Popular series from the past: N00b Steel Armouring Basics

     For me, making steel armour was one of those things that was an unattainable idea. I didn't have any idea how it was done, no idea what tools were needed. I just knew that I didn't know. But I tried anyway, I am sure anyone who knows anything about armour smithing will get a headache from the pain inflicted by my poor technique but at least I tried.
     These tutorials are more proof that if you try to do something you can get some pretty descent results. So with the cheviot that I really have/had no idea what I was doing, if you follow these tutorials you can begin your journey in to the wonderful world of steel.

Popular series from the past: N00b Leather Armouring Basics

I will once again that I am no expert on anything I do on this blog. Like 90% of my other tutorials the photos you see are my first time ever attempting to make said item. I really honestly have no idea what I am doing, I just wing it and hope for the best. That said, I have been fortunate to have a achieved some pretty cool results. Here are my leather armouring tutorials:

Popular series from the past: Medieval Pavilion Tent

What could be better than going to an event than going in a traditional medieval tent? I have always loved Pavilion tents and a few years ago I was privileged to make one for less than $100! This collection of photo tutorials takes you from start to finish on how to make a medieval pavilion tent. If you want to see more photos of the finished tent, you can find them here: Pavilion Tent (click the read more link for list of tutorials)

How to make a back flag

From Stuff Maker Blog

Ok, So I got to work on this project the other day, I am really happy with how it turned out, I cant wait to try it out in combat! Here is how I make it, step by step, and just a warning, I used duct tape like crazy, no glue. Not exactly kosher in foam smiting I know, but I had a duct tape itch that needed to be releaced.

Wooden Khopesh Tutorial

The Khopesh is probably my favorite sword, but it is very complex. It was not even made like a slandered sword. Becouse of it complex shape the bronze was often pored in to a mold rather than hammering in to shape. Even drawing it on a peace of wood is quite difficult. So here is how I did it.

Making a Shield - prt.2: The rest

These 2 shields have turned out the best I have yet made. Maybe not Edhellen quality, but pretty nice if I do say so myself. I basically followed this tutorial so if you want to follow along with it, but see actually pictures, here they are.

First I took my shield blanks I already made. (see here)

Laying them on a camp pad I used them as a template that I "traced" with my knife.

The first of 3 face layers cut out.

Then I cut stripes for the edge layer. Enough for there to be 4 layers covering all edges.

Face layers glued on.

Edge layers from the back.

Edge layers from the front.

Next I taped the seams with duct tape to reenforce them. Be sure to use a good and sticky tape or it wont work. (you can't see it but I taped the face side as well)

You will also note that I added straps. I did this before I glued the first face foam on. Use a strong strapping that you don't have any fear of ripping out, it will be a pain to replace.

Next I took a peace of fabric and marked a circle 5" larger around it. See this tutorial.

Here you can see I cut along that marked line.

And sewing like the tutorial said I made it in to a draw string cover.

Shield one I painted with wood stain and acrylic paint for the details.

The Second I painted with spray paint, black is the base coat, with a red over resulting in that nice deep read. I used masking tape to help define the edges.

Making a Shield: Cutting the Blanks - prt.1

Peace of wood from the $2 scrap bin at Totem.

It is hard to see, but the pen is attached to a string which is attached to a tack stuck in to the wood to create an outline as a cutting guide.

I used a jig saw (the wood is clamped to the table saw)

Making the slits for the straps. I start by using a large bit and drilling the slit edges.

Then I use the jig saw to cut the slit from hole to hole.

There we are, 2 shield blanks!

More Sword Guts

Rag Rug Coat Tutorial: prt 1 - Sleeves

This is part one of how to make a Rag Rug Coat Tutorial. A rag rug coat is a 2 pace garment consisting of a front tying torso peace and a sleeve peace. In this tutorial I will cover how to make the sleeve peace. The sleeves are the simplest part of the coat, and as you can see above if you wish can be warn with a rag rug vest, or even by-themselves.

Rag rug garments are warm and breathable, the coat is no exception and is better for cold weather where than the Rag Rug Vest. Rug garments also provide a good bit of padding, so work well as a poor mans Gambian ether to simply pad blows or to pad under armor.

1. You will need 2 Rag/Bradded Rugs, one for each sleeve. Fold each in half shot ways.

2. Sew along the doted line. You may be able to sew a bit further toward the torso or may need to leave a bit more room depending on build.

3. The double layered rug is very thick, you may want to loosen the pressure of your foot on your sewing machine to get over it better. I did a straight line seam and then a zig zag over that for strength.

4. Next place the 2 completed togather as shown. You want to make a bit of V shape. The angel of the V should by stronger in the back then on the front seam (or the back will bulge a bit). I recommend only doing on seam on each at first as you may want to adjust. The Back seam should also be a bit longer than the front.

After you are sure you have the angel right sew it good at a lot of pull pressure is on these seams. If you can also try to sew over multiple stands of cloth for strength or the rug may begin to separate over time.

That is it. If you have any question, post a comment I would be more than happy to try and clarify anything.

Related Posts:

Rag Rug Vest/Tabard Tutorial