30th October 2009: Bracelets As easy as they look I tried 5 different methods of fastening for these bracelts. Problem is getting them on and off - they have to be tight on the wrist yet somehow expand over the hands when sliding them on and off. Velcro, poppers, elastic, laceup - all of them looked untidy. This is the final solution which worked for me. It is another Gold lycra band which slides over my hand and then over the loose open bracelets and holds them clamped shut. It also gives the bracelets the enclosed all around look like the artwork design.
Photo also shows the detail patterns I stencilled onto Gold card with a fine tip permenant marker pen. Then cut the circles out with a circle cutter. These discs will be fixed onto the bracelets later, when I have made up the jewels that go in the centres.
30th October 2009: Bracelts Here cardboard strips are slid into Gold lycra covers, and the ends then sewed shut. The cardboard stiffens the bracelt shape.
20th October 2009: Final skirt panels 20 Oct Here the inserts have been covered in the gold lycra material, a combination of fabric glue and sewing gave the neatest result. I want the costume parts to all match, as they do in the artwork, so the hard armour parts are all being covered with the same Gold lycra material to match the bodice.
20th October 2009: Skirt piece inserts To make the final costume skirt pieces I settled on using Mountboard, which I got from an art supply shop. Mountboard gives the rigid and flat quality I need for the skirt panels - in the artwork and anime Galaxia's skirt is like armour and each panel swings seperately like little daggers. If I can manage I want my skirt to also have this quality of movement, so each piece has to be rigid enough to hold its shape on its on.
Here the mountboard has been marked out using the pattern and has just been cut out on a cutting mat.
20th October 2009: Trial run of the rough bodice and skirt This is the test fit of the skirt and bodice patterns together. I'm happy with the fit and shape so this is the pattern I will use to cut the Gold material.
20th October 2009: Making the skirt pattern I made the skirt pattern by cutting up cereal packets to get the right size and shape. It took two attempts, then I had the right shape which fitted my waist. And a bit of maths division to get the right amount of skirt pieces.. I'm pleased to say the skirt has the correct amount of pieces as per the artwork - 8 across the front and 8 across the back.
In the pic the cardboard pieces are selotaped together so I could wear it to test its fit.
20th October 2009: Making my bodice Rough Here is the Rough of the bodice in progress. Using the pattern I have just drawn I begin constructing a rough of the costume (just using some old spare material). Lots of alterations are made to this rough until it fits me exactly.
20th October 2009: Making pattern for bodice - 19 Oct This is how I have to start. No patterns so I have to make my own. First stage - draw on greaseproof paper using the art ref to get proportions and details. I start with centre line and mark the nipples (sorry I don't know a polite way of putting that) It helps me make get bust shape in the right place.
9th October 2009: 9 Oct Bought the material to cover the costume pieces with today..
Shiney Gold streatch lycra ftw. I am going to gleam. ^_^
9th October 2009: 9 Oct Blade now covered with top layer of nice smooth card.
5th October 2009: 4 Oct 09 Made some more progress on the hilt details. I made a crossguard out of an off-cut of hardwood that was lying around. I cut a slot through its middle so it could slide down the handle grip and glued into place. Then I cut the 2 rain guard pieces (just below the crossguard) out of hardboard using a blow up of a screen capture to get the shape right, and glued these on too.
To make the teeth/spikes which are on the ends of the crossguard I used car body filler. It is pretty smelly stuff to use, and also contains chemicals you have to be carefull with, but we use what we're used to. Anyway..the pic left shows one spike which has been filed to shape and you can see the other spike is still just a blob of filler on the crossguard at this stage.
Both spikes are now completed.
21st September 2009: 21 sept 09 - sword construction The beginnings of my sword..
As usual I start with some ref images - this time grabbed from final episode on YouTube. I studied the pics until I understood its 3D form.
I then drew out and cut a cardboard template of the hilt - and modified it a few times until it looked the right size and shape in my hands.
Then I selected a piece of wood to be an internal spine for the sword, this will hold it all straight and provide the main strength.
I shaped the sword handle out of the wooden block using wood files and sand paper. I also thinned the blade spine down toward its edges. Then I cut out the sword blade out of some packaging cardboard. (always save large cardboard packaging when you have new stuff delivered..) Then I cut the cardboard blade in two and wedged both pieces onto the sword spine, so it pushed into the cardbaords internal layers. Then I glued the two piecs on permenantly using wood glue.
At this point the sword blade feels quite solid, but the surfaces look untidy so I will add a further layer of paper card on top to neaten it all up...
2nd August 2009: 2 Aug 09 Now in progress. I don't want to be rushing last minute for Expo again so I've made my start now, this gives two months.
Ref pics gathered, (from trawling the net). Now I have a good understanding what Galaxia's costume looks like all around.
Started making up a 'rough' of the bodice.
Also started building a mock up of her sword out of cardboard first - just to get the right size and shapes worked out.
angel aiko - 14th January 2009 Yayyy seriously i'm so happy your doing this! your gunna be so awesome! all scouts + galaxia = an awesome masquerade skit. :) xxx
Captain_Marvelous - 14th January 2009 Man alive ^^ I havent thought about this character in aaaages O_o you have the right frame for it im sure I will keep and eye out :)
stripey_dani - 14th January 2009 AWESOME!!!
Ranma1-2 - 14th January 2009
"SILENCE! Your powers are no match for me..What impudence!"
hahaha I can hardly wait myself. :P
I'm gonna try to make a light up Star Seed, just to toy with and for photo ops *evil laugh* ...*more evil laugh* :D
angel aiko - 14th January 2009 oooooooooooo stars seeds! all i get is a stupid crystal >:( though cud make mamo-chans and cry over it every now then for more emo-tional affect. if we both made the swords we could duel XD
Ranma1-2 - 14th January 2009
No-way.. the Golden Star Seed is MINE to stay. Ha. You'll have to fight me for it.
Hmmm swords, now there's an intereting idea - I hadn't even thought of that. I LIKE it!
..I may bring some Golden cuffs too. Ohhh that would be so mean though.
..I think Galaxia is gonna be huge fun to cosplay. :D
Anonymous - 2nd May 2009 Good luck with this costume. I'm really wanting to have a go at Galaxia myself though I'll probs be doing the chaos version as I like prefer it ^^ let me know how it goes if you finish before me
Ranma1-2 - 2nd May 2009
Okies.
My Galaxia is planned for angel aiko's HUGE SM group at London Expo in October. :P
That's why I haven't started on it yet - need to do May Expo costumes first..
A Chos version sounds kewl, wings AND a sword! :P Yeah let me know when you are gonna make it. :)
Freyarule - 3rd May 2009 I'm very tempted to get a Sailor Scout costume now! (not sure which one) for October that is xDD
Ranma1-2 - 4th May 2009
Oh yeah, you would be very welcome I'm sure. :)
Here is a link to the SM group thread Angel Aiko is organising..
http://www.cosplayisland.co.uk/forum?c=showthread&ThreadID=602
Anonymous - 11th May 2009 Wow this really makes me wanna put my Uranus cosplay forward to October or re use my Mars costume from May ^^ I've alreayd got other cosplays planned tho >_<
Anonymous - 14th May 2009
Hey dunno if this will help for a reference for this costume but I found a pic of Galaxia draw by Naoko from the artbook http://www.sailorenergy.net/HowToDraw/HowToVillainDiaGalaxia2.jpg
hope it helps ^^
Ranma1-2 - 16th May 2009
Thanks bracyfaceanimegurl, wow that's a long name..
*right click..save file as..*
Yes very helpful picture, when the time comes. - Must get through Mays costumes first.
I know what you mean about cosplays, sometimes it seems there are too many cosplay ideas and not enough Expo's to wear them all to. ^__^
Solaria - 20th May 2009
x3 I really cant wait for this *3*
Best villain EVER 8D And the last xD
Ranma1-2 - 21st May 2009 Thanks. Yeah lots to look forward to in Oct. :)
Sephirayne - 2nd August 2009 Wow! Your going to look great. Can't wait to see.
Ranma1-2 - 2nd August 2009 Thanks, yip I'm really looking forward to this. ^__^
Saffron - 21st August 2009 This is going to look so damn FABULOUS on you darling <3 ^_^
Ranma1-2 - 21st August 2009
Ahhh thanks Osaka. I want to squish yoooh again.. =P
I need to get a moove on with this, cuz the rest of the group already have their costumes finished for Aya.
Anonymous - 3rd September 2009 How's this coming on? I can't wait to see it. Ironically I've gotten addicted to Galaxia Gorgeous at the moment :P
Ranma1-2 - 4th September 2009
Oh not much to show at the mo I'm afraid. I started with the sword this time for some reason. I want me an EPIC sword to battle with.. :P
I have been working on a rough for the bodice of the cos. I also bought some boots which have a nice shape - I would have sprayed them with gold paint but they're so nice I want to use them for other things afterwards. So they will be eventually covered over with the same Gold streatch material, but I haven't bought that yet. Still sourcing some of the bits. The only bit I'm worrying about really is the wig. I guess I should get a move on with Galaxia, but since my other October Expo cos is more or less complete I only have this one to worry about making this time. ^_^
I'll stick progress pics in the journal as I get bits done..
FairyPorchQueen - 21st September 2009 totally sexy
Anonymous - 21st September 2009 LOVELY choice! How will you achieve that nice, iridescent golden glow to the fabric? Looking forward to seeing this one in the flesh... I am determined to glomp you this time around!
Ranma1-2 - 22nd September 2009
Thanks ^__^
The costume is gonna be made using the same shiney gold fabric to cover everything, both hard and soft parts, and boots. So it should all tie in and look sparkly gold in front of the stage lights. That's as close to the irridescant glow I can get.
Noooo please don't glomp me. It might break some of my costume. There are loads of jewels dangling by thin thread and some of the armour is only cardboard covered in gold fabric. A cosplay hug would be nice though. :)
FairyPorchQueen - 9th October 2009 sword is looking epic!
Sephirayne - 9th October 2009 That is super shiny fabric. Your going to look fabulous.
Ranma1-2 - 9th October 2009
Thanks. I have now added the pommel too (no pics of that yet) But the sword is almost ready for painting.
Have also bought the shiney Gold material and wig today. So once the sword is finished I will work fast on the main costume.. I'm so pleased with the Gold lycra - is just the shade I wanted. ^_^
FairyPorchQueen - 9th October 2009 eeeeeeeeeeee i bet your really pleased love that fabric! i have soem liek that for WW its awesome ^____^ that sword will be so mch fun to paint
FairyPorchQueen - 9th October 2009 eeeeeeeeeeee i bet your really pleased love that fabric! i have soem liek that for WW its awesome ^____^ that sword will be so mch fun to paint
Ranma1-2 - 9th October 2009
Sephy and Emmy
Yep ^_^ the material is lovely, and it looks like I will be able to cover everything to match, incl boots. I should gleam. =P Haaa, just like I wanted.
Galaxia's sword hilt though is very dark almost black. I wish it was gold too but in the anime only her original 'Sword of Sealing' is Golden, and Sailor Moon gets that. But I intend to make her 'Chaos Sword' look metallic, like a gunmetal colour. Shall experiment with rub'n'buff metal polish.. Still need to make some very large Ruby's for the hilt too.
I have been rehearsing my masquerade walk on routine to show off some sword skills, Galaxia fashion.
- Sephy I hope you will be impressed by my sword choreography (knowing that is one of your area's of expertise). Those who know the anime will recognise some of her classic sword poses, and I am pleased to be able to perform them as part of this cosplay. Really looking forward to it. :)
Anonymous - 14th October 2009 <3 I truly cannot wait to see this! She's really under done IMO and you'll do her fantastically, I'm sure of it 8D
Ranma1-2 - 14th October 2009
Thank you. ^_^
Oh my gosh but time is going so fast again! I don't want to end up still sewing bits of my costume at the Expo like last time.. (Happened every time so far!)
I agree, she is under done. The costume is throwing up some construction challenges though. And the hair styling/crown is worrying me. Maybe that's what puts people off. I shall try my best. :)
KhaosKreator - 20th October 2009
Pattern is looking good!
-Tab
Ranma1-2 - 20th October 2009 Thx. I still have a small maountain to clmb to get this ready on time for the weekend - BUT I am determiined. ^_^
FairyPorchQueen - 20th October 2009 WOW! omg it looks fantastic so far, i will get pictures of you for sure shiney!
HystericalDame - 20th October 2009 This is so ridiculously amazing as usual. What day shall this be worn, and are you entering the masquerade? I have to catch a peek of this in action 8D
KhaosKreator - 20th October 2009
The skirt armour is looking fantastic! It's so neatly done.
-Tab
Ranma1-2 - 20th October 2009
Thank you guys ^_^ this is encouraging me to get it finished.
Tab - neatness is one of my hallmarks. Unfortunately it's also why stuff always takes me ages to make. ..If things don't work out first time I have to re-do them until I'm happy.
Galaxia will be worn on Sunday, and I will come on as part of a large Sailor Moon group in Sundays masquerade. We were originally planning to do a skit performance, but it was too difficult to organise rehearsal with 9 people all in different parts of the country. So our slot will be more like an Expert group walk on, BUT I still want to do my Galaxia poses with my huge Sword of Doom. I didn't make this sucker for nothin ^^, and the stage is about the only safe place I will be able to swing it with out taking someones head off. (It's really quite strong - even though I didn't plan it this way.)
Plus.. it's hard being queen biyatch of the Galaxy not to make a big entrance. I just hope people will recognise it's me doing this cosplay, I don't think we are announced individually. :S
Freyarule - 21st October 2009 I cannot wait to see this on the Sunday!!!
Ranma1-2 - 22nd October 2009
Oh gawwwwsh, running out of time fast.. but I am trying my best for you all. :S
Sword is finished! I will take some pics tomorrow in the daylight.
Boy those bracelt things have taken me sooooo much time to make, for something that looks so simple.
now....sleeeeeeeep -_-
OrgXIII-Namine - 22nd October 2009 8D AHHHH i cant wait to see this in person and I cant wait to see you dude! Wooo more sailor moon flailing! xD im soooo excited! chibi moon is almost finished as well :D Im just about to go out to get stuff for her boots :D byyye x
Anonymous - 22nd October 2009 Looking great so far, can't wait to see it on Sunday :-)
Amy-Lou - 30th October 2009
The gold lycra gives a fantastic finish.
The closest I've ever seen to that is a thin gold pvc, which is restrictive to work with. I wish the shops near me stocked something like yours.
Ranma1-2 - 30th October 2009
Thanks Amy. I got the Gold foil lycra from a stall in our rag market. There must be a huge rag market in London? If it's hard to get to you can get it from eBy too, although it's more expensive to buy there. I payed £3 a meter for mine in the market.
eg this looks like the same stuff
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Metallic-gold-foil-lame-fabric-material_W0QQitemZ250488986044QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Crafts_Fabric_Textiles_SM?hash=item3a524e99bc
RanmaSyaoran - 30th October 2009
HOW DID I MISS THIS?!?
"Never have a companion who casts you in the shade" Balthazar Gracian on Sailor Galaxia.
Ranma1-2 - 30th October 2009 Sadly was supposed to be Sundays costume at Expo, but I didn't get it finished in time. There was too much left to do. So you haven't really missed it. But I'm carrying on working on it and might be my Midlands Expo costume next Feb.
Fables - 2nd November 2009 So sorry to hear she didnt make it Expo D: At least you get a little more time to polish her off though, eh? Pictures of the masquerade looked fab! I'm glad you think peach's hoop thingy worked, There is other photos but i need to resize them first!
Ranma1-2 - 3rd November 2009 Yes you are right, Fables. At least I will do Galaxia to the best of my ability now because I am not in a last minute rush anymore. I think she will debut at Feb Midlands Expo. But I dare say she will come out more than once cuz there is a lot of Sailor Moon love. :)
Anime_Angel - 21st April 2010 thats an interesting way to make the bracelets there^_^
Ranma1-2 - 21st April 2010 Oh it took me ages to figure out a way to make the bracelets work..I don't know how other people did theirs, it's quite hard to make solid ones. I guess springy metal would work. But I wanted to use the same Gold material so all the parts of the costume tied together. ^_^
Zedela - 6th June 2010 Yay I really can't wait to see, U will make such a perfect Galaxia X3 It was so nice to meet you too* :D
Ranma1-2 - 6th June 2010 Thanks Zedela. Galaxia could be next May expo. :)
ProbablyHeather - 14th July 2010 Oh gawd, the progress looks amazing *3* Rly can't wait to see this finished <3 xx
Ranma1-2 - 14th July 2010 Thanks Cheetos. I might get back to working on Galaxia over winter so she can be ready for next May Expo. :)
ProbablyHeather - 21st January 2011 Am very very verrry happy to see that this will be taken to Kita 8D 8D 8D
Debbie Ella - 21st January 2011 I'm so excited about this you can't even imagine. So very, very few have managed this, and yours is looking the best so far. ♥ Love it!
Ranma1-2 - 21st January 2011
Aww thanks guys. ^_^
Cheetos - If you do bring Uranus we can get some good pics. :)
Telly - I had been pondering about StarMaker to make up your trio ;)
But Galaxia is already started and it sort of makes sense. Plus I get to be supreme and villainous over you. :P Cue epic photoshoots. :)
I dont know why there arent more Galaxia cosplays. Maybe its cuz there are no patterns out there so you have to be able to draft your own or put a rough together first. Well hopefully with those hard bits done now the rest should come together quite quickly.. :)
Frederica la Noir - 12th May 2011 Oh my gosh! I can't wait to see this ^___^ I'd love to do a Super Sailor Mars one day, would be awesome to a get a pic with you as Galaxia!
Frederica la Noir - 12th May 2011 **sqwah meant to say eternal sailor mars! xDD
Ranma1-2 - 12th May 2011 Thanks. :) Tis looking most likely 2012 now though. Ohhh You might regret meeting Galaxia - she will WANT your star seed!!! @_@ Be on your guard, and above all..protect Moon! :P
LittleRecordGirl - 8th July 2011
Love the progress!
I recently finished watching Sailor Stars the other day for the first time and it was amazing. I cannot wait to see this finished!
Ranma1-2 - 8th July 2011 Thanks. ..I was talking to Chevi during London Expo and she suggested May 2012 Expo for another Sailor Moon group. So thats currently the aim for Galaxia. :)
Fyria - 12th March 2013
Did you manage to finish this in the end? I would love to see pictures. Galaxia is one of the harder 'scout' costumes to make but also one of the most impressive in my opinion!
And shiny, lets not forget the shiny. <3
Ranma1-2 - 12th March 2013 Hi Fyria, The costume was put on hold because I promised Angel Aiko I would save Galaxia for her Sailor Moon cosplay group.. The good news is she is planning her SM group for this Oct Expo 2013, so I am gearing up to have this cos ready for Oct Expo. :)
alytheluvly - 13th March 2013 ^^ Does the SM group have a chibichibi yet? Would love to join in!
Ranma1-2 - 13th March 2013 Im not sure if the group has started yet Aly, the girl you can ask (pm) is angel aiko here on CosIsland. :)
alytheluvly - 14th March 2013
ok thanks!
Sorry I thought I had commented on this before ...
Sword looks awesome and love the gold fabric you're using! Will look amazing when it is finished ^_^