This is it folks, the last part of my Ariel tutorial.

In PART ONE we made our list and gathered our supplies. Then in PART TWO we began putting things together. In part three we’ll do the hard part: Patches.

We’ll identify the number and types of patches found on the uniform.

Vest:
1 Large rectangle with caduceus (8.5 in h) and Chinese (bottom), center back. 8 in w x 11.5 in h. Corners cut at an angle.
1 Small rectangle with caduceus (3 in h), right front pocket. 2 in w x 3.75 in h. Corners cut at an angle. This one might be slimmer. I found working on a 1.5 in patch to be frustrating.

Coveralls:
2 Medium with caduceus (3 in h) and Chinese (top), center upper arm. 3 in w at top. 1 in wide at bottom. 4 in h.

Hat:
1 Small with caduceus (2 in h) and Chinese (top), center. 2 in w at top. 1 in w at bottom. 2.5 in h.

Optional: Small reflective polygon on right vest pocket. It’s only worn within the hospital.

Here are the graphics I made. Click on the thumbnails for a larger file to download. Then scale the graphics to the sizes you need. Remember, these are not 100% accurate. I created these based on stills. Resourceful types will turn these into files to use with their embroidery machines. The rest of us cheapskates will either paint or sew the emblems by hand. Good luck with that.

1. Measure and cut the felt. Use the patch blank if needed. Simply resize in photo editing program and print.

2. For the caduceus, resize in your photo editing software and print the stencil. Cut out design with scissors or Exacto blade.

3. Place stencil where you want it on the patch. Begin with the SILVER paint to create the border of the caduceus. Fill in the staff with the SILVER.

4. While the paint is drying. Make a thin black border along the edge on the patch. You can do this with black thread if you’re embroidering.

5. Color in each snake: one WHITE, one BLACK.

6. Let dry.

7. The letters are hard to make crisp with the stencil. I free hand the characters in WHITE.

8. If you’re using thread or a thin tip, trace the lettering in SILVER. I was not able to do that on the small patches, but I did do it on the large back patch.

As you can see, the paint does not cover the felt completely. You will need to let it dry then cover it with a second thin coat of paint.

You’re done. Repeat the steps to complete the remaining patches. Remember, the front vest patch has no writing on it.

Last thing to do is make your ID badge, 2.5 in w x 3.5 in h. Here is a picture of my ID. Open your favorite photo editing software and put your headshot over my picture. You also need a name. Mal, Zoe, Jayne, and Wash used the names Miles Arixoen M.D. (blush), Q. Kumamotoa R.N., Kiki LaRue R.N., and Beauma Sclevages R.N. I don’t know what Simon’s badge said. You can use one of their fake names, chose a favorite character, a screen name, or pick a pun. I am Molly Qule R.N. My partner in crime is P. McNinja M.D. You can print this at home (heavy paper or card stock) if you have a color printer or take it to a copy shop. Cut to size and place in a badge holder (3w x 4h in).

Put it all together. Undershirt, coveralls, boots, hat, and vest. Place a few doodads on the vest and clip on your badge.

Now all you need is that elusive ambulance, two mostly dead bodies, or maybe a crazy sister and kick-ass doctor brother.

Firefly Costume: Ariel Tutorial
Part I | Part II | Part III

Tweet This Post

Tags: Ariel, EMT, Firefly, How to

This entry was posted on Friday, May 2nd, 2008 at 3:43 pm and is filed under Costume Journey, Sci-fi, TV. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.