November, 2006

Placing Gems on Foam Armor

Q:

Something I would really like to see is on your site, is how you get the jewels into the foam armor... and also if you have ever made shoe covers, I would be very interested to see how you go about that... I am sure you are very busy, but I just thought I would send some feed back.. I was super excited when you finally opened the members section and I really love it, it is soo helpful. Thanks a bunch!

Jessica

A:

Hello Jessica
Thank you for you letter! Ill address the question about the jewels on the foam armor. I plan on making a picture tutorial on shoe covers later. When I use large gems in my armor I like to use clear pebbles. They are the type of glass pebbles people typically use in fish tanks or flower vases. You can find them at craft stores in the flower or beading aisles. If you don't have a craft store near you, you can buy them on-line at website like these:
1 2
Be sure to buy the ones with flat backs. They are very easy to work with. Paint the back side with acrylic paint in what ever color you choose. After drying squeeze a drop of "Goop" glue on the back and place it on the foam. "Goop" glue is a strong arts and crafts glue that I use in many of my projects. Let the glue adhere to the foam, usually "Goop" glue will dry in 12 hours. Next cut a circle of craft foam that over extends the diameter of the gem. Then cut a smaller circle out of that. This will form a ring to glue around the gem. Use hot glue to adhere it around the sides of the gem and base of the foam armor. Now that you have the gem completed you can paint the foam armor described in the foam armor tutorial.
Here are some examples of this technique I've used in my projects: 1 2 3

Good luck on your armor!
Lillyxandra



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