Dress Ice Queen Snow White and the Huntsman

It has been a dream of mine to make ANYTHING from Snow White and the Huntsman, and when The Huntsman: Winter's War was released, my friend Rachel of Yasemin Art asked me: "So, when are you going to make Ravenna?" I absolutely jumped for joy when she followed up with "I am making Freya, the Ice Queen".. I mean, seriously, dreams do come true!!!

Also, you MUST check out Yasemin Art on facebook. Her Freya (The Ice Queen) is bananas!

Costume Stats:

Time to complete: Approximately 1 month

Materials:
Crown: Paper, 3D Printed filigree, hot glue, gold leaf paint
Finger Jewelry: Black Worbla, paint, misc chains
Cape: Crepe fabric (for the base of the cape), two types of shiny gold lame fabric, hot glue, acrylic paint, super thick heat bond, metal wire, snaps
Dress: Satin gold fabric, black cording, Thibra, Bobby Pins, Liquid Leaf paint from Plaid
Wig: Ororo Classic in Ash Blonde from Arda Wigs

0418huntsman04_hi-300x450 — Queen Ravenna from The Huntsman: Winter's War

Costume parts include:

Crown
Finger Jewelry
Cape
Dress
Wig

MAKING THE CROWN

I wanted the crown to be very light so I decided to make it using thick stock paper. I did a couple of renditions with photo paper, and then wound up just using black craft paper instead. The craft paper creases much more easily and didn't tear as I was attempting to become an origami master!

After a few tries, I figured out a great pattern for both the large spike and the small spike. I transferred them to photo paper, and cut and folded each one.

The finished paper spikes. At this point I was already worried about some of the spikes tearing from stress.

I wasn't very happy with the way this came out. It felt like something between Lady Liberty and a deconstructed unicorn. Definitely NOT evil queen worthy!

I made the headband with Thibra, which is pretty fun stuff. After a little reworking on the pattern, I made new spikes from black cardstock. I also found a beautiful 3d file for the detail on Thingiverse : http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:10147.

Frank wasn't very pleased with me when I used spray primer. Two or three light coats and let dry for the recommended amount of time.

When the primer was dry, I brushed on Liquid Leaf (Plaid). Two or three coats. So shiny!

MAKING THE FINGER SPIKES

Is that what they are called? I'm going to call them finger spikes. They turned out well and I would wear them all the time if I could! I used the rest of the bits of my black worbla (save your worbla scraps!!) I then airbrushed these beauties with black acrylic and then sealed them with modge podge for extra shine and durability.

I used black worbla, chain remnants and stick-on embellishments from Michael's to make these awesome props.

THE CAPE: feathers!!

This cape is probably the most beautiful thing I have ever made. It is also the hardest thing I've ever made simply because of the redundancy. I MADE OVER 2500 FABRIC FEATHERS.. and I thought I was going to die a few times, but I survived, and it is absolutely queen-esque and freaking glorious.

I made a tutorial video about how I made these feathers for your viewing pleasure!

I don't like using feathers for my costumes for lots of reasons I won't discuss here. But this cape could be done without using a single feather. I did a ton of research in fabric stores and at home trying different techniques for making a realistic feather, and I finally found a good method. The down side though was that I would have to make every single one by hand, and it would be extremely time consuming.

This is a glimpse of the process: 1. Cut out feather from fabric 2. Place feathers face down on glass 3. Apply a thin line of hot glue down the middle of the feather 4. While still hot, turn the feather over and press/pinch the glue into the fabric. 5. Optional: While still stuck to the glass, paint the tips a darker color for texture and definition. 6. Use a utility knife blade to help remove the feather from the glass. 7. Repeat 2499 more times.

This is what 700 of them look like. And this is what I look like the morning after 🙂

RECAP OF THE FEATHER MAKING PROCESS:
1. Cut out feather from fabric
2. Place feathers face down on glass
3. Apply a thin line of hot glue down the middle of the feather
4. While still hot, turn the feather over and press/pinch the glue into the fabric.
5. Optional: While still stuck to the glass, paint the tips a darker color for texture and definition.
6. Use a utility knife blade to help remove the feather from the glass.
7. Repeat 2499 more times.

MAKING THE CAPE : fabric base

I knew that gluing thousands of feathers to a cape would become quite heavy after a while, so I found a very lightweight crepe fabric that worked extremely well. I used a Simplicity pattern for the base and then altered the shape around the shoulders so it would drape over the front of the shoulders like it does in the film.

MAKING THE CAPE : fabric base + feathers

I needed to figure out approximately how many feathers would be required to completely cover this cape, with extra for the collar, so I began gluing each feather individually to the cape, starting at the bottom and making my way up.

MAKING THE CAPE : the collar

I was really excited to make the collar because I found some awesome thick heat bond interfacing at JoAnns and I knew it was going to be perfect. I was also very excited to stop making feathers for a little while so I could focus on something else!

I first cut the interfacing into strips about 3/4″ wide. I found some floral wire too and used it to stabilize the strips.

I hot glued the wire onto the strips for stability and to allow me to shape the collar.

Starting with a collar larger than my neck size, I started constructing the frame. I used hot glue to connect the strips.

Once the framework was in place I filled in the gaps with interfacing that was NOT reinforced with wire. It didn't need it and would just add weight.

I clipped it together with the cape and it was freaking perfect! I was so very happy it worked! And it was incredibly lightweight. Bonus!

MAKING THE CAPE : back to feathers

I spent the better part of two and a half weeks making and attaching feathers to that cape……

Gluing each feather on to the crepe, one at a time!

I called for help! My deadline was fast approaching and two friends graciously agreed to come and help me out. Thanks ladies!! I owe you big time.

A view of the feather landscape that took over my kitchen.. it's beautiful though!

THE DRESS

I was so behind on the cape that I had little time to make that dress, and that meant I couldn't make it screen accurate. Oh well. I'm good with it.. for now 🙂