Vexen's Shield Tutorial

Okay, so after making my keyblade last time and someone requesting to know how I made it, I decided to keep a photo log of how I made it.

1. Draw out four sets of these things to make the arrows. Make a fifth one, but about twice the size.

2. Use masking tape (NOT SELLOTAPE AS THE PAPER MACHE WILL NOT STICK LATER) to attach one side of the arrow template to the other. Do this for all five points.

3. After stuffing each arrow with some scrunched newspaper (my camera failed to take a picture of the stage, sorry) seal off the ends by wrapping masking tape around the bottoms.

4. Make a template for the main shield body out of cereal box cardboard.

5. Use template to cut out two pieces of very thick cardboard, so that you have a back piece and a front piece for your shield. Score a line down the middle of each and GENTLY bend them, so that you get a ridge down your shield.

6. Draw out the two lots of pieces to make the ridges around the shield. (Look closely at what pieces I made so you don't rush ahead and ruin the step after next)

7. Tape identical pieces together.

8. For the bottom of the shield, make the V shape and cut out two lots of pieces. (It is best if the V is whole, not in two pieces as the point could split easily)

9. Tape both pieces together.

10. Attach the spikes to the back piece of the shield and sandwich them between the two shield pieces. Tape firmly all around the pieces to bind them together.

11. Tape all ridges firmly in place

12. Make a small handle for your hand and a larger one for your arm (Be sure to check that you can get your arm through the larger handle while wearing your Organisation XIII coat because you can't change it once you've finished your shield)
Attach the handles using masking tape and staples. (The staples will not make the handle stay in place yet, put once paper mache has been applied, they ensure that the handle does not slip and slide away from the shield)

13/ 14. Cover EVERYTHING in many layers of PVA glue mixed with some water (Should be less viscous than when the glue first comes out of the bottle, but not watery) Allow layers to dry between each session. Keep adding layers until shield can make a solid noise when wrapped with the knuckles once dry.

15/16. Now paint your shield with a thick layer of acrylic paint. The cheapest stuff is usually the best, as it is thicker and more gloopy, so that you can be assured of good waterproof coverage.

17. (Not pictured) Slid into your Organisation uniform, don your wig and lab goggles (optional) and find a somebody to defeat.

Happy cosplaying!