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[Seven]

Hi all! Thanks in advance for taking the time to scrutinize my cosplay and help me make it the best it can be. This cosplay marks my first time making props, as I made her sword, scabbard and spaulders. The wig is not styled yet, so please keep that in mind. (I have no idea how to style it the way I want..)

And sorry for the not so great images:
Complete cosplay
Sans cape and armor
Close up of one spaulder, with battle damage
Bracelets
Earring Combination
Spaulder one before painted
Spaulder two before painted

EDIT: Wig I tried to style...not as epic as the wig below.
I wish my wig looked like this!

Reference:
I decided to take elements from a few Lina illustrations, but mostly I based it off of the first one.
Main Reference
Other Reference
Bracelet Reference

Aesthetically I went with black gloves because I wanted them to match the boots and it just felt like too much rust color. The pants and cape lining was made from microsuede. The feel of the watercolor in the first image just felt like a suede. (And I loved the color) The gloves are made from suede as well because I wanted them to match the texture of the boots (the only thing I did not make). I made the loose belts from leather as well as the sheath. I combined a few different illustration version of the sword to end up with the one I did, but I want to remake it already.The sword was made from poplar wood; I cast all the resin gems using mixed nail polishes to get the colors I wanted. The bracelets were based off the third reference.

I chose the wig color I did because originally Lina's hair was brown..but I love red haired Lina. Overall the colors of this cosplay are more mute, so a nice compromised seemed to be the pumpkin/burt wig color.

Spaulders were made from EVA foam, shaped by a heat gun, layered with mod podge, sanded for weeks and then painted. Mounting was a pain because I had no idea how to do it. I ended up making something from sintra and industrial velcro. I'll post a better picture of the top later on.

I really want this cosplay to be the best of my current ability, so please don't be shy in your critiques. I am welcome to being pointed to places to learn amazing (beginner) sword making and wig styling! I would LOVE my wig to look like this! (Really, I have no styling skills..)

[Ninbri]

None of your links work. :'(

[Seven]

Originally Posted by brilikesmoose

None of your links work. :'(

Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention! I had checked when I first posted, so I'm not sure what happened. They should be all fixed now. ^^

[Mehdia]

I think overall you did an AMAZING job. The details are wonderful, there's great attention to the construction, and I love your fabric choices. I think once you get the wig styled it will be really awesome. And I have to say that I love the color you chose for the wig. It's what I would think Lina's hair looks like in real life. Can't wait to see more of your costume later on.

[Seven]

Originally Posted by Mehdia

I think overall you did an AMAZING job. The details are wonderful, there's great attention to the construction, and I love your fabric choices. I think once you get the wig styled it will be really awesome. And I have to say that I love the color you chose for the wig. It's what I would think Lina's hair looks like in real life. Can't wait to see more of your costume later on.

Thank you for your comment! I did spend a LOT of time choosing the fabrics...and I put out the monies to make sure the fabrics were right. (A lot of times I buy close enough discount fabrics. But only the bestest for Lina Inverse!!)

I think that the wig can make or break it, which is why I've been so apprehensive about styling it! I really want it to look as amazing as the one cosplayer I linked to. I guess...this may sound like a unimportant question, but do you think the whole thing looks frumpy? Or too bulky? Maybe I'm just being self conscience...

If you could change one or two things about this cosplay, what would it or they be?

[Mehdia]

I know the fears of styling wigs! I'm always terrified to work on them.

As for your question of if I could change anything, I would maybe make the wrapped top over the pale blue one just a bit more fitted. That's about it. The artwork isn't super streamlined, so where you have the bulk, like on the draped part around the waist, I think it looks good and accurate. It doesn't look too big, but if you were worried about that making your hips look a bit bigger (which I think it looks fine), you could maybe tighten that up a bit.

But seriously, overall this is possibly one of the best Lina costumes I've seen, and I am picky about Lina since she's a character I have loved for like...ever, and want to cosplay her myself some day.

[Seven]

Hmm, you make a valid point on the wrap. I'll tighten that up. Thanks! And I am kinda worried that I look too 'big' because Lina is supposed to be small and petite. Maybe I'm just not the right body type...but I don't care because I love Lina!

Wigs terrify me! If I had the extra money to spend, I'd commission it. But then again, I really like making the complete cosplay...I guess I'll just have to learn by doing...

I've seen some pretty good Lina cosplays out there, but I don't think I've seen many of this version. But thanks for the compliment!

I'll be taking her to Cali for some location shots; one in the woods, doing a little fishing, and on the canals, hopefully stuffing my face. I really hope they turn out!

I can't wait to see your cosplay!!!

I really appreciate the

[Mehdia]

I don't think you look too big to be Lina. The way your costume fits gives you her look I think. I can't wait to see your location pictures.

And I will eventually start a Lina. Don't know which version I want to do though...

[Seven]

Hahaha, I was curious about how 'off' I was in relationship to heights. I'm a giant compared to Lina! She's said to be about 4'8 and I'm 5'4. This is one time I wish I were shorter...and I never wish that!! Fortunately I have the perfect flat suede boots! No added height for me. If I ever find a Gourry, he'd have to be like...7 feet tall! D:

Well, that's a bit off topic. I'll post pics on the actual Slayers thread.

But thanks; I'm feeling a bit more confident wearing Lina, even though my proportions are off.

[Seven]

And here is the wig I tried to style...

[Mehdia]

Overall I think the wig is looking good so far. I would tone down how high up the topmost piece goes, but I think the bangs look great.

[Seven]

I really wish I weren't rushing through this for AX...I'm going to take a step back from this wig and try it on tomorrow. Then I'll try cleaning it up and trimming things down! Thanks for your feedback; I really appreciate it!! <3

[Devika]

I think it looks really amazing as well, I'm very impressed! Lina is one of my childhood heroes, and I love seeing such an amazing cosplay of her!

[MoradoFlower]

Overall amazing. The jewelry is my favorite part!

No helpful criticism here sorry!

[Ninbri]

You look amazing! I would love to see this in person *___*