/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

Whoo! I apologize in advance for dirty bathroom mirror selfie. Its 3AM and Im in my pajamas.

First attempt at Tophs hairstyle - its not as neat as Id like but its not bad for a first try. Its wearable and looks good from front and sides, so thats good enough for me.

I go to bed nao, night /cgl/.

progress on my sakura butterfly dress ! skirt is almost ready too and the con is after tomorrow

Painted my armor last weekend and got around to doing some detail painting. I also cut the cape and skirt. Next up is clear coating it and painting some rust over the top of that.

And here's what I have of the giant-ass weapons. The shield is about ready to caulk and paint while the sword needs work on the blade. I also need to drill a hole in the handle to accept the "tang". I'm thinking about redoing the blade entirely because working with corrugated plastic is a bitch to get clean edges. I might go foam with it too, but I don't have pieces left that are long enough so I'd have to be mindful of smoothing out the seams.

Welp making the capra demon head, but scaled it wrong so its too big here is photo anyway coz why not

Finished the shoulder pad for Tsumugu and now I'm making spool grenades... Slowly but surely this will be ready!

I'm currently preparing for a workshop on moldmaking and casting with liquid plastic and going slightly too wild with powerpoint.
(I decided I would have to make it for complete retards, based on one of the parttakers in the last one)

>>7491488
Too big? Nah, it looks good. Bring a couple large breed dogs with you and it will look perfect.
>>7491768
What con is this for? How much time ya got?

>>7491477
>mfw seeing you at a con
toph is my favorite character from avatar,
great job anon.


>unrelated question
i'm a guy, so about 80% of cosplay for me is in my physique (too large framed to pull off all of the "stylish" characters i've seen). would my body count as a "work in progress"? not too keen on posting semi nude pics any time soon (still got about 10lbs to lose before i start bulking again), but for future reference i'd like to know.

About ready to cut my Ryuko Matoi scissorblade... didn't bother taking a picture of the whole thing as it's hard to see anyway. With this plywood 2 cm thick and about 4 feet long... We'll I'll be pretty ripped by the time the con is over.

>>7492426
Managed to forget pic.

>>7492428
Looks good! What are you using to cut it? I hope it comes out nicely

>>7492434
Thanks! Jigsaw, then a loooot of sanding.

>>7492269
Sakura Con. 4 days. I'm almost done. And here I am sitting in my friend's house watching him play dark souls while I build NPCs for my Tabletop campaign. I'm using my time wisely....

Finished painting the sword... only needs the obligatory coats of spraypaint now

Finished my animal crossing commission. I ended up having to wait to get more fabric before I could finish it.

>>7493381
gdi i cant handle that cute
You did a great job!!

>>7493385
Thank you!

>>7492428
Scissorblade anon again. Just finished cutting and, I know, I fucked up pretty big time with the curve on the blade side. Just tons of sanding, I guess. Yikes.

>>7493381
Adorable. Please make a Bob one.

>>7494288
haha thanks. If I get commissioned to I will!

>>7494282
Maybe it's just the angle the pic is taken from, but it looks like the handle should be bigger to be a little more proportionate to the blade portion. Otherwise it looks pretty good to go, except that looks like a hell of a sanding job. Best of luck to you, anon

>>7494319
do you have a site? i would love to commission you!

>>7494337
This look better? Still, I wouldn't be surprised if the proportions were a bit off. I didn't do a lot of measuring; it was mostly freehanded. Thanks, anon.

>>7494282
Get a box rasp instead of trying to sand it.

>>7494373
Yea, it looks way better. It was definitely the camera angles. I'm looking forward to the finished product!

>>7494319
that person might be me. Commission info?

>>7494373
I'm pretty impressed anon. You planning on shaping it out?
Also, I'm curious about your plans for paint.

>>7494340
>>7494405
Its not letting me post my blog but I have a lot of my previous work here: http://rinchansflower88.deviantart.com/gallery/25945477 But you can also email me for a quote!

>>7494384
Hm, a rasp does sound like it might be a good idea...
What's a "box" rasp, though? A quick google search was fruitless.

Finished adding on the bang extensions for my Yayoi wig! The base wig was too short and didn't fit my face well and I finally bought a weft to lengthen it enough. It's tough getting it to blend into the original length, but it's finished and I'm content. I posted last year around this time, maybe someone can tell me if this looks any better than back then (probably not).

>>7494373
This looks really good. Props to you

>>7494429
Thanks! And hopefully... I'm a bit worried, though- It's made out of thick plywood. Would this be problematic...? If anyone has advice on shaping, it would be much appreciated.
I'm painting it with several coats of Glidden high gloss in Cherry something.
>>7494479
Thanks, I appreciate it!

Valkyrie armor. The sad thing is this is already 23948273 times better than my first go-round. QUALITY.

Finished Mika's Kenshin cosplay. I've since hemmed both pants legs so all I gotta do is finish Kaoru

16 bases for spool grenades! They each have alligator clips sunk into them and now to just put the ends on to em, paint em, and seal em.

>never done a cosplay
>want to start
>im 6'2 hispanic
>dont know what to cosplay as
>go through my favorite games and anime to find something
>realize i should start with masked characters
I finally stumbled upon Schwarzwald from The Big O and I think it will be fairly easy to make the head and well the clothing is sold anywhere. Does anyone have some tips for someone who wants to start or what materials to use?

>>7495018
Try researching how kendoists tie their hakama in the front on youtube. There is a specific way to knot the front. Also, there should be a rigid board in the back to give the hakama support (most cosplayers seem to miss this detail for whatever reason).

>>7492453
Let me see your body.
No really though, because I always imagined what makes a person decide Tsumugu over Kinagase or Gamagoori.

>>7491774
RD are you German?

>>7495501
The reason I'm doing Tsumugu over Gamagoori, BESIDES me liking one character over another, is that I am not as bulky as Gamagoori by any means. And while Tsumugu is still a muscular guy, he is not made of triangle and muscle mass alone.

Also I am only 5'9" so I cannot be "Bigger than you" enough for me to feel like I will do Gamagoori justice.

>>7495565
Oh shit Maguma haven't seen you in forever.

>>7495565
Fuck, you're a qt

>>7491774
DAS HAT DIR DER TEUFEL GESAGT

>>7493381
Oh my gosh, this is perfect!! I would pay you a bucket of money to make Ed.

>>7495525
DAS HAT DIR DER TEUFEL GESAGT!!!1

>>7495810
same to you man! It's been ages!!

>>7495826
Thank you, anon~

>>7491768
Your progress looks great as always Maguma. Shoulder looks nice, what did you make it out of, and how did you get it to shape?

>>7495900
Thanks! The shoulder is made out of 1/4 & 1/8 in Craft foam, Plaster Gauze, & Hot Glue.
I basically built a positive mold using the plaster gauze around half of one of those mini souvenir basket balls. I applied 6 layers of plaster, cut it out to shape, and sealed it with Mod Podge. Then I took the craft foam and heated it on a wax sheet in the oven and pulled it over the plaster mold and cut the excess away.

The studs on the top were another fucking adventure all on their own... I shoulda just used pudding cups and saved myself the hassle.

>>7495918
Cool, I think I'll try that. Thanks for revealing yo secrets

>>7495928
No secrets revealed, just knowledge shared~ Good luck!

>>7495918
Gonna try this as well, thanks.
For how long did you heat up the craft foam?

>>7496033
I didn't keep a set time limit on it, but it was in my oven cooking at about 300 degrees on bake. the best way to know it's ready to drape over your mold is try and pick up the tip of the sheet, whether with your fingers or some tongs, etc. And see how floppy it is.

When craft foam is heated up it becomes very VERY malleable. and when it cools down it hardens a bit and its texture changes to a much smoother feel. it's awesome. You can also get that effect with smaller objects by taking a lighter or match near the material. too close or too long of exposure will burn the foam much like spraypaint eats away at Styrofoam.

Taking a break and putting this on hold to work on some other things, but I'm working on a Tauriel cosplay. I found a really nice fabric that seemed to match the texture of her shirt.

fixed up the sleeves on my senketsu today but they still look wonky.

>>7496033
From my experience, heating up craft foam literally takes seconds, so be careful. I can't remember what temperature I use (Probably around 300), but putting it in for 10-15 seconds would make it nice and floppy.

But I've never actually stretched it over something, so maybe you may need more time for that

>>7495831
Thanks! If you're interested in a commission my email is in the field there!

My sloppy, last minute headpiece for Leona. Idk if I can finish this costume before the 20th

>>7496166
Why'd you drop your trip? Was it cause you were whiteknighting yourself in another thread?

>>7496179
I haven't used my trip in a while, except for in that one KLK thread

>>7496134
I left my piece in since it was the thicker sheet and needed a little more time.

Your Fuku's lookin' nice, but yeah the sleeves seem long enough, but not big enough.

>>7496166
pretty sure I just saw your trip in the AN thread...
Oh well not like tripping is anything new here.

>>7495887
Did you see the thread about Rob?(Westernfella) and what happened?

>>7496282
I saw it, didn't read it fully, but that's off topic. My condolences none the less.

>>7496354
Yeah just thought I'd let you know since it's been awhile.

Working on a GLaDOS/vocaloid oc. All I have is done so far is the top, sleeves not included, and the con is in 4 days. Pic is design

>>7496265
oh right, forgot about that. also here's my leona gauntlet. wish I had time to add LEDs to the spikes on her armour

>>7496497
>wish I had time to add LED's to the spikes
I wish you had time to make your circles look like circles and for you to not have globs of paint everywhere..

Voldi, you get so much fucking hate, and its because you do shit like this.

>>7496505
yeah I wish I had time for that too, unfortunately i have to finish this costume in 3 days with limited worbla and don't have time to fix my fuckups

>>7496497
I would be embarrassed to include my face with a cosplay like that

>>7496556
Agreed. We've seen nicer work from you Voldie, dafuq happened?

>>7496650
Haha like I said, I'm really rushed. I just got my worbla in yesterday and I have to have this costume completely done before the 20th, and I'm going to my boyfriend's family's house on Thursday so I'm scrambling like mad to get anything done

>>7496661
Voldie, stop. I know it's a hard lesson to learn, but if something is doomed to look like shit because of a rushed job, you stop and don't do it. Don't waste anymore materials on a huge fuck up. If you can't/won't do something well, don't do it and wait until a time when you can.

>>7496661
Is there a con you're going to on the 20th?

Also are you doing Mako by any chance at AN? I'm in a large KLK group and we're missing a Mako and it would be cool if we could take pictures on like Saturday o-or like w-whatever...!

Started working on Wander from Shadow of the colossus. Figured i might as well get his cape thing done. (apparently it's called a maekake which means Apron in japanese) Either way, this will be a stencil, so i can paint this shit on. Don't mind the neck region. Was just adjusting so it would sit better. Drawing this was irritating but it was super nice to have the HD remake on hand so i could just leave the screen up for hours on end.

>>7496692
Vickybunnyangel needed a Leona to help host the LCS spring finals event with IronStylus so she asked me and that's why I need to rush the costume. I'd go without one but then I would have to pay to get in and I wouldn't get a whole bunch of league swag

Also I'd totally put on Mako for a quick shoot with you guys

>>7496692
Which characters are being cosplayed in your group?

Working on my wig for Aoba...the jacket came in so I tried it all on.

When I first got the wig I was stunned, it was so long and thick, I had no idea if I would look good with it or not. But it doesn't look half bad after trimming it.

I'll probably buy extensions to put in the back so I can fluff out the godawful mullet part a bit more, who knows.

>>7496718
So far we have a Ryuko, Satsuki, Nonon, Inumuta, Sanangeyama, Aikuro, Tsumugu, and possibly a Takarada.

>>7496715
Haha I had to get my boyfriend to translate all that league-speak for me. I just watched a promo vid for it and saw my friend in the b-roll footage. Funny stuff

And aw yiss it would be cool to have you for some photos if you can make it

>>7496765
where'd you get your wig, anon?

>>7496772
Lucaille. After shipping it was only US$25!

http://www.lucaille.com/?product-638.html

>>7496179

Probably because she was on the ignore list of pretty much anyone who didnt want to flame her. And i would guess it gets boring to post for attention if you get none.

Dio Part 3 jacket. I have a lot more done now, but it wanted to put up some pics. Might post some more later.

>>7496765

Your wig is suffering from bag head. I have the same one. Straighten it with hot water and you'll love it even more.

>>7497259
Thanks, I'll try that. It isn't as bad as it was since I cut it. I think the hot water will make it easier to style too.

I was advised that my previous Calliope horns "needed help," so I did them again.

>tfw i used model magic

>>7497407
nice job, anon
currently only working on accessories, no pictures yet

>>7495565
T-thanks bro, no homo.
Anyway, how are you going to do Tsumugu's cute little tuft of red mohawk?
Just going to use your own hair?

Here are some Medicine Seller sleeves, front and reverse.
I stay-taped the pieces, hand-sewed them together, watched everything sag out of shape on the bias, tore it apart, flat-lined and stay-stitched everything, and am now hand-sewing it back together because the curves creep out of place when I machine sew it.
Fucking crepe.

>>7493380
>>7494282

I need to learn how to make better looking swords so badly. I'm currently making a Bartz Klauser cosplay for my sister and it just kills me because I know if I tried to make that sword of his it would bring the rest of the cosplay down and I'd feel like shit for it

>>7496134
Can I rub your tummy

>>7497551
Sounds like an ordeal. The curves look very good, though.

Pretty much just finished this today. A bit disappointed in the paint job on the blade, I was trying to go for a candy/mirror finish but the color second coat hazed on me for some reason, and I'm not new to spray paint. Then I got mad runs with clear coat. I guess the new paint I was trying (for car wheels) was different than what I've used. Oh well, I made it like a real katana with the subparts so I can still disassemble it after a nearing con and redo it for AX, as well as the sheath.

Gonna cosplay as Blade Regalia MKIII with this. It's not canon but I really just wanted an excuse to make it and bring it to a con.
Also my first sword prop, and second major prop. Had fun making it, looking forward to more.

Also working on a scissor blade for a friend going as a guy Ryuuko for AX. It'll be able to switch to decapitation mode.

>>7497768
That's a pretty sword!

>>7497772
Thanks, can't wait to fix it up and put it on display in my room.

Progress pic on day one. Did the blade body in one go in 7 hours. Satisfying when you finish it though, even when it's just wood.

>>7497784
I don't come here often, being from /a/. But I have to say you guys do some pretty impressive work with cosplay props.

Do you mind showing us a WIP of the scissor blade too? I'm really curious on how it'll work folding out... Because literally, that would catch everybody's eye during AX.

>>7497790

I've only cut out the main pieces/layers so far on it, since it's on hold till I finish stuff for a con this weekend. But the plans are pretty much the picture. There will be 4 layers of wood; 2 of the inner layers will encase the decapitation extension. It'll simply split open and pivot out, as well as the rear handle. It won't look as straight/long as in the anime, but that's cosplay/prop making for you; you find out they're so inconsistent and cheat physics.

We were originally gonna make it spring loaded, but that became a safety issue (and durability), so we're just gonna manually pull it out, lol. Don't want con staff to rag on us and make it all for naught.

>>7497768
>a guy Ryuuko for AX
Schoolgirl or battle outfit?

>>7497797
Looks pretty intense. Good luck on it!
It's a shame that you couldn't go for the spring loaded route, that would've made quite a piece in and out of cosplay purposes.

And yeah, don't get me started on AX con staff. I know that they're just doing their jobs, but they can get a little nit picky sometimes!

>>7497811
Battle outfit. He designed his own guy version, so no, it won't have all that skin-showing resolve, lol. But it's still got the cues--the Senketsu eyes, jet exhausts, spikes, etc. Just not all the ass and tits, lol (and not like he has any anyway).

>>7497813
Thanks. Yeah it's a shame, since I always like functional gimmicks. Oh well.

Pic are the pieces/progress as they are so far. Just sitting around for now. Rough cuts/not sanded down yet obviously.

>>7497822
Beautiful.
Also,
>Blade Regalia MKIII
Would it be too much if I asked you for some shots of that too? I've always loved full-suit cosplays!

>>7497822
God, there's going to be a half-dozen man-Ryuukos at AX at this rate and it's going to be fucking fantastic.

>>7497840
No substantial pics yet, since I've been skipping on pics since I've been picking up my pace, but here's what I last took, just rough cuts glued together. I'll post pics when I'm done by this weekend (hopefully).

I'm not buff like Sanageyama is, so I'm basically making it an armor build. It's my very first armor build and I'm not sure I enjoy it and do it as well as prop making, lol. Also doesn't help that I don't have a mannequin to help me measure and make stuff on the go. So far, I look like a samurai with it on, which I guess is kind of the idea? His MKIII does take cues from kendo/samurai armor.

His "feet" are inhumanly small stubs, and the only way I can get around that is either buy special stilts or just deal with it and have big feet. I had to go with the latter since stilts are banned at AX. It can't be helped. In a way, I'll look like a mech. At one point, the feet armor made me look like a Zaku, so I decided to forego shoes altogether to cut the foot length even more by 25%, to try to be as small/stubby as possible. I also had to have a bit of a reverse-jointed bend, so I'm basically always standing with my heels up and knees slightly bent. Also I realized being inside foam is hot.

Oh well, like I once read at therpf: suffer for your craft. lol.

>>7497863
Sounds like a project. Hope you get those kinks worked out so you can enjoy yourself during the con instead of being uncomfortable.

That's all the questions I got, thanks for your time man. Have a nice day~

Sanageyama is my husbando but I am nowhere near manly enough to cosplay him. Has anybody seen any non-skanky/stupid genderbend art of him around? IE no bullshit like this

>>7498093
Your husbando gets stripped down to complete nudity, pre-Nudist Beach, and struts around with his dick out like it's no thang to the point where fucking GAMAGOORI tells him to put clothes on.

He is fucking skank incarnate.

>>7497863
Don't suppose turning the feet into heels to minimize how much they jut out might work? Or did you try that?

>>7498210
Heels hidden inside the peglegs I should clarify

>>7498093
Honestly this is one of the few times where it makes sense for a genderbend to be pretty scantily clad. Especially with Sanageyama.

>>7496134
You're, um, going to... resize the bottom part of the top, right?

>>7497535
My friend is bleaching and dying my hair tonight or tomorrow, hopefully tonight but whatever ends up working out. But yes, using my own hair. I'm super excited~

>>7498264
I don't think she'll need to. The outfit will get pulled in a bit when she puts on the breastplate anyways. Plus Senketsu isn't super tight around her body to begin with. But I can see why at this stage it looks too big.

>>7498112
I think anon is just trying to say she(?) might not be too comfortable showing a lot of skin.
I'd say go Fem!Bancho or sukeban style with it like pic related?

>>7498215
Well I currently have some padding on my heels for comfort, but I didn't consider going full girl-level degrees of high heels (never made armor before, let alone walked in high heels, so I might have to look up some new things to me). Might do it for AX since that sounds good.

Valkyrie armor painted, now all I have to do is sew/glue on my snaps and buckles and style my wig and I'm good to go. I figured that by making it look battle-worn to begin with it'll still look okay when it inevitably gets kicked to shit at the con.

One question, though- I know that metallic spraypaint is really fragile. I have a gloss acrylic clearcoat that I could seal these with, but would that kill the metallic look too much?

>>7494337
>tfw your sword is the same height as hatsune miku
i just want to know how canonically heavy it is.

>>7498524
Just try clear coating on a scrap piece. In my experience they all dull differently, some more severe than others, some not too much.

>>7498662
Oh, good call, I didn't even think of testing a scrap. Shows how well I think things ahead. Thanks!

>>7497797
Make magnets hold the blades in place when flicked out

because magnets!!!!

Haven't had much time to sew these days, but I did make the time to make Kamui eyes for some pals who are cosplaying Ryuko and Satsuki together. I still have a royal fuckton of vinyl left...

>>7498884
Funny you mention that, I actually use magnets on the end cap/kashira of my Bakuzan to help keep the handle wrap on. Considering how strong they are, that could probably work too.

>>7497551
Where and when will you be wearing this? I wish I could see it in person!

>>7498894
Maybe you could sell them? I would buy one actually since I can only buy vinyl by the yard here and I do NOT want that much just to make the eye.

>>7498943
Yeah, they commissioned these from me! My tumblr is chimericfusionprotein -- drop me an ask over there with your email (I have anonymous asks on if you don't have tumblr) if you're interested in buying one and we can chat.

And hell, I only bought 1/4 yard of each color and I STILL have way too much.

>>7497551
>>7498918

Seconding this. Soooo excited seeing every progress pic. Everything looks amazing so far.

>>7498894
Those look gorgeous!

>>7497768

Are those golf pins?

Doing a genderbent of hiccup from httyd2.

Messed up already... I flipped the design and now the front flap is on the wrong side. I doubt it will be a big deal and i'm not about to waste more vinyl remaking it.

First time working with vinyl and my first mistake isn't even the vinyl it's the pattern.

>>7497551
yesyesyes yeeeessssss
I am so excited to see more pics of this! Haha, you aren't doing his giant cabinet too, are you?

Slight tweak of >>7497407

>implying this is going to stay on the new headband

>>7499170
lol yea, golf tees. Plastic ones though, the wooden ones have too much grain texture to get rid of.

>>7499369

Pretty darn clever anon.

>>7495836
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vQhqikWnQCU

Have made quite a bit of progress since this but yay for losing my dslr cable lol Going to take a break and start moving onto some other parts.

Another scissoranon. Sanding and filling endlessly is pretty hellish but I 'm determined to have a smooth base for my resin coat gdi

>>7500377
Lookin' good so far! How long is it?

>>7500388
It's just under 42". I'm 5'9" so I'm a little afraid it's sliiiightly too small for me, but I'm also working on it's twin that I'm hoping I can sell to a bigger crowd.

More shitty Leona progress

>>7500810
How high does it come on you? Like to what part of your body, if you hold it up to it?

>>7500377
Your blade looks really fat and awkward. You need to slim it down or it's going to look like shit.

>>7500865
If I hold it dierectly against my body, the very tip hits my natural waist, maybe like 3" above my belly button? My goal was to be able to do the holding it out, tip to the ground pose where it seems to hit her at about hip height with the angle.

>>7500931
It looks less bulky from the side, but yeah. I'm about to epoxy resin a more thin/sharp cardstock blade veneer on. I don't like the look of super thin blades, I've been working off a similarly shaped pair of nice, older metal scissors as one of my reference points.

>>7501070
Reference the actual show. Print out a big guideline or something. Your sword looks like shit, and it's going to look bulky and awful when you carry it. Her sword IS thin, all around.

You should just scrap this and remake it using actual references.

Two different styles of cufflinks(?) for my Calliope. Larger ones are ~1".

I was going to laser-cut acrylic for them but the laser cutter at my college took the opportunity to fuck itself over the day before I went.

I'm more partial to the thinner ones...

>>7500859
How's that shield coming along?
...I have a shield fetish.

>>7501255
pretty good, I'll post pics tomorrow once I get the spikes added

Got a few progress shots for my Kamen Rider Gaim!!!
gonna need a few polite sages...
Here's the second thing I've ever sewn ever, Top half of the body suit!!

Here's the mask, i finished the back half before this picture but I think its gonna come out awesome, this helmet has like.... 4 more parts i need to build in pepakura. Its a bitch to make but oh god is it worth it.

Files for the helmet on sale at Northstar props on facebook

the musousaber is done, I already painted the blue on the blade after this pic. Made my first toy weapon mod, I'll be selling casts of the blade for other people looking to extend theirs!!

hopefully I'll have more to post soon.

Pretty much finished up Meiko. The stockings are kinda slapped together, I might need to fix that, but I'm at a ready enough point for Zenkaikon.

>>7494288
why does everyone love bob so much
fuck that purple bitch

Faris anon from a week or so ago. Not that I expect anyone to remember it, but I've remaking her vest (this time into something more pirate coat-like) and got the idea in me to dye a pattern into the material since I've never dyed fabric before and wanted to try it. Six hours, eight fingertips blue, and three ruined stencils later I finished one piece. This is a load of fun though. I had to emulsify the dye to keep it from running all over the fabric and it worked just like I'd hoped it would. Takes forever to dry so I can iron it though.

>>7504840
What method did you use to emulsify the dye?

>>7504855
I bought some sodium alginate from the art store, mixed it with water to get a nice smelly goo, then mixed some of that in with the dye and this color intensifier stuff that came with it.

>>7504865
Good to know, thanks!

>>7498700
there's a special testors or tamiya clearcoat that does very very good things for metallic lustre. Can't remember the specific number right now, but it's what fev etc use to make their stuff look amazing.

>>7505156
If you figure out exactly what product this is I'd be really happy to know.

>>7506435
as per Fev!

"After going through tons of different clear sealers, looking for one that doesn't completely dull out silver (or turn it grey), I found Testors Metallizer sealer (item 1459) actually works, with minimal dulling. Its a pain to get though, comes in tiny bottles, and isn't cheap around me unfortunately."

>>7506549
Thanks, it probably isn't cheap around mean and likely means going to the hobby supply store run by the asshole if I can't find it online.

>>7495918

I've stretched a pissload of craft foam. Hit me up if you wanna chat about it.

Starting to put together my gauntlets for my genderbend Vi build

Blade Regalia here, finished it Saturday morning for Anime Conji. My car was literally smelling of clear coat sprayed that morning.

80% done, lots of unrefined stuff and armor gaps/slack that shouldn't be there, but virtually had no time, slapped on trim pieces straight on with hot glue and just went with what I had. I never even completely tried it on till I was at the con, so I didn't have much poses. Didn't sleep for two days so I had to use it somehow. Did it in 7 days. Got far enough. Did the job. Will fix up down the road.

Blade Regalia here, finished it Saturday morning for Anime Conji. My car was literally smelling of clear coat sprayed that morning.

80% done, lots of unrefined stuff and armor gaps/slack that shouldn't be there, but virtually had no time, slapped on trim pieces straight on with hot glue and just went with what I had. I never even completely tried it on till I was at the con, so I didn't have much poses. Didn't sleep for two days so I had to use it somehow. Did it in 7 days. Got far enough. Did the job. Will fix up down the road.

>>7506435
I've heard people from therpf use Future Wax to seal chrome paints.

>>7506900

>>7498524

Try autobody wax. It can make it even shinier and protect the finish too.

Making a steampunk katana for colossalcon. I already have a finished one but I manage to sell one or two each year (or at least get offers) so I try to have one in the trunk at least. Finished staining the scabbard so now it's just a matter of painting the wood blade to look metallic. I'm thinking either aluminum or brass color and then aging the look to hell with paints and sanding and the works. I just use a simple tankard clip with a generic steampunk-y lion face to fasten it just so it's easy to take out and maneuver in thick crowds with

>>7497557
His sword (as does most fantasy swords) looks like a bitch to make but if you're meticulous and tenacious about it I bet you could pull it off. I'd say the easiest material would be foam and cardstock since his hilt isn't a simple design. Once you got that just bring it to life with the paint

I don't know if you guys remember, but I was working on a norse suit of armor. Welp, I didn't take many progress pictures, but I finished it. I do have a thigh piece, but I couldn't figure out how to attach it and get it to stay, while not pulling my belt.

I looked at Kami's guides, but found nothing.I liked how everything else turned out though. Still need to add some things, but meh.

>>7507199
Gloves, a bone necklace, bone embelishments, figure out the thigh piece, and a sword ugh.

>>7507039
Looks nice, but a little..."glue some gears on it?" why not try to incorporate steam powered mechanics into it? Perhaps air pistons that pump, ect.

>>7506900
Looks nice! May be me nitpicking, but the edges seem a little rough. Is that just from wearing it all day?

>>7504552
That looks really well sewn!

>>7503628
Oh my god, that's fucking gorgeous!

>>7506900
Just kidding. I take back what I said. I went in and looked and it's pretty clean. I don't know why I thought that. In that case it's incredible

>>7507039
How does a steampunk katana even work? Katanas exist in the same time frame.

>>7507205
>>7507219

Oh its actually pretty rough on a lot of parts, lol. This was a speed build for me so I hacked away at everything in one go and not much thought or planning. Wanted to see what I can do in a week. But it'll get patched up and refined for AX. That's my plan. This was more of a test run to see where the weak points were.

>>7507287
I know that feeling, went through the same thing with my leather armor. Any idea how to get thigh pieces to stay in place?

I do have a thigh piece, but I couldn't figure out how to attach it and get it to stay, while not pulling my belt.

I looked at Kami's guides, but found nothing.I liked how everything else turned out though. Still need to add some things, but meh.

just thought I'd ask another armourfag

>>7504840
This is such a great idea for patterned fabric! It looks really great. I'll have to give it a go sometime.

>>7507220
I kinda play with the huge Asia fetish Europe had during the time and try to think what would it look like if they brought a Japanese swordsmith to the industrial center of England and had him make something with their supplies. It could very well be my inner weeb trying to justify making a katana for the costume but I'll accept it either way.

>>7507205
I've thought of working in brass pipes and various dials and gauges should I want to go in a less conservative, more super fantasy style and I'll probably do that once I have a better workplace than my small-ass basement. Getting actual pumping pistons would be fucking bad ass I guess I'll have to make a trip to the hardware store and see if that's possible

>>7507782
Or it could be a sword having absolutely nothing to do with steampunk technology, have fun with your gears fag.

>>7504552
amazing! i'm doing miku's version over the next couple of weeks. i'm getting really impatient waiting for the wig to come ;-;

I'm going to try my hand at making a silicone mold for these once they're done.

>inb4 I fuck it up and ruin everything.

Currently doing a Gene from God Hand cosplay. Clothes are being sewn and also making a very rough sketch of how Genes armguard will look like.

The skullface design right now looks fucking horrible since I'm no drawfag but this is done right now for size planning.

Almost finished my Leif apron. It's lined with some cute yellow flower fabric I found. All it needs is some buttons and I'm picking those up today.
It's kinda simple and dumb but this is the first article of clothing I've ever sewn and I made the pattern myself too so I'm kinda proud of it.

>>7510326
Good for you, anon. I love Lief!

>>7510334
Thanks anon! I bought some packets of cosmos seeds to keep in that pocket. I figured I'd write my url on them and pass them out at the con. I did business cards one year but I figured this would be cuter.

Alt-Eisen is so close to complete I can almost taste it. The last big parts are parts of the torso and the bacckpack. Then its just alot of paint details and added fiberglass for strength.

Here is the backpack so far. Soon as the puddy is dry I will sand and assemble it. The booster nozzles will be hooked up with some cheap led flashlights for some simple extra lighting effects.

did a mockup for Boudicca, turns out my bust is larger, and my waist is smaller than it used to be. AWESOME. About to do another one with some alterations, and instead of doing a 1-shoulder dress, move the shoulder strap to the center front and back to be more accurate.

>>7507220

You add gears and valves onto it and its steampunk XD

Don't you even know what steampunk is silly XD

I think thats what that person is going for.

>>7496134
This looks....pretty bad. There are a lot of proportion issues going on, and not just in the sleeves.

>>7509889
Ahahahahah fuck. I forgot that it was in the oven.

>>7512115

Hah, i guess thats unpainted?

>>7512120
Yyyyup. Hopefully it won't be a big deal when I make the mold.

On that note, if anybody knows; Should I sand it now, or just sand the resin casts?

I've been working on improving my Space Marine, smoothing off visible seams and adding more details. I pretty much just need to repaint it now.

Spent last night making some stuff out of Sculpey, made some of my Punk Sailor Moon Jewelry and a new mold for the bottom parts of my Chun Li dress since I made my last ones too small. I'll probably mold the Worbla around it on Thursday.

Nonon's dress is pretty much finished except the sailor flap in the back. Nervous to start on the boots and hat.

>>7512804
this is my favorite

>>7504552

Nicely done. The lines are really neat.

>>7512275

Not much, but working on painting my zvezda filter

Sorry for shitty pic

>>7513792
Looks pretty good! If I can give you one piece of advice, I recommend you make the holes a bit bigger.
A couple questions- How thick is your wood? And how long is the scissor?

>>7506900
Yessss. Thank you so much for cosplaying this. I love you

>>7512804
I'd be all over you in that. Great job, its super cute!

>>7513843
It's 1/2' thick and 5 feet long, and thanks for the advice, I will.

>>7512804
Lovely~
Where are you debuting her?

>>7512895
>>7513938
>>7514006
Thanks for your kind words. I'll be debuting Nonon at Anime North and rewearing her at Otakuthon.

Did my Boudicca base dress. The belt is stand-in because I'm going to do one out of funfoam backed with a ton of muslin so that I can carve the patterns more cleanly than they were in my test leather. Gotta add all the straps and buckles, but I'm happy for about an hour and a half of work :)

>>7512275
Holy shit that's so good

>>7504564
he was a gamecube bro, had him in CF, got him back for NL

I'm planning on a possessed leah cosplay (diablo 3) for a game con by the end of the year .
Haven't done much yet, but I've already picked the fabrics and am practicing her makeup (pic related, one of the times I've tryed, I made the scratches way too low and I'm still practicing makeup, is my first time making something like this and i want to try out different materials )
Still have to get the right wig and start sewing.

Any makeup tips are really really welcome and I would really appreciate it.

>>7514942
oh somehow I screwed up and the pic ended sideways... shit

>>7504564
Bob is fucking adorable. fuck you

>>7512804
Cute! Do you have a base for the hat?

All major pieces for one armguard is done. Just need to put these in the overn for 30 seconds so I can bend them to fit my arm. Next step is to figure out how to attach these to my arm.

>>7514942
That's going to be awesome!

>>7497768
What did you make it out of?

>>7515625
All MDF with some sintra (kashira/end cap, habaki/collar) and styrene (habaki/collar midsection). Plastic golf tees for the prongs, chrome button head screws on the kashira/end cap, random 3/4" white satin roll for the ito/handle wrap.

I'll try some other wood in my next one, maybe for Kouryo and Gako. Something more weapon tier; MDF this thin is too easy to snap for my tastes. I just wanted to try MDF because it's cheap and it's my first wood prop.

Random progress pic from it. Fitting the tsuka/handle to the nakago/tang.

I was wondering what you guys think about my Syndra gauntlets. It's my first time using worbla so I really have no idea what I'm doing. I used the sandwhich method for the base then just strips for the details. Should I just remake them? I don't plan to wear Syndra until August so I do have time. I just don't want it to look shitty and I really want this cosplay to be good, so I don't mind remaking them if they look bad.

>>7515722
Old pic of something I did last year, but it's almost all poplar because it has a fine grain and sands up nicely without much work. I used 1/4" poplar for the blade, the guard is 1/2" and the tang is laminated through a poplar dowel cut in half with a wooden ball from the craft store. The only bits that aren't wood are the plastic ring at the base of the pommel and a nail to keep the ball on. Everything is just cut, laminated and sanded. Took about 4 days from start to finished paint, and I'm not worried about it breaking unless someone decides to actively swordfight with it (I am kind of a horrible person that has been known to drop it frequently and throw it to someone across the room who wanted to see it)

>>7512991
>>7514825

y-you too

>>7516417
Poplar. Noted.

>>7513687
Aah! I'm so glad to see someone cosplaying Sekai Seifuku. Looking good so far - can't wait to see more progress pics!

Almost ready

It's my first time sewing so I'm going about it slowly, but so far I have the turquoise top for my Nayru (from Legend of Zelda) cosplay. Next up will be the long blue dress.
Please excuse the awful selfie conditions.

I'll be retouching these a little but this is what I've finished so far for Persona 4's Naoto and Yu.

>>7516931

Are you sure about that?

>>7523048
How did you get the Worbla so clean? Looks great.

>>7523112
Thanks, anon. It's mostly the result of my dremel, though I did use a belt sander to flatten the underside of the school emblem soon-to-be pins.

>>7496710
I did a Wander cosplay once and for some reason didn't think to do a stencil. Genius!

>>7514827
All hail Bob.
(I'm still fixing this but I'm new to sewing so excuse the wonked-up-ness)

Junketsu progress, fixed the eyes to be more symmetrical. I'm going to remake the armband as foam armor so that it's more rigid, and of course still need to finish the boots.

I know the box pleat in the front isn't 100% accurate, but I'm leaving it for various reasons. Other than that, con-crit is welcome.

>>7523436
Total noob question, I apologize, but how did you get the outlines around the accents? Embroidery machine?

>>7523457
diff anon, but it looks like a satin stitch. Which I'm not sure if it's accurate, but it does look neat.

>>7523457
Yup, satin stitch. While it's not 100% screen accurate, there's always a little room for interpretation, and I like how "clean" it is.

>>7523436
What material are you using? Some parts of it look thick. Not hating on it but, just curious.

>>7523436
Your Junketsu looks cross-eyed. It makes it look really stupid.

I like how you did the gold part, though.

>>7499218
Making slow progress.

>>7523436
Junketsu's kind of wall-eyed. It's a bit off-putting.

Also, I think you should probably add some support -- maybe foam -- to the epaulettes. They look like floppy fabric right now.

>>7523526
It's medium-weight twill.

>>7523538
>>7523582
Yeah, I'm still not 100% happy with the eyes, I'll definitely tweak them more before the con.

What would you suggest adding to the epaulettes? I don't want it to be too rigid or they won't fit to the body, but I agree that they could use a little more stiffness.

Just finished sewing this, now to find something to make comic-accurate claws instead of the movie version

>>7523724
Craft foam would probably work, or thin heat-form-able plastic. Epaulettes are meant to add dimension/boxiness to the shoulders, so you'd rather err on the side of more rigid as opposed to less.

My Havel's cosplay is almost complete!
The base is done, but there's LOTS of details missing, some parts to be adjusted.

>>7523724
Could you put shoulder pads underneath the whole lot?

>>7524061
Thanks, I have some extra craft foam from the hair things, so I might try that.

>>7524158
Shoulder pads is an excellent idea, there's definitely room in the dress for them! I'll probably try that first, thanks anon.

>>7524146
Oh my god... props to you man!!

Holy crap haven't been on here in I think ages now. Too busy with work and then this fucker.

Pics taken from saturday, everything is just about painted up and given a blackwash, shoulders are getting installed tonight. Hands will be Tuesday, Wed and Thursday is electronics and wrap up is Friday.

Saturday this thing will be a ten foot tall behemoth at my local comic book shop.
Its been... well a fucking journey, not one I'd like to repeat. There actually can be a thing as too much cosplay guys. And I think building this thing was my threshold. Off to much smaller projects and prop making after this.

>>7524146

>People going up to you and trying to push you down to check your poise

Be prepared.

>>7524208
I really hope they don't.
If i happen to fall down, there's no way i can get up by myself.

>>7524208

Not him, but I've only done armor cosplay once. Is this a thing? Do people do this?

>>7524199
Omg please tell me you'll be at Metro Con I've love to meet you in person. This looks amazing.

>>7524146
>>7524199
These both look great! What base material are you using?

Stopped working on this project because I started having rl issues. Now that everything has died out I can get back into working on junk. My excitement wearing the rest of this outfit just got tripled with the announcement of the ffxiv fan fest being in my city. So tonight I finished coating the book, added the last resin jewel, and started on the little details. It's almost there~.

>>7524199
Nucking futs!
How much are you getting paid?

>>7524754
People (mostly girls) do walk up and give you hugs (guys settle for handshakes). Thankfully, most people ask before they hug me.
One time, some person in a Domo costume came out of nowhere and tried to glomp me when I was posing for a camera in my first armor cosplay, Zaku II. Considering the big feet, my foot is bad and I nearly lost my balance and fell.
I did actually trip fall flat over in my Geara Zulu cosplay, but that's a different story.

>>7524146
>>7524199
These are friggin awesome!! These are two that I've been looking forward to seeing in particular.

>>7524199
Glad to finally see it come together. Good work man :)

>>7525513
>>7525569
>>7525862
>>7525870
>>7525906
Thanks everyone. Its mostly all EVA with a pvc skeleton in it. I've got some plywood (hip ring and feet for support and structure) as it needs to be a standee when not being worn. Yeah, some poor schmuck is gonna be in that thing. Luckily it's not gonna be me.
As for cons and what not. I dunno that'll all be up to the owner of the suit. After this weekend it's out of my hands, for which I am very thankful for.
>>7525615
That looks awesome btw. If I had more space on my bookshelves (sadly their all filled. I need more) I would make that myself.

As it stands I'm gonna try my hand at sculpting after this. Start making Lovecraft props as I'm a bigger fan than anyone has the right to be.

>>7525569

Havel here.
Im using EVA too.

>find a decent-sized foam block just sitting outside, not *too* beaten up
>OH BOY, IT'S PROP TIME
>decide to try Link's master sword from OoT, no fancy details or anything, but really wacky proportions
>manage to make a decent paper cutout
>cut outline in foam
>start by trimming the bulk of the foam off
>manage to make the "wings" without breaking them

>handle snaps off when I try to shape the hilt
The fury of a thousand suns.

>>7525933
Thank you. It's sits so awkwardly on my shelf so I just put it sideways on top of everything. It was really fun to make. besides using an x-acto knife cutting the details out of my Worbla, that killed my wrists.

>>7526413
I don't want to hate on you, but it doesn't look like it would have turned out so hot anyway...

I cut out Boudicca's belt from funfoam, and I'm stabilizing it with some scrap muslin, and I started work on the hilt for her dagger.

>>7526757
It was barely past the initial cutout stage. After being fully shaped, sanded, finished, and painted, it would (probably) look completely different.

I didn't have high expectations anyways, I knew it wouldn't be anywhere near perfect.

>>7526413
shoulda used a foam cutter hoo boy

>>7512275
>>7516476

>Crimson Fists

Forgive me if I'm wrong, but you've posted this on other boards, or at least earlier versions, correct?

>>7497768

So I'm now remaking the blade on this guy, and I heard red oak (blindsquirrel props) and poplar (as noted by another anon here) are good hardwood candidates for prop swords.

I picked up a board of each wood and after cutting out a blade blank from the red oak, I realized it was warped--leaning to one side towards the end. I then checked the uncut poplar board and it was also warped.

Is this normal? Or is home improvement store wood (Lowe's, Home Depot) shit-tier? Do you woodworking guys just live with this or do you have a specialty place you buy lumber from?

I googled a bit and apparently those stores use a crappy kiln drying process that warps the wood as a result of overdrying, and air-dried is better. Don't know where I can get that though.

Granted it's not really visible unless you look along the blade or place it on flat concrete, which will be never. And it won't show on photos.
But for something I want to hang on my wall or the like, and especially for a katana, it's a bit irking.

>>7527646
Poplar anon here. Generally that happens when the boards have been stored upright for too long. I always check for it, and am guilty of doing it myself. It can often be fixed by laying it on a flat surface with a heavy weight on it. I typically put it on the garage floor and stick my tool case in the middle for a week.

>>7527654
Noted. Will sandwich it between a bunch of MDF boards and a toolbox now. I figure it's worth a shot. If it doesn't work, oh well.

2 AM is a great time to work on Pants. Hopefully I'll be done by the morning and will be able to work on Giorno's jacket over the weekend. I have the Chest Ladybugs sculpted and sanded. I just need to get around to building the mold and then I can resin cast those.

Should be done with time to spare for Fanime, assuming my wigs get here in time and I have adequate time to style. And if not I could always just put on a black bob and say it's a Haruno Shirobana cosplay.

Pardon the shitty cellphone shots and trashed workspace

Went to JoAnns today, bought material to begin my latest project, Han Solo, and then took advantage of the fact that McCalls patterns are on sale right now, 5 for $7, to pick up some patterns for both personal use and future costumes.
Starting with the pants, as you can probably tell. Thank god for the Star Wars fandom being as anal retentive about costuming as they are, and having resources for literally everything, never would have known Han Solo's pants were made of denim otherwise, I would have assumed it was twill.
Brown foam is for the holster, going to be treating it to look like leather.

Just painting the face plate for another bug monster plushy commission. The eyes are a really shiny purple in person, it's pretty exciting.
The pincers are going to be white, but I'm finishing up the darker paints first.

Quick question about worbla, help thread autosaging. How much does gessoing/wood gluing it at the end smooth out imperfections? I'm referring to the subtle little dents and stuff (not the texture or really big ripples/marks), just wondering if I should bother smoothing out all of them so it's perfect or if that process will take care of it.

Here is my wig progress on my twilight Princess Zelda wig. Now that pax east is over I think I'm going to sew some more highlights into it

>>7529399
I agree with sewing in the highlights. For the braid at the bottom, I suggest starting out with a french braid style instead of tying it off like that.

>>7529399
I agree with adding in the highlights. I also suggest not tying the braid at the top so it can have more volume

>>7529399
Isnt that color too dark? Zelda is blonde/dark blonde in that game.

>>7529520

her hair is much more brown in Brawl, but in Twilight, it's the same, but she has lighter highlights in the front

>>7529399
I hate to say it since you already have that string(?) on there, but you should straighten out the tops so they're not so puffy

Hand painting this is the best and worst idea. Although appliqueing would have been just as painstaking. Got the back one to do yet. Gonna start that tomorrow. My brain needs a rest.

>>7523436
yeah, the eyes need a lot of work even though it looks like you already satin stitched it down. They should be more centered within each color.

>>7523322
Very cute! The world needs more AC! :)

Just a suggestion - the next time you are top-stitching with felt or fleece (like with your purple circles), there is no need to turn under the edges because the fabric doesn't ravel. Just cut out your shape, slap it on, and sew. Then you can trim the edge extra close to your stitch line. It will look super clean!

I still have some fixing and blending on the bangs to do once I get another wig head but decided to work on my Satsuki wig and do another makeup test with it. Also, I have learned doing you're own bangs is not easy. At all.

>>7529735
dang that would have looked a lot better. live and learn I guess.

>>7529898
Needs more eyebrows.

>>7529541
I want to make Wander as well for a game con coming up. I was thinking about doing painting too. This looks amazing. I like it, because it has that worn looking, gradient look to it. I hope to see your finished costume soon. Not enough SOTC cosplayers.

>>7497863
I want to do an armoured costume, but I've never worked with any kind of foam or anything before so I've been looking up all kinds of guides. It's not very detailed or fancy armour, aside from a fuck-huge pauldron/neck-tumour, but I'm still not sure what kind of material I want to go for.

Whatever you are using looking like it'd be perfect. What is it and how are you shaping it? Heat I'm assuming, but specifically what? Sorry to bug you about it, but yours looks fantastic.

>>7530269

It's EVA foam, commonly known as gym mat floor foam, garage floor foam, etc., and basically denser than craft foam (craft foam is also EVA foam). Don't mistake it for camping or yoga foam, though; they're different and don't work well for cosplay/props iirc.
It's a staple in cosplay/prop making. Usually come in giant 46"x93" 1/4" thick sheets, or 1/2" thick puzzle-piece style mat packs (I notice you're euro by "armoured," so sorry for not using metric). Over here in the states, you can get them in department stores/sports stores like Sears, Big5, Lowers, etc.
Craft foam you'll find at craft stores on the other hand you can find in thicknesses from 2mm-5mm iirc. The three stars on my chest are made with 3mm [eva]craft foam.

I heat form it with a heat gun, but I think a blow dryer works also, just not as fast. Keep in mind since it's not rigid/a foam, it'll only keep its "general" bend (unlike heat forming a plastic), unless you glue it down to something else while bent already.

Additional info:
-hot glue is the staple glue for eva foam
-always use fresh utility blades/razors for clean cuts
-use a cutting board for clean cuts
-you'll need to seal it first before priming/painting it since it's porous; diluted white/wood/pva glue applied with a foam brush works and is cheap. Though there are other more expensive methods with even better end finishes (plastidip, etc.) I use Mod Podge, which is a lot like pva glue, but runnier so it doesn't need diluting, and isn't that more expensive.
-use nylon web straps and plastic buckles to attach separate pieces together. consider velcro for some parts too (I put on that lower torso like a skirt, except instead of a zipper, it's velcro).

Hope this helps.

>>7497822
This looks so damn good. I would kill for a crafting area in my apartment.

>>7530403
But yeah, it's nice to work with since it (and everything you use to work with it i.e. hot glue, razors, etc.) is easily available and affordable from said stores; no need to order online like other special materials, so if you're nearing a deadline and need more, you aren't screwed. Or if you want to make something on a whim, it's always available somewhere. And if you make a mistake, no biggy, just try again. It's forgiving. Whereas if you make a mistake on something rigid, well, prepare for some huge time delays.

It's the first thing I ever used for prop making. I used it to make a set of 3D maneuver gear last year. Pic related.

>>7530422
Well I'm a car guy and I had to kick my car out of the garage to suffer in the sun and dust ever since I got into cosplay so it kinda hurts still, lol.

>>7530403
>>7530432
That is exceptionally helpful, thank you. I was actually looking at Best Step from Sears earlier but wasn't sure if that was the correct kind. I tried looking at craft stores but the sections were way too small to cover some of the areas I was going to need for the design.

I don't have a heat gun, but I think I can borrow a blow dryer from someone. I figured that supports or a frame would be required for the area around the neck anyhow. I have no idea how I'm going to do that and keep it lightweight enough to not be a pain. Wire frame sandwiched between two sheets? Might be too bulky then. I guess trial and error it's going to have to be.

Is it possible to seal and paint the interior as well? Because of the design both the back and front are going to be highly visible in places. I'm not sure how strange the that print is going to look. The guides I'd seen like this one
http://entropyhouse.com/penwiper/costumes/helmsdeep.html
mention metallic paint is going to be flaky as fuck and recommend something called Rub-b-Buff. Do you know if your choice sealant would work well with that?

I probably should have chosen something way simpler as a first armour related project but hey, I've got almost nine months to fuck up and retry before I intend to wear this out anyhow and like you mentioned it's relatively cheap and easy to find is a huge plus. Again, you've been a huge help.

>>7530432
That looks damn good. You made it from EVA foam? Also, is that a spring in there?

Yeah, I'll probably make a trip to home depot soon-ish to build my crafting tool collection.

>>7530403
Eva foam is also used for orthopedic shoe inserts, so it definitely holds it's shape.

>>7530454
Yeah, everything on the boxes is eva foam except the gas tank and blades. And yeah, that's a spring in there, lol. That gear is retired though. I use gear made of sintra now. Pic related.
Have fun with your tool-getting. Hurts at first, but worthy investment. Always use the right tool for the right job... unless you wanna botch up your work (like I used to for non-cosplay shit. Thank god I grew out of that before I got into cosplay or I'd have a history of being a mess lol).

>>7530457
Interesting. I think some they make sandals out of them too. Thing is, it'll always hold its factory shape, but never its heat-formed shape in my experience. I've tried heat-forming it to the point of being burned and warped (and smelled; yeah protip, burning foam is toxic, beware). Didn't really hold its shape any better than with less heat.

>>7525615
you're cosplaying a summoner?? ah I love it!! i'm cosplaying SMN too later in the year, in the Myth gear doublet. really looking forward to it. there's a few of us and we're going to learn the manderville and the harvest dance. what server are you on?

>>7530472
That looks great. And thanks very much for the encouragement on my tool adventures.

>>7530447
>>7530447
G-g-god damn, the armor in that pic!

Yep, Best Step is EVA foam, and everything else that looks and feels like it.
Though I noticed not all large-mat eva foam is equal, despite having the same texture. I bought some $17 foam at Ross, and it cut like shit compared to a same-size, same-texture, same color (but different brand) $25 foam at Big5 that cut waaaay cleaner, and felt more dense/solid despite being the same thickness.
The green trim pieces on my armor also cut way cleaner, but sadly I haven't seen those for awhile (got it at Ross also). Of course, you can always just run through fresh blades.

Heat gun is not too expensive--$20 and goes a long way (you can use it to melt hot glue on two joined pieces from mistakes, it can reach a high enough temperature to shrink the pores/foam cells in the eva foam for better sealing (look up docholiday78's method for prepping eva foam at therpf: http://www.therpf.com/f78/docs-foam-fiberglass-work-mark-42-painted-pieces-149883/index8.html#post2407639)), and later on heat forming plastics, etc.). Of course if budget is tight, understandable. $20 can buy you another giant eva foam roll instead.

As for your neck supports, I might use some pvc pipe. Then again, I've never worked on something that big that it'd need supports. Not sure on that one.

>>7530447
cont.

Never sealed the interior/stepping side before, but I think it's already sealed, since eva foam is also meant to be easily cleaned. I'd experiment--seal, prime, paint, and clear one scrap piece's stepping side, and just prime and paint the other scrap piece. Then stress-test the shit out of it to see its limits.
I've never had paint flake off my foam before though; you'd have to rip a chunk off the foam itself. This is assuming at least 3 coats of pva glue/mod podge. 1-2 coats I've heard and seen does flake under stress/when bent though, but it's not the paint flaking, but the sealant/glue itself.
Rub n Buff does wonders imo on smooth, rigid surfaces. Not so much foam. It works like a wax; you have to buff it really fast to heat-activate it; otherwise, it'll just roll up on itself. And if you do manage to get it on, the finish might not be even, so even more buffing to do.

> I've got almost nine months to fuck up and retry before I intend to wear this out anyhow
Plenty of time, just try it out/experiment if you can't find info on it. Experimenting on foam is cheap.

>>7530494
Here's somewhere I used Rub n Buff: the backboard for my window and spring, so it gives an illusion of there being spare blades inside.
It's just Rub n Buff on white foam board hot glued behind the spring. Weighs nothing, but looks convincing. Fragile, but out of harm's way anyway.

>>7530502

Forgot to mention, Rub n Buff will rub off eventually if it's handled a lot, and will get on everything it contacts. iirc, Future floor wax can seal it (as well as other metallic/chrome paints without dulling it), but I've never gotten around to trying it. So I wouldn't use Rub n Buff on handles and stuff.

>>7529933
Thank you very much :) Yea i built up the paint 3 layers and then just left it, i'll probably go back with some blacks browns to maybe shade but i'll kinda see once i get closer to finishing this piece. It'll be a slow process. I should hopefully have most of this done later this year. I've got acen in a couple of weeks so i wont be working on it much then. And yea there's definitely not an abundance of SOTC cosplayers. Such a beautiful game.

Detangling and restoring my old clip on ponytail, and I am so fucking proud. Left side is done, right side is not. The fibers are supposed to be straight, the lumpiness on the right side is from a combination of knots and being left braided for far too long. It's still pretty frizzy, but after I'm done detangling it, it's going to get a fabric softener bath to de-frizz.

>>7530475
Yup summoner it is~ I was thinking drg but that is too much armor and I am still new to that. I'll post what I have done for the horn and outfit when I get home. I love all of the dances, they kind of remind me of the monster hunter emote dances. My sister and I play on Faerie, but my Legacy is on Excalibur.

How would I go about making this coat? And I mean the wet effect.
I thought about using iridescent red/black taffeta and clear pvc on top to recreate both the color and the feel.
Opinions?

>>7491473
LET THE DRAMA BEGIN

Wasn't there another WIP thread?

>>7491486
Materials used to make this armor? Very impressive!

>>7536690
i have no advice for you, but i am SO excited to see your cosplay!! where are you planning on wearing it? i'm sorry that i don't have anything constructive to say

Got the shield's base coats painted. Now I have to paint the design and do shading on the silver border.

>>7539501
Thanks! I used EVA foam like the other anons were talking about, but I do it in my own way. Since this armor is very worn and damaged I figured I should use tools and materials that would give me a rougher look.

>>7539602
And here's a pic I got last weekend of the painted armor being worn with the cape.

I ordered all my foam from this website: http://www.foamorder.com/closedcell.html

I much prefer these 40x80 inch sheets over the dumb diamond cut puzzle mats. That's how I got big enough pieces for the shield after all.

>>7524146
Oh yeah, and this shit is fan-fucking-tastic. I would parry your huge rod all day man, no homo.

Current progress on my Kaiba coat. Need to finish the shoulders, collar and bottom hem + wire braid to make all that fabric flare out

Slightly unhappy with my front hems but it's my first time working in faux-leather, so I'll have to improve on that next time.

Last pieces of my Dallas cosplay are coming together. Still trying to get a con safe weapon.