Making My Very Own Cassian

Ever since I first read about Cassian and the Illyrians in ACOTAR, I've been obsessed with their magnificent wings. For the longest time, I dreamed of having my own pair, especially with Starfall coming up! So, I finally took the plunge and decided to make my very own Cassian wings. It was an ambitious project, but honestly, one of the most fulfilling DIYs I've ever tackled. If you're like me and want to bring a piece of Velaris into your world for ACOTAR cosplay or a themed event like Starfall, then you've come to the right place. I'm excited to share my journey and all the tips I picked up along the way to help you craft your own stunning Illyrian wings! Materials You'll Need: For my Cassian wings, I primarily used: EVA Foam: Various thicknesses (2mm, 5mm, 10mm) for different parts – lightweight and shapeable. Wire or PVC Pipes: For the internal frame, providing crucial structure. Heat Gun: Essential for shaping the EVA foam into natural, dynamic curves. Contact Cement: My go-to for strong, flexible foam bonds. Utility Knife/Box Cutter & Scissors: For precise cutting. Primer (Plasti Dip recommended): To seal foam and prepare for painting. Acrylic Paints: Black, grays, and a touch of metallic for that Illyrian sheen. Webbing/Straps & Buckles: To create a comfortable and secure harness system. Pattern Paper/Cardboard: For creating accurate templates. My Step-by-Step Wing-Making Journey: Design & Template: I started by sketching out the iconic Illyrian wing shape, referencing fan art and book descriptions for size. Creating large paper templates for each section ensured symmetry and correct proportions for my Cassian wings. Cutting & Shaping Foam: Using my templates, I carefully cut out all the pieces from the EVA foam. Then, with a heat gun, I gently curved and shaped the foam, giving the wings a natural, dynamic form, exactly how I imagined Cassian's would look! Frame & Assembly: I bent strong wire into the basic skeletal shape, then embedded it between layers of thicker EVA foam using contact cement. This crucial step provides strength. I then meticulously glued the foam pieces together, layering them to create a realistic, textured look, just like actual bird wings. Priming & Painting: Once assembled, I applied several coats of Plasti Dip to seal the foam. For painting, I began with a dark gray base, then dry-brushed lighter grays and blacks for depth. A subtle metallic shimmer gave them that magical, otherworldly feel. Don't forget weathering details to make them look battle-worn! Harness Creation: For comfortable wear, I designed a sturdy harness using webbing and buckles. It sits securely on my back, distributing the weight evenly – vital for long events like Starfall. Essential Tips for Your DIY Wings: Be Practical with Size: Illyrian wings are massive! Plan the largest size you can manage for your space and event, but ensure you can move. Patience Pays Off: This is not a fast project. Take your time with each step, especially shaping and detailing. Lightweight is Key: Even with EVA foam, every gram counts when it’s on your back. Embrace Imperfections: Handmade touches add character. Your wings don't need to be perfectly factory-made. Safety First: Always work in a well-ventilated area when using heat guns or strong adhesives. Making these Cassian wings was more than just a craft project; it was an immersion into the world of ACOTAR. Seeing them finished and ready for Starfall filled me with such pride. I hope this guide inspires you to create your own pair and feel like the true Illyrian warrior you are destined to be!