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Make Your Own Helmet

Click here to download an Acrobat PDF file with helmet templates and instructions. (172 k)

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In the Acrobat pdf file you will find patterns (templates) for a helmet and a visor. Print all four pages, tape the helmet sheets together and photocopy onto 11" x 17" paper. Use the patterns to cut out and trace onto tougher material such as card stock or tag board. Construction paper is practical, but less desirable for strength.

The helmet will require a 18" x 24" piece of stock. Fold it in half. It should now be 12" x 18". Place the inside edge of the helmet pattern on the folded edge of stock, trace it carefully, and cut it out.

Cutting the material folded saves time and insures that the final product will be more symmetrical. Folds add strength to the card stock just as they do to the steel of a real helmet. Now would be a good time to punch the holes needed for assembly.

Cut on solid lines. Dotted lines indicate folds.

Breathing holes can be punched in the visor in even rows or creative patterns. On what side of real helmets were these ventilation holes found? The visor viewing slot or opening can be made larger or configured differently.

The folds on top of the helmet can be folded out or in (depending on the contour you prefer and what you want to add to the top). This should be done before assembling the helmet.

Plumes, wings, and animals heads or figures can be added to adorn the helmet. Obviously, all decorations of helmet and visor surfaces should be done prior to assembly.

Line up the holes on one side of the helmet, and staple. Align holes on the other side of the helmet. Staple. Attach the visor to the helmet with a brass fastener. Be sure you have the correct side of the visor up.

Bring the ends of the helmet around back of the knight's head. Check fit. Holding the ends together, remove the helmet from the wearer's head and staple the ends together. The visor should move up and down freely and not catch on the various attachments you may have added.

Decorative elements might include coats of arms, repeated patterns in bands, appropriate rubber stamps (colored with markers, so you won't need pads), Styrofoam stamps, or trompe l'oeil rivets with shadows and high lights.