Project; need some help

[H u nn Y]

Currently I am working on a project and need a bit of help with a few things. First off, I remember a while back that a few furs mentioned that a few upholstery stores handed out scrap foam to anybody who asked for some, and I was wondering if I could get a few names of those places, since I am looking for some myself. I have tried Dressew and unfortunately they do not have any, and I don't know where else to look. On top of that I am looking for things I can use to dye some fur. Preferably something washable (but doesn't go away when you wash it, so technically non-washable), if possible, and if not, just something I can use to dye some white fur with. I don't quite know what to use so any ideas would be helpful. Right now I'm only looking into doing the first part of my project which are ears and a tail so I don't have to worry too much about it, but I'm still trying to figure out a few things. Also, I'm looking for a few different colors of faux fur: Purple, Blue, and Green. Medium or long length preferred, and I don't need much, just enough to make a tail. Or for faux fur dyes of those colors (and possibly grey, but not sure yet). I have the specific shades I'm looking for in the image below. Also, I'm looking for 2 gold colored rings that I'm planning on using for one of the suits ear. Any and all help is appreciated. :3 Thanks!! ^_^

(If you offer me some of the faux fur I'm looking for, or you have the 2 gold rings, or even  both, I can give you a few bucks; we can talk about how much and then meet and swap:)


(I feel so ignored here, lol ; A; *sniffle*)

[Naq Ryba]

For foam I usually go to Joanns, and I hear Fred Myer sells it too.  But I'm in the US so I'm not sure if you have those stores up there or not. 
I think Walmart might have it too but I'm not sure. 

I don't know anything about dying fur myself but you might be able to find the colors your looking for at these places:

http://www.mendels.com/fur2.shtml
http://www.crscraft.com/products/vProduct2.asp?pid=Fur&L1=2&L2=13&L3=0&L4=0&V2=1&V3=0&V4=0&cat=bear+supplies%E2%8A%82=Fabrics&class=

Avoid the "fun fur"  on the second link, it sucks. 
I've never had much luck finding good fur at fabric stores so I usually buy it online.  Its a good idea to order swatches before you buy just so you know what your getting. 

There are also tons of links for fur suppliers on this page, including some in Canada if you scroll down a bit.
http://fursuit.livejournal.com/profile

As for the rings you might just be able to buy some cheap ear rings, or maybe form some gold colored wire into rings. 

Hope this helps a little. 

[Kitten]

If you are looking for scrap foam, I normally go to the Foam Shop.  There are a few of them locally. go in and ASK to see their scrap foam and they generally charge very little for the scrap pieces.(scraps can sometimes be free depending on the location)

[H u nn Y]

In terms of making a head, what foam would be suggested for that? (What's the most comfortable, the easiest to carve, work with, breathe in, that sort of stuff) And where can it be found in Vancouver. o:

[orwin]

I've always used the type of foam they use for foam camping mattresses.  You can get this at a few places locally.  Prices vary.  Canadian Tire, Walmart, Army and Navy are the best places.  Buy a sheet of it, and it can be glued together using 3M Super 77, or simular spray adhesive.  (DO THIS OUTSIDE)  

I've always done mine using the foam block method, but not sure if anyone actually does it that way anymore.

You will probably be paying around $50 for the foam going this route.  The thicker the foam, the easier it is to make a block.

If you are layering it, this foam still likely will work well for you, but you may want the thinner stuff...I've been sort of doing this with a head I'm redoing right now, but using hot glue for this.

One thing that is a factor on the foam is age.  If it sits around too long, and is all yellow looking, it will be far harder to carve, than fresh stuff.  Age makes it go spongy, so rather than your knife slicing through it, it tends to smoosh down instead.  If you buy more than you need, the aging can be slowed by keeping it in an airtight bag, and in the dark, but over time it will still start to change, so you will want to use it up as quickly as possible.

One other thing, and it's really important...avoid any foam that has a strong chemically smell of almonds.  That is cyanide gas and it is very toxic to breathe.  Some foams, mainly used for packing material are made of this stuff.  It's ok to use for things like feet, but not good for a head where you will be breathing it in.