Fashion DIY Armor [Instructables How-To]

Wearing clothing or jewelry that resembles armor projects an attitude that’s almost another accessory in itself. Not to mention, spiky and aggressive jewelry does wonders offsetting softer looking dresses, outfits, or color palette (just ask Daphne Guinness).

Wanting to try his hand at 3D modeling and printing, Instructables user kickice2003 mocked up a skeletal breastplate using Rhino 4.0 and formatted it for 3D printing. The Ossein Lavallier (meaning quite literally “bone” and “necklace”) is what resulted.

We’ll go through the basic steps here, but the author also has a great in-depth Instructable that’s very beginner friendly if you need more guidance.

Find a friend and grab the dimensions of her neck and chest. Then start up Rhino and start modeling your different pieces in curve form. Refine each curve to add dimension and form, and then start “piping” the curves in 3D.

Use surface modifiers to sculpt the vertebrae-like form and add details like ribs and a collar by adjusting individual control points on the model—like digitally sculpting clay! Then check out how your dimensions are measuring up, by bringing in a female visual. Create a cube (base) for the necklace, making sure the whole structure fits within the dimensions of the 3D printer you’re using.

Create an .stl file so your printer can convert the model and print your design. And then the hard part… waiting the 15 hours or so for the necklace to print. We recommend printing overnight.

Mix one tablespoon of lye with one gallon of hot water and submerge the structure to remove the base from the necklace. You might have to do two different soaks.

And voilà! Start up an Etsy and bring your designs to the masses.

Visit the Instructables How-To for further instruction, more detailed photographs and tips on where to buy materials.