Aela the Huntress Cosplay Information/Tutorial

I chose to make this costume about a month ago, while playing through Skyrim. I just loved Aela's outfit, especially the back of it, and thought it would be a challenge for my not-so-awesome sewing skills. At first, I was hesitant because she was dressed very scantily, but as my fiance worked on his Nightingale costume (also from Skyrim), I thought about how cool we would look together and decided to go for it.

I first went out and bought the most perfect suede fabric for both the top, skirt, and arm pieces. I then made a duct tape mold of my body so that I could "build" the intricate top more easily. Here's a quick tutorial on how to make your own duct tape mold:

Tip #1: Try not to look like such a dork while you make it!

Tutorial: Duct Tape Mold
You need:
- Duct tape
- Old shirt
- Scissors
- Someone to help you

1. Put on the old shirt and begin wrapping it in duct tape. I started at the base and worked up to below my bust line. I then went from the top of my chest down to the rest of the duct tape.
2. Once it's covered in duct tape, cut the shirt up the side (under an armpit) so that you can take it off
3. Tape over the cut and the form will retain it's shape.
4. Optional: You can stuff it with what ever if you'd like it to be more durable.

I began by creating a pattern using paper taped together on my duct tape form. I then pinned the paper to the fabric, cut it out, and sewed it all together. It took me quite a while to sew everything, and I had a few problems with the revealing nature of the top, which meant I had to tweak the design a bit to fit my body and to be a little more modest than her version. I used about 2 yards of brown suede fabric and 1 yard of green suede for the arm bands.

Don't worry, I'll do a write up for the Nightingale soon!

I got my boots from macy's, instead of making boot covers because I'll actually wear the boots again. However, making boot covers is pretty simple if you don't want to spend the extra $$ on boots, just be sure to get more of your brown suede fabric.

I made the armor plates, shoulder pads and belt buckle from cardboard. I cut it out, then hot glued twine to create the swirly designs. I then used fiberglass resin to harden the carboard, and bondo to smooth out the edges. I spray-painted the armor with a textured silver and distressed it with black and brown acrylic paint. I actually attached real rabbit fur to the shoulder pads and shin pads, even though Aela doesn't have that, but I felt it added to the huntress look. It also made the pieces pop against the brown outfit. I attached the armor to my outfit with velcro so that I could transport the costume easier.

For my hair and makeup, I simply straightened my hair - as my hair color is very similar to hers. I used black and red eyeshadow to create a smokey eye and used black face-paint to draw on the lines across my face.

For more images of the cosplay, please check out my DeviantArt page. I'll also be doing a writeup for the Gears of War armor that I created and for the Nightingale costume in the upcoming weeks.

As always,
LadySnip3r

PAX East 2012: Sunday

The last day of PAX East was one of the most fun (at least to me anyways). I dressed up as the new Lara Croft and got some recognition at the Square Enix booth which was really cool. We covered the show floor for the final time and met up with some more cosplayers. We also hit up the Bioware Base and watched the amazing trivia event. They gave away tons of swag for answering trivia, and oh man, was it difficult. The people who won definitely deserved it. All in all, it was a great PAX East and I cannot wait for next year.

Click read more for the entire gallery!

PAX East 2012: Friday

PAX East 2012 was a total blast this year! Since we took so many photos and had so many great memories, I'm going to spread it out over a post for each day.

Friday of PAX East was a busy day. I went dressed up as Aela the Huntress from Skyrim and DarkSnip3r went as a Nightingale (also from Skyrim). We attempted to check out most of the showfloor that day, but with DarkSnip3r's scary face mask, he couldn't really see. We walked around and took pictures of as many cosplayers as we could find and ran into one of our friends from last year, cosplayer Dale (You may recognize his Gears of War costumes). We also hit up the Mass Effect 3 panel where Bioware discussed some aspects of writing the third game and answered audience questions. We all had to leave before the audience questions since only one of us had actually beaten Mass Effect 3 - We did not want any spoilers. It was really interesting to hear about how the writers of Mass Effect had to collaborate to write multiple conversations, for both paragon and renegade, depending on which of the characters in your playthrough lived through the first two games. They said it was like trying to write a conversation between two character who could potentially both be dead. There was also a lot of Mass Effect and Dragon Age cosplay at the panel, and we managed to run into Rana McAnear - the face of Samara. Assassionista interviewed her a couple of months ago on being the face of a video game character, and it was great to see her again. She was cosplaying as Samara which was totally crazy and amazing.

Since this post is very picture heavy, please click read more to see the entire gallery of photos!

Valentine's Day Date Ideas

So you've got a nerdy significant other and want to show your love on V-Day? Here are some geeky, fun date ideas for the best Valentine's Day:

Have a Movie Marathon
Some great options: Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and The Matrix. Another fun option: Choose your favorite cheesy romantic star and do a marathon of their movies (Examples: Rachel McAdams, Mandy Moore, Channing Tantum, etc.). To add even more fun, bake some theme food to go along with the movie.
Speaking of theme food...

Try To Replicate Food in Your Favorite Game/Movie
Take some notes from Gourmet Gaming and attempt your own replicate meal. Even if the results don't turn out just right, you've still had a blast together in the kitchen.

Play Through a New Co-Op Game
Co-op games require teamwork, respect, and listening. Hmm that sounds an awful lot like the ingredients of a great relationship.

Make Kiddie-Style Valentine's Cards
Remember when you used to give Valentine's to everyone that meant something to you? As we grow up, we usually forget that Valentine's Day isn't just about our significant other and being in a relationship. Make some fun V-Day cards and give em out to everyone - your parents, your siblings, your friends, teachers, professors, boss,..everyone! You'll probably make their day. Plus it's super fun picking out Valentine's Day cards.

Hope everyone has a great Valentine's Day and please let me know if you do anything especially nerdy or romantic!

As Always,
LadySnip3r

The Quickest Skyrim Review Ever

I'm going to try out a new reviewing system instead of a mark out of 10. Let me know what you think and I may do more!

+ Amazing soundtrack
+ Breathtaking World
+ Perfect Menus
+ Customization
+ Unique Quests
- Average Graphics
- Bugs, Bugs, Bugs!
= If you haven't already, you should really play Skyrim.

 Click "Keep Readings" for full review!

Cosplay Update #3

Big cosplay update! Lots has happened regarding my costumes for PAX East 2012 and NYCC 11. Here's a ton of pictures as well!

1. Anya Stroud is now Sam Byrne (Gears of War 3)
I'll definitely be wearing this to NYCC in October to celebrate the release of the final Gears of War game. I changed the costume to Sam mostly due to the extreme price of a blonde wig. Both of their armor is similar, the only real difference is that I'll be adding a bandaid on my face and keeping my hair brown. I've finished the shin guards, shoulder pads, and snub nose pistol already. We've been working hard on the shotgun and have yet to figure out how to make the chest piece. I also pre-ordered the retro lancer for gaming collection and for the costume. I'll definitely be posting some details on the weapons and armor construction after it's finished because right now it's been just trial and error.

Snub Nose Pistol Before:

 

Snub Nose Pistol After:

Cog Tags

Shoulder Pads

Shin Guards

Hoping to finish this costume in the next couple weeks before NYCC.


2. Lara Croft
She's finished!! And she's looking great.

Here are just a few of my Lara Croft accessories.

3. Big Announcement Costume = The Citadel
You may know the Citadel as the central hub of the council in the Mass Effect universe and I am going to attempt to turn it into a fashion statement. I was inspired by pictures I saw of this costume at Comic-Con over the summer and thought it was super creative. While playing through Mass Effect recently, I got the brilliant idea of turning the Citadel into a dress. I'm going to create the dress out of cardboard slats attached to a belt. It'll be spaced out a bit, I'm planning on wearing leggings with it (sorry, no show), and this will allow the inside to show when I walk around. It'll be painted (maybe even with lights) to show the busy city that lives on the Citadel. I'm still trying to figure out a way to incorporate a keeper. I'm also going to make a Mass Relay out of foam to carry around as an accessory (It'll basically just reaffirm what I'm cosplaying as). I might also buy the Normandy replica and attach it as a headband or decoration on the top - not sure yet. Unfortunately, the Normandy isn't released until November and with past Bioware experience, pre-orders mean nothing to them. I'm hoping to wear this for at least half a day during NYCC, but will definitely post pictures beforehand.

4. Other Costumes - Dovahkiin and Nathan Drake
We've also been working on two more costumes; Dovahkiin from Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim for my buddie Nick, and Nathan Drake from the Uncharted Series for my fiance Tyler. Both have been undergoing some serious progress.

Nick's been working away at Dovahkiin and the costume is really shaping up. He plans on wearing it on Halloween and at PAX East 2012. So far, we've got two foam swords we plan on painting, the beginnings of a helmet, and a ton of leather and fur. 

I think Tyler looks a little like Nathan Drake to begin with, so that was pretty big motivation in his choice for PAX East 2012. He's going to be doing the Uncharted 3 look (with scarf). We painted a gun (beautifully, I might add), only to realize that it was the wrong color. So we're back at square one with this costume, however, we've got until April to finish it. 

Realistic, no?

That's it for now regarding cosplays. My next update will most definitely feature some complete work, I promise! After we've finished these costumes (Successfully), I'll be sure to post some instructions, tips, and materials that we used. 

As Always,
LadySnip3r