How To Make Vinyl Boots Look Like Aged Leather

I went looking for summer boots last month, and found this cute fold-down style:

Not bad for $30, right?

 

Trouble is, like almost all vinyl faux leather, they're super shiny and plastic-looking. Bleh.

So let's make 'em look like real aged leather, shall we?

I won't keep you in suspense: here's how they turn out:

Pretty cute, right? And sooo much more realistic than that shiny vinyl.

Don't worry, this finish is quite durable, and won't come off in water even if you scrub. So splash through as many puddles as you want, and rest assured any extra wear and scuffs will only add to the "leather" look.

You can use this technique on any vinyl, so it's also great for costuming and steampunk applications!

But best of all, this is super easy, and super cheap. All you need is a little 400 grit sandpaper (check any hardware store), some flat brown craft paint, and a wet rag.

So let's go.

Tampa Bay Comic-Con 2016, Pt 2

(Did you miss Part 1?)

I hear your clamors for more cosplay pics, my friends, and I AM HERE TO PLEASE.

But not like that. 

More like this:

Daddy/daughter princesses be like, "S'UP."

(Actually, I think he's doing duck lips. Which is even better.)

Betcha never realized how much Snow White needed a long ginger beard.

:D

Elizabeth from my favorite game ever:

I've photographed this cosplayer before, and I swear she's the living embodiment of Elizabeth. Here's a reference, for those who haven't played BioShock: Infinite yet:

(Note I said "YET.")

 Specifically the Burial at Sea DLC.

This young Rocketeer had his hero pose down pat - better than most adults!

Seeing teens cosplay on their own at cons makes me even happier than family cosplays - and that's really darn happy, you guys.

Case in point, this Tangled trio:

The baby is Pascal, you guys.

BABY PASCAL WITH GIANT GOOGLY EYES:

There's even a plush Pascal tail. See it? 

*squee!*

Super impressive armor on this Mr. Freeze & WoW warrior: