I took some more pictures of how the hair looks so far. See them below.
I do think it might need to be a shade or two brighter than it is, but it still looks rather good.
My appointment with the hairdresser is currently 2pm on January 8th.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Saturday, 20 December 2008
Thursday, 18 December 2008
More pictures
I have a few more pictures now. Last night I put pretty much everything I have so far on. I didn't put the hair attachments in as they take far too long and I need help putting them in (you figure out why), and I forgot about the necklace and choker...whoops.
Anyway, I've just dyed my hair again but am not convinced it's the right shade. Daylight will give me proof. I dyed it and showered this morning, but my hair takes ages to dry and if I don't tie it back it'll end up looking like a scarecrow's pubic hair......not a good look. I normally straighten it anyway because as my hair has natural kinks it can easily get knotted.
Many people think I'm naturally red-headed. True or false? FALSE! My hair is naturally rather dark brown, but I might as well be a red-head because I feel I probably should've been one and have been dying my hair reddish colours for about four or five years now. In the case of the cosplay though, I need to find the right shade. Like I said, daylight will tell if this one's OK or not, but right now I'm not convinced it is....we'll see.
Here are the pictures...
1, 2, 3 (top, leggings, gloves etc...)
Hair 1, Hair 2.
Anyway, I've just dyed my hair again but am not convinced it's the right shade. Daylight will give me proof. I dyed it and showered this morning, but my hair takes ages to dry and if I don't tie it back it'll end up looking like a scarecrow's pubic hair......not a good look. I normally straighten it anyway because as my hair has natural kinks it can easily get knotted.
Many people think I'm naturally red-headed. True or false? FALSE! My hair is naturally rather dark brown, but I might as well be a red-head because I feel I probably should've been one and have been dying my hair reddish colours for about four or five years now. In the case of the cosplay though, I need to find the right shade. Like I said, daylight will tell if this one's OK or not, but right now I'm not convinced it is....we'll see.
Here are the pictures...
1, 2, 3 (top, leggings, gloves etc...)
Hair 1, Hair 2.
Wednesday, 17 December 2008
The top is found!
Well, I think I finally now have a suitable top to use. Take a look at these pictures: front, front 2, back. The front isn't done up completely and I tucked it under to try and get the cup shape right. It looks like it'll work.
The back isn't EXACT, but that's the best I am going to get for a v-shape and a large eyelet will go through.....if I can damn well find some! That's the next big mission that I hope won't be as difficult as the finding of this top. After that, I think I'll try and get the leggings done with the red material and such, and then start work on the top.
The back isn't EXACT, but that's the best I am going to get for a v-shape and a large eyelet will go through.....if I can damn well find some! That's the next big mission that I hope won't be as difficult as the finding of this top. After that, I think I'll try and get the leggings done with the red material and such, and then start work on the top.
Friday, 12 December 2008
Gloves and Wristbands
Moving swiftly on.....
I bought these gloves and added the red material to them, and also got a hold of the wristbands that I'll be using to attach the dhampir blade mechanism to. I've taken a few pictures with one of the gloves, arm-warmers and two of the wristbands on: 1, 2, 3, 4.
I haven't got a great deal to say today, apart from I'm really liking how the gloves and wristbands are looking! And...that the top situation isn't any better right now. Grr!
I bought these gloves and added the red material to them, and also got a hold of the wristbands that I'll be using to attach the dhampir blade mechanism to. I've taken a few pictures with one of the gloves, arm-warmers and two of the wristbands on: 1, 2, 3, 4.
I haven't got a great deal to say today, apart from I'm really liking how the gloves and wristbands are looking! And...that the top situation isn't any better right now. Grr!
Tuesday, 9 December 2008
BloodRayne Pictures (differences in costume)
Before I go any further I want to highlight some of the differences I've found in Rayne's costume between the first and second game (especially the second). Some pictures show some distinct differences within BloodRayne 2.
For example, this three sided picture shows the red material coming up in a v-shape on her backside, and on the gloves there's a red piece on the back of her hand and red dots on the knuckles. In the game, the piece on the back of the hand is there but the red dots aren't (at least the first time you play the game through because there are different outfits to unlock - I'm about 2/3 of the way through the second game now). In the first game, the gloves are different as well.
Back to the buttocks. Now, in the second game you get the costume as in the first picture, but from playing the game first time through at least the shape is different on her backside. Take a look here, and again the same pattern. Unfortunately I can't get the deep v-shape on the back of my wet-look leggings because a.) it'd ruin them completely, and b.) I'm revealing more than I've ever revealed before in my life thus far and the crack of my arse won't be included.
Do note that in the first picture she has stitching on the upper arm section of the gloves, whereas in the second picture from the first game, that stitching isn't there.
In this concept art picture, the red material on Rayne's legs come right up to her waist, but then in this comic version the shape is a bit different. In this censored pic (she's topless in this one), the pattern is different STILL.
With the hair attachments, there are little red pieces at the bottom of them. In this one it's of the Brimstone Society's symbol. However in this one (look under her arm) you can see the hair attachments are in two red stripes. You can see it slightly here too.
Right, we've established that there are quite a few inconsistencies with the costume. So, I'll be doing what I can with what I've got. The hair attachments have the stripes on the bottom from the ones I made. Making them with the Brimstone symbol would be extremely fiddley so I went with the design from BloodRayne 2. The gloves....yet to decide that. I'm seeing if I can get some full length wet-look armwarmers before I decide. If I have to get a shorter pair of armwarmers I'll not stitch the two together but I'll put red stitches on one of them where they overlap.
If I can get full length wet-look armwarmers I won't bother with the sticking and therefore they'll look like the ones from the first game. The hand pieces on the gloves are going to be separate gloves entirely. I found some driver's gloves on eBay with a large hole on the back of the hand and hey presto also open circles on the knuckles. Adding red material underneath will suffice and will just have to stick on red material around the short finger pieces.
The leggings I am going to do pretty much as the latter pictures I put up about them. Not the straight up v-shape, but the more rounded version. That way they're probably going to look better I think.
As for the top, don't get me started. Five tops, sixth on the way....making me want to cry now. There's yet another I've seen on eBay that I'm requesting to buy right away rather than having to damn well bid on it. I hate bidding! If I want an item, I just want to purchase it and not have to faff around waiting for days until it comes to a close frantically bidding every few seconds in a vain attempt to get the item by outrunning someone else's computer by constantly refreshing every couple of seconds.
If I can get this costume right I might as well stick with cosplaying Rayne because this has already cost me well over £100. At this moment in my life I'm not rich, and am not a craft-type person to be perfectly honest. If/when I have more money and time I might consider others, but Rayne really is a hardcore bitch and that's rather my style. Not many other videogame/anime girls out there like her with red hair. My hair is naturally dark brown but I dye it red...prefer it that way. :-p
Oh yeah, and I hope these will be the cuffs (they had better damn fit right). Can't get them made of metal, or silver. They did them in white, but I thought white really wouldn't go to be honest. These are the closest I can find at a cheap price. They'll do. With the straps, dad should be able to attach the mechanism easier for the weapons.
For example, this three sided picture shows the red material coming up in a v-shape on her backside, and on the gloves there's a red piece on the back of her hand and red dots on the knuckles. In the game, the piece on the back of the hand is there but the red dots aren't (at least the first time you play the game through because there are different outfits to unlock - I'm about 2/3 of the way through the second game now). In the first game, the gloves are different as well.
Back to the buttocks. Now, in the second game you get the costume as in the first picture, but from playing the game first time through at least the shape is different on her backside. Take a look here, and again the same pattern. Unfortunately I can't get the deep v-shape on the back of my wet-look leggings because a.) it'd ruin them completely, and b.) I'm revealing more than I've ever revealed before in my life thus far and the crack of my arse won't be included.
Do note that in the first picture she has stitching on the upper arm section of the gloves, whereas in the second picture from the first game, that stitching isn't there.
In this concept art picture, the red material on Rayne's legs come right up to her waist, but then in this comic version the shape is a bit different. In this censored pic (she's topless in this one), the pattern is different STILL.
With the hair attachments, there are little red pieces at the bottom of them. In this one it's of the Brimstone Society's symbol. However in this one (look under her arm) you can see the hair attachments are in two red stripes. You can see it slightly here too.
Right, we've established that there are quite a few inconsistencies with the costume. So, I'll be doing what I can with what I've got. The hair attachments have the stripes on the bottom from the ones I made. Making them with the Brimstone symbol would be extremely fiddley so I went with the design from BloodRayne 2. The gloves....yet to decide that. I'm seeing if I can get some full length wet-look armwarmers before I decide. If I have to get a shorter pair of armwarmers I'll not stitch the two together but I'll put red stitches on one of them where they overlap.
If I can get full length wet-look armwarmers I won't bother with the sticking and therefore they'll look like the ones from the first game. The hand pieces on the gloves are going to be separate gloves entirely. I found some driver's gloves on eBay with a large hole on the back of the hand and hey presto also open circles on the knuckles. Adding red material underneath will suffice and will just have to stick on red material around the short finger pieces.
The leggings I am going to do pretty much as the latter pictures I put up about them. Not the straight up v-shape, but the more rounded version. That way they're probably going to look better I think.
As for the top, don't get me started. Five tops, sixth on the way....making me want to cry now. There's yet another I've seen on eBay that I'm requesting to buy right away rather than having to damn well bid on it. I hate bidding! If I want an item, I just want to purchase it and not have to faff around waiting for days until it comes to a close frantically bidding every few seconds in a vain attempt to get the item by outrunning someone else's computer by constantly refreshing every couple of seconds.
If I can get this costume right I might as well stick with cosplaying Rayne because this has already cost me well over £100. At this moment in my life I'm not rich, and am not a craft-type person to be perfectly honest. If/when I have more money and time I might consider others, but Rayne really is a hardcore bitch and that's rather my style. Not many other videogame/anime girls out there like her with red hair. My hair is naturally dark brown but I dye it red...prefer it that way. :-p
Oh yeah, and I hope these will be the cuffs (they had better damn fit right). Can't get them made of metal, or silver. They did them in white, but I thought white really wouldn't go to be honest. These are the closest I can find at a cheap price. They'll do. With the straps, dad should be able to attach the mechanism easier for the weapons.
Saturday, 6 December 2008
How the leggings and thong combine...
Well this is what the leggings look like when I wear the thong with the red laces over the top.
Again, taken in the evening in bad light when I had to up the brightness on the camera.
Sorry the photos are therefore cack because of it, but the evenings are really the only times when I faff around with these things (that will be until the real making of the costume is in full swing).
Much more will happen after Christmas...
Watch this space...
Again, taken in the evening in bad light when I had to up the brightness on the camera.
Sorry the photos are therefore cack because of it, but the evenings are really the only times when I faff around with these things (that will be until the real making of the costume is in full swing).
Much more will happen after Christmas...
Watch this space...
Thursday, 4 December 2008
Thongs going over leggings
Sounds like a funny post doesn't it. Take a look at what'll be going over the leggings - thong.
I took the black laces out and put the red ones in. I need to put a red rim over the top, and put eyelets and more red laces in the back of it. It fits snugly over the top of my leggings anyway.
Here's a pic of me wearing the boots (well not exactly of ME, but rather just my legs and feet).
Again, a poor quality image. I keep doing these pictures in my room in the evening which has poor lighting, meaning I have to put the brightness on the camera up which makes the picture look a bit fuzzy.
I took the black laces out and put the red ones in. I need to put a red rim over the top, and put eyelets and more red laces in the back of it. It fits snugly over the top of my leggings anyway.
Here's a pic of me wearing the boots (well not exactly of ME, but rather just my legs and feet).
Again, a poor quality image. I keep doing these pictures in my room in the evening which has poor lighting, meaning I have to put the brightness on the camera up which makes the picture look a bit fuzzy.
Thursday, 27 November 2008
Hair attachments finished
I've finished making the hair attachments.
It took quite some time considering I had to do it in stages and wait for the glue to dry.
It took quite some time considering I had to do it in stages and wait for the glue to dry.
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
Hair attachments & the search for a top - Part 2
I've almost finished making the hair attachments. It's just a matter of waiting for the glue to dry after every stage of their creation.
Regarding the top. Well I found two potential items on eBay and bought them both rather cheaply (one had free p&p - whoo!)
That's pretty much it...
Going to be looking at the polyester & elastane leggings in New Look at the weekend. Hmm....
Oh yeah, regarding getting the red material on, I was told about a special type of paper at Sew Simple today (it's an Art & Craft store near where I live - biggest in Norfolk in-fact). You draw the pattern you want on the paper and cut it out, then you iron it on to the fabric to be transferred, then you cut around the fabric and then iron it on to the garment. Apparently it's all machine washable - it says that it's guaranteed to work on the little slip of information I was given about it.
I added a few more photos to the TinyPic album.
Regarding the top. Well I found two potential items on eBay and bought them both rather cheaply (one had free p&p - whoo!)
That's pretty much it...
Going to be looking at the polyester & elastane leggings in New Look at the weekend. Hmm....
Oh yeah, regarding getting the red material on, I was told about a special type of paper at Sew Simple today (it's an Art & Craft store near where I live - biggest in Norfolk in-fact). You draw the pattern you want on the paper and cut it out, then you iron it on to the fabric to be transferred, then you cut around the fabric and then iron it on to the garment. Apparently it's all machine washable - it says that it's guaranteed to work on the little slip of information I was given about it.
I added a few more photos to the TinyPic album.
Hair attachments & the search for a top
I got the hoops from a little store in Norwich. They weren't earrings and were steel bracelets (I think). Everything was fine until I got home. Then I found they were all interlinked. Damn.
So, this morning my dad went into his shed, cut them off one another and soldered the ends back together. I've just added the black ribbon to them and they're in the process of drying (used fabric glue).
As for the leggings....well I've seen something a bit better if I can use them (shiny polyester and elastane leggings). However, they're £10 a pair - I'll be getting some regardless of what I do to them anyway.
Now the top. This is making me swear both mentally and aloud. I can't seem to find the right sort of thing anywhere. I've bought two tank/sport tops and a waistcoat and none of them are suitable for modification and nor do they even look right. Damn again. So, we're going into detective mode to try and sniff out the right top another way. Those things (at least similar things) must exist somewhere. It's just a matter of flushing them out from wherever they're hiding.
Oh! And the boots are perfect. ^_^'
So, this morning my dad went into his shed, cut them off one another and soldered the ends back together. I've just added the black ribbon to them and they're in the process of drying (used fabric glue).
As for the leggings....well I've seen something a bit better if I can use them (shiny polyester and elastane leggings). However, they're £10 a pair - I'll be getting some regardless of what I do to them anyway.
Now the top. This is making me swear both mentally and aloud. I can't seem to find the right sort of thing anywhere. I've bought two tank/sport tops and a waistcoat and none of them are suitable for modification and nor do they even look right. Damn again. So, we're going into detective mode to try and sniff out the right top another way. Those things (at least similar things) must exist somewhere. It's just a matter of flushing them out from wherever they're hiding.
Oh! And the boots are perfect. ^_^'
Friday, 21 November 2008
Getting there with the preparations
I've purchased those boots (the 4 inch thicker heeled ones). I'm just waiting on them, another choker, the waistcoat and the silver hoop earrings to use for the hair pieces.
The other items I require are as in my previous entry.
I will soon be ready to begin work on it. If I can get some cheap thin paper I can at least start on the leggings. I will probably do the top afterwards because that will be the hardest part of the costume.
The other items I require are as in my previous entry.
I will soon be ready to begin work on it. If I can get some cheap thin paper I can at least start on the leggings. I will probably do the top afterwards because that will be the hardest part of the costume.
Thursday, 20 November 2008
Process of the final gatherings
I've bought those hoops, but I don't know if I'll be getting that particular waistcoat (we'll see). I got a different waistcoat that looks like it might take the punishment I'll be giving it, but that has yet to turn up.
The choker turned up but it's too thin, so I've bought another one that's thicker. I'm desperately trying to get the boots I want still, but the seller won't let me buy them directly on eBay instead of bidding. I hate bidding on there! I'd rather just buy the item and be done with it rather than have to wait days and then battle it out at the end and end up losing it. All it takes is for someone to have slightly faster internet and to refresh the page and get the last bid in.
The last things I need to get really (providing the waistcoat is alright and I get the boots I want) are: red straps (perhaps watch straps? I don't know...still have to look around), corset suspender garters (though I'm not wearing a proper corset - making the top out of the waistcoat I still need the garters), hair clips to keep the hair pieces in place and the longer lengths of my own hair in position, and the ring to go on the back of the top.
It's a royal pain the backside, but it's got to be done.
The choker turned up but it's too thin, so I've bought another one that's thicker. I'm desperately trying to get the boots I want still, but the seller won't let me buy them directly on eBay instead of bidding. I hate bidding on there! I'd rather just buy the item and be done with it rather than have to wait days and then battle it out at the end and end up losing it. All it takes is for someone to have slightly faster internet and to refresh the page and get the last bid in.
The last things I need to get really (providing the waistcoat is alright and I get the boots I want) are: red straps (perhaps watch straps? I don't know...still have to look around), corset suspender garters (though I'm not wearing a proper corset - making the top out of the waistcoat I still need the garters), hair clips to keep the hair pieces in place and the longer lengths of my own hair in position, and the ring to go on the back of the top.
It's a royal pain the backside, but it's got to be done.
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
Rethink
Ok, I don't think the 6 inch stilettos are going to be the way to go. However, I found something quite similar with a thicker heel. These.
If I can't get a hold of these ones I'll be looking for boots exactly like them. Those are 4 inch heels and they have the platform...so it's close enough and it'll mean I'll be able to walk in them much more easily and don't have an extremely high chance of breaking my ankles in them.
The gloves also came today, but I think they're a tad too short. They could do with being about 2-3 inches further up my arm as Rayne's are almost up to her shoulder. However, I can only do my best with what's available. I'm trying to get another waistcoat on eBay. The seller is just taking her time getting back to me *sigh.*
I'm also trying to get this waistcoat, and have been looking at these for the hoops that Rayne has in her hair on which black ribbon is attached (I have the ribbons).
If I can't get a hold of these ones I'll be looking for boots exactly like them. Those are 4 inch heels and they have the platform...so it's close enough and it'll mean I'll be able to walk in them much more easily and don't have an extremely high chance of breaking my ankles in them.
The gloves also came today, but I think they're a tad too short. They could do with being about 2-3 inches further up my arm as Rayne's are almost up to her shoulder. However, I can only do my best with what's available. I'm trying to get another waistcoat on eBay. The seller is just taking her time getting back to me *sigh.*
I'm also trying to get this waistcoat, and have been looking at these for the hoops that Rayne has in her hair on which black ribbon is attached (I have the ribbons).
Tuesday, 18 November 2008
Boots
I've been looking for the boots today, and I found them. They are on eBay at - Angie Black PU Knee High Platform Boots High Heels UK 7
Now, I've never walked in high heels before in my life...let alone 6 inch stilettos. I'm a bit worried about trying to walk in things like these because I really don't want to break either or both of my ankles. The likelihood is probably slim, but then I'm probably just been downright paranoid about this. A big part of me says "buy them! They're exactly what you want for the cosplay!" and the other part is saying "you retard, why are you even thinking about this?"
Ok, so I can take some smaller more comfortable shoes if my feet get tired (and considering I've had my feet operated on as I had bunions - if you don't know it's when the big toes are out of joint and the bone becomes inflamed and hurts like hell until you have them surgically corrected - they probably will need relief occasionally).
It's a case of ease and comfort as opposed to really looking the part for the cosplay. You never know, I might be pretty comfortable in them. I don't know until I try though. These guys have a 7 day policy to make payment, so if I selected a cheque as a payment option then I wouldn't have to send one (I'm guessing) if I sent them back within those 7 days.
I'm not able to buy just yet though - somewhat short of cash - but I'm thinking of just going for it as soon as I can transfer the money over and....give them a go.
Now, I've never walked in high heels before in my life...let alone 6 inch stilettos. I'm a bit worried about trying to walk in things like these because I really don't want to break either or both of my ankles. The likelihood is probably slim, but then I'm probably just been downright paranoid about this. A big part of me says "buy them! They're exactly what you want for the cosplay!" and the other part is saying "you retard, why are you even thinking about this?"
Ok, so I can take some smaller more comfortable shoes if my feet get tired (and considering I've had my feet operated on as I had bunions - if you don't know it's when the big toes are out of joint and the bone becomes inflamed and hurts like hell until you have them surgically corrected - they probably will need relief occasionally).
It's a case of ease and comfort as opposed to really looking the part for the cosplay. You never know, I might be pretty comfortable in them. I don't know until I try though. These guys have a 7 day policy to make payment, so if I selected a cheque as a payment option then I wouldn't have to send one (I'm guessing) if I sent them back within those 7 days.
I'm not able to buy just yet though - somewhat short of cash - but I'm thinking of just going for it as soon as I can transfer the money over and....give them a go.
Monday, 17 November 2008
Part 2 of Stage 1
Well the leggings turned up today, and last night I ordered a black choker from eBay. It's velvet, but I can only get as close as I possibly can (and I am determined to make it pretty damn perfect considering the materials and items available to me). One just needs to search thoroughly for these things, and I think that if you're going to cosplay you've got to do it as best you can and not completely half-arsed so that you don't look anything like the character you're trying to pull off.
I also bought a waistcoat that I HOPE will suffice for taking the punishment I'm going to be dealing to it. If not, that'll be the second time I've wasted money on a top that won't take it. *Sigh.*
Now I need to look for a suitable pair of boots (and some silver paint that I can add to the heels that will come off when scrubbed - need to look the part as I said above), and then there are the hoops for the hair pieces. I have the ribbon. I just need the hoops themselves and clips to hold the relevant bits of my own hair in place.
I just seriously hope me and my father can find a way of doing the contraption on the arms for the blades and the blades themselves (which will be made out of wood - no worries!)
I think a visit to places like B&Q and Wickes would help.
I also bought a waistcoat that I HOPE will suffice for taking the punishment I'm going to be dealing to it. If not, that'll be the second time I've wasted money on a top that won't take it. *Sigh.*
Now I need to look for a suitable pair of boots (and some silver paint that I can add to the heels that will come off when scrubbed - need to look the part as I said above), and then there are the hoops for the hair pieces. I have the ribbon. I just need the hoops themselves and clips to hold the relevant bits of my own hair in place.
I just seriously hope me and my father can find a way of doing the contraption on the arms for the blades and the blades themselves (which will be made out of wood - no worries!)
I think a visit to places like B&Q and Wickes would help.
Saturday, 15 November 2008
Materials
Ok, I already have most of the materials.
I'm waiting for the leggings and the gloves to turn up and also need to find the right kind of boots.
I went to the London MCM Expo in October this year, but found out too late to cosplay. So, I've got the cosplay bug now and have decided to do Agent BloodRayne for the next one in May. However, I am obsessed with getting the costume done as soon as possible to ensure I get it right.
My TinyPic account is here - Cosplay
I don't have many photos yet. The hair ones are experimental, as is the crap one of me wearing the leggings and the black waistcoat (I won't be wearing that waistcoat because it wasn't cheap and I'm not going to ruin it). I was just seeing what sort of thing I'd need to be wearing and/or how I would make a top look as I need it to.
I'll be updating as and when I have new pictures and progress to talk about.
I'm waiting for the leggings and the gloves to turn up and also need to find the right kind of boots.
I went to the London MCM Expo in October this year, but found out too late to cosplay. So, I've got the cosplay bug now and have decided to do Agent BloodRayne for the next one in May. However, I am obsessed with getting the costume done as soon as possible to ensure I get it right.
My TinyPic account is here - Cosplay
I don't have many photos yet. The hair ones are experimental, as is the crap one of me wearing the leggings and the black waistcoat (I won't be wearing that waistcoat because it wasn't cheap and I'm not going to ruin it). I was just seeing what sort of thing I'd need to be wearing and/or how I would make a top look as I need it to.
I'll be updating as and when I have new pictures and progress to talk about.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
