Eleena Daru Silicone Lekku

This sale is for a made-to-order Eleena Daru style SILICONE lekku headpiece. If you need high resolution images of Eleena Daru, send me a message and I can give you a link to them; I have the character sheets from the game.

SPOT APPLICATION: 

There are two ways that I can add the spots to Eleena's lekku:

Freehand Airbrushed Spots:

This technique results in spots that have a fuzzy edge with some overspray around them.  It is not truly accurate to the reference pictures, but the spots are VERY durable. They're permanent, and I have no worries about the outer layer of silicone rubbing off. With practice I am getting better at painting the spots faintly and closer together. 

Stenciled Spots:

This technique results in spots that are much closer in appearance to the reference images, but it is still in the experimental stage for me. It requires me to airbrush an additional very thin layer of silicone on the headpiece which I'm not yet 100% confident will be durable over time. This painting technique is also temperature sensitive, so I can only do it when I have cool weather and I chill the silicone before painting. The silicone cures too quickly when it's hot! I will continue to experiment with this technique and try to improve both the look and the durability, but I want to be honest up front and say that I'm still learning how to do this. Silicone is a challenging material to work with, and lekku go through a lot of wear and tear! This technique also costs a bit more because I have to cover the entire headpiece with dozens and dozens of little round stickers, paint over them, and then quickly peel them all off again before the silicone has time to cure and lock them in place. It takes a long time, uses quite a bit of vinyl, and is rather nerve wracking!

Price Breakdown:

The medium style lekku are $165, and the all-over spots pattern is $30 for freehand spots or $40 for stenciled spots. 

COLOR OPTIONS:

Reel Creations Mix:

This is the most accurate match I have been able to make for Eleena's color so far. It is 1 part Royal Blue, 1 part Gray, and 2 parts White. It is an alcohol based ink, so it is very durable and lasts a long time. Apply with an airbrush for best results, and you will need a makeup remover to take it off. Soap and water won't work! I do sell Reel Creations ink, and can combine shipping with the headpiece. SHIPPING NOTE: Because of postal regulations, alcohol based paint can only be shipped via GROUND. I cannot ship it to International addresses or via Priority Express.

Custom Color:

If you would like me to match a different paint brand/color that I didn't list, or a custom color that you have mixed yourself, I can custom color the silicone to match it for you. Just select Custom Color in the drop down menu, and then when you get to the checkout page you can select "Add a note to this order" and tell me what paint brand/color you would like me to match.

Head Sizing Options:

The Eleena style headpieces are made in only one size. The mold is 21 inches in diameter and will stretch to accommodate larger head sizes. 

Ear Cones:

I will include one pair of matching ear cones with this headpiece.

Shipping Time:
Every lekku headpiece is made to order, and will be cast, stuffed, and shipped as quickly as possible.  The final shipping time will depend on how many orders I have in my work queue, and how complicated the designs are. Please be patient, and know that I'm always casting and shipping as fast as I can!

Length and Flexibility:

These lekku are 27 inches in length when cast. They stretch a bit when they're stuffed, and may get a little bit longer when worn since the silicone can stretch a bit under its own weight. These silicone lekku are much more flexible than latex lekku and will sway more as you move. 

Durability:

Unlike latex lekku, which can begin to crack after a while, silicone lasts quite a long time. My oldest silicone headpiece is nine years old, and it is still in perfect shape even after traveling back and forth across the country for quite a few conventions. Silicone is prone to tearing under some conditions, however. It won't tear without a starting point, so you must be careful not to create a weakened point where a rip might get started. This is primarily a concern around the edges of the head opening. When trimming away excess silicone, make sure to cut a straight line with your scissors. If you leave a jagged edge, that point can begin to tear. Cut a smooth, even line and it won't be a problem! Stuffing: The lekku are filled with pillow stuffing. I reinforce the top curves of the lekku with a layer of firmer silicone and then they are filled with a soft expanding foam which preserves the shape of the curve. Please note that because of the wonderful stretch of silicone, sometimes it is really difficult to remove every trace of 'sagging' in that area where the lekku curve out from the head. Even after years of making silicone lekku I've never been able to fully eliminate that issue!

Weight:

These lekku average between 1.4 and 1.7 pounds. The weight varies because I can't always use the exact same amount of silicone, stuffing, and expanding foam. I try to keep everything within the same range, however, based on the results I've found to work the best. The silicone itself averages one pound, and the rest of the weight comes from the stuffing.

Static:

Silicone is more prone to building up a static charge than anything else I've ever worked with. It's not a huge problem for costumers, just keep in mind that pillow stuffing fibers, loose bristles from paint brushes, and bits of hair will inevitably be found stuck to your headpiece. For the extra wiggle of silicone, though.... it's worth it. You can rub baby powder on the lekku to reduce the static and shine of the silicone.

Glue:

Nothing sticks to silicone! If you want to attach a decoration permanently to the lekku, typical glues like rubber cement won't work. Instead, you must use a silicone specific adhesive. I recommend Sil-Poxy, which is sold by Smooth-On. If the foam stuffing starts to come out of the lekku after a while, you can also use the Sil-Poxy to glue it back into place, and if the headpiece ever develops a tear, Sil-Poxy can be used to apply a patch.

Because Eleena's head wrap does not go all of the way around her head, if you make an accurate forehead wrap you may need to glue down the lekku at the back of your head.  For this, I recommend Skin Tite, which is a skin safe silicone adhesive.  (I just cheated and made my Eleena headwraps go all the way around my head... it's not accurate, but it's faster and a whole lot more comfortable!)

International Orders:

If you're an international customer, please review your country's import policy before purchasing. Customs fees and import taxes are the sole responsibility of the buyer. As a business owner I cannot declare on the customs paperwork that the lekku are a gift, or that they have a very low value.

Photographs:

The photos shown in this sale are not the same lekku headpiece which is for sale. They are examples. The lekku I ship will be cast from the same mold, and will look identical save for any natural variations in the silicone, colorant, and stuffing. Please keep in mind that colors appear different on different monitors.

I would be happy to help with any Twi'lek costuming questions, so please feel free to ask. Twi'lek costumes are a lot of work, especially since you have to do the body paint every time you wear them if you want to be an exotic color... but it's definitely worth the effort. It's really fun! People often stop you for a picture, and I have a good laugh every time somebody asks, "Can I touch your tentacles?" Good times!