prop making / leatherworking

[feelingfedupandold]

son age 19 is a computer geek who loves all the lotr, star wars, etc etc
he is keen on prop making, sword making etc etc
we are north west uk/north midlands based.
any courses anyone can recommend that are decent, or alternatively other ideas related for present based stuff?

There is a game design online course on group on at the minute £49.

As for prop making, you could get him some supplies, like super sculpey (for 3D modelling) a cutting mat and cutting knives, and modelling tools? Also there's loads of special effect prop design books, that show you how certain props in films were made.

Oh and a glue gun is always handy for 3D modelling!

Also an a5 sketchbook and a set of rotring pens/pencils to sketch out some designs may be useful.

Dp does leatherworking. Is your ds prop making for anything specific e.g. cosplay, larp or reenactment? The tools you need depend a bit on what you're trying to do, but a good quality stanley knife and a swivel knife are pretty universal.

This is our local leather shop.
www.leprevo.co.uk/
They are very helpful and can give advice about different techniques and what you will need. There are some good basic guides on their website too.

good ideas here thanks - will take a look on google!