Well, I've shared my Ranma cosplay with you, but I just realized I never shared my FIRST-EVER cosplay! Gomen nasai...
My first cosplay project was Akasuna no Sasori, of Naruto Shippuden fame. It actually wasn't very complicated. My boyfriend ordered the Akatsuki cloak from Ebay. I couldn't find a cheap Gaara or Sasori wig, so I went to my local costume shop and found a Columbia wig, from the movie Rocky Horror Picture Show. For pants, I just wore plain black capris. I couldn't find a way to make the sandals, so I simply wore black flipflops. Seeing as I'm a girl, I had to wear a shirt under my cloak. Looking back, I wish I'd made a couple of small puppets to have carried around. I also wish I'd found a way to make the shinobi shoes...Well, here are some pictures!
DDR's kind of hard in that cloak...
I was even able to do the black cowl! However, that one only works because it's a close-up. I did it in my room at college, after the debut of the Sasori costume. I used a black Halloween cape...
For my next project, I've completed a female Ranma Soutome (Ranma 1/2) costume. I'll be wearing it at A2F V, which is November 20-22. I've posted pictures on this World already. I've also completed a Rosiel costume (Angel Sanctuary)
If any of you Otakuites plan on coming to A2F V, PM me, and we'll see about meeting up. I'd love to meet some of you!
Well, stay classy, Otakuites, and happy playing!
Excel~
Hey, everyone! This week's feature is a guide on how to make Deidara's eyepiece. Before I begin, I'd like to point out that this is not the only way to make the eyepiece. However, it is the only way I know how. I got the instructions from Hiron, on YouTube. All credit goes to her.
- First, use the clay to make the base of the eyepiece. To do this, make a thin sheet from the clay (not too thin, though!) and using references from the internet, cut it to be the right shape and mold it to your face.
- Next, make a smaller sheet of clay and make the piece where the lenses go. Attach it to the base using water.
- For the lenses, you can use a red and a blue lego brick. Press them into the lense plate in the proper spaces (use reference found on the internet).
- You now need to make the "lense holders". To do this, make two small clay "sausages" and lay them around the lenses.
- Let your clay dry over night, or bake it in the oven (whatever the directions on the clay package says to do).
- When the clay is completely dry, you can paint it with miniature or model paint. Use the internet reference to do this.
- After you've painted it, you can attach it to the headband and use a large rubber band (which will wrap around your ear) to steady it.
Other Tips
- To help the clay stick to other parts of clay, slip and score both pieces where they will be attached. This is done by making scratches in the clay while it is still wet. You can use a toothpick to do this.
- DO NOT use pottery clay!! It is too heavy and will NOT work!! Believe me, I've tried this. Instead, opt for modeling clay or air-dry clay. Crayola makes a great brand.
- This is a great reference to use for the eyepiece. This will also work.
- Clay can be purchased at Wal-Mart, Hobby Lobby, or other craft stores.
- Miniature or model paint can be purchased at Hobby Lobby and other craft stores.
Well, that's all for now! As always, remember to take pictures of your cosplay! Document the experience. Learn from what you did. If something worked for you, share it! Or if it didn't work for you, find out why it didn't work and fix the problem. If you would like, I'll also be willing to feature your cosplay on this world. Just send me a couple of pictures (or links to them) and a description of the cosplay.
I'm also open to suggestions for the next guide or feature, as well as any questions. If I can't answer your questions, I can direct you to someone who can.
Stay classy, Otakuites, and happy playing!
Excel~
Hello, all! I have no feature this week, as I've been busy with work and took today off due to exhaustion. I just wanted to let you all know that soon, my friend will be joining theOtaku and guest posting on this world! I'm not sure when he'll be joining, but he said it should be soon. He's not much of an anime fan, but he does love video games. I asked him to join because he's created several mecha-type costumes, such as Iron Man and two sets of Halo armor. He's also found a way to create several Halo weapons, like the Gravity Hammer.
Aside from helping me with this world, he's got a lot to offer theO's creative community. He's an excellent writer. If you want to check out his fan fiction, you can find him here.
I hope you'll all give him a great welcome!!
Stay classy, Otakuites!
Excel~
Hey, just thought I'd post this here, too, though I already guest-posted it in Japan86's Cosplayer's Realm. I'm also trying to make up for the fact that I skipped 3 WHOLE WEEKS of posting on here!! *le gasp*
I've finished my female Ranma cosplay!! I actually finished it tonight! Well, except for her wrist bands, but those are optional (one would assume). So, I took pictures!
The shirt was made by my boyfriend Daku's neighbor, who is an AMAZING seamstress! The pants were bought at Wal-Mart. I actually had to buy an XL from the Boys' section, as the Women's section didn't sell any sweat pants with the elastic around the ankles. I've had the shoes for quite a few years, so I don't remember where I bought them. The belt is just a simple strip of black fabric. All I had to do for her hair was braid my own, which I do on a daily basis anyways. I'm going to go ahead and make the wrist bands, but I need to buy a set of snaps, so I have to wait. I don't have contacts YET, but I'll be getting them before A2F V.
Remember, I'm always open to suggestions for guides/features, questions, and featuring YOUR cosplay! Just send me a PM and we'll talk!
Well, stay classy, Otakuites, and happy playing!
Excel~
So, we're all anime and video game fans here, right? Then that means we've all seen those anime and video game characters with the wild and crazy hair. In anime and video games, the rule of "art imitating life" does not apply. Some of the heads of our most beloved characters are crowned with gravity-defying, mind-boggling manes, am I right? Let's face it: NONE OF US are born with such crazy 'dos! So how does one go about obtaining these funky styles? Read on, my friends.
- If your hair style is close to that of your chosen character, consider using styling gel or hairspray before splurging on a wig. As I've said before, wigs can be quite uncomfortable. For example, if you have slightly shaggy blonde hair, and you're planning a Cloud Strife cosplay, you can find a good gel or hairspray at your local Wal-Mart, Fred's, Target, or K-Mart.
- Consider a hair cut if your hair is the right color, but too long. Even after the cosplay, the change could be refreshing.
- What if your hair is curly, but the character's is straight, or vice versa? Most girls own either a straightener or a curling iron. If you don't own one yourself, borrow one from your mom, grandma, or other female guardian.
- So, your hair is the right length and style, but it's the wrong color. Try a spray-in color or temporary dye. These can be found for a fair price at Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Fred's, and Target, especially around Halloween. Hot Topic also sells a great brand of temporary hair dyes in a rainbow of wacky colors. Feeling more bold? Go for a permanent dye! However, before putting ANY hair color in your hair, PLEASE ask your parent or legal guardian for permission!! It is never good to anger those in power.
- If none of these options work for you, buy a wig. If you've got the money to splurge and you want your costume to look perfect, search for "[Character's Name] Wig". If you're tight on money or you want to save your money for the Dealer's Room or Artist Alley, though, consider searching for the color and style of the wig you want. Attaching the character's name to the wig will often yield only expensive results. I've stumbled across wigs that cost around $100, even!
Now, I realize it sounds like I'm against wigs. This isn't the case, folks! Heck, I own two, as I can't cut my hair short (due to it's frizzyness) and can't dye it (temporary dye hates my hair, probably the frizzyness). In my experience of wearing wigs around all day, I've come to the realization that they are a nuisance. They itch, they can be easily knocked off, and if they're long, they can get tangled and ruined.
As always, remember to take pictures of your cosplay! Document the experience. Learn from what you did. If something worked for you, share it! Or if it didn't work for you, find out why it didn't work and fix the problem. If you would like, I'll also be willing to feature your cosplay on this world. Just send me a couple of pictures (or links to them) and a description of the cosplay.
I'm also open to suggestions for the next guide or feature, as well as any questions. If I can't answer your questions, I can direct you to someone who can.
Stay classy, Otakuites, and happy playing!
Excel~
