Hi ladies and guys!
So, I watched "The Hobbit" some weeks ago and was completely hooked on King Thranduil's circlet. You know, this beauty:
I thought: "How hard can it be?!". Well. Now when I have been trying for weeks, I realise, it's pretty complicated. Esp. since I am not that super crafty when coming to creating jewellery. I have made several hats (actually, a new one coming up shortly, stay tuned!) and Fimo clay jewellery in my life, but that's it.
First, I tried out with metal wire and it turned out to be a nice circlet, but not Thranduil's circlet, of course.
I googled, a lot. I mean, other people must have created this. Yep. Plasticard could work. Worbla also could work.
I bought some plasticards (sort of) and started drafting the pattern, which wasn't that easy with perspective and size. After some days, I got it right.
Next challenge: how do I cut plastic? I bought a small saw, but it was wobbly, tricky and inconvenient.
Then I tried out with a Drevel tool and cutter blade, which worked very well. Took some tries to get the piece out. Also trying not to melt the plastic while cutting.
I continued with the Drevel tool to cut out hollows and vines, with different bits. It required lots of elbow grease indeed. I also bought needle files to get a smoother finish, even though getting it perfectly smooth seems impossible.
Then time to bend the pieces. I first tried with a smaller plastic piece in the oven, but it just melted altogether. Not a good idea. I read on someone's blog that the pieces can be melted by dipping them in hot boiling water for 10 seconds. I tried - nothing happened. I even left smaller pieces in hot water for 60 seconds, no luck. Then I used a heating gun instead - et voilá. Super convenient.
Then primer spray in grey. I also used all-around-glue to even out irregularities and to repair the pieces when they broke, which happened a few times on brittle parts. Gluing them together was quick and easy.
And then black colour spray. And on top of that, silver metallic paint.
That's where I am at currently. It still has some adjustments and painting to do. And of course, to create a nice crystal for the front part. Haven't figured that out yet. I tried with hot glue and created a little crystal shaped "lump", but it looked more like melted cheese, haha. I will also mount the pieces together in some way. I have ordered a head dummy, waiting for it to arrive for easier mounting of the pieces. Hard to see the back of my own head :D So stay tuned for more :)
Tools I have used so far
Loooots of patience and sweat :D
Inspiration sources
Fantastic work! :)
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