A PAPER DOLL PHARAOH

Here's how the paper costume for the Queen of Egypt was created for an opera star who performed an aria - Piangero from Julius Caesar at Opera Night in Costume Northport NY on May 2, 2008. Animated illustrations and Costume © Doris Rowe 2008
Directions:
Here is a flow of ideas to show how a paper costume can be made after over many days of thinking, and plenty doodling!

Buy two large sheets of strong corrugated board from a Fed Ex shop - two flattened boxes ... 40 inches long.

Draw pattern and cut out with sharp blade.

Shellac both sides of corrugated shapes to prevent warping and to enhance tone.

Sketch out with black marker patterns on two skirt panels and fill in with colors (two side panels, one front panel, collar, and headband.)

Construct falcon head with egg carton or other means. Spray gold and attach with hot glue to front of headband.

Draw feathers and mark with color patterns, freehand. Don't worry about being exact!

Slice (score) half way through corrugated board at 1.5 inches intervals to allow for bend on collar. Score for tummy and knee bends. Convex or concave bend will allow for sitting comfortably.

Affix with hot glue the white ankh shape to front of collar.

Lace reverse sides of corrugated board shapes with hot glue to strengthen folds and prevent tearing.

Assemble panels to fit girth of the model.

Carefully grommet two halves of skirt panels to front panel about four inches apart.

Shirr 36" paper tablecloth yardage for sides of apron skirt. Sew to a white cloth belt.

Open up 10 ft round white paper tablecloth and fold at 18 inches to make bustle. Shirr together and sew to back of white cloth belt. Allow the length as a long train.

The skirt, one convenient piece, is actually a very long apron that is worn with the ties to the front.

Thread ends of white cloth apron belt through the two holes of the two 5/8th inch grommet holes. Tie tightly into a knot with ends hanging in front.

Now for the "crown".

Glue corrugated patterned feather shapes to sides of headband.

Attach long black corrugated board strips to headband with satin ribbon to emulate hair braids.

Add sparkly stickers, color marker patterns, and many carefully placed highlights with gold marker to patterns. Add another coat of shellac.

The long skirt, bustle, and train are left white.

Don't forget the small asp that is crafted with a small unwrapped paper tube and decorated.

NOTE: An "asp" is a thin and squiggly viper with enough poison to kill!

Watch this video that shows the relative strength of corrugated board!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MApOzc...

For some paper costume fun check out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wpn2eyECUG0&NR=1

Category:

Education

Tags:

• yt:quality=high
• build
• costume
• with
• coro
• board
• paper
• tablecloth
• yardage
• Northport
• NY
• dojoro

[r3tkd2]

In awe. Lengthy explanation was a great idea. Thanks for the instructions!