Books about prop making, including sculpting, molding, casting, painting, mask making, paper mache, foam armor, graphic design, fake food, and props for Halloween.
These books will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to create professional-quality props for any project.
Whether you’re working on a film set, stage production, or just looking to expand your crafting skills, these books will provide you with all the resources you need to succeed.
Latex Mask Making
A Workshop with Russ Adams
By Russ Adams
LATEX MASK MAKING: A Workshop with Russ Adams In this how-to workshop series, by special effects artist and creature designer Russ Adams, you will learn the latex mask making process used by professional mask makers and Hollywood designers. This book includes in depth step-by-step tutorials from concept to finished mask. In addition to this latex rubber mask making process, you will learn how to save money by make your own sculpting tools, armatures, and turntables. The author includes a multitude of other professional tips from his many years of experience including how to revitalize older raw materials like latex and clay. Also included in this book are nearly 100 diagrams, a quick-reference mold making check list, and more.
“My goal for this book is to give you the tools to succeed in your latex mask making endeavor by guiding you through a step-by-step process that will increase your odds of success. In this book, you are going to learn more than just how to make a latex mask. I am going to rescue you from the idea that you need to buy specialized tools and equipment to succeed.”
In 101+ Tips and Tricks Every Prop Maker Should Know, Utah Shakespeare Festival’s Properties Director Ben Hohman explains tricks of the trade generally not taught in schools, but essential for prop makers working on the job.
With tips and tricks divided into subject categories like carpentry, prop math, soft goods, upholstery, finishing, crafts and effects, and tools, the book breaks this knowledge down so that makers and prop managers can easily access the information, learn the skills, and be better prepared and more useful to any shop they work in. Each tip or trick is clearly introduced, features a relevant example of how it is useful, and includes step-by-step instructions. The book also features interviews and tips from prop makers across the creative industries, showcasing different techniques and need-to-know skills, and a glossary of prop terms that will help readers navigate the day-to-day of the prop shop.
This book is written for theatrical prop artisans, prop managers, technical theatre students, and anyone who has an interest in prop building or backstage theatrical knowledge. Whether they are novice prop builders or seasoned professionals with decades of experience, this book will provide readers with a wealth of practical information that will serve them in their craft for many years to come.
The world of live theatre presents its own set of unique challenges when creating special effects, particularly fake blood. There are no cropped-view frames, multiple angles, or reshoots – everything is live and in view of the audience. This book provides helpful insight, information, techniques, and tricks for producing reliable and repeatable blood effects, covering everything from design and budgeting to safety and clean-up. Filled with easy-to-follow descriptions and full-color artwork, this text includes:
Practical examples of blood effect budgets, outlining not just money but also labor needs.
A breakdown of the components for making an original blood recipe, as well as reliable, industry-tested recipes.
Options for dispensing blood to create realistic effects for any budget size.
A comprehensive wash-testing database of over 500 examples of fabrics and blood combinations.
Prop managers and builders in professional, educational, and regional theatre are sure to benefit from the tips outlined in this book. But also SFX makeup artists, makeup artists and special effects technicians.
With some corn syrup, drink mix powder and water, you can make a splendid concoction of stage blood – without spending an arm and a leg. From budget-friendly frights to sophisticated props, this book offers dozens of imaginative ways to haunt a house for Halloween. Readers will find generously illustrated step-by-step instructions for creating a barbecued skull, devil eyes, bonehead tableware, a magic bottle, a glowing brain and other projects. The book details ways to enhance an eerie ambiance with effects like blacklights and music. Props use many common household items and tools. Where specialty items are required, the author tells where they can be found at a reasonable cost. Projects take anywhere from a few hours to several days to complete. The chapters ooze with tips on topics like creating apprehension and surprise, using design to guide guests, creatively using plastic skulls, and making papier-mache masks and molded hands. There are recipes for fake blood and vomit and ideas for using them, and other creative and adaptable ideas. Appendices include Merry Halloween, which advises, One of the best times to look for bargains on Halloween prop-building materials is right after Christmas; an alphabetical listing of props and supplies and where they can be found; a list of specialty suppliers; and an epitaph inviting comments.
The Cosplay Handbook is full of techniques, and tips for everyone interested in cosplay! Learn how to create your own patterns, costumes, props, photoshoots, and more.
Create Realistic Science Fiction & Fantasy Weapons, Armor, and Accessories
By Shawn Torsson
Have you been trying to think of a way to conquer your local comic convention through cosplay? Do you gaze with envious eyes upon the fan-made suits of armored awesomeness strolling around every year on Halloween? Do you have a spot on your wall, bookshelf, or desk that desperately needs to be filled with a screen-accurate replica of your favorite science-fiction or fantasy weapon? If so, look no further. We’ve got just the book for you!
“Foamsmith: How to Create Foam Armor Costumes” helps you create stunning, comfortable pieces of costume armor as painlessly and cheaply as possible. Learn everything you need to fabricate, paint, and wear your stunning foam armor creations. You’ll be introduced to basic tools to work with EVA foam floormats. Then, you’ll learn how to make armor templates and combine the foam pieces together. Go over painting techniques and how to add straps to your armor. Also, learn how to add lights to your amazing costume!
You’ve read our first Foamsmith armor making book and now you’re ready to build that perfect, complimentary prop to go with your jaw-dropping armor costume. Fantastic! Foamsmith 2 is a deep look into the tools, materials, and techniques you’ll need to know to make your own incredible foam prop weapons! Foam weapon making can be a challenging proposition for the uninitiated. Fortunately, this book breaks it down for you in a way that’s easy to pick up quickly. With the techniques in this tome, you’ll be building incredible prop swords and guns quickly and cheaply in no time! Not only does this book include two highly detailed example builds, it also includes two free PDF blueprints to go along with those builds! That’s right, you can follow along as professional prop maker Bill Doran takes you through his creative process, building a pair of amazing foam prop pieces. Looking to up your game? Foamsmith 2 also covers many tools and techniques that are a little bit more advanced than the first armor making book. Prepare to start making props that have your friends asking “Wait, that’s made from foam!?”
Our first two books on EVA foam crafting, Foamsmith 1 & 2 taught you how to make stunning foam costumes and armor. Foamsmith 3 will empower you with the knowledge you need to make mind blowing headgear from humble sheets of foam. Building costume pieces that you wear on your head can be an extremely frustrating and challenging process. In this book you’ll learn how to tackle the challenges of patterning a wearable piece of costume art so that it looks exactly the way you want. You’ll also figure out how to build a helmet so that it’s as functional, and comfortable as possible. The first half of the book is focused on techniques like patterning, assembly, prototyping/fitting, making visors, and advanced finishing techniques. You’ll also learn about some new materials like EVA foam dowels and foam clay! The second half of the book is a series of three example builds, complete with free, downloadable templates that you can print at home to follow along with the build! Each project varies in difficulty and style, so there’s something for every maker.
Foam Patterning and Construction Techniques: Turning 2D Designs into 3D Shapes explains how to create your theatrical prop, puppet, or costume design using the unique and tricky medium of foam. Step-by-step instructions, photographs, and explanations illustrate how to translate your design from paper to reality by creating custom “skin” patterns, followed by creation of a foam mockup. The book details how to bring your project to life with varied finishing techniques, including using fur and fabric coverings and dying and painting foam. Numerous supplies, tools, and safety procedures and protocols are also covered.
A beginners guide to 3D printing for cosplay and replicas
By Christopher Maddalena
If you have ever wanted to use 3D printing to create a replica prop or use 3D printed parts in your cosplay, this book is for you. Whether you’re new to 3D printing or a veteran, these pages contain what you need to know to take a raw print to a fully finished prop that looks like the real deal. The chapters cover basic concepts and materials and progress towards more intermediate topics: editing and creating models, tips and tricks for finishing printed parts, and how you can reproduce a 3D print in solid metal. Each chapter features models created by the author and other makers so you can see the discussed techniques in action. The book also includes free 3D models you can edit and print to follow along with the examples.
Do you know of any books that should be on this list? We'd love to hear from you - get in touch! We're always looking to expand our collection with books covering makeup artists, monster makers, special effects, prop making, stagecraft, and more.
Disclaimer: All information on this website is provided for informational purposes only. SFXzone is not responsible for any injuries, damages, or losses resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided.
