tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post1873397554173857621..comments2024-03-14T03:43:02.583-04:00Comments on EPBOT: Epbot Exemplars: Little Red, the Ranger, & More Real Heroes of Cosplay Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-77842946801635426452016-03-15T19:58:17.839-04:002016-03-15T19:58:17.839-04:00could someone tell me how to make a cloak like Ann...could someone tell me how to make a cloak like Annes? that is the awesomest ranger cloak i've ever seen and would like to make one of my own. how did she colour it and what material is it made of?maddie khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08872920434812606921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-81053593291501173942014-01-18T02:46:16.709-05:002014-01-18T02:46:16.709-05:00Yes, yesssss! EXcellent! Soon our evil plan shall ...Yes, yesssss! EXcellent! Soon our evil plan shall come to fruition!<br /><br />Uh...<br /><br />I mean awesome! :)Storm the Klingonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-53842928299874331642014-01-17T12:06:11.422-05:002014-01-17T12:06:11.422-05:00Sent an email to the volunteer coordinator asking ...Sent an email to the volunteer coordinator asking for my contact info to be passed on to you.<br /><br />Yet Another JennAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-13591352812984663332014-01-17T04:24:49.033-05:002014-01-17T04:24:49.033-05:00NO WAY CUT IT OUT! This is CRAZY, I bet I either k...NO WAY CUT IT OUT! This is CRAZY, I bet I either know you or know people who do!<br /><br />Our next class is on the 25th, but it's already pretty intensely info-filled for the two hour timeslot; we're finally getting into eye make-up, and an actual pro is coming in to work with the kids, and they're really excited about it. Hell, so am I; what faux queen/drag mother couldn't use a few new tricks and tips? That's already gonna be like herding a bunch of festive kittens and putting eyeglitter on them, so maybe not then.<br /><br />It's every two weeks, so the one after that is Feb. 8th; let me check with the other teacher and see what we've got going that day? We try to alternate each week, one week it's a make-up/hair or costuming theme, the next week, it'll be more discussion based; those tend to be less rigidly scheduled for time (the make-up and wig folks are on tight schedules on Saturdays!). Now, as how to get a hold of us... if you go to the Center's site, there's an option to click on for info on/links to (IIRC?) the Youth Center (which is on Park Blvd. and Robinson Ave.) The more the merrier, we'd be glad to have you!<br /><br />(BTW, if I'm honest? I'm more than a little dismayed at how little costuming is going on in this class, as are several of the students. I'm thinking of starting a spin-off/adjunct sorta class that's just costuming and clothes. My best friend has degrees in fashion and costume design, and is about to get another in special education, and has offered lots of help, but he will also be very busy at his new teaching job. Soooo... don't be surprised if I try to recruit you into my Big Gay Agenda ;)<br /><br />Your New Pal,<br /><br />Storm<br /><br />(Hey, Jen, look at you! Bringing nerd costumer mom-types together to help the nerdkids with your funny little blog! Try and talk yourself and/or this blog down in front of me ever again, and I'll give ya a cyber-rap 'round yer ear-hole! ;)Storm the Klingonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-79662011410371272392014-01-16T12:54:51.497-05:002014-01-16T12:54:51.497-05:00Storm
We live in Clairemont. We used to live wit...Storm<br /><br />We live in Clairemont. We used to live within walking distance of the Center. My son's school is the one that marches in the Parade every year.<br /><br />When is the next class? <br /><br />Yet Another JennAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-83693415465237032014-01-16T03:17:31.189-05:002014-01-16T03:17:31.189-05:00It's sad but true. The kids in my class who we...It's sad but true. The kids in my class who were born girls but prefer to present/live as boys were always told they could dress as they wanted, that it was just a "tomboy phase" they were going through. It wasn't until they reached adolescence and wanted to present as a male 24/7 that the adults started crying about what happened to their sweet little girl? And most of the boys who dress as girls will tell you that they were constantly told not to wear/do ANYTHING "feminine" because it was unmanly and would somehow turn them queer. Yes, I have kids and drag queen friends who played girly dress-up as a kid and still do it as a grown-up, but I also know plenty of straight men that "played female" as kids and are now straight "manly men". (shrug) People are goofy.<br /><br />Cheers, thanks for being gendercool,<br /><br />StormStorm the Klingonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-43235950002429759012014-01-16T03:07:50.397-05:002014-01-16T03:07:50.397-05:00Girl, you and your son are now heroes to my kids; ...Girl, you and your son are now heroes to my kids; they greeted his image with a hearty "HELLS YEAH! WERRRRRK!" If you're ever in the San Diego area, you and he are more than welcome, if for no other reason than to provide a living example of unconditional love (and impressive improvisational costuming skillz!). Please, give him a big hug from me and all my kids, and then make him hug you back for us? Cheers!<br /><br />Re: you local LGBT Center and Gay Youth Projects; our Youth Center is an adjunct of our main LGBT Center, a separate, nearby space where the kids can feel a little more comfortable without all the crustydusty oldymoldies burning their collective buzz. Not all cities have a Youth Center that's separate from the main center; some have their youth activities/programs at the main center, and some, sad to say, have no gay youth programs at all. Who can say... maybe YOU can start a costuming/sewing class for them in your community? They are SO exuberantly young and creative, it makes me forget how old I am for a few hours a month.<br /><br />Pleating... by Bowie's sacred crotch, pleating is a mighty PITA. Good on you for tackling it! ;)<br /><br />Your New Pal,<br /><br />StormStorm the Klingonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-46082807041689008932014-01-14T10:42:47.596-05:002014-01-14T10:42:47.596-05:00So love these posts - adults and kids being fearle...So love these posts - adults and kids being fearless and cool :)Rhonanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-89162197969743799562014-01-13T00:51:09.053-05:002014-01-13T00:51:09.053-05:00These exemplar posts are always some of my favorit...These exemplar posts are always some of my favorites. I love seeing these kids being themselves and parents that encourage it. My mom always encouraged me to be myself but not everyone gets that kind of support and they should. These kids and parents are truly inspiring and I really hope that I can live up to the awesomeness of these parents with my two kids. :D Also thanks for sharing the plus-size cosplayer article. I hadn't seen it before and it is amazing. Bitten Usagihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06523524812432520021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-39391323280084668202014-01-12T18:58:45.162-05:002014-01-12T18:58:45.162-05:00Wow, I'm stoked to learn this is a thing. It&#...Wow, I'm stoked to learn this is a thing. It's much more my speed than full-on cosplay. fjionnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18441933209014391410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-86364641758435027192014-01-11T15:45:02.005-05:002014-01-11T15:45:02.005-05:00That Red Hiding Hood is the most adorable thing ev...That Red Hiding Hood is the most adorable thing ever! Also loving Ada Lovelace.<br /><br />You really want to see my Monster High collection? Okay, let me getting to dusting real fast, you might regret it later. :)Zombie Edwardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17437368075850908327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-66164532445905929822014-01-11T11:14:23.373-05:002014-01-11T11:14:23.373-05:00So impressed by our boy Ada! What a guy! And what ...So impressed by our boy Ada! What a guy! And what a mum.Alicia Foodycathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11931796992646884249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-34759822538538440352014-01-10T15:28:00.695-05:002014-01-10T15:28:00.695-05:00Ha, I wouldn't say he is without influence - I...Ha, I wouldn't say he is without influence - I'm in IT, too! (from costumer to IT...long story)<br /><br />Yet Another JennAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-64096857071708534892014-01-10T15:19:59.859-05:002014-01-10T15:19:59.859-05:00I always hated how much rarer it is for a guy to d...I always hated how much rarer it is for a guy to dress as a girl character (in a serious non silly/funny/comic way) the it is for a girl to dress as a guy character. I have a bunch of young nephews (no nieces) who are all very creative wonderful little boys (ages 1-6) who love to dress up. The difference being when the 5yo little guy on one side of my family wanted to be Dora the Explorer (his favorite for a while) his folks freak out, but when the 6yo on the other side of my family constantly dresses up as both (or a non-descript) gender characters his parents don't even bat an eyelash. Both sides of the family however have absolutely no problem when the females want to dress as guys. It is a kind of weird double standard that I see a lot. Encourage girls to be who they want, especially fearless strong characters, but God forbid a little boy wants to show his support or love for a feminine character! All of this to say to the boy who not only knew who Ada Lovelace was, but respected and admired her enough to want to be her for Halloween (in a non ironic, totally tribute like manner) and his family for supporting him I say you guys are all awesome and I can't wait until everybody can dress like, admire, and like whoever and whatever they want.NGHJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06359683559988622023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-13448861059037432092014-01-10T15:08:25.387-05:002014-01-10T15:08:25.387-05:00OMG, Storm, can I come teach class with you? My so...OMG, Storm, can I come teach class with you? My son will probably want to come, too, and he'll wear the costume again. That sounds like fun!!! (Note to self: check out our local Center). <br /><br />And, I totally agree on the re-purposing, and was going to go that route, but I happened to have all the fabric I needed in my stash, and, you know, it HAD been a while since I'd done cartridge pleating....<br /><br />Yet Another Jenn<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-39526126280756457382014-01-10T14:11:45.474-05:002014-01-10T14:11:45.474-05:00Jen, if you have way I can contact Brianna, can yo...Jen, if you have way I can contact Brianna, can you share it? I don't do Facebook but am more than willing to help her sew her next Cosplay costume. I am an Costume Designer in CT who works with H.S. kids. I currently have 1/3 of the Anime club on my costume crew! I'll check back on this entry for your reply.Samnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-43038882304201787362014-01-10T13:27:52.900-05:002014-01-10T13:27:52.900-05:00What makes a successful cosplay? I went to NYCC as...What makes a successful cosplay? I went to NYCC as the Tardis with only a modded royal blue peplum dress and top hat (and galaxy print leggings/shoes, because galaxy print). I was completely blown away by the collective reaction to my outfit. I'm not a box. I do not have straight edges, but people still loved it.<br /><br />And after seeing that comment about a neon green Tardis, I'm thinking that I should totally get a group together, with everyone as a different color Tardis and make a Tardis rainbow. That would be SO AWESOME. Anyone wanna do it with me? :DKim @ Treats and Trinketshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15834413831297148254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-55260752788717800782014-01-10T11:44:30.750-05:002014-01-10T11:44:30.750-05:00Thanks for a lovely post, Jen! You continue to be...Thanks for a lovely post, Jen! You continue to be an inspiration to me, dear.Delilahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04305544600791569495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-20111355823157002102014-01-10T11:36:44.598-05:002014-01-10T11:36:44.598-05:00What Misti said!!What Misti said!!Rnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-25150789029148274772014-01-10T11:29:36.430-05:002014-01-10T11:29:36.430-05:00The most successful cosplayers are the ones who ha...The most successful cosplayers are the ones who have FUN.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-42804897010676605972014-01-10T07:01:19.859-05:002014-01-10T07:01:19.859-05:00As a plus-sized costumer, I have never, ever told ...As a plus-sized costumer, I have never, ever told someone that they should not do a character that was a different size or race, because that's crap. However, as a large woman and a designer, I will speak up if my friend is planning on a design that is unflattering to a full figure (for example: Empire-line dresses, the ones where the skirt comes out from right under your boobs? Over a certain size, it WILL look like a maternity dress and people WILL ask when you're due), and suggest ways to tweek it a little to fit/look better. Because there is both joy and pride in hearing that your costume is spot-on and knowing that you are representing both the character AND full-figured fans. It's a damn shame, but just like in The Real World, if you're a big person and you dress up for anything, some hater is gonna pick the low-hanging fruit and comment on your size to prove how awesome and witty they are. You either gotta roll with it and ignore them because you KNOW you look GOOD ("Water off a duck's back", as one of my favorite drag queens chants), or be ready with a snappy comeback/burn. "I'm sorry, you must have me confused with your mama. She must be SO proud of you." always works for me in a pinch/hurry.<br /><br />LOVING that so many folks new to costuming and/or sewing are going the thrift store reconstruction route! Because let me tell you as someone who CAN sew from scratch and chooses not to whenever possible, sewing from scratch is for chumps! Between the cost of fabric and the time it takes just to cut everything out (WHAT a major time-suck! I get down on the floor to cut out a pattern and the next thing I know, like 2 or 3 hours has gone by and The Vulcan and The Pug want their dinner!), it really is easier and cheaper to find some awesome pieces at the thrift store, repurpose (like Red's former-skirt-cape!) them with some extra fabric and trims, and call it a day. Especially if you're trying to do a jacket or coat; those are a particular PITA to do from scratch. No shame in the reconstruction game, you're still designing, still creating, and still sewing. You're just making it easier and cheaper.<br /><br />Also just wanted you, Yet Another Jenn, and her wonderful son to know: I'm showing this post to my kids/students in my Drag101 class at the Gay Youth Center on Saturday. Most of the kids are gay or bi, but there are a few that just want to dress as the opposite gender on occasion, even though they're straight (they tend to be in the class to learn how to cosplay at cons! And here I was afraid they'd think I was some sad old nerdbroad that dressed up as a Klingon-- they LOVE it! Sending one of them to a big anime con this weekend dressed as an anime character that is a guy that dresses as a girl; PERFECT first cosplay/time out in drag!). I want to show them this wonderful boy and say "See? This brave, clever boy dressed as a woman *because he admires her*, and his wonderful Mom helped him. No stigma, no freaking out, just cross dressing and love." Because some of my kids aren't blessed with supportive parents; I have kids whose family don't even know they're gay, much less doing drag or experimenting with gender presentation. I want them to know that there are people in the world for whom it's not even an issue, so that they can aspire to be as brave as he is, and as cool a parent as she is (should they decide to procreate). <br /><br />WORK!<br /><br />StormStorm the Klingonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-4836457136515204892014-01-10T04:54:42.274-05:002014-01-10T04:54:42.274-05:00Jen, I want to give a big shout out to that young ...Jen, I want to give a big shout out to that young guy who not only had the courage to dress as Ada Lovelace but more importantly who without influence or encouragement just gave a huge shout out to female IT techs (like me).<br /><br />I've posted my shout out to him on facebook and twitter.<br /><br /> Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17182519269370354732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-57562915401940370982014-01-09T23:30:57.082-05:002014-01-09T23:30:57.082-05:00that XOJane Article is one of my faves! i devoure...that XOJane Article is one of my faves! i devoured it and shared ia ll over Facebook! As a Plus sized person I am far to self conscious to dress in normal everyday clothes, there is NO WAY, I could cos play, too much shame. Thanx Media and Social Pressure!Mandee Leehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05435596509119636434noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-15626957867335798812014-01-09T22:01:23.028-05:002014-01-09T22:01:23.028-05:00I was just in Disneyland over the holidays with my...I was just in Disneyland over the holidays with my sister. We bounded (I'm so glad we've agreed this is a verb) as Flynn and Rapunzel and had a blast. I know I was tickled when anyone noticed we were bounding and commented. We would of happily stopped for a picture had someone asked too. :)Amanda Hnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-78822550192164919922014-01-09T20:59:11.109-05:002014-01-09T20:59:11.109-05:00That Princess Tiana is aDORable!That Princess Tiana is aDORable!Merrileehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13289996276718245484noreply@blogger.com