At long last, Ellen's costume armor project is finished. Today we had a photo session with Ellen and our horse Elroy modelling the entire outfit.
This is a Medieval, chain-mail type armor. Ellen made all the parts of this costume except the sword and the shield. The chain-mail for this costume is made from beverage can pull-tabs; about 20,000 of them (that's about 3,333 six-packs, and no, we didn't drink them). Ellen is a bartender, and between that and her friends and family saving them for her, she eventually got enough of them. Also, that's one of the reasons it took four years to make this costume. There are also about 2,000 larger die-cut scales used on the horse armor. The horses head and neck armor includes sections made with a faux crocodile leather. The belt, girdle and scabbard cover use this same leather. The cuffs, leg armor and helmet are made with painted and studded Naugahyde. The tunic and cape are made with upholstery fabric.We designed and cast our own buttons and medallions used on this outfit. The findings (studs, rings, buckles) are store bought but everything else is hand made. My gal is a wizard with a needle.
The horses outfit is adjustable and can fit most horses, up to Draft Horse size. Ellen is willing to rent this costume; and just in time for Halloween! Horse not included.
