Brilliant Cosplay: DIY Military Style Medals

While simple in design and style, these military reproduction medals are more than convincing, even at close inspection. "Sons of Liberty" medal is strung from whip-stitched white sateen ribbon. "Pathfinder" medal hangs from whip-stitched tartan taffeta ribbon. Both medals have easy fasten pin backs. These medals were used as a part of the Halloween "Steampunk Pirates" costumes and received rave reviews.

While these two medals were hand sewn, I will admit that the design's aesthetic appeal could be improved with a machined stitch. The ribbons themselves are made from an 6 inch length of 1 1/2 inch wide ribbon. A mark was made designating the center and the pin was sewn on to what would become the back. The ribbon was then folded wrong sides together and carefully stitched down either side before being sewn into a tapered point by folding the corners toward the back and sewing them together. The medals are suspended from stainless jeweler's rings sewn directly to the ribbon with heavy quilting thread. The brass and copper "Pathfinder" medal was bought at Hobby Lobby. The bronze "Sons of Liberty" medal was found among some junk I inherited (I think it was actually some commemorative coin).

Also shown in the photo:
     Gentleman's Top Hat - worn by our pirate "Captain", this lush green velvet topper also doubles
         as a prop for "The Wizard" from our "Wizard of Oz" cosplay. Find it in our Prop Department.
     Goggles - welder's style goggles worn by our steampunk "mechanic". These were bought at
         Halloween Express.
     Herringbone Scarf - worn by the Captain instead of the traditional bow tie and held in place by a
        faux diamond pin in the shape of a spider. I believe the pin was purchased at Dollar Tree, while
        the scarf was purchased at a local thrift outlet.

#cosplay #steampunk #costume #props #jewelrymaking #victorianfashion