headdress substrate

[scmodstyle]

[attachment=0]Untitled-1.jpg[/attachment]

Last year I made a (vegan) mohawk style headdress, photo below. For an upcoming event in Denver I'd like to make an insect themed headdress that's much more front loaded and "Princess Leia" style. I've got two things I'd like advice on. 1) how does the strapping work? Is this essentially a giant headband that goes over forehead and straps back next to the ears and behind the head? 2) What do you suggest for the substrate? For the white mohawk I used unicorn-buckram but I feel like I pushed it to the limit. This next headdress is going to be even bigger so I'm not sure I could be attaching full on tree branches to something as lightweight as unicorn buckram.

I couldn't really find any tutorials online about this style so diagrams would be immensely helpful.

Thanks,
Dan

[pink]

WTF is a 'vegan' headdress?

[theCryptofishist]

It's made out of leather of animals who died naturally. You know, road kill.

[Oldguy]

Use a wool felt fedora like the NDNs use for a head-dress base, then just sew your shit onto that crown. You can cut off the brim later. Old hats are everywhere...

[Ratty]

I agree. I've made many bulky head dresses on baseball caps and tight fitting felt hats. Find the perfect base and build on it. No reason to start from scratch.

[Eric]

WTF is a 'vegan' headdress?

Well, since the mohawk headdress in the photo has both "feathers" and "fur", I'm assuming those are made from non-animal products (fake fur & felt, maybe?)

I third the use-an-existing-hat method. Go hunting at thrifts stores in your area, or on eBay if you're not close to stores. Try to find a hat that has a base that fits your ideas (look in the womens hats, there tends to be way more variation in bases). I'd use something heavier because you want to attach the branches, and make sure they're balanced when you put them on, otherwise the hat will want to slide in one direction. You can attach the branches to something like cardboard or a heavier mounting board, then attach that to the hat base.

Also, use the google-box & look up "headdress construction", there are probably tons of links - you might even add the word "cosplay" to that.

[scmodstyle]

Hey thanks for the suggestions everyone, here's the finished product. I ended up using an old fedora I had buried in my closet.

[scmodstyle]

A close up shot. For the insect eyes I glued hundred of glass beads to craft foam half-spheres.

[Eric]

Looks great! What did you use for the "moth antennae" at the back?

[Aurelia]

Super !

On a really heavy topper I have attached to a shoulder harness.

xoA.

[scmodstyle]

Looks great! What did you use for the "moth antennae" at the back?

Michael's has a huge selection of holiday/Christmas abstract silk floral stuff right now. Since it's glittery I sprayed it with a clear gloss acrylic till it was dripping wet to prevent moop-age.

[Ratty]

That is magnificent. You did a great job. Showgirl of the underworld.

[AntiM]

Ruler of all Mothdom. All Hail!

[EspressoDude]

another option for really heavy hats is a hard hat support harness with the knob in back, adjustable and supports heavy decorations.