How to train your dragon valka cosplay?

How to Create a Valka Cosplay from How to Train Your Dragon

Materials Needed

• Loose-fitting pants
• Quilt batting
• Lightweight cotton fabric (approximately 15 yards)
• White glue
• Water
• Brown, orange, and burgundy craft paints
• Foam exercise mat
• Masking tape
• Caulking material
• Silicon adhesive (e.g., GOOP)
• Burgundy turtleneck shirt
• Brown suede boots (thrift store find)
• Burgundy gauze fabric
• Black spray paint
• Butcher paper
• Duct tape
• Wig block (mannequin head)
• Mid-strength wire
• Quilt batting (for horns)
• Bias tape

Step 1: Creating the Pants

1. Base and Wrapping:
   1. Start with a pair of loose-fitting pants. Stuff the pants tightly to give them shape.
   2. Wrap the lower leg (below the knee) with quilt batting for added bulk.
   3. Cut 3-inch wide strips from the lightweight cotton fabric. You will need about 15 yards of these strips.
   4. Wrap the fabric strips around the legs of the pants, leaving the knee and top of the waist free from excess bulk.

2. Securing and Painting:
   1. To keep the fabric strips in place, paint the entire surface with a 50/50 mix of white glue and water. Let it dry thoroughly.
   2. Paint stripes of brown, orange, and burgundy craft paints over the fabric strips. Follow the lines of the fabric strips, but make the stripes thinner to allow multiple colors on most strips.

3. Adding Spikes:
   1. Cut spikes from a foam exercise mat, about 3 inches long, and cover them with masking tape to round the edges.
   2. Cover the spikes with caulking material and paint them brown.
   3. Glue the spikes to the sides of the calf area using a silicon adhesive like GOOP, which is strong, waterproof, and flexible.

Step 2: Constructing the Bodice

1. Fabric Strips:
   1. Cut 3-inch wide strips from different fabrics (at least three types) for the bodice. Ensure the fabrics are similar in texture.
   2. Wrap the strips around a body form or mannequin in your size to shape the bodice.

2. Painting and Weathering:
   1. Once the fabric strips are in place, paint them to match the colors used on the pants.
   2. Use a dry brush with watered-down brown paint to streak and weather the bodice, giving it a more authentic, worn look.

Step 3: Crafting the Cape

1. Fabric and Tattering:
   1. Use a rectangle of burgundy gauze fabric for the cape.
   2. Tatter the bottom of the cape to give it a rugged appearance.

2. Spray Painting:
   1. Lightly spray the cape with black spray paint to add depth and texture.
   2. Glue the cape to the top of the shoulders under the shoulder armor.

Step 4: Assembling the Mask and Headpiece

1. Base Construction:
   1. Form the base of the mask using butcher paper and duct tape over a wig block. This will cover the face area.
   2. Cut out eye and mouth sections, then tape them back in place from the inside.

2. Creating Horns:
   1. Make pairs of horns using mid-strength wire covered with quilt batting.
   2. Wrap the horns with bias tape, starting at the tip and working down. The bias tape allows for smooth wrapping without bunching.

3. Attaching Horns:
   1. Glue the horns to the top edge of the mask using a strong adhesive like GOOP.

Step 5: Final Assembly and Accessories

1. Undergarments:
   1. Wear a burgundy turtleneck shirt under the bodice for added warmth and authenticity.

2. Footwear:
   1. Use a pair of brown suede boots, preferably from a thrift store, to complete the look.

3. Weathering and Detailing:
   1. Apply final weathering touches to the entire costume using watered-down brown paint. This step ensures the costume looks rugged and lived-in, suitable for a character who lives in the wild.

Additional Tips and Resources

• Time and Patience:
  • This costume requires a significant amount of time and patience. Each step, from wrapping fabric strips to painting and weathering, contributes to the overall authenticity of the cosplay.

• Flexibility and Comfort:
  • Ensure that all parts of the costume, especially the spikes and horns, are securely attached but remain flexible and comfortable to wear.

• Inspiration and Community:
  • Look for inspiration and advice from cosplay communities and forums. Websites like Instructables and The RPF offer detailed guides and user experiences that can be invaluable.

Purchasing Ready-Made Costumes

Conclusion