Geek Out: Worbla Thermoplastic

Welcome to Geek Out! Let's talk about Worbla. For those of you who don't know, Worbla is a brand of thermoplastic sheet you can heat in several different ways for it to become pliable to fit molds or be manipulated into a shape (kind of like putty). This material hardens fast, is sandable, and is ideal if you plan on using multiple layers, seeing as how the heated Worbla will stick to other sheets. It can be primed, varnished, and painted as well.

So, what can you use Worbla for? Really, it's up to you. Now, what I've seen Worbla used most impressively for is Cosplay. In case you didn't know, Cosplay is short for "costume play" where you can wear costumes and accessories (you can buy or make yourself) to represent a character from a work of fiction (that includes things you make up). There are obviously degrees of technicality with Worbla, going from simple accessories to full on suits of armor complete with helmet and weapons.

Picture right from Worbla's website of a contestant at Blizzard's Costume Contest in 2012.

Crazy impressive right? So what do people say in general about Worbla use? I've heard people swear by it when it comes to crafting props, accessories, and outfit elements. A con for some could be the fact that because it's so easy to stretch and flex, breaking it can also be easy, but that can be said for another commonly used material, Wonderflex. The biggest compliment (and relief) I've heard about the material is even first time users can craft with it pretty simply, and can work on progressively more challenging projects as they get more comfortable.

Where can you buy the stuff? The internet knows no bounds. Cosplay Supplies carries different sized sheets for a pretty penny, but quality is never cheap my friends.

So why am I so interested in Worbla? I'm glad you asked! I'd like to believe most of you know I am head over heels for a one Mr. Laufeyson. Loki is a character I'd be proud to attempt to cosplay as. A lot of the elements of the outfit I feel would look best with the use of Worbla. I'm really determined to do a Lady Loki outfit for MegaCon 2014 in Orlando, Florida.

Way impressive Lady Loki Cosplay by Atra Cosplay.

Have you ever used Worbla before? What are your thoughts on it? What other projects would you use Worbla for? Comments are always welcome!