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Costume Tips - 05/01/09

Journal Entry: Thu Apr 30, 2009, 11:47 PM

^{|Costume Tips|Costume Tuts and Guides|}

^{This journal will be updated on occasion with costume/cosplay tips and reorganized as needed.

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Tip #1 - Fabric Grain
Always, ALWAYS, check the grain of your fabric before cutting pieces, especially when using multiple panels of the same fabric. This isn't as obvious on some fabrics, but for prints (such as hounds tooth, tartan or plaid, etc) and furs (faux, in my case) it is extremely important. Unless you are going for sideways fur or mismatched plaid, it tends to look pretty bad.

Tip #2 - Furs
If you are working with any sort of furry fabric, especially those with longer "hairs", if at all possible, work on a hard surface and keep a vacuum handy. It can get messy when cutting pieces and the excess fur will generally stick to clothing, hands and other nearby objects.

Tip #3 - No Running!
Have a hem you can't sew for some reason? Or a stocking that has a run in it? Or even a hole that is needed for the costume but can't be sewn? You can either spend a little bit more money to buy anti-fraying liquids, or you can use a clear nailpolish! It works to stop the fabric from tearing/fraying/running any further, just be sure to let it dry before you handle the fabric too much! (Especially if it's nylons/stockings or something similar.)

Tip #4 - In Case of Wings
When buying/making wings of any sort, keep in mind the size. In a crowded convention space, bigger isn't necessarily better, but if you're taking photos in an open park, tiny wings aren't required. If you are wearing wings in a convention space, make sure they are durable and made to hold up! And if you think, or know, that something can be jarred or easily pulled off of your wings: bring glue! Super glue, hot glue, or another type that works for your wings. (It has been my experience that hot glue is probably best for feathers on cardboard. Super glue just doesn't hold up.) As with most costume components, bring extra feathers/beads/foam/whatever your wings are made with to compensate for shedding and possible loss of pieces!

Tip #5 - Adhesive Meltdown
Be wary about using things like fashion tape, doublestick tape, and other adhesive materials. Aside from the usual warnings of skin irritation and similar problems, they can also have a meltdown in very warm conditions! This could also be the case with weather such as rain or snow, the adhesives could lose their stick in the weather. (Think bandaids.) Just keep your conditions in mind and exercise caution with how you use them.

Tip #6 - Glue This
Do you have little gems that need to be stuck to your skin? Or what about fake ears, horns and the like? Do not, I repeat, DO NOT use regular glue, super glue, or hot glue (Ouch)! These run the risk of serious irritation of the skin, especially around sensitive areas like near eyes. Not only that, but imagine trying to take them off afterward... Instead, go to a costume shop (which are prominent around Halloween and can usually be found all year round), or theater company and get skin-safe adhesives, such as spirit gum or similar products. Often times you will need a removal agent to go along with your adhesive, but make sure it is meant for use with your product. Follow the directions of your product and you should be good to go!}

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