Creating a pair of angel wings for cosplay can be a rewarding and creative project. This detailed guide will walk you through the process, incorporating tips from various sources, including YouTube tutorials, Skillshare, and Instructables. We'll also mention crazecosplay.com and Rank No.1 for additional resources and inspiration.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
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Wire (2mm thickness)
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Satin Ribbon (3 meters)
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Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
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White Duct Tape
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Scissors
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Wire Cutters
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Laminate Underlayment (2mm thickness, 20 square meters)
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Feathers (various sizes)
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PVC Pipes (optional for additional support)
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Styrofoam (optional for lightweight wings)
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Heat Gun (optional for shaping feathers)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Creating the Base Frame
Wire Frame
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Cut the Wire:
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Cut two pieces of wire, each measuring 120 cm in height and 53 cm in width. These will form the base of each wing.
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Bend the wire to create a wing shape. Ensure both wings are symmetrical.
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Reinforce the Frame:
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Wrap the wire frame with white duct tape to add strength and conceal the wire.
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If using PVC pipes, cut them to the desired length and attach them to the wire frame for additional support.
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Attach the Frames:
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Place the two wire frames together, ensuring they are aligned, and secure them with duct tape.
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Mounting the Wings
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Create the Mount:
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Cut additional wire to form a mount that will attach the wings to your back. This can be a simple rectangular frame or a more complex harness.
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Attach the mount to the wire frames using duct tape and glue for added security.
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Add Satin Ribbon:
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Cut the satin ribbon into two equal lengths.
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Create notches in the wire frame and thread the ribbon through, tying knots to secure it. This will allow you to wear the wings like a backpack.
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2. Preparing the Feathers
Cutting Feathers
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Select Feather Sizes:
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Use a variety of feather sizes to create a natural look. Common sizes include 50 cm, 40 cm, and 20 cm.
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Cut the Feathers:
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Use scissors to cut the feathers to the desired lengths. You will need approximately 70 pieces of 20 cm feathers, 160 pieces of 50 cm feathers, and 160 pieces of 40 cm feathers.
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Shape the Feathers:
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For a more realistic look, use a heat gun to gently heat the feathers and shape them over a pencil or pen. This will create a natural curve and texture.
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3. Attaching the Feathers
Gluing Feathers
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Start with the Longest Feathers:
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Begin by gluing the longest feathers (50 cm) to the base of the wings. Work in a staggered pattern to ensure even coverage.
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Glue feathers on both sides of the wing simultaneously to maintain symmetry.
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Layer the Feathers:
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Once the longest feathers are attached, move on to the medium-sized feathers (40 cm), and then the shortest feathers (20 cm).
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Continue to work in a staggered pattern, layering the feathers to create a full, natural look.
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Finish the Edges:
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Ensure the edges of the wings are covered with feathers to hide the wire frame and create a seamless appearance.
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4. Final Touches
Securing the Wings
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Check for Gaps:
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Inspect the wings for any gaps or areas that need additional feathers. Fill in these areas as needed.
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Reinforce the Structure:
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Add extra glue and duct tape to any areas that feel weak or unstable.
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Test the Fit:
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Try on the wings to ensure they are comfortable and secure. Adjust the satin ribbon straps if necessary.
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Optional: Lightweight Styrofoam Wings
For a lighter alternative, consider using styrofoam instead of feathers:
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Cut the Styrofoam:
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Use a utility knife to cut the styrofoam into feather shapes. Vary the sizes for a natural look.
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Shape the Feathers:
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Use a heat gun to add texture and shape to the styrofoam feathers.
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Attach the Feathers:
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Glue the styrofoam feathers to the wire frame, starting with the longest pieces and layering as described above.
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Additional Tips and Resources
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Crazecosplay.com: For additional inspiration and pre-made wings, visit crazecosplay.com. They offer a variety of cosplay accessories and costumes.
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Rank No.1: Check out Rank No.1 for highly-rated cosplay tutorials and products. They often feature top-rated items and user reviews.
Conclusion
Creating angel wings for cosplay is a detailed process that requires patience and creativity. By following these steps and using the recommended materials, you can craft a stunning pair of wings that will make you stand out at any event. Whether you choose to use traditional feathers or lightweight styrofoam, the end result will be a beautiful and eye-catching accessory for your cosplay ensemble.