How to make cosplay hooves?

Materials Needed

• Shoes: Comfortable shoes or high heels, depending on your preference.
• Foam: Styrofoam or craft foam.
• Clay: Air-dry or polymer clay.
• Glue: Hot glue gun and glue sticks, resin adhesive.
• Tape: Duct tape and packaging tape.
• Plaster: For creating a smooth finish.
• Paint: Acrylic paint for detailing.
• Fur Fabric: For covering the hooves.
• Elastic Straps: For securing the hooves.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Shoes

1. Select the Base Shoes: Choose a pair of old, comfortable shoes or high heels. High heels are often preferred for a more realistic hoof shape, but comfortable shoes can also be used for ease of wear.

2. Clean the Shoes: Ensure the shoes are clean and free of any debris. This will help the materials adhere better.

Step 2: Create the Hoof Base

1. Cut the Foam: Using Styrofoam or craft foam, cut pieces to fit over the toes of the shoes. The foam should extend slightly beyond the shoe to create the hoof shape.

2. Attach the Foam: Use a hot glue gun to attach the foam pieces to the shoes. Ensure they are securely glued and cover the entire toe area.

3. Shape the Foam: Carve the foam into the desired hoof shape. For cloven hooves, carve a split down the middle of the foam. Use reference images to get the shape right.

Step 3: Sculpt the Hooves

1. Apply Clay: Cover the foam with air-dry or polymer clay. This will give the hooves a more realistic texture and allow for detailed sculpting.

2. Shape and Smooth: Shape the clay to refine the hoof details. Smooth the surface with water to remove any rough edges. Add horizontal lines to mimic the natural grain of hooves.

3. Let It Dry: Allow the clay to dry completely. This may take several hours or overnight, depending on the type of clay used.

Step 4: Create the Mold

1. Prepare the Mold: Once the clay is dry, create a mold using plaster or silicone. This step is optional but can help create multiple pairs of hooves.

2. Pour the Mold: Pour the plaster or silicone over the clay hooves and let it set. Once hardened, remove the clay model from the mold.

Step 5: Cast the Hooves

1. Mix the Resin: Prepare the resin according to the manufacturer's instructions.

2. Pour the Resin: Pour the resin into the mold and let it cure. This will create a durable and lightweight hoof.

3. Demold the Hooves: Once the resin has cured, carefully remove the hooves from the mold.

Step 6: Attach the Hooves to the Shoes

1. Prepare the Shoes: Clean the bottom of the shoes and roughen the surface with sandpaper to help the resin adhere better.

2. Glue the Hooves: Use resin adhesive to attach the resin hooves to the shoes. Apply the adhesive generously and use clamps to hold the pieces together while the glue dries.

3. Reinforce with Tape: Use packaging tape to secure the hooves further and prevent any resin leakage.

Step 7: Add Finishing Touches

1. Fill Any Gaps: Use hot glue to fill any gaps or holes in the resin. Smooth the surface with an exacto knife.

2. Paint the Hooves: Paint the hooves with acrylic paint to achieve the desired color and finish. Add details like shading and highlights for a more realistic look.

3. Attach Fur Fabric: Cut fur fabric to cover the top of the hooves and attach it with hot glue. This will hide any seams and give the hooves a finished appearance.

4. Add Elastic Straps: Sew elastic straps to the shoes to ensure they stay securely on your feet while walking.

Step 8: Test and Adjust

1. Try Them On: Wear the hooves and walk around to test their comfort and stability. Make any necessary adjustments to the fit or design.

2. Practice Walking: Walking in hooves can be challenging, especially if you're using high heels. Practice walking in them to get used to the feel and improve your balance.

Tips and Tricks

• Safety First: Always work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear when working with resin and adhesives.
• Take Your Time: Rushing through the steps can lead to mistakes. Take your time to ensure each step is done correctly.
• Use References: Look at pictures of real hooves to guide your sculpting and painting.
• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different materials and techniques to achieve the best results.

Conclusion