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Yes, it's been awhile since I've last posted. The latter part of 2019 was extremely busy for me as we bought a new house and moved to a new town. My time has also been divided with the new book I'm working on, which I hope to finish by next year. Now that I have my life somewhat in order and back to normal-ish, I plan to start working on one of my dream projects, although fairly challenging. Danielle De Barbarac from Ever After, played by Drew Barrymore, has been a long-time fave of mine in her gorgeous butterfly gown. The gown is commonly referred to, in costuming circles, as her Breathe gown, coined from when Danielle reminded herself to breathe at the royal ball. After lots of research, I've gathered some materials and a pattern - which will need slightly altered. There is A LOT of time and care that will be required for this project. The chain embroidered over skirt (which I will have to do by hand) will take about 3 months alone. And I will need to do lots of hand-beading, as well. But the finished product, fingers crossed, will be worth it!  For Gencon Indy this year, I've decided to make Galadriel's gown from The Hobbit (mirror gown coming later this year) and to remake my Arwen coronation gown. Why? Because I want to tone down that bright green a bit. Don't get me wrong; it's not a hideous green, just not what I thought I was getting. When I first ordered the fabric, the shade looked perfect on screen, but when I got it, it was much more of a brighter green than I had expected. Therefore, I ordered a different shade of velvet from another company. I can't even believe that I broke my own rule, which I lecture about repeatedly in my cosplay book: never trust screen color! Always order a fabric sample first! Well, my friends, I have now learned my lesson and promise not to do that ever again. Now, who would like to buy my old Arwen gown? Hit me up on Facebook or by using my contact page if interested. :)  I've been so busy these past 3 weeks! In addition to a new Rapunzel and Ariel photoshoot, I also had more taken of Zelda. Wearing the cosplay for more than a few hours is such a pain in the butt that I seldom take her to conventions anymore. But I'm not ready to retire her yet. I'll still bring her out maybe once or twice a year to minimize wear and tear. Eventually, I will sell this cosplay (with a tear in my eye), but it won't be for a few years. Anyway, I do still sell Zelda twilight princess crown and belt pieces in my web store, and I'm also offering her 3D printed earrings now. Be sure to check them out --> here <--!   Hey friends, I had just skipped over to Chicago for ACEN (Anime Central) this past weekend and brought some Zelda! This was probably the last time that I'll wear the cosplay this year, however. With each wear it, my wig gets a little disheveled on the underside. Also, having shoulder armor, which doesn't actually move with my arms, makes it difficult to achieve minor feats....such as eating. Despite those problems, though, I had lots of fun, met some old chums and made some new ones. :)
In other news, I am diligently working on Galadriel's mirror gown in which I hope to have finished by Gencon. Wish me luck! I'm so excited to announce that my Zelda Twilight Princess cosplay won best in show at Anime Crossroads last weekend!! I still get so nervous in public, especially in the spotlight. Therefore, it was hard for me to control my emotions when I went up on stage to collect my trophy and I ended up balling right in front of everyone. **face palm** Despite that, I felt truly blessed and honored to have all of my hard work recognized. Moments like this is what makes countless hours of sewing and crafting seem worth it, in my opinion. For all those who have yet to experience this joy, don't give up! Keep practicing your art, improving and trying again when things fail. No one starts off perfect. Mistakes are necessary to learn.  Sorry it's been awhile since my last blog, but I was sooo busy through the holidays and what-not. I was able to finish the wig and sword for Zelda Twilight Princess, however. That said, I'm looking forward to debuting her at Anime Crossroads this weekend! (I'm so excited, I could cry.) Here is a side by side comparison shot I took of my cosplay and that from the actual game model.  I plan to upload more pictures soon and even offer a couple of poses in my print store. If Zelda, Twilight Princess is also one of your dream cosplays, then be sure to check out my tutorials for her costume pieces in the tutorial section. I'm also selling kits for her crown and belt armor in my store. ~Happy cosplaying~ 
 Do I have enough bling yet? Just finished casting/painting armor pieces for my Zelda Twilight Princess cosplay. I will post the tutorial for them soon. Additionally, I will be offering crown and belt pieces for sale in my store for those who don't want to mess with (or have the time for) shaping, molding and casting your own. :)
 I've finally finished the apron for my Zelda Twilight Princess cosplay. Click >>here<< to see the full tutorial.
Over the weekend, I finished my new Arwen Evenstar gown. This is commonly known as her "death dress" since Arwen wore it during the scene that Sauron shows Aragorn her lifeless body. Coincidentally, this garment was also actress', Liv Tyler's, favorite gown to wear throughout the entire filming of the Lord of te Rings trilogy. (To see my complete tutorial for this gown, click >>here<<) After completing her coronation gown last year (and proudly wearing it to conventions), I felt the need to tackle this one too. I will post the tutorial for it soon! I must admit that I love it even more than the coronation gown. I even added more of a train on the back, although I did later hem up the front to make walking easier. I plan to wear it to Indiana Comic con next weekend when I meet Sean Astin!!   |
