2-bit cosplay

We are 2 cosplayers from Montreal, Canada, Éric and Laety, and we love to make retro cosplays! To learn more about us, check out our about page! 

[2bitcosplay]

Here! Have some 16-bit Mario & Yoshi to celebrate the Switch Presentation today!

Mario and Yoshi from Super Mario World

Mario and Yoshi by 2-bit cosplay

[2bitcosplay]

2-bit Cosplay as Mario from Super Mario Sunshine

We only have hall shots for now, but this cosplay has so much potential for great pictures, we’ll surely do a photoshoot with it soon!

[2bitcosplay]

Official masquerade pictures from Otakuthon 2013 Masquerade. <3 This project was hugeeee, and I’m so happy at how it turned out.

Mario & Lakitu : 2bitcosplay 

Luigi : KaZ

Toad : Theluxland

Photographer : MaverickDelta

[ganbattesewing]

Sewing Supplies Needed for Beginners by Sew Urbane TV

Link: https://youtu.be/XRwETC6jBGQ

[cosplaytutorial]

LEDs for Beginners

Tutorial by:  noahw Tutorial Link: http://www.instructables.com/id/LEDs-for-Beginners/

[liliavacyncosplay]

I get asked a lot about what I do for makeup when it comes to cosplay, as in 90% of my photos, my face has not been retouched, so what you see is what you get. I talk about the FX stuff a lot, but I decided to go a bit more in-depth with my normal makeup for this week’s Tutorial Tuesday. I use this for cosplay and every day, but a little less liberally when I’m going to work vs. going to a con. This is perfect for someone who wants to grab their makeup at the local drug store, as none of these products had to be ordered online (and are a bit cheaper than most of those kinds of brands).

Please note that these are my personal opinions and I don’t claim to be a makeup artist or a makeup expert. This is just what I’ve picked up and re-tooled based on my own preferences!

Keep reading

[cowbuttcrunchies]

Your new favorite cosplay tool: the hot knife

Let’s take a few minutes to talk about our new favorite tool for finishing fabric edges…. the hot knife!  For those who are unfamiliar with this product, a hot knife is similar in size to a soldering iron with changeable tips.  Once plugged in, the tips will heat up so that you can use the hot end to cut or heat various materials.  Hot knives are pretty cheap too - the below set will run you $22 on Amazon.com.

Many cosplayers already use hot knives to cut foam and other prop materials, but you can use a hot knife on fabric too!  So long as your fabric is made from unnatural material such as polyester, a hot knife will melt and slag the raw end of your fabric, turning it into a hard, plastic-like line.  However natural fabrics like cotton will not melt and slag - instead these will simply burn away if you try to light them on fire or use a hot knife.  To test your fiber and perform a burn test, follow these steps.

But why would I ever want to melt my fabric??

There’s a few reasons!

Edge finishing.  Is your fabric edge an odd shape, or something that can’t easily be rolled or serged?  Slagging or cutting with the hot knife prevents your fabric from fraying, and allows you to create whatever shape your design calls for.

Distressing.  We used the heck out of the hot knife for our Sakizou costumes, since it required so many raw and distressed edges.  Holes and rips can look a little strange if your fabric is the kind that frays easily - what looks great now may not look so hot in a day or two when threads are beginning to unravel.  Sealing the edges of your fabric with a hot knife guarantees that the edge will not fray, no matter how much you wear your costume.  We used the following methods while creating our Sakizou cosplays:

Slagging while cutting - on satin, I first traced out my distressed pattern while using chalk.  I then chose one of the tips that came to a point, and “cut” along that pattern with the hot knife.  The heat from the knife burned through the satin and sealed the edge in one go.  A heavy piece of cardboard should be placed under your work so that you do not accidentally cut or burn your table.  This method is great for weightier fabrics or ones that will not roll under the knife.

Slagging after cutting - on chiffon, the above steps were difficult to do since the fabric was so prone to sliding.  Instead I first cut the basic shape I wanted with scissors.  I then used a flat tip and ran the hot knife along all edges of the fabric to seal.  Be careful of the heat setting and how long you stay in one place while using this method, as light fabric can melt easily.

Some general hot knife tips:

Don’t over-heat your knife.  Test first to determine which temperature is best for your fabric; something too hot can melt away your fabric more than you intended.

Don’t leave your hot knife unattended or around animals/children.  It’s really hot!

As always, make sure you use your hot knife in a well-ventilated area since you are in essence melting plastic, and different polyesters can give off fumes.

[cheebescakecosplay]

NEW AND IMPROVED Cosplay supply resource masterlist!

This list has come A LONG WAY since the last one! Here’s the current list.

YOU CAN FIND THE MOST UP-TO-DATE VERSION ON MY FACEBOOK HERE—> https://www.facebook.com/notes/cheebescake-cosplay/cosplay-supply-resource-masterlist/1634159336840035

I encourage you to try and check that, since I can’t update the reblogged versions. I’m always adding to this list!

Here we goooo

—-

Looking for wigs, contacts, thermoplastics, or any other supplies? Maybe some tutorials? Here’s a good place to start!

**** Know a great place to find wigs and supplies that’s not listed here? Let me know! That’s the best way to keep this growing! ****

I hope you’ll find this useful!

WIGS

Arda- http://arda-wigs.com/

Dolluxe- http://www.dolluxe.com/ (also http://www.gothiclolitawigs.com/ )

Tasty Peach Studios- http://tastypeachstudios.com/

Lockshop- http://lockshopwigs.com

Wig is Fashion- http://www.wigisfashion.com/

Epic Cosplay- https://www.epiccosplay.com/

Amphigory- http://www.amphigory.com/

Cosworx - http://shop.cosplay.com/wigs.html

Uniqso- http://www.uniqso.com/wig

AliExpress- http://tinyurl.com/o976yzg

Harajuku in Wonderland- http://harajukuinwonderland.bigcartel.com/category/wigs

The Five Wits- http://www.thefivewitswigs.com/

Match Wigs- http://matchwigs.com/

Purple Plum- http://www.purple-plum.com/

Cosplay Buzz- http://www.cosplaybuzz.com/Bonanza- http://tinyurl.com/ptaagov

Airily- http://airily.jp/ Japanese Cosplay wig site. I hear they’re the softest wigs you’ll ever touch.Classe- http://classewig.com/ Another Japanese wig site

Contacts/ Circle Lenses

Pinky Paradise- http://www.pinkyparadise.com/

Eye Candy- http://www.eyecandys.com/

Honey Color- http://www.honeycolor.com/

FX Eyes- http://www.fxeyes.com

Alice & Rabbit- http://www.aliceandrabbitshop.com/apps/webstore/

Vision Direct- http://www.visiondirect.com/theatricaleffects/qxc10898

Thermoplastics

http://www.cosplaysupplies.com/store.php?s=JK6K

Embellish FX, in Orlando. http://www.embellishfx.com/

This is one of only two places in Florida where you can purchase worbla (which is great if you need it quick!) 2628 Edgewater Drive –  Orlando, FL,  32804; [phone]

Plastics (NOT thermoplastics), casting, and molding

http://www.dreamtimecreations.com/

Includes fiberglass, casting materials- http://www.firemountaingems.com/

Foams, casting supplies, adhesives- http://www.reynoldsam.com

Fabric (online)

https://www.fabric.com/

http://spandexworld.com/http://www.spandexhouse.com/

http://www.girlcharlee.com/

http://thefabricfairy.com/

http://www.distinctivefabric.com/

http://warehousefabricsinc.com/

http://denverfabrics.com or http://fashionfabricsclub.com

http://hancockfabrics.com/

http://www.moodfabrics.com/

https://www.macculloch-wallis.co.uk/

https://www.minervacrafts.com/ (also carries patterns)

http://www.farmhousefabrics.com/ ***Vintage laces, too!***

http://www.theatrehouse.com/ (also has hat bases!)

http://www.joann.com/fabric/

http://www.mjtrends.com/

http://www.trimfabric.com/

Custom printed fabric: http://www.spoonflower.com/

Specialty fabric dye: http://www.dharmatrading.com/

Leather and leatherworking tools

http://www.tandyleather.com/en/

http://springfieldleather.com

Jewelry Findings, patterns, and notions

Jewelry findings: http://www.sunandmooncraftkits.com/

Boning: http://www.corsetmaking.com/

Sequins: http://www.ccartwright.com/

Vintage sewing patterns: http://www.lanetzliving.net/search

Cultural clothing patterns (all accurate except for the yukata pattern): http://www.folkwear.com/

Gems, studs, spikes, etc: https://allstarco.com/en/

Crystal Rhinestones: http://tinyurl.com/phudfy4   Rhinestones: https://www.rhinestoneshop.com/

Gems, beading: http://www.dreamtimecreations.com/

Gems, beading: http://www.firemountaingems.com/

Gloves, Leggings, Tights

http://www.welovecolors.com/ (They’re based in Miami, so you get them super quick!)

Special FX (besides contacts)

Fangs: http://www.vampfangs.com/

Prosthetics n such: http://www.easleys.com

Silicone: http://www.reynoldsam.com (great for dragon scales, fake blood, etc. Check their application section!)

Ears: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MadhouseFXstudio

Ears, fangs, horns, etc: http://www.aradanicostumes.com

Websites for traditional and (most importantly) accurate kimono + accessories:

http://www.ichiroya.com/ Good quality, shipping, choice, customer service + traditional fabrics

http://www.kimono-asobi.net/ Nice range of modern designs for kimono, obi and accessories

 http://www.kimonoya-japan.net/ Ability to choose by price + SALES

http://www.yamatoku.jp/classic/top.asp Sells in bulk occasionally

http://www.ikuokaya.com/ Sells accurate geisha/maiko kanzashi, uchiwa (summer fans), washi paper namecards, kinchaku (traditional bamboo bags), souvenirs, dance fans, maiko + geisha accessories (though they’re not completely accurate - obidome, obiage, etc), combs for katsura + nihongami and tenugui (dance cloths)

http://www.net-shinei.co.jp/com/  Good  range of accessories + kimono, but the descriptions are lacking at   don’t detail stains or blemishes for kimono, and the shipping can be   stupid ***Special thanks to @spaghetti-machete for  this whole traditional Japanese accessory section!***

Fur

www.Mendels.com

www.fursuitsupplies.com

http://www.nftech.com/products.html (very  expensive fur, but they   will give you free samples to look at. You   also have to call in to ask   for swatches or order)

For animal  blanks & resin blanks (for animal-based cosplays)

https://www.etsy.com/shop/DreamVisionCreations

Hat Bases

http://www.theatrehouse.com/

LED kits, “breadboads”, EL wire, etc:

https://www.adafruit.com/

Props (3D printer required):

https://www.myminifactory.com/

Everything:

https://www.etsy.com/

A lot of people don’t know this, but Etsy actually sells everything else you may need!  Wigs, fabric, jewelry findings, you name it! Check out   their craft  supply section!Ebay and Amazon, of course! Don’t count them out!

Helpful links:

http://blog.thelaundress.com/wordpress/the-laundress-fabric-glossary/ - Fabric type glossary

thistothat.com , for figuring out what type of glues to use.

http://hollitaima.deviantart.com/gallery/52481049/Pattern-Drafts-and-Design-Drafts , character specific pattern design drafts

Tutorial compilations and tips

http://www.cosplaytutorial.com/

http://cosplayblog.mccall.com/

http://fuckyeahcosplayhelp.tumblr.com/

http://cosplay.com/

http://youcancosplay21.tumblr.com/post/124877299350/semi-complete-list-of-tutorials-tricks

https://www.youtube.com/user/evilted40/videos (Evil Ted Smith. Lots of foam and patterning tutorials!)

Incredible cosplayers and prop builders who regularly post tips and how to’s that you should be following:

Kamui Cosplay- https://www.facebook.com/KamuiCos

God Save the Queen Fashions- https://www.facebook.com/gstqfashions (who seriously needs to release a book)

Volpin Props- https://www.facebook.com/VolpinProps

Punished Props- https://www.facebook.com/punishedprops

Special notes:

* While there are places on this list that I  have shopped, I picked up a lot of these from other people. I have NOT  shopped at every one of these.

* I originally made this for a local cosplay group (Treasure Coast Cosplayers: https://www.facebook.com/tccosplayers ), which is why some notes are Florida specific.

* Special tips via @renfamous

Be  careful with some of these places when it comes to online  payments.   Make sure you’re buying from places that use reputable payment  vendors like PayPal or Google wallet, or at the very least don’t enter  your   card number into anything unless the transaction page url starts  with   an https.

Also everyone please please please do not use your debit card for your first ever purchase from some Romanian cosplay shop that opened three weeks ago.   Use your debit card to buy a Visa gift card at a drug store or ask   your  parents if you can use their credit card and give them cash on the   spot.

Credit cards give you many more options if the vendor   doesn’t deliver or ships you some busted ass dead possum wig from   Taipei. Not saying the above listed places are necessarily bad, but   these are still good tips for making safe foreign purchases online.

Special thanks to everyone who helped put this list together!

[truebluemeandyou]

DIY New Circle Skirt App from By Hand London here. The actual app is here. What I really like about this app is after you plug all your data in the app tells you the fabric length required:

with a note to say whether it will fit on a standard 45″ / 115cm width fabric…or whether you’d be better off using a 60″ / 150cm width fabric…or perhaps even just going with a shorter skirt length.

[cosplaytutorial]

Basic Hand Stitches

Tutorial by:  Caitlin Clark  Tutorial Link: https://blog.colettehq.com/tutorials/tutorial-basic-hand-stitches

[autostraddle]

Sew You Want to Learn to Sew: Fabric, Patterns, and Resources, Oh My! | Autostraddle

What kind of fabric should you use? Where do you get it? What about a pattern? Get all your answers here!

[dangerous-ladies]

Gauntlets (Hands)

Another armour writeup for ya. Some of these photos are repeats, but they help to explain my whole process.

1: Used cling wrap and tape method to mock up the gauntlet sections/details.

2-4: Cut apart tape gauntlet and transferred the pattern onto paper. Patterned the flared wrist extension piece by cutting a semi-circle into straight strips and taping them back together, essentially making a paper fan. The edges were cut into a webbed shape. This method of cutting and reattaching the strips was also used in the foam version of the gauntlets; each had strips that needed to be glued into shape before the whole gauntlet base got Worbla’d. 5: I carved the knuckle pieces by hand from Eva foam with scissors and attached them to the foam gauntlet bases so they would show through the Worbla.

6-8: Finger pieces. You’re looking at 15 pieces of Worbla and 15 pieces of foam per hand. They’re simple to assemble and shape, but time-consuming. Every piece had to be labelled individually and matched with its partner; I used a naming scheme of Finger-Section-Hand, e.g. “Ring 3R” for the third (lowest) section of the ring finger on the right hand.

9-10: An assembled set of gauntlets and all six gauntlet bases, which are now in the sealing stage. The little yellow pyramids are painter’s pyramids from Lee Valley, which elevate drying objects so that glue/paint doesn’t pool on your working surface.

- Kat

[matadorphilip]

Here’s the second part of my Daedric Dagger build! This time we focus on properly sizing your template, and exporting your file as a usable PDF!

[thollukthcaptor]

man I want some kind of resource that shows you DIFFERENT ways to contour your face. all I see it the same general pattern of contouring but where’s the tips for if you want to change the shape of your jawline, or change your nose shape, emphasize your brow or make it softer, I just want a big compilation of different contour tricks to alter different features of your face and not this same old “let’s make you conventionally attractive” nonsense

has anyone come across a tutorial/resource like this??

@fabrickind (SINCE I KNOW YOU LIKE COSPLAY HELP and might have seen something like this)

[fabrickind]

That’s all I’ve ever found, too. :[ Granted, I’m decent at makeup, but I know what works on myself and never really look up tutorials.

With a quick online search…I can only find tutorials on how to make yourself more conventionally attractive. The most I can find is generic masculine vs. generic feminine contouring.

I think that a lot of this is trial and error on your particular face shape. I know how to do things like like emphasize my own jaw, or make my own face look more angular (I almost never want to make my face softer…maybe I should, I’m angular enough as it is lol), but I don’t really know how to translate that.

Some general tips would be to think of what you want to emphasize, and highlight it. Think of what you want to minimize (or the hollow areas near where you want to emphasize), and contour it. I think that contouring next to a feature you want to emphasize can really help, such as contouring just above your jawline to make it seem more prominent in comparison. And just practice until you get something you like. That’s really the secret to contouring, I think, once you get the right colors for your skin and the technique itself down.

Something that might help: looking at contouring meant to make different face shapes conventionally attractive. You can try adapting that to your own face shape, or do it sort of “in reverse” to accentuate features that the guide is trying to play down.

I’m not sure how helpful this is, but I hope it helped.

On a tangential side note, someone on the Fanime forums suggested I do an intro to cosplay makeup panel…I’m decent at makeup on myself, but I don’t know if I would be good at instructing others how to do it, especially since I don’t watch tutorials or anything. Hmmm.

[ohicosplay]

Cata: I think I might have what you two are looking for. My stage makeup textbook has an entire chapter on Corrective Makeup. The focus is still making the person look their best, but it goes over how to alter each part of the face (forehead, eyes, nose, mouth, etc.). Give me some time and I’ll scan the entire chapter (it’s 13 pages, mostly text with a few pictures). 

Other chapters go into application and have more diagrams so if there’s anything specific you want, let me know!

(The book is Stage Makeup (9th Edition) by Richard Corson and James Glavan.)

[fabrickind]

That would be super helpful! If you were wiling to do that, I’d be interested in the information, as well. :]

[ohicosplay]

Cata: The scans are complete! If anyone wants me to scan some of the other chapters, let me know!

http://imgur.com/a/AtGWb

[wjscosplayphotography-blog]

Cosplay Posing Reference Sheets

I made a short post with samples of sketches/studies that cosplayers can use for posing references. I actually save sketches like these onto my phone to use on shoots when I want to show them a pose and for whatever reason I can’t demonstrate it for them. Sometimes I even just take a look during a shoot for inspiration and modify them for whatever fits. If you save these onto your phone for yourself as a cosplayer, I wouldn’t try to memorize them outside of one or two. Mimicking can be very useful but getting too attached and thinking these are the “right” way to hit these poses are counterproductive. Have fun with them and see how you naturally end up coming up with your own unique poses!

Feminine #1: Broad

Artist Credit: Aomori

Feminine #2: Broad

Artist Credit: Zero Resolution

Feminine #3: Broad

Artist Credit: Kate Fox

Feminine #4: Sitting

Artist Credit: Rika Dono

Masculine #1: Broad

Artist Credit: Aomori

Masculine #2: Broad

Artist Credit: Zero Revolution

Masculine #3: Action

Artist Credit: Mavinga

Couples

Artist Credit: Aomori

And of course, you can also take inspiration from your anime series or a similar series.

Yep, I even save kpop girlbands to my phone because the poses are really useful on the set sometimes. Hope these helped! If you liked this post, click here for an article on posing tips for cosplay photos.

Feel free to reblog, like my page on facebook or follow this tumblr. Check out the rest of my blog for way more articles on cosplay photography and posing.

[ciciascloset]

More things I came across on Pinterest! 

Recently I’ve been fighting with organizing all of my bobbins. For the most part they are a mess of thread everywhere. Basically this is an accurate representation of how my bobbins look;

I am super excited that I found this cheap way to organize bobbins! Just use toe separators and you can go from that mess to this;

Follow me here or on Facebook for more small tutorials. Contact me to request a tutorial 

[ciciascloset]

Here’s a mini tip! Enjoy

Follow me here or on Facebook for more small tutorials. Contact me to request a tutorial.