Rubberized Bicycle Tube Armor for Joan of Arc

[OBudah]

Hi Guys!

This is a suit of armor made entirely out of cardboard and bicycle tubes, styled after the style of armor that Joan of Arc would have worn.

The entire base is constructed from cardboard that is cut and hot-glued into shape. Each individual piece was then covered in multiple coats of brown paper dipped in wallpaper paste, creating a thin, lightweight but very sturdy form of paper mache.

Every piece was then gesso-ed to remove any corrugation lines, then spray painted matte black.

After the individual pieces were primed I applied the bicycle tubes in varying combinations to create varying effects, such as weaving, stretching, piping, and other cuttings and manipulations. The tubes were adhered to the frame using rubber cement.

Finally, each piece was connected together using an awl, screws and acorn cap fittings to create a more intense armored feel.

This armor took about fifty hours of intense work to execute. It was a labor of love, that's for sure!

Have a look! Thanks!

[JewelJunkee]

That is amazing! 

[Acherontia Aether]

How cool is that!

[SunflowerSmiles]

Holy Cow!  That's awesome!   Joan of Arc is one of my most favorite historical figures.  Well done!

[froggie0424]

Pretty fantastic!  Could you actually use it as armor for Renaissance Faires and such?

[funthreads]

Holy cow! I'm without words. That is sooo amazing.

[I Sew Cute]

I just had to show this to my husband...it's one of the coolest things I've ever seen on craftster! 

[Lady Orizas]

wicked!

[Oyhana]

Ummm...Wow!  I love the elbow pads.

[craftewoman]

That is amazing!