Cosplay: Killer Accessories

What is cosplay without killer accessories? by Melanie Stevens.

Props and finishing touches are my favourite part of cosplaying. When I see something I want to create, more often than not I’m drawn to the gizmos, the gadgets, and the weapons. There are many different tools you can use to create your props— in fact so many that it would be hard to list them all without knowing what exactly you’re creating. So today, I’m going to name a few of my favourite all-purpose cosplay tools and tricks!

Lumpy Space Princess

Image: My latest Cosplay – Lumpy Space Princess, Adventure Time

Where to start

Cosplay props can be so overwhelming that it’s hard to get a clear image in your mind of how you will even start. My advice is to deconstruct! What does that mean? Let me show you using something I created: Sakura’s Wand from Cardcaptors.

Sakura’s Wand

Image: Sakura’s Wand

There is: The stick that makes the rod, the end piece, and the bird-looking top. I went further to break down the top into a ball shape, a cone shape, then added the cover to make it smooth, followed by the wings. My top piece of advice would be to, if you can, paint last! Get the construction down before worrying about painting. Also, take this process slowly. This is hard for me because I like to do things bam-bam-bam! But I force myself to wait 24 hours for paint to dry, glue to set, and so-forth and trust me, it’s worth it.

MEL’S TIP: If you’re going to a convention and your character has a massive weapon that will only end up having to be checked in and sit somewhere for the entire show, then there is no point in making/bringing one. Save it for a photoshoot. Alternatively, make it the size required by convention regulations. But personally… if the sword is supposed to be as long as you and you have to make it so it’s miniature… maybe skip it if it looks weird.

What is this, what is that?

Sailor Moon Steampunk Gun

Image: Sailor Moon Steampunk Gun

Take a good look at what you want to create. Burn it into your mind. Deconstruct and memorise the parts.

Why? You need to be able to identify shapes and patterns instantly. So the next time you’re pushing through Saturday gardeners down at your local hardware store, you can see a weirdly shaped curtain rod and think: ‘That’s the perfect base from my Super Duper Action Kawaii Power Magic Wand!’ Yes, I made that up. But man, that would be cool…

MEL’S TIP: Don’t let other people like friends, family, or even nosey neighbours interfere with your work (especially if they don’t cosplay!). Put your favourite playlist on, grab some headphones, and tune them out. Mainly because they’re annoying! But also if the first attempt doesn’t work, which is highly possible, then you might need to start over. The last thing you want is their voice or a negative attitude looming in the back of your mind while you do this. Stay positive!

Shut out the world your own way!

Image: Shut out the world your own way!

All Purpose Tools

Newspaper

Before you start, make sure you have an abundance of old newspapers. That way you won’t get paint all over everything, you will have something to wipe your hands on, and even maybe something to read while things dry… (Caution: Wet paint + newspaper = news imprints on your cosplay!)

Worbla: See Ruth’s blog!

Modge Podge

Please, please, please… if you need to use foam, buy some Modge Podge! It paints on smooth and dries clear. Foam melts at the sight of paint! Using a coating of Modge Podge will help you seal the foam!

Hearty Clay

Hearty Clay

Image: Hearty Clay

I recently discovered this clay (purchasable online from regions of Asia) and I’m smitten! It’s easy to mould, comes pre-coloured and AIR DRIES! Say goodbye to baking your clay. Plus it’s infused with air bubbles so it’s really light weight. Most people use it for Decoden art (Japanese craft where you make sweet treats for boxes or other cute accessories), but it’s so much more than that. Where have you been all my life?

Glues

Take a good look at the glues you intend to use. Read the backs! Hot glue is the best thing ever, but it may not be suitable for particular projects. Nowadays there is glue for everything, including specialised foam glue and fabric glues. Research before you stick!

Finishing spray

You can buy sealing sprays from most good craft stores. It stops paint from running in the wet and seals details like things drawn in pastels or other drawing materials.