Suitcase-friendly Fursuit
Posted by Meyou on Fri, 2007-05-25 01:24
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 Location: United Kingdom
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Howdy. Trying to make a fursuit which would have no problems being squished and squashed into a Suitcase and flown half way across the planet. Tail, paws, and stuff like that were no problem, but having huge troubles with the head, was hoping for some idea's. I figured foam would be too bulky, and I've heard wire frames are too fragile. My idea of simply using the shape of my head to keep the head in shape was also a flop, as to get it on required it to be slightly bigger than my head, and with no internal support that extra size caused it to go all weird and out of shape when worn. Anybody got any suggestions as to how I can construct a suitcase-friendly head? |
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If you have the patience and skill, you could try a thick leather as a support for the fur itself. It won't keep the form of a foam head with internal support, but I'm sure a stiffer leather would be much more willing to take the beating. You could also try body/face painting and prosthetic pieces to complete the costume on a budget, both in money and space.
For the fursuiters that do have foam heads though, airport traffic is not as problematic as you may think. I've only heard of one incident where a fursit was lost, but found several weeks later. What we use are tough, rubbermaid containers called "action packers" that have all of our information carved on or stuck to them, then sent right through like normal luggage. The boxes are incredibly tough and if you pack things right, the foam heads from many fursuit makers are very durable!
In case you're interested...
http://www.furrhappens.com (Silver)
http://www.mixedcandy.com (LatinVixen)
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permalinkLocation: Orlando, FL
Soft, open cell foam is quite durable and able to be compacted.
Kuddlepup's head is constructed out of this type of foam (uphostery foam) and he's only now in need of replacing...due to the foam just wearing out.
But he's withstood compacting and transport for over 7 years. So I think taht'd work well. (Just watch out for squiching the eys.)
KP
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permalinkWebsite: [Link]
If your head is going to have ears that stick up, try to make them removable. Then you can take them off to make the head more compact for traveling. Just make sure that they are secure when they are on, it could be embarassing to lose an ear during the fursuit parade!
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permalinkLocation: Orlando, FL
Actually....several of us locally have made a rather interesting discovery. FOr those that have foam heads, you can use a "Space Bag". It's one of those "As seen on TElevision" items. You pop the costume head inside, seal it and vaccuum the air out.
Before anyone laughs, my roommate and I tried this on his costumes and he was able to fir BOTH suits into the same container he normally uses to transport one. PLus he has room left over for his clothes.
We also opened the seal and let the head "refluff" itself. Surprise surprise...the head was completely intact and looked perfectly fine. (Just give it 2-3 minutes to fully reform itself.)
So I'd suggest a foam costruction. With those kinds oof bags to transport, they shrink down to a very compact size and store well.
KP
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permalinkBlog: [Link]
I am using Space Bags for all parts of my fursuit 'except' the head. Tests showed no discernable problems to the fursuit. And it'll help me pack the suit in regular luggage
But you are adventurous. I would be fretful about vacuum packing the head. As it is, my heads will have to travel as a carryon.
I guess it depends on the head, tho. If you already just toss it into regular checked luggage with other stuff packed around it, then additional vacuum packing will likely be fine, too.
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permalinkLocation: Austin, TX
Try the reverse and make a suitcase to fit your head! You can make a nice case out of 1/4" plywood, and glue vinyl on the outside, then use aluminum 1/8" 'L' material outside on all the seams and lotsa pop rivets. Essentially a box, and the lid is just a square of plywood with the channel on its 4 edges and a bunch of clasps. My new one fits 2 heads, 4 footpaws, and 4 handpaws, and all my misc electronics stuff. My 2 suits go into a big suitcase with some other stuff, and most of my mundanes are in my carry-on. The inside of the case has dividers and is lined with soft foam 1/2 inch think. The dividers inside actually make the thing indestructible, even by airport standards, and the case full weighs only about 25 lbs or so. I am adding a couple wheels and a handle off a wallymart luggage trolley next.
Oh and don't forget to paint a bunch of pawprints on the outside...just for the fun of it!
Tinkerbell, Space Kitty!
FFW6m FFW6s A- C Dm++ H++ M+ P R T+ W- Z S- Sf RLS a24 c+l e++ f++ h i+ sf+
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permalinkLocation: Austin, TX
Word of warning about custom cases...
Most airlines have size and weight restrictions, generally in the 70lb region, and I think its 62 inches (w+h+d) but don't quote me on that!
Before you assemble anything, weigh the pile of parts to get an idea where you are going. You can use 1/8" or 3/16" masonite(hardboard) for the dividers or maybe even for the outside but it seems too light for that, so personally I made mine of 1/4 plywood. The empty weight is actually 26lbs-4oz. Professional cases (try ebay) will be about 33-35lbs for the same thing but look nicer.
Tinkerbell, Space Kitty!
FFW6m FFW6s A- C Dm++ H++ M+ P R T+ W- Z S- Sf RLS a24 c+l e++ f++ h i+ sf+
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