Ser Duncan's Shield

Building Ser Duncan’s Shield – A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Replica

Every so often, it’s important to step slightly outside of client work and invest time into a personal project. This allows for experimentation, refinement, and a bit of creative freedom. This replica of Ser Duncan’s shield from A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms was exactly that kind of build!

Concept & Approach

The goal with this piece was to create a shield that felt authentic, not just visually but physically. I wanted something that could comfortably sit in a production environment as a hero prop while also holding up as a display piece. This meant focusing on traditional materials, practical construction methods, and a high standard of finish throughout.

Construction

The core of the shield is built from pine. I selected this wood for its balance of strength, weight, and workability. The individual components were cut, shaped, and joined to create a solid structure. After that, I refined it to achieve the final profile. The surface was then charred and wire-brushed to deepen the wood grain texture, allowing it to show through the final paintwork.

Heraldry & Finish

The heraldry was entirely hand-painted. This approach allowed for a greater level of control over detail and finish than decals or printed methods. I built up multiple layers to achieve strong colour and definition. I also introduced subtle variations to prevent the piece from feeling overly flat or artificial. My aim was to create a clean, accurate design while maintaining an element of my personal painting style.

Metalwork

The rim was hand-formed from aluminium. I shaped and fitted it to follow the contour of the shield. This process required constant annealing to ensure a consistent fit around the full perimeter, as well as a clean transition between materials. The "Fleur-de-lis" corner details were cut first from self-adhesive vinyl. This method allowed me to accurately mark out my cut lines on the aluminium sheet.

Leatherwork

On the reverse, I added leather handle straps for both functionality and authenticity. These were positioned and fixed with practical use in mind. This design allows the shield to be comfortably held while also presenting well when mounted or displayed. As with the rest of the build, the focus here was on achieving a believable, production-ready result.

Final Thoughts

This project took a few months to complete. It provided a valuable opportunity to refine core prop-making skills, from woodworking and metal forming to finishing techniques. Personal builds like this play an important role in maintaining and developing my craft. They often inform the approach I take on commissioned work.

If you’re interested in commissioning a bespoke prop or replica piece—whether for film, television, theatre, or private display—feel free to get in touch!

The Importance of Personal Projects

Engaging in personal projects is crucial for any creative professional. They allow us to explore new techniques and ideas without the constraints of client specifications. For me, building Ser Duncan’s shield was not just about creating a replica; it was about pushing my boundaries and discovering new ways to express my creativity.

Experimentation and Learning

Every project is a learning opportunity. While working on this shield, I experimented with different painting techniques and materials. I learned how to manipulate wood and metal more effectively. This knowledge will undoubtedly enhance my future commissioned work. Each brushstroke and cut taught me something new, and I’m excited to apply these lessons moving forward.

Connecting with the Community

Sharing personal projects also helps to connect with others in the community. It opens up conversations about techniques, materials, and inspirations. I love hearing feedback and ideas from fellow creators. It’s a great way to build relationships and learn from one another.

Looking Ahead

As I continue to refine my craft, I’m eager to take on new creative challenges. I hope to expand my client base from individual commissions to larger film, TV, and theatre productions. I believe that every project, whether personal or commissioned, contributes to my growth as a creator.

Conclusion

In conclusion, building Ser Duncan’s shield was a rewarding experience. It allowed me to explore my creativity and refine my skills. I look forward to taking on more projects that challenge me and help me grow. If you’re interested in a unique, custom-made prop, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s create something amazing together!

Experiments in Acid Etching

Lately, I’ve been diving into acid etching as part of my ongoing exploration of new materials and processes—and I’m excited to finally share one of the first results!

These Gallifreyan-inspired phone cases feature acid-etched aluminium back plates, allowing me to achieve crisp, intricate markings with a subtle depth that’s difficult to replicate through other techniques. Unlike surface printing or engraving alone, acid etching creates a tactile quality you can both see and feel.

What I love most is how the designs interact with light. As the surface shifts, the etched details catch highlights in a way that brings the pattern to life—giving it a precise, almost otherworldly presence that perfectly suits the Gallifreyan aesthetic. This idea is just one of several currently in development as I continue pushing into new materials and refining my processes. Experimentation is a huge part of what I do, and it’s always rewarding when something clicks like this.

As always, everything I produce is made to order. I’m also open to custom work, whether that means different patterns, alternative materials, or unique colour schemes. If you’ve got an idea in mind, I’d love to hear from you.

These cases are now available through my online store—take a look and see what you think!

Christmas Market Prep!

I've been hard at work over the last few weeks... Not only completing custom orders, but getting ready for the Warrington Xmas Makers Market on the 14th of December!

One new piece I've been working is this.. Inspired by the circular black and gold pin badges worn by multiple members of  "UNIT" in the upcoming Doctor Who spinoff, "The War Between the Land and the Sea"!

These pins have been 3D printed, prepared and hand painted to match those seen on screen. Each comes backed with a bar pin, making it an easy accessory for any cosplay!

We'll have a number of these pins available at the market stall, and they'll be added to our online shop in the coming days - be sure to keep an eye out!

Also stay tuned for a number of new pieces that are in the works for our market stall such as Christmas Tree ornaments and jewellery, as well as some updated versions of a few classic pieces!