How to Make a Trojan Helmet
The Trojan culture has been popularized by Brad Pitt's portrayal of Achilles in "Troy," the movie version of Homer's "Iliad." The Trojan costume is tricky to make, but you can create an authentic Trojan helmet with household items. The helmet does take a few days to make, so start it in good time. This is the perfect project for young history buffs, although they may need a little help. Use images from the Internet to make your helmet pattern.
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Things You'll Need
- 1 or 2 cereal boxes (empty)
- Scissors
- Masking tape
- 1 large balloon
- 2 cups of flour
- 2 cups of water
- 1 tbsp. of salt
- Newspapers
- Plastic container
- Spoon
- Fine-grade sandpaper
- Gold or black paint
- Feathers
- White glue
Instructions
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1
Download or create a pattern for the neck and face plates. There are websites that provide these patterns for you, or you can design your own based on pictures of Trojan helmets. Once you are satisfied with your design, trace it onto the cereal box and cut out. The face plates should cover the sides of the face, and the neck plate should hang down the back of the neck.
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2
Cut out a 3-inch-wide strip of cardboard from the cereal box. Wrap it around the head of the intended wearer and tape the ends together. Remove the cardboard strip from the head and attach the face and neck plates to it with tape. Try it on to check that everything is in proportion and fits well.
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3
Blow up the balloon until it is about the same size as the wearer's head. Squeeze it into the cardboard band.
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4
Mix the papier-mache. In a bowl, combine the flour and salt with enough water so that it has the consistency of pancake batter.
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5
Cut the newspaper into strips that are 2 inches wide. Dip the strips into the flour mixture and allow the excess to drip off. Cover the balloon, cardboard strip, face plate and neck plate, overlapping the strips as you go. When the entire helmet is covered, set it aside to dry overnight.
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6
Repeat the paper mache process until your helmet is covered in four layers of newspaper. When all layers are dry, use sandpaper to smooth the surface.
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7
Cut out a crescent shape from the cereal box and glue feathers onto the crescent. Tape the crest to the helmet with masking tape. Paint the helmet and crest in silver, black or gold.
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Tips & Warnings
When your first layer of papier-mache is still damp, you can mold the pieces to give them a more rounded look.
Test your design for the face plate and neck plate with newspaper before you use your cereal boxes.
Only paint when you are sure that the helmet is dry. Check for dryness by pressing a fingernail into the papier-mache. If it leaves no indent, the helmet is dry.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
