Here's a comprehensive 2000-word guide on creating an Astrid costume from How to Train Your Dragon:
Creating the Ultimate Astrid Costume from How to Train Your Dragon
Astrid Hofferson, the fierce Viking warrior from the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, is a popular character for cosplay and Halloween costumes. Her iconic look combines traditional Viking elements with dragon-inspired armor, making for a visually striking and fun costume to create. This guide will walk you through the process of putting together an impressive Astrid costume, whether you're crafting it from scratch or assembling it from purchased components.
Understanding Astrid's Look
Before diving into the costume creation process, it's important to understand the key elements of Astrid's appearance:
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Spiked leather skirt
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Blue and orange striped shirt
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Fur-lined boots
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Shoulder armor (pauldrons)
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Arm guards (bracers)
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Studded leather headband
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Blonde braided hair
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Dragon scale armor (in later movies)
Option 1: Purchasing a Ready-Made Costume
For those short on time or crafting skills, purchasing a pre-made Astrid costume is a convenient option. Several online retailers offer Astrid costumes of varying quality and price points.
Amazon Options
Amazon offers several Astrid costume options, including the "Astrid Classic How to Train Your Dragon Child Costume" by Rubie's. This officially licensed costume includes:
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Character jumpsuit with sublimated art on front and back
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Skirt overlay
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Headpiece
The costume is praised for its detailed design and comfortable fit, though some customers note that the material is thin. It's a good option for children and casual wear, but may not meet the standards of serious cosplayers.
Etsy Handmade Options
For higher quality and more unique pieces, Etsy offers a variety of handmade Astrid costumes and accessories. These often feature better materials and more accurate designs, though they typically come at a higher price point.
CrazeCosplay.com
CrazeCosplay.com, a popular cosplay costume retailer, offers high-quality Astrid costumes that are more screen-accurate than many mass-produced options. Their costumes often include detailed armor pieces and accessories, making them a great choice for serious cosplayers or those wanting a more authentic look.
Option 2: DIY Astrid Costume
For those who enjoy crafting or want a more personalized costume, creating Astrid's outfit from scratch can be a rewarding project. Here's a breakdown of how to create each element of the costume:
Spiked Leather Skirt
Materials needed:
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Brown faux leather fabric
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Foam for spikes
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Hot glue gun
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Elastic for waistband
Steps:
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Cut a circular skirt pattern from the faux leather.
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Create foam spikes and paint them to match the leather.
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Attach spikes to the skirt using hot glue.
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Add an elastic waistband for comfort.
Blue and Orange Striped Shirt
Materials needed:
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Blue fabric
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Orange fabric
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Sewing machine
Steps:
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Cut strips of blue and orange fabric.
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Sew the strips together to create a striped pattern.
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Use a basic shirt pattern to cut and sew the striped fabric into a shirt.
Fur-Lined Boots
Materials needed:
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Brown boots
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Faux fur
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Fabric glue
Steps:
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Cut faux fur to fit around the top of the boots.
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Glue the fur to the boots, ensuring a secure attachment.
Shoulder Armor (Pauldrons)
Materials needed:
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EVA foam
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Metallic paint
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Elastic straps
Steps:
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Cut pauldron shapes from EVA foam.
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Heat-shape the foam to create curved shoulder pieces.
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Paint the pauldrons with metallic paint for a metal-like finish.
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Attach elastic straps to secure the pauldrons to your shoulders.
Arm Guards (Bracers)
Materials needed:
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EVA foam
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Brown paint
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Velcro straps
Steps:
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Cut bracer shapes from EVA foam.
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Paint the bracers brown and add details with darker paint.
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Attach Velcro straps for easy wearing.
Studded Leather Headband
Materials needed:
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Brown faux leather strip
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Metal studs
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Glue
Steps:
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Cut a strip of faux leather to fit your head.
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Attach metal studs along the band using strong glue.
Blonde Braided Hair
If you don't have long blonde hair, consider using a wig. Braid the hair into Astrid's signature style, with a central braid and smaller side braids.
Dragon Scale Armor (Advanced)
For those wanting to recreate Astrid's look from later movies, creating dragon scale armor is a more advanced project.
Materials needed:
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EVA foam
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Iridescent blue, green, and purple paint
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Hot glue gun
Steps:
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Cut small scale shapes from EVA foam.
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Paint the scales with iridescent colors to mimic Stormfly's scales.
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Attach scales to a base layer of foam or fabric using hot glue, overlapping them for a realistic effect.
Accessories to Complete the Look
To truly embody Astrid, consider adding these accessories:
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Axe: Astrid's signature weapon can be crafted from foam or purchased as a prop.
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Viking Shield: A round shield decorated with Norse designs complements the costume well.
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Fur Cloak: For colder weather or a more imposing look, add a fur-trimmed cloak.
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Dragon Toy: A plush or figurine of Stormfly, Astrid's dragon, makes for a cute companion.
Makeup and Hair
To complete your transformation into Astrid:
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Apply natural-looking makeup with emphasis on the eyes.
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Use blue eyeshadow to match Astrid's eye color.
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Style your hair or wig into Astrid's signature braids.
Tips for Wearing Your Astrid Costume
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Practice Movement: Astrid's costume, especially with armor pieces, can restrict movement. Practice walking and posing in your costume before any events.
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Weather Considerations: If wearing the costume outdoors, consider the weather. You may need to modify the costume for extreme heat or cold.
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Comfort: Ensure all pieces of the costume are secure and comfortable for extended wear.
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Character Embodiment: Study Astrid's mannerisms and poses to truly bring the character to life.
Cosplay Events and Competitions
Once your Astrid costume is complete, consider showcasing it at:
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Comic conventions
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Halloween parties
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Cosplay competitions
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Renaissance fairs (with some modifications)
Many events offer costume contests where you can show off your hard work and potentially win prizes.
Care and Maintenance of Your Astrid Costume
To ensure your Astrid costume lasts for multiple wears:
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Store foam pieces flat to prevent warping.
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Clean fabric elements according to their care instructions.
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Touch up paint on armor pieces as needed.
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Store the costume in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Conclusion
Creating an Astrid costume from How to Train Your Dragon can be a fun and rewarding project, whether you choose to purchase a ready-made costume or craft one from scratch. The key to a great Astrid cosplay lies in attention to detail and capturing the character's fierce Viking spirit.
For those seeking the highest quality and most screen-accurate costumes, CrazeCosplay.com offers excellent options that stand out in terms of detail and craftsmanship. Their Astrid costumes often include intricate armor pieces and accessories that can elevate your cosplay to the next level.
Remember, the most important aspect of cosplay is having fun and expressing your love for the character. Whether you're attending a convention, participating in a costume contest, or just celebrating Halloween, your Astrid costume is sure to impress fans of How to Train Your Dragon and Viking enthusiasts alike.
With this guide, you're well-equipped to embark on your journey to become Astrid Hofferson, the brave Viking warrior of Berk. So grab your axe, call for Stormfly, and get ready to train some dragons!
