An Odd Question...and Not Scary. What is the Best way...

[Jonathan]

So here is an odd question that isn't scary.

What is the best way to make a Tin Man costume from Wiz of Oz?

No seriously.

Or is there a costume Co willing to make such an item for me at a good rate.

[damon carson]

Want a cheap way. Cardboard. Duct tape. elastic bands. Silver spray paint. Silver creme makeup. And a plastic funnel. No kidding.
Damon

[Allen H]

I see your cardboard and duct tape and raise you thin wall PVC pipe. Its already cylindrical and will make great arm and leg sleeves. Also the 45 degree 4" elbows would work well for elbows and knees. Some cutting will need to be done but it should be able to be done in a day or so.
Get a shiny metalic bodysuit from ebay (search for zentai silver) for around $40 and build over that. and yes I concur completely with the plastic funnel.
good luck,
Allen H

[Jim Warfield]

I had some silver fabric that was very light-weight, I used it to make a UFO. It glued well.
check out the fabric stores, specialty stuff.

[Gore Galore]

Jonathon,
Seriously,
Watch the WIZ with Micheal Jackson.
The tin mans costume is great and lots of found objects.
I am sure it could give you some interesting ideas.
Plus it is a great movie.

[Jonathan]

I will do some digging. Thanks for the suggestions so far.

[Jim Warfield]

You should not make such a public announcement

if you are really going to be digging Micheal Jackson up!

[sophisticatedterror]

costume

When I did the set for the musical here where I live they actually had the costume made out of tin and then the undergarments to hide under the joints were of course painted silver....it worked great....



Kale

[damon carson]

I like Jims idea about the lightweight material. You could use some type of metal or plastic rings for the shape of the body ect. Im no costume maker. Jim is and has had some great costumes in the past at Transworld. I really didnt know how serious you were about this. I was just thinking of a cheap way w it being the tin man. Wizard of oz ect. I've had to dress up as the tin man, the cowardly lion, and the wicked witch of the west before. One of my friends loves The Wizard of Oz. If I ever do it again. I think I will be a flying monkey and he can be Dorothy! LOL!
Damon

[Phantom Foundry]

A lot would depend on how it would be used (inside a haunt, onstage, in the parking lot, etc.). PVC or other plastic could look good, but being encased in a plastic costume is highly uncomfortable (I know, I've done it!) and potentially dangerous in a warm environment because of dehydration and heat exhaustion. I would suggest drilling quite a few inconspicuous air holes in each piece, especially in the back where they'd be less noticeable. (Maybe talk to some of the 501st folks about how they stay cool in the Stormtrooper armor.)

I think actual metal might be pretty scary to work with and wear, but maybe a rigid screen would give enough support for a design like this.

Then there's vacuuforming, but that could be rather expensive.

You could also make it "puffy", using maybe 1" upholstery foam covered tightly with silver fabric. This option would be a lot lighter weight and the pieces could be sewn onto the base layer. (It would still need air holes because foam can get hot, too.) Also, I would be willing to discuss making this version for you. Contact me if you're interested ;-)

That's all the brainstorming I've got in me at the moment!

---Val