So I just wanted to share this with everyone and see if there would be any interest from other members.

A good friend that I work with makes custom belt buckles as a hobby/ side business. He is also a SW fan but had no idea how encompassing the hobby can be until he started working on my project.

So long story short - I gave him a vintage Stormtrooper and asked if he could make me a buckle using the helmet in 3D contours on the plate.

So this is very early progress as he is carving the mold from wax which he will later use to cast the sterling silver or brass. This isn't just a flat rendition of the helmet. When finished it will have all of the contours and layers of the actual figure's helmet. He said it's been one of the most challenging pieces he's done so far and has become quite exciting about seeing the end product (as am I).

So here are some pics of the mold in progress.






He's doing this project as a favor to me but said if there was enough interest he would be happy to do some more for friends of mine. He has no intentions of selling them on his site but would be happy to work with anyone through me. I'm not trying to make any money off of his work, nor is he looking to get rich from it. Like our love of the SW hobby he get's pleasure from his love of crafting the buckles.

Here is a link to his site. Most of his designs shown are flat 2D lettering but the skull shows how he can get some 3D contours in the casting. http://flatdogdesign.com/belt-buckle-gallery

I'll keep the thread going as the project progresses if there is interest. I'm only posting this here for TIG members. If anyone is interested shoot me a pm.

(Mods - if this needs to be moved I understand).

Sounds like a great idea and project Dallas!

I look forward to seeing the project develop - any ideas yet on what sort of price range these buckles will go for?