2nd June 2010: Finished boots Finished costume - cu shows the finished flame pattern on the boots which was painted with yellow acrylic over the stencilled outlines.
Also in this cu pic the lace panel detail of the hotpants can be seen.
2nd June 2010: boots - repaint This is a retrospective journal entry cuz I didnt have time to fill the journal in leading up to Expo.
My first attempt at painting the flame pattern on the boots wasnt good, so I stripped all the pant off with nail polish remover , which left the boots looking dirty yellow. I repainted them all over red with artists acrylic Cadmium Red. After a lot of thin coats handbrushed the Red colour was solid. Then using some of the cutout paper stencils from the first attempt I drew a better design onto the boots using a white pastel pencil. To help this process I found it was easier to draw onto the boots with them stuffed and filled out. I made my own boot stuffing things to fit inside the thigh boots. They were made using scrunched newspaper wrapped around some long wrapping paper cardboard tubes.
18th May 2010: 18 May 2010 Boots progress -
Gah! minor disaster. I tried painting the flame pattern like Toyahs all over the boots. It just didn't look good. So I stripped the yellow paint off (good old nail polish remover). Instead I am just going to paint the boots Red all over - Time is running out and I need to make my other Expo weekend costume yet.
Pic is the first coat of Red going on. Fortunately this artists acrylic paint sticks well to the PVC and doesnt seem to crack when you flex it. Good job!..
14th May 2010: 13 May 2010 Hotpants - No piccie for this update, but I have tidied up the back of the hotpants, I hate ill fitting bottoms. So after 5 attempts I finally got the rear seam to look neat, what can I say.. LYCRA!! At least I got to try out my new streatch needle, and even though it looks the same as a normal needle it did the job without the usual missing stitches thing. Ok ..I'm convinced. :)
So yeah hotpants are now finished, and to keep the underpants exactly in line with the hotpants front lace panels I've tacked the two garments together in a few places.
Boots - Test painted some patches inside boot tops. When it has dried I shall see if the paint has stuck well enough and can bend with the PVC. If so I can go ahead and paint the boots..
11th May 2010: 11 may 2010 Breastplate - Touched up and corrected small discrepancies in the flame detail.. And after loads of coats of paint the red is finally looking solid ..although I need to add a gradient Red into the Orange along the bottom half. Shall do that with my airbrush tommorow. Thankfully no masking is required.
Sheer top and Hotpants -
I cut the legs off the Leg Avenue body stocking and decided to try on what I have got so far.. For the pics the breastplate is just held on, no makeup (!), boots arent painted yet, and excuse the pins holding the lace panels on my hotpants, still needs sewing. ^_^
11th May 2010: Breastplate progress 10 May 2010 Wow this has taken so many coats of paint! :/ The red craft paint ended up looking too 'raspberry red'for my liking so I had to paint over it with some artists acrylic Red I had - but it is so thin Ive given it 4 coats and it still looks blotchy. Needs more coats until I get a solid deep red colour. Then maybe tomorrow I can seal it all over with a high gloss clear coat.
10th May 2010: Breastplate progress 8 May 2010 After final filing and smoothing I coated the surface with thinned PVA glue to seal it.
I then freehand enlarged and sketched the flame pattern straight onto the breastplate using the tracing sketch from earlier as a ref.
Then I started painting in the yellow parts with craft acrylic.
6th May 2010: Breastplate progress 6 May 2010 I modelled the abdomen building up with more filler. The whole thing is now looking generally good (to me), just needs the surfaces to be smoothed and perfected. So I have sealed in whats there by painting over everything with thinned PVA glue. Next I will fill in all the pits with plain filler.
I'm so chuffed how it is turning out, and it fits me so nicely! ^_^
6th May 2010: Breastplate progress 6 May 2010 First layer of filler - I mixed powder type home/diy filler from the pound shop, PVA white glue, and a bit of water. Mix to a smooth paste like butter and smooth it on with a lollipop stick. When it dries it sets pretty darn hard, in fact to model it and sand it down I was using metal files and heavy sandpaper.
You can see I also started refining the outline shapes in pencil over the curved tops.
4th May 2010: Breastplate progress - 4 May 2010 Now padded out the boobs with scrunched newspaper balls and covered over with newspaper strips, glued with thinned white glue (because it dries fast). It's starting to take shape, and is getting more rigid.
4th May 2010: Breastplate progress I glued some thick (brown) cardboard between the stomach and rib cage sections. When the glue has fully dried I will round this step and add filler to give the form a nice anatomical flow. Boobs need to increased a lot. I think I'll do that next. Then I'll leave it overnight. Time for some rolled up newspaper padding...
4th May 2010: Breastplate progress As well as freeing the breast areas I cut the paper card breastplate at the rib cage so that I can give it sculpted anatomical lines, otherwise it would look too flat. I then pinned it around my dummy torso and stuck a second layer of paper card on top to help keep the curved form..
3rd May 2010: Breastplate progress I made a lifesize drawing of the breastplate on greasproof paper (so I could wrap it around me). Now I have a good lifesize rough outline drawing of the breastplate.
Next I copied the lifesize drwg onto thick white paper card. This card is going to be pinned onto on my (female) tailors dummy so I cut some slashes in the breast positions so it can sit flush around the dummys torso.
3rd May 2010: Breastplate drwgs These are the drwgs I made. I will use then as my pattern. Now I can get to work on making a lifesize pattern drawing..
3rd May 2010: Breastplate progress I drew some tracings of the breastplate straight off the PC screen onto a polypocket sleeve.
I used this clear frontal pic to take the basic shape and proportions of the breastplate, bodypanel, whatever it's called.. I also traced the flame detail pattern onto my drawings - to be used later on at the painting stage.
3rd May 2010: Flame pattern I noticed the flame detail on the boots is actually a repeating pattern. I coloured my drawing in to help me distinguish the shapes.
So, I will enlarge these drawings now and make some stencils to paint the flame pattern onto the boots.
3rd May 2010: 3 May 2010 Printer is out of ink!! So I drew some tracings of the flame pattern straight off the PC screen using a polypocket sleeve selotaped on and a marker pen. :)
29th April 2010: 28 April 2010 I can't believe I scooped these for 10 quid on eBy!
Well they have the crystal heel and platform, and I figure I can either paint the flames straight onto the PVC. But then the PVC is not a snug fit like Toyah's, hers look more like streatch lycra. So I'm considering weather to cut the PVC off and glue on new streatch lycra boot toppings. Dilemma... :/
31st March 2010: Body Bodystocking also arrived.
..dare I chop it at the waist :? ..or will it unravell?
btw this is not me modelling it. ^^
31st March 2010: 31 March 2010 Wig arrived today, lovely two-tone blonde. Haven't been blonde yet ^_^
28th March 2010: 28 March 2010 Made a start getting bits together to make the costume -
Found a long sleeved 'body' on eBy - waiting delivery.
Also found a suitable wig - waiting deliverey.
Wyrdsister - 27th March 2010 Interesting choice! Another sweet costume for you!
Ranma1-2 - 27th March 2010 lol 'interesting choice' ^_^ I can't explain why I keep going for these.. All I know is I'm having a lot of fun. :P
Anonymous - 28th March 2010
Toyah Wilcox! There's a blast from the past!
Look forward to seeing this - I'm sure you'll do her proud :-)
Sephirayne - 28th March 2010 OMG! I love Toyah. I've been a fan of hers for years (ever since the 80's). I can't wait to see this.
Ranma1-2 - 28th March 2010
Ahh I'm glad there is some love for Toyah ^_^
Lunar_Kitten - I think she would love what I've got planned for the stage performance. ;)
Sephy - I'm really excited about this cosplay, I'm sure it is gonna be soooo much fun. :D
Anonymous - 29th March 2010 Hmm... curious!
Ranma1-2 - 29th March 2010
ha ha ha ^_^ ..umm take a look at her recent music video release...;P
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-WLHXd7P0w&playnext_from=TL&videos=fJJKb7RmNFw&playnext=1
I' been getting some of her moves and mannerisms down.. so hopefully will look like the real Toyah is there on stage perfoming. ..I'm not cloniing the video moves though, it will be my own take, a bit like what I did with Velma Kelly cosplay.
Captain_Marvelous - 29th March 2010 Mother funking Win!!!
Anime_Angel - 3rd May 2010
Well Expo is around the corner, you wearing this costume? or do you think you'll be still making it dueing Expo time lol
It'll be easy to spot you in that costume so I'll come and say hello when I see yer lol
I'll be Princess Peach incase your wondering lol
Ranma1-2 - 3rd May 2010
lol ^_^ I am...trying really hard to get my costumes finished in time! :P
..working some more on the main body panel right now. :) I wrekon this will be finished by the end of the week. Have to admit though - the boots are so high theres's no way I can walk around Expo all day in them, my feet would be dead by the time masquerade came around. So I think I will have to wear something lower during walkabout and just put the killer heels on for the masquerade. Now I know why they are called killer heels! ^_^
I shall defo look out for ya at Expo. :)
No thanks - 4th May 2010
Holy Moly!
Boot's of doom!
^o.o^ Someone will have to follow you around with a seat all day just incase!
Haha, But they are lovely and what a find!!<3
Looking foward to seeing more pictures of this!! It's going to be so epic 8) <3
Ranma1-2 - 4th May 2010
Yeah see what I mean :P
Defo will not be walking around in those all day.
Anonymous - 4th May 2010 Those are scary heels indeed! Pumps on standby XD
Ranma1-2 - 4th May 2010 ^_^ yep rescue shoes on standby :D
Chibi - 6th May 2010 Amazing progress as always! Can't wait to see the finished result :3
Sillabub - 6th May 2010
Nice boobies XD
Seriously though, looks fantastic, I am in awe :D
Ranma1-2 - 6th May 2010
^_^ thanks guys.
I might use these afterwards for super heroine cosplays, especially where there is cleavage on displ. I wan to see if I can cast the shape in something pliable like latex or somethin..
ryaoki - 6th May 2010 BOOOBIESSSSS, STEVE CAN I MOTORBOAT YOU IN MAY !
No thanks - 6th May 2010 That breastplate is coming along brilliantly! Such Talent!
FlyingMammal - 6th May 2010 Work on the breastplate is looking fantastic!
Ranma1-2 - 6th May 2010
Thanks for the compliments guys. ^_^
Reiss - lol depends...urrrrrrrrrrr.. what is motorboat? :)
ryaoki - 6th May 2010 when i put my head inbetween ur breasts , move my head from boob to boob blowing, which makes a motorboat sound lmao
Ranma1-2 - 6th May 2010
lmao, I knew it had to be somethin like that.. listen mate there's only one pair of boobs you should be motorboating!!! ;P
But ok if someone can capture the moment in a piccie I think twould be an awesome cosplay moment..the stuff of legends!.. XD
Captain_Marvelous - 6th May 2010 Aww mate this is starting to take shape! Really nice work!
Ranma1-2 - 6th May 2010 Cheers luke. (This is the sort of thing I was thinking of for a Star Saphire costume. It would be cool if could mould it out of something softer). :)
Captain_Marvelous - 6th May 2010 I was thinking the exact same thing when I saw it, we all need to see that for LFCC I mean Catwoman would be radical! but Star Sapphire would radical!
Ranma1-2 - 6th May 2010 I'll do some experiments with moulding after Expo.. :)
Captain_Marvelous - 6th May 2010 well would you be doing the Modern version? or the 1950s version?
GraceyDarling - 6th May 2010 those are some really nice boobs! lol progress is looking great =)
Ranma1-2 - 7th May 2010
:) Thanks Gracey
Luke I just uploaded the Star Saphire into my costumes, need your help with info though ;)
KhaosKreator - 11th May 2010
Sexy Sexy Steve!
-Tab
Captain_Marvelous - 11th May 2010 Jesus christ Steve can you say spot on cosplay! you suit this sooo much! ^^
Solaria - 11th May 2010
Oh gosh this is looking GORGEOUS!
I love those boots *3*
Anime_Angel - 11th May 2010
hmmm seems like your doing well here^__^
looks like you just got the boots to finish^_^
ProbablyHeather - 11th May 2010 This look amazing! xx
No thanks - 11th May 2010
Those boots! @.@~
Your going to have a long painting job on those boots ahead of you!
so far you look stunning as always sweetheart! <3
eternal_aranel - 12th May 2010
Wow!
I dont know who this is meant to be but damn it looks good! :D
Ranma1-2 - 12th May 2010
Aww Thanks guys ^_^ youre so sweet.
Yeah boots are the main thing left to finish. And there is some fine tuning and finishing off needed still.
Bambi. - 12th May 2010 Looking goooooooooood sweetie xD
Debbie Ella - 12th May 2010 Still think this looks so damn awesome! :D
Wyrdsister - 12th May 2010 Wow, this is really coming along!
Ranma1-2 - 12th May 2010 Thanks guys. ^_^
jaks-kingdom-dwarf - 18th May 2010 This looks so cool i can't wait to see it ^^
Ranma1-2 - 18th May 2010 Thanks. The boots will most likely just be Red though..cuz I just tried painting flames all over them and it looked very rubbish ¬_¬ So I stripped that paint off and now I'm just painting them all over Red. (..Running out of time and I still need to make my other Expo costume yet!)
FairyPorchQueen - 26th May 2010 wowy!! the brest plate looks amazing! i want one haha >__<
Ranma1-2 - 26th May 2010 Thanks ^_^ Yep this costume is all but finished now. I think I will have another attempt at paintintg flame patterns on the boots if there is time.
FairyPorchQueen - 26th May 2010 I hope you can those boots are to die for ^__^
Manga Girl - 30th May 2010 Really loved your Toyah costume hun! :D
Toshi-chan - 30th May 2010
This looked absolutely amazing on stage.
You were fantastic! :)
Ranma1-2 - 31st May 2010
FairyPorchQueen - your comment inspired me to have another attempt at painting the flames on the boots.. I'm so glad I did cuz lots of people liked the boots on the day and I think it added to the cosplay. Even if it did take another whole day of painting.
Thanks MangaGirl and Toshi-chan. It was slightly risque, but fun to cosplay. ^_^
Darkiekun - 1st June 2010 Wow Nice meeting you at the Expo Masquerade line! You helped me out a lot ^^ This really was awesome and loved your skit! Can't wait to see what you do next!
Ranma1-2 - 1st June 2010
Thanks sora. I'm glad your cosplay worked so well on stage. ^_^
Next cosplay performance is Darth Maul in Oct. That will be very different from everything Ive done so far.. (My first male cosplay).
k4tt - 1st June 2010 Hmmm, I honestly thought I had commented on this. Great to meet you briefly in the masquerade queue. really nice to see your Awesome costume in person, especially the work on your torso and boots!! ^__^
Captain_Marvelous - 1st June 2010 Saw the pics! :) you looked amazing!
Ranma1-2 - 1st June 2010
Thanks guys. Yeah I was pleased how close the costume turned out.
Ryuk, give it about a week and Tonyo should have the masquerade vid up. :)
Ilpala - 1st June 2010 Steve.... Your just too much :P
No thanks - 1st June 2010 I can't believe i still didnt get to see you ):
Ranma1-2 - 1st June 2010 Aww Charlotte, dont worry the only people that I saw were in the masquerade queue, cuz I arrived lateish on Sat and I just couldnt get in a hotel anywhere so I had to travel back home (3and half hour drive) then do it all again on Sun. Now everyone tells me you must book hotels about 3 months in advance. So thats what I will do next time..then I'll have all day to walk arund expo and meet people. :) Well at least you can see the performances on Youtube when Tonyo loads them up. As usual I had lots of fun on stage. XD
Ranma1-2 - 1st June 2010
James -
:P
..Oct lets see if I can make a good male cosplay.. :)
Anonymous - 2nd June 2010
Aww, I'm in your piccies! Thanks Steve *blushes*
You looked fab as Toyah; you really fit the part. I was singing along backstage! XD
PS, can't wait for Darth Maul ... people won't recognise you!
Ranma1-2 - 2nd June 2010
Yeah those are the piccies from the guy backstage with the big camera. I think you look great in them - feel free to use them /edit them for your Kiki pics if you want.
Cosplaying Toyah in this costume was a lot of fun. The audience were awesome as always :)
I think you are right, Darth Maul couldn't be further away from what Ive done so far..I don't think people will recognise me either. :S
FairyPorchQueen - 2nd June 2010 im so glad i got to see this performace in real life :D
eternal_aranel - 2nd June 2010
man I missed seeing you both days! Sucky!
But awesome performance I head and looks great!!
kiichan - 3rd June 2010 You looked GORGEOUS in this! Well done!
Ranma1-2 - 3rd June 2010 Thanks guys, glad you enjoyed it. :)
Adamoluna - 5th June 2010
damn, this turned out beautiful! You look fabulous in red! :D
How did the boots survive though? I thought acrylic paint on boots, especially thigh-highs, would crack up? Either way you did a great job on this, I'm gonna see if I can find a vid of your performance on youtube! ^^
Ranma1-2 - 5th June 2010
Adamoluna - Thanks ^_^
Missed you and your costumes at Expo. I guess you must be busy with work?
The acrylic paint didnt crack. I cleaned the boots first with detergent to get rid of any polish. The paint stuck ok enough for cosplay.. but it sort of covered the PVC like a thin pliable skin which is quite fragile. eg I scuffed the toes against each other afterwards and a patch came off. Maybe a clear coat of something would make them a bit more hardy. But as I say it survived for the cosplay and thats what I really wanted. I guess it could be applied more permenantly eg If I had roughed the PVC lightly and then spray painted with plastic primer first (like what they use for car bumpers) then applied the acrylic paint.. But handpainting it straight on was too tempting for me XD
Heres the link to the performance - ffwd to 3:30 for my bit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMvfMg_toDs&playnext_from=TL&videos=yffURlHskAo&feature=sub
GraceyDarling - 17th June 2010 You looked so good in this costume! your masquerade performance was really fun aswell :) x
Ranma1-2 - 17th June 2010
Thanks Gracey, ..darling :P
Ohhhh I like fun. :)
Anonymous - 29th June 2010 wo0w the ref and ur cozplay look so alike! ur soooooooooo awseom
Ranma1-2 - 30th June 2010 ^_^ Thanks PandaFace.
Anonymous - 4th August 2010
Am i right in thinking you used PVA instead of water when mixing the polyfilla?
I used it in the past but just with water and i have to say it isn't the sturdiest
Ranma1-2 - 4th August 2010 Yes that's it exactly. (also in journal..) Powder filler mixed with PVA white glue and a little water. Mix to a smooth paste. It set so hard I had to use metal tools to file it down.
Sasashie - 4th August 2010 Those are killer boots, awsum performance in May xx
Ranma1-2 - 4th August 2010
Thanks Sasashie. ^_^ They would have been killer on my feet too, if I hadn't bought some of those cushion inserts. Cushion inserts are like feet saviours!
Expo needs more seating, for cosplayers wearing heels like this. ^_^
Sephirayne - 2nd October 2010 Wow! Great job. Love the boots. The breastplate looks really spot on. Great job.
Ranma1-2 - 2nd October 2010 Thanks Sephy. :)