How-to Make a Fursuit Head Base Using Foam (part 1)

[grayw0lf110]

i have that same glue gun!

[WhiteCheshireCat]

If I only have a high temp glue gun it will still work right? I'll just get burnned a bit more right?

[Smokesick12]

I'm astonished! The tuts are perfect and interestingly I don't see haters around at all! Great job!

[325gogogo]

awesome website!

[Fritzz27]

I was made using this tutorial, simplest method I could find for a fursuit head, I think I turned out well ( of course, I'm biased!! ) Thank you Matrices!!! BTW, Beef Jerky is one of the coolest dudes in the fandom!

[Julibugs357]

I tried to make a mask the way you did but it wasn't long enough around so I cut a bit from the top, which was tall enough to have a bit taken off, and stuck it on the side, but i didn't cut enough off.

I realised this when I glued the sides together into a ring. I tried to do it twice as well. >_<

[Thistlesides]

you forgot to tell us to make 'flaps' instead of just saying 'trim the excess'. You made me waste my foam, my time, my money and my skin got burned. Nice 'tutorial' :(

[Leafclan99]

This would be better with music. -Turns on ITunes.-

[furrylubsmeh]

ohmifawking gawd good great news...im ding Rainfurrest 2012....illl make the 3 day diary and some extra videos ^.^..im watching this cuz i have to make my costume :P

[str7rider7]

you make it look so easy!

[iluvcupcakes123ful]

i know this girl she sells them for 650 dollers

[PatchworkSpirit]

@iluvcupcakes123ful and she looks 12..

[Gkim34]

@iluvcupcakes123ful she doesn't do commishes i believe

[guitarhero124]

Can this be done with 1inch upholstry foam???

[gabby1236625]

>:(

[alchemist21688]

I noticed that part of the foam she used was cut in one corner is that for any reason in particular. I'm trying to make my own fursuit head, and wasn't sure if I need to do something before hand. Thanks!

[cartilige]

@alchemist21688 Probably just needed a small piece for another project so used it already. These are the first steps

[MisakiXGlance]

I'm gonna do this for my little sister and brother ^^'

[MagicalThunderWolf]

wow it wont late me post here web site link on here lol just go to my youtube channle in look for a purple subscriber on my channle thats her :D she has several web sites 

[MagicalThunderWolf]

her name is kat smith she alll so haves a facebook u can contack her at lol :D but she could problie do ur suit next year shes doing mine right now she will be posting videos in photos of it tommorw of my wolf head im soo excited :D

[peppypippy32]

how would you make the nose area? you couldnt breathe in that

[Snitchgrabber]

Is this sped up or is it normal speed?

Also, I'm planning on making my first fur suit, could you give me some tips?

[littlemisssims2lover]

*eyes

[littlemisssims2lover]

can you please make a video showing how to make the yes and nose.

[paperdispens3r]

about how much foam will i need, how thick does it have to be, and around how much will it cost?

[paperdispens3r]

@paperdispens3r nvm i just bought some at joann fabrics. 1.5 yards of half an inch thick foam for $8.16 cuz they gave me half off :) it would cost $17.66 if it wasnt on sale.

[randomwolf33]

what type of foam?

[randomwolf33]

so you just make the foam head and make the eyes and put fur on it?

[Carly606Productions]

3:53 -  I glued it the other side on accident is that okay? will it be a problem later or no big deal?

[TheAlphaCola]

ur soo preety!!!

[DDWoodKihii]

woooooooooooow O.O thats so helpfull youre beautifull (my englisch isn´t good i know ^^`)

[RextheHuskyWolf]

I looked at the stuffed dog the whole time.... gotta watch it again X3

[8MitchTheMaster8]

continue to the next tutorial, or keep the pac-man ghost head :D decisions

awsome tutorial btw

[belex333]

Where can I get this foam? Also, what is this type of foam called?

[intelpowered]

okay so i got a 4.5" x 6" sheet of 1" thick foam, it was the thinnest there was at the store i went to, high density, $50, was that too expensive?

btw im following these to make my fursuit head :D

[Ghostpelt101]

Um, I don't get it from 2:35+. I can't see a thing of what you're doing. I tried it and it only took a chunk out of my base. What did I do wrong?

[XmusicXchikkX]

Thanks for the instructions, I'll be sure to NEVER get a couch, out of fear I may scrap it for foam :D

[AwesomeEpicMuffin]

I'm gonna make a wolf :3

[complexlonewolf]

i like your stuffed dog in the background.

[Dinker27]

Hey, Matrices, what would happen if you were to construct a base with cloth while following the baclava method?

[alehr93]

where i get foam like that?

[BOBERT761]

@alehr93 you can get foam at joan's, hope this helps!

[alehr93]

@BOBERT761 Thanks i found it and one other question im thinking adding fur to a shirt do i really need a foam backing?

[BOBERT761]

@alehr93 i know you can put fur on a long sleeve shirt if you have another person/manikin to put it on while you glue/stitch it on, but, i dont think you really NEED back foam...

[intelpowered]

@BOBERT761 it depends if they want to put special features on their body part of the suit, like accentuate muscles or something. otherwise you are right, foams not needed.

[BOBERT761]

@intelpowered ok thanks!

[Ghostpelt101]

@alehr93 Joann's.  Its kinda expensive though

[PrinceWingDog]

This looks a lot easier than I made it out to be.

[duskthekitty]

i need to make one

[CupcakeAbuse]

woah thats really good and surprisingly easy :D now all you have to do for the head is add the muzzle and ears, then put the fur on! :D

[Izzy8u]

thumbs up for the creativity. preciate the ideas ^^

[H8nLof]

hey thanks for posting this! I'm working on making my fursona and I might make a head just cause I'm weird and I like dressing up and sitting in my room all day... It'll look perfect next to my skunk hat I got from Hot Topic! XD

[WolfOfTheSeas101]

im making my first fursuit head soon, im just waiting on my glue gun and foam coming in the mail.. But once i get it i'm planning on using this tutorial.. it made things so much clearer! ^^

[stupidcrap330]

I finished my other head last year with this vid...it was ok..iv done worse...but any way im using this again and i think its going great!!! thanks 4 posting these vids!!

[Voodoofox3]

do u have any idea how to make a plastic mesh mask???

[pokepaws]

will there be any differance if i use a high-temp glue gun?

[QuadSuit]

@pokepaws I used one, and it seems to be working fine for me :3

[pcvsxbox360]

@pokepaws thats what shes using in the vid :D

[emomonro]

@pokepaws yes. it will melt the foam.

[pcvsxbox360]

hey what kind of foam is that? if i go into a random store and ask for blue foam they would most likely end up spray painting a piece of foam and giving it to me xD

and the foam youre using is really flexible too, not like the average foam around here

[QuadSuit]

@pcvsxbox360 Upholstery foam, also known as open cell foam, cushion foam, mattress foam, etc. it is squishy, soft, flexible foam, unlike Styrofoam which is hard and brittle.

Just quotes from Matrice's website

[pcvsxbox360]

@QuadSuit oh hey thanks! :D

[QuadSuit]

@pcvsxbox360 No problem ;3

[Stars1271]

how much was all of the supply??

[QuadSuit]

@Stars1271 It only costs about 10$ for foam.

[KawaiiNStuff]

How much foam total is the entire head for a wolf? I'd just like an extimate

[QuadSuit]

@KawaiiNStuff She said a yard :3

[JuggaloTheRolla]

so ghetto, cool

[hollaythevampgurl123]

How long does it usually take a person to make the basic head, tail, front paws and hind paws?

[Ariusbrightwing]

I LOVES THIS VIDEO! This will help me greatly. Thank you very much. Can you make a tutorial on how to make a beak? I'm a gryphon and have been looking all over the place but can't find any....one with a movable jaw. ^v^ Thanks!

[squibblesthehusky]

i got 1"x39"x 76" poly foam from hobby lobby, will this do?

[FRURMELLL]

LOL! If i decide i want to get a fursuit, I'm not gonna buy it. I'm not gonna pay fucking 2000 dollars for a suit, while I can do it myself for like 10 times less money! Plus, it's fun, and you can make it how you want it.

[Hiccupby]

@FRURMELLL it's no fun if you don't make it- and so many forums throughout share their secrets on making more advanced shit- hell, I just saw a tutorial on how to make all of the animatronics XD yay internet! with tutorials you can't go wrong!

[QuadSuit]

@FRURMELLL EXACTLY MY THOUGHT! that plus, where am I gonna get 2,000$?

[NicMottArt]

@FRURMELLL I KNOW RIGHT!

really just about 30% is for materials and 60% is for labor,

but if you learn how to make them well, you can sell them for so much.

[ThePiprian]

@FRURMELLL yes you´re right :P

[MagicalThunderWolf]

@FRURMELLL some fursuit makers dont sell it for that much like i found one for less price like around 200dollars contack me in ill give u name of person whos makeing mine but shes really busy with school 3 progects to do mine comision and her school all togather she does it sometimes during week in weekends she catchs up on it :) some fur suiter sellers dont sell it that high it depends how tall are u and stuff and how much is fur all togather

[oreosauce]

@MagicalThunderWolf Ooh ohh! Give me name and website please ;w; I want an Alvin fursuit! :D One that doesn't look like he has buck teeth. lol. I want one of those they perform with on tours!

[MagicalThunderWolf]

@oreosauce okay ill give u name of website but her website sh down for comison i think hang on

[knucklesgirl09]

Would this help make a Lucario costume?! :D

[xVioletEyesx]

I'm going to save up money so I can make my own fursuit head, and maybe one day finish the whole thing :3

[stupidcrap330]

Im making a fursuit head with this stratagy right now!!! I hope mine looks that good

[OkamiAmaterasu26229]

ok(odd question maybe..?) if your making a base out of plastic canvas what kind of glue would you recomend when your attacting the foam to the plastic canvas base?(besides hot glue if its possable)

[flamingarse1]

hmmm i wonder how much all together making a full body suit would cost

[SlittyDrake]

Is it cheap? to make?

[KEH6767]

@SlittyDrake depends what quality materials you get. They tend to be a bit pricy, but it's not too bad. definately less that they cost to buy.

[silverdragon1314]

Would inch thick foam be okay?

[bhall2110]

I'm looking to make a Sonic costume, would this method be applicable for that?

[Delightbunnie]

@bhall2110

You can use this this method to make it. I would check out the fursuit group on live journal for more information.

[bhall2110]

@Delightbunnie Ok, thanks for the advice :)

[TheKittyOKat]

Ya know what? Im gonna make a fursuit

Uv inspired me

But...

How would u make a Chow Chow puppy with one pointy ear (like a chihuahua's) and one lop ear?

[juju2]

where do u get the foam from i found a fiw web sites but i want the best and the cheapest

[kittie1999]

thank you

[Zoethefoxx]

this is really helpful ^^

[3moWulves]

Do you think I could commission you for a head base?? I am in need of one. :(

[erin456723]

Could u use a scalpel or stanley knife to cut out the eyes?

[saffyre00]

Try getting 2 inch thick foam, it holds better

[MatricesOddity]

@saffyre00 2 inch foam will produce a pretty huge head using the technique I am demonstrating. It simply will not work the same, since 2 inch foam four times thicker than what I am using. There isn't any reduction in "hold" when using 1/2 inch foam.

[saffyre00]

@MatricesOddity Hmm your right XD I should just shut my mouth lol everyone has their own way of making fursuit heads lol

[saffyre00]

@MatricesOddity what about making it bigger than your head so you will have more air?

[saffyre00]

@MatricesOddity And with 2 inch foam, it makes it so you can bring more detail into the costume, by cutting off access foam, it might be more money, but it's totally worth it in the end

[3001kikik]

hey uh is it 1 yard of foam for the WHOLE head or just that first part

[MatricesOddity]

@3001kikik The entire head, you will have excess to do add-ons and create your features, ears, cheeks, muzzle, etc.

[saffyre00]

@MatricesOddity I just bought 2/ 1/2 yards of foam for $15 at JoAnn's at their sale, for my first fursuit head, but it's 1 in.

Is that okay?

[Theaddictiveshowdied]

Can I use wood glue as a sub for Hot Glue?

[funnykittenz1]

OMG SO EXCITED! im going out with my friends tomorrow to buy foam for my fursuit! any good stores you know of in the U.S. and about how much do i need and the cost? o3o

[ichigogirl34]

Does any one know where to buy a cheap fur suit cause all the we sites im looking at are to exspensive but it really want a quad suit i found on Beastcub.com her fur suits are AWESOME but over priced a quad suit cost 2,000$ and a fur suit cost around 1,000$ o.e

[Fragmients]

Do you know where I could buy cheap foam? Something like, 10 to 20$? Thanks <33

[tvgirlz23]

@Fragmients try walmart or joann fabric store

[Larrylanze91]

i purchased foam and i came to question myself isnt it a risk to use foam as its breaks if you rip it with some force D:

[ARTicWeather]

Can you just use a Balaclava for it rather then a foam base? See, I could only afford one sheet, but the character I intend to make has a lot of hard spines, so need to keep it for that ^^; Serves me right for basing my Fursona on a Porcupine.

[SpyroCynderSparx]

@ARTicWeather Instead of using Foam for the pricks, maybe you could buy thin wire? Or use tin-foil sheets?

[AlwaysRandomGirl247]

2:10

haha, you look like one of the captains from the show bleach.

XD

[HaleseenB]

You be so calm doing this ;p

[SpadeAlchemistify]

need to add some sound at least some music

[Sandspecter14]

This looks so much simpler and easier not to screw up than the other version I looked at o3o

Thanks for posting this!

[BuzzGoesTheBeeSaysMe]

have fun breathing in that....

[TheMoonPower]

Looks like a pacman ghost :P Thanks for the tutorial, you make it look so easy!

[Vampyreroseanime]

wow this explains a lot!!! i think this will help me out soooooooooo much! thank you

[SabIeFox]

you know that you are awesome right :3

[CrtlAltDlt]

OH MY GOD THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO!

[cactusclaw]

How much did the foam cost?

[SpyroCynderSparx]

@cactusclaw *lateness* This probably costed, for 1 sheet, maybe $10? Foam isn't that expensive, but if you need a lot I suggest saving up.

[jasohavents]

My cousins a fur I remember the hto glue was really weak even though he used at least 2 sticks We had to reinforce it with duct tapeIt held pretty good and Im pretty sure he still has it

[MatricesOddity]

@jasohavents I have to admit, I used far more than two sticks on any given foam base, it sounds like not enough was used if he had to "reinforce" it. Duct tape isn't ideal for a finished product, just for pattern making, which is covered on my website, Matrices.net

[DryBones88]

Dude, thanks so much for having this tutorial. I wasn't sure how the hell I was going to accomplish shaping a fursuit head because of all the other confusing tutorials I've seen. xD You're a real life saver. :D

[UknowenDog24]

how much fur to use to cover the head and wut do you use for the eyes

[MatricesOddity]

@UknowenDog24 It depends on how many different colors will be used. But I'd estimate about a yard total, or maybe 1/2 yard if two colors are used. For eyes, I have a tutorial for those on Matrices.net

[CookieWishezX3]

Thank you so much x3, PS can you make a tutorial on how to make the body, and tail, and feet, thank you so much X3

[Inuyashalover437]

@CookieWishezX3 She already has, on her website Matrices.net

:D

[MatricesOddity]

@CookieWishezX3 I have tutorials on making bodies, tails and feet on my website, Matrices.net go check it out!

[CommanderChet]

@MatricesOddity Which do you prefer more? Foam or that plastic canvas material? I find the canvas is a bit harder to work with D: Btw can you stitch the foam with a needle and thread? Or would it rip overtime?

[MatricesOddity]

@CommanderChet Foam, definitely. I haven't constructed using Plastic Canvas in over 6 years. I glue the foam instead of stitching it, gluing is my preferred method. I feel like stitching it would be much more effort with a vastly lesser successful result compared to gluing.

[CommanderChet]

@MatricesOddity Yeah I had the same feeling with plastic canvas. I had over 3 failures with creating a head. Sometimes it was a tad too small, or it was like I had placed a medeval helmet on beforehand. I plan on getting some foam this weekend ^^ Eeesh! I can't wait!

[KaylaHamster]

thanks so much i only have foam in my house lol

[hoboluver2345]

soo like the fur will just stay on

im being a furry for haloween

[OneTrueCanine]

o.o im out of glue and cant find my glue gun..can you use staples instead...you know..if your a cheap ass like myself?

[MatricesOddity]

@OneTrueCanine You could probably use staples if you were doing it in cardboard, foam is too soft for staples, they may tear out under any kind of pressure.

[WarriorCatsFan013]

lol i have the same green fuzzy pillows as you! XD

[rachelgoesrawrr]

Where would i be able to buy that kind of Flat foam your using? Because the block of foam i have I'm using for Sculpting out the facial features and stuff

[MatricesOddity]

@rachelgoesrawrr I purchased the foam from a store called Jo-Ann Crafts, I believe it is a national chain.

[Vampyreroseanime]

@rachelgoesrawrr you can it at jo-ann or michaels they are pretty common stores any most sewing and craft stores have this stuff... just check out the furnishing and apolstery stuff. it should be called apolstery foam --- i know i spelled tht wrong!

[CommanderChet]

@Vampyreroseanime I can assure you that Michaels does not have it D: Trust me. Ive been to EVERY Michaels known to man... Well not really. Ive been through 5 and no luck

[SpyroCynderSparx]

@CommanderChet All I found at mine was firm foam and blocks..

[CommanderChet]

@SpyroCynderSparx Yeah, most crafting stores in New York, and other large cities have very shitty foam... Well. For us anyway xD. Thats why I believe the population of furries here is so painstakenly low. I actually brought my friend along to buy some foam from Jo-Anns on Long Island which just so happened placed a few blocks away from a Wal-Mart :D. The Wal-Mart didnt have it either D:

Thank GOD for Long Island ^^ Its really whats left of the crafting community in my area :3

[CngDelta757]

U.R MY FUCKING HERO!!! Since I am a teen and nobody does partial fursuits for people under 18, I could finally do it for a Con that is Coming up! Thanks for your gracious help not only to me, but to hundreds of others who have dreamed for an affordable fursuit head! ;-)

[QueenietheFennecFox]

@CngDelta757 IM TOTALLY ONE OF THOSE PEOPLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CallmeSquidly]

isnt the foam really hot tho?

[FaolanTheNewNothing]

Is the foam you use expensive? (You are so good with your hands! <3)

[Hiduzu22]

how would the muzzle and cheeks of a lemur be? Like a cat or more so like the dog but not as defined? D: halp plox!!!!

[xKrazyWolf02x]

What kind of foam is it???

[lightningthehamster]

this really helps. my cousin is coming over on friday with foam so that we can make out fursuit head's. but we are beginners, so i am collecting info from experianced fursuiters and i will explain this to her, thank you!

[MissSammiebell]

Say you were making a cat head with more width, would this technique still work?

[MothMachine]

Thank you very much for posting this. I'mna be favoriting your tutorials for the head since I'd love to make my hyena head. Joanne fabrics, here I come!

[samadatha89]

THANK YOU

I've been looking on the internet for a tutorial, and they were all so complex.

But yours is so simple and easy!

[ErikaBizare]

Wow.... I will do this whit my next fursuit, the frist one (W.I.P) is really crappy ó_ò

[Arrekushizu1127]

Your really helpful, I wanna make a fur suit with my friend and this should help. Thanks!

[KoolArtzyz123]

HELP ME !!! I cant find 1/2 inch foam !!!! Ive tried every website i could find but still cant find it!! ANd i really really REALLY wanna make a fursuit!! PLEASE! HELP!! Thank u ~ KoolArtzyz123

[furryfox102]

personaly i wouldnt rely on glue to hold it together, once you get it rounded and glued i would giveit some reinforcement stitches to make sure it doesnt come apart at the seams, just a precaucion

[wolf2hawk]

@furryfox102 mabe some staples er something perhaps?

[Miyaxfursona]

It look like a ghost BOO! At # 7:17

[fishboard123]

do you have to make patterns for the fur? I hate making patterns

[IHateKellyRippa]

After you make the head out of foam you just cover it with fur? How does the foam support the weight of the fur?

[MatricesOddity]

Yep! It covers it and supports it perfectly!

[IHateKellyRippa]

Thanks!

[chamochalk]

@MatricesOddity do u make and sell fursuit heads?

[furrywolfyy95]

the foam is actually quite strong plus fur reeally isnt that heavy :3

[IHateKellyRippa]

awesome :)

[LuchadoreBob]

i want to make one for the next con i go to cause i saw ppl at ohayocon with them (totally b****in btw lol). Just want to know if this works well for any furry heads or just certain ones like wolfs?

[GokuFan13]

@LuchadoreBob This tutorial is the best you can use. And the easiest. I made my first fursuit and I used this tutorial for my head. And it turned out very awesome.

[DogArtist90]

Are ya gonna do a body for the fursuit ? I really want to see results :( .