I made this bird or 'birdman' costume out of steel wire and soda cans for Halloween a couple years ago. It has been used for other costume parties since then and has always been a big hit.
I had just come back from South Africa and I was inspired by the frequent reuse of Coke cans, bottles, bottle caps and the like that I saw.
I had just come back from South Africa and I was inspired by the frequent reuse of Coke cans, bottles, bottle caps and the like that I saw.
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Signing UpStep 1: Step 1: Procure Materials (and Safety Tips)
Procure materials and tools.
You'll need:
-steel wire of various gauges: I used 14 gauge for the framing, 16 or 18 gauge for the ribs and smaller details and 28 gauge for attaching various larger gauges together
-coke cans: I used, I think 60-80 Coke cans. I'd advise looking in recycling bins and whatnot. My office at work goes through a lot of Coke cans. Mixing in some Diet Coke or other cans might also work well, to give it a more varied look like some birds have.
-duct tape: of course
-needle-nose pliers: the kind that have the wire cutting part work well for double duty
-scissors: use cheap ones that you don't care about being destroyed because they will be dull when you're done.
-copious amounts of free time: I spent a lot of time making this and expect that you might as well.
Safety note cutting soda cans will create sharp edges. Additionally small gauge wire is sharp. Take proper precautions while working on this costume and while wearing it around.
You'll need:
-steel wire of various gauges: I used 14 gauge for the framing, 16 or 18 gauge for the ribs and smaller details and 28 gauge for attaching various larger gauges together
-coke cans: I used, I think 60-80 Coke cans. I'd advise looking in recycling bins and whatnot. My office at work goes through a lot of Coke cans. Mixing in some Diet Coke or other cans might also work well, to give it a more varied look like some birds have.
-duct tape: of course
-needle-nose pliers: the kind that have the wire cutting part work well for double duty
-scissors: use cheap ones that you don't care about being destroyed because they will be dull when you're done.
-copious amounts of free time: I spent a lot of time making this and expect that you might as well.
Safety note cutting soda cans will create sharp edges. Additionally small gauge wire is sharp. Take proper precautions while working on this costume and while wearing it around.
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1
ArtisticBabe says:
Oct 5, 2007. 9:40 AMReply
Ow, the cut-factor seems a little too much for me, though the idea is so awesome and the outcome is really flamboyant and eye catching. I wonder if you sealed the edges with metal bonding glue, you could keep it from dangerous?
9
ladycroft108 says:
May 27, 2010. 9:23 AMReply
if you're worried about getting cut bend the sharp edges over with pliers. it might be too much work for the whole thing, but if you do just the edges of the wings it might help. pop-can tin is so great to work with for jewelry, too.
thermitemaster says:
Nov 25, 2006. 9:44 PMReply
Sooo... how many times did u get cut with that on. Or how many times did u cut others.
3
adrian (author) says:
Nov 26, 2006. 10:56 PMReply
I cut myself a handful of times. Actually two handfuls. Yes, that was a pun...I'm so sorry. I managed to not cut others, though a friend borrowed it later and managed to cut a few people. Be careful!
1
NonPermissiveEnvironment says:
Nov 18, 2006. 9:12 PMReply
Okee doke.
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