Final Project Post #2

I'm not sure this is kind of cheating or not since I already have mine done, but I'll talk about the last thing I did with mine, which was the most difficult and slightly frustrating part. THE HAMMER! So with making props, there are lots of different ways to to the same thing; it just depends on how much money and time you have. With me, paper mache is my forte. I know how to work with it;I know the cost and time it takes: I also had something knew I wanted to try with paper mache.

So the first problem of making this thing: making it detachable and sturdy. I knew I wanted it to be big. It had to be to stay true with the character. So I had to think of a way to make it travel friendly and the first answer that came to mind was a detachable pole. I've never made a weapon before, so I was busting my brain with concepts and ideas of how to make a hollow, flimsy box into a sturdy yet break apart-able hammer.

(inside Narnia)

I had a friend help me figure out some ideas of how to stabalize the part where the pole and the box meet. At first, we had a comlicated platform of wood to mount the plumbing piece to, but then, in a moment of genius, my friend suggested drilling a hole into a frisbee. Thanks to the help of Brother Ferre, it happened! I attached the pole that ran through the middle to the top and stabilized the sides with painting sticks and cardboard then taped that puppy up. I did this to prevent the water to distort the boxes shape as I layered it in paper mache. If cardboard is not protected, it will sink and sag in lots of places =P

Next was the layering of the paper mache. This wasn't the hard part =) Afterwards, it was time to try a new technique. With other props I've made (horns, helmets, and crazy arm speakers), I had no clue how to even out the paper mache so you couldnt tell it was actually paper mache! I read a tutorial online that used Gesso, a paint primer for canvases, and sanding it, so I got me two large bottles and went to work on it. I did about 6 coats I believe

Sadly, after the Gesso and sanding, it was still not to my satisfactory. On camera it looks great, but up close, lines were still noticabe and distinct, but I didn't want to start over at all, so I went with it. I spent hours taping newspaper so painting the designs would be easier and cleaner.

After that step, I covered the newly painted grey parts to protect it from the spray paint

A hop, skip, and a jump away it was complete! I don't have any pictures of making the pole, but I will say that there is one thing that bothers me about the hammer... when its on the pole- it rocks. it teeters and wobbles and I don't like it. Makes me worry it's going to SNAP and tear any moment. If I were to do it again, I would find a second mether other than paper mache to make this hammer

Final Project Proposal

• production description: As mentioned in a previous post, I am doing a costume from the video game/anime Tears to Tiara. The game was originally for the PC then the PS3: it's release was in 2005. There are several games to series and the most recent one was released in 2013 October 31st. The anime is based on the PS3 remake and was direction by Tomoki Kobayashi
• 
  
• character description: The character I have chosen to create is Rathy. She is a cute little mine elf with the cutest outfit of them all! When I watched the anime, I thought she was a dude (since Rathy was voiced by a male), but upon doing research on her character I found out that "he" was a she. She wanted to keep her sex a secret because she was scared she would have been kicked out of the group if everyone knew she was a girl (despite the fact there are many girls in the group anyway...)
• 
  
• why you want to costume this character/production: When I first started to sew and cosplay, I looked at all the veterans and the masterpieces they created that I thought were practically impossible. When I watched the show, I loved rathy's character and quirks. Such a little thing was such a strong power-house character! And as a mine elf, she's suppose to make master weapons, but she hates that and would rather make the best pots and pans! Because of my size I get looked down on and labeled "weak", but Rathy smashes a hammer to the face. I won't be doing any smashing, but thanks to my self-defense class I can throw anyone down and make them beg ;). Aside from her personality, her clothes are my favorite of any character. I looked at her and saw a challenge. Well, at the time my sewing skills were very-how to say this- comparable to a new-born calf. I could hardly do anything and lacked the confidence to do it. It wasn't until I took the patter making class here that I felt like I could take on any cosplay I wanted: especially after successfully making AKB0048 cosplays for both my friend and I. I then looked back at Rathy and though: I am ready.
• 
  
• your proposed costume idea:So my proposal is bringing to life this adorable mine elf. Head-to-toe; hammer, crazy hat, crazy shoes, and crazy utility belt. I will base the costume mostly after the video game version rather than the anime. The difference is the number of pouches on her belt and the details of the gloves.
• 
  
• what you need to complete the costume (supplies, equipment, knowledge, time): I actually started this project at the beginning of the semester. I initially wanted to make this costume for Kawaii-Kon's Masquerade competition (AKA costume competition), so I was already on a time crunch to get it done before March 27th. I'm practically done with everything, but I won't say what I'm working on or what I have left. That will be for the next post!

Inspirational images: