synergycraft

[synergycraft]

I made my blueprint for Sylvanas' bow in Shadowlands!⁣ ⁣ I know I've been MIA since Halloween, and it doesn't feel good! The plan was to take a week off, which was great, but since last Monday I have been trying my hardest to just MAKE things.⁣ ⁣ Often times after finishing a project, I will get depressed. Last time this really happened was when I finished Jaina. I felt no drive, motivation, or energy to create for 2 months - until the adrenaline and pressure of the next con was in sight. It was a bad time, lol.⁣ ⁣ My 3 current contest cosplay WIPs (Venusaur, Elphelt, Raven) are all in that stage where I'm stalled out at really frustrating parts. The one thing that always pushes me through the hard stuff (deadlines) is nowhere to be found, and setting my own just doesn't seem to be working well for me.⁣ ⁣ Thank you to friends for the wonderful advice on what to do! Currently I'm trying out the suggestion to "just make what calls to you most," which is Sylvanas' new bow design. I LOVE World of Warcraft and I am super ready for Shadowlands next week, so the passion is there! I do need a thin PVC pipe to actually start this, but I should be able to set up a pickup order to get it with no hassle.⁣ ⁣ I hope you all are doing very well! I'm hoping this bow can reignite my creative flames and that this winter can be a season of healthy creating & consistent crafting. I want to have the energy and habits that will help me finish everything I've started. 💜⁣ ⁣ If you've read this far, tell me your most effective method for getting your butt in gear after a break! 😁⁣ ⁣ #sylvanascosplay #wowcosplay #sylvanasshadowlands #shadowlands #wowshadowlands #videogamecosplay #cosplans #blizzardcosplay #cosplaybuild #sylvanaswindrunner #sylvanas #darkladywatchoveryou #hordecosplay #cosplayprops #worldofwarcraftcosplay #propmaking #propmaker https://www.instagram.com/p/CHsvYv4D-o6/?igshid=1105jz4z3ic93

[synergycraft]

I couldn't resist sharing some Winifred selfies today! 🧡💚💜 I had so, so much fun going for a test run with this cosplay yesterday, the wig is so huge and ridiculous and makes me super happy.⁣

http://instagram.com/synergycraft

Its SOOO weird to see myself in this cosplay and wild to think I crunched out everything (besides Book) in 3 short weeks! This week I plan to get in cosplay again for a bigger shoot now that its been tested and I can see what needs a little fixing. Its gonna be a fun, spooky week! 🎃

[synergycraft]

The struggle has been real with the ODST helmet - until I got to painting! Weathering this piece has been so much fun and has me super hyped to get it finished and off to it's new home. I even made decals with my Cricut to customize it! I'll probably fuss over the little details for a few more hours before I'm ready to tackle the visor installation. I'm addicted to handpainting, so I just cant help myself! 😅⁣ ⁣ To create this faux metal finish, I used @plaidfx Brushed Metal paint collection. The build was made using various thicknesses of eva foam from @tntcosplaysupply⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #haloarmor #haloodst #halocosplay #haloodstcosplay #cosplayhelmet #propmaking #cosplaydetails #evafoam #cosplaypainting #handpainted #plaidfx #plaidcrafts https://www.instagram.com/p/CCosx0qjLql/?igshid=1c2w04rpxwwkz

[synergycraft]

Many cosmakers, myself included, have a HECK of a time strapping armor - but have you tried magnets?⁣ ⁣ This is my first build using magnets to attach armor, and I'm really enjoying it! I recommend that if you have even the slightest doubt about your magnets being able to hold your armor on, that you install a secondary connection, such as velcro, as a backup. When I line my shin armor, I will be sewing a strip of velcro to the center, juuuuuust in case!⁣ ⁣ I hope this was helpful to you! I love sharing my knowledge and experience with crafting costumes through tutorials. ♡ If you have further questions about the magnets or anything else for this build, feel free to ask em here!⁣ ⁣ I bought my neodymium (aka rare earth) magnets via the website totalElement.⁣ Curious about the armor paint job & texturing? I have an IGTV video on how I did it!⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #cosplaytutorial #cosplayarmor #armortutorial #diycosplay #neodymiummagnets #cosplaymagnets #cosplayhelp #cosplaytips #howtocosplay #tutorial #rareearthmagnets #evafoamcosplay #pokemoncosplay #cosmaker #costumedesign #cosplayadvice https://www.instagram.com/p/CChH5mKjHfj/?igshid=1owdfh2q12ftf

[synergycraft]

🗡"The dagger had been Valyrian steel, and Valyrian steel bites deep and sharp." - A Clash of Kings, thoughts of Catelyn Stark.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ How are you all holding up? If you're a fellow maker/cosplayer, how do you stay motivated without convention deadlines? Personally the only thing that has kept me trucking on cosplay fairly consistently has been you all online! I'm really grateful to have at least some kind of pressure to create, because I just don't get anything done without a deadline. 😅⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ By the way, I SO wish it were this cold outside, I do not enjoy this heat and humidity. 🥵🥵🥵⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 📸 Photo by @tunatoe of SynergyCraft⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ #aryastark #aryastarkcosplay #valyriansteel #aryastarkofwinterfell #thronesday #aryacosplay #gameofthrones #gameofthronescosplay #cosplayprops #catspawdagger #winteriscoming #cosplayphotography #midwestcosplayer https://www.instagram.com/p/CCJ1u3ljRXI/?igshid=1f5cll6g4giy6

[synergycraft]

This full blown makeup test for Venusaur has me PUMPED AF to finish this build!!! I'm at roughly 230 hours of work so far, and I'd guesstimate my total when finished will be around 280. 😵 Every minute will be worth it!⁣ ⁣ Would you wanna see a WIP post of the wig? Let me know!! I'm not great at wig work but I'd be happy to share how I did this one. 💚 OH YEAH, and I used freakin MAGNETS to attach the ears & flower to the wig! First time trying that, I love how solid the hold is!⁣ ⁣ 💇‍♀️Wig: @ardawigs Lulu Classic & short wefts in Arcadia 💙💚⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #ardastyle #ardawigs #venusaur #venusaurgijinka #pokemongijinka #pokemoncosplay #venusaurcosplay #wigstyling #cosplaywig #craftyourfandom #makeuptest #cosplaymakeup #cosplaygirl #bulbasaur #ivysaur #pokemonfangirl #costest #pokemoncosplayer https://www.instagram.com/p/CCCDnW-jUpo/?igshid=151bndrwljyjm

[synergycraft]

I thought today I would share my updated armored Venusaur ginjinka design! I finally got it colored in after several months of the lineart just sitting around, haha. The original design I came up with last year just wasnt detailed enough, so I added a few things here and there.⁣ ⁣ The concept behind this centers around combining the aesthetics of "earthy, organic goddess" and "badass tank maiden" while incorporating all of the iconic elements of Venusaur's design, such as the bumpy toad-like skin, bright, whimsical flowers, and natural tree bark. I chose a whip for the weapon in honor of the Vine Whip attack! 🍃⁣ ⁣ The cosplay is SO CLOSE to being done! I plan to wear it to Omaha Kaiju Con as well as Anime Nebraskon this fall, and I'm sure many cons in 2021. 😁⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #pokemonart #pokemongijinka #pokemonfanart #venusaur #costumedesign #venusaurcosplay #gijinka #bulbasaur #venusaurgijinka #grasspokemon #armordesign https://www.instagram.com/p/CBqn9BhjuEE/?igshid=11yvjehfeewx8

[synergycraft]

AYYY I HAZ SHOEZ!!! The process for these was long and strenuous, but that is so typical when it comes to cosplay shoes, right? 😅😂⁣ ⁣ I started with heels from the thrift store - bought long before "the dark times." I put them on to create a duct tape pattern for the armor, marked my darts, and created a paper pattern for foam.⁣ ⁣ Cut, contact cement'd, and dremeled the bases to rounded perfection, then built the toenails from foam and covered the toenails in worbla. Same armor texturing as the rest of the armor - foam clay and hot glue!⁣ ⁣ The soles of the heels originally were covered in a yellow vinyl... I attempted to paint them with fabric paint, but they still cracked. So, I scraped and sanded off the vinyl instead, revealing the much more porous and easy to work with material underneath. I airbrushed the soles and toe strap brown.⁣ ⁣ Once the armor was finished, I attached it in two ways for security. First, I used neodymium magnets - epoxy glued to the foam and then handsewn to the toe strap. Second, I glued elastics in place on the underside of the shoe. These babies ain't goin nowhere! But I'm also definitely going to avoid stairs, lol.⁣ ⁣ Paint: Color Shift Aqua Flash, Brushed Metal Rose Gold & Pale Silver from @plaidfx⁣ ⁣ #cosplayshoes #cosplayarmor #armorbuild #craftyourfandom #cosplayheels #evafoamcosplay #venusaurgijinka #plaidcrafts #plaidfx #cosplaycrafting #workinprogress #cosprogress #cosmaking #wip #cosplaydetails #foamarmor #shoearmor https://www.instagram.com/p/CBl4K5TnoN4/?igshid=zbfx6ijlkdxg

[synergycraft]

Progress on the Halo ODST Helmet commission today! I cut my Worbla TranspArt, dyed it, and started shaping and fitting it into the helmet. As you can see, I still have plenty of work left to do! When it's done, the visor will be a chromatic orange, and will appear semi-opaque from the outside. Painting and applying the little decal designs on the helmet is the part I'm looking forward to the most!⁣ ⁣ I've been giving myself some time to focus on feeling better and getting back to 100% me. It's been nice, but really weird because I'm used to overworking myself so much. Still making progress on Venusaur slowly but surely, of course! I hope everyone is staying safe and doing well.⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #halocosplay #cosplayarmor #cosplayhelmet #evafoamarmor #haloodst #haloodstcosplay #odsthelmet #foamsmith #foamcraft #evafoamcosplay https://www.instagram.com/p/CBeDBApDq5e/?igshid=13d2jyhpgsj2j

[synergycraft]

Venusaur's Vine Whip is done! 🍃🌸🍃🌸🍃⁣ I could not be happier with how this turned out, ESPECIALLY THE HANDLE! Look at those little teethies and eyes!⁣ ⁣ The process for this prop was definitely WEIRD, swipe for a few of the first progress photos! I started with braiding a bunch of twine together, securing with hot glue (chosen because I needed a flexible, easy to use adhesive) and wrapped that with electrical tape. I then created strips from green canvas fabric and adhered them in place. I added 2 shades of green trim and some little flowers made from craft foam and paper Brad's.⁣ ⁣ The handle was sculpted from thermoplastics over a foam base - if you're interested in seeing the sculpting process, I posted a video a little while back. I also have a video on my technique for the Aqua paint job as well, which was used on all my armor for my Venusaur gijinka. I handpainted the details on the handle with acrylic, and sealed with 2 coats of basic aerosol gloss.⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ Hot glue from @surebonder 💚💚💚⁣ Aqua Flash color shift paint & brushed metal rose gold from @plaidfx⁣ #venusaurgijinka #venusaur #pokemongijinka #pokemoncosplay #cosplayprogress #propmaking #cosplayprops #worbla #plaidfx #cosplaypainting #gijinka #hotgluecrafts #sbmakerfamily #handmadecosplay https://www.instagram.com/p/CBWYohujRgI/?igshid=41ubfzxq7ard

[synergycraft]

🌸🍃Progress update on Venusaur!🍃🌸⁣ ⁣ Vine Whip: The handle worbla sculpting has been finished, primed, and white base coat applied. I'll be painting the majority of the handle the same way I painted the armor, then going in with fine tip brushes to detail the eyes, tree trunk, flower, etc.⁣ ⁣ Belt: The tree bark belt scales started as 2mm foam, tediously covered in worbla, and have been primed and given a black base coat. After detail painting, the belt scales will be slid onto a basic belt I made for this, and secured with a plastic clip in the center back. Then it will be time to add the flower "belt buckle" and leaves!⁣ ⁣ I also put together a very primitive washi tape organizer as a personal "chillaxing" craft project. Its made from wood dowels, foam, and foam core board, adhered with hot glue. I have a TON of washi tape (crazy planner girl here, hi!) and had run out of space, even after downsizing, so this is an awesome solution for me! Nothing super fancy, but it gets the job done. Primed with plastidip, threw on some leftover rattlecan purple, glossy sealer, and called it a day. 🙂⁣ ⁣ If you are interested in seeing more of my planner junk, I post my weekly spreads and all things planner/washi/sticker related over on @plannergycraft⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #crafting #cosplaycrafting #cosplaywip #cosprogress #pokemoncosplay #pokemongijinka #venusaur #propmaking #worbla #cosplayprops #workinprogress #pokemonart https://www.instagram.com/p/CAvpDFtjWUa/?igshid=1qvosubmii9im

[synergycraft]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SynergyCraft • Cosplay Artist (@synergycraft)

Super simple rolled hem tutorial for you! I'm not the most experienced seamstress, but I'm self-taught and somehow manage! 😂 Wanted to share this for everyone who's asked for more sewing tips.⁣ ⁣ Mine ended up a bit wider than I wanted, closer to 3/16" when I intended 1/8". The fabric I used is a slippery Chiffon, and will be for a sheer tunic-dress- thing for Venusaur. Chiffon is a notoriously finicky and difficult to work with fabric, but sometimes that's what ya need for your cosplay!⁣ ⁣ A rolled hem is possibly the most standard way to hem this material. By using this hem, you encase the raw edges of the fabric entirely to prevent fraying.⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #sewing #sewingtutorial #cosplaytutorial #cosplaysewing #cosplaytips #sewingtips #learntosew #chiffondress #rolledhem #fashionsewing #sewingfun #sewist #easysewing ⁣#handmadewithjoann https://www.instagram.com/p/CAgYuokDO4f/?igshid=13vf7tffnnssy

[synergycraft]

Finally, the breastplate for Venusaur is done! This project has me thinking about so many other original gijinka designs I'd like to tackle, but for now I'm just happy to approach the finish line with this one.⁣ ⁣ Finishing a cosplay is really, REALLY hard for me without a looming deadline, and I'm sure others can relate. All that's left is the dress/tunic garment, belt, wig styling, and a few simple details. Wish me luck for finding the drive to do all the annoying tasks to get this baby done!⁣ ⁣ If you're interested in seeing how I did the toad-skin texture, I posted a step by step tutorial for the process recently, and I'm happy to answer any questions you might have!⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ Chestplate EVA: @tntcosplaysupply⁣ Leaf EVA: @sksprops⁣ Vinyl: @joann_stores⁣ Paint: Color Shift Aqua Flash and Brushed Metal Rose Gold from @plaidfx⁣ Texture: @surebonder hot glue, foam clay⁣ Primer/Sealer: @rustoleum Filler Primer/Clear Gloss⁣ ⁣ #pokemongijinka #sbmakerfamily #plaidcosplay #plaidfx #breastplate #femalearmor #venusaurcosplay #pokemonarmor #armorbuild #craftyourfandom #cosplaycrafting #prideinthemaking #foamcraft #evafoam #foamarmor #venusaur #venusaurgijinka #costumedesign #handmadewithjoann #workinprogress https://www.instagram.com/p/CARDwNhDwbo/?igshid=1rx3pisj7ax75

[synergycraft]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SynergyCraft • Cosplay Artist (@synergycraft)

Quick tutorial for how to add an iridescent shimmer to your finished props, cosplay armor, or anything at all!⁣ ⁣ The more mica powder you use, the more bold your finished look will be. I am loving finding creative ways to play with mica, not only coloring resin but obviously seeing what it can do when mixed with wet mediums, too. I encourage you to try it out yourself! The Interference Blue shade looks especially beautiful over white.⁣ ⁣ ⁣ Jewelescent Dry Mica Pearl Powder from @usartsupply .⁣ ⁣ #micapowder #tutorialtuesday #cosplaytutorial #paintingtips #arttutorial #iridescent #usartsupply #cosplaypainting #airbrushpainting #shimmerpaint #interferencepaint #cosplaytips #staycreative #diycosplay #diypaint https://www.instagram.com/p/CAGRqVoF-D9/?igshid=a2r57ge8qpf2

[synergycraft]

🍭 My Lollipoppy cosplay means a lot to me... Although its not particularly amazing or complex, doesn't reflect my current skill level, and it's old AF - it has a ton of memories tied to it.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ Many of you found me because of my first tutorial on how to make Lollipoppy's hammer, and it still blows me away how many people I could help with just that one vid, not to mention the other tutorials I've slowly trickled out over time! I never wanna stop helping people learn to make their own cosplays, no matter what. 💖⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ #lollipoppy #poppycosplay #leagueoflegendscosplay #lolcosplay #videogamecosplay #womenwhocosplay #leagueoflegends #craftyourfandom #yordle #midwestcosplayer #cosplaygirl #cosplayselfie #lollipoppycosplay #yordlecosplay #cosplaymakeup #propbuilder https://www.instagram.com/p/CAA4M6xDhQa/?igshid=opwdq48g2mzf

[synergycraft]

Happy Saturday! Here's a look at the handle for Venusaur's shield as well as some WIP of how I made the shield!⁣ ⁣ I used 3-6mm eva foam for this build. The handle is just thicc dowels cut at an angle and epoxy'd together, covered in worbla with worbla Vine Whip detail sculpting. I used my engraving tips for my rotary tool to create the woodgrain detail.⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #cosprogress #shield #cosplayshield #cosplayprops #propmaking #evafoamprops #venusaur #venusaurgijinka #cosplaybuild #gijinka #gijinkaarmor #pokemoncosplay #propbuilder #cosplayprop https://www.instagram.com/p/B_aWvzrD6n3/?igshid=1itndgbzvwr8e

[synergycraft]

🍃🌸Current status of Venusaur's breastplate armor, plus some WIPs of the build!🌸🍃⁣ ⁣ Aaron helped me make a duct tape pattern, which I transferred to builder's paper, then eva foam. I then beveled the edges of the cups and glued them together with contact cement. To create the patterns for the leaves, I covered the cups with masking tape and drew the leaves on, carefully removing the tape and creating darts where necessary to fit the curves. Heat shaping helped with this as well! I painted the leaves with my airbrush and some handpainting before using a 2-part epoxy glue to attach them.⁣ ⁣ The next step for this piece is to attach it to the faux leather base. I dont think I explain the idea super well but trust me it will make sense when its together! 😂⁣ ⁣ Currently working on creating the tutorial video for the texturing, be sure to follow so you dont miss it! 💖⁣⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⚒ Built with eva foam & foam clay from @tntcosplaysupply⁣ 🔫 Textured with hot glue from @surebonder⁣ 🎨 Painted with Color Shift Aqua Flash & Brushed Metal Rose Gold paint from @plaidfx⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #wipwednesday #pokemongijinka #sbmakerfamily #plaidcosplay #plaidfx #breastplate #femalearmor #venusaurcosplay #pokemonarmor #armorbuild #craftyourfandom #cosplaycrafting #foamcraft #evafoam #foamarmor #venusaur #cosplayartist #cosplaypainting #wipcosplay https://www.instagram.com/p/B_S8MqKjcc4/?igshid=bgfqq0hlst70