If you’ve taken a peek at my social media lately, you’ve seen progress shots of my Rocketeer helmet build. I discovered the Pepakura technique while researching possibilities for having an affordable Stormtrooper helmet. Pepakura is Japanese for “cut some paper into patterns and superglue them to your fingers in hopes of someday having something that looks like something”.
I went in a different direction for my Stormtrooper helmet. But I was intrigued. I wanted to learn this technique. Making a 3D object out of flat paper just sounded… cool.
Deciding on the Rocketeer helmet was a no brainer. Loved the movie. Loved the look. Loved the simple lines. I got to cutting and gluing. After a few nights I had my finished paper helmet. Next step was the resin. Then, fiberglass, body filler, and a whole lot of sanding. What I didn’t know: I had to explain myself.
“Why are you doing this?”
“The Rocketeer?”
“Can’t you buy it?”
Honestly, sometimes when I get these questions I just want to grunt, “ugh” and walk away. But I don’t. I really want to though.
My answer is simple. I am doing this because I want to. I want to learn this process. I want a Rocketeer helmet. I want to make things. I. Want. To.
This is my passion. It has been my entire life. Doing model car kits as a kid. Candle making as a teen. Stained glass and prop making as an adult. I used to have a few small containers filled with Testors paint and brushes. Now I have half the garage filled with tools, respirators (keep them lungs clean), coveralls, a workbench, and projects. I have a notebook filled with ideas for new projects and the passion is there to finish them all.
Having time is a whole other issue. 🙂
Keep your passion. It is your passion – not anyone else’s. Don’t let anyone take it from you.
