Viral Cosplay

[masterofveggies]

Hello! First post to the com and I have a question. I'm going to be cosplaying pre-timeskip Viral from Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann at Youmacon this year, and me and my friend are really stuck as to how to go about making his shoulder pads and belt. I was wondering if anyone here has done/knows/has done something similar and would be able to make

Comments

[thecurtain]

At first glance, I say find a vinyl-like material (more flexible though, to make it easier to work with), and stuff it with a little bit of cotton or something, then carefully hand-sew onto the costume's shoulders/waist. Alternately you could probably velcro them on.

I guess the padding's not really necessary for the belt, though, now that I look at it a little closer.

[murasakidoku]

If you're asking merely about how to make a strong, sturdy shape, I would recommend what I call "fabric backing", also known at Joann fabrics as "interfacing". You'll need heavyweight, especially for the shoulders.

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp?CATID=cat3136&PRODID=prd48695

If you have a Joann store near you, I suggest going there and checking the interfacing section out. If I was doing it, I'd be looking for their strongest stuff, but you might want something with a bit more give.

[tenshiryuu]

the best thing to do, and what I use, is double thick craft foam over a Rigid Wrap(a type of plaster wrapping) base. You can mold the Rigid Wrap to fit your shoulder comfortably. You can paint the foam with shiny acrylic and go over it with Modge Podge or another similar finish for shine and an armor-like appearance. The best way to attach them would be with snap buttons. For the belt I just used red pleather, doubled up for thickness and again, attached in back with snaps.You might be able to use Velcro if you use the sew-on stuff. (I'm too lazy for that).

Anyway, this is how the foam/Rigid Wrap shoulder pads look.
http://www.cosplay.com/photo/1548968/