Wookiee Basics: Some of the main information you need

Bacca9 () · Last edited by Bacca9 () on Wed Jul 04, 2018 7:33 pm; edited 20 times in total

Ok Wookiees, I'm trying to make this process a little easier for prospective members, so I'm compiling a list of basic info and supplies to get folks started. Please feel free to chime in and add on!

RESOURCES

Mesh for Undersuit

http://www.joann.com/utility-fabric-cargo-netting/10173359.html?green=773555D3-F983-53E7-0675-D1C7164347E2

http://www.moodfabrics.com/fashion-fabrics/other-fabrics/mesh/black-polyester-wonder-mesh-111302.html

http://www.joann.com/mesh-white/1948439.html

http://www.seattlefabrics.com/mesh.html#Dive%20Mesh

Kanekalon Synthetic Hair

The Reddish Brown Mix: #27, #4, #6
The Dark Grey/Brown Mix: #44, #4, #6

http://ikickshins.net

http://www.sallybeauty.com/Braiding-hair/SASSY7,default,pd.html

http://www.samsbeauty.com/service/Milky-Way-Synthetic-100-Kanekalon-Briads-Que-Premium-Soft-Jumbo-Braid-g-MWSHQPSJ.html

http://texasbeautysupplies.com/siljumbraidh.html

Or check your local wig shops ☺

Fur Fabric

National Fiber Technology
http://www.nftech.com/custom-products.html
For Chewie, you want about 30 sq. ft. of brown and 15 sq. ft. of grey. These are the most recent numbers:
CF1724D (5-7in) stock item "Grey" $42.00 1sqft
CF1728D (5-7in) stock item "Brown" $42.00 1sqft

CF9614 (5-7in) Custom "Grey" $44.75 1sqft
CF9615 (5-7in) Custom "Brown" $44.75 1sqft

$225.00 per style setup charged. Loose fiber is sold by the ounce or by the pound.

Stilts/Lifts

Bucket Stilts
http://www.steppinupinc.com
(for info on modification go here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Wookiee-Workshop/275044445914376)

DISCONTINUED
Marshalltown Skywalkers: http://www.amazon.com/MARSHALLTOWN-Premier-SKY2118-Skywalker-18-Inch/dp/B007WPC7VQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1437952784&sr=8-2&keywords=marshalltown+skywalker+stilts

“Kiss” Boots:
http://www.amazon.com/Morris-Shoes-Monster-Frankenstein-Boots/dp/B00410M9X6/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1437952831&sr=8-13&keywords=kiss+boots

http://www.rivithead.com/catalog/stack-301.html

Ebay also has a lot of options.

Mask and Toe Kits
Ryan Ricks
http://chewiechanga.blogspot.com
Finished Masks, kits, and prequel style toes available

Wookiee Works
Ben Townend
https://www.facebook.com/btownend1?fref=ts
Mask kits and finished suits and masks available from Ben Townend. Ben is one of the only builders who uses National Fiber Technology fur (as seen in Ep III), specializing in original trilogy Chewies.

Wookiee Workshop
Jason Rucci
http://www.thewookieeworkshop.com
Masks and toes available. Kanekalon and mesh suits can also be commissioned. Jason is the "go to guy" for screen accurate bandoliers.

Jamie Arielle
Bacca9 on the RL forums
https://www.facebook.com/Chewie5.2
Youngling masks and toes: Kitwarr, Lumpawaroo, and Gungi.

Evil Chimp/DougieFett
https://www.facebook.com/EvilChimpFx
Commissions available for completed masks. Uses Kanekalon LATrend #27, #8 and #44 and Jazzy #44 when hairing up masks.

Making Your Own Mask

You’ll want to get some friends and do a full head cast. The materials you’ll need are either a dental alginate or Body Double by Smooth-on
http://www.smooth-on.com/Lifecasting/c1240/index.html

For the mother mold, use plaster bandages (available through smooth-on or at your local craft store)

The positive off of which you’ll do your Wookiee sculpt can be made with a variety of materials (i.e. plaster, quick-crete, resin, smooth-on’s Task-15, etc.)

Make sure you use an oil based clay like monster clay or plastilina for your sculpt:
http://www.amazon.com/Monster-Clay-Premium-Grade-Modeling/dp/B008UZHP6Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437954790&sr=8-1&keywords=monster+clay

Casting materials for the mold vary depending on preference, but many options can be found on smooth-on.com If you call them, they will talk you through all you need. I personally like Rebound Silicone with a Plastipaste mother mold.

Wookiee Skin
Silicone. Ecoflex or Dragon Skin from Smooth-on work well.

Underskull and teeth
Lots of options again and you can use your face cast as the second part of your two part mold so that the underskull fits your face exactly. Use LOTS of mold release!
Again, smooth-on is the place to go. You can use Task-15 and roto-cast, rigid foam (Foam-IT), or fiberglass. Just about any resin will work for the teeth.

Bandolier
You can either make it yourself or buy one from Mel Mattson (cyodarun)
https://cyodarun.shutterfly.com

Or Wookiee Workshop (More expensive, but also more accurate)
http://www.thewookieeworkshop.com

If you'd like to replace your resin boxes with aluminium, the smaller ones are available here:
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Hammond-Manufacturing/1590A/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMsrGrAVj6eTva4YHrNVXaiPbM%252bgyQ79%2f%252bE%3d
The part is a Hammond 1590A components box.

Larger boxes are available from Don Forsyth: donsforsyth@gmail.com
He normally charges per two boxes for Imperial Gunners, but discounts for the large quantity required by Wookiees.

Here's a comparison photo of the resin VS aluminium boxes:

Reference:

Eyeblack

Here's the cream based black:
http://www.makeupmania.com/ben-nye-creme-color/

and the setting powder:

http://www.makeupmania.com/ben-nye-face-powder/

You want the Ebony Smile

Sound Systems

McGinni Customs
Brian McGinnis
brian@mcginni.com

Jaw activated switch OR sound glove systems available SOON!

Bowcasters

Wookiee Workshop
(see link above)

AND a "making of" video that has some brief, but good information:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT4zL9wWxk0
_________________
"Let the Wookiee Win!" Dance Chewie

Rebel Legion: Bacca9
Apollo Base Commanding Officer 2017-2020
Legion Costume Judge
Mandalorian Mercs: OM-1107

gulywhumpr (James) · Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2015 12:59 am Post subject:

For hair also add Texas Beauty Supply. http://texasbeautysupplies.com/siljumbraidh.html
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Sarah1968 () · Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2015 1:24 am Post subject:

For Hair in Australia - contact is Jo McIntosh
https://www.facebook.com/KiaraJadeSyntheticDreadlockExtensions?fref=ts

For mesh undersuit (aquatic netting) in Australia:
http://www.haverford.com.au

For alternative lifts:
www.steppinup.inc - ship worldwide

Masks for Australian Wookiees - owner/contact is George Bounos
http://iconicstudiocreations.com/default.htm

Wideko Deskort (William Desiderio) · Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2015 2:45 am Post subject:

Thank you so much for this!!!!! Smile

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falconer (Conley) · Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2015 8:00 pm Post subject:

Here is another supplier for the Bowcaster : Purgeworx
He is from UK. That way the people from Europe can save money with customs, shipments and taxes

https://www.facebook.com/Purgeworx

Thnks Jamie for this post

Rgrds from SPain

Beckett () · Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2015 2:53 pm Post subject: Looking for help!

James,

I've read every single one of your wookie build blogs like 3 times. Thank you for doing that. I just began my wookie costume last week. I got the mesh pants completed and started putting hair on this last weekend. I sent emails to the resources you listed in an effort to buy a bowcaster, monster feet and bandolier but haven't gotten any reply as of yet. What is the best way to get ahold of the people I'd like to purchase these items from? Also, I want to make a custom mask, is buying a kit for a head life cast the best way to get started? I've never done anything like that before so I'm wondering if you have any ideas in terms of finding some help doing the head lifecast. Lastly, how can I get ahold of you and other members that can help me get questions answered more quickly? (I am happy to give my phone number if it means I can text people like yourself it means I can get questions answered.

Anyway, trying to get connected with everyone so I don't make too many mistakes.

Josh
Oregon
joshmbeckett@gmail.com
_________________
Keep it Simple, Keep it real.

Bacca9 () · Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2015 5:40 pm Post subject: Re: Looking for help!

Beckett () · Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2015 7:00 pm Post subject:

Thanks ginger, I started a thread....will post pictures tonight and throughout.......VERY EXCITED!
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Keep it Simple, Keep it real.

gulywhumpr (James) · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2015 4:06 am Post subject: Re: Looking for help!

Beckett () · Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2015 4:43 am Post subject: Sound systems?

What about sound systems?
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Keep it Simple, Keep it real.

Bacca9 () · Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2015 3:17 pm Post subject: Re: Sound systems?

mattnelson521 (Matthew Nelson) · Posted: Sat Oct 22, 2016 5:13 pm Post subject: Re: Sound systems?

The Wookster (Ben) · Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2016 5:31 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the add to the list! Glad to help wherever I can.
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Chewie (Charles Walsh) · Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2017 5:39 am Post subject: Where to start on making

Hello fellow wookiees, I plan on making my suit this year. I've seen the list of materials and progress photos. but havent yet found how you start putting it together. Im looking for tutorials, how to videos etc. I appreciate any help thanks
Charles

Bacca9 () · Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2017 1:22 pm Post subject: Re: Where to start on making

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