Aesthetics A Silent Knight - Link (TotK, BotW, TP) plus Zelda! And Epona!

(Sorry if some pics don’t show up, they will eventually, I think it’s a forum glitch)

Hello all! This is my first thread for doing modifications and such. I’ve never done additive mods, and have only done a few subtractive things like adding magnets into resin or sanding features.

Like many, I adore Link and after receiving my Volks F-17, I couldn’t stop seeing the potential in this sculpt. So I’ll post some progress bits as I tackle my “summer project” of making Link.

I want to start with these two looks for him, both from Breath of the Wild. I’ve got the fabric for the blue outfit, so that’ll be first.





I also got to use apoxie clay for the first time to mod some elf ears. I still need to blush them but I like the length.





With the wig (which I still need wax for styling) for reference:


I’ve ordered some better eyes for him, as well as some basic boots to modify.

I’m going to try doing details on his tunic and accessories using paint pens (the kind that work with fabrics) since I love drawing and possibly going insane getting things even.

 

A friend of mine with a 3D printer is helping me with printing the Master sword and sheath, so I’ve got the test pieces to play with. I’ve got to figure out the best paints to make it look real and not like painted plastic.



I’ve also started work on a Sheikah Slate using some apoxie clay. I’ll get a photo of that once I get some details painted on.

I need to think about his belts and harnesses and what would be best to create those. The buckles would be the trickiest for me since I’ve not done anything like that before. Any suggestions?

 

Ooo thank you @SoapBubbles ! I didn’t think to look there for buckles, but that might just work. And thank you for the compliments! I love pointy ears so this was super fun to make. Apoxie clay is actually quite nice to work with, never would have known had I not tried.

 

Great suggestion @Crissaegrim ! They seem to have a good selection of things! Thank you!

 

@bahboh your Link is FANTASTIC! I love all the details!! Thank you for the help, I’ll definitely pick your brain when I run into trouble.

Aww, thank you @light the light ! I haven’t gotten this involved with sewing and sculpting for a long long time, so I’ll take all the luck I can get!


I started work on the tunic, mocked up a rough pattern and then hand stitched it all together because I was too lazy to drive to my parents’ house to use their sewing machine. Should have, though. I still need to iron it and clean up some ends, then I can work on the design bits.

Please excuse his lack of undershirt, still waiting on materials for that.

 

I worked on the sheikah slate using apoxie clay, metallic sharpies, and acrylic paint. It’s not perfect, but I think it’ll work. I may end up making a better one down the line.





I also added the details to the tunic, using a white paint pen and a lot of patience.





Thanks to all y’all’s help, I ordered some belts to turn into his accessories, so hopefully they arrive soon.

 

Thank you @chrstphrl and @Alice-of-Clover ! The more I make for him the more I can see him coming together.

 

Not a big update, but I got some Volks water wax for wig styling, which is absolutely great stuff. I tried it out real quick and it works wonderfully. I know his wig will get messed up again when I put the rest of his outfit together, so I won’t fully style it until then. But test #1 looks good. Sorry again for the fill-in undershirt.





I also received the belts in the mail today so I can start assembling them. Reminds me that I need to make a quiver and some arrows. *adds to list* First test of the belts looks good, though! Thank you everyone for your input and help!

 

(I apologize if some of the photos don’t show up. They do come back after awhile but I think it’s a forum glitch moreso than the image host.)

I’ve been working on getting the 3D printed Master Sword put together, sanded, and primed before painting it. I’ve not worked with this kind of printed stuff before and my friend’s printer is not the best, so lots of sanding ahead.

I also started making a Phrenic Bow because I like the simplicity of it. I’m using Miliput, a first for me, too, and still need to add details to the overall shape. Then sanding and painting and stringing.



I got some leather bits to make his arm guard, belt pouch, and quiver, as well as a wooden rod to turn into arrows.

I’m finishing up my current job these next two days, then I will officially be unemployed until August when my new teaching position begins. Besides my summer camp I’m teaching, checking out my new school, and a couple quick getaways, the majority of my time can shift to working on this project. Oh boy! Thank you to everyone who’s along with me on this journey!

 

Just a quick update: I received the boots that I’ll modify with cuffs and possibly paint a touch lighter brown since they are quite dark.

I also made his harness and added the sheikah slate to the belt. I’m working on the little pouch that goes on the back of the belt.

I have his Hylian Shield 3D printed, albeit a tiny small. I’m going to paint it soon and try it out on him. His sword is nearly ready for painting and then I can put the hilt and blade together. The sheath needs to be glued and then painted, too.

Link’s undershirt base should be here Friday and then I can get to sewing, painting, and adding the arm details to it. I also picked up the sleeves of his tunic, I think they were a bit too long so I may shorten them to this length. I may snug up his tunic around the chest, too.

My current work station is also where my droids hang out. Six wanted to be in the photo, too, so there she is.

 

I’ve been working on various parts today. Here’s my current workspace for an overview:



I started the day by priming and painting the shield and blade pieces.








I then redid the neck hole on his undershirt and proceeded to tea stain it from white. I want an off-white colour so I think this’ll work well. Now it’s out for a dry.



While the shirt is drying, I figured I’d blush Link’s hands because…why not?



I also painted Lunk’s boots a lighter brown, painted the soles beige, and made the top cuffs.




Pretty good for the first day of summer break!

(Edit) Wanted to add one photo of the outfit-so-far together, minus weapons.

 

Thank you all for your kind words! The best bjds really are Zelda bjds


Got the shield mostly done, still a little small but it will work for now.



The sword and sheath got primed after more sanding, then painting began on the sheath and hilt.

 

Thank you @SoapBubbles and @Tagath ! Painting tiny details is nerve wracking and oddly satisfying.


I finally got the arm wraps made and on, now I just have to make the leather arm guard. Gloves will be arriving at some point.



I finished most of the painting of the sword and sheath, and now I am putting the hilt and blade together. I can’t wait to string this onto his harness for hero level awesomeness.



And I got a little impatient and decided to give Link some baby abs because why not. I plan on making him the Desert Voe outfit at some point so hopefully it looks good for that. I may blush them lightly to make them more visible.

 

Here are some photos of what I’ve gotten together so far. I still need to make the quiver and arrows, as well as the bow, he still needs his earrings, belt pouches, and gloves. I’m sure there’s more I’m missing but it’s a decent list to start with.

 

Sorry I haven’t been able to add much here lately. I was teaching a summer camp all last week and it took a lot out of me. But I’m back!

I tried working on a fur wig for Link, thinking it would look better for the design, but I have had no luck in making it actually look good. I think it just has too much volume, even when pulled back into the ponytail. I’ll keep playing around with it, though.

I want to make his Hylian cape and maybe get the gloves done next. I say that knowing full well my anxiety is going to have me make the bow or quiver or any number of other things instead. As long as there’s progress!

I took a few decent photos of Link as he is now. It’s nice to see him as recognizable as he is. This project has become a great creative outlet for my anxiety and has actually gotten me to focus on something longer than an hour or so. Thank you to everyone who has been following along!

If the images don’t show, you can click it to see the picture. I’m frustrated that the images just randomly go away.

 

Thank you so much @SoapBubbles ! I hope to take him into the wilderness once all is said and done.

@crystaltheron Thank you for your kind words! I’ve never done a progress journal like this, so I’m glad it’s enjoyable. I didn’t think I’d turn the F17 into Link, but he was all I kept seeing so it had to be done!

(if photos don’t show up, click on them to see it)

I finished making the two pouches that go on Link’s belt, as well as the beginnings of the quiver. I also have my book out so I can start making the Desert Voe pants. I’m drafting a bubble shorts pattern for that since they are quite floofy. Then I’ll add the designs in paint.



I added a bit to Link’s faceup, mostly the eyebrows. Link has thicker brows towards the outsides, so I just added a bit more hair and shadow to help with that.



I also wasn’t satisfied with the arm wraps, so I’m trying something new with this elastic ribbon. I’m tea-dyeing it and then will add the designs to hopefully look like it’s wrapped but still moveable.



Onwards!

 

I got the painting done on the quiver, as well as finishing the painting on the pants. I still need to add the armour plates and fabric swag around the pants, but for a first try at it, I’m happy. I also started on the arm cover, still need to add the patterns to that.








I also got a new wig for Link, one with a moveable ponytail so I can switch it up top for the outfits that require it. I still need to trim it to length but I think the colour is good.



Rainy days are good days for hand sewing and painting.

 

I started work on a green tunic (because I can’t focus on just one thing, lol). My local fabric store didn’t have the shade of green for the Hero of the Sky set, but they did have a nice forest green for the Hero of Twilight. So hello, Twilight Princess!

I haven’t made the under clothes yet, but I got the basics of the tunic and hat complete. Gotta have my little green man with a hero’s tunic.







He is set up as right-handed because of Breath of the Wild, since I don’t have enough materials to make him a leftie like in Twilight Princess. Maybe one day…

 

Thank you @SoapBubbles and @Chraurelius ! I hope he ends up with more outfits than my own closet! And I’m glad you enjoy seeing the step by step! I’m trying to remember to take photos but sometimes I get too excited while I work to do it.

The Champion’s look is pretty much complete (minus more weapons and shields). I may tweak things here and there but it works. He also has his brighter blue eyes which I think pull the look together.

 

I upgraded Link’s body to a SDGr body for better posing and also detail. What a lovely body! It needs some colour matching done, through body blushing, but it’s not too far off.



Added a bit of blushing to the body but kept it soft.



I also plan on making this outfit, including mask, for Link because it’s cute and I want to.



I’m going to assume the parts of the outfit I can’t see, but I’ll try my best to recreate what actually is visible.

The Hero of Twilight outfit has some progress, mainly the underarmour is almost done, as are the arm guards. I need to add details to the tunic still, as well as the hat.

I got a few more belts to make a left-handed Link because I love Twilight Princess so much and because, again, why not. I do what I want.

 

Hahaha @SoapBubbles ! Good point!

Majora’s mask will be 3D printed and then I’ll be painting it, so hopefully it arrives in the right size. I’m horrible at getting accurate sizing with things like this.

@skyealloway Go for it! MSD-sized Link may be easier to get props and things for, and I think you’ll be able to find a sculpt. I’m so happy you’re inspired to make a Link!

 

It’s been awhile, but I finished the Nintendo artwork outfit for Link.








I had a 3D printed mask made and then painted it myself. I also made the yukata (and matched all the stripes up; mother would be proud ) and obi (which needed the triforce design painted on).







I’m still working on the Desert Voe outfit, need to redo the pants because I’m not happy with them. I also want to make the Snowquill outfit but haven’t started that other than dreaming. BotW2’s outfit (the Grecian-looking one) is something I’d love to make, too. Been thinking about modding an arm to switch on to him.

I have to go back to teaching next week so things will slow down. I’m starting a new position (my choice, yay) so I have no idea what the workload will be. This project is so fun, so I want to keep at it any time I can.

I post a bit on my Instagram so if you don’t want to wait for updates here, that’s the place to go. @beri_bjds
Thanks for sticking around and giving me all the advice and encouragement!

 

Thank you!!

I’ve made a little progress, making some arrows, finishing the phrenic bow, and the Master Sword from the BotW2 trailer. I also obtained another F-17 head so I can make a slightly different Link. I think this Link will be the fighter with an angrier expression. I have to colour match the head though since it’s white instead of normal.

Anywho, here’s one photo of everything so far. I’ve been taking Link to school/work with me, and my middle and high school kids love him. I’ve been teaching tips about making props and most of the kids just like drawing him. This way they can see how the process goes.

 

That’s a watercolour example I’m using to show them some techniques. I have a few of the kids’ drawings posted up on the wall, should have taken a pic.

 

@Haven_Of_Dolls336 I’ll ask my kiddos and see if they’re ok with me sharing their art. There is definitely some talent in my classes.

My 3D Art kiddos are working with cardboard for their current project, so I took the opportunity to show them how to make wood textures with it. I made the pot lid shield for Link as the example. It’s lightweight so it won’t weigh him down when he’s also wearing all his other gear. The handles are just some string I had in the closet.

 

I finally had some time after work on Friday to blush the pureskin white head to match the normal pureskin body. I used a mix of pastel creams and tans to get the resin colour close enough. Then I did the faceup. I still have to add earrings and probably get another set of lighter blue eyes. One thing at a time.

Happy Link and Grumpy Link

 

While watching the F1 race this morning, I decided to multitask and start drafting and sewing the BotW2 outfit for Link. It’s not too difficult of an outfit, except the accessories, so I was able to get quite a bit of it done by the end of the race. I still need to make him his black booty shorts and the belt and harness. That and shoes. And probably more every time I look at it.

 

Lots of updates!

I redid the grumpy Link faceup and am currently dressing him as Twilight Princess Link. I need to make another sword belt for him, and maybe some gloves, basically I need two of everything now.





I painted the broken Master Sword. I might tweak it over time but for now it’s good.



I started work on Link’s Breath of the Wild 2 cursed arm. I’m using an arm from an extra ‘parts body’ I have, so I can switch it on or off. I’m using epoxie sculpt to make the details and will be painting it all soon.






I also added the yellow details, belt, and sword belt to the BotW2 outfit. Still need to make the sandals, which I have the materials for.

 

I painted the arm (before the storms rolled in, hoorah). The joints are going to be an issue, but as long as I remember to lightly lift before moving, it should last a little while. After painting, I did a little blushing to add some depth.

 

Thank you @Inka'sfriend ! This project brings me so much joy, I love doing all the details!

Great idea @bahboh ! I added a couple kips, at the elbow and at the wrist. It seems to help some, I’m still going to be careful, though. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it since he already has kips in the rest of his joints! That’s why I need you all.

Here’s a cute photo of the two Links chatting. I had extra epoxie clay yesterday so I made an ocarina, which is what grumpy Link is holding.

 

Looks like the next pieces I’m making will be to complete the champion’s tunic to match that in Tears of the Kingdom.



I need to make the shoulder bits and whatever it is hanging from his waist belt. It also looks like his harness is a bit different, so I’ll look into that, too. But first, cape!

 

It’s been so long since my last update but a lot has happened!

New chainmail and updates were done on Wild:





This material is like a cotton/nylon blend and I think it looks pretty good for chainmail when layered.


Both Link’s got the chainmail upgrade. I also started on the TP arm guard for Twilight. This photo only has one layer of chainmail, he has two now.



I started Skyward Sword Zelda! Random happenstance led me to a DWC03 head and I knew I had to make her.

First faceup, ear mod, and harp:



Second faceup after getting her her own body (didn’t need to colour match, yay!).



With body (still need to make her outfit):



I also started working on making a Wolf Link (basically humanoid wolf, werewolf, etc) with a Migidoll Miho head. I wanted to try working with a more mature sculpt. I want to add some faint markings on his forehead, getting wolf ears and a tail, and making the Ordon village outfit. Still need to colour match the resin a bit and add some more shading to his features.



And for fun because Zelda is fitting in quite well:



There are more things to update, but I honestly can’t remember it all. I need to keep up with it here better.

Thanks for sticking around, everyone!