Thread: Is it possible to make a coin costume from scratch?

and if yes how?

sorry for the uber-direct question, but im short of time lately...school and all...

xxx
Athena

Well if you are short of time - I can't see that you will have time to do this!!!

Well, you have to buy the coins, unless you're well-equipped to drill small holes in them yourself.

I made a coin bra (the tribal style ones) once. It took me some time, but it wasn't bad.

I've done a coin bra by stitching two coin necklaces onto a bra I covered. It was pretty quick and easy. It's not from scratch, exactly, though.

Originally Posted by Athenaserpent

and if yes how?

sorry for the uber-direct question, but im short of time lately...school and all...

xxx
Athena

Short answer: Yes, and it will take a lot of time and will need to be very sturdy because it will be heavy.

I've made 4 of these so far, so I am happy to give tips if you have any specific questions.

I think it is well possible for everybody who does not have two left hands - I can do most simple home repairs, and I am sure I could easily make my own if I had the determination. However, unless you have a coin belt and bra at home to study the construction, and the tools you need (esp. if you want to drill your own coins), it may not be the best path. Unless you know what you want to accomplish, I don't think that making a coin bra from scratch is such a good idea.

If you want to make it from absolute scratch, check out the "coin belt - silly question" thread where people have given awesome info and where the fabulous clovis posted detailed how-to with pics.

If you are short on time, I'd suggest buying inexpensive coin belts and remodel to your heart's desire. I second Shalimah's idea for the bra (that's a quick and dirty way to go about it! brilliant! *g*)

In both cases, I'd recommend sketching out your idea before you start and use it as a map of sorts.

HTH,

Kem

If you'd like detailed instructions, you might want to contact Leea in California and ask if she still sells the "how to make a bra / belt set from coins" instructions that she used to sell. Her web site is Belly Dance! Walnut Creek, California 925.937.7852

...

One of my students made a coin costume last year, it took her forever!

I made one once by taking apart a few already existing coin belts and putting them on a bra and belt base. That didn't take nearly as long and it was pretty easy.

A few thoughts to get you started...

If you want to use real coins, you'll need a tool known as a drill press to drill holes in them. Or, instead, you can purchase fake coins with holes already in them.

One approach for making a belt is to create a "foundation row" of coins side by side, joined by jump rings. So each of these coins would have 2 holes for sure - one on each side to be joined using a jump ring to the coin next to it. Then some (or all) of the coins will have a third hole in the bottom, to which you'd attach either a chain (which will then have coins on it) or another coin on a jump ring (as a dangly).

So you use a series of coins, jump rings, and chains to make that style.

Another completely different option to make a coin belt would be to make a fabric belt base, and then sew a series of jump rings, each with a coin attached, to the belt base. These would overlap each other just enough to look sort of like chainmail or scales from a distance, and they would jingle as they rattle against each other.