Showing posts with label Steampunk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Steampunk. Show all posts

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Titan Hunter, To the Rescue!

My kids love the Attack on Titan anime series. Both of my daughters think of Mikasa Ackerman as the ultimate hero. So I was not surprised when my oldest girl wanted to create a cosplay of her. What did surprise me, was how involved my daughter chose to be in making it herself. And that is what made me the proudest! Personagem da Semana: Mikasa Ackerman

She even purchased the foamboard pieces herself. Then measured out the parts she wanted glued together to make the ODM (omni-directional mobility) gear. ODM gear in Attack on Titan explainedEmpty, clean Pringles chips cans made the gas canisters on top. Cut strips of faux leather made the straps that her belt could go through to hold the gear to her hips. She also cut the blades for the ODM and put slots into the box that the blades could slide in and out of with ease!

A little boy at the comic convention we went to, was absolutely thrilled to see her ODM gear!! It was an adorable moment. His dad just smiled and tried to pull him along so they could continue down the vendor aisle. 

She pulled out a pair of jeans and her boots - this was all done pretty short-notice, so she was working with what she had. Then she put on a plain white tank top. Now for those details up top. She took a thin belt and put it across her chest. Over that she had a jean jacket. To make sure it was noticeable that she was with the Training Corps, she had me print out the emblem they use so that she could draw her own!

This, we sewed to the back of her jacket so that she could later remove it. Since this is a jacket that she uses often and eventually she wanted to create a more authentic Mikasa cosplay, we wanted this to be temporary. 

She even cut and hemmed the skirt-like piece that went around her waist. Now, for that last crucial piece - the red scarf. If she had the time, I would have had her crochet it. But we were running short on time. So I had her cut an old shirt of mine instead. It wasn't finished, as in with a nice hem and even lines, but it still looked fantastic and even made her look as though she was battle-scarred a bit. 

I can't tell you how proud I was to have people recognize my daughter and congratulate her on her creation! Even one of the guys at the Cosplayers table praised her ingenuity. 

Her sister was equally dressed up as a Jurassic World Dino Caretaker! She wore her classic Jurassic Park tee-shirt, some leggings and booties, the badge I had made her for her birthday, and best of all - her two baby dinosaurs in a bag! She found others who shared her passion and was so happy to be able to take a picture with them. The lady on the left was wearing a Jurassic Park jacket.

And of course, I dressed up too! After all, I lead by example and never let a chance to become a character I love pass me by. Meet the time traveling pirate. I even had fake gems I had planned to hand out (but I spaced and totally forgot to!).

If we are able to, I'd love to go back in March. My husband, however, really wants to go to a bigger one. While this one was pretty neat, it was also a small-town con. Most of the vendors were 'cookie cutter' sellers. Basically, everyone had pretty the same things to sell as other vendors there. Very few were original. We shall see what the new year holds! In the meantime, I promise that I will keep you updated with new creations.

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

The Making of a Steampunk Chapeau

I love creating new cosplay pieces. Especially when I get to do so in my Steampunk styles. I have a couple extra hats that have been waiting for more, and I decided it was high time to get started. 

My husband has wonderful ideas! When I'm wanting to be creative, but my mind is flooded and I can't seem to find my kick-off, he is usually there with a great idea to jog my abilities. This time was no different. I wanted something unique. More than just a couple gears and some goggles. Steampunk has all kinds of designs though. And one can get lost in the rabbit hole! He said, "What if you did one with a cuckoo clock on the front?"

Well, there is something I don't think I have ever seen! I went searching online, with no luck. I also had difficulty finding tiny clocks. Thankfully, Thingiverse came into play with a 3D printable version that I thought would work just fine. Check out this one!

I printed one and set about to painting. The tiny details are so cool, but made for quite the challenge. Overall, I'm proud of it.
Of course, this one isn't complete without a clock on the front. Not a real one - that would take my husband's engineering skills to accomplish. Instead you could use a charm version. Or maybe a tiny bird... Like this one that I printed at 30% its original file size. I decided I preferred a bird instead. How adorable is this?!

I attached this to the front of the hat. It would be my centerpiece for this one.

I decided to find some feathers for this one. I mean after all, what glorious top hat doesn't have feathers? Who would have thought it would be difficult to find normal-looking feathers though?? I found these at the local Hobby Lobby for about $3. They were in the faux floral department. I trimmed the stem they came with and inserted them through the ribbon, as well as added some glue to keep them from falling out. Now that I have gotten to the end of decorating this particular hat, I have decided that I'm going to go get one more of these for the other side.
As you can see, I've also added in the gears that are ever so loved by Steampunk fans. But let's face it, I'm a lady. I want to show some bling. And what is more classic than pearls? So I took an old string of pearls that was a necklace (clasp broke), and added it to the brim.
It wasn't long enough to go around the entire brim, though. So I sewed on some single beads I had. I added pearls above the little chimney to look like smoke puffing out.
And finally, on the back of the hat, I added this piece that came off a headband we were given. No matter which angle you see me, it will be stylish!

While that one was waiting for more pieces...

I decided to go ahead and start the second hat. I wanted a nautical theme. So back to the 3D printer I went. This one came with goggles attached to it already. So, I knew I would be working around those.

I printed off this tiny pirate ship and set about to giving it a paint job. After all, black on black is hard to see.The ship and masts are a golden brown wood color now!
Then I printed this
ships' wheel with a mermaid figure emerging from it. I painted it brown to be as wood. Then gave her some silver scales scattered on her tail. But Steampunk needs some futuristic aspect, so I wanted a flying pirate ship too. Or something like a Yules Verne Nautilus submarine. So I chose this

Each piece received help staying in place by tacking them down with needle and thread. I would absolutely be devastated if while bowing the head, a piece fell off!

I used some of the glue to hold it steady, then thread and needle to actually tack it into place more firmly. As with the other hat, I needed to add some bling. So I took a pearl headband that didn't fit so well on my head, and attached it to the brim of the hat.
Then I added some gears with a rhinestone sewn in for good measure.
The only thing missing now are the feathers! Well, maybe some tulle at the back. Actually.... yeah, that sounds like a fitting finish. What do you think? Is there anything else I should have added or taken away even? Leave me a comment below! I'd love to get your insight. Until next time!

Saturday, March 25, 2023

Tiny House Details as Progress Continues!

The building continues on the tiny house that will be in our backyard. We now have all four walls standing.

I think this part was harder on us. Weather started to get warmer and it was a very slow process. My husband had to measure, cut, install, and repeat. Each. And. Every. Board. There was plenty of down time for the rest of us helping him. Kids were ready to quit at the first chance they were given. 

We also faced the first, and hopefully last, injury on this job. My husband says we need to use his hardhat next time to prevent such things from happening. This was the result of a hammer falling on my sons head.

We stopped progress after cutting the truss pieces that will hold up the roof. My husband is back at work, so building will have to stop too. We found that working when he came home was just too much strain on the family. We were neglecting other aspects of our lives.
We also decided that on days we are working, our cutoff time is 4PM. This way, we are not having late dinners. We are not cutting out other family time. We are not having to wait until the next day for showers. All these things that are important to us, we are keeping time for. If you are taking on a project, do your best to meet a deadline. However, don't sacrifice too much for it if you can help it. 

While we are not building outside, I'm still working on the finer details. We have secured the supplies to add electricity in the building. But rather than buy things like light switch covers and plug covers, I decided to print them on the 3D printer! Knowing that this will be my crafters shed after my in-laws move, I decided to get ones that are useful, yet decorative to both of us. 

Steampunk theme

My crafting shed will be in the steampunk style I love. So I printed one light switch cover with the gear theme.A good paint job gave it the detail I was looking for.

I also printed a cover for the electrical outlet that can hold their cell phone.

This will later be in the area that I want my workstation built in. Which means the tray will help me hold things as I work. 

Today is my husband's last day at work for the week. Progress on the roof and the inner closet will begin again! Our biggest struggle is figuring out the roof and proposed storage ideas in an attic design. But as we always do, we will take one step at a time. See you in the next update!

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

The Birthday Clock

I received quite the unique gift for my birthday this year. One that challenges me and required assistance from my husband. It was a wooden clock that had more pieces than I would have thought possible. And instructions that needed instructions to read. But it turned into a fun experience that my husband and I got to enjoy together. Especially since he loves clocks and engineering projects. 


This was the clock pre-build. ROKR Romantic Notes Wall Clock. There are many options to choose from when you run a search. The one I got has a counter weight mechanism. But also comes with the battery-operated clock piece. Lesson to the wise - the counter weight part requires weights to be added by you. They suggest coins. My husband and I laughed at this. Being in America, there are still issues with coin shortages. I'm thinking this product was most likely produced in another country that uses coins a lot more than we do here. But enough of that. Let's check out the clock, shall we? 

First things first, you can find this one on Amazon for about $60. So if you like what you see, get one for yourself! It really is fun. 

My husband kept entertaining me with his jokes and funny faces while we built the clock. I'd poke out the pieces and he put them together.

The kit comes with all the pieces you will need, plus a few extras of the more difficult pieces. Those are in case you pull them out and they break. There is white glue as well to help hold the pieces in place stronger, but we chose to use Crazy Glue to make it stronger. Those gear pieces you see in the above photo actually turn if the weight balance function is working. 

Like I said, they expect you to find something that will fit into the delicate weight capsule. It has to be a certain amount of grams though. We couldn't find anything to make that work, so ours is just for looks now.

As nice as it looks, these colors aren't my style. So I gave it a makeover. A little paint can make the big difference, don't you think? I tried to work in colors that make it really Steampunk style.

Overall, it was pretty cool. It is categorized as a wooden 3D puzzle. The pieces came out pretty easily. I think I had only 2 break, but there were replacements. And others just had a corner chip. Sturdy build once completed, and also includes a mount that you make. 

After I finished painting it, we decided to go ahead and remove the counterweight system. It was useless and just got in the way. I don't think the clock loses any of the aesthetic. What are your thoughts? I'd love to hear from you! Until next time <3

Friday, January 27, 2023

Cosplay for Every Day - Nerding It Up!

I've been testing out my abilities to create an everyday cosplay look. Something that can be worn in normal day style, but shows off my nerdy tendencies. I've surprised myself with some of the little things I have come to find in this. First of all, I didn't think my wardrobe would match my ambitions. It is pretty limited. However, it has given me a challenge and rise to match it. Second, it is pretty simple to do! Here are some simple styles I have been using.Let me know your thoughts. And feel free to challenge me with a character! 

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider

While I haven't played the games, I have loved Lara Croft since watching the movies. Or more to be precise, the idea of her. After all, Indiana Jones was amazing!

This look is easy to do in everyday style. A pair of jeans, or leggings, booties would be preferable, a dark green top, black tank underneath, and if you are really good - the classic Croft belt! My belt is plain, but fits.
I threw in the leather cuff and for fun, I'm carrying a handgun like she did. Though mine isn't nearly so big as the one she had! On a side note, this picture was hard for me to post. Shows my size a little too much. Makes me even more aware of the need to lose weight. So while dressed like a total hero, I feel great about myself until I see myself through the lens. Any other cosplayers feel like this out there?

Steampunk

This is a favorite. And I have been wanting to find more pieces to incorporate. I've been researching skirts and shirts. Definitely want to get another vest. But little things go a long way. Star with a plain tee, layered with a vest. Over that (because it was cold) I added a red duster. I admit the bright red isn't quite Steampunk, but I'm working with what I had on hand. The skirt is long and ties at the top. Added the cameo choker. If you really want to finish it off, add your own top hat! And don't forget the boots.

To give you an idea of just how dressed down this is, here is what one of my fully done up Steampunk costumes was like.

Elf

This was perfect for the holiday season. But I generally dress like this even when it isn't near Christmas. I even had the idea when my son said I looked like Link from Legend of Zelda.

My son now borrows ears from me. He is building his own Dark Link cosplay. 
These were gifted to me by my Mom who found them on Amazon. Black leggings and boots, white under tank top, green shirt and because it was cold - a grey duster cardigan.
That is all I needed. I did up braids in the hair. Added an Evenstar necklace when I wanted to be more Lord of the Rings elf.
I feel as though there is potential to expand on this one, but that will come later when I get some other things.
Like another cuff bracelet. I wore the Wonder Woman one I had on the one wrist.
If you are wanting to be more like the average any kind of elf, a necklace like this one from a Paparazzi jewelry consultant works well. 
Apocalyptic survivor

One of my other favorites for its simplicity is the survivor. From prepping to learning archery, I don't think there are many of us out there who haven't wondered about the possibility of some kind of event that turns our world upside down. More so than we saw in the pandemic. But cosplaying one as though I stepped out of a video game? Oh yeah! By the way, shout out to one of my favorite, yet most stressful, survival games so far - DayZ.

Obviously, I wouldn't carry the bow around. But I thought it looked cooler for the photos. Because it is colder out, I'm wearing my Walking Dead beanie and my IDF jacket from Israel. I've paired it with a regular shirt and leggings. Boots are a must, though I would strongly say that the better kind for this are combat style boots. Sadly, I don't currently own a pair. But that is a goal in this new year - get a pair of combat boots!
I borrowed my husbands airsoft rifle. Though if crap hits the fan, as they say, then I'm sure the real guns will come out, right? My husband likes to make silly comments and that is why I'm looking at the camera in this one. Never take your eyes off your target!

And balance. Something I seem to forget at the first round. I also put the hair in braids as you don't want it getting in your way!

Super hero

Personally, I prefer Wonder Woman. But this Superman shirt is the only one I have to work with right now. I was given this shirt because one of my names start with S. So it is my Super shirt!

My husband said I look as though I'm landing, ready to shoot people with my laser eyes. So I glanced over and took this shot for him! Though the only people getting Moms laser eyes today, are my kids....
Boots and leggings - as usual. Superman shirt - or add your favorite character shirt. I use this sleeveless cardigan that when the wind catches it, flows behind me like a cape! I always feel super when I wear this one!

Star Wars

I want to branch out on this one too. I love Star Wars! But this is my first attempt. I went plain style. Think of Leia as a General. Start with the hair. Having long, thick hair I need it to stay out of my way. 

I wore the Maleficent cloak (came from Hot Topic years back) with a long white tank and shorter tan shirt underneath. Paired with grey leggings and boots again.
Now, you might want to pair it with a slight amount of bling. I did!
This bracelet is on Amazon. It is the homing device used by Leia and Rey. I can call in reinforcements when the kids get too crazy!
I have done a version of Harley Quinn too! Though I wasn't able to get a picture this time around. I promise to do that in a later post. And to think, that one was triggered by a single necklace I was given!