27th October 2011: Key staff Finished Glued the final details on today using liquid nails. Tada! this is my finished Key staff. Really pleased with the final result.
26th October 2011: Problems and solutions Had some big setbacks!
1. The Plastikote primer I used on the key staff still hasnt dried, but seems permenantly soft as in..you can scrape it off with your finger nail. Why! So I have sanded the whole lot off - which clogged up loads of sandpaper.
Anyway the good news is..I then sprayed with white car paint as primer and it dried quickly so I was also able to spray the top coat using metallic silver car paint. Its drying now ..And it looks ace! Tommorow I can stick the orb and decorations on. Feeling like its in the bag! :)
2. Fuku skirt has been really tough this time around! - even though I used the same pattern I made for Mars. Strange. Skirt just wouldnt hang right. Very unhappy with it. So I unpicked the whole thing, and tried to push the drape into submission by steam pressing knife pleats. Looked great layed out flat but as soon as I tacked it onto the bodice it just went horrible again. Agghh. No more black fabric to spare either. So I unpicked the whole thing Again! and pressed the fabric back flat - fortunately the knife pleats completely came out.
Solution - Finally I hung the bodice on a coat hanger off the door frame and started pinning the skirt from the front centre, putting the gathers in as I went. This seems to be the key! Pinning the gathers whilst the skirt is hanging upright shows properly how the drape is looking, so you can adjust the fabric until it looks just right, then pin to hold that position. Finally I handsewed along the pinned seam. Skirt is now draping properly. :) Just needs hemming now.
Still need to make two bows and sailor collar, make boot extensions, glue decorations onto staff.
But my heart broach and Star neck choker are finished. And I have made the chevron earrings..if I can fix them onto my clip ons somehow. Gloves also finished and wig styled.
One day left till Expo. I think I can do it.. even if I have to work on something in the hotel on Saturday. :P
24th October 2011: garnet orb holder Pic shows cutting the detail strips from mountboard, and then pva glued around the garnet orb holder. Really pleased how this turned out.
Also completed, but not shown, I have cut slots out of the mini baubles with a mini disc in the hobby drill, so these are all ready to be fixed onto the staff top..after it has been painted.
24th October 2011: staff progress Key teeth details were cut out of perspex sheet. Then I cut long slots into the broom handle using a chisel and fixed the details in with liquid nails.
24th October 2011: staff - baubles and top detail added Pic shows the finished top detail after I filed the edges neatly down to the drawing lines and also rounded the corners off..lots of filing with the metal files! It has been fixed into the staff top - I cut a slot and secured with liquid nails.
The base construction of the garnet orb holder has also been added by glueing two layers of thick paper card. One of the baubles is also noticable on the staff. These were all done before the top was added - lots of filing grooves into the broom handle and then each bauble had to be cut in half, filled with Milliput for strength and pressed onto the staff.
24th October 2011: Staff progress Day three on the staff! I didnt realise it was gonna take this much work. Ah heck and Expo is coming up fast like it always does! :/
Pic shows cutting of the staff top detail. I used some thick perspex as it is pretty sturdy and the detail is fairly thin so needs the strength.
I selotaped a copy of the head detail drawing onto the perspex sheet. Then chain drilled, and then cut through with a hacksaw blade for the rough shape.
23rd October 2011: key staff I drew the heart shaped staff head pattern using a screen grab for ref (where the top garnet orb part seperates from the staff)
Pic shows how the baubles will be used on my key staff.
23rd October 2011: Key staff sourcing parts Baubles from Poundland - I made sure they were plastic ones before I bought. So these will form some of the details. Medium size for the spheres down the length of the key staff, a large red one for the garnet orb, small golden ones for details around the heart shaped head of the staff.
23rd October 2011: key staff mock up Start of key staff - bought a broom handle. I drew some cardboard cutouts and selotaped them on to work out the detail shapes and positions.
23rd October 2011: transparent sleeve caps attached Transparent sleeve caps on, handstitched onto the inside of the sleeve rolls. I havent had time to try it on yet but time is running out fast to Expo so it will have to do.
23rd October 2011: transparent sleeve caps completed transparent sleeve cap. They are clear acetate sheet with a sparkly organza layer hand stitched on.
17th October 2011: transparent sleeve caps - progress Had problems with the transparent sleeve caps.
Ideas I Tried out:
Organza on its own - flopped
Organza with net tulle backing - flopped
Clear acetate sheet - v plastic looking on its own, but holds its shape nicely
Clear acetate sheet with Organza glued at edges - almost! but dried glue is visible!
Final solution
Clear acetate sheet with a layer of Sparkly Organza - This involves making loads of tiny holes around the egdes. I used my Dremel type mini drill. The Organza is then joined onto the acetate sheet by hand sewing along the border of holes with invisible thread. Pics of completed sleeve caps tommorrow. :)
17th October 2011: wip gloves pic left - gloves made out of white stretch lycra, seperate thumbs, no finger gussets because there is enough stretch in the fabric. The glove rolls left are in stages of progress.. 1st the long sausage shape is sewed up out of upholstery foam strip. Then the foam sausage has been covered with black stretch fabric. Next the sausage shape is bent into a ring and the ends are stitched together. Finally the black fabric is closed over the join and sewed neatly. This completes the individual glove rolls - three made up for each glove.
pic right - shows the three individual glove rolls sewed together so they form a band of three. This is then finally sewed onto the glove top. Far right is the first completed glove.
Both gloves are now finished.
12th October 2011: Finished wig Pretty pleased with it even though im not 100 pc convinced the hair bun is right. But its the best I can do. Im not gonna risk changing it again.
12th October 2011: End of a wig! Oh dear, there is good news and bad news... First the good news, the fringe actually looks pretty good. The bad news, the hair bun idea has not worked out.. having effectively a complete wig hangiing off the back of a really long wig was really heavy! So I hacked the length off the bun extension hoping to leave just the bun, but the hacked off ends just stuck out badly, so I had to take it all off. Pic shows what is left now of the short wig. oopse. Ummm time for plan B...
Plan B - ok so I am going to try the trusty odango method the same as I used for Nehelenia. So I have cut a large hole through the polystyrene ball and painted it black, and dark green. I shall leave overnight to dry. Hopefully the long cut off piece from the short wig will be enough to cover the bun.
Darn, I need to look in on some wig styling workshops at the cons. :I
11th October 2011: Wig styling Plu wig arrived today, 1M long dark green - which is really great cuz the ad said it could take up to a month to arrive from HK! Fotunately it has arrived after only 6 days. So I spent the morning styling. Fringe was veeeery long so I have chopped a good 6 inches off in a bit of a curve. Also I put some rollers in and steamed with the kettle spout. When the rollers come out I will see, hopefully it will look how it should.
Also - the first wig I had bought for Plu which was too short is exactly the same colour. So I am using that for Plu's hair bun and extension. I used a polystyrende ball and just fitted the wig over it and tied around with black elastic. You can see the hair bun extension in the photo and there is a spare polystyrene ball too.
5th October 2011: Base progress ..just needs transparent sleeve extensions adding now. Wondering what to use for these - just ordered some sheer organza, hope it will be stiff enough to hold its shape...
7th March 2011: more time keys I got this key in my winners bag from Midlands Expo, It just reminded me of the keys Plu has on a key chain around her waist in some artworks..so this key has been put with the other Pluto costume stuff. I know Im doing Super vers, which officially doesnt include the key chain, but I like the look of this key. Now I just need to find some more like it. ^_^
2nd October 2010: Boots These are boots which I will be useing as a base. Not much modding needed by the looks of things. :)
2nd October 2010: costume parts Have the Black satin for the skirt. Like Mars' it's the nice stuff..a bit more expensive but doesn't crease up like those cheap thin satins. This time I might go for a more pleated look skirt.
Also found a light up orb in the pound shop will be ideal for the time key crystal.
ryaoki - 8th January 2009 definatly an epic choice , thisll be great to see ahaha scre hugh jackman , you should win the hottest man alive award and im not even gay LMAO
Ranma1-2 - 9th January 2009
Hottest man alive!?! Absolutely No chance of that. ..No my friend YOU are the babe magnet. :D
But I gotta try Pluto cuz I just wanna twirl that time key around like a weapon. :)
Captain_Marvelous - 12th February 2009 Never mind my long black hair I will trade it for your +50 sexeliness bonus legs ^.^ *actually cant tell you how im loosing weight....because i dont know :(* but I need more shots of this up ^.^ if its anything like your mars im going to need a lie down ^.^ more shots :)
K - 28th February 2009 Aaah this will really suit you! I can't wait to see it :D
Ranma1-2 - 28th February 2009
Thanks Kazz. It's looking promising for May Expo on Sat (sun should be Queen Nehelenia in a group skit if all goes to plan).
I've got some nice boots already, and the beginnings of my time key. ^^
Solaria - 20th May 2009
Again wonderful x3
I'd love to see 8D I think you'll make a good Pluto because you fitted Mars well and so Pluto would look good too 8D -similar hair- Good luck x3
Ranma1-2 - 21st May 2009 Thanks NavigatorxNami. Not sure when now. She was originally planned for October Expo, but Silk Spectre has kinda taken over that slot. Oh well. Some day.. :P
OrgXIII-Namine - 25th April 2010 I can't wait to see this hun :D You are gunna make an awesome Pluto :) Can I be your sailor saturn when you do this? hehe x
Ranma1-2 - 25th April 2010
Nessieeeeeeeeee, where have you been???? Tis so nice to hear from you again. ^_^
Of course you can be my Saturn. :)
I skipped SM for a while cuz I had so many other costumes (and performance ideas) that I just needed to do.
Let me know when you are 'feelin' to do your Saturn.
(Better thought - I'll pm ya.)
alytheluvly - 17th September 2010 good choice, you'll make a really good Pluto ^_^
Ranma1-2 - 2nd October 2010
Thanks Ally. :)
Got the black satin. And the boots. And a light up orb for the time key...
Maybe this will happen in 2011..
alytheluvly - 15th October 2010
That'll be good if you do it for next october mcm expo!
I'll be making Saturn for then! ^_^
Ranma1-2 - 15th October 2010 That sounds like a plan. Oct Expo 2011 is a good target forme to aim for. :)
ProbablyHeather - 5th November 2010
You're gunna look great in this! I can't wait to see this done c:
I think you're rly gunna suit Pluto~
Tell me when you're gunna be wearing her and I'll dig out Sailor Uranus too 8D (Make sure to remind me nearer the time XD -I'm verrryy forgetful oTL)
Ranma1-2 - 5th November 2010 Ok ^_^ probs Plu will be for Oct Expo 2011, cuz Aly is planning her Saturn for then too. I'll remind you nearer the time - if you haven't got another cosplay planned by then it would be lovely to get some Senshi pics together. :)
ProbablyHeather - 5th November 2010 Coolies~ NavigatorxNami will be Neptune c: Will defo join you 8D *jots it down in my notebook so I dnt forget* - Remind me anyway tho xD
Ichigo-Chan - 7th March 2011 You've done some justice to Mars and I'm sure you'll do the same for Pluto.
Ranma1-2 - 7th March 2011 Thanks Ichigo-Chan. :)
LittleRecordGirl - 31st March 2011
Cannot wait to see this! Hopefully in person too! :D
You'll look amazing! x
Mameido - 18th September 2011 Am excited to see this at Expo!
Ranma1-2 - 19th September 2011 Thanks. I just have to make the cos now.. 1 month to go! @_@
Captain_Marvelous - 25th September 2011 Oooooooooh Very cool! cant wait to see how beautiful you are ^^
Ranma1-2 - 26th September 2011 Thanks :D I will try my best.
KhaosKreator - 6th October 2011 If the organza isn't stiff enough for the sleeves you can try lining it with clear PVC fabric. It doesn't even have to be fabric really, you can try the stuff used in plastic folders, boxes or even pop bottles.
Anonymous - 6th October 2011 So excited to be able to see one of your cosplays at last! I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for sure.
Ranma1-2 - 7th October 2011
Tab - great idea. When the Organza arrives I will see, if it looks like it wont hold its shape I do have some clear Acetate sheet I could try instead.
Today my fabric arrived for the bows - red/black shot Taffeta, looks ace! I can imagine waistcoats and all sorts of steampunk clothes made using this stuff. :)
R0cket - come say hi if you do spot me. ^_^ Plu is defo on all day Sun and in masquerade. Still not sure what cosplays for Fri and Sat yet.
ElegantAura - 11th October 2011 Looking amazing!! I can't wait to see this, such ashame SM doesn't seem too popular this expo :( (certainly on CI anyway lol) I've been using upholstary foam for all of jupiters rolls btw(I noticed your little tut on mars) and it works soo well! Mine won't look half as good as yours though ^_^
Ranma1-2 - 11th October 2011
Thanks. Yeah just the way it goes sometimes. But SM cosplays are always loved by con goers, so I think we will still get a good reception at Expo. :)
Yeah upholstery foam is great for filling the rolls. Takes a bit of extra sewing to turn it into the sausage shapes but is so worth it. I have made Plues glove rolls a little thinner than Mars cuz I always felt Mars glove rolls turned out a bit oversized compared to the artwork.
Plu wig arrived today, (big sigh of relief cuz the seller is in Hong Kong and the ad said could take up a month to arrive! Fortunately it actually came in just 6 days. Very happy. :) Spent the moring styling..it seems to be going well (which is good for me!) ^^ When I get the rollers out I will see if I have murdered the fringe.
Anime_Angel - 14th October 2011 I'm looking forward to seeing that hopefully I'll be Madame red on Saturday if you find me first^__^
alytheluvly - 20th October 2011
Can't wait to see this!! I'll see you next week!! ^_^
I wonder if you will fool Marky again lol!! :P
Debbie Ella - 25th October 2011 Loving the progress! And very cool way of doing the hairbun, never seen it done like that before, but it totally works! Do well! :D
Ranma1-2 - 26th October 2011
Aww thanks. Hairbun.. I didnt want to do the proper odango method as that would mean chopping my loooong wig, so I did it this way instead. ^^
Struggling with the skirt at the mo, it just wont hang nicely for me. Unpicked and now decided to go for broke and iron pleats into it..currently pinning and tacking the whole thing so the pleats go where I want. I hope to goodness this idea works cuz I am totally short of this black fabric! ..And why is the darn primer coat on my Key staff still not dry?? I need to get the silver coat on by tommorw...aaarrrgghh!
Wyrdsister - 31st October 2011 Wish I'd seen this :/ I looked for you...
Ranma1-2 - 1st November 2011 Aww, I didnt know you were there. I was mostly by the cosplay desk waiting for judging and then in the back stage area for masquerade. The only people who would have seen this are like the other contestants. Hopefully there will be some good pics from the masquerade though... I will post any up that I find.
Angelphie - 1st November 2011 Love this! The key staff is probably my favourite aspect, but overall I think you got the proportions of the outfit spot-on, it’s very neatly made, super-accurate and the hip/glove/shoulder rolls are perfect. I really enjoyed your masquerade performance too.
Ranma1-2 - 1st November 2011 Thanks Angela. I always put a lot in to the performance because I think thats a really important part of cosplay, especially on stage.. Pluu is a very dignified character to cosplay. I really enjoyed cosplaying her. Im sure I will again, maybe Kita. :)
Ichigo-Chan - 1st November 2011
Everything about your Pluto cosplay is so perfect.
I regret not taking a photo when I saw you <.<"
Ranma1-2 - 1st November 2011
Awww thank you very much Ichigo-Chan.
I may have to do some home snaps of the costume..I dont have any pics from Expo yet.
FusionRose - 2nd November 2011 May i just say how amazing you looked as pluto! And you did amazingly well on the masq! love love love this! <3 x.
SamanthaKaiba - 2nd November 2011 you look amazing...great job
Pandora-Chi - 2nd November 2011 Your Sailor Pluto was so damn amazing!!! I was very impressed by the staff! 8D
alytheluvly - 2nd November 2011 found any pics yet? I really wanna see!!! >_<
Ranma1-2 - 2nd November 2011
Thank you guys :) Im happy I didnt drop my key staff during all the twirling on stage. Apart from being a bit unstable on those heels the masquerade performance went as planned. Defo want to cosplay Pluu again, maybe Kitacon.
Aly, only have the masquerade vid at the mo :/
Captain_Marvelous - 3rd November 2011 Hottest sailor scout in the galaxy...or any other!
1000014 - 3rd November 2011 It was so nice to talk to you again!
alytheluvly - 3rd November 2011
ahhhh I didn't notice the video before!! >_<
awww you looked sooo good!! nice staff twirling!! ^_^
cosrai - 8th November 2011 You look amazing ^_^
Anonymous - 8th November 2011 your dress is beautiful.
Debbie Ella - 8th November 2011 So gorgeous!
Pippin4242 - 8th November 2011 OH MAN I saw you and you were totally awesome! Great costume, and great acting! You really pulled it off. :D
ElegantAura - 8th November 2011 Stunning! You captured Pluto ever soo well! and that awesome staff O_O
Ranma1-2 - 9th November 2011 Thanks for your lovely comments guys. :)
Manticore Arts - 14th November 2011 One on my favourites from your Cosplays so far. That and Lady and Darth Maul! Well done! Terrific Job especially with the sceptre
Ranma1-2 - 15th November 2011 Thanks. I do relish props.. you may like Novas armour and rifle when she's done. ;)
JustPeachy - 16th November 2011 You look stunning and your staff is amazing:D I wish I'd gotten to see you in the masquerade in person!
Bambi. - 16th November 2011
Outfit looks amazing hun!
Awesome job. you look great :)
Thearah - 2nd March 2012 WOW! You look so amazing! Pulled it off better than I could have! <3
Ranma1-2 - 2nd March 2012 Thanks guys. ^_^
Kei Lin Sama - 17th April 2012 The costume was gorgeous, but the dance was the best! It was magical!
Ranma1-2 - 17th April 2012 Aww do you think so? thanks Kei Lin Sama ^_^ I tried to cosplay Plu as accurately as I could. She is strong and dignified but has a soft and loyal heart. I love the fact she broke the taboo to save her friends when they were in trouble - "I have stopped time"! It is a beautifull moment in the anime.
Ai-Megumi - 28th November 2013
You did a great job with this costume.
It looks very accurate and well done.
Really good Sailor Pluto. ^.^
Ranma1-2 - 29th November 2013 Thank you. ^_^ Only the boots I was not 100% happy with because they dont truly reflect the anime look - maybe I will try to get accurate looking senshi boots by making fitted lycra boot covers.