Hello again Dreamers. I thought I might share some of the processes behind constructing the 2nd. helmet for the show's Athenian guards, and a handy , affordable solution to making ancient greek sandles for a XXL foot. (Mine!) Captions appear over the picture when mouse hovers over image.
Once I had a cheap toy helmet ($3 from BLOC), I tore all the cresting and other cheap bits off it, till it was just a round head bowl shape. I extended the back and ear parts with plumber's silver metal foil tape. (Plumber's supplies). The front was cut from metal flashing used by plumber's too. The crest frame was also cut from this, after making a paper template. This frame was made 2 sided, so as to provide a 'V' shape, into which the crest will be inserted. The crest was a $3 black feather boa from a variety store. This was then helped to stay in the frame with bronzed tape .
Once I had a cheap toy helmet ($3 from BLOC), I tore all the cresting and other cheap bits off it, till it was just a round head bowl shape. I extended the back and ear parts with plumber's silver metal foil tape. (Plumber's supplies). The front was cut from metal flashing used by plumber's too. The crest frame was also cut from this, after making a paper template. This frame was made 2 sided, so as to provide a 'V' shape, into which the crest will be inserted. The crest was a $3 black feather boa from a variety store. This was then helped to stay in the frame with bronzed tape .
The helmet turned out very well I think, and unlike rubber or paper mache, it shines under the lights, because it really is metallic paint over metal.
Footware was always a concern, as shops rarely stock sandles that fit me. I am a 13+, and wider than most foot size. I tried the previous blog's method of adapting flip flops, but couldn't tolerate the toe piece, as I have never worn those type of shoes before. So i came up with the following, more comfortable method. Op shop belts, ($4 each) provided the leather. Flip flops ( with leather 'V" piece over rubber tread sole. $10) that did fit.
You can then attach any comfy, stretchy material to wind around your legs, and I've found mine to be very durable and comfortable on stage. They look genuinly hand crafted, because they are! Oh yes, I dance (well I call it dancing), and they stay on the foot perfectly.