Better Than a Poke in the Eye

How to make plastic Pokeballs for Cosplay

Gotta Catch ’em All!

Last Gencon, Bitzy dressed up as a Pokemon Go trainer. We made a belt with plastic pokeballs on it that were fun parts of the costume. Several people asked us how we made it so here you go!

Materials

  • Plastic Ball Pit Balls
  • Belt
  • Acrylic paint
  • Electrical tape
  • Velcro straps
  • Plastic laces
  • A foam craft sheet



Directions

Bitzy found colored plastic children play balls at Walmart that were designed for use in ball pits. They were lightweight and the right size and best of all ON CLEARANCE! (Bitzy does love a good sale.) She found the belt for $1 at a thrift store.

1. Acrylic paint was used to paint the balls the correct colors. Electrical tape was used to form neat lines around the middle between the two colored sections.
2. For some balls, parts of other balls were cut out to make circles that could be glued on to form the middle of the pattern.

3. Blue painter’s tape was used to mask off detailed areas when painting the patterns on the balls.

4. Black plastic laces were used to make a loop actually going through the balls so they would be secure. A large curved needle and pliers were used to poke through the plastic and loop the lace through.
5. Velcro loops designed for holding computer cables were used to attach the parts to the belt. The loops were put through the small plastic lace loops to attach the balls to the belt when it was being worn. The balls could easily be removed.

6. The belt was cut out of several pieces of foam sheets. It was glued together and then painted with acrylic paint.
7. The belt buckle was attached using another velco strap after putting the belt on and getting everything adjusted.

The balls were very securely attached using this method. Bitzy was surprised by how comfortable it was to wear and that it was actually quite durable.

If you have any questions, ask them in the comment field below.


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