#i used fabric glue to make her as i didn't know how to sew very well at the time... but now i'm much better at it!!!

[smile-files]

i think i have time over break to make a sock puppet!!! i'll go look at our sock and felt inventories :)

[notnights]

your gangle cosplay is really cool, do you have any tips for someone trying to make their own?

Thank you! I appreciate it. And it depends on what you're going for with it! I've seen a lot of different Gangle cosplayers with different interpretations which are creative and fun to make I imagine! So I can't really advise any specifics on crafting etc since I don't know what you're going for.

For me when I cosplay I want to get as "accurate" as I can with the character design. I unfortunately am not very good at sewing and shaping and stuff but you can see that didn't stop me, I made it as well as I could. And Gangle is obviously one of the more difficult characters I've ever decided to cosplay so wasn't ever going to be accurate with her unless I did like... a puppet method or something. (From my understanding this falls under the "creature" cosplay category?)

Idk if these will help at all, but it's good to start with visualizing ideas you want to try for before hand:

Ideas for a Navi, Bill Cipher and Gir from Invader ZIM cosplays that went no where.

Thinking outside the box also helps in the sense of, other forms of crafting, skills or items, you wouldn't think to use might help with what you're making!

Examples:

I used fursuit methods to help build my NiGHTS cosplay, I also used quilting methods to help make Gangle's ribbon limbs.

When making Circus Baby I wanted an exhaust fan that actually spun, turns out there are plenty of tutorials on how to make your own fidget spinners so used that method to make a light weight one out of cardboard and pennies for that piece! When making Gangle 2.0 to keep the shape I wanted to infuse wire into the edges of the ribbon limbs. The best method for this would have been to hand sew floral wire to an extra piece of fabric with fishing wire, then sew that one in with the edges of the the limbs. I however was only 1 and a half week away from a con and still had a ton of pieces to finish so I got a bunch of cheap wired ribbon, and infused those inside the limbs. (Kept the shape well enough but I'm at the point where I want to remake them again lol.)

Instead of using traditional adhesives like hot glue, maybe something like silicon adhesive can be used and other more hardware based unities can be used. Hardware stuff in general helps. Similar stuff they sell at craft stores can often be found cheaper at hardware stores. I've had the benefit that my father is a handyman so I grew up with a lot of that tool usage, and loved going to hardware stores with him because sometimes I'd find something that would make me be like "WAIT I CAN USE THIS For that art project I've been trying to do."

This admittedly also comes from my doll customization hobby, which believe it or not, has a lot of power tool usage to make those pretty little dolls! Some of these things I used for my Gangle. Making cute ribbon outfits or bows for dolls, you have to burn the edges of the ribbon you've cut, least it fray (in Gangle 1.0. each ribbon you see has been lovely burnt by candle LOL) when Gangle 2.0's ribbon fabric it would run after getting snagged on stuff, I made a "sealer" I'd use for making doll wigs. Watered down glue (this case Modge podge because its already watery) and painted it over any places that would receive a lot of friction as the solution admitted made the satin a tiny bit duller so didn't want to paint the whole thing with it.

Sometimes you can use the methods/shapes from existing clothing to help you make what you want. When I made my NiGHTS cosplay I found a little decorative halloween jester hat which I used as a reference to make a pattern for NiGHTS' hat/horns.

Speaking of, and also in relation to that hardware thing. Thrift shops are a great way to find random pieces of stuff you think can help with your project especially if they're going to be items you cut up/modify anyways. I wanted the illusion of floating when making my NiGHTS and musing about a Tatsumaki cosplay so wanted to use tacky clear platform heels to make it happen lol. And thrift shops have a ton of used shoes. I only needed the platform part and remove the straps so didn't need anything brand new. While I didn't find clear ones at the time I did find other platforms that helped with my NiGHTS, the feet were so big on the costume it shadowed the heels anyways and kept the illusion. (bonus concept of that Tatsumaki idea)

When I needed a squeaker for a cosplay piece I just bought a 99 cent dog toy and disemboweled it for one. In the same kind of "cheat" I just got a wielding mask, removed the mask part, and attached my Gangle mask to it to make a way method to take it on and off.

Anyways that was a lot of examples, but they're times when my dumb dumb brain was like "wait!!! I don't have to do this the hard way and get what I'm looking for!!" and it saved me from said hard way of getting what I wanted.

[madderruz]

thank u for postin wips of ya falin cosplay i been wanting to do her for so long but had no idea where to even start, actively taking notes as you make it!

amazing work cant wait to see how it all turns out

Absolutely I'm glad to help!! Here's some detail stuff that isn't really clear from the photos:

-the shirt that I'm wearing is actually a shirt and a shrug. The shrug is a stretchy knit fabric that I glued probably close to 800 real feathers on. Initially I used that quick dry fabric glue and it worked for some of them, but going forward I think I'm gonna switch to hot glue, just because it does have to move a lot in the process of putting it on.

The other shirt is a layer of power mesh sewed to a lace back (I decided to do lace for the back because in a lot of references theres feathers but you can also see her musculature like shoulder blades etc. So I figured something lacy and see thru would work best there.) And then theres a feather ish fabric sewn to the power mesh on the front. Keeping the brood patch visible was very important to me, but I don't want my stomach hanging out, hence the mesh.

The reason I did a shirt and a shrug instead of just a long sleeve shirt is because, if necessary, the shrug is there to hide any sort of harnessing that may be needed to keep the body (the centaur ass as I call it) level. It's not clear if I'll actually Need the harness because the body and the back legs are being made in a way that they'll just kinda roll across the ground as they move. The original plan was to have them completely articulated, but with the weight of it all its just not possible.

- if you do make this and need to make the digitigrade pants, MAKE A DUCT TAPE DUMMY to get your pattern!! If every fursuit maker on earth does it YOU DO IT TOO. I didn't do it and trying to get the pattern off of that myself was a maaajor pain.

- the stilts are flashy, they're the major thing people notice, but they are NOT without risk and need for training. The ones I have I made myself with dad's help following a build log from Willow Creative and a buunch of other videos, instructables, etc. There's a lot of ways to do them. I used aluminum slats, but wood is a cheaper, easier to work with choice, and there are many videos and tutorials for how to do it with wood.

The way that mine are built, with the toe stop, there is quite a bit of pressure on the front of your foot. If you have experience with high heels you'll probably have a better time than me. I've walked on the fronts of my feet forever, and I regularly roller blade, and even then after about 20 minutes my feet will start to ache. I'm hoping if I work with them like any other exercise they'll get easier, but who knows. I'd definitely say if you Want the look but without the hassle, look into pure digitigrade padding and fursuiting. It's still a hassle just in a different way lol.

Thank you once again!! There's a lot of ways to do these, and you could even make one in a way where all of its on your body (like wings with a shoulder harness, tail with a belt), or I've seen some where it was more translated to a dress....it's all cosplay! It's for fun! I'm a crazy person and making this for a contest so keep that in mind lol!! If you do ever make yours, send it to me!!!!

One last thing, if you have a cosgear account, I'm on there at Maltrock !!

[postwarlevi]

Masquerade

Content: 2.4k words of trying to figure out who is the one you are meeting at a party. (barely proof read! Forgive me. A little rushed and simple but please enjoy)

"A ball?" You wonder.

"A masquerade!" Sasha squeals.

"At whose place?" Did you hear right?

"The new girl, Pieck!"

"And, we're invited?" You don't know her very well.

"Everyone is invited!" Sasha was not officially invited but assumes at this point it's an open invitation.

"Well, it's not at her place. She's renting a hall out." Sasha clarifies now that she's taken it down a notch.

"Oh?" You question. That sounds expensive. Just where is she from?

"Don't worry! We're creative. Besides, no one I know has enough funds for an elaborate costume. Fabrics store, here we come!" And when Sasha says you're creative, she means you.

It all sounds fun and soon you here people talking about it and decide you'd like to go, so spend half an afternoon with Sasha and another friend Historia getting supplies.

The day before the party it's all anyone can talk about and you're busy putting costumes together.

"Okay, I need a break." You say after all the cutting and gluing and sewing. Most of your outfit is done and you still need to put accessories on the mask.

The three of you go to a local coffee shop and get some snacks, sitting on a comfy community couch.

"I haven't talked to anyone else lately, who else is coming?" You ask of some of the others you usually hang out with. Everyones been so busy it's hard to keep up. It's no wonder people are looking forward to tomorrow.

"Most everyone I think is going to be there." Sasha confirms she talked to Connie earlier.

The last week everyone you usually see and hang out with has been doing their own thing either separately or in other smaller groups and you haven't been able to keep up.

"Hello." You hear a sweet voice to the side of you and look up, seeing Pieck herself.

Even in the cooler weather she's in a long skirt and sandals. She seems a little odd but nice enough.

"I'm glad you are coming." She says with a smile.

"Us too, thank you so much!" Historia smiles back.

"Oh, I have something for you." Pieck says your name and you are shocked she even knows it.

"Thank you." You say taking an envelope from her.

Just than her name is called and she waves goodbye and goes towards a blonde man with slicked back hair who you realize has been staring.

So, her friends are peculiar too, apparently.

"What is it?" Historia asks excitedly.

"Why didn't I get one?" Sasha asks and Historia rolls her eyes and shushes her as you open the envelope to find a beautiful card.

"Thankfully you didn't." You say wide eyed as you read the first line. Sasha boyfriend would be none to happy otherwise.

It's from someone, you're not sure who, who would like to meet at the party.

"A secret admirer?!" Historia can't contain herself as she reads over your shoulder.

"Who?!" Sasha doesn't even hear the 'secret' part as she tries to snatch it out of your hand.

"Stop it!" You push her hand away and hold it closer as you read, trying not to blush.

"Hello milady…" It starts. And continues on about how this person feels about you, and that you're both going to be at the party and they will be waiting for you all night, and if you'd like to meet, as the clock strikes eleven all will be revealed if you are standing alone by the main centerpiece.

"Oh my gosh!" Historia and Sasha finally get you to read it out loud and can't stop gushing.

"Who do you think it is?" You ask them both.

You've never gotten anything like this and your nerves seem to be louder than any other emotion, no matter how nice this is.

The girls are more excited than you as you talk about this letter and as you make it back from the shop your hands can't seem to still enough for you to decorate your mask. Thankfully you have help though.

"Don't be nervous!" Historia says as she glues pieces for you.

"Easy for you to say!" You insist.

"Who do you hope it is?" Sasha asks THE question, instead of continuing guessing.

"I…don't know." Who could it be? There is one, maybe. But no, you won't let yourself jump right to that.

You think of those who are attached and rule them out. No Niccolo, Armin, Ymir.

Connie? No, you two are close friends, nothing more.

Jean? Same there. You two joke because you can and are comfortable.

Eren? Hmm… he's a flirt, but no. He's been in an on again off again relationship that no doubt would work out.

Reiner? You barely know him, but he's said hello a few times. He seems to have a thing for Historia though, much to Ymirs great dislike.

What about the the one staring at you today with Pieck? You don't even think you know his name.

Later with your costumes finished you say your goodbyes and somehow get a good night sleep, dreaming about what awaits.

"Hello! You look amazing!" The next evening Pieck greets you at the front door of the massive hall already holding many people.

You all match in simple ball gowns, Historia in red, Sasha in purple, and you in green, all dark tones with some black. Your masks match your dresses.

"You too!" Historia says as Pieck pulls her, then Sasha, and finally you, into a quick hug.

Pieck is dressed exquisitely in dark blue and silver and it's hard not to feel plain next to something that obviously was not stitched together by an armature. But, she seems sincere in her compliment.

You know Historia and Sasha feel good about your costumes and try not to be your own worst critic. Honestly, after taking a deep breath, you feel a little more optimistic.

As you all walk in Pieck puts a hand on arm. "Don't be nervous."

"So, you know." You have been wondering if she did.

"I know enough. They asked for a bit of help. I know it'll all work out." It's easy to believe her and you are more at ease and looking forward to enjoying your evening.

The hostess goes to greet more people multiple times before finally staying in the main room.

You're in awe at the decorations and other costumes. Everyone looks almost regal.

You stick with who you came with for a bit before they're swept away by their partners.

"We'll be around!" Historia promises not to leave you alone all night.

"Don't worry, go!" You smile and wave. You'll be fine.

You watch everyone dancing or talking and try to figure out who you know. It's hard to tell when everyones masks on.

"Pardon."

You turn to see a man holding out a white flower to you. Your heart skips but you realize it's too early and you are not at the right spot for your meeting.

"H-hello." You say hesitantly. He has the wrong person.

"For you." He pushes the flower towards you but you fist your hands, making him smirk.

"It's not from me." He explains.

Oh. Then, you notice his hair. The thing not hidden behind his outfit.

"Oh! You were with Pieck the other day!" The creepy staring one.

"Well, I'm with Pieck now." He bobs the flower up and down and you finally take it.

"You're in on this too?" You try not to blush but feel you might be a little red.

He gently takes your arm and leads you onto the dance floor. "I guess. I was told to keep you company for a bit."

Turning to face you he holds a hand out. "This alright?" He is asking you to dance.

"A little weird." You admit but, why not?

So without crushing the flower in one hand, he pulls you in hold.

"Names Galliard by the way." He's pretty sure you don't know that.

So you step and turn and dance and Galliard has a comment once in a while. Just when you're getting the hang of things the song changes and he stops on the edge of the dance floor.

"Well, I hope this wasn't too awkward for you. Good luck." He does a slight bow and you watch as he sprints over to and up the stairs where Pieck greets him with a kiss.

He pulls away and says something and they both turn and spot you, Pieck giving a wave and a smile.

You wave back as you are on your own again. Looking around you spot two blondes dancing which can only be Annie and Armin. You are pretty sure you hear Historias giggle somewhere but can't see her.

"Hello." And there's another voice, and you freeze again for a moment before turning.

"Connie?" You recognize him straight away and he laughs.

He also has a white flower to give you.

"You're in on this?" You raise an eyebrow and he shrugs.

"All I now is this is yours and may I have this dance?" He gives you the flower and you are dancing again.

"When did you get here?" You ask, relaxed with your friend.

You talk and waltz (not perfectly) and catch up from the last week.

And then, just like before, you see something click for him and a new song starts and he's got you off the floor.

"We'll hang this weekend, yeah?" Connie tells you and you watch as in the swarm of people he finds Niccolo and Sasha, making you chuckle.

What next?

"Good evening." You feel yourself smile at the new voice and giggle when you see who it is.

"Armin?!" He smiles back and hands you another white flower.

"What is going on?" You ask, looking around to see who else might be near.

"Annie knows why I'm here, come on." He lets you know his partner is cool with all this and Armin is smiling as much as you are.

"You know." You state and he nods but won't say anything more. So, he does know who it is.

White flower four comes from Reiner. The big guy is a little awkward on the dance floor but you don't mind.

The little bit you get to spend with him, you find out he's really very nice.

"We'll have to hang out sometime." He says.

"Yes. Thank you." You tell him. It's sweet of everyone to be doing whatever this plan is.

You are soon left alone again and just as you go to look at the standing clock to check the time, a pair of hands cover your eyes from behind.

"Not yet." A voice insists, making you sigh.

You turn to find bright green eyes and pulled back hair.

"Eren. Hi." You half expected to see him at some point.

"Number five." He's keeping count as well as he hangs you the next flower.

"How many more?" You ask and he shrugs.

"It's getting pretty late." He mentions as he takes you in hold.

How your flowers aren't getting smashed when you are having a hard time holding your arm up another mystery of tonight.

It's near the end of another song you realize he's putting you in a specific place as he leaves you.

"See you." He says with a smile.

Another sigh passes your lips. It's just before eleven.

Right under the clock another man with a white flower is waiting.

His mask covers much more of his face and he's waiting for you to come to him.

You try to pick up on any identifies but even squinting can't tell.

So you head forward with your flowers and step to him just as the clock hits eleven.

"Number six." You say as he hands you the flower.

He gently reaches out and brushes your hair back.

You know the cologne he's wearing.

"Do you know the purpose of six white roses?" He asks, and you know that voice.

"Jean." You let out a breath. It's him. It's eleven. It must be him!

"One through five signifies different types of love." He speaks as you listen intently.

"Love at first sight, nothing will stand between us, I love you."

As he explains he lets you take off the mask covering his face, revealing underneath one covering just his eyes, like yours. Somewhere in your mind you realize somehow his costume matches yours.

"And six?" You want to know.

You hear him gulp. He's still nervous. "I want to be yours."

That's all it takes and your arms are around his neck, flowers tickling his ear as his arms go around your waist.

"Yes. Yes!" You repeat and he laughs.

You pull back and crash your lips into his, taking him by surprise.

"All of this?!" You almost scream as you forcefully break away.

"You didn't like it?" He is out of breath.

"I…didn't know. It didn't have to be all this. I'm, not mad. I just didn't know." You ramble a little bit.

"So, next time I wanna tell you something maybe I should just say it?" He teases.

You thrust the flowers at him.

"You can, but it better be good." You make it known you will accept nothing less.

He nods. "You happy it's me?" He can't believe the outcome.

"So happy." You nod as well and pull him in for another kiss, silencing any doubt he has left.

"But why did you have me dancing with all the guys?" That has you confused.

"I wanted to make sure you had a good time. You like dancing." He knows that about you.

"Only with you from now on." You make clear.

Jean nods and mumbles an 'okay' as he kisses you.

"How'd all this happen, anyway?" You wonder how he got everyone involved.

"It was a long week without you. Let's enjoy the rest of the night." He'll explain later how he met Pieck and they got others involved. And just how long he's been wanting to do this.

As you both head into the center of the room, together this time, you spot those who assisted and are cheering you on. Sasha and Historia are also nearby with Niccolo and Ymir, rooting you on as well.

You'll ask them later how much they knew.

As you pass Pieck she reaches out and takes the flowers from Jean so you two can dance together. You'll have to thank her for her part in this.

The next song starts and you and Jean hold each other close.

"I love you." You whisper, confirming what you already knew.

"I love you." He says after a moment, wondering if he'll get used to you saying that.

"So, what do you have planned for Christmas?" You joke, both of you laughing as he tries not so elegantly to dip you.

"You'll have to wait and see."

Whatever it is, you look forward to it.

a/n- one day I will write an established relationship with this man. But not today! Also, first time featuring warriors in a story?? :)