So I want to make a katana, a guitar, and some other stuff in 1:3 size and a little larger. I'm just wondering if anyone has been successful in making these things. If so, what did you use? I want to keep it fairly cheap. I was thinking Sculpey for the sword with maybe wire running through it so it won't snap in half. I'm just not sure it will be strong enough along the thinner part of blade so it doesn't chip.
I use LaDoll air dry stone clay for my dolls. Haven't tried it for accessories yet, but I plan on making a staff for my elf with the stuff. It's way stronger than sculpy, and much more lightweight. I think it only comes in white, so you'll have to paint it afterwards, but it's supposed to take paint really well.
I've been wanting to try LaDoll. I use DAS, which is cheaper, but I wouldn't use it for a sword or anything like that. I was actually thinking of trying to make the guitar out off wood, just wouldn't make it hollow. Guess I'll pick up some LaDoll next time I'm at the craft store
MyFroggyStuff on Youtube has a ton of really nifty doll prop tutorials out of common items. She has one on making a Guitar too!
It seems to me that making scale accessories is one thing that 3D printing might do very well? Maybe there are already Libraries of 3D doll house and doll accessories available? If not, that might be a good idea for starting a website of 3D Libraries of scale miniatures for dollies? Yeah, whatever.... (^_^)
I'd love to have a 3D printer, that would be so awesome! But if I had enough money to buy the thing I would most likely spend it on dolls first lol. I need to find me a rich guy :/
You can get things printed at Shapeways, so you don't need your own printer. But Apoxie is a good alternative to Sculpey for something like a sword -- it's much stronger. If you get some, you'll want to let it cure on a piece of wax paper or Saran wrap -- it like to stick to things!
Thanks for the advice. I've used Sculpey for making eyes (I'm also working on tackling a dragon for my son), but I haven't tried Apoxie for anything. I'll have to look into getting some and trying it out
If you are not gonna utilize 3D printing, I would recommend using styrene parts and brass, aluminum rods, wood, and epoxy putty for making such accessories. I have made accessories for miniature/toy companies in the past and that is what I used mostly. Hobby stores likes of Hobby Town USA or railroad model specialty stores usually carry different size, pattern of styrene pieces. Such sheets, rods, strips, pipes and so on. Hardware stores carry brass, aluminum rods and sheets. Here are some example. This one was 1/6 scale. I wrap the grip with thread. I made this 1/3 goggle for ma partner. Hope that helps. I did model making as a job till 3D printing eventually killed my job. Yay!
You know, for making small props like swords and such you could sculpt them in whatever clay you like and then cast them in resin even just using those hobby kits you get at the craft supply. I've seen some people make some really nice things like plates with just a small simple mold and some white resin. Of course you'd need to sculpt a good master first.
