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ILTC: Ryan Gosling’s Scorpion Jacket

Hey Girl.

As one popular Tumblr ode to Ryan Gosling says, he’s “your favorite sensitive movie dude-turned-meme.” Another Tumblr puts it more bluntly. And a recent video by Gosling doppelganger Joey shares “How to Look Like Ryan Gosling.” Which got me thinking about snagging Ryan Gosling’s style. Forget the hoodie and well-groomed 5 o’clock man-scruff. I mean, did you see that embroidered scorpion jacket he wore in Drive? If you didn’t, well, feast your eyes:

You can actually buy it — oh, but making it would be so much more fun. And so, for my newest iLoveToCreate blog post, I set out to make some sweet scorpion threads inspired by that original jacket — no satin quilting, no embroidery, just a white jacket from a thrift store and some fabric paint. And since my favorite new sensitive dude happens to be pint-sized, I’ve decided to make it in miniature for my little gosling. (Note: These instructions can produce a version for a full-sized goose as long as you start with a full-sized jacket!)

Materials:
-White zip-front jacket or sweatshirt
-Pen
-Contact paper
-Craft knife and cutting mat
-Masking tape
–Yellow fabric paint, brush or spray on (for scorpion)
–Orange fabric paint, brush or spray on (for highlights)
–Black fabric paint, brush or spray on (for trim)
–Paint brushes (optional)
-Sewing machine threaded with white thread (optional)
-Scissors (optional)

Make it:

1. Lay the jacket flat and measure the approximate dimensions of the back panel. Cut a piece of contact paper to those dimensions. Draw or trace the outline of a scorpion onto the paper.

2. Use the craft knife and cutting mat to cut out the contact paper stencil.

3. Peel off the paper backing of the contact paper and press the stencil onto the back of the jacket.

4. Paint the entire scorpion shape with yellow paint. (Use spray paint or paint it on with a brush for more control.)

5. Paint some highlights on the scorpion in orange to show the shadows.

6. Line the bottom edge of the jacket, the sleeve ends, and the shoulder seams with masking tape and paint them black.

7. Let the paint dry completely and carefully peel off the tape and stencil. Optional: If the jacket has a hood (mine did), cut and hem it to create a collar (because I’m nerdy like that, and I’m going for authentic!).

8. Try the jacket on your littler driver. Okay, so he can’t even hold his head up yet, but he sure knows how to grip the wheel! Next up: Get him a driver’s license…in 16 years.

I love this stencil!! Now to apply it to a T-shirt…or what about painting a scorpion wrapping around the bottom of a pant leg or stockings?

Photo of Ryan Gosling via FirstShowing.

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[ Posted on February 28th, 2012 ]

10 Comments

  1. February 29, 2012 at 5:22 pm
    Emily says:

    I like Ryan Gosling’s scorpion jacket, but I think Baby T’s scorpion hoodie that you made is nicer–I love the two-toned thing you did on the scorpion, to give the effect of shading. 🙂

  2. February 29, 2012 at 11:20 pm
    megan says:

    Thanks, Emily — I was trying to mimic the gradations achieved through the use of different colored threads in the embroidered version…the paint makes them much more apparent!

  3. March 5, 2012 at 5:35 pm
    Tig says:

    What a great way to customize a plain jacket/hoodie! I think this design is nod to a great, under-rated movie, and also a reminder that the back of that jacket could be customized with any design or image from your favorite band or movie. I love it! Thanks for the idea.

  4. March 6, 2012 at 5:55 pm
    megan says:

    Thanks! I’m looking forward to customizing many a wardrobe staple (baby or adult) this way!

  5. October 5, 2012 at 2:27 pm
    Mommy Mei Lee says:

    this is too cool!!!!

  6. October 18, 2012 at 6:19 pm
    Julian says:

    Where did you get the outline of the scorpion?

  7. October 19, 2012 at 10:26 am
    megan says:

    I looked online for an image (try this one?) and adjusted the size to fit the back of the jacket I was making and traced/drew it onto the contact paper. Depending on the type of fabric you’re using, you could use freezer paper to make a stencil, too, and iron it on temporarily (I used fleece, so I couldn’t put the iron to it!).

  8. September 3, 2013 at 3:51 am
    Carlos Downey says:

    Nice Painting good work. But you should try a real scorpion jacket i found in discounted price…
    http://www.styleforever.net/products/Scorpion-Jacket-From-Drive-Movie.html

  9. September 18, 2013 at 5:08 pm
    Drive Scorpion Jacket says:

    Good job.. I really like your effect. I wan to try this.

  10. September 19, 2013 at 7:58 am
    Ryan Gosling says:

    Experience the jacket of well embroidery, that is the Scorpion Drive Jacket worn by Ryan Gosling, made best for both summer and winter wear at the great price, available at Hexder.com. email us for more information sales@hexder.com
    http://www.hexder.com/products/Scorpion-Drive-Jacket-Ryan-Gosling.html