Monday, August 6, 2012

Lady Vadore Update & Sneak Peek!

An amazing thing happened this past weekend, guys: John and I finished my costume.

Can I get a "Wahoo?!"

I'm sure I'll find ways to add even more detail in the next few weeks, of course, but it's a huge relief to be ready this far in advance of Star Wars Celebration. We tried it all on Saturday night (and I say "we" because I need a LOT of assistance to get in the thing), and then I just hung out, you know, chillin', in my rather restrictive costume for an hour or so to see if I would suffocate or keel over or both.

Happily I did fine, although sitting is an adventure and I had some fascinating marks all over my face and torso afterward. Heh.

One of the reasons this costume has taken so long is that John and I have focused on lots of tiny details you can't really appreciate when you first see the whole thing. So while the following images are, indeed, a complete tease, they're also to show you some of the finer points you might not notice during the grand reveal.

I hope you like them. 







There aren't many fabric trims available in copper, so I applied a copper wash on all the gold button highlights and hand-painted metallic copper strips on all the gold braided trim.



A vintage piece with custom painted filigrees and pale green Swarovski crystal accents. This is probably my favorite part of the whole costume, after the mask, and I can't wait to show you guys what it does.




The feathers flash iridescent green in the light, with a few horizontal veins of purple.

Tiny calling cards (only an inch and a half tall) that John and I designed and printed on a textured linen cardstock. ( I should mention I'm not going to be foisting these off on unsuspecting con-goers; they're actually a part of the costume. You'll see.)

Thanks for all of your help on the name, too, guys; the consensus seemed to be "Vadore" would get the proper pronunciation across.

I have a tutorial coming up for my lightsaber, so look for that soon. In the meantime, I'm already brainstorming what my next project should be! (Don't tell John; he just now got his dining room table back after two months. Ha!) I'm a little steampunked out, so I'm thinking....I dunno....resin jewelry? I've wanted to try mold-making for ages. Or painted sneakers? Or a comic book purse? What do you think, guys - anything you want me to test-try for you?

[In case you missed it, you can see my completed Vader mask (and lots of progress pics!) here.]

46 comments:

  1. Next project you should work on? Steampunk dog Christmas ornaments ;)

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  2. Portal sneakers!

    The sneak peeks look amazing. I'm so sad I won't be at D*Con this year.

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  3. Wahoo! Hope we get to see the full costume soon. :)

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  4. I cant wait to see the whole thing....

    I saw on ETSY, (I cant get to it while at owrk, alas) of people who have made some lovely purses out of the outside hard cover of books - could be cool, looks really easy. (should be able to find it by typing in purse book,) I've been wantign to try them, but havent had time.

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  5. Cool looking stuff! I cant wait to see the whole.

    I saw a project you might be interested in - a book purse. People took hardbound books and turned them into purses - all different sizes and shapes. If you look it up on Etsy it should be easy to find. (cant get to it from work). some beautiful ideas, expecially if you have a book that has damaged pages but the cover is good.

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  6. I hope we get to see you at Celebration! If you get asked for pics by a shy short redhead, probably trailed by a tall guy with long hair, then that's probably me! :D

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  7. Hi Jen- I've followed your blog for a long time now and have never commented before, but let me say I'm just dying to see the full Lady Vadore reveal. Just dying I tell ya!

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  8. Very very cool! I vote for resin jewelry next; I've always wanted to try it & would love to get some insider tips!

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  9. Wow, I can't wait for the big reveal, because the teasers are absolutely spectacular!

    I tried my hand at resin jewelry in May (made sprinkle-filled jewelry for my daughter's sprinkle-themed birthday party), and it was a lot of fun. Doesn't take up much space on the dining room table, either. ;-)

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  10. OMG OMG OMG I can't wait to see this!!!

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  11. OKAY THIS IS JUST MEANNN! :D So looking forward to seeing the full awesomeness!

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  12. AHHH!!! The anticipation is killing me!

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  13. Have you ever done anything with polymer clay? I was thinking about starting to make my own nerdy jewelry (since its probably cheaper and more fun!), but I have no idea how!

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  14. Laminate or otherwise-hardify comics for a purse! Yes! Genius!

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  15. OMG - I LOVE IT!!! And I cannot wait to see it in person at our very first Con. :) As for next craft... ever tried torch-fired enameled jewelry?? Glass + metal is pretty awesome....

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  16. I can't wait to find you at CVI!

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  17. I would think resin jewelry would be up your alley since you did such a superlative job on your penny desk. Something like this http://www.stylehive.com/bookmark/fern-works-fernworks-resin-jewelry-faryn-davis-necklace-art-relish-173815 looks pretty cool-cherry blossom design and it looks like chicken wire for the tree limbs.

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  18. I already adore your Lady Vadore.
    So, when do we get to see the entire Costume of Awesomeness?

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  19. Jen, you are a fantastic tease! I can't wait to see the whole thing!

    SINCE you're taking requests: I would really like the resin jewelry project, please.

    Although, a comic book purse sounds divine!

    Andrea

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  20. Book purse please! Comic or otherwise!

    I am already starting to ponder Halloween costumes cause that's the only time I get to geek out - no cons within 5 hours of where I live and with 2 kids and my SO not being near as much of a geek as I am, but I don't put near this much effort into it! I'd have to wear it every year if I did! The teases look fantastic!

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  21. painted sneakers would be AWESOME. I've had a pair of plain white sneakers for a year now and I want desperately to do something cool with them but I'm not sure where to start

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  22. I can't wait to see the whole costume!

    I would love to be able to do crafts like you do.... (sigh)... I'm just not good at it and have no time for it anyway... Maybe in another life!

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  23. "Tease" is right! How could you do that to us?! At least give us a date and time for the big reveal so's we can set our calendars!

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  24. These little shots look amazing, and I can't wait to see the whole thing! Though I appreciate the little detail shots, because those are often ultimately my favorite parts of epic costumes.

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  25. Jen did a book purse tutorial on June 29, 2011 on Epbot. Epbot book purse

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  26. How about tricking out a build a bear ? ;u)

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  27. I vote for any or all of the things you mentioned. Been wanting to try my hand at all three of those (resin, shoe painting- even have a pair of shoes to paint, and making a comic book purse).

    If I had to pick one, I think it'd be purse, because I'm interested to see your approach. My original thought was to scan/photoshop some comic panels/characters I liked, then print it onto fabric (to make it more durable)- buuuuut, I've also thought about using comics straight out of the store and covering them with vinyl. Anyhow, would love to see your take!

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  28. I've been meaning to try all three of those projects.

    If I have to choose, I choose purse- because I have two ideas on how to do one, but I'm too chicken. And I'm interested to see your approach.

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  29. Lovely, I can't wait to see the full reveal!

    As far as new crafts go, my husband is going to make me a hope chest (2' x 2' x 3' ish) to hold all of our wedding keepsakes. I pressed some flowers from my bouquet, and want to arrange them on the lid... currently thinking with a spray "glue," arranging them, and then some kind of spray sealer. Any suggestions at all would be very helpful, I don't want to ruin it!

    Thanks!

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  30. I can't wait to see the final product. Are you going to wear it at Dragon*Con too? I've never felt the need to ambush you there, but I might this year if you're dressed in that costume! If you see a crazed Amy Farrah Fowler coming your way (with a tiara!), run!

    You mentioned painting sneakers - so I thought I would point you to this. http://dragoncon.livejournal.com/2927140.html
    I know Mel, she is great. I think they would be beyond honored to have Epbot sneakers to auction!

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  31. I'm dying to see this!! Then, I want you to make me a steampunk costume. Cause I could never make one as awesome as you could!

    I have nowhere to wear it, but that doesn't stop me from wearing my HP or Doctor Who get ups. :)

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  32. Oh yeah, and I'm all for the painted sneakers idea. I've been planning my sneaker design for a bit now, but haven't actually ventured into the process yet.

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  33. Arg, now I'm SUPER excited to see the grand reveal! Please don't keep us all in suspense for too long! Please? *Pretty* please?

    I vote for resin jewelry. I've added that to my "future craft projects that sound fun" list of things to try eventually. And I'd dearly love to see what you come up with before I take the plunge. :D

    But anything you try is always fun to read about.

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  34. Your Lady Vadore costume must be AMaZinG! Can't wait to see it!

    Maybe for your next project you could try out something you pinned on Pintrest? i personally have been wanting to try a DIY shrinky dink bracelet or necklace charm :)

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  35. Resin jewelry! I've been buying clearance metal frame-type pendants at craft stores, painting them with amazing sparkly nail polishes, putting small items in there, and filling with resin. Beautiful. The shine and depth that comes with putting resin over glitter nail polish is amazing.

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  36. woman I'm dying here! I cant wait to see the full splendor of your costume!

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  37. Can't wait to see the entire ensemble! The details are amazing. Thank you for sharing!

    As for your next project, the comic book purse sounds good. Your hardcover book purses were really cute. Or if you have any ideas for making something fantastic out of old board games?

    I have the boards for Monopoly, Life and Sorry laying about waiting for some inspiration. On Pinterest I've seen boxes made from monopoly boards, but that seems kind of "blah" to me. I'm hoping for something with more pizzazz.

    Whatever you decide, it'll be great since you're so craftastic!

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  38. PUHLEEEEEEZE sport this at D*C this year! DYING to see it!!

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  39. Your next project? Do you like strappy sandals? Please figure out how to make these, so you can show all of us!
    http://www.mohop.com/gallery.htm

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  40. I've been intrigued by papercrafts lately....

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  41. Have you seen the tutorial for a homemade howler? It's super complicated, but looks fun all the same. :D

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  42. Wahoo! These details look absolutely gorgeous. Can't wait to see the final result! Genius idea to make the calling cards, such a great easy marketing tool! :)

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  43. Just saw this adorable print on Etsy & made me think of your Lady Vadore

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/73827320/lady-vader-star-wars-fancy-dress-5x7-art?ref=sr_gallery_13&ga_search_query=star+wars+dress&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_page=5&ga_search_type=all

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  44. can't wait! You have really awesome projects. and thank you so much for the advice on costumes!
    -E

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