Cosplay Creation! Demon Hunter Days 19 - 22

So, since I was working like crazy to finish my costume, I had to set aside the blog updates.  And then it was convention time, and I just wore myself out with the excitement.  It was a great three days, but I'll get to that tomorrow.  For now, let me finish up the process of making this costume.  Get ready for a long one, as a lot of work happened in those last few days.

To make the corset, I cut apart the duct tape form I made into pattern pieces.  I spent a little time looking at corsets online to see where seams typically fall, drew lines onto the form based on those placements, and cut it apart.  I made sure to label the pieces things like front, middle front, etc.  I also put a few reference marks like where the bottom of the bust was so I could use that for pinning reference.  Since the shapes are very different looking once flattened, it helps for keeping things lined up.

Since this was my first time to do this, and it's a home made pattern, I wanted to make sure it would turn out well before committing it to the actual fabric.  I took some other fabric, deciding it could be the lining in the event that it turned out well, and set the pieces out on it.  I used chalk to outline the pattern, adding about a quarter inch border for seam allowance.  I also wrote notes right onto the pieces to make sure it was all pinned correctly.

I pinned the edges together, stitched it up, and tested it out.  Aside from needing a little excess taken off the back panel, it seemed to be just right.  With a sigh of relief, I pulled out the fabric I had chosen for the outside.

I repeated the same steps as above, cutting and pinning the pieces from some slick red fabric.  And because of its slickness, I worked slowly and used extra pins to keep things from sliding around on me.  With a little patience, I got it stitched up just fine.

Now, I wasn't making a true corset, but I did want to give it a little structure.  It helps to keep things from sliding and shifting while it's on you.  I took a strip of fabric, folded it in half, and ironed the fold into it to make it easier to work with.  This is what I used for the 'boning' casing.  I also pressed open the seams on the lining so I could use them as a guideline for where the casing would go.  I pinned it in place, then stitched along either side, making a pouch for the boning.

Or rather, for the zip ties.  Now, for true support, you'd want something heftier for your boning, but I just needed to keep the garment in shape, not myself.  I grabbed a pack of long zip ties from the dollar store, cut them to length, and slid them in the casing.  A stitch along top and bottom of the casing keeps them in place.

I ended up in full focus mode at this point, so unfortunately I don't have pictures for these steps.  Essentially what followed was I put the right sides of both the lining and outside together, pinned them along the top and bottom edges, and stitched them together.  I also figured out how much needed to be taken away from the back panel, and stitched the edges along the back.  Then it was time for the scariest part of the whole thing.

Rivets.  I have never done rivets.  My mother, who more or less taught me everything I know about sewing, has never done rivets, and therefore could only cheer me on about doing these rivets.  Do you know why rivets are scary?  Because after all the work to make the piece, now little holes have to be cut into it.  With cheers from my mom, and a little liquid courage, I marked out the placement, and took a stitch ripper to my freshly sewn corset...

After about an hour and a half of sweating and heartburn, I successfully hammered 14 of the little buggers along the edges.  The trick was cutting just a teeny-tiny bit at a time, and testing to see if you could force the rivet through.  I can't say how scared I was that I was going to accidentally over cut and have this hole in my nearly complete garment.  But I made it, and with the completion of this thing, I think I earned a good amount of XP.

Here's the front...

...and the back.  I used some cord I got from the ribbon section of a craft store.  I also decided to stitch some straps onto it.  I wasn't going to be super cinched, and I didn't want to worry about slippage.  I'm really pleased with how it turned out!

I also stitched up a hood and a scarf.  I didn't document the process as there wasn't much to it.  I just used a hoodie to trace a pattern on paper so I knew the size and shape would be right, traced it onto the red fabric and a lining fabric, and stitched it all together.  The scarf was as easy as getting a long rectangular shape, and stitching the edges to look nice.

Costume components more or less done at this point (late Thursday morning), I was feeling quite a bit of relief.  Feeling lucky, I decided to race the clock and make myself a weapon prop.

The method I saw the most used on Pinterest involved expanding foam.  Apparently it's popularity stems from how lightweight it is.  Useful for when you're carrying it around all day.

The first thing I did was sketch out a design on construction paper.  I created a guide for the stock and bow part of my crossbow.  I traced them onto cardboard, duplicating the stock a couple times.  Once cut out, I taped them together for a little more support.

The bow part got taped to a coat hanger I cut apart and reshaped.  I cut a notch into the two pieces where they would connect, slid them together, and used more tape.

I was now in possession of a pretty neat cardboard crossbow.  If I hadn't been feeling so ambitious, I might have just slapped on a layer of paper mache, painted, and called it a day.  Instead I broke out the expanding foam.

Spraying it onto the structure was pretty fun.  It starts poofing up right away, so I didn't know how much more it would poof up.  I set it aside to harden enough to turn, and came back to find that the answer was 'a lot'.

I kept adding in stages until the whole thing was covered.  I now know I could have used much less, but that's okay.  After waiting anxiously for it to cure as the clock ticked, it was time to start carving.

Most tutorials I saw used a box cutter.  I pulled out a Ginsu steak knife.  I think that pumpkin carving tools would be another good way to go.  Anyways, I started carving, aiming to get a rough shape, which I would then refine further.

This is more or less what I ended up with.  Now, at this point, it's Friday night, I'm home from my first day of the convention, and wishing I had one more day.  But I didn't, so I just pressed on.  I refined the shape just a little more, but I needed to get it prepped for paint.  

Since paper mache takes a while to try, I opted for a layer of Mod-Podge and tissue paper.  The trickiest part was using enough to counter-act the foam's tendency to absorb it, but not so much as to have a wet mess that would take ages to dry.  Once it was covered, I stuck it in front of a fan and chewed a couple Tums as I waited for it to dry enough to paint.

By the time 2am rolled around, I had a serviceable weapon.  While I would have liked to refine it more, I'm pretty happy with how it turned out given this was my first attempt at this method, and the very small amount of time I gave myself to do it.  The arrow is made out of a smoothie straw and foam, by the way...

Anyways, that's the bulk of the work.  During waiting periods on the crossbow, I added straps to the various pieces, and I threw a belt together out of leftover craft foam.  I simply cut out shapes, painted them, and added slits to slide a belt through.  

Exhausted and excited at the same time, I went to bed to get what little sleep I could before it was time to get up and get dressed...

Cosplay Creation! Demon Hunter Day 17 and 18

The last couple of days have been very productive.  And there's still plenty of time to do more today.  But I figured since I've got things drying, I'd go ahead and post the progress I've made.

I decided I did like the new way I was making the bracers, so I proceeded to make the second one and embellish.  I went with two different designs just for interest.  I also punched some holes along the sides.  Eventually I think I'll add rivets, but for now they'll lace up just fine as they are.

The next thing that needed to be addressed was texture.  Because some of my pieces need to be able to bend, paper clay isn't going to be a good finish.  However, I still need irregularities in the surface to catch the antiquing finish and give it the right look.  So I grabbed some napkins, ripped them up, and started applying them to the surface.

The trick is to apply them in a way that they aren't just smoothed on.  I moistened the surface, placed the piece on top, then dotted on top, leaving little 'puffs'.  Then I continued dabbing at it until I had it as flattened as I could without losing the texture.

I did the same on the bracers with Mod-Podge instead of paper mache paste.  I think I might like this better as it kind of sealed it up as it dried.

Texturing dry, I primed, spray painted, primed again, colored, then antiqued.  I'm really pleased with the final look.  The anticipation of putting everything on is driving me to a frenzy to finish.

Needing a break from paint and paste, I decided to get constructing my corset pattern.  I wrapped up myself with cling wrap, grabbed my husband and got taped up.  I just did half of my body since both sides will be the same.  Careful not to cut my bra, we cut through the exposed cling wrap, and I drew some guidelines as to where to cut the pieces apart.  This will be tomorrow's big project as soon as I clean up where I've been paper mache-ing.

I also did some hood shape studying, and that's as simple as drawing out a shape on paper to use as a pattern.  I'm going to use a hood I already have as a guideline to make sure it's the right size.  Wish me luck for the last crunch!

Cosplay Creation! Demon Hunter Day 16

Work was a little on the rough side the last couple days.  Translation:  I have been coming home from work so tired that 'nap' doesn't really cover the state of unconsciousness I was in.  But yesterday after I woke up, I felt much better and got cracking on my cosplay. 

Leg covers have had strap loops added and a couple layers of paper mache.  The loops took a couple tries to place just right.  The first attempt placed them at the edges, but that was too close together to allow straps to be tied tightly enough to keep the covers in place.  Now they just need one more layer of paper mache, then they'll be ready for foam details, primer and paint.

Detailing has begun on the boot covers.  I think I'm going to keep them on the fairly simple side.  Just need paint and primer, then I'm going to use Velcro for the secures.

Finally, I scrapped the previous attempt at a bracer and started over.  It just wasn't working.  Since I have plenty of the thinner foam, I decided to try that in lieu of the thicker stuff I was using.  It forms around my arm much more comfortably.  I added some additional strips to the sides for strength, and next I'm going to punch some holes and thread them with cord.  If I like the result, I will duplicate it and add detail.

Between today, tomorrow, and Monday, I think I'll be able to get a huge chunk of work done if I just keep focused.  The fact that I want to be wearing this in one week is a big driving force, so I definitely have motivation.  Now to grab some fuel and get to work!

Cosplay Creation! Demon Hunter Day 14 and 15

I'm really feeling like it is coming together.  Is there still a lot to do in the next week?  You bet!  But I think of how much I've completed and learned, and don't feel too daunted by it.  Let's look at what's been done.

The first thing was to spray paint the trim.  I chose a hammer finish metallic paint in dark bronze.  Now, obviously way more than the trim  got hit in the process since I didn't tape.  I figured I would just be painting over it anyway.  Problem was, the slick finish did not want to allow a coat of acrylic paint over it, so I did a quick coating of primer, and waited once more for it to dry.

Once it was ready, I gave it a coat of red.  I've got to say, I felt a little nervous right here.  The bright red against the bronze just wasn't doing it for me.  But since I knew it wasn't done yet, I kept moving forward.   

Red paint dry, it was time to start dirtying it up.  I mixed black paint with antiquing medium, brushed it on, and used a paper towel to wipe it down.  One coat, and I was already seeing a big difference, but it wasn't quite there yet.

A second coat really did the trick.  The red was nicely dulled, the crevices had a pretty good build up, and it just looked much more Diablo-ish.  After working in a third coat into certain crevices, I felt like it was good to go.

A little closer shot to show the paint better.  The only thing I think it could use is a coat of a matte effect medium on the red to take some of the shine off, but I'm not worried if I don't get to that.  Plus it isn't so obviously shiny when it isn't right under a light.

Now I've just got to get the rest of my pieces to this point, and I'll be ready to cosplay.  Now that I've got a better mastery of the techniques I think it should go faster.  Trim needs to be added to boot covers and wrists, then prime and paint.  Legs needs to go from paper mache to paint.  Appropriate buckling needs to be added to all of those.  It seems like a lot, but with the varying stages everything is at, I can bounce from project to project while things dry.

Well, I got my work cut out for me, so wish me luck!

Cosplay Creation! Demon Hunter Day 13

Alright!  The good news?  I had a pretty productive day.  The bad?  Not exactly the productive that I wanted.  But still, I got another good chunk of stuff done, so I suppose I can't complain too much.

The first thing I did was get started on priming.  I put down my tarp, which is just a two dollar shower liner I picked up at Walmart or something, and broke out my paint brush.  One layer had pretty good coverage, but I knew doing a second would be best.  This is where I got derailed.  

Reading the back of the can, I found that the amount of time recommended between coats was four hours.  Ouch.  I've learned from experience, though, that not waiting enough time can make it gummy, which only increases drying time in the end.  I waited the hour for it to be dry to the touch, gave the inside a coat, and worked on something else for the time being.

That something else was leg pieces.  I sat with some aluminum foil and a roll of duct tape to make the base structure.  I did this with my boots on and with the muscle contracted to it's largest point to make sure I'd have room to move.  Once both legs were all wrapped up, I was eager to get them off. 

I gave my husband a pair of scissors, and while he carefully cut down the back, I said a fervent prayer that I never break a limb.  Being wrapped up like that was hot!  Hopefully having them over pants will help as there will be a buffer between them and my skin.

By the time I finished wrapping, eating something, and taking a little snooze, it was time to paint the second coat.  You can see how much better it looks for it.  While it would be dry before bed, I have no plans on going outside and spray painting in the dark.  That will be for when I get home from work.  And then the real fun begins!

Cosplay Creation! Demon Hunter Day 12

As planned, I got a good night's sleep, drank some coffee, and got to work.  And I've got to say, I'm happy with both the progress and results.  Decorating is something I've loved doing for a long time, so it was easy to get into the groove of the creation process today.

I continued adding embellishment to the chest.  The nice thing about the paper clay is it provided a good sketching surface.  I was able to draw out ideas for line work right onto it.  If I didn't like it, I could erase and try something else.  Once I was happy with it, I cut the shapes out of craft foam, and glued them in place.

My goal was to fake a more layered look without actually layering pieces on top of each other.  I think between the edging and how I paint it, it should pull it off fairly well.

I should probably note the type of glue I used for this.  It's mosaic glue, and it glues pretty much anything to anything.  The tube I'm working with I actually bought over ten years ago for a project.  It has mostly just kicked around in my arts and crafts drawers, but every so often I have a project that needs it's special services.  I've used it on fabric, ceramics, felt, beads, feathers, glass, all sorts of things.  It's awesome.

Back to the project at hand!  I wanted to add some trim work to the shoulders.  For this I cut out narrow strips of foam, and glued them along the edge.  I used a couple of chip clips to hold the foam in place as I worked.  It was helpful to allow me to work longer areas without having to stop and hold for the glue to set. 

I also wanted some raised lines, but didn't want to have to deal with foam for it.  My solution was fabric paints.  This probably would have been best with the puffy type, but I didn't have any and wasn't inclined to run out and buy it.  This is another one of those items I've had just kicking around forever from some long ago project.  I'm kind of glad I never throw any of my art supplies out as I always seem to find a use for it eventually.  Anyways, I found that three layers gives it the amount of dimension I want.

These are the current results.  Tomorrow I plan on coating them with primer and beginning the painting process.  If it weren't for the fact that it just doesn't feel like a fit for demon hunter armor, I'd probably leave the color as is.  I think it's pretty cool.  But I think the paint scheme I have in mind should work out pretty well, and I'm excited to see it come to life.  Another good night's sleep, and I can get to work on it.  Until next time!

Cosplay Creation! Demon Hunter Day 9 Through 11

Alright, so I've been battling the general tiredness that's been plaguing me by reminding myself that the convention is fast approaching (two more weeks!).  I have this weekend for a major work period, and happily have a three day weekend next week, so I can get stuff wrapped up.  The last few days of work haven't been overly exciting, but progress is progress.

First of all, I got more of the paper mache clay applied, and did some sanding.  It dries so hard, it's a little tough to do, but I was able to knock off some of the roughness.  My pieces feel more durable, and have a smoother form.  After trying them on, I found they were still comfortably light.

The next thing I did was start working on bracers.  I decided to test out a technique I found involving heating craft foam and forming it into shape.  I took some heavier craft foam, cut it down into a rough shape, and super carefully heated it over one of my stove burners as I don't have a heat gun.  Seeing as you don't want to heat it hotter than is safe to touch, I simple draped it over my arm and held it in place. 

I'm still deciding how I feel about this technique and whether or not I'm going to stick with this.  It's a little scary to do, to be honest with you, so this is a try at your own risk.  While puzzling out what course of action I want to take, I moved onto the part I've been most excited to start.

Aesthetic work!  I want to add some additional dimension and clean up some of the lines and shapes.  Taking more craft foam, I've been cutting out pieces and gluing them on.  Once they are in place, I'll prime and paint.  Speaking of which...

I went to Home Depot fully prepared to drop about ten bucks just on one of those little tins of primer.  As I was walking into the area, I noticed a cart with some paint cans in it.  I almost walked right on by, until I saw the sign on it.  "Oops Paint.  Clearance."  Hellooooo...

I peeked into the cart, fully expecting to see nothing but really horrible colors.  To my surprise and joy, I saw a few smaller cans, one of which was in a fairly light color.  Bingo.  Perfect for my needs.  And the cost?  Two bucks?!  Sold!  I couldn't believe what a great deal I was getting.  I definitely recommend watching out for this if you simply need a paint to act as a base coat.

Well, that's all the progress I've got for now.  My plan is to get a good night's sleep, make a pot of coffee in the morning, and go full force.  Hopefully I'll have quite a few awesome things to post by weekend's end.  Later folks!