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~
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, you're an anime fan, you're snooping around on the internet looking for pictures of your favorite characters, and behold! You come across images of real people dressed as your favorite character! What's this? Has your favorite character come to life? No, my friend, this is called cosplay.
Costume Roleplay, or just "cosplay" is a common phenomenon among fans of anime, manga, video games, and other such media. It involves the player dressing up in a costume representative of a character, or sometimes even an idea. One can find a myriad of cosplayers at any media convention such as anime and video game conventions.
Now that you know what cosplay is, you may have decided that you would like to partake in this fantasy world. Welcome, fellow player! Before simply jumping into this wonderful world, you may want to listen to a little advice from a veteran player:
- First, choose a character you know very well. Cosplay is not simply looking like the character, but actually acting like a character.
- Next, you'll want a full-body image of your character. There are Cosplay Nazis out there who will tear you to pieces if your costume is full of mistakes. Nothing can break your spirit like flack from a Cosplay Nazi. When going out to gather the items for your costume, you'll want to have a front, side, and back view image of your character so that you don't leave out any necessary items.
- Now you can go out and find those items! There are many cosplay resources on the internet. Sites such as Cosplay Magic and Cosplay.com offer a wide selection of cosplay costumes and accessories. However, sites like these usually have expensive items. If you don't have a large budget, try looking on eBay or Amazon for your items. Later, I'll do a feature on cheap cosplay.
- A lot of characters have wild and funky hair styles. You can find wigs at the cosplay sites, eBay, and Amazon, but there are also sites specifically geared towards wigs. Wigs.com and Best Wig Outlet offer a variety of wigs. However, not all characters require you to buy a wig. If your hair is very close to the character you've chosen and you can easily style your hair to match the character, it's best to save your money and skip out on buying a wig, as it would be unnecessary and itchy.
- Take pictures! Document your first cosplay and learn from it. Did something go wrong? Remember what went wrong, or what didn't work for you and build on it. Or, if it turned out great, remember that as well! Share your cosplay with your friends and fellow anime fans.
Now that you're acquainted with the world of cosplay, go out there and give it a try! If you'd like, you can PM me with your first cosplay. I'll even feature it if you want me to!
Stay classy, Otakuites, and happy playing!
Excel~
