Whether you are making a toy for a child or a prop for a play, a shield for a knight or soldier can be made out of something as simple asposter board . Poster board is sturdy and holds up well, and yet is thin and easy to cut. It is available in many colors, but paint and glue can turn even white poster board into a fun and impressive-looking shield, perhaps with a jaunty crest.
Things You'll Need:
• Pencil and eraser • Paper for sketch • Poster board Cutting mat • Craft knife • Strong glue • Scissors Paint and paintbrushes • Glitter Stickers
1. Step 1 Plan a design for your shield. Practice drawing it on scratch paper, including crests or any other features you like. 2. Step 2 Draw your shield on a large piece of poster board with a pencil. 3. Step 3 Place the poster board on a cutting mat or other safe cutting surface and cut out the shield with a craft knife. Work carefully and do not rush. 4. Step 4 Paint your shield with bright colors, including all your design elements. Let dry. 5. Step 5 Apply glue around the edge of the shield and sprinkle the wet glue with your choice of glitter. Let dry. 6. Step 6 Use the scraps from the poster board to make three loops. For each loop, take a strip of poster boardand glue the ends together so that you have a circle. Make sure the loops are large enough for the user's arm to fit through. 7. Step 7 Glue each loop on the back of the shield in a row, so that the user can place his arm through two and hold the third with his hand.
This article was published on Friday 10 July, 2009.