28th May 2010: Shoes Finished Working in sections I painted thinned PVA glue onto the shoes and sprinkled silver glitter onto the tacky glue.
Finally I have the Silver Glitter shoes I wanted. These really sparkle like crushed diamonds, I LOVE them! ^_^
28th May 2010: Shoes progress After the Evostick glue dried I added a few layers of tissue and superglue to cover the lines. Then after some smoothing down with files and sandpaper I painted the new toes over with silver enamel paint, which wasnt a bad match but isnt my intended design - I wanted silver glitter shoes. So...
28th May 2010: Shoes progress New round toe shape formed and taped together whilst the Evostick dries.
28th May 2010: Shoes progress I chopped the tips off and cut the soles back to the new shape. The remaining shoe material is left to be bent down and trimmed to form the new toe shape. Then glued with strong Evostick.
28th May 2010: Shoes progress Marked the new shape out onto the soles and made a template so they would both be the same.
28th May 2010: Base shoes These are my base shoes. I think they are too long and pointy, not Florences style, so I decided I would hack them down and round the toes.
27th May 2010: Mawi ring finished Finished painting the ring. gold base coat and rubnbuff metal polish, pearls painted with pearlescent paint.
26th May 2010: Mic stand prop This is my salvaged lampstand. I cleaned it up and made a top part to hold the mic. I bought the mic, it was only 1.99. To make the mic holder I bent a piece of aluminium into a cirle and put a long bolt through it then bent and glued some black plastic card around the inside. Then I cut a piece of plastic tube from an old vacuum cleaner for the mic holder to sit on. I hot glued it all in place and then hot glued the assembled top piece onto the old lampstand. Completed by painting the mic holder to match using acrylic black paint.
Also in the pic - these are the flowers I bought to dress the mic stand..Florence always has flowers.. I shall attatch them at the show cuz I dont want them getting squashed in the car.
26th May 2010: Mawi costume ring progress Ring now Primer coated with white Halfords metal primer aerosol.
26th May 2010: Mawi costume ring Next I strapped the links onto the ring with wire twisted around tight. Then with it clamped in the vice I heated it up with a pencil blowtorch and soldered it all. I imagint this is pretty much how they made the real one. ^_^
Pic shows current state of my ring and the real Mawi one for comparison - Ok no cigar..but its close enough for me. ^_^
Now just need to paint it. ..tommorrow..
26th May 2010: Mawi costume ring progress Worked on my ring today.. Florence has this huge 4 pearl ring. I found out it is made by Mawi, and they are chuffed that Florence has one of their rings.
Obv mine isnt Gold and Pearls..I started with a piece of 20mm copper pipe - just happens to fit nicely around my middle finger. The Mawi catalogue says the Peral claw ring is 18mm deep so thats how big I made mine. Then I cut some more slices out of the pipe and flattened them out into strips. I bent these strips into the links with long pliers.
The pearls are just plastic beads off a toy necklace. The pearl claws I made from plastic.
25th May 2010: dress progress Cutting the shapes out - pic has exagerrated the reflective surface of the fabric ..it doesnt look like baking foil in real life!! It is white streatch fabric with tiny silver shimmery dots.
The sewing machine is having problems sewing the streatch stitch through it though, keeps puckering up. Maybe the tension is wrong, I dunno. I will have to hand sew some of the seams. Hate all the unpicking..takes so much time.
23rd May 2010: Pattern rough under construction Making progress on the dress pattern rough. It has been more difficult to get the shape of my design than I imagined, but finally I have sussed it. The front of the dress is split under the bustline. Two cross over pieces will cover the boobs closely like I wanted leaving the V neck, and the main body will also be close fitting. Having to do a lot of guessing as I go cuz the real material has some streatch whilst the rough doesnt..
Here is a pic of the 'rough' in progres..
23rd May 2010: Mic stand prop ..rescued this lampstand which was being chucked out..looks like I found my Mic stand. :P
Just need to make a piece to go on the top that can hold the mic. Bought a cheapie mic from the pound shop.
12th April 2010: Wig arrived Yep my Florence wig arrived today.. :)
This is the nearest one I could find. Ideally I would like it to have a hint of red. I wonder if it is possible to tint a wig - need to ask the experts...
9th April 2010: Gone Shopping... Today I scoured the market (and its a big market!) for the dress material. Originally I planned to use a lightweight white Satin for the main dress. ..Im so glad Im able to handle the fabric at the market, because none of the satins would drape like I wanted. Instead I found a glitzy fabric which is brilliant white with loads of tiny reflective silver shimmer dots all over. Imediately knew this was the one. Only prob was the price at £10 per metre! Thats the most Ive paid for anything per metre!! Fortunately all I need is one metre.:)
Then I went on the hunt for white Chiffon, plenty of Organza around but no Chiffon!..until the last seller I went to, at last real Chiffon! *sigh of relief* Its so soft and floaty..
I am gonna LOVE wearing this costume, its gonna be so Glam! ^_^
Wig wise though - I completely struck out at the market. :/ Really surprised. There wasnt anything remotely close. So I have ordered the wig online. Tis on its way. ^_^
So excited about this cosplay.
6th April 2010: costume design After a lot of thinking I settled on a design for Florences stage costume. I have made up my own design using elements from the two different costumes she wears in her official music video for 'You Got the Love'
The satin white teddy suit she wears would be a lot harder to pull off as a crossplay so instead I am going with a Satin white mini dress with a Greek style drape to the front, hitched up at the sides. I will add the same shiney sequins/bead detail to the front though. Then onto that I am going to attatch a white chiffon batwing/cape, fixed around the V neckline. There are fleeting glimpses of this second costume seen in the music video.
Finished off with silver glitter heels.
Also need to make my mic stand prop wrapped in flowers.
Here is my design sketch showing how I imagine the stage costume will look.
Fables - 8th December 2009
Oooh the red hair looks really good on you!
Cant say ive really listened to Florence unless shes on the radio in a taxi or something, but ive gotta admit youve got me intrigued now :3
FairyPorchQueen - 8th December 2009 Good choice yet again, my bf loves her music hehe. I think there is a relemblance! but i think you are prettier LOVE her style.
Neko-Chan - 8th December 2009
YES. YES. YES.
I knew you reminded me of someone!!! xD
Not in a bad way ofcorse.
Awesome job man ;D Cant wait to see it done!
Captain_Marvelous - 8th December 2009 Its wrong that in the pic you look more fem than she does :)
Ranma1-2 - 9th December 2009
^__^ aww guys you say the nicest things. Prettier!? No way. She is only 23. I am just an old tabby who has managed to learn how to do the makeup basics. :)
My wife thinks Florence looks like a bloke in drag in some photo's. Whilst I think that is a bit harsh I do think she has a strong jaw line.. another reason why I thought I'd be able to pull her off quite well. Actually I saw a photo of her and thought "my gosh that could be a picture of me doing a cosplay!" and the idea was born. ;)
But she does wear some gorgeous clothes. I think I know which dress I want to try - I will see if my mum has anything similar in her vast colection of sewing patterns.
FairyPorchQueen - 18th December 2009 Yes i was thinkin you look more femanine too! :D I may have to agree with your wife there too. And yes much prettier :) she does have gorgeous clothes i saw one of those kinda feathery neck things in topshop, but sooo much money i wanted one :( feathers were black and green and so shiney......
Ranma1-2 - 19th December 2009 Aww thanks sweetie. ^_^ Yeah feathers are WIN. Don't know why I like them so much but I do. Sadly true they are real expensive. :/ I keep my eyes open when I am trawling the charity shops and market stalls in case somebody has something with feathers on it going cheap. ^__^
Wildeth - 29th December 2009
OMFG! xD
this should be insanely awesome, i love her!
Ranma1-2 - 30th December 2009
Oh I'm glad you love her.
My first step is to get an awesome wig that is near identical to her hair (instead of the makeshift wig in my makeup test).
FairyPorchQueen - 30th December 2009 Cant wait to see what sexy wig you pick ;)
Ranma1-2 - 30th December 2009 I will try our indoor markets first. If I can't find exactly what I want I will probs order it from int.
FairyPorchQueen - 30th December 2009 good thinking ^___^
Saffron - 22nd February 2010 You make a lovely red head, can't wait to see more of this :)
Ranma1-2 - 22nd February 2010 Thanks Osaka ^_^ I'm really looking forward to cosplaying Florence. Ive seen some lovely red wigs on eB but I've gotta wait a lil bit to buy cuz Midland Expo is only just gone. .. She is defo on for May Expo though. I have a performance idea for the masquerade show too. :)
Blinx - 23rd February 2010 Oooh this is interesting, your test looks good =]
Ranma1-2 - 23rd February 2010 Thank you Blinx. :)
PinkCharlieBear - 2nd April 2010 OMG I love Florence! I think you'll suit her really well. Cannot wait to see your performance in May *_*
Ranma1-2 - 2nd April 2010
Yaaaaaay more Florence love. ^_^
Thanks hun. I'm looking forward to doing her and I have the performance routine sorted. Shall be quite special. ;)
I need to make a decision on which costume to go for and then make a start.. I want Chiffon batwings! :P
Captain_Marvelous - 6th April 2010 Its gonna look sooo amazing!!! :) shame we arent going to May :( we cant wait to see you as Catwoman :) (thats still on right XD)
Ranma1-2 - 6th April 2010
Aww shame no May for you..:/ You'll have to catch it on YT, hopefully Tony will be there to record Expo and masquerade.
I'm still looking for the right wig. :S I scanned eBy and there just aren't any close enough for my liking.. The colour and style is so important. If I get the hair right the cosplay will look Fab, and be instantly recogniseable as Florence. So I'm planning a trip up town to the big indoor market, even though it probably means paying more.. I'll Know when I see the right one!
Now that I have the design of the costume fixed in my mind I can also make a start on putting it together.
Yep LFCC Catwoman is most defo still on :)
FairyPorchQueen - 6th April 2010 LOOOOOOOOVE your design!! its beautiful
Ranma1-2 - 6th April 2010
Aww thanks, that's really nice ^_^ I'm quite excited now that I know what the costume is going to look like. Chiffon batwings are SO Florence :) And even though lots of her stage costumes are black I love the white ones she wears in the vid too, and I thought a white costume with sparkly bits and silver glitter shoes would be a better costume for cosplay. So even people who don't know who she is will still see a beautiful sparkly stage costume.
^_^
Member-XI - 6th April 2010 I LOVE Florence and the Machine, I think you will look amazing in your outfit, the design looks lovely. I'm so going to be on the look out for you at expo :)
Ranma1-2 - 6th April 2010 Aww thanks, you are all so nice ^_^ If you don't spot me around the show hall you might see me in the masquerade show. I have submitted my application for the perfomance category on Sunday. ..waiting to hear from the panel if I am chosen for a slot. If I do get a place I have something special planned for this Florence performance. ^_^
FairyPorchQueen - 7th April 2010 Its lovely! and i love batwigs too hehe ^__^ seriously you will be mauled with people asking you for autographs, you look so much like her. My bf will HAVE to get a photo with you!
Wildeth - 12th April 2010 I can't get over how similar you look to her, it's amazing :O
Ranma1-2 - 12th April 2010 ^_^ Thanks. It will be reeally nice if people do recognise this as a Florence cosplay, especially pic requests.
Wyrdsister - 13th April 2010 Nice wig! Really close, this is going to to be another epic costume!
Ranma1-2 - 13th April 2010 Thanks Steph. :)
redheadgirl - 17th April 2010 Looks like a really good cosplay :) u'll do well. May i ask where u plan to Wear it to ? Thx again for the comment
Ranma1-2 - 18th April 2010
Thanks Redheadgirl ^_^
Florence is for London Expo in May - I'm waiting to hear if I have been selected for a perfomance slot in the masq comp. And also I should be wandering around the Expo and meeting friends before the masquerade comp starts.
redheadgirl - 18th April 2010 Oh yeah my hair is naturally red ... altho i do get it made lighter for a more vibrant color . Im so gunna look for u on expo .. i'll be there both dayz so. If u see elektra your welcome to say hi .
Ranma1-2 - 18th April 2010 Yeah I'll def watch out for ya at Expo, we should get some pics together ..two redhead gals, well you know what I mean. ^_^
Manga Girl - 2nd May 2010 You are going to be an amazing Florence! :D
Ranma1-2 - 3rd May 2010 Aww thank you babes. ^_^ I hope you get to see it :)
Manga Girl - 3rd May 2010
I hope so too ^_^
And I hoping to have Cosmos finished in time for you to see at Expo :D
Ranma1-2 - 3rd May 2010 Woohoo! Great, I'm looking forward to seeing your Cosmos. :)
Enchanting_ELK - 24th May 2010 :D looking forward to seeing this!! I think you do have the same chin actually O.O wow lol.
Ranma1-2 - 25th May 2010
Thanks EmosLastKiss, Getting there slowly :/ The sewing machine is having trouble doing streatch stitch on my glitzy fabric..I'm gonna have to hand sew some of the seams. But the costume is defo getting there. ^_^ Updates in journal.
..not long to go till Expo now, @_@
PinkCharlieBear - 25th May 2010
This is one of the costumes I'm most excited about seeing <33 And the performance *_*
Love the fabric choice, can't wait to see more photos!!
Freyarule - 25th May 2010
That fabric is so shiny and pretty! OwO
Cannot wait to see this :D
Ranma1-2 - 26th May 2010
Aww thanks guys, keeping me going. ^_^
Today I bought the flowers for the mic stand prop. Also made my huge pearl Florence ring, cuz I was in the prop making mood ^_^
The dress should be finished by tomorrow.
Good news is I have transport again, just need to get it taxed, then I can drive to Expo with all ma stuff. :)
FairyPorchQueen - 26th May 2010 everything is looking perfect so far!! :D
FairyPorchQueen - 27th May 2010 :O omg i want one of those rings! its so beautiful!
Ranma1-2 - 27th May 2010 Mawi claw set pearl ring - a snip at the price at £216..or a piece of copper tubing if you're a cosplayer. :P
FairyPorchQueen - 27th May 2010 hehe owwwyy! that will set you back alot, seriously you should sell these!
Inuyoku - 28th May 2010 Those shoes are amazing!!!
Amy-Lou - 30th May 2010
You are so resourceful! The way you made the shoes and that ring is really inspiring.
Great performance at Expo today, your costume was fabulous :D
Manga Girl - 30th May 2010 I loved your performance so much! I was singing and cheering along for you!! I got some fantastic photos of you ^_^
Ranma1-2 - 31st May 2010
Thanks for the comments guys. Wow 'inspiring' thats nice. ^_^ Yeah us cosplayers can make Anything! I am resourcefull cuz it keeps the costs low! :P
Yay MangaGirl.. I know I was smiling on stage so much cuz peole were really joining in. All around I saw smiling faces and clapping along to the song.. and Im sure I saw some waving their hands in the air 'like you just dont care' with me..it was such fun. And the birthday singing was so special. I will treasure that forever. ^_^
ryaoki - 1st June 2010 made of win steve, made of win.!!
Ranma1-2 - 1st June 2010 Cheers buddy. So nice to catch up with ya again. :)
Freyarule - 1st June 2010 This was so awesome! It was great meeting you again in the queue and "snapping" our white chiffon XD
Ranma1-2 - 1st June 2010 Yes I enjoyed meeting you in the queue too ^_^ and 'snapping' our white chiffon was fun :P
Elata - 2nd June 2010 You looked amazing during your masquerade performance, my friends and I had great fun waving our arms along to the song, wonderful job!
Ranma1-2 - 2nd June 2010 Thanks Elata. I was hoping people would join in waving arms - and you did. ^_^
ryaoki - 5th June 2010 can anyone sing, steve is the worlds best florence, because i can and its such a sweet tune
Ranma1-2 - 5th June 2010 Thanks bud. I think Florence will return..with a different cos. ^_^
Captain_Marvelous - 5th June 2010 I got to see you at midland! I missed you at Expo and im really regretting it! you looked so hawt! XD well the hell done! im glad you did so well :) I guess I can settle for Star Saphire :)
Ranma1-2 - 5th June 2010 Ryuk thanks, ^_^ ..I'll try my best for Star Saphire.
Neko-Chan - 5th June 2010
I know i've already commented.
But good lord this is so amazing.
A few of the photos you have from the masq - my as well be Florence.
Seriously amazing job bro.
Debbie Ella - 5th June 2010 You looked so amazing, your legs are as stunning as always! And it was so much fun singing "Happy Birthday" to you backstage. ^^
Ranma1-2 - 5th June 2010
Neko-Chan - Wow Thanks ^_^ thats the best a cosplayer can be told. Florence will DEFinitely be returnig to Expo..in another costume. :)
Telly - Awww thanks hun. It was a really special moment for me too, and I had absolutley no idea it was coming cuz I hadnt told anyone. I LOVE cosplayers, they have so much love! ^_^
Alias Cosplay - 5th June 2010 In the excitement of the masquerade I neglected to wish you a Happy Birthday, so a Happy (belated) Birthday! :)
KhaosKreator - 5th June 2010
Happy birthday! I hope I look as stunning as you do when I'm that age :p
-Tab
Ranma1-2 - 5th June 2010
Thank you guys. ^_^
Tab - I only look stunning in crossplay. Real life is reeeealy un-stunning trust me. Thats why I love doing the female characters so much, theres a side of me that just loves all the glamour..
Chikinpoo - 6th June 2010
Oh my Gosh you were amazing is sundays masquarade!! I saw you in the line for it, but was totally intimidated by everyone to actually talk to anyone, lol. But I really enjoyed it. Was totally like being at a live show!! Cant wait to see you on stage again!
Absolutely stunning!!
Chikinpoo - 6th June 2010 And happy birthday!! What was it? 21? ;)
Ranma1-2 - 6th June 2010
Aww Chikinpoo ^_^ Dont be shy, come and talk to us next time, were all really friendly. Thanks for the compliments. It was really such a lot of fun for me on stage too, the audience always give me such a warm welcome. This time people were clapping and waving their arms in the air.. oh gosh gives me the feeling of what it must be like being Florence when she is on stage. She is awesome.
I wish I were 21 XD ..you gotta add another 26 Im afraid. Thats why I said I ought to quit, but people said NOOOOOOO dont quit - we love you. So here I am still. ^_^
Id love to do another Florence cosplay..a different costume and song... ;)
Bambi. - 6th June 2010
Yay happy fun birthday times for Ranma! xD
You look stunning hun! x
HotshotShan - 6th June 2010 You look absolutely amazing : )
Ranma1-2 - 6th June 2010 Thank you guys. ^_^
Holli - 10th June 2010 oh excellent ! ..wow looked really good =D/..never got a chance to see it my self >_< .. watched the video thought ! very realistic! =D Just great =3
Ranma1-2 - 10th June 2010
Thanks Holli. ^_^
I think Florence will be back sometime, but with another costume. :)
BabemRoze - 22nd June 2010 I saw this at the masquerade! :D I remember squealing at the awesomeness!! Brilliant! :D
Ranma1-2 - 22nd June 2010
Aww, thank you BabemRoze. ^_^
It was great to see so many people enjoying themselves and joining in.
I love Florence, so it was my lil tribute to her. :)
Anime_Angel - 20th July 2010
Heya hows it going, I found a good challenge for yer if yer up for it lol, apparently I noticed that you did a red head quite well so here is a challenge I thought would be great for you lol
Why don't you give Jessica rabbit from Roger rabbit a try lol
Ranma1-2 - 24th July 2010 I would LOVE to do Jessica. ..someday it will happen. ^_^
GoldieNeko - 10th August 2010 THIS LOOKS FANTASTIC! Very well done! And the ring looks EPIC! If I recall that thing tis HUGE! I spoke with you backstage day of the Masq and I'm stille baffled to this day how it didn't weight your hand down! XD *Thumbs Up*
Ranma1-2 - 10th August 2010
Thanks GoldieNeko,
ha ha ha ha It's only a bit of copper tube ^_^
Sephirayne - 2nd October 2010 Looking amazing here. You have gotten the look really spot on.
Ranma1-2 - 2nd October 2010 Thanks Sehpy. Florence was so enjoyable to cosplay. The costume felt so soft and flowey with all the Chiffon and I felt really glamourous. The audience reaction was awesome. I felt like I had a glimpse into what it must be like to be Florence. She's lovely. ^_^
Anonymous - 19th January 2011 I love Florence! Nice job! :)
Ranma1-2 - 19th January 2011
Thank you Hanbeat. :)
..Must do another Florence costume sometime.
Anonymous - 19th January 2011 Yes, definitely! It really suits you. I love how she has beautiful bright red hair too! Hopefully I'll get to see you cosplaying at the one in London, in May. :D
DuskatNight - 7th February 2011
*Collects up thoughts* Jesus you make a really convincing female!
I saw you in the Masquerade and you pulled her off really well.
Ranma1-2 - 8th February 2011 DuskatNight - Awww you really think so? Thank you. Thats the nicest thing to say to a crossplayer. Cuz it means all the effort is worth it. ^_^