Final Project: Worbla Shield

Inspiration/Initial Build

The shield on the left is the shield I wanted to attempt. I knew the hardest part initially would be to get the dome shape in the top. I found these wreath forms and thought if I covered the openings, it would give me the dome needed. Sadly, when I started to cover it with Worbla, the ridges were still visible and it wasn’t giving me a smooth finish. I wandered around the hardware store in search of a half donut shape. Luckily, I found two different sizes of ceiling molding for chandeliers that would simulate the domes.

Outer Ring

I started with a base of 3/16″ foam core. I began tracing the shape of the outer ring in Procreate after uploading a screenshot of the shield. I then uploaded the shape to my cricut and cut strips out of 2mm foam. I attached two layers to make the foam thick in order to cover better with the Worbla. I then worked in sections and heated the Worbla, slowly working it down into the crevices of the foam.

Adding the Medallions

I glued down the medallions with E6000 glue and left it to cure overnight. Then whole piece then got a coat of black acrylic paint as a base coat.

Back of Shield

I used the paper mache method with Crystal Gel for the back of the shield. I wanted to try and mimic a metal back for the shield. I did a thin layer of black, watered down and then added silver embellishments.

Embellishments for Front

I looked around several different stores for fillagree or baroque style elements. Most supplies were either too small, too large or not flexible enough to fit around the curve of the medallion. I decided to 3D print as similar decorations as possible to match the aesthetic of the inspiration. I also ordered small plastic flowers to add to the fleur de lis shape. I super glued the flowers on to the end and then did a base coat of black acrylic paint. For the round frames, I painted embellished paper to match the colors and put them on the back of the round frames. I added a leaf shape cut out of EVA foam and a button on the top of the leaf shape. All of the shapes got coated with European Gold Rub and Buff.

Painting/Straps

I used a scumbling technique for the painting technique in the center. For the back, I painted over the base coat of black with a light coating of silver and gold paint. Finishing the straps included painting them with black acrylic paint.