One man’s trash is another’s material for Roman costume at the home of Wayne Wells.
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The Longford man has built a mini-armoury of imperial breastplates, shields and other pieces styled on those of the ancient military power.
He grew a collection of 300 tin cans in 12 months and took to them with scissors and tin snips.
“I had a lot of tins but I didn’t know what to do with them,” he said.
“I wanted to make something different.”
One shield is made from the base of a clothes stand, lined with CDs to create a mirror effect. Tin can lids cover the pieces and are detailed with impressions Mr Wells stamped into the metal.
Mr Wells made another shield using the roof of a gas burner, a chrome hub cap, blue material and tin.
A breastplate that took two months to create bears jewellery, dog chains and beads.
The bristles of a broom crown a Roman helmet he made.
“The original Roman armour is not as detailed as this. A lot of it is made of leather and bits of gold.”
His spin on the design is more colourful.
“It’s my unique style.”
Tip shops are filled with items that can make the perfect fit for one of Mr Well’s new pieces.
“It’s amazing what people can make,” he said.
The creative history buff can see an old object and imagine ways to use it anew.
Watching the finish product emerge is one of his favourite parts of his craft.
Finding it light but warm, Mr Wells wore his costume to a Longford Halloween party and won a $100 prize.
He’d had to pull on the bulky equipment in the Queen’s Arms Hotel car park.
The win was dampened only by the news he’d missed a Roman-themed party six months before with a $500 top prize.
Mr Wells has made more money with his other recycled creations.
Ten years ago he began building two-metre high robots, which he sold.
A Collingwood robot he made was sold to someone in Ross.
The figures were hard to make and store, Mr Wells said.
The Collingwood robot, made five years ago with black and white materials, was particularly challenging.
It turned heads when it made its way to its new owner tied down on a trailer.
“After that I didn’t make too many more, it was so hard.”
He’s also created military vehicle models using recycled materials.
A khaki half track sitting in his living room is made from only $2 worth of materials.
Mr Wells is planning to make a mini tank next, using a metal chain link for tracks.
“I’m always thinking about making something different.”
I’m always thinking about making something different
- Wayne Wells
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Email doug.dingwall@fairfaxmedia.com.au