On hiatus. Pre-orders closed.
Subscribers hear about new armor releases and get first dibs on specials and limited slots. Armor designs are also limited and special order only. Sign up for the free newsletter so you don’t miss the next pre-order date.
What’s covered in this blog post:
- About designing limited art pieces
- The features
- Phoenix Gauntlet Tiers (1-4) options
- Phoenix gorget, diadem & gauntlet cuffs options
- The journey to create the Phoenix Gauntlet Tiers
- How to pre-order and other important things to know
- Please do not go here until you’ve read the article and FAQ
- Pre-order dates are not announced on social media
- Subscribe to my free newsletter so you don’t miss the next pre-order date
- Frequently asked questions
Current readers may remember the Modular Phoenix Gauntlet I tentatively announced back in December 2018. Now, I’m back with this new blog post that will give the full overview of all FOUR Phoenix gauntlet tiers (along with gorget and diadem options). There is a lot of info (since you had so many questions), so I made anchor links above and throughout the article to make it easier to return to different blog sections.
Before I dive into that, new visitors should know that the Modular Phoenix Gauntlet (a Tier 3 gauntlet) has multiple looks in one and is here to feed your diverse costuming and fashion styling needs. And while it looks like rigid armor, it is as wearable as a leather glove, which you can see in the re-posted video demo below. You’ll get more details on features and tiers (1-4) later in this post.
Some of you might be wondering why I only revealed the Tier 3 version of the Modular Phoenix Gauntlet instead of revealing all the tiers back in December 2018 in my first blog post. My honest answer is that I was just making something I personally wanted and figured only a handful of people would enjoy my take on armor. I never had thoughts about designing other tiers… But boy, it really blew up way more than I expected.
If you’re new, chances are you found your way here because of Imgur, Reddit, 9GAG, Unilad, BoredPanda or perhaps you saw the videos / podcasts I was in with Adam Savage.
As you may have guessed, the response was overwhelming…and while this was a good problem to have, there were waves of newcomers who unwittingly made the assumption that my art pieces were the same as mass produced, fast fashion products. While I get that some don’t know any better, this reminded me that people either forget or don’t understand what kind of labor can go into designing and producing your own creations. Why?
Because we live in an age where we have the convenience of one-day (or even same-day) Amazon shipping and marketplaces overflowing with mass produced items. What’s troubling is that we’ve been conditioned to believe we can keep demanding more for less while also forgetting the people and processes that bring them to life.
I’m not saying it’s wrong to want to save where you can or find good deals. What I am saying is that mass market mentality cannot be applied to everything. At the same time, not every product is meant for the masses.
Photography by Studio Sheridan’s Art. Hand models Luce del Sole (black backdrop) and My Fragility (white backdrop).
In the case of my Modular Phoenix Gauntlets, I am creating art pieces that cater to very specific interests and aesthetics. These are also limited and special order only.
I’ve always loved armor, but I couldn’t find anything that fit my tastes or my long and slim hands. On top of that, I wanted decorative armor that could be as wearable and packable as our clothes. I quickly learned that I wasn’t the only one that felt this way.
The Modular Phoenix Gauntlets became my first major step to fulfill that desire while still allowing me to keep making new art.
Tiers 1-3 Phoenix Gauntlets in various colors. Tier 4: Legendary is not pictured here because they are extremely unique colorways and designs.
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THE FEATURES:
I incorporated the following features in the modular Phoenix Gauntlets (also seen in the video above).
- Modular design (primarily Tier 3)
- Articulated and pliable
- Extra flexible (for added comfort)
- Fashionable (match with a variety of styles)
- Lightweight
- Custom colors and colorways
- S / M / L size options
- Conforms to the shape of most hands
- Easy to travel with and pack in small spaces
- Easily install or remove LEDs (LEDs not included)
- High abrasion resistant glossy clear coat (optional)
- A wearable piece of art that also looks great on display
Phoenix Gauntlets Tier 1 (left two), Tier 2 (right two), and Tier three (middle).
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The Phoenix Gauntlet Tiers (1-4) with S / M / L sizes
Images of the Phoenix Gauntlet tiers and other armor components will also be viewable in the pre-order forms for your convenience.
Components of the magical Phoenix Armor are forged from the ash remains of the Phoenix itself. Each piece is quite rare since it is only possible to obtain a small quantity of ashes every 500 years.
In order to craft these ashes, they sense the will of the future wearer and are capable of being reborn into various shapes and colors that provides the wearer with the power to inspire people with awe and wonder. But in order for them to retain their shape, they must be magically sealed lest they also combust into Phoenix flames!
These can be worn by nearly every class, but are favored by creative craftspeople and artists of all levels.
Tier 1: Basic
The Phoenix scoop glove and fingerless version offer both elegance and simplicity.
Tier 2: Masterwork
The Phoenix glove and fingerless versions offer the most options for those who lean towards fantasy, traditional, or something right in the middle. Pick the version that works best for you! These are NOT interchangeable plates.
- Version 1: Fantasy details on the metacarpel (back of the hand) and wrist
- Version 2: Fantasy details on the metacarpel (back of the hand) only
- Version 3: Fantasy details on the wrist only
- Version 4: Traditional gothic style (no fantasy details)
- Comes with a pair of cuff links but does not come with gauntlet cuffs
Gauntlet cuffs can be pre-ordered separately if you wish to make a completed gauntlet pair in the future. Version 4 will easily match with current and future gauntlet cuff designs.
Tier 3: Rare
The Phoenix gauntlet is the most versatile and comes in a fantasy style or a more traditional 15th century gothic style. You can even get a gauntlet with both gauntlet cuff pairs so you can switch them out whenever you want. Tier 3 is also the gauntlet seen on Adam Savage’s Tested. Check out the images below to see the many ways you can wear it.
- Fantasy gauntlet version: Fantasy details on the gauntlet cuff.
- Gothic gauntlet version: Traditional style gauntlet cuff
- Comes with a pair of cuff links
You can wear the Phoenix Gauntlet up to seven different ways if you have BOTH the fantasy and traditional gothic gauntlet cuffs.
Tier 4: Legendary (not available on pre-order form)
This is the most limited tier. These are unique gauntlet / armor designs or colorways that will only be made once or twice. Only subscribers find out about and can purchase legendary designs first.
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The Phoenix Gorget, Diadem or Gauntlet Cuffs:
Gorget (neck armor)
An elegant design that can look like neck armor or a collar necklace. This design can be worn above or under your shirt collar. Like the gauntlets, they’re also easy to pack and flexible.
Photography by Greg De Stefano. Actors Manny Shih and Aria Song wearing Tier 2 Phoenix Gauntlets, diadem and gorget. Stylist Sarah Kim and MUA Bailey Delong. Manny is wearing the diadem as a face mask while Aria is wearing it on as a diadem on her forehead.
Diadem
This versatile, flexible, and easily packable design can be worn multiple ways using a headband (provided) or bobby pins:
- On the forehead (either direction)
- On the side of your head
- On the face
- And more (be creative!)
Photography by Yiaz Yang. Olivia Chiu wearing Dark Garden Corsetry, Fancy Fairy Wings & Things, and Lumecluster gauntlets (Tier 1-3), gorget, and diadem. She is wearing the diadem on the side of her hair and forehead.
Gauntlet cuffs only
This option is for those who want the Phoenix gauntlet cuffs only and nothing else. At this time, you can pick:
- Fantasy gauntlet cuffs (with color panel inserts)
- Fantasy gauntlet cuffs (WITHOUT color panel inserts)
- Traditional gothic cuffs
- New gauntlet cuff designs will be added in the future so you can switch out the design on your gauntlet
You can also check out available mask or jewelry designs in my Lumecluster shop.
Now, let’s go a little deeper and take a look at what it took to develop and work these features into the polished finished pieces…
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THE JOURNEY:
I wanted to create a pair of articulated gauntlets that looked rigid, felt almost as comfortable as a leather glove, and had versatility like our clothes. What did it take to get there?
“Fantasy armor need not sacrifice its aesthetic to be functional and grounded in a fundamental understanding of historical armor.” — Ian LaSpina aka Knyght Errant
• Armor research:
Back then, my main armor “knowledge” came from video games, film, and television…and it was only when I tried to create my first fantasy armor design in 2016 that I realized I didn’t actually understand anything about armor. I was just making something pretty, which is fine…but it wasn’t enough for me.
So, I decided to reach out to arms and armor educator Ian LaSpina (aka Knyght Errant) to help me unlearn what I thought I knew and see armor with fresh eyes, which inspired me to create the modular Sovereign Armor. In my experience designing that armor, I fell in love with the 15th century gothic style gauntlet.
Since 2016, I’ve continued learning from Ian LaSpina’s content, made countless visits to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, studied the amazing forums in The Armour Archive, and devoured numerous armor books and resources in order to get a sense of 15th century gauntlet design, how it worked, and how it was assembled. There is still plenty to learn!
And like the Sovereign Armor, Dreamer Regalia, Dreamer Masks, my modular Phoenix Gauntlets also have detailing that is heavily inspired by various kinds of Chinese carved artwork that I grew up seeing throughout my life:
Chinese carved lacquer, stone, wood, ceramic artwork that I grew up seeing in the Ng family household.
Photography by Studio Sheridan’s Art. Luce del sole wearing Royal Black Couture and Lumecluster Phoenix Gauntlets. MUA Eline Deblauwe.
• Designing and prototyping the early versions of the Phoenix Gauntlet (made up of at least 62 individual pieces):
I started by making simple physical patterns to gain a better understanding of how the articulation worked. Afterwards, I took what I learned and continued designing in Blender. This step and the next step were repeated numerous times.
3D printing prototypes on the Form 2.
A curated selection of the early stages of Phoenix Gauntlet prototyping from 2016-2018.
• Prototyping my own standard gauntlet sizing (S / M / L):
I spent months working on improving my articulated Phoenix Gauntlet design (which would eventually become “Tier 3”) and creating the gauntlet sizes that would fit a range of hand shapes and sizes. This step and the previous step was repeated numerous times.
Eventually, I developed a new construction and assembly process that adapted to semi-rigid and flexible material properties. This involved many tests with assembling the gauntlet using traditional methods (ex: with finger leathers, rivets, hand stitching etc.) in order to figure out how I could make the assembly more efficient. No messy gluing allowed!
Overall, a significant amount of time and resources were invested in materials research and prototyping on my Form 2 and Taz 6. Also, since there is no universal standard sizing for gloves, I needed to develop my own standard small, medium, and large size gauntlets. And let’s not forget the many hands I had to test the sizes on too!
Photography by Yiaz Yang. Adam Savage is wearing a LARGE SIZE Tier 3 Phoenix Gauntlet and a one size fits most gorget (neck armor).
Photography by Yiaz Yang. Actors Peter Sadrian and Yoshi Sudarso are both wearing MEDIUM SIZE Tier 3 and Tier 3 Phoenix Gauntlets.
Photography by Greg de Stefano. Actors Aria Song and Manny Shih are both wearing SMALL SIZE Tier 1 and Tier 2 Phoenix Gauntlets. Stylist Sarah Kim and MUA Bailey Delong.
• Mold making:
For those who are unfamiliar with mold making, it can get very expensive very fast if it’s not planned out well…no one likes wasted resources. It was important for me to create efficient and long lasting molds that would produce clean casts.
I designed and 3D printed master copies on my Form 2 and mold support jackets on my Taz 6 to hopefully help my sister, Fiona Ng, get through the mold making process efficiently and neatly.
With multiple gauntlet tiers, part consolidation was extremely important. These molds also needed to fit into our pressure chambers. Here’s an example of one of the masters, molds, and mold support jacket:
Designing the three part mold support jacket for the gauntlet fantasy cuff style in Blender.
- Gauntlet cuff is 1.5mm thick with risers designed right into it and printed on the Form 2 printer (standard clear resin). Sprayed with Tamiya, sanded, and clear coated.
- Cuff is put right side up because there was a downward angled flap / pegs and I needed the rubber to get in there. The model was designed to float inside the support jackets to allow silicone to flow all around it. I also wanted to minimize any seam lines.
- Cored mold support jacket was 3D printed on the Taz 6 (PLA filament) with a 2.5mm wall thickness (except for the upper portions) and was 3D modeled to be 8mm-10mm away from the cuff.
- The 3D printed gauntlet cuff was placed inside the 3-part 3D printed mold support jacket (so it was floating inside), silicone was poured into the mold support jacket, and the entire thing was pressure cast.
• Casting materials research:
When I was first starting this journey, many were quick to suggest silicone as the perfect way to make a gauntlet for all hand sizes. I believed this too…until I tried it. In my opinion, it looked terrible and did not hold its shape well when not being worn. The sliding rivets and fitted articulation are what really give the gauntlets their beauty, but the silicone version just looked deflated (and kinda heavy and gross)…
The silicone version (left) looks deflated, doesn’t hold its shape, and doesn’t have any articulation compared to the Tier 3 modular Phoenix Gauntlet (right).
I needed the gauntlet material to be:
- rigid enough to properly articulate
- retain its shape when not being worn
- but also soft enough to accommodate different hand shapes / sizes
- and easy to pack into small spaces
I tried a bunch of materials and methods…I even tried stiffening fabric. At one point, I thought semi-rigid resins were the answer up until I noticed they sank under their own weight and were not durable enough as 1.5mm thick castings. I also tested a number of urethane rubbers until I finally found what I needed.
Every single test cast that came out of those molds were trimmed, assembled, riveted, and stitched onto a glove so that I could examine the articulation, design, flexibility, and comfort.
• Abrasion resistant & flexible glossy clear coating (optional):
Some think that scuffing can add character, but others may want to add an extra abrasion resistant glossy coating. This process takes time and needs the right setup, working conditions, and curing time. Please note that while you can choose to add an abrasion resistant coating, it is not indestructible. It should not be intentionally abused or roughed up since it is still an art piece.
Photography by Greg de Stefano with actor Aria Song wearing Tier 3 Phoenix Gauntlets. Stylist Sarah Kim and MUA Bailey Delong.
• Designing additional gauntlet tier styles:
After the huge response to the Tier 3 Modular Phoenix Gauntlet in December 2018, I decided it was worthwhile to explore other tiers and options that would cater to a wider range of fashion styles, interests, and colors.
Top row are Tier 3 modular Phoenix Gauntlets. Bottom row (from left to right) is Tier 2, Tier 2 (fingerless), Tier 1, and Ttier 1 (fingerless). Below this image, you will see more images and details about Tiers 1-4.
• Designing my own standard glove sizing (S / M / L):
Fiona and I have studied and torn apart hundreds of gloves…only to realize that we could not find any gloves that consistently fit our gauntlet sizing or fabric preferences.
One of my tables covered in sample gloves that we were studying.
So, we needed to figure out how we wanted to approach our own Lumecluster glove that would pair well with the fitted gauntlet design. Again, there is no universal standard for glove sizes (*rips hair out*) so, Fiona went and figured out most of the glove patterning while I searched for a glove manufacturer. Luckily, I was able to find one right in my home state of New York that was devoted to ethically made-to-order gloves (which is beneficial in lowering waste).
Like gauntlets, well made gloves are no walk in the park. And no, I’m not talking about simply tracing your hand and slapping the back and front side together (although that’s fine for personal use). I wanted gloves specifically designed to incorporate my gauntlet plates. The process to create these gloves involved:
- designing glove pattern, finger leathers, palm grip
- sourcing fabrics
- making our own sample (to the best of our ability)
- studying tech packs
- finding the right manufacturer that would ethically produce the designs and do made-to-order
- create more samples with the manufacturer
- making changes / approvals
- repeat step 6 and 7
• Stress testing:
When I finally settled on a casting material, they went through stress tests that involved something as simple as me pounding them into the floor and dragging them across the room to more extensive tests like asking actors to do handstands with them.
Actor Manny Shih doing a hand stand wearing Tier 2 and Tier 2 fingerless Phoenix Gauntlets.
I figured that if the gauntlet could endure and be comfortable enough even in scenarios that required more extreme cases of flexibility, then it would be more than fine in less intense daily scenarios as well. Still, please keep in mind that these are still art pieces and should be treated with care.
Testing the gauntlet tiers in fashion and costume:
How fashionable are they really? It’s easier to see in order to believe, right? So, that’s what I did along with getting direct feedback to further improve my design. You can check out some images above and below or you can see even more photos and inspiration in my blog post about the Modern and Fantasy Fashion Photoshoots with the Modular Phoenix Gauntlet.
Photography by Studio Sheridan’s art. Inez wearing Church of Sanctus dress, Fire Bird Fusion shawl, Ivy Design headdress, and Lumecluster Phoenix Gauntlets. MUA Eline Deblauwe.
Photography by Yiaz Yang. Alexa wearing Tier 2 Phoenix Gauntlets and diadem.
Photography by Studio Sheridan’s art. Lady Louiza wearing Church of Sanctus and Lumecluster Phoenix Gauntlets. MUA Eline Deblauwe.
Photography by Yiaz Yang. Cellist Tina Guo wearing Askasu Blue and Tier 1 Phoenix Gauntlet, Tier 1 Phoenix Gauntlet (fingerless), gorget, and diadem.
• Implementing changes and re-designs:
This part is always both excruciating and exhilarating because the perfectionist in me wants to keep going one step further. The hardest part was finally telling myself to stop and decide on what was finally “good enough.”
A curated selection of Phoenix Gauntlets on the prototyping evolution. The green ones on the left are closest to what the gauntlets are now.
• Assembly & overall labor to bring the finished artwork to life:
As I already mentioned above, people forget about this part the most. There are those who value some types of craftsmanship over another either due to ignorance or in an attempt to undercut another person’s efforts.
Even worse, there is this widespread assumption that the things we buy are only worth the sum of their materials. But I hope the glimpse I’ve shared above reminds us to look beyond just the finished piece. There are all kinds of artisans and skillsets out there and I ask that we practice seeing (and appreciating) the many layers of dedication they put into their craft just as much as we love seeing the completed artwork.
Tier 3 Phoenix Gauntlets at Adam Savage’s cave.
Top left image by Simon Needham with model Erin Wu wearing Lumecluster gauntlets, gorget, diadem. Bottom left image by Yiaz Yang with models Jessica Dru Johnson wearing Lumecluster armor and Bryan Forrest. Top middle image by Yiaz Yang with Adam Savage wearing Lumecluster gauntlets, gorget. Bottom middle image by Yiaz Yang with Tina Guo wearing Askasu Blue and Lumecluster gauntlets, gorget, diadem. Top right image by Yiaz Yang with models Jessica Dru Johnson and Bryan Forrest wearing Creature Habits, Spaceinvaderk, Lilms Whipstitch, and Lumecluster designs. Bottom right image by Studio Sheridan’s Art with model Luce del Sole wearing Fairytas dress and Lumecluster gauntlets.
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This is not a commission. This is a pre-order form for artwork with customizable options. Currently, these items only ship to U.S. addresses.
How can you order your own Phoenix Gauntlet or other armor? Please review the steps below. Slots are limited.
IMPORTANT: If you jumped straight to this section without reading anything else, I ask you to please take the time to review the information above as well as the FAQ below. This is all meant to provide a full overview of what to expect and insight into whether or not this is really right for you.
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Only email subscribers will be the first to know about:
- Pre-order dates and times (eastern time / ET) and be able to claim the earliest slots
- Limited specials
- New jewelry and mask design announcements
- New Tier 4 “legendary” gauntlets and other armor designs (extremely limited)
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Click here to sign up for the free Lumecluster newsletter
1.) Fill out the form during the pre-order period, which lasts one (1) week. Slots are limited.
- When a pre-order date/time is announced on the Lumecluster newsletter, it will remain open for one (1) week. This will not be announced on social media.
- The pre-order form will close on the final day and remain closed until the next time I announce open pre-orders.
- Completing a pre-order form does not guarantee a slot.
- Slots are limited, which means you will not be guaranteed an emailed invoice response.
- Please be sure to whitelist shop@lumecluster.com since this is the email you would be receiving invoices and any other correspondence related to your preorder form
2.) Complete payment to claim your slot in line.
- If your order is confirmed, you will be sent an invoice within at least one (1) week (after the pre-order forms have closed).
- If you receive an emailed invoice, it will remain active for 72 hours.
- If your order is confirmed and you requested customized colors, you will first be emailed a color mock-up that will require your approval within 24 hours. Afterwards, you will be sent an invoice that will remain active for 72 hours.
- If payment is not completed within 72 hours, the invoice will be voided and your chance to claim a slot will move to the next in line. This also means you will need to fill out the pre-order form again in the future.
- Within at least 2-3 weeks after the pre-order period, I will announce when all limited slots are filled on social media. If you did not get a slot, this means you will need to fill out the form again during the next pre-order announcement.
- There are no refunds on pre-orders. Please do not fill out the form or pay the emailed invoice if this is an issue, if you are not comfortable with waiting, or if you are not sure what you want.
3.) Editing your pre-order request
- All changes need to be made before paying your invoice.
- If your order is confirmed, you can reply to the emailed invoice with your requested changes. If you requested custom colors, you will receive an email mock-up and you can reply with your changes there.
- Once payment is made, you can no longer make changes to your pre-order.
- There are no refunds on pre-orders. Please do not fill out the form or pay the emailed invoice if this is an issue, if you are not comfortable with waiting, or if you are not sure what you want.
4.) Wait times on pre-orders and shipping
- Currently, these items only ship to U.S. addresses
- If you choose to participate in a pre-order, please be prepared to wait
- If you are not prepared to wait, please do not fill out the pre-order form
- Orders ship in 3-4 months
- You can click here for more information about shipping
5.) Limited free add-ons or specials available for pre-order early birds
- Only email subscribers can see the limited specials or free add-ons. Click here to subscribe and be the first to know.
- Limited specials or free add-ons (not available in the shop) are only for Tier 2 and Tier 3 Phoenix Gauntlet pre-orders:
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- Tier 3 freebie: The first three (3) people to submit their form and complete payment will get a free add-on item
- Tier 2 freebie: The first five (5) people to submit their form and complete payment will get a different free add-on item
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6.) Have you reviewed all the information & FAQ (below)? Great! Fill out the form(s) below during open pre-order dates. CLOSED.
Again, completing a pre-order form does not guarantee a slot.
Slots will be limited! Shipping to U.S. addresses only (for now).
The pre-order forms will open on:
CURRENTLY CLOSED
The pre-order forms will close on:
CURRENTLY CLOSED
Frequently Asked Questions
IMPORTANT: If you jumped straight to this section without reading anything else, I ask you to please take the time to review all of the information above. This is meant to provide a full overview of what to expect and insight into whether or not this is really right for you.
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Wait, all the limited slots are filled? Did I get a slot? Will you notify me?
Within at least 2-3 weeks after the pre-order period, I will announce when all limited slots are filled on social media. If you did not get a slot, this means you will need to fill out the form again during the next pre-order announcement.
Everyone who filled out a form is not guaranteed a slot or a response. Again, please review the important information to know about how to pre-order above. I highly recommend reviewing all the information provided in this article before filling out the pre-order form because people frequently ask me questions that are already covered here in this article and FAQ.
I thought I had a slot since I received the invoice?
If payment is not completed within 72 hours, the invoice will be voided and your chance to claim a slot will move to the next in line. This also means you will need to fill out the pre-order form again in the future.
Receiving an invoice does not mean you have claimed a slot. A slot is only guaranteed after payment of the invoice has been made. Again, please review the important information to know about how to pre-order above.
Do you ship the Phoenix Gauntlets and other armor outside of the U.S.?
Maybe someday but not at this time. If I do, you’ll hear about it on my free newsletter and social media.
Can I contact you if I want to make changes in my pre-order form even though I’ve already made payment?
Please only participate in the pre-order if you’re sure you know what you want. All changes need to be made before paying your invoice. If your order is confirmed, you can reply to the emailed invoice with your requested changes. If you requested custom colors, you will receive an email beforehand and you can also reply to it to make any changes there. Again, please review the important information to know about how to pre-order above.
Is there a type of payment plan?
Sorry, not at this time, but maybe in the future.
Can I make my payment later?
Invoice must be paid in full within 72 hours in order to claim a slot. Otherwise, your invoice will be voided.
What are the wait times on pre-orders and shipping? How will they be shipped?
Orders ship in 3-4 months.
You will receive an email notification when it is shipped. If you choose to participate in a pre-order, please be prepared to wait. If you are not prepared to wait, please do not fill out the pre-order form.
You will be notified if there are delays due to unforeseen events, such as illness, emergencies, etc.
You can click here for more information about shipping.
My hands are [insert specific hand size details]. Will this fit me? Or can you make them fit my measurements?
The small, medium, and large gauntlet sizes will fit most hand sizes. Unfortunately, it is impossible for my gauntlet sizes to fit every single hand perfectly. There is a size chart and printouts (used as a visual reference in proportion to your body) to help you decide whether or not this is right for you.
Note that for aesthetic reasons and to accommodate a large range of finger lengths, the fingers have been intentionally designed to be longer.
The only way a gauntlet can fit your hand perfectly is to get it custom made to fit your exact measurements. On the very rare occasion, I may consider doing this. However, the cost would be higher than the current gauntlet size offerings because of the work required in creating a more customized piece.
Why are the gauntlets and other armor designs limited?
I like to keep some designs and/or colorways limited because I love the freedom to explore and stay excited about making art. I also care about maintaining artistry and collectibility of Lumecluster designs.
However, there will occasionally be variations of some designs, which subscribers get to hear about first on my free newsletter.
Will there ever be armor designs directly available in the Lumecluster shop?
Yes, there will be much simpler, armor-inspired art pieces and jewelry that will be readily available in the shop. Sign up for the free newsletter to find out when it’s released.
If certain colorways are limited or no longer available, does that mean I won’t be able to get the same color again if I want one of your future gauntlet cuff designs?
I will make the future gauntlet cuff designs match the colorway that you’ve purchased in the past. Your colorway may just not be available to new customers.
Can I commission a completely custom gauntlet or collaborate on a design with you?
Unless it’s right up my alley, I usually will not accept gauntlet commissions. I like to focus on making my own art and prefer not to make other people’s concepts. You’re still welcome to submit a custom commission form, but filling out this form does not guarantee a response or that I will accept the commission.
Can I get custom iridescent colors?
Yes, but custom iridescent colors and the complexity of your request will be an additional cost.
Can I get a custom color for the glove?
The standard glove is black, but a custom color can be requested at an additional cost.
Can I get a custom glove using another fabric / pattern?
It depends. If you have your own sourced fabric, we can look it over with our glove maker first. Or, if you have a concept in mind, we can look into helping you find the right fabric.
Can I customize the fantasy cuff panel colors?
Yes, you can request specific colors in the Phoenix Gauntlet pre-order form at an extra cost.
Will you make different gauntlet cuff styles in the future?
Yes. Any new gauntlet cuff designs would match best with this Tier 2 Masterwork (Version 4) gauntlet style (image below). However, you’re welcome to choose a different Tier 2 version to pair with other gauntlet cuff styles.
Can I buy a pair of gauntlets but make each one a different color? Or have multiple colors in each hand?
Yes, but this would be an additional cost depending on your request.
Can I buy a design only for one hand?
Yes. Asymmetry is fun:
Photography by Yiaz Yang, Actor Peter Sadrian wearing Tier 3 Phoenix Gauntlet.
Will you be making other armor pieces? Will they match?
Yes. I have already made some matching Phoenix armor pieces. See the Phoenix diadem and gorget, which can also be pre-ordered here. You can also check back to my Lumecluster shop’s fashion armor section for new additions or subscribe to my free newsletter and be the first to hear about them (and get first dibs on specials).
Will you be making add-ons to the gauntlets? (ex: claws)
I’ll think about it :)
Any tips on care and maintenance? What about scuffing?
If the art piece has gotten dirty or scuffed, wipe with a slightly moist cloth (water only). Some do not mind some scuffing over time since it can give off a “battle damaged” look. But if you do want to avoid scuffing, then you might want to consider requesting the high abrasion resistant glossy clear coating in your pre-order request (at an extra cost).
While the abrasion resistant glossy clear coat is extremely durable, it is advised that you still treat your art piece with care since it is not indestructible. But with proper care and storage or display, these art pieces will last you a very long time.
Do not store them in areas with extreme hot or cold temperatures and do not display them in areas where they will constantly be exposed to UV rays. Like any rubbers and plastics (and your own skin), it’s best not to leave them out in direct sunlight (because of harmful UV rays) or extreme hot or cold temperatures for prolonged periods of time.
I would also ask you to consider how well you take care of any other kind of art you purchase. If you do not think you are able to treat them with care, then this is likely not for you.
Can you do repairs?
These are also still primarily art pieces, so they should be treated with love and care. I cannot take responsibility for damaged artwork after purchase. It is the buyer’s duty to take care of their art piece.
However, if there is somehow major damage during shipping transit, I may be able to do repairs (at my discretion) assuming that the artwork has not been deliberately damaged or tampered with by the buyer.
As already stated in the above question, I would also ask you to consider how well you take care of any other kind of art you purchase. If you do not think you are able to treat them with care, then this is likely not for you.
Will you ever do videos on how to make your gauntlets? Can I get them unassembled?
No, Lumecluster is also not a DIY or tutorial site. I only create finished designs and I like to focus my energy on making new artwork.
There is still so much to learn but I share some of the resources I’ve used below. I hope it’s a good starting point and I encourage people to explore these resources because there are a lot of wonderful things to learn there. If you have other suggestions and think I should add them, please feel free to contact me so I can add them to the list:
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Knyght Errant (arms and armor educator)
- Greenleaf Workshop (Maker of bespoke historic armour, Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust scholar, armouring courses available)
- Books about armor
- The Armour Archive
- Additional online armor resources
- Armor related Instagram accounts:
- Arms & Armor | The Met
- Pierre Terjanian (Curator in Charge, Department of Arms and Armor, The Met)
- Sean Belair (Assistant Conservator. Department of Arms & Armor, The Met)
Are the LEDs included? Do I need to buy my own? Can you provide a link? How are they installed?
No, the LEDs are not included, but you can easily find tons of them on Amazon by searching, “fairy light LEDs” and picking your preferred color.
Many people also responded with how they have their own preferences when installing their LEDs (like soldering or installing LED strips) onto the panel. But if you want to do something simpler, you can use my method:
- Apply a piece of clear or white velcro tape on the inner panel and
- Wrap the other side of the velcro around the LED
- Or put the LED in a tiny white pouch and then glue the velcro onto it
- Stick them together!
Can you make your armor more rigid? I want to use it for HEMA, ACL, etc.
No. The point of these flexible designs is to accommodate a wide range of hand shapes / sizes, offer modularity and versatility, and give the wearer a very fitted look (and for fashionable purposes).
If you really need rigid armor for combat, please go to an armorsmith. I have not used their services, but I really love and enjoy seeing the work produced by Wasson Artistry, Greenleaf Workshop, and Old World Armoury. If you know of any highly recommended armorsmiths, please feel free to contact me so I can add them here.
If you are asking this because you were hoping to use it for HEMA, then this is not for you. I am aware that a lot of people involved in the HEMA scene like how my gauntlets look, but I am designing with very different purposes in mind as I have outlined in my article above.
Is your armor as strong as metal armor? Can it handle a blow from a sword or axe? What’s the point if it can’t?
Then this is not for you. Please also read the article again because I explain what I make (and for what purposes) in great detail. The clients that reach out to me are interested in flexible and durable wearable art where metal would largely be an inconvenience.
If you are wondering what the point of having armor is if it can’t be used for combat, please understand that there are many types of armor enthusiasts and many have little to no interest in full contact sport where weapons are involved.
These people have been creatives of all types (models, dancers, actors, musicians, photographers, illustrators etc.) or people who simply want to collect a piece of wearable art or enjoy armor in different ways.