Wouldn't art supplies be easier and less expensive media to use to build some props? They may not look exactly the same, but if worked on hard enough, I'm sure the equipment would still look nice. Maybe use something like foam rubber or styrophoam. Along with of course paint and other supplies. The following are props I'm thinking of trying to construct with these methods.

In order I plan to build

-PKE meter
-Giga meter
-Web Shooters
-Ghost Trap
-Dematerializer
-Master Sword
-Hylian Shield
-Ghost Gummer
-Ghost Sniffer
-Boomerang
-Proton Pack
-Hook Shot
-Bow & Arrow
-Slime Blower
-(smaller scale) Containment Unit

Ok, so I'm mixing a bit of Spidey & Zelda into it.

What do you guys think? (obviously I can't make costumes or vehicles this way)

You could use any form of media you want! Heck, I've thought of making a ghost trap out of an old Vans shoe box just for kicks. There's nothing wrong with making something out of cardboard or styrofoam, just make sure the materials you choose are in good shape and do your best to paint them well.

You would be surprised at how many parts on the proton pack are substituted with art supplies. Not to mention art supplies can save you a lot of money.