Sunday, November 21, 2010

Cosplay Propmaker Review: Fev


Lee Camara is an illustrator, propmaker, sculptor, and woodworker based out of Georgia, but those of us who follow her magnificent work also know her as Fev.

 
I stumbled across Fev when she created a scratchbuilt wooden model of Vash's gun, from the anime/manga series "Trigun". The piece is articulated, with a spinning cylinder, removable wooden bullets, basic trigger/hammer mechanism, and a hinge lock for swivelling the barrel to access bullets.

Every propmaker has to stop and and think for a moment when asked how they started building props. Most point to theater work or Halloween prop building as a start. Fev has been making props and replica weapons as a personal hobby, as well as work done for conventions, display, and occasional commissions since 1998.

She made her first sword from a piece of scrap wood, and carried it to a convention. Over the next few years, she made wooden daggers and fantasy weapons that she took to local conventions until she made a shift back to 2D, which was easier to transport to cons, but occasionally stepped back into the woodshop to play around with an idea.... Oh, those ideas!

After doing the fittings and propworks for her first major cosplay project, she remembered how fun it was to make cosplay props & weapons.

There's almost always something new to try and do with most every new project!”

Approachable and passionate about her work, she doggedly pursues a busy con schedule, while continuing to build new and exciting pieces, like the current project- Lion-O's Sword from Thundercats. This one made me momentarily revert to after school cartoon mode and completely geek out. Thundercats, Ho!

Fev has also created the very best Assassin's Creed costume out there. Fact.  












 



Her aforementioned woodwork is nothing short of phenomenal, and she continues to push her own envelope by learning new skills. 

As a propmaker, Fev continues to inspire, entertain, and educate. For this, Ima say thanks! Check out her awesomeness. I'll see you there.  Enjoy!


Be good to you.
bc



Friday, November 12, 2010

Cosplayer Review: TOKO



Heya. 
I run across many awesome artists, cosplayers, prop builders, as well as other fantastic folk that I feel compelled to share.  Many of them spend countless hours crafting costumes, props, and art.  They post them on their various sites and then sweep up, observe their lessened bank accounts and go through their day only to return with some new hair-brained idea that sends them scouring the net for a new prop tutorial, or maybe a fabric they've never heard of. And the cycle continues.
Most cosplayers are filled with joy, and as a consequence are fearless in their own way. They laugh. They dream. TOKO is the epitome of this.


Living and working out of Canada, TOKO crafts cosplays focused in the Kingdom Hearts genre, from Riku, to Axel (including a Halloween Axel), Aqua from Birth by Sleep, and more. 

TOKO spends most of her online time these days at Deviant Art, but you can also find her on Cosplay.com as well. I always look forward to seeing what she's up to. Whether it's a new prop she's spent hours cutting and sanding, a wig that's been getting her attention, or pics from a con or cosplay picnic, she never fails to interest, inspire, and most importantly share. I could go on about TOKO as a cosplayer and person, but my advice- go check her out yourself, and take note. Emulate. Go have a laugh. Go make something. Share who you are today- it's all you really have.
Be good to you.
bc

Friday, November 5, 2010

UFO Enemy Unknown Cosplay

Heya.  Been quiet here in the shop but for sweeping and moving things around, getting ready for winter and new projects.  The last several months have been exhausting, and after a brief rest I think we're getting ready to roll again.  Kazuma is shifting to another time slot at least...  'Halllloooo?' while the Stun Rod from UFO Enemy Unknown takes its place.

The shop's all insulated and sealed up against the winter wind that ate me alive last year, so here's hoping for warmer climes inside!



 Many thanks to the cosplay model TOKO for letting me use her image for the new cosplay.com ad.

The Chicken Ranch sign will come along shortly as well.  The break was much needed, even though I'm still madmanning and researching upcoming projects.
I'm out!  Off to lunch with friends for the first time in weeks!
Be good to you!
bc

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Evolution of a Sunflower




Helianthus annuus, Sunflowers, are annual plants native to the Americas, that possess a large inflorescence (flowering head).

The sunflower is native to the Central Americas. The evidence thus far is that it was first domesticated in Mesoamerica, present day Mexico, by at least 2600 BC

To grow well, sunflowers need full sun. They grow best in fertile, moist, well-drained soil with a lot of mulch. In commercial planting, seeds are planted 45 cm (1.5 ft) apart and 2.5 cm (1 in) deep.



With all this in mind, a $4. pack of Mammoth Sunflower seeds became a sweeping 20 ft arc in the garden this year. Contending with the heat and drought they still reached heights of 10-15 ft with heads the size of well, GIANT sunflowers. The stalks are still like corded baseball bats. 

After they had given all their seed to the Gold Finches, Sparrows, and Cardinals, I cut off the heads and dried them in the loft of the garage. I meant to paint and mount them as a display for Halloween inside. 

Later it occurred to me that I should buy nearly 7000 stick matches in different colors and drill and sink them into the sunflower heads, mount them to a post and light it up for our annual Halloween bash. Please don't ask how I made this creative stumble/leap- no one knows. XD

Party was great, people were awesome- costumes were so cool. Too many to mention. Great melon carves, too. I had great fun with my Sonic Screwdriver as the 9th Doctor.  

"Who are you?"  
"I'm the Doctor."  
"Doctor Who?"  
"That's right!  Run for your life."  

Music, fire, food, drink, and more fire. Lighting it up and moving off to turn on the hose, just in case, I stood back as it went up and watched this group of people. I'm really grateful to know them. It's this kind of moment that will catch and hold you in the present sometimes.

And then you wake the next morning groggy and confused, until a yellow leaf hits the bathroom window and presses itself against the glass. 
It says 'I will be lost without your love.' An invisible force holds it close to you. It fills you up with yellow and streaking green, a memory. 

Hold your breath.

You look away. The plunger is still in the bathtub. What do we do today?

You look back and the leaf is gone.



Happy Halloween, from Me to You.

bc
 











 

Friday, October 29, 2010

Chrome and Fire, Happy Halloween!

Heya!  It's almost Halloween!  Around here, just like your place, that means I'm stepping into high gear for last minute decorations and creations.  I think we're hitting a record of four costume events this weekend for the continued cosplaying of Pirate Hunter Zoro, of One Piece, Luna Lovegood, from Harry Potter, and the ninth Doctor, of Doctor Who.  I has a Sonic Screwdriver.  What's your name, again?  Fantastic.  Run for your life! 
The Sunflower Totem is coming along nicely.  It may actually be finished.  There's a huge list of things to do before party zero, so today and tomorrow will be the essentials of the list and then pick up whatever else I can.  I still have pumpkins to carve!  What a slacker!  Full pics, video of the burning, and description of the finished  project will follow in a post with the working title of 'Evolution of a Sunflower'. 

The shop is an absolute mess, strewn with baby doll parts, sunflower leavings, foam, tools, etc.  So today's the day folks!  It's your day, too!  Kick ass!









A pot of coffee's on the brew, and I'm gearing up to create the Shell Bullet from  s-CRY-ed (スクライド

 Should be a super fun build from the armored shoulder to clawed hand, and the three back/shoulder wings.  A mixture of craft foam, carved foam, resin topped and painted.  Gotta love the common theme of props that are a representation of the character's soul.  Again, it's your day- kick ass.

Coffee's on, I'm on, you're on or you wouldn't be here.
Be good to you.
bc

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Calling Sora- the Buster Cleveland Kingdom Keyblade Tutorial

 
Calling Sora

Buster Cleveland's

Kingdom Keyblade

Heya. As requested, I've begun to put together some basic tutorials on the props/replicas I've built. I'll give as much description as I think is worthy, and as always- give me a shout to ask questions or opinions.







This build is a mixed media one-off/original.

It starts with finding an image of the prop and either hand-copying it (as I often do) or having it printed out. I like to put my hand to things, and sometimes that means a hand-drawn template/pattern can be a great way to gear my brain to what's to come. Then again, sometimes less work is a great thing, too. If you're new to prop building go simple.

The Kingdom Keyblade is a pretty simple shape- this is no Gunblade or crazy build. We're talking about a handle, a central body, the key end, and a key chain and charm. Using your template or drawing by hand, cut out and trace the pattern onto a piece of plywood or other for your handles and cut them out with a jigsaw. Take your time and pay attention to your line. Do the same for the charm and the key end.
For the main body choose a length of 1 ½ inch PVC pipe and cut it to your preferred length. I usually range from 37-40 inches for most keyblades. Working with a rotary tool like a dremel, sandpaper, and bondo (auto body filler available at any auto store), clean up your handle, key end, and charm edges, fix any cosmetic boo-boos that haven't been already sanded out, and then then fit them to your PVC pipe. Use your template to help guide you.

Scuff/sand your materials at the contact points. Paying close attention to keeping things straight, glue your handles and key end to the PVC. OMG, there's a keyblade! If you find out later that it's crooked and you have the time- take it off and get it straight- you'll be glad you did.

For the rounded butt on the end I used bondo to slowly build up the shape until I had what I wanted. Take it slow. You can always add more, but it's harder to take it away. When using bondo- particularly when sanding anything, wear a good dust mask.

The key chain is a u-bolt, chain, snap hook and charm with a ring from a key chain. Use the u-bolt to mark where your holes should go and then use a drill to make small 'pilot' holes. This will allow you to see if they're in the right spot, and also keep your bondo from breaking away from the edges of your holes. Move from your pilot hole to larger bits until you reach the size for your u-bolt. Hook everything up, and glue in your u-bolt.

Now for paint. I like acrylics because they're water based and easy to use. Often I airbrush now, but there are still some effects and texture that only a brush can give. A bomb can or spray paint can be used. Enamel provides an instant shine. I use whatever I have at hand most often for a mixed media build. Use painter's tape (low-adhesion) and paper to protect the prop from unwanted paint- it's how I ended up with a clean gold-blue-silver edge. With a brush this isn't a problem.
That's the basic rundown. There's a lot of work and thought in between there- but I can't give you that. Oooh, I got all zen there for a moment! Give it a shot. YOU CAN DO IT!
Be good to you.
bc



Thursday, October 21, 2010

Html learning Curves, Secret Projects, Heya, Neighbor!

Heya.  The last few days have been busy.  Chicken Ranch templates finished and ready, along with a gift for a friend that I'll not mention in case he happens here.  :)  I have this tiny window for Halloween, which I'm really grateful for.  Here I am, Halloween freak that I am, with no decorations, no yard haunt, nada.  Sigh.  But I'll amend that today!  At least that's the plan.  So I'm up and at em early as usual, trying to figure exactly what I want to do this year round the house and for our annual bash.  Ideas are welcome if you've done something particularly cool and worth crowing about, or just tell me what's to be feared in your neck of the woods.
Oh, yeah.  You'll also notice that most of the posts have lost their pics, which to begin with I attributed to my learning curve with html, but gladly (?) it wasn't me, but some other silly tech fault on the other end.  I'll be going back to replace them in short order.  Show me your work!  And say hello, Fairfield!  We're neighbors!
Be good to you.
bc

Monday, October 18, 2010

Kingdom Hearts' Oathkeeper and Oblivion Fini!

Friday, October 15, 2010

Oathkeeper and Oblivion Fini!




Heya! Tonight I'm chilling. Oathkeeper and Oblivion are finished and ready to (sniff) leave. What a trip this project was. I learned some great things about airbrush maintenance. Doing two parts at once really worked the brushes, teaching me how often and thoroughly they need cleaned. May post a tutorial on that, showing a breakdown and reassembly of brushes plus tips and tricks. I also have a number of prop tutorials in mind, based on the props I've made. Any votes? Let me know to see those first!
So what's for Halloween? I STILL DON'T KNOW! Sigh. Tomorrow is packing and crating day, as O & O are off to make a date with Halloween themselves. I do have some interesting ideas about a Nightmare Before Xmas display, but we'll see what happens. To all of you who are requesting props- I will answer your mail in a few days time. You guys are tenacious! Good for you.
It was fun to take the props out for a photoshoot, but I was glad to put them back on their blankets and tuck them safely away, lest a rogue squirrel start lobbing acorns just for jest. Yeah, I know. But that's me. ;) I'm out. I'm freaking tired, boys and squirrels.
Be good to you.
bc

Threatening Traffic, Kingdom Heart's Keyblades, and the Chicken Ranch

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Threatening Traffic

Heya! Spirits are up as this project is coming to a close. And yes, I am a little sad, too. Oathkeeper and Oblivion have been on my list of want to do forever! Many thanks to C, for helping to make that happen.
I'm irritated, though, as after so much work work work, it's all about dry-time now. Boo. Give the compulsive a job and he's happy. Give him dry-time and he's insane! You mean I can't even clean up?! No. Dust, fool. Sigh. K. Shuffles off for a cup of coffee.
Here are the final pics of Oathkeeper and Oblivion. Clear coat in a few moments and then the charms are added tomorrow and yet more dry-time. Then off to threaten traffic with them and take photographs in a number of locales, pack and crate, and away they go. Can't wait to see them in full Org13 regalia!




Next up is a Chicken Ranch sign for, laughably, a chickencoop. A short, fun project headed for Idaho, yo. After that, a number of smaller projects leading into the first of the year, and most importantly- my own Halloween projects that have taken a back seat until now. And what's the dig on Halloween props you ask? Nunya. ;) Because I've yet to have the real time to think and put my hand to them! But I'll post pics and madness soon enough. I'll post the spiffy pics of Oathkeeper and Oblivion. Until then, be good to you.
bc

Cosplay Progress

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Heya. Finally up for air! Oathkeeper and Oblivion in varying stages of bodywork, headed for paint. The charms always present a challenge. Settled on joining the leaf and star-arm for strength. A loose leaf would ding the paint over time.








Ready for paint! These have been a very interesting build. It's funny how there are always a few details you just don"t know until you put both brain and hand to it. How are you going to make that? Dunno.

Paint is going to be awesome, and then good pics. I've been trying to keep an eye out for good places to shoot them, and have come up with zip. Any suggestions welcome.
Paint next!
Be good to you.
bc


Oathkeeper, Oblivion, Bondo, yo.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Heya.

Way cold this morning. No new pics, I know. But we're at that stage where they don't seem to fluctuate much. They're gray.

I'm aiming at nit-picking and odd construction bits this week, like the crown charm for Oblivion and bodyworking the charm for Oathkeeper. I always hate this part- working on a charm that requires a braid instead of chain, because it means the braid has to built into the charm. This also means that the braid must be protected from glue, bondo, primer, and then paint. :)

After some weekend travel it'll be back to the shop to paint! That's the plan. Thanks to everyone who's been interested in this project. And as requested- I'll post more in progress pics, even if it's just 'Oh, look! Bondo!' moments on the photostream. :) If there's a part of the processes or something specific you want to see let me know, and I'll work it in.

And to those of you who are backing up my inbox with requests- Thank you! I'll get to you as soon as I can. I'll have a block of time tonight where I can get to your requests and sort some of them out.

That's it for now! Someone has to turn on that heater out there. That'd be me. Be good to you.
bc

Dipped in Cosplay Awesome

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Dipped in Awesome


Heya. DESPAIR Love it. A sign for the local Monkey Brains 5/10k Trail run. A very hilly course with this new sign to be located oh, three-quarters the way to the top of the last hill! I know- you'd do the same thing.
On the other hand, here are Oathkeeper and Oblivion, beginning to get the look and feel that will shortly lead to paint.




Bodyworking is the most annoying part in a long process like this. Many repeated steps bring these from thought to frp piece, and from there to paint and clear. It's always a little exhausting. But I'm glad to over the hump and feeling charged about how they're beginning to look. When bodywork begins, it's the worst. But after much sanding in awkward places they begin to look and feel smooth and silky. It's because I dip them in Awesome.

That's a lie. :)

It's crazy hard work, but it pays off.
Be good to you.
bc

Buster Cleveland's Fiberglass 101

Monday, September 27, 2010

Buster Cleveland's Fiberglass 101

Buster Cleveland's
Fiberglass 101


Heya! By unceasing demand- Welcome to the FRP/Fiberglass 101 tutorial.

This tutorial will discuss safety, materials, and usage of Frp/ Fiberglass for your cosplay and other art projects. Any further questions, mail me at bustercleveland@gmail.com

Polyester resins carry a distinct aroma. Yum. This is a Styrene Monomer. MEK, acetone, gasoline, etc.- many solvents have this tasty aroma. This should warn you that they're likely fireball prone and something you DON'T want to breathe, yeah?

Work in a WELL ventilated place. Many of these fumes are heavier than air, and will fall to the floor and collect. I use a fan in a window to draw the air/fumes out, and a FLOOR level fan to drive the heavier fumes up and out.

The first thing you should have is a respirator- not just a dust mask. A dust mask is great for particles of dust from grinding or sanding, but will not stop fumes. Keep your respirator bagged, as the filter/cartridges continue to absorb vapor and will be exhausted if left out, leaving you with an expensive 'dust mask'. Use citrus oils, cloves, etc., to check and see if your cartridges need replaced every so often- if you can smell lemon- it's time to replace the cartridges.

BTW... NO SMOKING. “Yoga, FIRE!” Even the fumes from a catalyzing resin will ignite acetone or solvent fumes! An odd odor- and then BOOM! Be careful.

Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide/MEKP- this is the catalyst for polyester resins. If you get this on you you'll get a chemical burn. Remember Fight Club? “THIS, is a chemical burn.” Oh yeah- it can blind you, too. Respect, yo.

Wear rubber gloves whenever you deal with this stuff. The latex in most rubber gloves bothers my skin, so I use a plastic liner glove, and then a rubber outer glove. It's a pain, but it's better than the alternative.

Wear your safety glasses. Pretend you're Dexter.





Polyester Resin- 

Polyester is used in boat-building, fish-tank construction, etc., and of course- all our fav hobby and cosplay projects. They're easy to buy and use, and the results are dependable.
Polyesters are heat-setting resins. Heat alone will cause them to harden if left alone for months. Since you probably don't want to wait that long for your prop or project, you can add a catalyst (MEKP) to make it harden and cure very quickly. The catalyst causes heat, and the resin hardens. That's it in a nutshell. This is called polymerization. This is a one-way ticket- once it's set it's done.

You can adjust the time it takes to set up by varying the amount of MEKP/catalyst added to the resin. Also by using cold or heat. Polyester resins are catalyzed by volume- 6-8 drops of catalyst (MEKP) per ounce of resin= 20-25 min working time at 72 deg Fahrenheit. You'll lose some resin in your learning curve as it catalyzes too quickly and becomes a rapidly hardening blob in the cup. Cuss, and add less next time! So in the summer when temps are roasting- use less MEKP. Winter and cooler weather- it will take longer unless you add external heat, or more MEKP. Start with smaller amounts of catalyst until you have a feel for it. A test batch is a good idea, then you know exactly what to expect.
So it's all about the heat- either by added catalyst or ambient temps. Again- careful with the MEKP/catalyst- if you get it in your eyes, I hear braille is cool.

Many people also use EPOXY resins, which are very similar to Polyester resins, but the ratio of catalyst to resin is very specific- think cooking vs baking. In cooking you can play with the recipe and probably still be successful. Try this in baking and you're just washing out pans for fun. Epoxy is used commonly in marine applications. I don't use it, haven't any experience with it, and therefore say POLYESTER!

On to materials.
Fiberglass matte, cloth, or woven material is actually glass fibers. Dude. The resin and catalyst are mixed, and then brushed onto the cloth or matte glass. The resin then sets up and hardens, forming the glass into the shape it was laid. Some people have even used cotton t-shirts soaked in resin to form the base of those funky shaped audio speakers.

What you're probably looking to use are called chopped strand matte, and is what will come with most store-bought kits. There are many more options here from heavy construction 'wovens' for strength, to cloth and 'veil'- a very thin glass for uber-detail work. Usually all you need is the chopped strand matte.

I know, I know- so here's the skinny.

Take all your safety precautions- ventilation, glasses, gloves, respirator, and a clean work space. Spread out a plastic garbage bag or lay out a pieces of cardboard larger than the pieces of matte you intend to soak in resin. I use fountain drink cups to mix my resin. Always have a cup of acetone nearby for your brushes and other tools. Use the wooden stir sticks found in the paint dept. for mixing. Use a 'chip' brush to apply the resin to the matt. A chip brush is the standard natural bristle brush with wooden handles. A smaller brush is generally better for details.

Mix your resin and MEKP/catalyst, dip your brush into the resin or pour if you have a lot to dole out at once, and brush it over the matte until no white/dry fibers remain. Lift the piece of very malleable resin soaked glass, and apply it to your project. Use the brush to stipple or dab down the surface so it's smooth. Watch for air bubbles and 'chase' them out to the edges with the brush.

Don't forget to clean out your brushes with acetone when you're finished, or else your brushes are. Always remove any catalyzing resin left over in the cup AWAY from any acetone or solvent- remember? BOOM! The fumes from the catalyzing resin will ignite solvent fumes!

As the resin and glass begins to set it can be cut with a razor knife- again, careful Slash. Cut your excess away while it is still in this 'green' stage and you'll save yourself a lot of time and effort with power tools from saws to grinders.

This is the uber-basic procedure. Set up your project, catalyze resin and wet out your glass fibers, then apply, and cut/finish. After it's set you can apply bondo, gesso, paint, etc. for the finish you want. Oh, yeah- don't add polyester resin to your freshly sculpted foam or foam-core as it will nom nom nom your project and send you into tears. The alternative is to apply coat after coat of white glue to a foam project until it acts like a sealer over which the resin may be applied. This is how the Buster Sword was created.

These are the very basics. On request I'll put together more of these on advanced techniques, gelcoats, bodywork, and construction, but with this basic info and the examples from the Buster Cleveland page you can get started. Do your homework, plan out your build, and ask questions if you don't understand something. Be good to you.
bc

Looking Beyond Keyblades and Bondo

Friday, September 24, 2010





Heya! Coffee's ready! Here are the first run bodywork pics of Oathkeeper and Oblivion. I really hate to start this part, because they're as ugly as they're ever going to be right now. But from here on they only get better, and I am beginning to see the end of the project.

As ever, I'm to that stage where I hate them a little, but very shortly, as they shape up rapidly, I'll be sorry it's about to end. Funny.

You all sure are keeping me busy with your requests! Lots of folks looking way ahead for this year! Time for that coffee, and some more sanding. :)
Be good to you.
bc

Oblivion in Construction

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Heya. Here's Oblivion in construction. Coming along well.


On another subject- Thank You! Prop slots are filling up for the season- particularly for March, April, and May! I love that you guys look ahead! If you're considering a prop, get your slot now! Good productive day today. Hmmm, what should we do now? Something involving the PS3, I think. ;)
Be good to you.
bc

Kingdom Heart's Keyblades Construction

Friday, September 17, 2010




Heya. Just a little progress. Here's Oathkeeper and Oblivion pieces stacked and laid together. Glad to be into the frp pieces. Then there's Oathkeeper in construction. Probably take two sessions apiece to get them built and ready for bodywork. As ever, I'm approaching the part of the project where I'll have at least two days of genuine disgust with the project :), and then right before the finish I won't want it to end! Funny. More pics as we go. Be good to you.
bc

Dust, Frostbite, Oathkeeper, Oblivion.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Dust, Frostbite, Oathkeeper, Oblivion.

Heya.
Oathkeeper pieces with mold. The Oblivion pic came out weird- half gray block.
A tech question I haven't quite settled on yet- Oblivion's mold looks dull in comparison to Oathkeeper, so I thought it might pull hard coming out, but it performed just fine. The only difference I can think of is I used two passes of tooling gelcoat on Oathkeeper, and one on Oblivion. Still, the results are the same beyond initial cosmetics, so for short run molds- go team! parts came out great!
Yesterday and today devoted to winterizing the shop so I can work this winter! Last winter was crazy cold! There I was listening to the ipod and public radio alternatively while my breath steamed in the cold air... then I would run two fans and use ice cold air tools- yay! So today I added a first-design thermal mass chimney (sounds cool, yeah?), 'remote' (nylon rope!) fan cover, and eyeballing soffits and misc places to plug. MUST PRESERVE the HEAT! Lol.

And for last- Oathkeeper and Oblivion pieces ready to be cleaned up and constructed. Take a good look- tomorrow it will change.

Be good to you.
bc

Idaho, Kingdom Hearts, Gelcoat, Full Metal Alchemist, Deadpool, Tardis... I got more....

Sunday, September 12, 2010



Heya. Back from vaca and still worn down! Lol. Went out West, farmed out by family to play ranch hand for a week. Mended fence, wrestled goats, trimmed hooves, painted chicken coop, scared chickens, repaired tractors, cleared ground, and enjoyed family, horses, goats, llamas, and more. Whew. And while I was gone time kept on moving. I was very aware of this before, so got the current project to molding before leaving. So I guess I can't blame vaca- I was tired before I left! :)

Above you see Oblivion in mold with the cradle (support) along the sides. This keeps the mold straight. The FRP heats up and can sometimes warp a lengthy mold. No reason to be able to point around corners ;)

Then a shot of the two mold halves for Oblivion after they've been separated, the model popped and broken away, and cleaned up. Tried some new methods on this one, from using a plasticine for details, to making the overall piece as a mixed media piece without any intention of trying to retain the model. If the model stays intact (rarely) then it might be stable enough to refinish and sell as an original in wood. Oathkeeper managed to do this. The Oblivion model was designed to break away, and break away it did. Nice in one sense- there was no sculpting of the chain- yay! But it also meant that the individual pieces came away from the mold one at a time, making for a much greater cleanup- ug. I also noted that although the plasticine seems like it should be easier to sculpt, and faster, too- it's not. Not for me. I've become so comfortable with the wood carving it's easier and faster to produce most models straight from wood. It was worth a shot, doesn't change the end piece, and I learned some new things- always worth it.

The last pic is a detail shot of the tip end of the Oblivion mold. Now on to both sets today for the omg coat after coat of wax. They'll be bright and shiny soon. The gelcoat for the outer surface, and FRP. Hoping to have pieces to construct by midweek!
Looking ahead, a set of Maes Hughe's push daggers, from Full Metal Alchemist, and beyond that we're looking at blades from Deadpool.


On my own projects I'm really hoping to create a Tardis door cover for Halloween. The idea is to use a security sensor and a light so that when the screen door is opened, the light will flash and the 'sound of the universe' will be heard. Chant with me- OhwhatadorkIammmm.

Be good to you.
bc

I'll have a shot of Poly Vinyl Alcohol with an Oblivion chaser, please.

I'll Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Heya. A few more shots of Oblivion in process. Desperately need a coffee. :) Again with the flange, liquid wax, and gelcoat. Then the glass skin, then beef, then part! The really fun part is next. Oathkeeper and Oblivion both in process at the same time. Can't wait to paint!
Be good to you.
bc











Wood Carving Kingdom Heart's Oblivion

Thursday, August 26, 2010





Heya! Super short- I'll write more later. There is sawdust EVERYWHERE. More later. It's chess night, bitches!  Lol. 
Be good to you!
bc





























Star-Bellied Sneetch, Oathkeeper, Stars on Ours

Sunday, August 22, 2010
Heya. I've been waiting to give this update until the Oathkeeper mold had cured. So. From charms in the making and the hairy mess of uncut edges, to model encased in frp, cradle/support built, cured, removed from mold in one piece! (first ever), a detail shot from the heart-end, the two mold halves in first clean up stage, and then the blank for Oblivion that I will drop a grinder to just as soon as I'm done here! Busy, busy, busy!







Beyond that, the new blogpage is in process, and will look great. I can't wait. Many thanks to artist and designer Craig Micheal Patrick for the great look and feel.

Also many thanks to all the people who left such great feedback on my cosplay market profile! Now I know what the little stars are for! Lol, you put stars on ours! I'll feel like a Star-Bellied Sneetch all day now.

Okay, I'm out! Be good to you.
bc