MeltingMirror Cosplay

I flew in on Thursday morning and made friendly with some local cosplayers on the same flight. We split an Uber to the hotel and I totally felt like a con mom asking them about what they planned to do for the first year there.

When I arrived, I picked up some supplies for the weekend from CVS then got ready to shoot my Spring Sawsbuck that afternoon. I shot with White Specs and Vicissijuice back to back. It was my first time shooting with her and I look forward to seeing the photos. Afterwards I immediately took a nap because I was very tired. After sleeping for 2 hours, I got up and worked on finishing up Lilith while watching the Olympics. Figure skating woot woot!

I was pretty certain that I would't finish this costume in time but I was able to wear Lilith on Friday of the event. I was suppposed to finish this costume for Katsu of last year but I just kept putting it off. There are a few details that still need to be added or improved but I am still happy with what I got to wear for a few hours.

A special thanks goes to Vickybunnyangel for helping me get into this and pinning down my wing harness and also to Jayuna for helping me out of the costume. I was resigned to the fact that I would have lie down on the bed for close to hour waiting for a roommate to return to help.

I got to shoot with MH photography by the water before the rain came in. I had a "great" time balancing my long nails (not pictured but you'll see eventually) for pictures but they were worth the hassle because they add an extra layer of crazy detail to the costume.

The rest of the day was easy going. My roomies and I went for dinner at Elevation Burger then we went to Felt for a party at the MGM. It was a nice change of pace from the hustle that happens at Pose. I didn't end up going there this year since the lines were horrendous.

It was a great opportunity to catch up with friends without having to circle the bar all night trying to find them. Also two couples got engaged, how exciting!

Side note: I got this new blue dress and it is a nightmare to get in and out of. It's a snug fit with minimal stretch and I wish it had a zipper. Luckily I wasn't stuck sleeping in it overnight.

The big day. I decided to wear something somewhat comfortable and that was Storm. After years of putting this costume on the back burner she is finally done! She got such a warm welcome at the event even though I got blamed for the snow that arrived that day.

I did a shoot with U.V. Photography partially outdoors and indoors then I spent the rest of the afternoon meeting up with friends and getting to know new ones around the gazebo. I also shot with Anna Fischer and my god it is magic what she can accomplish with a few lights and gels.

I had another dinner with friends, this time at the Walrus for some delicious seafood. I find this is the best opportunity to catch up with people because the hustle of Katsu can get the best of you. Afterwards I went around the lobby visiting friends and playing more catch up.

I was pretty tired come Sunday but I still got into Alexandrite. There were so many other gems that it made me so happy. I love to see the different ways people interpreted the wigs and the makeup. My interpretation requires 3 layers of highlighters. 

I spent most of time hanging out at the gazebo  level and doing the odd shoot here and there. I also got to catch up with Sweet Sensation photo, and I'm curious to see if my over posing worked out. Since it was such a simple costume I figure it was time to whip out the Vogue moves. I also did a brief balcony shoot before I changed out of the costume, which was a first for me.

After saying too many goodbyes I made my way to the airport and after nearly falling asleep at the gate, I made it home in one piece.

This year was a slow moving one for me. My day job gobbled up more of my time so I didn`t produce as many costumes as I would like (granted I say that every year). I also went to more events that ever, which also ate into my costume making time, but I had a great time exploring new cities and new events. Finally, I wrapped up the year by going on another cosplay adventure into the wilderness. Let`s go through my year in cosplay.

MILESTONES

• First time being invited to conventions outside of Canada (Anime Matsuri & Mechacon in the US)
• First Livestreams - Styling Nidalee's Wig & Styling Storm's Wig​
• I hit 3k on Instagram. Thx!

NOTEWORTHY BLOGS

• My Cosplay Photoshoot Trip to Kelowna
• My first time at YetiCon

Collectively, all of the Sawsbuck costumes cost $770, which is quite the bargain if you split it four ways. I re-purpose certain items throughout the designs, such as the corset. Of the four designs, the fall one was probably to most expensive since I had to buy some of the flowers at a slight discount (instead of a deep one) due to timing.

I spent a whole $85 on Ducklett and most of the money went into the trims and appliques. It's such a nice and simple costume that is easy to wear. I don't get to use sequins often in my costume so this was a treat, also I got to use all that feather knowledge I built up over the years to make this beautiful skirt.

Sometime I can surprise myself with my practicality. Sawsbuck's headpiece has removable/replaceable flowers and antlers,  interchangeable floral bases, and easily slips on top of wig

So Many Conventions! I think this was my busiest year yet, especially since I had to travel further for these events. Here`s where I`ve been:

1. Katsucon - Washington DC - Convention Report
2. Anime Matsuri - Houston TX - Convention Report
3. Costume Con 35 - Mississauga - Con Report
4. Ottawa ComicCon
5. Anime North - Toronto - Convention report
6. Colossalcon - Ohio - Convention report
7. Yeticon - Blue Mountain - Convention Report
8. Montreal Comiccon - Convention report
9. Mechacon - New Orleans - Convention report
10. Otakuthon - Montreal - Convention report

It was my first time in New Orleans and I didn't know what to expect but Mechacon was amazing!

I arrived in NOLA on Thursday afternoon and settled into my hotel after meeting some staff for dinner. 

I've been going to this con for more than ten years and sometimes you can get into a funk of "been there, done that" but this year was a blast at Anime North!

First off, it didn't feel as crowded as usual. Secondly, the weather, although overcast and sometime lightly raining, was nice. It wasn't the usual sweaty mess which was a welcome change. Lastly, my schedule was relaxed enough that I had time to spend with friends instead of running around from event to event.

Overall it was a good year. Although I felt as if there were less cosplayers wandering around or at least less crazy impractically big costumes.

I had a great time judging the Friday workmanship contest. I highly recommend it since it is such a short time commitment (under 10 mins).

Most of my weekend was spent hanging out with friends and convincing them to buy Siamurai pants and joining my pants cult. Special thanks to my roomies, carpool buddies, and all the friends who made the weekend a blast. See you next year!