FarScape Costumes at Cons

[Selena]

I have not seen anyone post anything about Farscape costumes and as there are a number of Cons coming up that have costume competitions I was wondering where people are getting their costumes. Do you make your costume? If you do then where do you get your materials for the various props.

I was planning on making something for Dragon Con but am having trouble finding some of the items I needed.

Perhaps we could share ideas here about where we are finding those Farscapian type materials to make our costumes.

Here are my finds so far:

JoAnn Fabrics or JoAnn etc - with the drapery fabrics

JoAnn's have a flannel backed red and balck vinyl that would easily pass for leather. (about $5/yd).
You can stitch it on a sewing machine but you have to use a leather needle or denim needle. I've noticed that the majority of seams in leather are 'run and fell' seams so they will not pull apart. For those who are not into sewing terminology they are seams like you would find on your jeans.

About 5 yards will make a good sized jacket. Pellon for the padding in the collar works well and nylon braided tape is about
$1-25/yd for the straps across the vest or jacket.

Hancock Fabrics too had these vinyls but they were a lot more expensive (at least $2/yd more)

[Grippy]

I know some about sewing....

I saw the same sorts of fabrics in the Jo-Ann's by me. Those flannel backed vinyls looked like they'd make you sweat like crazy...I saw one without the backing and it was a little more supple, but it was $12 a yard. Have you made anything yet? If you've a scanner it would be cool to see. What have you not been able to find?

[Selena]

There were 2 kinds - one had the flannel backing (it was very thin just enough of a backing to let you sew it without ripping) and the other looked like a knit back. They were priced at $5.99/yd last week ... they may have been on sale.

If you're a JoAnn's special customer (sign up for the flyers) you get a 50% coupon about every 3 weeks and that lets you buy an item (e.g. one cut of fabric) at 50% off.

Whichever you chose you'd have to line it as it would be very uncomfortable. Leather is generally lined and is usually much heavier (hotter) than vinyl.

I did some browsing though my DVD collection and there are some great graphics on some of the episodes (extras) which show the actual costumes that were designed for a particular DVD episode. I tried to make a detailed drawing of John's vest and it is very intricate in its construction. Not only is there a yoke on the back, the shoulders have an angled inset front and back and there are panels on the side. Each area has top stitching in a different direction. The yoke has a sunray design that fans out from the neck.

The Aeryn duster has slits up the side but I can't see any definitive details of the top stitching. The other costume I'm curious about is the PK Tech costume. Anyone have any pattern suggestions? I've hunted through every pattern book and cannot find a coverall pattern at the moment. I did however find a jump suit pattern with a stand up collar which could easily be adapted in the Kwik Sew pattern book - # 2588 and #2624.

[scorpy808]

I've posted a couple different threads on costume stuff ... I've been trying to get more info myself and get everyone else's ideas, tips, tricks, etc.

I've found cool looking boots that could easily go for PK, Chiana or scorpius costumes at http://www.hottopic.com

[Grippy]

Wow, the detail you have Selena is amazing! I haven't had a lot of time to do costume related work, I've been going crazy doing other things...(right now I'm working on a project to give the entire series to a friend...long story, lol)

I would think pretty much any kind of coverall would do...just stick a zipper in the front and make it that sort of odd olive green. Am I remembering right that there's a black patch on the back? The kind that seems to represent rank/regiment details for Peacekeepers?

Hmmm. Must go look and find out about it....will report back when I know.

this site (http://fei.farscape-one.de) has episode images. You may be able to get a little more detail, (design wise) if you haven't already tried something like that...forgive me if I'm giving you useless information.

I'm about to move, but once I do I think I'm going to start work on something Peacekeeperish. What do you think would make a good lining for that sort of vinyl?

[Selena]

Thanks for the info Scorpy808. And Grippy, as Nova's robot #5 said "Input! Need more input!"

I don't think anything anyone offers is superfluous. I got the details of John's vest from the last episode on the 3.2 DVD ... I think it was Losing Time of possibly Different Destinations. Had to stop the DVD a couple of times to get the drawing. There were a couple of really good close-ups of John.

At karlsweb.com/Costuming/Aliens there are some complex directions on how to make some of the props like Winona etc. The clothing instructions were very detailed and involved a lot of modification to commercial patterns but it was helpful especially on how to make the boots look authentic.

[stlscape]

I buy quite a bit of fabric online from www.fabric.com and from www.fashionfabricsclub.com. Their inventory turns over fairly rapidly but their prices are substantially below retail. These sites are definitely worth checking regularly.

[Selena]

Thanks for the feedback stlscape.

[Sunderflame]

I'd love to go as Dargo, but I see no way of putting that get up together.....Esp as I'm a woman. It would be fun though. I can't sew for anything. It's not even an option.:eek:

[Grippy]

Sunderflame, forgive me if this is heretical for you but you could go as a female luxan. Admittedly we've only seen one, but with some latex, it wouldn't be too hard to do.

Ahhhhhhh...I guess I've not that much to say at the moment...I've not had time to do that much costume research lately although it is on my list of things to do! Dren. Well at least now I know how to do it!

[Sunderflame]

I could go as Dargo's sebeacen wife----kinda a put together a harem girl thing. I use to belly dance at gigs, so I could put together something sexy like that. Now you gave me something to definetly come up with.....that's just what I needed before I go into work again...doing nights tonite. Thanks amillion Grippy... What you guys think....?Reminds me of Granny now with that outfit and those huge eyes she had in Lavas Many Splendid THINg. oooooooy now i'm really getting in the mood...for the con.:aok:

[Selena]

Ah yes! Noranti the seductress ... she was quite stunning ... until she took it all off Sunderflame. :rollin: There is a picture of that outfit somewhere - can't recall where I saw it right now but it looked gorgeous. The D'Argo wife costume is also quite lovely.
Hey post 900! Can you believe it.

[Farscapegoat]

You could look at Nilaam in Vitas Mortis, she was a female luxan albeit probably not a very typical one, an Orican, but that could still be a cool/feasible costume.

[Grippy]

I just bought a black leather jacket that's about 10 or 15 years out of style today at a garage sale for $3...I think I'm going to turn it into a vest when I get to NC and get my darn sewing machine back! Anyways....welcome Sunderflame.

[scorpy808]

I just got a leather trench coat on ebay for $26 ... I'm thinking I can modify this to look like one of Aeryn's coats for my 1st costume. As I was surfing around ebay, I saw some really good deals on leather pants and vests as well. All ya need is a sewing machine and some bits and pieces to make it work if you find already made clothes that somewhat resemble PK clothes.

Also, while I was at the fabric store today, I came across some patterns that would work if anyone was so adventurous. They were all "See & Sew" and I have the numbers written down somewhere if anyone is interested.

I also orderd those boots off the Hot Topic site ... can't really beat $36 for those :)

Now, I just need to figure out how to make a pulse pistol!

[Selena]

Originally posted by scorpy808
... Also, while I was at the fabric store today, I came across some patterns that would work if anyone was so adventurous. They were all "See & Sew" and I have the numbers written down somewhere if anyone is interested.

I also orderd those boots off the Hot Topic site ... can't really beat $36 for those :)

Now, I just need to figure out how to make a pulse pistol!

Thanks for the info Scorpy808. Please post the pattern numbers as there may be some who would like to know.

JoAnns currently has a 25% discount on the pleather (vinly) $5.25/yd (60" wide) They have 2 different blacks (one shiny the other matt) and both the red and the darker red/maroon color that looks like the 'weathered' leather look we see in some of the eps. The only item I've had trouble finding are the closures for the vest and jacket - seems my JoAnns and Hancock's are both out of this item in black.

If you go to the following link there are a number of pulse pistols :boom: and details on how to make them. www.karlsweb.com

www.bioweapons.com/index3 - has some fabulous costumes, for those who are interested in the D'Argo costume - this site has details of how body casting is accomplished. This site also shows detailed close-ups of the pulse pistol.

[quendi]

OT:
Grippy,
where did you relocate to within NC??
<-----as you can see, I live in Greensboro.

As for making costumes and such, usually the assistants at these fabric stores can help you with altering patterns and such. So when in doubt, ask the experts. I got lots of help making a Morticia dress years ago from the folks at JoAnn.

[scorpy808]

Hi Selena (and other interested parties) ... here are the #'s I wrote down:

Butterick (they also have a website at http://www.butterick.com)
See & Sew #6324 - this could possible work as Aeryn coat - you'd just need to add accents and those closures and make it shorter than the pattern says.

Butterick See & Sew #6844 - this is actually a Halloween costume patern for a religious type robe, but you could easily modify it for John's long coat - again, you'd need accents and those closures, but the basic idea is there.

[scorpy808]

I just got my "peace keeper" boots in the mail and am pretty frellin' happy :) now, to get the rest of my outfit squared away!

[scorpy808]

I have been getting back issues of the Farscape magazines on ebay lately and have noted that there are some great pics in there of the characters that really show the costumes off well ... much better than pausing the vcr/dvd to make sketches ... just an FYI :)

[Selena]

Scorpy808 - do you have a scanner that you could post a couple of the pics?

I watched Nerve and Hidden Memory yesterday and there were some really good close ups of Chiana in the Tech uniform. I made a few sketches but the only thing I did not see very well was the logo on the back. It was too indistinct to make out what is really there.

[scorpy808]

I only have 3 of the mags so far (a few more are coming in the mail) and I didn't see any pics from that particular episode, but I will keep my eye out.

[Selena]

It's been a while since anyone had added anything to this thread. Any new info out there about costumes or props?

Pilot PM'd me a while back that he makes communicators and other props so if you're looking for that must have item to go with your costume send Pilot a PM.

[Tiriel]

Just one thing: Out of experience, let me tell you do NOT get into facial prostetics, let alone full body-casts unless you are a pro and know exactly what you're doing and you're quite rich.

Alikhat and I have worked on Scorpius style facial prostetics for me for the last two month and it's incredibly hard work, with a million things that can go wrong and totally destroy the project for good.

Just doing the Scorpius facial prostetics is going to run in excess of $400 (so I will have to go as a harvey incarnation, because for my life I can't afford doing the full costume now!) doing something like D'Argo, will be a small fortune. And while it takes 2-3 hours to get the facial prostetics on, I would assume it'll be considerably longer to do the whole-body thing (unless like Anthony, you have three or four people working on it at the same time!).

just in case: Has anyone here ever had a go at doing the skull-cap for Scorpy? We're trying to find out how to do all the little "rolls" that are in various places and almost look like they're some sort of hinge...

Not to discourage anybody...just DON'T!!! :D :D :D

Love and Peace and Oh, Did I Never Know What I Got Myself Into!!! :D

Tiriel :bounce:

[Midnight27]

Originally posted by Tiriel

just in case: Has anyone here ever had a go at doing the skull-cap for Scorpy? We're trying to find out how to do all the little "rolls" that are in various places and almost look like they're some sort of hinge...

Tiriel,

I haven't tried, or really gone looking for the various pieces; but I'm thinking you might look in a home improvement store for the various fatsteners, or now that I'm typing, maybe in the crafts stores in the jewelry fasteners to get something close. If you have access to some plastic molding (or again, if you have a crafts store that still carries the moldable plastic), that is the direction I'd try.




Selena--in response to your question:

As far as any costumes for me...that will have to now wait until after February, since I now know that I will be not pulling off black leather until then--something about too much belly for a few months. I just hope that I can get back down into my old costumes after that.

Midnight

[Selena]

Originally posted by Midnight27 ... Selena--in response to your question:

As far as any costumes for me...that will have to now wait until after February, since I now know that I will be not pulling off black leather until then--something about too much belly for a few months. I just hope that I can get back down into my old costumes after that.
Midnight

And just what is wrong with a pregnant Sebacean babe?:lol

You could work along the lines of being Aeryn ... there are some wash out hair colors that would take you from the PK Barbie look to Aeryn in only a few minutes and it wouldn't be permanent

OR

what the heck, a pregnant PK Barbie would be an interesting phenomenon.

[Selena]

Originally posted by Tiriel
... just in case: Has anyone here ever had a go at doing the skull-cap for Scorpy? We're trying to find out how to do all the little "rolls" that are in various places and almost look like they're some sort of hinge...

Love and Peace and Oh, Did I Never Know What I Got Myself Into!!! :D

Tiriel :bounce:

Tiriel, check out
http://www.karlsweb.com/Costuming/Aliens.htm & possibly http://forum.hooverae.com/ if you haven't already.

There was a Scaper at the Tennessee Scapers thread (Metaphore) who posted a great Scorpy costume pic ... but I'm not sure if she had the 'hot flesh' :goof: (I found the right term:D) on as well.

I think Karlsweb was the site that had info about doing casts with latex etc ... There is also some info about casting at the new site that was posted in one of the threads ... the company that did the animatronics and make-ups for Farscape ... gosh darn it I can't remember the name but someone else might.
__________________
edited to add I found it ... I found it ... :bounce::bounce::bounce:

it is ... http://www.imagecreative.net
__________________

I'm concerned however that there are an awful lot of documented instances of people being allergic to and developing allergies to latex after only brief exposures ... Brent Stait from Andromeda for one ~ suffered an anaphylactic reaction to his Rev Bem make up and was hospitalized. That's why they took him out of the series as he could no longer wear the prosthetics.

On the latest Farscape DVD 3.3 Wayne Pygram talks about his problems with his makeup. Claudia too mentioned how confining the Scorpius makeup is and both of them discussed having problems getting overheated.

So you're right to be cautious about the make-up and wise to warn others to be careful too.
___________________________
Edited to add the Metaphore pictureOriginally posted by Metaphore
Hey Sci-FiGal, There are quite a few of us Scapers from Johnson City TN headed down to DragonCon.

Here's the costume i usually wear down there. Make sure and say hey to a fellow hillbilly.

http://www.dragoncon.org/photos01/masq/image_data/masq059.jpg

[Selena]

Here's the other post by Metaphore - the costumes are really great.

Originally posted by Metaphore
… I'll also be running around in my Sark (the bad guy) from TRON costume as well, so look for me as that too. I'll probably be wearing that one most of the time as the Scorpy costume is HOT AS HELL! I usually cant wear it for more than a few hours before i dehydrate and pass out ...

A few more pic reminders of DragonCon for all you that have never been. GO! you cant beat it.

The whole gang and ELVIS! gotta love DragonCon
http://rhps-fishnetinc.com/dc2k2costumeimagesforweb/images/XFarscapeElvis_jpg.jpg

My Sark costume (yes it lights up)
http://www.dragoncon.org/photos02/hallcost/image_data/hall001.jpg
___________________________
some of the comments edited out

[Selena]

I found that site I was referring to it was http://forum.hooverae.com/

[Tiriel]

Thanks Midnight!!! I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about (stupid language barrier :D) but I'll pass it on to Alikhat, who I'm sure will know immediately :)

And thanks Selena! I had been searching for Metaphor's stuff for a while, but only found the old posts on the Ultimate board, this is a lot more useful :)
And, yeah, Metaphore did do the foam-latex stuff, too (although in his psot at karlsweb he makes it sound like a breeze! Trust me! It's not!) I'm too rpessed for time, so I didn't get to update our progress on the docu-dot site, but here are a few shots of what Alikhat's FABULOUS model looked like:
http://docu.watchfarscape.com/Scorpius/S6.jpg
http://docu.watchfarscape.com/Scorpius/S2.jpg
http://docu.watchfarscape.com/Scorpius/S4.jpg

and this is the first latex pull, that went horribly wrong:
http://docu.watchfarscape.com/Scorpius/MeScorpy2.jpg

Mark the huge burn-marks on the forehead and some on the cheek. And of course this one is neither painted, nor was it actually attached to my face. We did another pull Monday night, i haven't spoken to Alikhat since, so I don't know if that one went OK. It felt like the foam-latex started to set on us too fast and the entire thing might be too thick...well, we have another chance this weekend, if we want to get it done for ComiCon.

Love and Peace and Why So Difficult?!?!

Tiriel :bounce:

[Selena]

The mask may not have turned out as planned but it sure looked scary! Maybe use it for Halloween! :freak:

[Midnight27]

Originally posted by Selena
The mask may not have turned out as planned but it sure looked scary! Maybe use it for Halloween! :freak:
Tiriel,

Tell Alikhat (if she's not lurking on this thread) that the sculpts look great!! I can't wait to see the paint job y'all have planned. (yes, I know what the goal is, but I like looking at details and admiring the brushwork.)

Originally posted by Selena
And just what is wrong with a pregnant Sebacean babe?

You could work along the lines of being Aeryn ... there are some wash out hair colors that would take you from the PK Barbie look to Aeryn in only a few minutes and it wouldn't be permanent

OR

what the heck, a pregnant PK Barbie would be an interesting phenomenon.
Selena,
The pics you posted of Metaphore were cool to look at...gives me hope for this state after all (I still miss DC area cons, *sniff*). And a preggers PK Barbie?!? I haven't seen too much of pregnant Aeryn yet, but I'm sure I'm getting the 'tude about right if the office was any indication today. (Time to go order a few copies of Pregnant Peacekeeper form Uncharted Territories for both work and home.) Gods, that would be a scary thing wouldn't it (For those who have yet to see me, I normally keep my waist-length hair dyed a 'natural' red color--but no bangs). I'll admit, I'd love to have access to an Aurora chair some days for some of my contacts, but...I'd need a transporter as well to get across the country to get at them!

Midnight

[Frag_You!]

Does anybody know where I can get my hands on a few of those quick-connect closures on John's vest and Jacket? I've been looking for months and have no idea where to find em'. Anybody who can toss out an answer...I'll love ya forever. :P

[RedKarma]

If you're still looking for fabrics, you could try this

www.fabricclub.com

Lots of hard to find fabrics in just about any color you can name. Good luck with the costumes and accessories!

RedKarma
Down the hall from Stark

[uisceboo]

Check out the new Resources Thread! (http://www.watchfarscape.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12613)

..and a few to get you started:

URL=http://members.aol.com/nebula5/costume.html]The Costume Page[/URL]

Milieux -- The Costume Site (http://www.milieux.com/costume/) (all kinds of genres on this site)

Alteryears (http://www.alteryears.com/) A favorite for patterns, notions, with a storefront in the LA area/San Gabriel.

SciFi costuming resources (http://www.sflovers.org/SFRG/sfrgm.htm)

:kitty:

[Selena]

Midnight, I'm sure our Friends at Uncharted Territories would be happy to unload ... er I mean let you have a copy of Pregnant Peacekeepers at a very reasonable cost :rollin: As for the Aurora Chair I will bet you anything that they have one in stock.:franky:

I was going to make a PK Tech uniform but I couldn't find a store that had the right colored fabric. Add to that the fact that I've had a sympathetic pregnancy with my daughter-in-law who gave birth last week - I think I look more like a Furlow than a PK Tech ... :lol

[Midnight27]

Originally posted by Selena
I was going to make a PK Tech uniform but I couldn't find a store that had the right colored fabric. Add to that the fact that I've had a sympathetic pregnancy with my daughter-in-law who gave birth last week - I think I look more like a Furlow than a PK Tech ... :lol
Yeay!!! Finally! She went just past her date, didn't she?:hug2: Congrats! You are still nowhere close to Furlow standard, honestly.

If you can find something close in fabrics, we might be able to dye it to the right shade, ya know! I love dye! Are you still looking for clearer stills of the insignia on the techs' backs? Have you tried "The Way We Weren't"? I know the film technique is hard to see details on, but you might get some ideas with the still button.

Midnight

[Eve11]

Frag_You, are you talking about those parachute clips, like the things that close John's vest and John's and Aeryn's belts? You can find those at an outfitters store -- like stores for hikers and backpackers. They have parachute clips and vinyl webbing for backpacks and hiking gear. If you don't see them out front you can ask the clerk -- they might be behind the desk. Ask for parachute clips.

[Eve11]

By the way, T, that mask is amazing. And really scary! Love the picture of you with the mask on. I've been working on Aeryn. My boots came this week (yay!), and so now I've got vest, pants, shin guards, belt and boots. I'm short a pulse pistol and a holster though.

I'm going to try and attach an image: (edited to say, let's make it a link, the image doesn't appear to be working)

(Edited again to say: okay this should work!)

Picture:
http://www.stat.cmu.edu/~rlweaver/Noflash-crop.jpg

[Tiriel]

Thanks Midnight! I'll pass it on! Oh, and Alikhat knew exactly what you were taking about and is going to look for some :)

Quick update! I spent 11 frelling hours in the chair yesterday to get the prostetics and the make-up on (and you dont wanna ask Alikhat about her back! Trust me!). Well, OK we took half an hour break for dinner (during which Alikhat ate and I stared longingly at my Fetuccini Alfredo, but couldn't get them in my mouth!)
We decided that prepainting the prostetics is an absolute must, just putting the thing on and blending the edges will take at least three hours, so we'll be up at the crack of dawn on Saturday to get it all together (Alikhat's Nebari costume takes another two to three hours).

We identified a number of problems (the eyes weren't cut out wide enough, so I had trouble opening them fully, I couldn't actually put anything in my mouth larger than a sugar cube, stuff like that and Fettucini Alfredo are completely out of the question! :D) and we gave up around 2am, but these are the results so far:

http://docu.watchfarscape.com/Scorpius/MS-1.jpg http://docu.watchfarscape.com/Scorpius/MS-2.jpg
http://docu.watchfarscape.com/Scorpius/MS-3.jpg http://docu.watchfarscape.com/Scorpius/MS-4.jpg
http://docu.watchfarscape.com/Scorpius/MS-5.jpg http://docu.watchfarscape.com/Scorpius/MS-6.jpg
http://docu.watchfarscape.com/Scorpius/MS-7.jpg http://docu.watchfarscape.com/Scorpius/MS-8.jpg

So the skull-cap is still missing and the colouring will change slightly (more emphesis on the wrinkles around the mouth) and with a bit of luck I'll get some tooth-paint to imitate the pointy teeth :)
It looks very eery when you don't just have a picture but a fully moving face. I have to admit that it's hard to get the full emotions through and the 6th picture shows clearly why Scorpius never smiles :D It just ain't working in that thing ;)
The latex-run we did last night is even thinner than this one, so I might have more facial range in it, we'll know on Saturday :D
It is however already amazing to see how the prostetics moves with the various facial expressions...I have to over-emote, obviously, because I'm not just moving my facial muscles, but also half a pound of latex!

The funniest thing was when Alikhat was doing the lips and to give the a cracked appearens, she asked me shape my mouth like a contracted "O" (kinda like a kissy-kissy mouth). So I did but Alikhat wasn't content, so to better make her point, she demonstrated by doing the kissy mouth and making some smootchy sounds. Which, being the ape that I am, I promptly mimicked. Alikhat just fell over laughing and couldn't even get enough air to speak for like five minutes! A look in the mirror showed why: I didn't get anywhere close to an "O" shape! And my pathetic attempts (I DID have latex pulling down the corners of my mouth on both sides!) looked more than a bit scary (see picture 3)! After that we broke down in regular intervals imagining Harvey chasing a bunch of terrified girls through the ComiCon grounds running after them making smoothy sounds :D :D :rollin:

Hey Eve! I wish I could do the Scorpy thing for ScaperCon, too, but it won't happen. Alikhat isn't going and I can't get the thing on by myself :( Otherwise it would have so much fun to interact with all those other dressed up people :D :D :D

Love and Peace and Are We Going To Have The Time Of Our Lifes!! :D

Tiriel :bounce:

[Eve11]

That is totally awesome, chica. You guys rock! I am going to have to come by ComicCon on Saturday just to see that costume!!!

[Selena]

Originally posted by Eve11
Frag_You, are you talking about those parachute clips, like the things that close John's vest and John's and Aeryn's belts? You can find those at an outfitters store -- like stores for hikers and backpackers. They have parachute clips and vinyl webbing for backpacks and hiking gear. If you don't see them out front you can ask the clerk -- they might be behind the desk. Ask for parachute clips.

Try JoAnn Fabrics or etc they actually had them last week and in quantity. They were where the notions on the wall hang out. I'd tried finding them in Hancock's but they only had the really large ones and were over $3 per each.


Tiriel that mask is awesome. :fear:

[Selena]

Originally posted by Midnight27
Yeay!!! Finally! She went just past her date, didn't she?:hug2: Congrats! You are still nowhere close to Furlow standard, honestly.

If you can find something close in fabrics, we might be able to dye it to the right shade, ya know! I love dye! Are you still looking for clearer stills of the insignia on the techs' backs? Have you tried "The Way We Weren't"? I know the film technique is hard to see details on, but you might get some ideas with the still button.

Midnight

Yes. Lisa was 1 week past her due date and she had a 9lb 6oz boy - Ashley Christopher. Needless to say Mother is still trying to recover and Daddy went out and did the ceremonial cigar with the boys! :smokin: :lol

I'm thinking if I can lose another 30 pounds :rolleyes: in the next 6 weeks I'll be just able to squeeze into my Star Trek costume ... I'll be the alien in the UTs. :critter: :space:

But in looking down the list of planned goodies for the Con I think I could also look at going as a Minbari wannabe! :rollin:

I have nothing against Farscape costumes but in looking at all the detail that goes into every single garment on that series I am in awe :notworthy of the costume department.

[Midnight27]

This is a mass email for Eve11, Tiriel & Alikhat, and Selena. Why? Because it's easier on me today. ;)


Eve, that outfit just rocks on you!!!!:notworthy
Where did you get your boots from? I know way better than to make my own.


:rollin: :rollin: :rollin: :rollin: :rollin:
Tiriel, I just about fell down laughing because I can see everything as you desribed it. Please tell me you are going to transfer this story over to another spot as a 'Trials and Tribulations' piece--like a Con write-up?? *hint* And maybe over at someplace like Karlsweb, also.

I hope Alikhat can find/work to get the little cylinders for the skullcap. Much as I would love to work in Terry Ryan's shop, I know ther is no frelling way I could achieve that honor. Every time I look at a costume on DVD, I get blown away, again. I almost need to get a .wav of "We're not worthy!" to play whenever I start thinking about copying one.

But you look fan-frelling-tastic so far! Man, I wish I didn't live so far away from the good cons (even DragonCon is going to be out of reach, now *sigh*)



Selena, I could see you in either outfit, actually. that would be cool. I still want to make my variation on a ST:TNG uniform (using some of the background ones from the first ep as my launch. I've had the sketches since I played Star Trek, and I just haven't made it yet). Perhaps when I back to my fighting weight--and I will be this time next year--somehow!

I would cross shows if I could still get into ANY of my garb/costumes right now. Frell, I just spent 4 days looking for two outfits to wear to work this week, since we have to go business-casual for the visitors. I consider this costume shopping, mind you, just like any other clothes I wear to the office. [B[OT warning!! That was a whopper baby!!!
/OT

Okay, I think I got everything touched.

I'm off to try and catch up on something else today--anything!

Midnight

[Eve11]

Try JoAnn Fabrics or etc they actually had them last week and in quantity. They were where the notions on the wall hang out. I'd tried finding them in Hancock's but they only had the really large ones and were over $3 per each.

Yeah they have them in JoAnn as well, but they are more expensive there (ie, a 1-inch clip for $2.25). I got a 2 inch plastic parachute clip from ... arg, I don't remember the name, but it was a biking/backpacking/canoeing store, and it was only $1.75.

Eve, that outfit just rocks on you!!!!
Where did you get your boots from? I know way better than to make my own.

Thanks! I've been working on it for a while. The boots are Thorogood Lady Commando boots which I got at a police uniform outfitter's website (www.red-diamond-unif.com) for $70 or so. They are about ankle high. The shinguards are the parts that make them look tall. I made those out of vinyl flooring, felt, vinyl covering, and some rollerblade straps stolen from cheap-o rollerblades. I glued the felt, flooring and vinyl together with contact cement and riveted the buckles on with pop-rivets:

Front and back:
http://www.stat.cmu.edu/~rlweaver/shinguards.small.JPG

Closeup:
http://www.stat.cmu.edu/~rlweaver/closeup.JPG

[Selena]

Originally posted by Midnight27
... Selena, I could see you in either outfit, actually. that would be cool. I still want to make my variation on a ST:TNG uniform (using some of the background ones from the first ep as my launch. I've had the sketches since I played Star Trek, and I just haven't made it yet)...
Midnight

Midnight, the ST costume I made was adapted from the McCalls pattern that was available a couple of years ago. I had to alter it quite a bit to make the mandarin collar that TNG used after season 1. There was also a lot of piping on the uniform itself - the leg seam down the side, the gussets over the boots and on the collar tops.
It took me 6 weeks with many 'un-sewing' episodes to get the collar to look just right because the McCalls pattern had a 'boat' neckline.

I confess that I achieved quite a close replica to the original uniforms which was very rewarding after all the trouble it was to make. It did look great against the 3 Klingons and 2 Romulans that formed our group photo. I also managed a shot with Worf ... :D sigh! that was a great 'Creations Con'. The only real pain was getting in and out of it to go to the bathroom ...:lol

I hope DC is as good as that Con was. But then it would have to be ~ Farscape will be there! But I'm also thrilled at the prospect of hearing Mira Furlan and Bruce speak on B5.:D

_____________________________________________

Tiriel - can't someone else help you get into your makeup for the costume contest? I'm sure there would be at least ONE Scaper who could help you out!

[Midnight27]

I can totally understand the travails. Totally been there. I made a Data costume for one of my gamers circa 2nd-3rd season and just about concurrent with airing. I did a damn good job, even for my standards, and he got a couple of costuming awards. I had to do a bit of redrafting (I used the "official" patterns that I got from a con--this was before McCall's brought theirs out) of the actual patterns, and it was tailored to Jeff's body. Side note: good thing I've actually done theater, since that was more about Jeff than I actually wanted to ever know LOL)
It helped that Jeff actually looks a lot like Brent Spiner, and got the right contacts. Of course, his personality is more Lore-ish...


When I costume for others, I'm a total perfectionist. For a wedding I helped sew for, the bridesmaid's dress I did looked better than the one done by a professional tailor! I almost outdid the bride on that one. If it hadn't been for the fact the bride chose this absolutely gorgeous ivory silk velvet...it would have been close (the maids dresses were out of this beautiful cotton damask).

On my stuff, I usually can't afford the fabrics I want, and that's where the corners cut show. *pout* But I did have a really nice belly dancing costume that I miss! I looked GOOD in it, once upon a time a few years ago.

Okay, have to stare at my poor, buried sewing table for a little while longer.

Midnight

[Selena]

I'd love to do something Minbari - Delenn's clothing in season 4 and 5 was fantastic but I haven't been able to find anything suitable anywhere. I'm a perfectionist too when it comes to copying a costume - it's got to be right or I won't bother with it.

[Midnight27]

Originally posted by Selena
I'd love to do something Minbari - Delenn's clothing in season 4 and 5 was fantastic but I haven't been able to find anything suitable anywhere. I'm a perfectionist too when it comes to copying a costume - it's got to be right or I won't bother with it.

Have you tried the fabric store in Green Hills? I can't remember the name right now, but it's in a strip mall a little ways away from the mall. It looks to be the only high-dollar store in Nashville. It's a good sized store, with a lot of inventory, including quite a bit of high dollar stuff. If not, I'd try G Street fabrics on-line (It's in Bethesda, MD, so we can't just pop over, blast it!) They were one of the places I'd always go to for commission work. There was another store in Old Town Alexandria, VA, but I'd have to get my mother to find the name of it on a drive-by. They had some absolutely gorgeous dress fabrics like for haute couture work. There is another on-line (Seattle) store. The name starts with 'J' but I'd have to go search for it again...they were reasonable for the quality and beauty.

Midnight

[Selena]

I forgot about that store - I'll check it out this week. Thanks Midnight.

[Selena]

Found this really cool web site with lots of links.:cool:

http://members.aol.com/nebula5/tcpinfo4.html#drama-film

[VodalianMage]

Originally posted by Frag_You!
Does anybody know where I can get my hands on a few of those quick-connect closures on John's vest and Jacket? I've been looking for months and have no idea where to find em'. Anybody who can toss out an answer...I'll love ya forever. :P
:love:


Quick Release Clips (aka quick connect buckles) :aok:
Hey Frag_You... try these places:
www.ahh.biz or www.americanhomeandhabitat.com - American Home & Habitat
and
www.owfinc.com - Outdoor Wilderness Fabric, Inc.

The ones I used a lot when I was touring w/Sesame Street Live!, Disney On Ice or even Cirque du Soleil were mostly manufactured by Fastex, but there are other manufacturers as well. I only took a quick peek at the sites (a former co-worker helped me out on the search), & it looks like you might be able to get a good quantity of them for a decent price. They are really handy to have for a myriad of uses.

I hope that helps.
:groove:

[VodalianMage]

Originally posted by Selena

I'm concerned however that there are an awful lot of documented instances of people being allergic to and developing allergies to latex after only brief exposures ... Brent Stait from Andromeda for one ~ suffered an anaphylactic reaction to his Rev Bem make up and was hospitalized. That's why they took him out of the series as he could no longer wear the prosthetics.

On the latest Farscape DVD 3.3 Wayne Pygram talks about his problems with his makeup. Claudia too mentioned how confining the Scorpius makeup is and both of them discussed having problems getting overheated.

So you're right to be cautious about the make-up and wise to warn others to be careful too.


:jbox: It also depends on the materials used. The general public often times refers to any prosthetic as being made of latex, as that has been an industry standard for years. But there are also other types of mediums now - including silicone & gel filled appliances. We've come so very far from the days of "The Wizard Of Oz" when we found out that Buddy Ebsen could not continue the role of the Tin Man due to allergies to the ALUMINUM in the make up. As for what materials were used on FARSCAPE? I couldn't tell you that.

I can say that in all my years of working on a variety of shows (tours, resident shows, film, etc), I have encountered many different reactions to a wide variety of materials. AND, if a person wears a prosthetic for only a short time (one-shot or very infrequently) then they might not react to the materials. If the prosthetic is used day in & day out for a long period of time... there can be reactions where previously there were none. Also, their skin reaction to the materials can be affected by their cleansing routine & what products are used. Not to mention what barrier products are used prior to applying any prosthetics. There are a number of products that can be applied to the skin prior to prosthetic application that help act as a barrier in between the prosthetic & the skin.

Again - for each individual it's different. As the instructions on hair coloring boxes state: do a patch test. Test the adhesive, prosthetic or whatever on your skin first. For someone doing an infrequent worn costume (ie: fans at conventions), the problems of sensitivity may not arise as they would with someone on a series.

Let's be careful out there... and put our best faces forward, shall we? :hi:

[uisceboo]

I know this is a stretch, but could this be why I get a rash once a year when I wear my Renn Faire gear? could it just be anything that is enough of a challenge to the skin can cause a reaction?

I know that if you have contact with almost anything long enough you can develope an allergy or dermatitis. Also, there are difficulties with the skin breathing and cooling the body to take into consideration. Some people deal with it well, other bodies can't take much.

My thoughts to anyone who is going to paint 'n gear up for a con, and they are not accostumed to having so much of their skin covered -- make sure you drink up ahead of time. Take hourly breaks to remove some clothing, cool down and get comfortable (hotel restrooms, at least the ladies rooms are great for this, as they usually have a place to sit). Make sure your costume allows you to use the restroom whenever you need to (I leaned that one from hoopskirts!). Make sure your makeup alows you to eat!

[Sci-FiGal]

uisceboo, I dunno if this is related to your problem, but I've found when I spread this around that it's not that un-common: The combination of certain fabrics and sodiumlaurethsulfate and/or amoniumlaurelsulfate can cause bad skin reactions such as rashes. Those two chemicals are common in most detergents and liquid soaps/shampoos. I read it was kinda similar to how only a fraction of the population can process dairy, but with the skin, not the digestive track. Aaaanyway...

Dragoncon! First time goer- but experienced con-goer. I was planning on being Zhaan all weekend with multiple costumes of hers, and since I don't have the talent or patience for a bald cap, I was going to experiment with blue cornrows. However for some reason they're fenominally expensive at every hairdresser here in the area. So... since I've just started making her costumes, I'm just going to die my hair myself and be an original Delvian Priestess. Gives me more creative freedom on making the costumes anyway. But I'm planning on packing my already made lotr elf maiden and star wars bounty hunter just for good measure (I'd pack my startrek uniform, but I havn't worn it since I was 14, reaaaally don't think it'll still fit). Woo-hoo!

[Sci-FiGal]

Oh, can I get feedback on my first Delvian makup test? It's the first time I've done makeup this extensive. Everything before this was just whiteface with simple features. But I had it on for 8 hours, no fading problems, so i know it'll last atleast.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid71/p4ef63826bc9a460436372fa36fae498f/fb98cb8d.jpg

[Bandana Girl]

I so don't know anything about costuming but for blue hair extensions have you tried any Black peoples hair supplies? Usually you can find the greatest selection at Black womens beauty outlets, and usually you can find them a lot cheaper.I don't know how those hair extensions would work on people who aren't black. Also they usually have a good selection of wigs or can tell you where to find more.
If you can't do cornrows yourself, just try asking someone with cornrows where they got theirs done. If you've never done this before, maybe try a professional hairdresser (VERY expensive) or ask around. Were there are black folks there is always someone around who will do cornrows for a good price:aok:
Also when getting cornrows done TELL THEM if they are TOO TIGHT!!!! one poor white girl had her hair cornrowed in a nice design for cheerleading (it was her first time ever). The poor girls head was SWELLING and red.

So yeah,
Thats all I had to say

[Eve11]

I think the face makeup looks very nice! Though from the photo it seems like you've slipped into madness! (Is that red-eye from the camera or contacts? ;) )

[Midnight27]

Originally posted by Bandana Girl
If you can't do cornrows yourself, just try asking someone with cornrows where they got theirs done. If you've never done this before, maybe try a professional hairdresser (VERY expensive) or ask around. Were there are black folks there is always someone around who will do cornrows for a good price
Also when getting cornrows done TELL THEM if they are TOO TIGHT!!!! one poor white girl had her hair cornrowed in a nice design for cheerleading (it was her first time ever). The poor girls head was SWELLING and red.


SFGal,

Over here in Nashville, it's still a fair to pretty penny for cornrowing. (The main reason I haven't done my hair--and the fact I'd give the poor hairdresser Carpal Tunner Syndrome--my hair is past my waist!!) As for wigs, I haven't seen too many in the right shade of blue or the right textures, even at Halloween. And since many reasonably priced wigs are synthetic, they aren't going to dye well (from what I know of dying).
I'd go with the temporary hair colors the punks and goths use. I'm out of touch with the current suppliers, but Sally's has been carrying some of them for a while now (I have the white paste for when I do Rogue).

I like the makeup. Was the color on the picture a little washed out? It looks a shade or two paler than the shows, but that could be how my color saturation is set on my TV. But I like the detail work you've got on it.

Midnight

[Bandana Girl]

Originally posted by Midnight27
SFGal,

Over here in Nashville, it's still a fair to pretty penny for cornrowing. (The main reason I haven't done my hair--and the fact I'd give the poor hairdresser Carpal Tunner Syndrome--my hair is past my waist!!) As for wigs, I haven't seen too many in the right shade of blue or the right textures, even at Halloween. And since many reasonably priced wigs are synthetic, they aren't going to dye well (from what I know of dying).
I'd go with the temporary hair colors the punks and goths use. I'm out of touch with the current suppliers, but Sally's has been carrying some of them for a while now (I have the white paste for when I do Rogue).

I like the makeup. Was the color on the picture a little washed out? It looks a shade or two paler than the shows, but that could be how my color saturation is set on my TV. But I like the detail work you've got on it.

Midnight I leave in an area near Toronto, so it's quite easy to find a person to do cornrows. (there are at least 2 in my neighbourhood) I had no idea in nashville they are hard to find:( . Let's just say I haven't visited the states in a long time

Well for crornrows to save money, you could just get the hair clsest to your head done in a design an leave the rest unbraided. small elastics can be used to keep the cornrow bits in. If you can find a Black Hair magazine, they have TONS of different braidstlyes and options. I don't know how good the hair dresser is, but where I live you can just show them a picture of what you want and they can usually get them done as close as possile to the picture.

Also SciFigal I like the makeup. the red eye effect was VERY cool:thumbs:

[Sci-FiGal]

Thanks for the comments on the makup, yeah, it's a little light cuse i used a white base and blended it by hand, and also it's a little out of focus cuse I had the camera on a tripod and timer so I had 10 sec. to find exactly where I was suposed to be :p
The madness effect is a cronic problem I've had since the earliest pictures I've found of baby me. I apparently naturally look directly into the flash, which is what causes red eye, hense the color. But it's a nice side effect for being a Delvian.

Oh, thanks for the advice on the hair and wigs and cornrows. It seems to just depend on the area I guess in where you can get conrows and how expensive they'll be. My dad got them for one of the years we went to Disneyworld. He has a body heat problem, and it really helped, but one: he had a headache the first few days cuse he's not used to his hair being pulled so tight; and two: he's the spittin image of a huuuged blonde Viking. With multicolored ties, at the ends of his locks, he was quite the visual image in the magic kingdom. Oh, and believe me, I know about wigs. They're a balanced part of my costuming diet. Expensive and cheep, natural and wild colors, you name it, I've worked with it at some point in time. But I've been wanting to cut my hair anyway, and temporary blue will do me just fine.

Besides, I had a brainstorm for my Delvian character earlyer today as a result of an impulse buy. I accidentally came accross a phantom of the opera mask in the costume/wig store today, and ofcourse bought it. I'm going to make it a Stark mask ofcource, and carry it around. With my new hair and Zhaan-esque look, I'll be Elizan, the ethereal offspring of Zhaan and Stark. Kindofa strech, but I adore the Stark/Zhaan love story and it can be my tribute to both. I'll work on it some more, but any thoughts?

[Midnight27]

Originally posted by Sci-FiGal
Oh, thanks for the advice on the hair and wigs and cornrows. It seems to just depend on the area I guess in where you can get conrows and how expensive they'll be. My dad got them for one of the years we went to Disneyworld. He has a body heat problem, and it really helped, but one: he had a headache the first few days cuse he's not used to his hair being pulled so tight; and two: he's the spittin image of a huuuged blonde Viking. With multicolored ties, at the ends of his locks, he was quite the visual image in the magic kingdom. Oh, and believe me, I know about wigs. They're a balanced part of my costuming diet. Expensive and cheep, natural and wild colors, you name it, I've worked with it at some point in time. But I've been wanting to cut my hair anyway, and temporary blue will do me just fine.

I can see this!!!:rollin:

I think the length of your hair is good where it is. Remember in "Rhapsody in Blue" the women's hair was styled out from their heads some (in no small part from the temp color (read lots of lacquer) they were using, I'm sure). I'd think once you start applying the color and styling it with a pick, your style will be about the length of Tahleen's. And it will be up and off your neck, always a bennie this time of year in the South.

Have you ever tried getting a picture taken with a camera without an integrated flash? I've had fairly good results with a slaved flash when I used to shoot film in school. Of course, I can't afford the setup I want now, so I'm fooling with the point and shoot digital my father bought us a couple years ago for now. (I hope my FiL wants to upgrade soon!!)

Midnight

[uisceboo]

Originally posted by Sci-FiGal
uisceboo, I dunno if this is related to your problem, but I've found when I spread this around that it's not that un-common: The combination of certain fabrics and sodiumlaurethsulfate and/or amoniumlaurelsulfate can cause bad skin reactions such as rashes. Those two chemicals are common in most detergents and liquid soaps/shampoos. I read it was kinda similar to how only a fraction of the population can process dairy, but with the skin, not the digestive track.

That is VERY interesting (I can't do milk either) -- and somewhat worrisome, as I almost always wear cotton. I am thinking that the heat is a catalyst (here renn season is late August). Just goes to show you that even the most common cosmetics had react strangely with your body if you add heat. I'll hae to try switching cleansers and see if that helps.

I remember reading a few times how hot the Farscape set was at times -- mixed with heavy makeup, it doesn't surprise me that anyone would have a reaction.

Hey ==LOVE the makeup!

What V_M says -- do that test strip!:eek:

[AnnieBW]

John and I did a Zhaan and Stark costume at Shore Leave two weeks ago. I made the collar, cuffs and mask out of something called Friendly Plastic. It's meltable, moldable plastic that comes in various shades. It's made by the same folks that make Fimo. You can get it at Jewelrysupply.com (http://www.jewelrysupply.com/EJS/friendlyplasticsindex.htm) or directly from Amaco. Unfortunately, the makeup I used for Zhaan was too dark, and I looked more like a member of the Blue Man Group than I did a Delvian. :( Here's a pic of what we did. I need to get some closeups of the Stark mask to post here and at Karlsweb.

[Tiriel]

Originally posted by Selena
On the latest Farscape DVD 3.3 Wayne Pygram talks about his problems with his makeup. Claudia too mentioned how confining the Scorpius makeup is and both of them discussed having problems getting overheated.

So you're right to be cautious about the make-up and wise to warn others to be careful too.

OK, after actually having had the full prostetics including skull-cap and woolen hood on for an entire day, let me tell you that I have grow an whole new appreciation as to what Wayne went through!
I did spent a hell of a lot of time in front of the AC vent-shafts of the first floor of the convention center, I can tell you that much! We had to walk through the San Diego midday heat for almost 20 minutes to get from hour parking-spot to the convention center and on the way I started sweating like hell un der the prostetic, which really didn't agree with the adhesive! LOL! By the time we got to the convention center my chin started to pop off :D for Chicago I will be using anti-presperant (sp?) to make sure it won't happen again. I will only have it on my face, though so the rest of my body will be able to breathe freely, otherwise I reckon it would be suicide.
Peripheral vision under that thing is minimal, hearing is impaired, eating is out of the question, drinking restricted to things that fit easily through a straw and you better don't mind people going :eek3: at you all day :D Oh, and using the ladies restroom is an adventure all by itself!
I was quite happy that I stuck to the Harvey costume and was able to rip everything off down to the T-shirt without much trouble, because I surely wouldn't have survived otherwise (depite the fact that the AC was making it pretty cold in the convention center, I did freeze slightly the day before. I have absolutely no idea how anyone could possibly survive in the "coolant" suit for an entire day! That thing had better some actual cooling system implemented!

But it does look awesome and the reactions of people to the costume were priceless :D

http://docu.watchfarscape.com/Scorpius/ScorpySueCU1.jpg

In case you haven't read my first report on being Harvey (or rather ScorpySue as we have named her now) check it out on http://docu.watchfarscape.com :)

And yeah, before you even consider doing something like that, get some adhesive, put it on your skin and see what happens.

VodalianMage: Woah! Thanks so much for the links! They'll be getting a big order from me :D

Love and Peace and Fancy Costumes :bounce:

Tiriel :bounce:

[AnnieBW]

A friend of mine who does the Klingon thing recommends a product called "No-Sweat" to keep you from sweating into the prosthetics. You can probably get it from theatrical supply stores.

BTW, here's the Stark mask pic.

[AnnieBW]

And the other side...

I glued remnants of the fake suede fabric I used for the pants to the inside of the mask, and used leather for the connectors. John has a problem with his thyroid, so we didn't connect the neck strap, just looped it over itself.

[VodalianMage]

AnnieBW - nice shots. Have you been doing the costuming thing long? Pretty creative! That's always a necessity!

No problem Tiriel. I forget that when I work w/a bunch of this nifty stuff, to make sure I get the company info so I can get a hold of some of this stuff when I'm no longer on that tour. (Silly rabbit.) :kitty:

[Eve11]

AnnieBW, the Stark and Zhaan costumes look very nice! I also liked the skit you did (read it in another thread), how Stark gives Zhaan a flashlight as a "naughty" gift. :rollin:

[AnnieBW]

We've been doing the costuming thing for a few years. John and I have both gotten awards for costuming, both togther and separately. I did Princess Fiona from "Shrek", "Seven of Eleven, the Trailer Trash Borg" and a fantasy "Queen of the Stars" thing. John's a little luckier, because he's skinny. He's done Lorne the host from "Angel", Da'an from "Earth: Final Conflict", and a little something we cooked up after a trip to Las Vegas called "The Borg King". Yep, Elvis as a Borg. :D We also did "Harry Potter and the Midlife Crisis", with John as a middle-aged Harry and me as Hermione gone to seed. We usually come up with really warped ideas. Then again, most of the costumers that frequent Shore Leave and Far Point are just as twisted. My friend Rachel did Patsy Cline as a Klingon (with the words to "Crazy" in grammatically correct Klingon). Another one we had this past Shore Leave was a Black Rider meeting Hagrid in the Forbidden Forest. :D Oh, and the Ferengi Female "stripper" who was putting on clothes. :D So, Delvian sex toys aren't pushing the envelope as much as you'd think. :ewink:

[Lomer]

Tirel if you had problems with sweating, there is something called "barrier spray" it's a theatrical anti-persperant. It generally costs about four dollars for a bottle and I used it liberally when doing the Chiana makeup for various cons and such. It works pretty well but it does clog the pores.

Anyway just a tip in case you didn't already know about the barrier spray. :)

This is a great thread btw! It's awesome to see so many talented 'Scapers!

-Lomer

[Eve11]

:rollin: AnnieBW, those all sound hilarious. Such wonderful imagination, and a great sense of humor.

(One year for a halloween party a couple I know got dressed up... well, she was a big red rectangle and he had no costume at all. Of course, she was a brick, and he was the bricklayer...).

[blueassbitch]

Originally posted by Eve11
:rollin: (One year for a halloween party a couple I know got dressed up... well, she was a big red rectangle and he had no costume at all. Of course, she was a brick, and he was the bricklayer...).

:roflmao:BRICKLAYER! Oh that is a good one. :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:

[Selena]

Originally posted by VodalianMage
:jbox: It also depends on the materials used. The general public often times refers to any prosthetic as being made of latex, as that has been an industry standard for years. But there are also other types of mediums now - including silicone & gel filled appliances. We've come so very far from the days of "The Wizard Of Oz" when we found out that Buddy Ebsen could not continue the role of the Tin Man due to allergies to the ALUMINUM in the make up. As for what materials were used on FARSCAPE? I couldn't tell you that.

I can say that in all my years of working on a variety of shows (tours, resident shows, film, etc), I have encountered many different reactions to a wide variety of materials. AND, if a person wears a prosthetic for only a short time (one-shot or very infrequently) then they might not react to the materials. If the prosthetic is used day in & day out for a long period of time... there can be reactions where previously there were none. Also, their skin reaction to the materials can be affected by their cleansing routine & what products are used. Not to mention what barrier products are used prior to applying any prosthetics. There are a number of products that can be applied to the skin prior to prosthetic application that help act as a barrier in between the prosthetic & the skin.

Again - for each individual it's different. As the instructions on hair coloring boxes state: do a patch test. Test the adhesive, prosthetic or whatever on your skin first. For someone doing an infrequent worn costume (ie: fans at conventions), the problems of sensitivity may not arise as they would with someone on a series.

Let's be careful out there... and put our best faces forward, shall we? :hi:

Great advice. :aok:

When I referred to latex, I was also including (in my mind anyway) synthetics and anything that may be linked in its chemical composition to latex or other reactive chemical compounds. Some sythetics contain tolulene, benzene and even methyl methacrylate.

Latex in it's pure form is usually not a big problem, but when it's coupled with the releasing agents that are used to remove (release) it from moulds then it presents a whole different picture.

There are also instances where certain products contain agents that cause skin reactions when mixed with other items such as non-theatrical make-up, soaps, powders, hair spray and even deodorants.

Uisceboo mentions chemicals in detergents and that too is true. Some detergents have surfactants that can cause chemical reactions that affect some people more than others. Personally, I'm very allergic to something in Tide which causes me to develop huge blisters within hours of contact.

If you have a washable costume and you have the ability to launder it before wearing it then do so in a mild neutral detergent such as quilter's use for their quilts. Never use fabric softeners. Fabrics that come from the store brand new, have stiffeners added to them to make them look nice on the bolt. These chemicals include formaldehyde which is not something you want against your skin all day when you are perspiring.
_____________________________________________

:applaud:Tiriel you did a fantastic job on that Scorpy Sue costume! :paparazzi: Bet you wished you had the cooling rods!

[Midnight27]

Originally posted by AnnieBW
We've been doing the costuming thing for a few years. John and I have both gotten awards for costuming, both togther and separately. I did Princess Fiona from "Shrek", "Seven of Eleven, the Trailer Trash Borg" and a fantasy "Queen of the Stars" thing. John's a little luckier, because he's skinny. He's done Lorne the host from "Angel", Da'an from "Earth: Final Conflict", and a little something we cooked up after a trip to Las Vegas called "The Borg King". Yep, Elvis as a Borg. :D We also did "Harry Potter and the Midlife Crisis", with John as a middle-aged Harry and me as Hermione gone to seed. We usually come up with really warped ideas. Then again, most of the costumers that frequent Shore Leave and Far Point are just as twisted. My friend Rachel did Patsy Cline as a Klingon (with the words to "Crazy" in grammatically correct Klingon). Another one we had this past Shore Leave was a Black Rider meeting Hagrid in the Forbidden Forest. :D Oh, and the Ferengi Female "stripper" who was putting on clothes. :D So, Delvian sex toys aren't pushing the envelope as much as you'd think. :ewink:

I really miss the DC/Balmer area cons!! *sigh* Heck, my entire gang attended en masse, so I always knew lots of people at any one. At least I can say that a costume I designed (see way earlier in this thread) won contests.
Oh, I just had a faboo idea! I have to check the con circuit out there for when I go home to introduce my kids to their grandparents (waiting until the newest one comes--Feb or so). Then I have no reason to need to stay with any of my family--I'll have a hotel room. And I will get to 'corrupt', uh, introduce the kids(and maybe the husband) to good, wholesome fun! (partially toungue-in-cheek) Guess I'd better go ahead and come up with some costumes for us.

Midnight

[VodalianMage]

Hey all!

I came across a costume supplier online called Hollywood Studios Costumes (I believe it's in FL). They have a cool wig on the X-Men page. It's called Blueberry Ice Item # 50903 & is $19.99. It loooks like it could be used for a (non Zhaan) Delvian. You probably can style it & add more blue streaks to it if you wish, I'm sure. But its a good base.

http://www.hollywood-costumes.com/cgi-bin/store/perlshop.cgi?action=ENTER&thispage=hollywood-xmen.htm&ORDER_ID=!ORDERID!

If that link doesn't work just go to the main site & go to the X-Men page.

:radar:

[Sci-FiGal]

Woah, I just got my hair died profeshionally for the first time today. Why? I dunno, just felt like it I guess. And man... it is B.L.U.E.!!!! It's almost the reverse of that wig (short cut though) with a darker blue base and light blue highlight chunks all over. The hairdresser was so excited to try something like this and she even tested out getting it styled like the screen shots from "Rhap. in blue". I had printed out for help. V. nice girl, and wow, Velcro Curlers work reeeeaaaallllyyy well for getting hair to stay up and curled. I'll definately be an odd Delvian :eek: , but a Delvian non the less at D*C this year. One small step for blue, one giant leap for Delvian kind. :p

[DRD2001]

Hey, you gotta try something way different at least once in your life. I never went blue though. I went a mix of red and gold. I look forward to seeing you at the con. :D It sounds like your costume is going to be awesome!

[Metaphore]

Wow Tiriel, that Foam looks great. Wonderful detail!
Hope your coming to dragoncon this year! I'd love to have a scorpy sue running around with us :)

Cant wait to see those of you who are coming at Dragoncon! only 9 more days! whoohooo!

If you see me walkin by in my scorpy getup or in the Tron costume just yell at me! Always up for meeting a new scaper.

[AnnieBW]

You're doing a TRON costume??? I want pictures, dammit!!! That's my husband's favorite movie, and we've been trying to figure out how to do one of those costumes for a while now.

Have fun!

- Annie

[DRD2001]

Annie, check it out, near the end of the thread.

http://www.watchfarscape.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5082&perpage=15&pagenumber=2

Also at www.dragoncom.org
Click on Photos on your left
Scroll down to Official 2002 Photo Gallery
Click on Hall Costumes
Enter
Hall001

[Tiriel]

Heya Metaphore!! :hi:

Dude! I had a hell of a time trying to track you down :D We talked some time towards the end of last year about your patterns for the Scorpy costume! Alikhat and I are still thinking about doing the full thing (or rather most of it, she's really not too hot on modelling all the aligator-backbone parts, so we'd do some kind of Harvey that covers most of the back area). She's the one who did the modeling for the prosthetic also, she's just disgustingly skilled :D :D I gotta point her this way :)

Dragon-Con is a no go, I'm afraid. Even if time wasn't a problem, I'm not sure anybody could drag me on a frelling airplane after my lovely experience flying to Chicago and back! I ain't flyin' nowhere where there is the slightest chance of a thunder storm!

Any chance of you being out here for Burbank? I know, most people hate the idea of a Creation Con and I can't really argue. But they've got a pretty cool bar :D Hmmm, maybe ComiCon next year? That's definitely a con I can recommend if you want to attract some attention with a costume :D

Rats! I really should get back to the ComiCon report before I forget all the gruesome details...

Love and Peace and :D

Tiriel :bounce:

[Metaphore]

Yes i remember you asking for some pics. I could have sworn you posted that you wernt going to do it or something and didnt need the pics anymore. To bad your not coming to dragoncon, and no sorry this is about the only con i ever go to :( wish i could afford to go to more.

Anyway, Ill have the costume out and my dig camera with me at dragoncon obviously so I'll send ya some snapshots of the details of the outfit. We skimped in alot of areas (like the backbone on the back) But we did it in such a way that it looks ok i guess.

Oh and about the Tron (sark) costume someone was asking about. I just went out and got some grey foam backing and my sewing machine and went to town. Here is the secret to the cool glowing effect. Red (or blue) reflective tape (any autoparts store) and here is the expensive part for that extra cool effect.

http://www.coolneon.com

[Tiriel]

Yeah, you're right, the guy who we first did the cast off flaked on us. But after a couple of month I thought, Hell, we bought all those materials, so we might as well go ahead and do it! So I decided on someone who most certainly wasn't going to flake and to make really sure it ended up being me :D But it wasn't all that urgent, because I ran out of money anyways, so I couldn't have afforded the full monty for ComiCon anyhow.

Any and all pix would be highly appreciated! If time (and purse) permits, we'll try to get the full thing done for Burbank :D :D :D

I'm real envious about Dragon*Con, though, I heard a hell of a lot of good stuff about that one! So have fun and take lots of pictures of all kinds of things! :bounce: :bounce: We want the full: "We feel like we've been there ourselves!" report :D :D

Love and Peace and I Wish I Could Go!

Tiriel :bounce:

[Tiriel]

Oh, yah, before I forget about it: Here's my solution to the overheating problem (as employed at ScaperCon; Thanks for the picture to DentArthurDent!) :D

Love and Peace and Oooh! It's getting Hot I Here! :D

Tiriel :bounce:

[AnnieBW]

Looks like you're in Scorpy's fan club. :ewink:

- Annie

[Kylash327]

just saw the statk mask here and wanted to show one i just recently finished. The main mask was sculpted, then casted in fiberglass and vacuformed ti be thin like sheet metal. Then the leather bits were done with rivets and old belts.

http://personalpages.tds.net/~kylash/starkmask1.jpg
http://personalpages.tds.net/~kylash/starkmask3.jpg

[eta_carinae]

wow Kylash, that looks really cool!

[Eve11]

great job on the mask, Kylash

[spaceCowgirl]

Totally awesome Stark mask. *-*