The Legend of Zelda Hylian Shield Cosplay Tutorial

I've never made one of these so I hope it makes sense! I've gotten a lot of questions about my shield so I figured I'd just make a tutorial. I didn't take as many pictures as I had planned when I made the shield so I hope the tutorial is clear enough.

Just as a note, if you're into using recycled material, you can just use cardboard for the shield. I didn't have time to collect and find what I needed so I went out and bought chipboard. Think of using a thicker cardboard to support the back of the shield like I showed. Use cereal box thickness cardboard for the other details. And wood filler. All the woodfiller. 

Also, I flipped Link since I'm left-handed. He's been left-handed in past games so I figured it'd be okay in this one.

For a time frame, it took me 3 days to make the shield. It took a week total to create the shield, Master Sword, and sheath. I was in a rush to make these so they're not perfect but I'd suggest giving yourself at least two weeks to a month in advance to make something complex if you don't have much experience. The measuring and cutting will get tedious and at times frustrating so take your time.

If you like the tutorial, please check out our Facebook page facebook.com/slacosplay . We'd really appreciate it and we update as often as we can! We're way more active on Facebook so if you have a question, finding us there is probably the best option.

Thanks!

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I made a short list of some of the supplies I used to make this plus how much they cost (the rest is listed in the tutorial). Obviously you can keep costs down by using recycled materials and also if you already have a box cutter, gesso, paint, etc. I already had Gorilla Glue, a box cutter, and a few other things. But this is good for anyone who's never done this before.

Gorilla Glue: $7

www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Glue-50…

Wood Filler: $11

www.amazon.com/Elmers-E842L-Ca…

Mod Podge (Matte Finish): $8

www.amazon.com/Podge-CS11302-O…

All-purpose Chipboard: $1.36 - $3.42 per sheet (I would suggest having 3 14-ply 28”x44” sheets and 1 30-ply 28”x44”. This is if you’re making the shield only)

www.dickblick.com/products/all…

For the foam, you’d have to go to your own hardware store to pick it up. Think like this one I’ve found. I had them cut it in half for me so it was easier to carry since this one is 8ft tall. It’s 2in thick so that gives room to play with.

www.homedepot.com/p/Owens-Corn…

Box cutter: $5 (+ a few extra dollars for extra blades. You’ll need to change them often)

www.amazon.com/Stanley-10-099-…

Silver Spray paint: $8

www.utrechtart.com/Montana-Bla…

Primer/Gesso: $8

www.amazon.com/Pro-Art-8-Ounce…