Whether you’re looking to create a set of Wolverine claws or want to craft some scary nails for a monster costume, we’ve got you covered. We’ll show you how to make simple paper claws and also how to use foam and hot glue to create more realistic-looking claws. Let’s get started!
How to Make Paper Claws
- Materials Needed:
- Colored Paper (yellow, blue, brown and black)
- Scissors
- Masking Tape/Glue
- File
To make paper claws, first, draw a claw shape on a piece of paper and then cut it out. Next, fold the claw in half so that the two halves meet in the middle. Then use a ruler to make a crease along the folded edge. Unfold the claw and use the crease as a guide to cut along the edge.
Finally, re-fold the claw so that the two halves meet in the middle again and use a pencil to make a small dot on each half. Use scissors to cut along each dot, creating two small slits in the paper. Your claws are now ready to wear.
How to make your own claws with foam
Making claws for cosplay can be a fun and easy project, and it’s a great way to show off your creative skills while attending a convention. In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to make your own claws using foam.
To make your claws, you’ll need:
Author
- Foam
- Utility knife
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
- Glue sticks
- Paint (optional)
Step 1
Cut a piece of foam that is about 6 inches long and 2 inches wide. This will be the base of your claw.
Step 2
Cut two small pieces of foam that are about 1 inch long and 1/2 inch wide. These will be the claws of your claw.
Step 3
Use your ruler and pencil to mark the center of the base foam. If you’re using a T-rex claw, there should be about 1 inch between the marks on either side.
Step 4
Make two small holes where you marked with your pencil so that each hole is in line with one-half of each “toes”.
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Step 5
Put a small bead of hot glue in each hole and carefully insert one piece of foam into each, making sure that they’re upright and the bottom edge lines up with the other end of your base. Let them dry completely before you move on to the next step.
Step 6
Use a pencil to mark where the other half of the toes will be.
Step 7
Make two small holes in the foam where you marked, making sure they go all the way through so that each hole is in line with one-half of the “toes” you already glued down.
Step 8
Put a small bead of hot glue in each hole and carefully insert one piece of foam into each, making sure that they’re upright and the bottom edge lines up with the other end of your base. Let them dry completely before you move on to the next step.
Step 9
Continue this process until all of your “toes” are firmly glued down, then turn your work over and draw an outline of a T-rex foot on it (or whatever type of claw you’re making).
Step 10
Cut out the outline with your utility knife, then use scissors to cut along the inside edge of your outline, round it off and make it smooth. This is where all of your claws will start to come loose (the stuff you cut away), so do a good job on this step, or you could ruin the shape of your claws.
Step 11
Use hot-glue to attach a coin or something similar to the bottom of your foot so that about half an inch is sticking out, then paint it all over with acrylic paint and let dry.
Step 12
Now you have one finished claw. You can use this same process to make as many claws as you like.
Step 13
You can attach your claws to a base (so they don’t fall over and hurt anyone) by painting the bottom of each one with hot glue and sticking it to a square foot of foam, then gluing an eyehook to the center of that square and wrapping wire around it to make a loop for hanging.
How to Attach Fake Nails to Your Fake Skin
To attach your fake nails to your fake skin, make sure to use double-sided tape. Simply cut the strips into small pieces and then affix them on either side of the adhesive region of the nails, then stick them onto your fingertips. It’s important to keep in mind that these are not reusable, so they should be disposed of after one-time use.
If you need a replacement nail, don’t let that turn into a problem. The nails can be purchased at any store that carries false fingernails for an affordable price from $2-5 a box.
You can also make your own claws by using artificial nails and hot glue. All you have to do is cut the tips off of the nails, glue them to a surface and let them dry. It is a very inexpensive method that can be used for a lot of different cosplays.
Making claws the old-fashioned way – cutting off your nails and shaping them into sharp points with an Exacto knife – is also a possibility, but I will not cover this here because it’s really hard to get the claws exactly the same shape and size. They are very sharp (dangerous), and they can’t be reused.
There are also sets of rubber finger caps with claw marks on them, but these do not work for me because my fingers are too wide at the joints for even the largest size to fit my fingertips. Those types of claws are usually worn by women with very thin fingers.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you learn how to make your own claws to put on for your next cosplay.
Side Note: Get in touch with SnowDragon on Instagram if you’re looking to collaborate for cosplay events or photoshoots.