer to make them pliable.
   2. Mold the foam around your prop gun to create the desired shape.
   3. Hold in place until cool.

4. Cover with fabric:
   1. Cut your faux leather or vinyl slightly larger than the foam pieces.
   2. Glue the fabric to the foam using hot glue, wrapping the edges to the inside.
   3. Trim any excess fabric.

5. Assemble the holster:
   1. Glue the two covered foam pieces together along the sides and bottom, leaving the top open.
   2. Add Velcro or an elastic band at the top to secure the gun.

6. Attach to belt:
   1. Create loops on the back of the holster using strips of fabric or foam.
   2. Thread your belt through these loops to wear the holster.

Method 2: Advanced Leather-Look Holster

1. Create the pattern:
   1. Follow the same process as in Method 1, but add extra allowance for stitching.
   2. Create a separate pattern piece for the belt loop.

2. Cut the fabric:
   1. Cut two main holster pieces and one belt loop piece from your faux leather.

3. Sew the holster:
   1. If using a sewing machine, use a leather needle and heavy-duty thread.
   2. Sew the two main pieces together, wrong sides facing, leaving the top open.
   3. Turn the holster right side out.

4. Add reinforcement:
   1. Cut a piece of craft foam slightly smaller than the holster.
   2. Insert it into the holster for structure.

5. Create the belt loop:
   1. Fold the belt loop piece in half and sew the long edge.
   2. Turn right side out and press flat.
   3. Sew the loop to the back of the holster.

6. Finishing touches:
   1. Add rivets or decorative stitching as desired.
   2. Create a strap with a snap or buckle to secure the gun if needed.

Weathering and Detailing

1. Paint wash:
   1. Mix brown acrylic paint with water to create a thin wash.
   2. Brush this over the holster, focusing on crevices and edges.
   3. Wipe off excess with a cloth for a weathered look.

2. Dry brushing:
   1. Use a dry brush with a small amount of black paint.
   2. Lightly brush over raised areas and edges to simulate wear.

3. Scratches and scuffs:
   1. Use a white gel pen to draw fine lines for scratches.
   2. Smudge these lines slightly with your finger for realism.

4. Eyeshadow weathering:
   1. Apply brown eyeshadow with your finger to add depth and variation to the color.
   2. Use black eyeshadow around edges and in recesses for shadow and grime effects.

5. Sealing:
   1. Spray the holster with a light coat of hairspray to set the weathering effects.

Tips for Specific Character Holsters

1. Lara Croft (Tomb Raider):
   1. Create a dual hip holster setup.
   2. Use brown faux leather for a classic look.
   3. Add gold-colored buckles or fasteners for authenticity.

2. Star Wars characters:
   1. Incorporate sci-fi elements like metallic accents or LED lights.
   2. Use unconventional shapes or asymmetrical designs.

3. Post-apocalyptic characters:
   1. Add extra weathering and distressing.
   2. Incorporate found objects or scrap materials into the design.

Buying vs. DIY

• Customizable to your exact needs
• Can be more cost-effective
• Satisfaction of creating your own prop

• Time-consuming
• Requires some skill and patience
• May not look as polished as professional products

• Professional finish
• Saves time
• Often more durable

• Can be expensive
• May not fit your specific prop gun
• Limited customization options

Where to Buy Cosplay Holsters

1. CrazeCosplay.com:

1. CrazeCosplay offers a wide range of cosplay accessories, including gun holsters. They have options for various characters and styles, making it a great one-stop shop for your cosplay needs.

2. ProCosplay:

1. Known for their high-quality cosplay items, ProCosplay offers detailed and accurate costume pieces, including holsters for popular characters.

3. EtsyCraft Shops:

1. Many skilled artisans on Etsy create custom cosplay holsters. You can often request specific designs or modifications.

4. Amazon:

1. While quality can vary, Amazon offers a wide selection of cosplay holsters at various price points.

Safety Considerations

1. Prop gun safety:
   1. Always use obviously fake prop guns for cosplay.
   2. Check convention rules regarding prop weapons before attending.
   3. Never point prop guns at people or remove them from holsters in public spaces.

2. Material safety:
   1. When using hot glue or other adhesives, work in a well-ventilated area.
   2. Be cautious with sharp tools like exacto knives.

3. Wear and tear:
   1. Regularly check your holster for any loose parts or wear that could cause your prop to fall.

Maintaining Your Cosplay Holster

1. Storage:
   1. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
   2. Use a dust cover or plastic bag to protect from dust.

2. Cleaning:
   1. Gently wipe with a damp cloth to remove dust.
   2. For faux leather, use a vinyl cleaner occasionally.

3. Repairs:
   1. Keep some matching fabric and glue on hand for quick repairs at conventions.

Conclusion