Pony Craftsmanship Level +1

I've decided to branch out in my artistic endeavors and share my love of all things cosplay, crafty, and geeky in a more broad way.  For several years now I've held this dream to open a shop on Etsy.  And, last month, I have finally made that dream into reality!  My focus is on silhouette and paper art (at least to start).  And, I put together a few My Little Pony cosplay accessories after making a few improvements to my Rainbow Dash costume.

Here's a couple photos for you to enjoy!

My Little Pony - Pinkie Pie cosplay bracelets

Pinkie Pie Party Cannon - 3-D Shadow box art with quilled and curlique confetti

More 3-D Shadow box art!  This time it's MLP sisters Princess Luna and Princess Celestia!

My Little Pony - Rainbow Dash cosplay bracelets

My Little Pony - Rarity diamond cutie mark bracelet

 

Rainbow Dash Cosplay Photoshoot with Splinters of Light Photography

Late last month I went to a cosplay photoshoot with my freshly repaired Rainbow Dash cosplay at a nearby park in Connecticut.  Despite feeling totally socially awkward when walking by myself, I had a really nice time.  I want to give a special shoutout to the photographer that orchestrated the event and somehow works magic behind that lens and comes up with interesting poses (and brings the magic of friendship with her wherever she goes!)

While she is finishing up editing photos from the multitude of shoots over the past couple months, here is a fantastic unedited photo from the session.  You should check our her Facebook page: Splinters of Light Photography and give it a like (and maybe book a shoot)!

I have also decided to start my own Facebook page to chronicle my cosplay, craft, and cooking experiences.  I find it to be a more interactive format than a blog.  Somehow blogging feels very one-sided, almost like having an open diary.  I invite you to share in my creative journey!  Please show your support by liking Eclectic Elathera on Facebook.  I would be happy to answer any questions you have on my page!

20% cooler photo because it was taken by Splinters of Light Photography

Rainbow Dash cosplay repairs

My very first cosplay needs some love before it can be dusted off again.  My friends Ayla of Antipode Geek Belly Dance and Glitterforge wanted to do a group cosplay for ConnectiCon 2012.  We decided to go as characters from My Little Pony.  Glitterforge went as Shining Armor, Ayla as Twilight Sparkle, and I went as Rainbow Dash.  Merika, Ayla's sister (and a domo), made us these fantastic cloaks with our cutie marks!  So totally awesome!

Cutie Mark cloaks made by Merika!

Having not worn the cosplay since then, all the stuff was thrown on a shelf after last year's convention.  Literally.  Was not even thrown in the wash (I know, right? Eww).

Does washing count as costume repair?  Probably not.  Hygienic, yes.  I didn't plan too terribly well on making this easy to wash.  The wings were sewn directly onto the hoodie.  I had to cut all the stitches to stick into the wash. 

Rainbow Dash wings - with cute visible stitching around the edges

As for the skirt, my concern here was that the cutie mark colors would bleed.  The cutie mark was made from felt, and the bottom (blue) layer hand-sewn onto the skirt. The yellow and red lightning bolts as well as the white cloud were tacked on with Elmer's adhesive spray.  I got lazy and only removed the bolts and clouds before washing and seemed to have no issues (phew!).

I also picked up a pair of butt shorts months ago for this cosplay (and am still working up the courage to wear them publicly).  I made even tinier felt cutie marks for the shorts --- and let me tell you, it is darn hard to cut things that small when your scissors are dull!

Cutie mark skirt and shorts after washing and repairs

I left the wig repairs until last.  After 2 days of con wear, the poor thing has lost some of its shape, especially toward the "roots".  Wigs are definitely a struggle point for me... I ran into similar issues on my Rydia costume.  Totally open to suggestions if anyone out there has some good advice! 

Rainbow Dash cosplay wig - before and after styling