Okay, here is my blog sharing about making sengu props:
A while back, I got this idea to make some props. I’d seen some really cool stuff at a convention and thought, “Hey, I wanna do that!” So, I decided to give it a try. Started with a simple project, some sengu props ’cause they looked kinda neat and not too hard to make. I did some digging online and found a bunch of tutorials and guides. There’s a lot of info out there, and honestly, it was a bit overwhelming at first.
First, I gathered all the stuff I needed. I learned that EVA foam is like, the go-to material for a lot of prop makers. It’s light, easy to cut, and you can do all sorts of things with it. Also grabbed some basic tools like a cutter, a ruler, some sandpaper, and glue. I think one of the guides I read was by this guy, Bill Doran. He seems to know his stuff.
Shaping and detailing
Next up, I had to make a pattern. This was like, drawing the shapes of the prop on paper and then cutting them out. I transferred these shapes onto the foam and carefully cut them out. This part took a while ’cause I wanted to get it right. And let me tell you, cutting foam is way more fun than it sounds!
After cutting, I started shaping the foam. You can use heat to bend it and make all sorts of cool shapes. It was a bit tricky at first, but I got the hang of it. Then, I used sandpaper to smooth out the edges and make everything look nice and clean. There are lots of ways to do this, I found it fun to explore all the possibilities!
Once the shaping was done, I started assembling the pieces. Gluing foam together is pretty straightforward. I used contact cement, which is strong and works well for this kind of thing. Seeing the prop take shape was super rewarding. It’s like, you start with these flat pieces of foam, and suddenly, you have a 3D object. It’s pretty cool, to be honest.
Sanding
- Sanding: I used different grades of sandpaper to get the surface really smooth. This part is important if you want a nice finish.
After everything was assembled, I moved on to painting. I used acrylic paints ’cause they’re easy to work with and dry pretty fast. I did a base coat first, then added details and highlights. Painting is where the prop really comes to life. You can add all sorts of effects, like weathering, to make it look more realistic or worn. To get that effect, I tried using a dry brush, just dipped the tip of the brush in paint, wiped most of it off, and then lightly brushed the surface.
Finally, I added a sealant to protect the paint and give it a nice finish. There are different types of sealants, like matte, gloss, or satin. I went with a matte finish ’cause I didn’t want it to be too shiny.
And there you have it! My first attempt at making sengu props. It was a fun and challenging experience. I learned a lot, and I’m already thinking about my next project. Maybe something bigger and more complex. Who knows? The possibilities are endless!
