Celastic!
Celastic, you say! What is Celastic?
For me, Celastic (a trademarked name) and it’s variations (Form Fast for one) have been godsends to my business. When I was a mere lad in my first few months in the costuming business, I learned some of the old paper mache techniquess to build cartoon character heads for our shop. You know…a much less sophisticated version of the type of cartoon characters you see might see at a Disneyland or Kings Dominion.
In layman’s terms, Celastic is a sort of plasticized lightweight canvas or heavyweight fabric, which when softened in Acetone or MEK can be shaped into any number of objects (using a mold). It comes in various thicknesses and sizes.
Cut into strips and/or sections, it is laid over a form or mold and assumes the exact shape and dimensions of the form. After it dries and is cut off, it has become a clone of the form, except minimally larger.
In the masqueade, theatrical, performing arts arenas, it’s used for puppets, scenery, props, armor, as well as mascot and cartoon costumes; but it may even have practical applications as in taxidermy and setting of broken bones.
What I especially like about Celastic is that is impervious to the elements (waterproof), is lightweight enough to be able to be supported on the head/shoulders, and when dented, can easily be snapped back into place. Paper mache, although lightweight, could easily become misshapen during a rainstorm; and dents required repairs.
TODAY, I start walking you through the video process of building a cartoon character head. Just click on Costumes! Costumes! Costumes! (in pink) above if you don’t see the videos on this page.
NOTE: For more information about Celastic, please contact us at russkampmann@gmail.com or costumes3@gmail.com
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