To all,
Guys, (and gals if applicable) I'm totally blown away by your kind comments. Thanks so much for the worm reception and positive feedback. I'm thrilled to be here. I've heard so many great things about this site and I can honestly say that they're all true.
I'll try to answer all of your questions so here it goes,
Jesse James -
you asked about the harnesses and belts that I make for the figures. Basically I cut thin ribbons of my sons old Power Rangers costume into 3/16 inch strips. The material is similar to vinyl -basically Halloween custume sheet plastic. Its very rugged, cuts very well, and paints flawlessly.
The y harness is nothing more than a staple bent into a triangle with strips of that vinyl material carefully folded and secured to the staple surface. Its a bit tricky and ya can't rush this. I paint all of the straps brown first, both sides. Then I sharpie both sides black, then paint them black with HOBBY SCALE brand acrylic paint. Its available at most hobby stores like RC truck and model making shops etc. That paint lays down better than any other brand that I've ever used.
The holster and belt system ar that vinyl material as well with another staple bent into a "D" or "O" shape with a small notch left open to allow the 2 ends to connect. I have posted a tutorial about this process at my own site and also at thejawa.com. I invite all of you to visit the sites and try it out. PLEASE try to improve, elaborate, and basically put my patterns to shame. I'd love to somebody to create a superior version and share it with us all.
I pretty much make the harness systems permanent and the holsters and belts removable. I like the idea of making 1 custom figure but giving him several play values. Hats, helmets, belts, etc, you can display 1 figure about 5 different ways. I like to be able to make some of my imps lefties and some righties, therefore the holster can swing around to either side of the belt. Its makes for some variation in the troops.
The Solo torso was a POTJ imperial officer torso (but just about any torso can be used) 'cuz the black bib is custom fitted vinyl (just like the straps) and painted and glued etc. Its not too hard to do, just another time consuming ordeal. The trick is to make either side of the piece the same size.
Han's head is a redone VOTC Solo head, retooled and refitted slightly. I obviously gave han a haircut and I had to modify the head to be accepted onto the post.
I really like the military look of the WWII era soldiers, especially the uniforms of the Germans and Japanese. Many poeple slammed me in private emails thinking that I was some sort of nazi because I made that Ozzel fig. Let me state that I HATE NAZIS, but I liked some of their uniform styles and I thought that the SW imperials were begging for some of that influence. Thanks for commentng on the Ozzel figure. I like it because its so different looking to many other custom figures out there. Its probably not ever going to be popular with the masses but I was trying to push the limit and connect SW imperials to earthly evil.
That era is a big source for my customs, Thanks so much for looking and letting me know what you think
hyourittaai- you can call me anything that you like, except late for dinner!
Darth Ennis, thanks so much for looking its the POTJ Imp Officer torso
p.s. if you'd like to view my tutorial on how to make those holsters please visit this link: