Tattoo Machines, October Roses

Heya. 
Happy October!  Leaves are beginning to fall (haha) around us.  Time to get our Freak on, or at least have an excuse for it. 
Some things coming out of the shop lately include new paintings (which sold before completion-Thanks!), a new tattoo machine frame prototype, new tattoos, and fresh cosplay projects coming down the pipe.  I'll put some pics below.  Did I mention it's October?  Grins.
Be Good to You.
bc
ps- Before you ask, No.  You are never too old to Trick or Treat.  ;)

Go, Dog, Go!

Heya, Folks. 

It's the beginning of the Traditional Busy Season, which is funny because it's been busy for years now, lol. 
It's September, leading into one of my fav times of the year.  Okay, let's all quit holding our breath and just say it- "Halloween is coming." 
Halloween, like cosplay or tattooing, is one of those things that still makes me little kid giddy.  Can't put a price on the value of that.  Prop requests are rolling in.  I will get to your requests as soon as I can.  Thanks for your interest!  I'm excited about the coming season, and it's all your fault, lol.  Whether you're commissioning a prop or sculpture, getting a tattoo or buying a painting- Thank You.
 Alright, it's Your day. 

Be Good to You.
bc

Memorial Day is Not a Choice

There's been a load of posts across Facebook about Memorial Day. Thanks for your intention. 

I usually find that I think about it as little as possible.  It's with us most every day, as I imagine it is with all veterans.  Maybe they're doing what we are, just trying not to look at it again.

My Father's life culminated in a participation in history.  He volunteered for Service he could have passed on. I was on the way.
Six months after my birth, he would also be on his way to whatever is next. 

Make no mistake, we are proud of his efforts, his intentions, and are aware of his Service while I Sit in a peaceful, largely safe backyard, grilling, thinking about my fam, and drinking Beer. Thank You. 

Honor them.  Seek peace in every interaction with your fellow planeteers.

Be Good to You,
bc

Back in the Saddle

Heya,  folks.  Bc Props is back online after a too long hiatus.  Few things satisfy like cleaning up the shop and knowing it's ready for the next ocd project.

Thanks to all those who continued to email and facebook prop requests and updates on your own work.  These messages and pics kept me looking over my shoulder and planning a return. Thank you.

Otherwise, in short, I've been through a formal tattoo apprenticeship, and working a regular 40 hour after 40 hour for the last several years.  Time for a break.  Time to smell the roses.  I love roses.

Cool. Now that that's done...  let's get to work.

Be good to You.
bc

Mass Effect 2- Hey! I'm Awake!

Heya!  I'm awake!  Even I can hardly believe it!  So much change around the shop here lately that it nearly put me under.  New demanding job, graveyard shifting, managing multiple projects on the side, and then catching the first cold I've had in years- gah!  But I'm on the up-swing- feeling better, projects ticking off one by one, and looking forward to getting back into the shop tonight to continue building the World's Biggest Box for the DKnife, and getting a real bite into the Mass Effect 2 Incisor.

Had a hell of a time with the M29 template- just never have these kinds of difficulties with the freaking template!  Can't wait to get blocked out and carving- hello weekend.  Lol.

Many thanks to the folks I've had the pleasure to pass all these e-mails with.  Funny, how a single e-mail turns into a conversation.  I'm glad to have traded thoughts and ideas.  It's your day- kick ass.  

Also been thinking mucho about how much of my own artwork has been produced in the lately- um, like nill.  I've been so busy with props and other folk's wonderful stuff that I've neglected me own work- it's time to carve out some space to get to it.  I feel an unbottling, which is always cool!  It's that moment when you're laughing hysterically before you throw up and realize- that shape needs a black outline.  ;)
Be good to you.
bc

Potential to Decapitate- Naruto Comes to Life

Heya. 
Potential to decapitate- check.  Naruto comes to life as airbrushing begins.  I expect to finish this mid-week, with another side to paint, a zig-zag pattern to create on the backside, and multiple coats of clear.  This was a fun project full of engineering goodness!  It turned out strong, light, and life-threatening- just the way we want 'em!  We're almost home!

Next up I'm leaping into the M29/Incisor Sniper Rifle from Mass Effect 2, which I'm looking forward to as I'm slowly working my way through ME2.  First step will be multiple templates and depth mapping, then a whole load of sawdust.  I'm on it. 

Beyond that, project activity is at an all-time high- making this the most productive year ever.  Thanks! You've kept me busy doing what I love, and with the result benefiting what you love- well, that's just primo. 

Plenty of folks asking for props, as well as advice and opinions on personal builds.  Keep it up!  Don't be afraid to fail!  It's the path to success.  You miss 100% of the shots you don't take!
Be good to you.
bc

Naruto meets Mass Effect 2

Heya.  Crazy busy round here as usual!  Lol.  Thanks again to P for partnering with me on the X-Com Stunrod.  We had an awesome time working together, and it's always nice when you click with someone  :)

The Naruto Decapitating Knife is progressing nicely, moving from paper template to rough cutting, to shaping and construction.  Bowling through this one at a mad pace and feeling good about it.  Working out the design to create a sturdy prop of this size has been the challenge, and I'm very pleased with the results.  We're keeping the edges rounded to appease con-safety rules.  A sanded edge drops it just enough to bring out the detail, and a nicely placed airbrushing will make it POP.

Next up is the Mass Effect2 M29 Sniper Rifle.  Can't wait to start on this one- or see the full cosplay for that matter, as the prop will be coupled with a full set of Garrus armor from Mywickedarmor.com.  Check it out! 

I just started playing Mass Effect2 myself, under the billing from a friend that it was 'better than Uncharted2'.  Seemed like a tall order as I've played UC2 on crushing multiple times and just can't seem to get enough of Drake and company.  I'm just scratching the surface of the game, but like the feel.  The playability and ease with which I'm getting familiar with the controls seems to promise a good deal of fun, and the story seems solid so far.  When those who've read a book, seen a movie, or played a game before you, look at you with omg-envy for approaching a work the first time around, it's a good sign.  This is Shepard, out.
Be good to you.
bc

X-Com Complete- Naruto Decapitating Knife Begins

Heya.  UFO/Enemy Unknown/X-Com Stunrod is complete.  As usual, I learned a great deal from this project.  There are always new challenges and puzzles to solve, which in turn makes every new project a little easier.  Thanks to P on this one for helping to hold the project together while the Post dropped the ball, then claimed there was no ball.  Then again, that's what an X-Com Soldier does.  Looking forward to some better studio pics of this piece, and then better yet- the soldier himself suited up and ready to zap some aliens at the next con!  Below are shots from the final prime, the silver base, and airbrush and clear up to handle wrapping.  

SO.  On to the next project- the Decapitating Knife for a Naruto cosplay.  And now- Guatemalan coffee.  Then- clean up the shop, start reviewing ideas and measurements for the DK, yada yada- I'm listing again.  Be good to you.
bc

Kingdom Heart's, X-COM, Naruto- take your pick!

Heya.

The cold weather has all but shut the shop down for the last two weeks.  It's frustrating, but warmer weather is on the way this weekend! Looking forward to wrapping up some final work on the UFO Stunrod.  By then my birch  order should be in, and I can get a load of materials needed for finishing the current and next project!

Just got this pic from a cosplayer wielding Oblivion from several projects back.    More pics promised with both Kingdom Heart's Oathkeeper and Oblivion from an upcoming con in April.  Can't wait.

Wish me luck on weather.

Be good to you.
bc

UFO Enemy Unknown Stunrod/Back to Work, Proppy!

Heya.

Overwhelmed with requests in the last few weeks.  I managed to wrest control over my inbox this morning, which means you've all gotten your responses!  Now I can relax, right?  Nooo.  But it's Superbowl Sundaaaaay!  Too bad, Proppy- back to work.  Fine.  ;)

Back to the shop after this post to continue bodywork and prime, bodywork and prime.  Getting close to real paint and clear time, P!  Then a good wrap for the handle and it's time to capture some aliens.

Thanks for all your interest and trust- I'm aimed at helping you to make the best of your cosplay experience.  Be good to you.
bc

UFO/Enemy Unknown Stunrod- Steady As She Goes

Heya.
Progress on the UFO/Enemy Unknown Stunrod.  The more I carve in wood the more I love it- just a fantastic medium.  Here's where I'm at right now.  Starting to really take shape.  Still plenty to do in the way of shaping and really digging in to the design, which will really bring it out.  Hoping to see that today.  Keep an eye on the photostream.
Looking like next up will be squeezing in a Decapitating Knife for a Naruto Suigetsu Hozuki cosplay.  What a huge...  knife?  Should be fun.
What's up right now?  The need for coffee- home-roasted Kenyan AA- oh, the coffee-snob in me.  :)  Then heater on in the shop, ipod, sawdust and cosplay goodness.  Be good to you.
bc

UFO/Enemy Unknown Progress

Heya.  The UFO/Enemy Unknown Stun Rod has been delayed a few days while I scratched my head and got it pinned down.  Talked with P and decided the lesser of the pics we could find was better.  I found a bigger image but it's an artist rendition, which cool or no, often means trouble trying to reproduce it in 3D.  This is much better.  Back to the old school hand-drawn template.  It's a little time consuming, but it brings art to the project very quickly, and can sometimes aid in the near future work by highlighting areas and issues that would otherwise be encountered on the spot.  The front end of the piece needs a little tweaking, but that's an easy fix.  I feel so much better about it now!  Lol.  So many times I look at a project and wonder 'How am I going to do that?'  Sometimes you can see the way ahead, and others you just have to get there to know.  I'll tweak the template today and then there's really no excuse for anything other than sawdust!  I'm out.  :)
Be good to you.
bc

UFO/Enemy Unkown Cosplay Build

Heya.  UFO/Enemy Unknown Stun Rod is prepping for take-off, and the shop is COLD.  I know, every time this year, right?  Getting set for a heat wave later in the coming week for cutting and carving.  It's supposed to get between 36-40 degrees!  Woo hoo!  Break out the Jimmy Buffet!  Just kidding.  No Buffet.

Progress pics on the photo-stream  soon.  Many thanks to P, who's persevered with me to make this build happen.  An unusual piece that I'm looking forward to, cold or no.


Be good to you.

bc

Buster Cleveland Review- New Year!

Heya.  Thanks to all of you making cosplay requests to help keep me on track and learning new things.  The past few months have been whirlwind busy on a personal and shop level.  Projects ranged from the usual host of Halloween madness, gift props for the holidays, Kingdom heart's Oathkeeper and Oblivion, the Chicken Ranch sign (for a Chicken Coop), straight-up carpentry around the house, new tattoos for me, and study and practice based around getting an apprenticeship and learning to tattoo.  Also cosplayer and other fantastic artist reviews from cosplayer Toko, Cosplay builder Fev, to Queen of Knotwork Pat Fish, of Luckyfish Tattoo.  

Coming up is the UFO/Enemy Unknown Stun Rod cosplay prop, on hold since November due to our local post office bumbling.  Beyond that, more requests- most recently a set of Chaos Emeralds from Sonic.  Received that one while at a party last night and it brought back how much fun is packed into the Sonic games.  So short text.  It's a new year, which means nothing beyond our perception of it- so take advantage!  New start, new day, new decisions and new determination for what you've already been toiling away at!







Be good to you.
bc

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

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

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

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.

• The sunflower is the state flower of the US state of Kansas, and one of the city flowers of Kitakyūshū, Japan.
• The sunflower is often used as a symbol of green ideology, much as the red rose is a symbol of socialism or social democracy. *The sunflower is also the symbol of the Vegan Society.
• During the late 19th century, the flower was used as the symbol of the Aesthetic Movement.
• Subject of Van Gogh's most famous still life, Sunflowers (series of paintings).
• The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine.

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

 

 

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

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