Snow White update

After a fun, first ComiCon, Kori decided she wanted to be more involved and started trying to figure out how do more with costuming. She had this Snow White costume but wanted to personalize it with SteamPunk elements. We soaked the costume in a brown dye in an attempt to age it a bit, but its a  synthetic silky finish so that didn't do much. We looked for other elements that a first time maker could do. 

We added Goggles, a corset belt, A chain with various Snow White Icon charms, a longer "slip" for added length and her awesome skull Converse Allstars.  

She was a hit with lots of photos taken. (the ultimate cosplay compliment) 

But after a couple of cons we decided it was time for some updating. We added a new longer backed Petticoat/ Bustle, 

A new slip with a beautiful lace edging.

A new, cool Corset belt that sits a little different on her bustle. 

We found a cool necklace with the 7 Dwarves. It was a weird color, but I am becoming quite brave with a can of spray paint. 

We also made a pouch for her cell phone to loosen up her hands when kids attack her

This photo taken by a con photographer which is why it beats my usual cellphone shots. 

Before        and        After

It is an adapt of a pre-made costume. Homemade is wonderful but not always feasible or sometimes you find a perfect element to help you along the way to your costume. Cosplay can be anything and is just a chance to express your fandoms. I think Kori's love of Snow has grown as she has been stopped for photos, recognized as "You're Steampunk Snow White??" (she is getting a following) and while watching children eyes light up as they run to hug her. 

We have made quite a few different pieces now and we are discussing creating a whole new dress. I am not sure how or when this might happen. There are details we really love and things we would like to do better. So keep an eye out as Septembers ComiCon approaches. We may have a new Snow White to reveal

We have seen this dress used once since and thought it was cool to see the different eye used to create this Snow White found with a group of lovely Steampunk Princesses

Setting up future posts.

I haven't added to this blog in SO long. I think I was trying to get some projects finished then life exploded. So I will be working on a bunch of posts to get some of this off my mind (and iPhoto). But first setting up information and a couple of definitions that might be helpful.

My family has become ComiCon people. Mostly due to Jenna. She found Doctor Who and that lead her to other fandoms. After that we started looking where ComiCons were held to see if we could ever get her to one. Then the announcement came for a local Salt Lake ComiCon.  We bought our tickets quickly and started working on costumes for the kids since we knew dressing as favorite characters is a fun part of any Con. 

Cosplay:
       The art or practice of wearing costumes to portray characters from fiction, especially from manga, animation, and science fiction. (Superhero, Princesses or any character you love.)

We had a blast. It was amazing to see the creativity and talent of the Cosplayers. We were also impressed at the quality of guests, displays and artists especially considering it was the first event like this.  

All items below from Weta Workshop. The creators of Middle Earth in Lord of the Rings.

We have attended 2 ComicCons, 2 FanX events and 1 FantasyCon so far and are awaiting announcements for the next event. It has added so much to our lives. It gives us something to bond over as a family. It gives me a creative outlet as the kids challenge me with cosplay items to make and skills to develop. It gives inspiration as you see the amazing creations from talented builders, costumers and others who, like me, are just trying our hand at something new.  Friendships have been formed for the kids and through volunteering I have become surrounded by the most amazing people. This past year has brought great things to us that I can directly associate it to. I have loved watching this support grow around our family. 

I wanted to intro what is to come as I have uploaded MANY photos for future blog posts. Most associated with cosplay.

Another word for future use. 

Steampunk: 

Is a subgenre of scifi and fantasy literature, but has developed in recent years to become a craft and lifestyle movement that commonly features aspects of steam-powered machinery. Steampunk works are often set in an alternative history of the 19th century's British Victorian era or American "Wild West", in a post-apocalyptic future during which steam power has maintained mainstream use, or in a fantasy world that similarly employs steam power.

Steampunk fashion has no set guidelines but tends to synthesize modern styles with influences from the Victorian era. This may include bustles, corsets, gowns, and petticoats; suits with waistcoats, coats, top hats, tailcoats and spats; or military-inspired garments. Steampunk-influenced outfits are usually accented with several technological and "period" accessories: timepieces, parasols, flying/driving goggles, and ray guns.

(Wiki)

SteamPunk Headband

In February the Fantasy Con group hosted a Cosplay Ball. I needed to pull something together. 

I like the steampunk look and style. It's great because it's about details. It gave me a few little projects to work on. 

I knew I wanted a flaired skirt that was fitted at the waist. I love the bi-level hem. It's fun to walk in this skirt. Especially down stairs. (I'm like a 5 year old with a spiny dress) 

There aren't a lot of ways to "dress up" short hair. I knew I wanted to add a cool head band. 

Pretty huh? It turned out much how I imagined. I found the The clock hands in Michals scrapbooking section. The flower charm in beads. Cut out the same colored center bead and put it all back together with the peacock blue bead for more color and shine. Then decided a little more bling couldn't hurt and added the Crystals . 

Time for some pops of color. A simple wrist cuff. I loved the fabric but when I started working with it, I decided the grayish back side was more steamy and interesting than the silver front. 

             

  I had the clock insides and doll house mirror kicking around. The little mirror had previously been painted and aged. I Added a few gears and a pin back to make a broach. 

That's it, my steampunk look. I have worn the skirt lots since then. I love it.