How to Make a Corinthian Helmet

Make a Corinthian helmet using craft supplies.

If you are going to be in a church pageant featuring characters dressed as Corinthian soldiers, you may try to find your ancient soldier costume accessories, such as a Corinthian helmet, at a costume supply store. However, this type of costume accessory might not be readily available at a costume store. One solution is to make your own handmade Corinthian helmet using a few craft materials that can be purchased from any arts and crafts supply store.

Things You'll Need

• Bowl
• Flour
• Cornstarch
• Newspaper
• Scissors
• Balloon
• 2 ostrich plumes
• Masking tape
• Straight pin
• Acrylic paint
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Pour 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of cornstarch and 2 cups of water in a bowl. Stir the mixture for 3 minutes, then allow it to sit for an additional 10 minutes. This will allow the substances to congeal and thicken into a paste.

2. Cut newspaper into strips that measure 2 inches wide and 6 inches long.

3. Inflate a balloon so that it is slightly larger than the size of your head. Knot the end.

4. Hold the balloon upright, and tape two ostrich plumes on either side of the balloon using masking tape. Position the plumes so that they are sticking out at an inclined angle.

5. Dip the newspaper strips one at a time into the flour and cornstarch mixture. Lay the coated strips over the balloon, including the ostrich plume quills. Cover the entire balloon with six layers. Allow the paper mache-covered balloon to dry for six to eight hours.

6. Pop the balloon inside of the paper mache shell using a straight pin. Hold the shell upright, as you did with the balloon, and cut off the bottom half using scissors. This will leave behind the top half of the shell attached to the two ostrich plumes.

7. Paint the paper mache Corinthian helmet using metallic acrylic paint. Select any color you prefer, such as silver, bronze or copper. Allow the paint to dry for 20 minutes before wearing the Corinthian helmet.

References

• Danielle's Place: Armor of God Helmet
• 4 Hoplites: Recreating Ancient Greek Warriors