Ladies, Gentlemen, and mutated creatures that escaped the portal I opened to the Elder Gods last week, here is the tutorial I promised for case making. This is more of an outline than a step-to-step explanation because personalizing your case is half the fun.

Let it be said that the links, photos, and information under the cut can be used to make any kind of case not just that of supernatural origin. Scientists, spies and aviators need their supplies too.



To start off, many different individuals have created kits and cases of their own. Boxes dedicated to zombie protection are quite popular. Vampires and our ancient masters get choice mentions, as do most other supernatural beings currently known to us.

There is no one way to make a case. Depending on your chosen concept and the budget available, there can be infinite variations. An airship mechanic would likely prefer a lightweight but sturdy case while an explorer of the darkest jungles would prefer a case that kept all his important documents safe from rain and humidity. The contents inside would, of course, vary as well.

Before the progress photos of the case I have in progress, I would like to provide links to several sites that helped it come to be, indirectly to otherwise. I didn't make any latex creatures or etch brass, but the articles were inspirational nonetheless.


Witches Kitchen
The method outlined on this page are how I aged all of my documents inside the werewolf handling case as well as creating my bottles properly.

John Burgess Chemical Names
An extraordinary helpful list for those who need antiquated names for chemicals or contents inside your case. Lunar Caustic provokes a different image than silver nitrate, even if they are the same substance.

Make Your Own Alien In A Jar
For those looking to add something more 3-D to your cases, this link provides an in-depth tutorial on making models and realistic-looking creatures.

Electrolytic Etching Of Brass
If metal is a signficant part of your case or costume, you may wish to add your own unique design or symbol upon it. To repeat the warning on the page, there are some dangerous elements attached to this method.

Wikipedia
Perhaps obvious and a bit silly, but here and Google are infinite resources for finding materials and inspiration. All of the images used in my case are from hopping around Wikipedia or hunting in Google Images.



This series of photos will show the progress of the werewolf handling kit I am building. In the space of a few weeks, this:


Has become this:


There is still work to be done, but the transformation is pleasant to see nonetheless.

I offer several guidelines or general rules I discovered during the making of the kit:

1. Prepare to make a mess. Unless your case is in the exact condition you want it in and all of your documents printed the proper size don't need to be cut and altered, it is likely to happen.


Case in point.

2. Be prepared to fail. I had to scrap the original liner of the case due to stains from the wood finish and went through a small pile of balsa wood before I got everything cut to size. Some of my original concepts also proved to be significantly more difficult than expected, so they went the way of the recycle bin as well.


3. Do research on your chosen concept. You'd be amazed at what interesting errata and information you can find from a few clicks. Little details can make one case stand out from another.


4. Have fun! Some of the work may be stressful, but this is crafting, not the final apocalypse. If something is stuck in gear, take a step back and make sure that frustration isn't hiding an easy solution to your problems.


5. Make a to-do list or blueprint. It can always be added to, but even having your basic ideas on the page helps everything stay organized.


6. Ask for help. This case would be nowhere as close to completion (or more likely, completed at all) if I hadn't gotten assistance. A fresh mind is an invaluable resource, as are the potential materials hiding in their closet.


7. Don't think you have to pay full price. With the exception of the varnish, everything that went into this case was found at home or a thrift store. Look around at local yard sales or places like Goodwill for treasure. My case cost me only three dollars, but is solid wood with a heavy magnetic closure to keep everything in place. And it's just a silverware box! The chemical bottles were spice containers costing a mere fifty cents. Imagine what you could find hiding on the shelves.

8. I already said have fun, but it bears repeating. The moment your case becomes a chore is a sad one indeed.

These next pictures will show some of the work done on the box, turning it into what came to be.

The Bottles:

Thoroughly washed and dried.


The aging of the labels. All labels were created using Digital Image Pro.


Labels applied with a clear gluestick. Varnish was later added to seal the paper.


The Documents:

Exit stage right.


Exit stage left.


Altering The Case:

The velvet was forcibly removed using a kitchen knife and brute strength. It was more difficult than I originally presumed. The stain was bought at a craft store and a very simple process. Balsa wood was cut, stained, and glued to hide the original silverware slats.


Using more balsa and various spare parts, the ammunition chamber was built.


Near completion.


Chain Addition:

The bottom eyelet.


The top eyelet.


The chain attached.


Final Images:

The box, emptied.


The box with all current components inside.



Besides crediting all the links above for their assistance, I would like to thank my mother for use of her monstrosity of a craft closet. I also thank Leonardo Da Vinci, an anonymous German woodcutter, and Hendrik Goltzius for their artistic contributions.

My deepest gratitude goes to the members of this community for your support, comments, and critiques. It is my hope that this will be a helpful resource and inspire some projects that blow mine out of the water.

I have no idea if there will be a part two, but I left it open in case I've left important pieces out.

Questions, comments, and critiques are all very appreciated.