Sunday only - Overstock Sale

In order to make room for incoming inventory, we are selling some of our ready-to-ship colors at very low prices, for Sunday only. Short wigs are $15, long wigs are $20. There are limited colors available in the sale, so grab them fast before they’re gone! -- Overstock Wigs -- sale ends at 11:59 PM, Pacific time, May 19th.

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Unread 02-10-2010, 12:28 PM   #196
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kiratsukai View Post
If you get me a better copy, I can try... But with the current quality, it's difficult to make out all of the kanji.
YAAAAAAAAAAAY!
I deffo will try!
Thanks loadz!!!! DDDDDD
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Unread 02-11-2010, 01:35 AM   #197
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Crossplay Tutorial: Sporty Male Character Makeup
Makeup Tutorial: Sporty Masculine Makeup

A very light makeup application designed to give you the most natural look possible!!



Eyebrows and Nose
Draw sharp lines arching to the peak of the eye for a cool look!


Step 1
Use your natural browline as a guide and begin at the peak of your natural arch. Draw a short slope downward following the curve of your eye beneath! For the thicker part of the brow, coat your brush with a brown shade of powder and gently shade in the negative spaces in your own browline while correcting the shape.


Step 2
Choose an earthy toned powder a shade or two darker than your own skin tone and use it to shadow the area between the inner tips of your eyebrows and the bridge of your nose. Be careful not to shade too darkly.


Step 3
Using a pencil, define the final shape of your brows! Use a thin, falling line on the outside to finish each brow. With this, your cool, natural-looking brows are complete!!


Finished!

(continued in the next post)
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Unread 02-11-2010, 06:33 AM   #198
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Crossplay Tutorial: Sporty Male Character Makeup (part 2)
Makeup Tutorial: Sporty Masculine Makeup (part 2)

Eyes
Using beiges and browns, let's create a natural base to frame the eye!


Step 1
Use a beige eye shadow near to your own skin tone to shade the eye. In order to emphasize the outer eye, use a slightly darker brown shadow as an accent.


Step 2
Use a pencil eyeliner to line the eyes. Be careful to draw a very thin, regular line! For an even more natural look, try a brown liner instead of black.


Step 3
Use liquid liner to lightly line your eyes over the pencil to create a more finished look. You can use eyebrow liquid if you want a more muted look.


Finished!

(in progress)
(continued in the next post)
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Unread 02-11-2010, 07:02 AM   #199
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Crossplay Tutorial: Sporty Male Character Makeup (part 3)
Makeup Tutorial: Sporty Masculine Makeup (part 3)

Lips
Use a lipstick very close to your own skin-tone for the most natural look.


Step 1
Use a brush to apply concealer to the perimeter of your lips. Use a color similar to your own skin tone. This will remove some of the redness from your lips for a more natural, masculine look.


Step 2
Use a sponge to stipple the concealer on the edges to blend more seamlessly with your skin, then apply a powder foundation to give the look a matte finish.


Finished!

Plus One Technique ~ Dry lips?
Dry or cracking lips look terrible in photos. So before applying any makeup to your lips, be sure to apply chapstick and/or a moisturizing lip base!


Step 1
Go heavy on the application, it's going to need to hold up all day! It's best to choose transparent products.


Step 2
Wait a few minutes, then gently pat any excess away with a tissue before applying your makeup.


Perfect!

*October 2009
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Unread 02-15-2010, 02:37 AM   #200
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Wig Tutorial: Creating the Illusion of a Hairline

Time Reqired: 10 minutes
Difficulty Level: 2/5 stars

Wanren and all-back wigs can leave you feeling a bit insecure about your hairline and the appearance of your wig. But with just one little makeup trick, you can add just a touch of versimilitude. It looks really great, especially in long-shots.

You'll Need:

-color eyeliner or pencil shadow
-a wig net
-hairpins


Step 1 - Use a colored liner close to your wig
Put on your wig cap and use a liner pencil the same color as your own wig and use it to color in a false hairline at the edge of your wig cap. Draw in strokes to create the illusion on hair.


Step 2 ~ Touch up
Try your wig on over your work and see how it looks. Then remove your wig and make any neccessary adjustments or additions.


Step 3 ~ Put on your Wig
Dust the finished hairline with powder so it won't run or fade as easily, then put on your wig. The hairline is extremely easy to rub off, so be careful of it when putting your wig on and adjusting it.

*How To Layers Wig
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Unread 02-15-2010, 04:08 AM   #201
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Summer Comiket - A Survival Guide

The biggest highlight of nearly every cosplayer's summer is "natsukomi" and this year'S is just around the corner. For three days, the geek community gathers from all corners of Japan to play. But where to stay? What to bring? And how do you survive the terrible heat?!

We can help!



Preparation
get your hands on materials to orient yourself beforehand

Well before going to summer Comiket, you should get your hands on a catalog. The official event catalog is titled "コミックマーケット" along with the number of this year's event. There is a print version and a cd rom version too. Of course, you can buy a catalog directly from the Comic Market website, but copies are sold at nearly all major comic and anime-centric book sellers in the month before the event.

The catalog will tell you what circles are participating on each day, where you can find them and what genres they'll be offering. There are also pull-out floor-maps for each day of the event, so you can pre-plan your assault in full. Also included is a full list of event rules and a handful of interesting articles and reviews. It's a definate must!

Comic Market's Website
http://www.comiket.co.jp

Bus Tour Packages
(note: this is from an article about 2009 Comiket, so these tours are out-of-date. Please check websites for current availability.)



World Tour System
Tour: Kansai Comic Express
Plans: Hotel (2 nights), night-bus (2 nights); Hotel (1 night), night-bus (2 nights); night-bus (2 nights); one-way tickets are also available
Pricing: between 7,000 and 29,000 yen
Tel: 06-6626-2662
http://www.e-wts.co.jp/j-comic.html

You'll arrive at Big Site earlier by bus than by train and all of your luggage can be dropped off right on the doorstep. If you don't want to return right away after the event, there are hotel plans too. Of course, the bus will take you to and from the hotel for free. There is also a free shuttle bus to and from Tokyo Station. For an extra 500 yen, you can even catch a super-early 4am shuttle bus and be one of the very first in line at the venue.

Meitetsu Kankou Service
Tour: Comic Bus Tour
Plans: a 2 day course, a 3 day no-hotel course, a 3 day hotel course, and a 4 nights "relax" course
Pricing: 10,400 ~ 37,700 yen
Tel: 03-5759-8400
http://www.mwt.co.jp/comic

Some people need to get back to the office and want to enjoy just a day or two of the event, others want to take it easy and enjoy some down-time shopping or sightseeing. This tour has plans for both types! There are several different busses leaving from the Tokaido region and Kansai, so you have a pretty good chance of being able to find a local departure.



Beating the Heat

1) Hydrate
Bring drinks with you in PET bottles. If you aren't hydrated, you might get sick from the heat. We recommend sports drinks.

2) Bring Salty Snacks
Did you know that sweating makes your body lose water and salt? Having a salty snack or two can help refresh you.

3) Bring a Towel
There are hundreds of thousands of people at comiket and they can overwhelm even air-conditioned areas. You will sweat... maybe even rivers of it. A towel works better for damage control than a handkercheif.

4) Have a Fan
If you end up in a windless spot, you'll feel the pain in seconds. A paper fan isn't a bad choice either, but one of those little battery-powered fans feels like heaven!

5) Sunscreen
UV rays are at their peak in the summer months and if you're outside in the cosplay area for long, your skin can take a beating. Be sure to protect yourself with sunscreen.

6) Wear a Hat and Long-Sleeves
(notes: there is a bit of a Japanese obsession with pale-skin, I suspect this tip have more to do with vainity than practical advice... if you wear a long-sleeved shirt to Comiket, I guarantee you'll soon regret it!)
Lining up to get into the event takes time. You'll be out in the sun for as much as 2 or 3 hours. Protect your skin and eyes with a hat, long-sleeves and sunglasses. If you choose clothing in dark colors, the protection is even stronger.

7) Be Mindful of Food
In this kind of heat, fresh foods spoil quickly. Your yummy hand-made bentou can be a mushy, stinky mess by lunch-time. It's best to opt for non-perishable snacks... and if you have something that looks bad, don't risk it!!!

8) Power-up with Power Bars
Power bars, granola bars and other portable energy snacks can keep your body fueled and help you resist the urge to collapse in a heap in the heat.

9) Cooling sheets!!!
With the crowds and heat, you'Re going to feel hot, sticky ad gross. The perfect remedy might be a cooling sheet. (You can buy them in the skin care section of the drug store.)

10) Dress for the Heat
Be smart from the moment you wake up! Choose lightweight, breatheable and comfortable clothes. Bring an extra outfit to cange into when you change out of your costume to avoid getting back into smelly, sweaty gear.

Hotel Plans

Meitetsu Kankou Service
Tour: Comic Lodging Plan
Plans: single 7,000yen; twin 6,600yen; triple 6,00yen
Tel: 03-5759-8400
http://www.mwt.co.jp/comic/

Hotels are popular around Comic Market too, so it can be hard to find a place to stay on your own. If you're not great with public transportation, this hotel plan's for you. It includes all kinds of hotels close to the event space.

Tabi Capital

Tour: 2009 Summer Comiket Lodging Pack
Plans: Cosplay Izakaya Course 14,500~15,000 (7,000 a night)
Tel: 03-3457-6696 (from 9am to 9pm)

It can be difficult to get reservations for "Little BSD" year-round, but around Comiket, it's impossible! "Little BSD" is a popular Akihabara cosplay izakaya and it's the perfect place for your Comiket after-celebration! This package includes an "enkai" there. The hotel has a shuttle-bus to Tokyo Big Site too, just ask the hotel staff to reserve you a spot.
*This tour is for ages 20 and over only ~ alcohol will be served

Other Events Nearby

Summer Cosplay Heaven in difaa yuumei
8/14-8/15 (2009)
@Difaa Yuumei
from 8pm to 8am

There are a ton of other nearby events too. To find them all, check out the Cosplayers' Archive home page!

*cos-a vol. 1
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Last edited by kiratsukai : 02-16-2010 at 02:34 AM.
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Unread 02-16-2010, 02:45 AM   #202
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Creating an All-Back No-Part Wig ("Lazy Lacefronting")
Don't want to limit yourself to characters with bangs? Add this technique to your arsenal!

*apologies for the brightness/contrast on this set of photos... my scanner is having a lot of trouble with this shade of green.

Time Required: 30 minutes
Difficulty Level: 3/5 stars

Pre-purchased all-backs look great, but sometimes the wig cap shows on the hairline. Quite a few people seem to want to know how to hide the hairline or make it appear more natural. Others want to know how to recycle their own regular costume wigs but want to convert them to all-backs. Here we'll show you a method that can kill both of those birds with one stone! It will hide exposed wig-cap at the front of your all-back and can help you to create an all-back from any medium-long wig.

You'll Need:

-scissors
-glue (should dry transparent) *the photos use an opaque glue so that you can see the strip, but results are much better with transparent glue
-a clear file
-a hair dryer
-hair wax
-hard hairspray
(not shown) a weft that matches your wig


1) Comb Back the Bangs and Spray
Use your hairdryer and the hard spray to set your wig in an all-back style. If the bangs are being stubborn, work to move them back in small pieces one at a time, moving on to the next only after the last has become cooperative. This way you'll get a nicer, more uniform style.


2) Spread out a Line of Glue
Lay out your clearfile and spread a ribbon of glue out onto it, about the same width as a piece of scotch tape. Spread it as thinly as possible and as quickly as you can. It's best to use a lightweight glue that dries transparent.


3) Stick Weft Pieces to the Glue
Using a weft that matches your own wig (or pieces cut from harder-to-notice areas of your wig), create a custom hairpiece by arranging and sticking bits of hair to the ribbon of glue. After you finish sticking the hair to the ribbon, style the pieces that will protrude from the hairline into triangles, curls, or spikes with your styling wax.


CHECK!! Use wax to style the ends of your weft pieces


4) Remove the Hairpiece from the File
When the glue has dried completely (you can use your hairdryer to speed it along), gently remove the home-made hairpiece by peeling it off of the file. Be sure to be careful not to break or stretch the glue strip.

(to be continued)
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Unread 02-16-2010, 02:54 AM   #203
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Creating an All-Back No-Part Wig (part 2)


5) Stick the Hairpiece to Your Wig
Glue the hairpiece you made in #4 to the hairline of your all-back wig. The styled ends should fall to cover the very top of the forehead, obscuring the wig-cap and your hair-net when worn. Adjust the new hairline for the most coverage and to match your desired style.


6) Comb the New Pieces into the Rest of Your Wig
When the piece has dried in place, use your fingers to hold the new hairline in-place while gently brushing the new pieces into place in the rest of the wig. Finish with a full coat of hard-spray and your home-made all-back is complete!

*How To Layers Wig
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Unread 02-16-2010, 04:56 AM   #204
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Cutting Basic Bangs
Use scissors to cut into the grain of the hair for a bangs-trim or to add bangs to a wig without any
You're bought the perfect wig... but the bangs are too long as-is. Let's try cutting them down for a great natural look.

You'll Need:

-scissors
-a comb
-newspaper


1) Pull the Hair Out Toward You
Lay out some newspaper beneath your workspace to catch any of the hair you trim off. Pull the bangs you want to work with out and away from the rest of the wig. Don't pull too tight, be sure to allow a small portion at the top to bend to the form of the forehead.


2) Point Your Scissors Into the Grain of the Hair to Cut
Point your scissors into the wig and cut in a slightly tilted upward motion. Be very careful and cut slowly, one small bit at a time. Your scissors should only penetrate the wig as far as you want your final bangs to fall. As you get closer to your goal, cut with a smaller portion of the scissors for greater control. Comb the bangs out several times and check/repair the balance before finishing.


Check!! Be careful to maintain balance with the whole wig

*How To Layers Wig
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Unread 02-16-2010, 04:57 AM   #205
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Basic Thinning Cut

Using thinning scissors to tame a bushy or heavy wig

Time Required: 10 minutes
Difficulty Level: 1/5 stars

For wigs with a great deal of fibers or unmanageable volume, let's use thinning scissors. If you change the angle of your scissors when thinning, the feeling of the look can change too.

You'll Need:

-thinning scissors
-a comb
-a hair clip


1) Block the Wig
Divide the wig into three blocks ~ top, center and bottom. Use your hair clip to hold up all but the lowermost block while you cut. Make sure the hair is secure so that it won't get in your way.


2) Hold the end of the hair straight
Comb out the wig until the hair is smooth and straight, then pull the ends straight before lightly cutting into the wig with your thinning scissors. If you thin too much, the wig will get scraggly and the wig net will show through, so be careful not to overdo it.


3) Thin the Whole Wig
When you finish with the bottom layer, let down the center layer over the top and clip up the top-most. Repeat step 2 with the new layer, then again after releasing the top. When all 3 layers have been thinned seperately, do one last run after combing the layers together. If you leave more hair on the top, most styles work much more smoothly ~ so it'S a good idea to do the bulk of your thinning on lower, hidden layers.

*How To Layers Wig
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Last edited by kiratsukai : 02-17-2010 at 04:50 AM.
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Unread 02-17-2010, 05:17 AM   #206
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Shaggy Slide Cut

Characters Who Use This Style:
- Hiiragi (Harukanaru Toki Sora no Naka De 4)
- Lune (Neo Angelique)

A shaggy cut achieved with downward-pointed scissors

Time Required: 15 minutes
Difficulty Level: 3/5 stars

This shaggy style is great for a gently cascading wig or to frame your face for a more dramatic look. If you remember how to hold the scissors, you can get the hang of a slide cut in no time. Don't go for big chunks at a time, or you'll end up with a big mess. The secret of cutting all wigs is to go slowly and take it a little at a time. Be sure to use sharp scissors too, so as not to damage or chew up the hair of your wig.

You'll need:

-cutting scissors
-hair spray
-a long wig (this one is rose pink by assist wig)


1) Hold the Hair Beneath Where you Want to Cut
Decide which part of the wig you're going to shag. For the purposes of our tutorial, we're going to frame the face. Use your fingers to hold out the hair just under the point you want to begin your shag. Be sure not to work with too much hair at once.


2) Face the Scissors Down
With the hair held out like we instructed in step one, position your scissors with the flow of wig. You'll be cutting toward your fingers, so be very careful not to hurt yourself in the process.


3) Move the Scissors Downward as You Cut
Slide your scissors, and your hand downward slowly as you cut. Avoid making large cuts or you'll get an unattractive, chunky look. Work with a little bit at a time (you can always go back for more). Repeat this step at different points to achieve your desired look.


4) Style the Pieces to Frame Your Face
When you're satisfied with your cut, check that the length on the right and left is just about even. If you want to finish the sides to frame the face, pull the hair gently outward with your fingers and spray with hairspray to finish.

POINT
As with any style that requires cutting ~ your scissors can make all the difference. If you work with blunt or cheap scissors, you may end up with slips or chewed up fibers. Wig fiber can dull scissors quickly, so make sure you're using a sharp pair each and every time. If you're shagging large pieces or a whole wig, you may want to have thinning scissors on hand as well.



*How To Layers Wig
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Unread 02-18-2010, 03:53 AM   #207
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Chop Cut Random

Characters Who Use This Style:
- Tidus (Final Fantasy Series)
- Harada Sanosuke (Hakuoki)

All this style takes is mastery of a simple kind of scissor stroke

Time Required: 30 minutes
Difficulty Level: 3/5 stars

This look has a lot of movement and is great for crossplay or active female characters. With diagonal strokes into the grain of the hair, you can easily create a random-length look. When cutting, move from the bottom of the wig to the top in order to achieve the best final balance.

You'll Need:

-scissors
-hair clip
-a comb
-a wig (this one is a "soft random" in dark orange by Zephyr)


1) Block the Hair Above the Ears
First, block off the hair above your ears (the lines in your wig will help you seperate the layers evenly) and clip it out of your way.


2) Pull the Hair Out to Your Desired Length
Comb out the hair in the portion that's still down and take the hair out between your fingers to your desired length. It's important to work with a straight wig securely fitted to a wigform or someone's head and to pull the hair back straight. Otherwise you could end up with a bit mess when it's finally worn.



3) Cut With Your Scissors Held Diagonally Into the Wig
Aim your scissors diagonally into the piece of hair you're isolated and cut small pieces off at similar, but random lengths. Be sure not to cut more than your final desired length at any one point and progress slowly, so as not to cut more than you'd intended.


4) Cut the Hair on the Top of the Head
When you finish with the bottom, let down the hair on the top of the head and slowly cut that as well. We suggest being especially careful (and restrained) with the top of the head, as mistakes here will stand out much more than mistakes on the lower layers. For the look we're going for here, the top is a bit shorter than the rest.

POINT
How can you cut a wig in a balanced way? Well, with this look, the diagonal scissors are key. Not only will they give you the cut you're after, but they can guage the balance of your wig as well. Try to guage visually how far the hair reaches on your scissors each time. (If you need help getting the same length all over, try putting a small line in duct tape on your scissors on your first cut and using it to approximate the depth to which you should cut the rest.)



*How To Layers Wig
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LAYERS Tutorial Translations: here, Blog: here
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Unread 02-18-2010, 05:26 AM   #208
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Straight Cut

Characters Who Use This Style:
- Yzak (Gundam SEED)
- Akira (Hikaru no Go)

A lovely straight shape from a precise and careful cut

Time Required: 40 minutes
Difficulty Level: 4/5 stars

This straight style suits quite a few traditional Japanese and Oriental characters. It looks simple at first glance but if you just saw away in one go, you'll end up with a big mess! Start at the bottom and carefully cut each layer for the best result. Cut mindful of the wig's flow for a really lovely straight cut.

You'll Need:

-scissors
-a hair clip
-a comb
-a wig (this one is a medium in silver from Assist Wig)


1) Block the Hair
Isolate the bottom 3 or 4 lines of your wig's net and clip the rest out of the way with your hair clip. In order to keep the hair on both sides out of your way, clip those lightly aside as well.


2) Cut the Back of your Wig from the Center
Comb out the loose portion of hair and then, with your comb, pull the centermost piece down straight and cut to your desired length. Continue to cut the loose potions of hair in turn by lining them up with this already-cut center piece.


3) Cut the Next Line Using the Last as a Guide
Let down another layer of hair from your blocked off section (2 or 3 lines of netting-worth) then use the already-cut pieces as a guide to guage length before cutting. Again, begin from the center and move outward, careful to line the hair up with the hair in the layer behind. Continue with each layer in the back until it's complete.


4) Use the Finished Back as a Guideline for the Sides
Now comb out the sides and, lining them up with the hair you're cut in the back, slowly cut them to match. It's best to approach this in at least two blocks ~ one below the ears and one above, cutting each slowly and carefully while combing the hair straight.

POINT
We recommend that beginners attempt this style with a damp wig and have a spray bottle on hand to re-wet the wig as you go. We also recommend leaving the front sides slightly longer than the back, this will create the illusion of a smoother cut in head-on photos.



*How To Layers Wig
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LAYERS Tutorial Translations: here, Blog: here
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Unread 02-18-2010, 04:51 PM   #209
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Wispy Razor Cut

Characters Who Use This Style:
- Tsubasa (Vitamin X)

An artless, natural look untouched by scissors...

Time Required: 30 minutes
Difficulty Level: 2/5 stars

For a soft look quite different from the one you get with scissors, a razor cut is just the thing! Wigs with too much volume can be thinned out with diagonal cuts and hair can later be styled for a more random look. Try to move the razor away from the roots toward the tip, but be careful not to cut yourself in the process.

You'll Need:

-a razor
-a comb
-a wig (this one is Assist Wig's "short bob" in ray blue)


1) Take Some Hair and Pull it Straight
Begin at the top of the head and grab a small piece of hair between your fingers. Hold it out taught so the razor won't slip when you go to make a cut.


2) Move the Razor Toward the Tip
Following the flow of the wig hair, move the razor toward the tip, taking off a bit of hair as you go. Be very careful! If you put too much pressure behind the razor, you'll lop off the whole lock in one go! Easy does it. After finishing the pieces at the top, check the length on the right and left side before moving on.


3) Twist the Hair Before Cutting
Now, for the rest of the wig, we're going to use the same method as before, but this time, we'll twist the hair gently. This will give you a nice, random length effect. Be patient and gentle so you aren't sawing through your wig to disaster.


4) Let's Cut Some Bangs
Lastly, let's use a razor to cut some bangs. Unlike the back and sides, if you start too high with the razor here, you'll get a noticeable, thin look. Cut slowly, a bit at a time for the best results.

POINT
A razor is really convenience once you've gotten used to using it. A razor will give you more control over the fall of hair and a softer look than other cutting tools. The key is to be gentle and move your razor lightly over the hair, taking off just a little at a time.



*How To Layers Wig
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Last edited by kiratsukai : 02-22-2010 at 04:17 AM.
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Unread 02-22-2010, 04:34 AM   #210
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Easy Intro to Prop-Making

"I can't make that by myself! That's crazy!" You'd be surprised what you can do if you set your mind to it. You just gotta believe! This set of basic tutorials is designed for you, ye of little faith. Have a look, roll up your sleeves and give it a try. We might make a prop-maker out of you yet.

Design

Quite a lot of props fall under the umbrella of "weapons" or could cause harm to others when constructed or handled carelessly. It's important to remember that props can cross the line into real weapons if certain materials are utilized. You may find your props banned from events or shoots if they're too long, heavy, or sharp. Be sure to know what's allowed at the event where you plan to use your prop and construct it accordingly.

It's equally important to be mindful of those around you when posing with or transporting props. Improper handling of even fake weaponry can cause real injuries. A good question to keep in mind when designing props is this:

"If I hit someone with this ~ will it hurt them?"

Motivation

There are quite a few templates for different props, but it's important not to limit yourself to how others have accomplished the same goal. If you put your time, effort and love into your craft, you can manage with even the most limited skills and funds! It's a waste to give up on something before you've even tried just because it looks too difficult! Mistakes can only add to your experience and make you a better prop-maker in the future ^^

Materials

Lately you can purchase quite a few essentials without setting foot in a hardware store. The 100 yen shop has quite a lot of what you need. Just don't assume that 100 yen is the best price you can get. You can find great deals in the hardware store too, especially if you purchase in bulk or look for small items like sandpaper and glue. Check both kinds of shops before making any purchases to save the most money on your props.

Aim

When if comes to props and fake weapons, all sorts of quality and skill levels are represented at any given event. Some Layers produce props for a living or buy them professionally-made. Others have years of experience to draw on. What's most important isn't how your props compare to those of others, but whether you, personally, are satisfied with your work. The first step in becoming skilled at anything is to give it a try.

So, how about it?

The Essentials: Prop-Making Tools

The old adage "you get what you pay for" often applies to construction materials. Cheaper materials may yeild less stellar results than more expensive ones, especially when it comes to tools which you'll very likely be using often over a long period of time. There are plenty of other items used in building more elaborate props too ~ but here we're working on the basics. So without further ado ~ a list of the most basic items in their very cheapest incarnations:


Glue
(100~300 yen)
There are quite a few different kinds of glue ~ glue for wood, glue for polystyrene, glue for paper, glue for rubber, etc. For most basic construction projects, we recommend the type for polystyrene. If you plan to work with faux leather, enamel, rarissa or lionboard, you'll get the best results with G17 glue (it's a bit lighter).

A Cutter Knife

(300~500 yen)
With a cutter knife you can create clean curves and make short work of pretty much every light craft material but polystyrene.


A Glue Gun
(100 yen)
This tool melts sticks of plastic glue and has plenty of uses beyond adhesive application. It's great for adding detail, decoration and writing to just about anything you might need to make.


A Polystyrene Cutter
(100 yen for the tool, battery sold seperately)
A polystyrene cutter will heat up to cut polystyrene more cleanly. You should be able to find one at the 100 yen shop.


Acrylic Paint
(300~700 yen)
This paint works great on polystyrene, styrofoam and laquer so it's really convenient to have. It won't run when wet and won't rub off on your costume either.


Putty
(300~500 yen for a tube, 1,000 yen for a big one)
Useful in crafting blades or other items that require distinct ridges or corners. Unmixed types are also available, but the type shown here is pre-mixed. It's ready to use and doesn't have much of a distinct smell.

(to be continued)
__________________
Basement Sale: Touhou: Mokou costume, clearfiles/shitajiki, NeoRomance/Angelique artbook, etc.

LAYERS Tutorial Translations: here, Blog: here
~ Cosplayer's Archive #67148 ~ Cure #224396 ~ My Marketplace Page ~

Last edited by kiratsukai : 02-22-2010 at 05:19 AM.
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