Posts

Showing posts from December, 2019

How to make a simple holocron from table lamp

Image
Holocrons have not yet been mentioned in the Star Wars films, but they are a recurring Maguffin in the Clone Wars series, novels, video games like Star Wars The Old Republic, and comics. Though they don't quite have the iconic status of a lightsaber, holocrons can be fascinating props that double as lamps, nightlights, USB chargers, etc. Although there are fantastically skilled people who have made their own versions, I decided to make a very simple an unique holocron made from a small table lamp I found in a thrift store and school supplies purchased from a dollar store. And with a close-up on the details: And in the daylight, this: As these items have never been depicted in a live-action medium, levels of detail vary depending on the maker. There are several online sources where you can purchase finished holocrons or holocron kits, and even now it seems Disney is joining in on the merchandising opportunities. Examples of Disney-made holocrons, whose colors can

How to make a great lightsaber prop hilt on a budget

Image
While building or purchasing a screen-ready full-bladed lightsaber is quite an endeavor, sometimes all you need is the hilt. With that in mind, I've experimented with materials and methods to create my very own lightsaber prop hilt. It's great for use in Jedi costumes, as it's light enough to clip onto the utility belt. For photo shoots it's relatively easy to photoshop in the blade of the lightsaber, and it's convincing enough that it can pass muster in registering a Jedi costume in Rebel Legion. This build is very cheap, simple to do, and can really be unique. Using the pop-up sink drain assembly is an idea I borrowed from many prop-builders before me, though I mostly took direction from Happy Trooper . The basics of construction aren't new, I wanted to show that there's a lot of room for customization without needing expensive tools or materials. Inspirations Canon lightsabers in Episodes 1-6 Extended universe lightsabers Essential Mate

Not So Shiny: A Clone Trooper Playlist

Image
Let's go ahead and dive right in and admit that my favorite piece of Star Wars media in Star Wars: The Clones Wars. Don't worry, I'm not going to rant here (that will probably be later this month). That's not to say that I think it's objectively the best piece of Star Wars media, or even that I like every part of the series. But I maintain that it is a beautiful and amazing piece of Star Wars, and it makes me cry every time I watch it. Perhaps my favorite part of The Clone Wars is its spotlight on the clone soldiers as they walk the line between faceless, subhuman cannon-fodder and fully-fledged individuals fighting for a future (even if it isn't theirs). This playlist reflects their struggle. Why did I make them look like a boy band? Good question. It just sort of...happened 1. Ka Mate (Traditional Maori Haka) This is a common haka used by the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team, among others. It was composed by Te Rauparaha in celebration of a narrow