How to make goat horns for cosplay?

Materials and Tools

• Materials:
  • Wire (such as floral wire or aluminum wire)
  • Aluminum foil
  • Masking tape
  • Paper mache materials (newspaper strips and paper mache paste)
  • Acrylic paint (various shades of brown, black, and white)
  • Clear sealant or varnish
  • Headband or elastic strap for attachment

• Tools:
  • Wire cutters
  • Scissors
  • Paintbrushes
  • Hot glue gun and glue sticks
  • Sandpaper (various grits)
  • Craft knife

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Creating the Basic Frame

1. Cut the Wire: Using wire cutters, cut two pieces of wire, each about 18-24 inches long, depending on the desired length of your horns.
2. Shape the Wire: Bend each piece of wire into the desired horn shape. Goat horns typically have a gentle curve, but you can customize the shape to your preference.
3. Reinforce the Frame: Wrap additional wire around the base and length of the horns to reinforce the structure. This will make the horns sturdier.

2. Building Up the Horns

1. Wrap with Foil: Tear off pieces of aluminum foil and wrap them around the wire frame. Continue adding foil until the horns reach the desired thickness.
2. Secure with Tape: Use masking tape to secure the foil in place. Wrap the tape tightly around the horns to create a smooth surface.

3. Adding Texture with Paper Mache

1. Prepare the Paper Mache: Mix your paper mache paste according to the instructions. Tear newspaper into strips.
2. Apply Paper Mache: Dip the newspaper strips into the paste, remove excess paste, and apply them to the horns. Cover the entire surface, overlapping the strips for strength.
3. Create Ridges: To create ridges, wrap thin rope or string around the horns in a spiral pattern before applying the paper mache. This will give the horns a more realistic texture.
4. Dry: Allow the paper mache to dry completely. This may take several hours or overnight.

4. Smoothing and Shaping

1. Sand the Surface: Use sandpaper to smooth out any rough areas and refine the shape of the horns. Start with a coarse grit and move to a finer grit for a smoother finish.
2. Fill Gaps: If there are any gaps or uneven areas, you can apply additional layers of paper mache or use a lightweight filler to smooth them out.

5. Painting the Horns

1. Base Coat: Apply a base coat of acrylic paint in a neutral color like brown or black. This will serve as the foundation for your shading.
2. Add Shading: Use a dry brush technique to add shading and highlights. Apply darker shades in the crevices and lighter shades on the raised areas to create depth.
3. Detailing: Add fine details like cracks or scratches using a fine brush and darker paint. This will enhance the realism of the horns.
4. Seal the Paint: Once the paint is dry, apply a clear sealant or varnish to protect the paint and give the horns a slight sheen.

6. Attaching the Horns

1. Attach to Headband: Use a hot glue gun to attach the base of the horns to a headband. Make sure they are securely fastened and positioned symmetrically.
2. Reinforce: For added security, you can wrap additional tape or wire around the base of the horns and the headband.
3. Adjust Fit: If using an elastic strap, adjust the length to fit comfortably around your head.

Tips and Tricks

• Experiment with Shapes: Don't be afraid to experiment with different shapes and sizes of horns. Look at reference images of goats and other animals for inspiration.
• Use Lightweight Materials: Keep the horns lightweight to ensure they are comfortable to wear for extended periods.
• Practice Painting Techniques: Practice your painting techniques on a small piece of cardboard before applying them to the horns. This will help you achieve the desired effect without mistakes.
• Secure Attachment: Ensure the horns are securely attached to the headband or strap to prevent them from shifting or falling off during wear.

Resources and Inspiration

• CrazeCosplay.com: This website offers a wealth of information on cosplay techniques, including tutorials and supplies for creating various cosplay items.
• Instructables: The Instructables website has numerous tutorials on making cosplay props, including horns. Check out the "Ram Horns" tutorial for more detailed steps and inspiration.
• Online Forums and Social Media Groups: Join cosplay forums and social media groups to connect with other cosplayers, share your progress, and get feedback and advice.

Conclusion