Summer draws to a close, but my creativity is just beginning. Acen Aftershock is coming in August, but I cannot afford it. However, it reminded me of how little time I have left before ACen 2010. First, to decide cosplays. Me and my Jamiebear are being Russia and Norway from Hetalia: Axis Powers. I found tons of good patterns for Russia's coat but no way of getting them. Either I have to shell out $10+ for a pattern that I can't even see if its what I want (Not risking that again), or it's not available to be downloaded. If anyone has a double breasted raincoat or trench coat patterns in any size, please share.

So far, I started knitting my scarf. Insane? I think so too. But I want something to kill time with. I started my scarf on July 22, later that afternoon with white yarn on US size 10 knitting needles, Cast on 34 and I now have just over two feet out of about six. I need another ball of yarn, though so that's currently on hold. So now, I've decided to try and make the sailor shirt for the Norway cosplay. Starting on the muslin tester now, wish me luck ^^ Once I finish that coat, scarf, and shirt, it's going to be smooth sailing. The rest is all so easy to find.

Oh, and now that I think about it, school is coming back in mid-August. Whoo, Junior year! I'm hoping to take my sewing and creativity to a new level and show it off at school. No more caring what people say!

I'm finally finished with EVERYTHING for ACen. Guns, holsters, coat, shirt, vest, makeup, hat, tie, boots, cloaks, weapons, everything. It was a short five months and I definitely plan on starting earlier next year. I plan on posting the pictures I had taken during this whole time since I have barely had enough time to upload them during this crunch time.

There's not many pictures, but definitely enough to take a look at. And I'm definitely adding more tomorrow when my Roxas comes over for a hair styling practice.

Whew. But at least its all over. All I have to do now is go to the con and rest until I decide what I want for next year. =]I might go as an original character if I can find one that's good. If not, Demyx or maybe Paine.

Yay! Guns are about....oh, 75% done. Me and my dad bought some bondo last weekend. The $10 can was literally JUST enough to cover the guns with maybe a little to spare. So we covered the guns (holy jeez that stuff dries fast!), sanded them with the electric sander, spray painted them, ....saw the spray paint eating parts of Styrofoam that was sanded a little too much, covered them again, and spray painted them again and again. All in one week.

But the guns are now almost finished. All I have to add is the details to the guns (handle, writing on the barrel, and the random screws everywhere), paint Xion's keyblade, and then take a much needed break before ACen.

Next projects: new clothes for spring/summer, more shirts for Xion, Xion's kimono/samurai outfit for my uncle's wedding, and/or another Chinese outfit (like one of those kung fu ones)

Hah, and I thought I could finish this all in a month.

I started ACen preparations...about...maybe October or November. I first had to decide who to cosplay. My first thought was Skwisgaar from Metalocalypse. Easy, but noticeable. So I bought the blond wig, cut it, and ended up using the scraps for my doll, Xion's next wig. Then...it just seemed too easy. I wanted a challenge. Paine, I told myself! Paine. But I knew the outfit would be....too challenging. And that sword. Whooo boy. Not enough money for that baby. So I browsed around looking for characters with medium length black hair and not too complicated outfits. Then I looked at popular characters since I'd rather not go as an obscure one that no one really knows.

I wanted an outfit that stuck out. That couldn't be confused with something else. Something like.....Alucard! You see that red coat and that red hat with those guns and you know who that cosplayer is. So I began work....probably around February. I bought the fabric but had no clue what to do until I found a ton of dollfie patterns and found out i could re size them to fit me! Yay! And they were all free. I got working on the coat around spring break, so about three or four weeks ago. Finished that in about two days. The hat was another hassle and took me a few tries to get right. even now, I'm unhappy with it. But I cant change it now. The shirt and vest...I gave up on quickly. I needed the last of my black fabric for Xion's coat so I said screw it and went to the local Salvation Army. Not even 20 minutes of looking and I found one for the right size (all it needs is a few more buttons) AND a dress shirt. Total: $3.75.

Now, it's gloves and guns. I Carved the guns out of craft Styrofoam and seriously need a way to cover it so I can paint it. Painting over uncovered styrofoam looks like crumpled aluminum foil. ...ew. The gloves...I may have to hit the thrift store for again. I thought a friend or something might have a pair but I doubt they want the hellsing symbol on the back xD

Now looking back, I would have made a great Anti-Namine since my friend is going as Roxas. Soooo much easier since I already own a gothy dress that looks similar to hers, my hair is the same length, and....yeah. Roxas is Sooooo straight for Namine. (coughcough) because we all know that's true. >>

Yeah so I need money. I wanna buy a Ball Jointed Doll online. Problem is, I don't have enough money. One costs roughly around $300 and the other costs around $520. So I'm opening up for commissions. And now I have more to offer! Lucky you! Clothes, sketches, digital art, and of course, sculpting. Even a design for an outfit you plan on making will work. I just need money...and my Xixi BJD. -___-

I'll fix up some prices soon but they shouldn't cost much more than $5-$10 depending on the request.