Thread: Need a faux leather look

Tweet

I want to build a life size skeletal/zombie warrior with leather armor and helmet or hood, but do not want to spend a lot of money. The creature will be mostly made of paper mache and monster mud, so I just need to simulate the look some how. Any one have any good ideas for a solution?

Wad up brown paper bags, then smooth them back out and coat them with lacquer or shellac. I've seen it done (as a wall treatment, no less) and it looks pretty realistic.

See my tutorial for "spell book" and use the same technique ( type of decoupage) , its super cheap and easy. And if you are paper mache-ing you (should) have the things to do it with.

Macsrealm

Just go to good will because it doesnt matter if it is torn up its a halloween prop.

You need cardboard cut into the shape you want it, paper mache paste or decoupage medium, blue shop towels or paper towels, black and brown acrylic paints, and waterproofer or sealant of your choice.

After cutting the cardboard shape, add any 3D shape you need with wadded up paper towels and duct tape... Once you have the shape you desire, dip the paper towels in the paste, and apply to the shape. With your fingers, crumple and squish the paper towel into the texture you desire - either more smooth or more wrinkled - this will convey the age of the leather - the amount of wrinkles you add. After the paper mache paste is completely dry, paint solid brown, then once that is dry, either add watered down black paint and towel off the excess off, or dry brush the black on, using a LIGHT hand to pick up the texture of the wrinkles. Let dry, seal.

Quick, easy, and cheap.

Wow that is awesome. You posted a response in your own husbands thread on how to do something!!!

(He still won't believe me, though, Yard, even though I posted it here, LOL - he'll say it won't work, haha)

Husbands can be tricky that way. They need to think its their idea.

I had no idea she knew how to do this before I posted here!

Thanks for the info everyone...and Dixie ...I'm sure this will be a great help!







Man, I'm never gonna live this one down.

How did you get your wife into halloween or was it the other way.