The fourth book AA's Compendium series, it teaches sculpting, moldmaking, casting, gem-making and more! Contains much more information than I could ever cram into this website, and with hundreds of helpful photos and illustrations. (Also contains information on how to build small prop items like headdresses, masks and fans.) Order your copy today! The Cosplayer's Prop and Armor Compendium: Volume Four - Accessories Photos and Text by Teresa Dietzinger c. 2007, 152 pages, 8.5" x 11", coil binding, white interior paper (80# weight), full-color interior ink, white exterior paper (100# weight), full-color exterior ink Paperback Version - 34.50 Printable Full Color PDF file on CD - 15.00

Want to learn the basics of sculpting and casting a small prop or accessory from scratch? Does the thought of making your own molds and working with resin deeply intimidate you? Then you've come to the right place! This website will give you a fundamental grounding in the arts of sculpting, casting and moldmaking and show you resources that will help you further develop your skills!

The first thing that I want to discuss is safety.

Casting materials (like resin,) moldmaking materials (like latex, silicone and urethane,) and resin dyes are messy. Extremely messy. When working with them, it's important to read all of the safety information on their packages before you do anything. (This is good advice, of course when you're working with paints and primers as well.) Always remember to lay a plastic tarp or some newspaper s over the area on which you plan to work, as resins, chemicals and paints are very hard to remove from certain surfaces (carpet and concrete surfaces, specifically.) Resins, dyes and certain paints can be dissolved by acetone solvents, but since that stuff isn't good for your skin or your lungs, you'd be better off just not making a mess in the first place.

Make sure, when working with resins and chemicals, that you do so in a well-ventilated area (preferably outside) and that you wear latex or plastic gloves. (Wearing a ventilator that filters out harmful chemicals and/or dust is also a good idea. Ask a clerk at your local hardware store which types of ventilators will work best for your specific projects.)

With that out of the way, let's go to Part I of this tutorial: Sculpting a Prop Or Accessory From Scratch.