Vikings Helmet Costume: DIY & History – Get the Look

Prepare to raid the party scene with an authentic vikings helmet costume that commands attention and respect! History, often depicted through sagas and archaeological finds, reveals the true, often hornless, nature of Viking headgear, debunking popular myths. Cosplay enthusiasts, seeking historical accuracy or fantastical flair, find the vikings helmet costume a rewarding challenge. DIY tutorials offer a wealth of inspiration, guiding crafters of all skill levels through the process of creating a unique vikings helmet costume. Metalworking, the craft behind the original helmets, inspires modern-day construction techniques for a vikings helmet costume, whether using foam, plastic, or even actual metal.

Viking Helmet Costume: The Ultimate Guide to DIY & Historical Accuracy

Are you ready to raid the Halloween party or conquer the next cosplay event as a mighty Viking? A crucial part of that transformation is, of course, the helmet! But not just any helmet will do. We need to craft something that’s both visually striking and, if you’re keen, rooted in historical understanding. This guide will navigate you through creating your own awesome Viking helmet costume, covering both DIY methods and a glimpse into the real headgear of Norse warriors.

Part 1: Setting Sail with Historical Accuracy (Briefly!)

Before diving into the DIY aspect, let’s briefly discuss Viking helmets. Contrary to popular belief, the horned helmet is a myth largely popularized by stage productions. Actual Viking helmets were primarily made of leather or iron, often simple in design. Think conical or rounded shapes, sometimes with a mask or eye protection. Let’s look at the materials:

Material	Common Use	Pros	Cons
Leather	Soft helmets, padding	Flexible, light, affordable	Low protection
Iron	Sturdy helmets	Good protection	Heavier, more expensive to work with

Knowing this will help you decide on the look you are going for, even for a costume! We don’t need to be 100% historically accurate, but understanding the reality can inspire a more interesting and informed design.

Part 2: DIY Viking Helmet Costume: Embarking on Your Project!

This is where the fun begins! Several methods can be used to create your Viking helmet costume, each offering different levels of complexity and realism.

Method 1: The Cardboard Conqueror

• Materials: Cardboard (various thicknesses), scissors/craft knife, glue gun/strong adhesive, metallic spray paint (silver, gold, or bronze), decorative elements (optional: faux fur, plastic rivets, etc.).

• Process:

  1. The Basic Shape: Cut out a large, semi-circular piece of cardboard to form the helmet’s body. Adjust the size to fit your head comfortably.
  2. Construction: Curve the cardboard into a cone or rounded shape and secure the edges with glue or adhesive. Reinforce the seams for durability.
  3. Adding the Brim (Optional): Cut a circular piece of cardboard with a hole in the center large enough to fit the helmet. Attach this around the base of the helmet.
  4. Painting and Detailing: Spray paint the helmet in your chosen metallic color. Once dry, add details like faux fur trim along the bottom edge or plastic rivets for a more authentic look.

• Pros: Affordable, easy to work with, readily available materials.

• Cons: Less durable, not suitable for rough use, may look less realistic.

Method 2: The Foam Frenzy

• Materials: EVA foam (various thicknesses), heat gun, craft knife, glue gun/contact cement, acrylic paints, sealant.

• Process:

  1. Pattern Creation: Draw out the pattern pieces for your helmet on paper. This might include separate pieces for the crown, cheek guards, and nose guard.
  2. Cutting the Foam: Transfer the pattern pieces onto the EVA foam and carefully cut them out with a craft knife.
  3. Shaping the Foam: Use a heat gun to gently shape the foam pieces. You can curve and mold the foam to create rounded edges and contours.
  4. Assembly: Glue the foam pieces together using a glue gun or contact cement. Make sure the seams are strong and secure.
  5. Painting and Sealing: Paint the helmet with acrylic paints, using layers to create a weathered, metallic effect. Seal the paint with a clear sealant to protect it from scratches and wear.

• Pros: More durable than cardboard, easier to shape than metal, looks more realistic than cardboard.

• Cons: Requires more specialized tools and materials, can be more time-consuming.

Method 3: The Advanced Armorer (Leather or Worbla)

• This method is for more experienced crafters. It involves working with leather or thermoplastic materials like Worbla. These materials allow for greater detail and durability but require more skill and specialized tools. We won’t go into immense detail here, but resources abound online for these techniques.

Part 3: Elevating Your Viking Helmet Costume: Personalization is Key!

Now that you have the basic helmet construction down, let’s consider how to make it truly yours:

1. Adding a Nose Guard: A simple metal or cardboard strip extending down the front of the helmet provides extra character.
2. Cheek Guards: Protect the sides of your face (or at least look like you do!) with curved extensions from the helmet’s base.
3. Embellishments: Paint runes, add faux fur trim, attach decorative studs, or craft intricate designs using craft foam to make your helmet unique.
4. Weathering: Use techniques like dry brushing with dark paint to create a battle-worn, realistic look.

Remember, your Viking helmet costume is an expression of your creativity. Let your imagination run wild and create a helmet that embodies the spirit of the Norse warriors!

So, whether you’re aiming for historical accuracy or just want a fun and recognizable look for your next party, putting together a vikings helmet costume is totally achievable. Get creative, raid your craft supplies, and get ready to channel your inner Norse warrior! Have fun building your own epic helmet.