I've used dive skins - similar idea as the motorcycle undersuit, may not cost as much either. They're made to go under a scuba suit, and do a pretty good job at keeping the bodysuit of the fursuit relatively protected from sweat, and they did keep me a little cooler because they wick very well.
They have these on Amazon:
But... I would strongly recommend if there's a dive shop near you, visit them and check out what they have. Some may be thicker than they appear in the images and that you don't want. I seem to recall spending about 60 bucks for mine. Mine is 87% nylon, 13% spandex, and dries very very quickly. Easy to hand wash. The brand of mine is Pinnacle.
Definitely this one. After years of waiting she finally got her dream fursuit from OneFurAll Studios! Technically not an unboxing, but she hadn't seen any of the progress photos or even knew it had arrived and they put it on her blindfolded. Her reaction when she first sees herself is priceless.
Oh and obligatory my unboxing video X)
I moved away from sculptris and used sculptgl ( https://stephaneginier.com/sculptgl/ ) which is free and actively being developed. I did the same thing, I got a 3D scan of my head and then used that to know how far I could go with sculpting it. Then I used meshmixer to essentially select the parts of the shell I wanted to keep. ( http://imgur.com/u7GGRVj ), then I extruded those (extrude normal - ~ 1.8mm)
As to how many shells to use it really depends upon the nozzle size you want to use, so I used a 0.6mm nozzle size to speed up printing, so I ended up doing 3x 0.6mm - 1.8mm (IIRC). I'd do a couple of test prints and see if you're happy with the results. ( I think I did 60% infill)
I used NinjaTech Armadillo for the base of the head, it prints pretty well if you slow down the speed of the print to ~15mm/s, I got away with almost no support structures.
I printed the head in multiple sections and then used a 3d doodle gun to weld them together - you can see in the picture above how I added tabs for alignment.
I'm not sure what you mean by "lavenders rather than just flowers." They do sell fake lavender at places like Hobby Lobby and Michaels, or online on Amazon.
As for how you would attach that to the fursuit, I think that depends on the actual design of the character. Do you have a picture?
The thermoplastic I use are little pellets I got off of amazon. Link below. I used all of the 16 oz of pellets to make that base. You can form it with warm water (over 150 degrees f) or with a heat gun. What I did was use hot water to form it into a sheet and then use the heat gun to melt like 2 square inches at a time to build up the head. You gotta be careful with the heat gun because you can burn yourself.
Polymorph Plastic pellets Hand moldable Plastic 16oz tub https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08123KMW1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XsQZEb02TGJFR
Hey I just ordered your book! I'll do pics!
What i usually tell friends is that they should look at some options from https://color.adobe.com/explore if they have a favorite color try searching for that, if it's a really bright color such as cyan, try using it as an accent color instead keep your character kind of muted color wise but try to still be creative
Names are harder, i didn't come up with a name for my sona untill 2 years after I made him
Species i feel like you should do something that represents you in some way, like if you're stubborn, a goat might be a good choice, if you're small maybe a fennec fox or a red panda, or if you're the travelling type maybe a bird.
And last but not least, just have fun while making one, if you make a fursona and you end up not liking it, you can always make a new one, i know a lot of people think that you can only have one, and that's bogus in my opinion, have as many as you like, and don't be afraid to just say "this character doesn't represent me anymore" and make a new one
I just got back from FWA and had a blast with them. Facerot is so sweet, he was great. I liquored him and his friends up haha.
You guys should consider supporting his Patreon if you like his suits and art!
Oof, yeah, I had the same problem with that stuff. I never got paint to stick to it. Try these products instead. The woven stuff has more of a texture to it, but from six feet away nobody can tell.
https://www.amazon.com/DMC-Vinyl-Aida-Count-White/dp/B000YQKT1U
These type of clippers work pretty well on faux fur to get a smooth finish. Just make sure you use clipper oil!
Andis 22340 ProClip 2-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper, Professional Animal Grooming, AGC2, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018KVHBM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_EyUhFbB4JH7CN Best investment I’ve made for fursuit making. It has a blade not meant to cut to the skin, so it’s great!
I got a plastic one off amazon for $40 which is fairly cheap considering that they can be like $100. You don't need it to make a head, especially if the measurements are bigger than yours. It's good for the future, but it isn't super necessary for your first few heads as long as you get measurements right https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CB046DE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zIFiFb2WWC672
What i know so far for wigs and normal hairs is a teasing comb for fluffing up the hairs. I think it was those one. And to keep it as it should be, fix it with some hair spray/glue.
I hope this helped a little
Foam clay might be worth looking into! It’s a very lightweight, sculpt-able substance that basically turns into EVA foam when it dries: https://www.amazon.com/CalPalmy-Moldable-Cosplay-Foam-White/dp/B082NVM6NR It’s pretty easy to find in craft stores as well.
get one of these bad boys, then a tail and some gloves, they don't even have to be handpaws. budget partial. https://www.amazon.com/Domingbub-Movable-Orangutan-Realistic-Costumes/dp/B09MYQ47YP/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=fox%2Bmask&qid=1669525055&sr=8-9&th=1
Amazon sells some super jumbo ones (like 2 in long zipper slider) .
Literally just take something like this and wear/stretch/paint it to achieve the look you want.
Personally, I'd go with aida mesh, which is a tightly woven vinyl mesh that has very small holes, but you can still see through it quite well, and you might be able to find it in black without even having to paint it black, but I'm not sure, as I've only ever ordered it in white.
You could also go for something like tightly or loosely woven buckram fabric. Instead of vinyl its fabric. Loosely woven, its easier to see through, but it makes it look more hole-y I guess, tightly woven makes it a bit harder to see out of, but makes it look better.
Heres a link to a similar thing! You’ll need a bigger one but you could sew onto the ring and add fluff to the insides of the fur (for more floofy volume :3!)! before closing it off
The color is not an exact match but there are Jumbo Braid fibers that comes with nice gradients like this: https://www.amazon.com/SEGO-Braiding-Extensions-Temperature-Synthetic/dp/B07T9NGR7N/ref=sr\_1\_6?crid=3SYYVNFL5BBRX&keywords=jumbo%2Bbraid&qid=1658078334&sprefix=jumbo%2Bbraid%2Caps%2C123&sr=8-6&th=1
Many people use the plastic from very large googly eyes or fillable clear Christmas ornaments^^
https://www.amazon.com/Large-Wiggle-Googly-Crafts-Decoration/dp/B07SQZYDB5 (10cm)
I know you said you were tight on cash, but maybe instead of using clay, you could use moldable plastic! I used it for a pair of paws I have and they do make very nice tapping noises!!! This is one I found on Amazon, I hope there is free shipping to your area!! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0953XQY4L/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_Q6K0VCDYGM02SBDSDZ6M
I'm sure it would, but don't use the goop kind if your gonna, try finding a spray pod podge because that will give an even coat. This is one on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003VY9DNM/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_H7KHXE3CD8Z5KMYPJ953
The kind of foam you want is called upholstery foam, and you want it in medium or high density. I usually get this stuff: https://www.amazon.com/GoTo-Foam-Height-Upholstery-Cushion/dp/B07THQM9QY/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?crid=3U473JCOH66AO&keywords=1+upholstery+foam+roll&qid=1644894039&s=arts-crafts&sprefix=1+upholstery+foam+roll%2Caps%2C197&sr=1-2-spon... Sorry for the long link qwq
Here you go. I wrote these down as I was working on the stuff, so it may be somewhat hard to follow. Feel free to ask for clarification if you want it. I may at some point go through and rewrite some of it to be more clear.
This is the knife I use it’s good for cutting 3 inch foam and taking big chunks off of stuff
Black felt is the best - I tried with minky, it’s not good. Basically you put the black felt inside the eye, and glue it down the way you want, you’ll have some sticking out, and then at that point you glue the sticking out part around the base. http://aminoapps.com/p/m2k51a
The brand doesn't really matter, you just want to make sure you get the kind that releases heat and wicks sweat away. I use this top because I need a shirt that has neck protection and UnderArmor doesn't make one.
Look for a foam wig head. Sally's Beauty Supply sells them, or if that's not local to you, try haircare/makeup/beauty stores. Sometimes craft stores like Joann's or Michael's have them. You can get one on Amazonfor less than $10, but I really recommend going in person so you can make sure it's the right size.
Without a ref of your sona, it is difficult to give you advice. There are fabrics that may give you the look you are going for. Holographic faux snake leather comes to mind.
You could also purchase Crystal beads and sew them on one by one. They come in points but also you can find nugget beads. Or, maybe use plastic gem beads. There is also acrylic gem filler too that would be more affordable. However, they don't have holes so you'd have to drill your own to be able to sew on.
I included a link to some neat fabric that may work.Halo Snake Leather
Tl:dr
Link for colors https://color.adobe.com/explore
Think of a name but don't worry too much about it
Pick something you resonate with
You can have more than one 'sona don't lock yourself down
Oo I would recommend this maker from amino! I’m currently in the process on commissioning them and their price for a mini partial will be around $350!
Hope you’ll find a maker soon! ^^
kemono fursuit style there's a lot of info on Google including a tutorials here http://aminoapps.com/page/furry
"Kemono" A humanoid fictional character who possesses animal-like features. It varies in the amount of animal the character looks like.
An option is foam clay. You work it like you would clay for making the shape, then you let it dry for 48 hours. It retains some flexibility, but is more firm than regular foam. The brand I have used is called Foam-Mo. You can find it on Amazon.
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sure! https://www.amazon.com/ABS0905-Thickness-Polystyrene-Sheets-Styrene/dp/B07HHZ8PJ9/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=white+plastic+sheet&qid=1632142516&sr=8-4 i don't think this is the exact listing i got, but it looks similar.
Also, when carving foam I recommend getting an electric knife. This is the one I use, and its made foam carving so much easier https://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-74250-Carve-Electric/dp/B00004X12T/ref=mp_s_a_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=bread+saw&qid=1627743528&sr=8-10
You could, but buckram or plastic mesh is more common.
Unrelated to fursuits, you should get this screening for your window. It's fairly easy to rescreen and this is cat proof from experience. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000CSGFAY/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_392KGDXNC9NBTXKBPCA2
This isn't the answer you want, but you need to buy thinner foam. I reccomend half inch. Try JoAnns, or see if there are any upholstery supply shops in your area. I think trying to slice the foam you have thinner is more trouble than its worth. Thinner foam will put less pressure on your head and be much easier to work with. You can use this thick foam to block out the face shapes or make toes.
My favorite tool for cutting foam is snap-off craft knives. If they get dull, run them on a sharpener or fine grit sandpaper. This is the one I own; I like the ultra sharp blades.
I purchased the fur for my bean from a shop called Barcelonetta! Their fur is super soft and high quality, and comes in a lot of colors too!
Unfortunately I don’t, but feel free to post any questions either here on this post as you go or to make a separate post throughout this subreddit so you can add photos and get direct advice! I’d be happy to help throughout the process and I’ll keep an eye out for you and your sergal! I’m sure that others on here would also be able to give some great advice! I wouldn’t consider myself a professional maker, just a hobbyist, but posting on here allows you to get advice from people who have been doing this for years, even decades, longer than I have.
If you’re looking for a good foam, this one has fursuit reviews! It’s pretty much the same as the green foam from what I’ve experienced. It’s pretty affordable too! https://www.amazon.com/Fairfield-Project-Foam-24-0-5-Inch/dp/B00LN55LBY/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=upholstery+foam+1%2F2+inch+thick&qid=1606931358&sprefix=upholstery+foam&sr=8-4
Aha, no worries, all of this was super helpful and useful! Thank you for taking the time to write it all out!! :>
The head is definitely the part I get stuck on, as everything else depends on whether I want to build off of a mask, or just buy a larger headpiece and modify it. I've seen others wear those <a href=https://www.amazon.com/elope-Black-Panther-Costume-Adults/dp/B014EG2TUY/ref=sr_1_14?keywords=mouth+moving+mask&qid=1562638056&s=gateway&sr=8-14>mouth-moving</a> ones from Amazon-- not the best, but good enough to start out with? The pro is that I wouldn't have to buy a set of ears, but the cons depend on how easy it would be to replace the eyes, fur, and possibly adjust the facial structure. Either way I'd use yarn to simulate the hair around it for my OC.
Of course I could just start from scratch with a costume mask! Decisions, decisions :')
Anyways, thank you again for your help!!
Assuming you're using a phone, if it's android try assembling a collage panel with Memesis https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ekreutz.memegen.free
You're welcome! I love talking about mold making and casting, but thought of the foam method while I was writing my comment.
Getting the silhouette symmetrical is easy; just mirror your pattern from left to right. As far as making the curves symmetrical, one trick you can use is mark on your foam where you want the apex of your curve to be with a line. Carve away from that line towards your edges. https://imgur.com/a/fJeX4us Just draw the line symmetrically on both pieces and you will have a good starting point for a symmetrical carve.
A clever trick I learned from a buddy is when you are making your fur pattern, only make a tape pattern from one ear, like the left ear. Mirror that pattern to make two perfectly symmetrical fur pieces. When you are putting your fur on the right ear, the fur will help to squish the foam into shape if the foam is too large. If you find that the foam is too small and your fur is baggy, stuff some poly-fil into the voids to bulk it out.
My personal favorite blades are these: https://www.amazon.com/OLFA-UltraSharp-Black-Snap-Off-Heavy-Duty/dp/B00176HQ6W Scissors would work just as well if that is what you prefer.
I actually have that exact one, but the main problem with it is that it’s very delicate, so even putting the head on the base can rip off the nose. If think you’ll be making a lot of heads then you might wanna spend a little bit more money on something like this
The good thing about this one is that it’s heavy, durable, and has shoulders to build the cowl on 👌🏻
I use this electric knife https://www.amazon.com/Proctor-Silex-74311Y-Lightweight-Contoured/dp/B00006IUX1/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=ham+electric+knife&qid=1595252125&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExRkQzREw1SEFVM0NRJmVuY3J... to cut my foam, and it works really well. I also would put one leather or thick rubber glove on the hand you aren’t cutting with, I use gardening gloves so I don’t burn myself with the hot glue gun
You really need to fill in that cleft palate. Cats have a little bit of space between the nose and where the lips start. That will fill in a bit of space.
I own a cat fursuit that has a short muzzle. I personally wouldn't put mesh in the mouth. That will limit your ability to sip water without taking your mask off and limit airflow. If you are concerned, get balaclavas that are hinged, or have a hole big enough that you can pull it down under your chin. You can pull the chin down when you need to breathe, or pull it up if you are doing a photoshoot. Amazon link to what i mean by hinged balaclava
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XQCTLSP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
so the reason why i bought the Polymorph because it was my wanting to spend as little as possible for how much i needed lol. I ended up buying this on amazon later. I didn't look on ebay though. I am impatient and like that "free" 2 day shipping.
Lol. I got them off Amazon. They’re super comfy Link https://www.amazon.com/Fluffy-Slipper-Sleeping-Christmas-Hilareco/dp/B081TZPWVH/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=fuzzy+cat+socks&qid=1586702635&sr=8-3
I prefer this! https://imgur.com/a/FNZMcDm If you're close to a Joanne's fabric store they sell them in the cross-stitch section, in rolls. It's vinyl, so it can be painted. If you have access to an airbrush, just spray the side you'll be looking through black to help with visibility. you can also probably use a spray can, just make light passes so it doesn't drip onto the other side.\ It can also be found on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/DMC-Vinyl-Aida-Count-White/dp/B000YQKT1U/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=vinyl+aida&qid=1581316749&sr=8-1
Hmmm, i've never thought of that but maybe?! I don't think it would be as strong as a solid piece tho and you still have risk of bending/warping.
I use a thicker craft foam - 1/4 of an inch thick - that holds well and doesnt bend. Here's an amazon link for clarity and theres a pick of someone holding so you know how thick it is! They have these sometimes at craft stores and foam shops but I think they're hard to find.
If you need good quality fur for cheap i found some here -- https://www.amazon.com/Barcelonetta-Craft-Supply-Costume-Decoration/dp/B07VNVV2K9/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=faux%2Bfur%2Bcraft&qid=1574113855&sr=8-1&th=1&psc=1
I don't think a carving knife is necessary. One of these is my #1 suggestion for foam carving. Make sure you get a bunch of spare blades; foam dulls 'em like nobody's business.
Any recommendations on a good electric knife? Currently I have my eyes on this bad boy but don't know if there's a better one for a bit more.
I found this cheap bust off Amazon for $25 bucks, have you tried using this before? Is it too difficult to keep it still?: Amazon Head Bust
If it's not sturdy enough, I'll go with the one I found off Ebay, but 80 bucks is quite a lot for just that one armature. I'm hoping to make this for under 300 bucks.
I'm assuming I'll be able to find crafting foam at Michael s when I head out there this weekend. How should I go about making the tail though? How would I make it so it wouldn't just stay limp all the time? Incineroar's tail
I bought a pair of these and they work fabulously. They keep your hands nice and cool, pull the moisture away from them (I get sweaty palms), and provide a nice barrier to the handpaw material.
I got mine off Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CB046DE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
But you can also check ebay. I couldn't find any in actual physical stores near me, though I didn't check the fancy hair salon place. So if you have a high end hair salon/school they might sell wig heads, not sure if they'll work well or not.
After trying a bunch of different solutions, I have determined that a cloth/canvas D-ring belt is my preferred method for holding up a tail. Any belt made of a stiffer material feels uncomfortable and anything softer or stretchier will slide down over time. The D-ring buckle thing is relatively flat and unnoticeable, which means that people who hug you wont feel a huge solid belt buckle beneath soft fur.
Here is a link to a belt similar to what I use (I prefer 1.5" wide): http://www.amazon.com/Canvas-D-Ring-Buckle-Metal-Black-XXXL/dp/B00NLMO79E/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1452283783&sr=8-3&keywords=cloth+d-ring+belt
This one is a bit too long for me, but you get the idea.
The glasses that you often will see most fursuiters use are basically these:
However if you go to your local party store/factory card outlet sort of place they tend to have a full rainbow and sell them individually for $2. For some reason you cant seem to find black ones online.