ZA Furries

Most of you already know that I've made a pair of digitigrade anthro leg stilts... of which I still haven't posted an updated video, shame on me. In continuation, I am now also working on all sorts of partial fursuit pieces that I intend to put together eventually. So, I've decided to start a thread to document my progress on the entire thing.

In a way this is also an experiment in seeing exactly how cheaply a full suit can be made, so as far as possible I'll be using re-purposed, scrap, or 2nd hand materials (with the obvious exception of fur) and keep track of my expenses. This is out of a mixture of curiosity, wanting to try new arts, and lack of a big budget.

What I have made so far:
> Anthro stilts

What I have designs for:
> Hooves and hind shanks to match/cover stilts
> Gloves (to elbow)
> Tail
> Head

What I haven't designed yet but want to make:
> Form-fitting fur overall to put it all together

My immediate next steps are now to film test my new stilts and post the video, find a supplier for faux fur and upholstery foam, and gather materials. I may take a while before revisiting this project because of my research nearing its end, but I wanted to create a thread to remind myself anyway because I really want to be able to show this off once it's complete.

As a teaser, here is a concept design I threw together for the head:

Lol very nice

It'll be interesting to see how this turns out.

How much do you expect it to cost at this stage?

Um, Miss Leeward? That Muzzle looks way too long.

Sounds great otherwise though. Good luck!

MontgomerySeven wrote:How much do you expect it to cost at this stage?

So far I've spent <R100 on the stilts (screws, nuts, bolts, etc), but until I know how much the fur costs I can't really make an estimate for the rest.

Ryall wrote:That Muzzle looks way too long.

That's why it's just a concept. I'll amend as I go, this is a learning experience after all. Regardless, thanks for pointing it out.

This will be interesting to see as it evolves from stilts into a suit. Looking forward to see the progress!

Shortened muzzle, changed horn shape and added top view.

Just like your updated 'sona: that is so much better!

Thanks! Yeah, I'm relatively good with motion and mechanics, but not so much with shapes.

So I had a chance to swing by the workshop today and decided I had 10 minutes to put on and take a few pics of my improved stilts. It's not a video but it's something. I can walk with them without holding onto anything.

That is awesome. The posture looks really good actually.

I like the idea of the elastic to help support that stance, I have thought a bit about that in the past but I always thought that it would make bending it a little difficult if you were not putting weight on it. I am sure that there is a way around that though.

Can't wait to see it in action.

Thanks Vox! It's actually fairly easy to bend at the ankle when the leg is in the air, the elastic just helps not falling down onto my heels. There is a rubber door stop under my heel anyway in case that happens again (that's how I broke them). I still want to add a better rubber base though (from old plakkies or something) because the furniture pads I put on were squished almost instantly. Also it looks kind of incomplete without padding from the tip of my shoes down to the ground parallel to the plank, but that's my next step. Also I think I'll fur it with a concealed zip along the top for easier fastening.

the way u made the stilts are practical practical adn they will work awsm on the big pickture whaen everyting is done on the fursuit good job

That looks absolutely awesome. You're becoming more of a cow by the day.

Wow quite impressive!
I have one question though, isn't it quite tiring on your feet to be in that position for long periods? I had jumping stilts(Although they are not the same as your stilts) and my feet became tired after only like 10mins or so.
But still it's a bang up job you have done so far and I can't wait to see the end result. I am also going to do digi legs on my suit but mine is simply going to be foam padding.

They are only slightly more tiring to wear than high heels, but I suppose that reduces with practice.

I like the look that padded digilegs have, but I prefer the authenticity of movement of stilts. Also my character is supposed to be quite a bit taller than the average human so it works out better for me.

Oh my goodness, I lolled so hard at this. My mom's two labby girls decided to rip their bed to shreds, so now I have free (slightly shredded) foam. Lucky me, I guess.

I made a paper pattern for the head. I think it could work out quite nicely if I make a clay nose to match. It's a little oversized on purpose so that I can trim down the foam to a more suitable shape later (especially between the eyes). Oh and in case you're wondering, the round thing on top is the poll, the horns start at either side.

Well, that's an inventive use for paper.

MontgomerySeven wrote:Well, that's an inventive use for paper.

Well I have to make the template out of something, don't I?

I know. Sorry, I just "lol'ed" when I saw your template.

Flip I can't believe I only found this thread NOW

Been wondering how progress was going

Glad to see this project moving forward!
Hopefully this inspires more to attempt this sort of thing, we need MORE SUITERS! XD

/on a side note Leeward, that use of the template makes you look like a foe from a low-budget 80s film, so I had a quick giggle too

I spent most of today working on this and made some good progress. I went shopping for 1m of gutter mesh, 4 A4 sheets of craft foam, a hot glue gun and glue for it. I stuck and trimmed the padding for the stilts, made the hooves and stuck them on, and gave the whole lot a test run. Pics to follow when I get home to censor my ugly mug.

Pics, as promised.

I take it that that is your father's workshop?

MontgomerySeven wrote:I take it that that is your father's workshop?

Yes it is. Around me you can see a bunch of his tools (lathe, drill press, clamp stand, acetylene torch, drill-bit collection and others), and above the door a "Fight crime - shoot back" poster and an antique musket restored for display (not functional, obviously). I don't really work in the downstairs workshop, it's for metalwork; I mostly work in the upstairs woodwork area. It has a low ceiling though so I can't test the stilts there.

In hindsight I think I'll redo the hooves, they kind of lost their shape when I stuck them on, especially at the cleft. Craft foam is only R4 a sheet anyway.

I made some more progress today. I got started on the head, but there are a few things I want to change. The cheeks are too high and far forward, and I need to add some cheekbones. This is a learning experience if there ever was one... My electric knife packed up half-way so I mostly used scissors. The mesh "sideburns" are for attaching the (hinged) jaw.

I re-did the cheeks, shaped the muzzle, and added the ears, nose, and jaw. I'm thinking of adding some more padding to the cheeks to make them more fleshy. What do you guys think so far?

It seems a bit asymmetrical, or is that not something that you are worried about at this stage?