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How to Make Cosplay Wings | Blog

Apr 6, 2022

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How To Make Cosplay Wings

In accordance with your particular costume depending on your specific costume, you might require thick wings with feathers, or transparent pinions. Also, the size can vary greatly--some characters have tiny, light wings however, others sport massive wings that contain a more rigid (and heavy) frame.

Materials needed for Cosplay Wings

  • Pencil or marker
  • Large sheets of paper or rolls of craft paper
  • Aluminum sculpting wire
  • Pliers
  • Hot glue gun, glue sticks
  • Foam board
  • Craft foam sheets
  • Scissors, or an Exacto knife
  • Material for the strap (e.g., nylon webbing)
  • Other options include spray paint, glitter, acrylic paint or other ornamental materials

Step 1: Collect Reference Material

Most likely, you've got a basic concept of how your character -- and their wings look like. But, when you're creating them completely from scratch, you need to have a variety of images to help you understand their look from different angles. In particular, how does their appearance look like from behind? Where do they connect to the body of the character (e.g. shoulders, shoulder, lower back, etc.)? What do the feathers or panels of the wings look like in detail? Taking time to really examine the wings on the model will enable you to recreate them as accurately as you can.

   Begin to Work on the rest of Your Costume!  

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Step 2: Design the Frame

Cosplay real-life wings can range from simple to extremely complex. Some wings are even built with mechanical frames to allow their wings to stretch and expand. Even simple wings require well-built frames to make sure they don't fall or break while you're wearing the wings.

To create the frame, begin by sketching the outline of wings on a piece paper. Following that line, use the pliers mold a wire in the general shape of the wings. With hot glue, secure the middle of the wire frame to a square piece of foam board--this base will keep the wings in place in your back.

3. Cut the Feathers and Scales

Now, take a close glance at the photos you have used as a reference to see the colors, textures, and the shape of your individual feathers, or scales. Generally, feathers are longest at the bottom of the wings. They are shorter towards the upper.

Step 4. Apply the Feathers in Layers

When you are ready to apply feathers, you need something you can attach them to. Make a sketch of each wing on a piece of craft foam and cut it out. Then, use hot glue to adhere the foam to the wing's structure. This gives you an extra surface to place feathers.

Begin gluing the feathers to your frame with the hot glue gun. Begin with the longest feathers on the bottom. You can then add layers of shorter feathers as you move toward the top. After you have applied the feathers to one side of the frame, let the glue dry completely before flipping it over and add the feathers on the opposite side.

Step 5: Add the final details and paint

  • Give them a solid color with spray paint.
  • Include a layer of iridescent film to create a rainbow appearance.
  • Sprinkle or spray glitter for a glittery appearance.

Step 6: Try Yourself Out

Before you take your wings for the first time, be sure to try them out. This will allow you to refine the design and then make any necessary changes. As an example, you may discover that the straps have to be tighter in order to prevent the wings from sagging. Or, maybe you prefer that the wings be slightly angled toward the back rather than straight towards the side.

Let the world know Your Wings!

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