FFXIV NA Fan Fest 2016 Cosplayers Unite!

http://i.imgur.com/YHGI1n8.png


Cosplaying or excited for this year's Fan Festival? Then this thread's for YOU!

Calling all seamstresses, tailors, crafters, glamour fiends, and costume enthusiasts who are excited to be apart of this years cosplay community! Whether your making your costume yourself, buying pieces to wear to the convention, or just attending in your casual wear- our goal is quite simple. We aim to unite the best gaming community around and share our love and support for Final Fantasy XIV through costuming!



So you want to get involved~ Kupo?

Why not start by introducing yourself! Tell us a little about yourself, what you plan on cosplaying this year or just say Hi- We'd love to hear it! Or maybe your a pro at this and want to give some tips or progress pictures! However you want to contribute in your own little way is great, we simply ask you be kind, constructive, and follow FINAL FANTASY XIV Forum Guidelines!


Want to show off your work and what you will be wearing this year? Let's get started!

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's amazing stuff and can't wait for October to get here but until then, you are more than welcome to post any and all of your Work in Progress pictures if you so desire! (Linking to an outside site source to showcase your work is fine too just make sure it is relevant please!) When posting Work in Progress images here- it is by no means required but recommended to give a short summary of what we're looking at and if you want to go the extra mile tell us a little bit about how it's constructed! If you are posting pictures of a costume you will be wearing to the convention but did not make yourself THAT IS MORE THAN WELCOME! We understand some players are more into battling content rather than crafting content hehe! I simply ask if the photo or WIP you are posting is not made by yourself to please at least credit the original artist so credit can be given where credit is due. Additionally, that way others who come here looking for advice will not receive misinformation and know exactly where to reference for amazing works!


Additional Links & Information:

• Costume Contest Submission Information -Deadline Aug 31, 2016, 11:59pm PST- [LINK]
• 2016 FFXIV Fan Fest Cosplay Facebook Page - [LINK]

Have any suggestions or any help links you want to suggest to make this thread better? Let me know! I will try to update this as much as possible to reflect all the posts we receive! Feel free to add any suggestions to this thread!

Astrologian here! Excited to see what everyone wears since XIV cosplay is pretty sparse at general cons in my area.

Hey Vast! Awww that's a shame to hear! I was stunned by all the amazing cosplay's present in 2014, it really is a XIV'ers dream world when Eorzea comes to IRL! Highly recommend making sure you have a camera phone / camera because it's so memorable! Just make sure to ask before snapping those pictures XD But everyone I encountered was awfully nice and I was able to get ton of pics to remember! Hoping to this year being just as good if not better!

Cool thread!

Hi, my name is Ryuko Kanzeon. I attended the 2014 fan fest and entered the cosplay contest in SMN AFv2 gear. (I had the light-up relic book if anyone remembers me.) Although I was really, really proud of the costume because it was my first time making anything nearly that complex, I was disappointed with the quality of some pieces. It was admittedly rushed because I didn't start on it until a month before the convention.

This year, I am making the SMN esoteric (Caller's) gear. I've launched an Instagram page as a way to share my progress and keep track of it. You can take a look here: https://www.instagram.com/ryukocosplay. I am trying to be true to form with the outfit, but I am taking a little bit of creative license to give the pieces some original flare. I've really only started on the himation (toga) and arm/leg cuffs. There's a lot to do, so I'm glad I started many months early! We're still 2.5 months out and I am working on this almost every day. For this costume, I am using a combination of fabric, foam and thermoplastic. I've worked with Wonderflex in the past, but now I am also using Worbla for some of the most molded pieces. I've also decided that... if I can, and if I have time, and if I can travel with it... I want to make a Garuda-Egi. A summoner needs an egi, right?

For anyone who hasn't cosplayed at this event before... I highly recommend having a social media presence, whether it be an Instagram account, a Facebook page, or even a Twitter profile. The reason being that people who take your photo will want to tag you in the photos! This was one of my big mistakes at the 2014 event. I had no social media presence and probably missed out on seeing a lot of pictures as a result.

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Originally Posted by Ryuko

Cool thread!

Hi, my name is Ryuko Kanzeon. I attended the 2014 fan fest and entered the cosplay contest in SMN AFv2 gear.

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I REMEMBER YOU! (I was the Mage Coliseum Miqo'te!)

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I've worked with Wonderflex in the past, but now I am also using Worbla for some of the most molded pieces.

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I think we're nearly twinsies!
I used wonderflex for my first cosplay too, I have some left and will probably utilize some of it but I have worbla shipping to me currently to test out this time around! In your experience thus far how does it hold up in comparison to wonderflex? After using both what would you say is the most different thing about working with either? Does one have a significant pro or con versus the other? I've read a bit on their differences so I'm familiar but I'd love hearing from someone who's currently working on stuff that used both and their experiences with the differences!

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I've also decided that... if I can, and if I have time, and if I can travel with it... I want to make a Garuda-Egi. A summoner needs an egi, right?

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Ooooo! Do you plan on making it plush like? Or something similar to the Sylph Doll we saw in 2014?

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I highly recommend having a social media presence, whether it be an Instagram account, a Facebook page, or even a Twitter profile.

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I wanted to retouch on this to anyone who may be attending this year. I had a few first cons I went to that I had photographers want to do a photo-shoot and when they asked for contact I sorta froze up and was like uh-well....Ops! You may end up not needing it but I'd rather be safe than sorry! Especially if you meet some really cool players it's always nice to keep in touch with other cosplayers who share similar interests / or like to share various crafting techniques. Its a great way to stay connected~!

Nariko: I know you've probably seen a bunch of comparisons between Wonderflex and Worbla, so I think the only thing I can personally add is that Wonderflex excels in situations that require both strength and flexibility. This is due to its fabric-like weave. It holds up well against itself, without any sort of sandwiching, and you can double/triple it to the desired rigidness. However, it isn't so great for fine details -- even worse than normal Worbla -- again due to the weave. Worbla, on the other hand, is more 'mold-able'. This also means it doesn't hold up well on its own and needs some sort of 'base', but that's not a super big deal because a thin foam sheet is more than enough for basic shapes, and it won't add much thickness that way. Worbla can also be heated up and rolled out to 'recycle' scraps. This is impossible with Wonderflex, so Worbla wins in the 'economical' category. Also worth noting -- black Worbla is smoother and takes details better, so many people prefer it because it's easier to prime/sand/paint. Wonderflex may be a little smoother than Worbla (regular) and easier to prime/paint, but I didn't do any sanding with my last costume (no time -- awful, I know), so I can't really give you a good comparison.

So really, it boils down to preference. A lot of people prefer one over the other. I personally think they both have their pros and cons when it comes to individual situations, but people can make the most of either material if they know how to use them.

I'm actually going to use a combination of both for my costume. For example, I'm going to use a Wonderflex base for the 'corset' belt thing, and possibly as a base for the horn because it needs to 'give' a little as it wraps around my head. But, I'm using Worbla for fine details and anything backed by foam, like the cuffs, gold details, wings, etc. It really just makes 'sense' to me... but again, a really skilled person could achieve really similar (if not identical) results with both.

For my Garuda-Egi: I was hoping to make something out of foam... but to make it 'true to size', I would have to find a way to disassemble it and fit into a suitcase. :( A plush thing would be cool, but I reaaaaaally want to make it as big as I possibly can.

I can relate regarding the photographer thing. One photographer in particular asked me to come take pictures right after prejudging, so we went outside and... he kind of expected me to have poses ready. I'm not a model. I'd never been asked to have my picture taken in a more 'professional' setting before (not hall shots). So I really only had my default 'hold up my book' pose. That was super awkward. And a lot of people asked for my Instagram or something, and when I didn't have one... they would just be like, "Oh." Lots of missed opportunities there. I know a lot of us aren't super established and don't have a following, so it can seem weird to get a social media account just for cosplay... but at this point, it's sort of expected for everyone to have one, if only to network properly and make sure your pictures are tagged well. You won't want to be giving out your personal profiles to every person who asks for it. XD

Hello, and first off, great thread. thanks for starting it.

Ok, so I'm going as Yda with a lifesize Papalymo.

I can't wait for the fanfest, since this will be our first one. ( going with my twin sis) I've seen video's of the contest last time, and the costumes were great. you guys did a great job.

on a side note, nariko were you the one doing the golder saucer themed handouts and such that bayohne retweeted awhile ago? just curious since I thought that was a great idea, and pretty cool.

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Originally Posted by yukaru

Ok, so I'm going as Yda with a lifesize Papalymo.

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Awww snap this is gonna be good~

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Originally Posted by yukaru

on a side note, nariko were you the one doing the golder saucer themed handouts and such that bayohne retweeted awhile ago? just curious since I thought that was a great idea, and pretty cool.

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Yuppers! That's me! I'll be attending as a Manderville Gold Saucer Bunny Chief and passing out these snazzy little playable cards day 0!

http://66.media.tumblr.com/b6cd56435...ityto3_540.jpg
(These were my first proto-type batch so for final we should see improved quality! woo!)

Aaahh, I'm so excited that this forum is finally up!

Back in 2014 so many things went wrong with my costume that I wound up having to throw something else together last minute. I was a miqote with an Evenstar hat (at least that came together properly lol).

This year I've definitely learned my lesson... started my costume back in January. Making steady progress!

Really excited to see everyone's costumes, especially the SMN Eso gear! That's one of my favorite sets.

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Originally Posted by Verie

Really excited to see everyone's costumes, especially the SMN Eso gear! That's one of my favorite sets.

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Aww, thanks! I'm really excited to see your costume too, but I won't mention it on the forums in case you want it to be a surprise. :) I didn't really love the SMN esoteric when it first came out, but it really 'grew' on me... I guess literally, too!

I’ll be there again this year! Can’t wait to see everyone again and the new cosplayers!

I may or may not be in the contest since I saw that they were taking submissions already a bit late, so I don’t know if I made the cut off yet. I was so indulged in working on my costume that I’ve sheltered myself from the internet for the last couple of weeks ^_^’ But either way it will still be fun to just be there!

I won’t be helping my bf this year with his costume, so all of my time is going into mine. I’m hoping he will be my assistant so I can actually get better pictures on my DSLR instead of my cellphone. I’ll share some images once I get a bit farther out, its been a time consuming project with a lot of research @_@

I did do a Machinist cosplay last year for a local anime convention. I literally made it in about 3 weeks using recycled materials from leftover cosplay projects.

https://goo.gl/photos/tLw3XfC7TSj2S5AT9

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/dI...Y=w329-h486-no
I finished it about a week after Heavensward was released, so there are still a lot of imperfections on the costume since a lot of my reference images were based on two photos and the benchmark video. Couldn’t get any good shots of the pants so I just did a skirt. I have all my in progress photos on my private fb but I’ll eventually get it on my public fb.

If they have that meet and greet event the night before the Fest I may consider bringing this costume for that night to wear. It all depends on how much room I have in the car for the drive.

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Originally Posted by Ryuko

For my Garuda-Egi: I was hoping to make something out of foam... but to make it 'true to size', I would have to find a way to disassemble it and fit into a suitcase. :( A plush thing would be cool, but I reaaaaaally want to make it as big as I possibly can.

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For the Egi, might I suggest making it as an inflatable balloon?
http://makezine.com/projects/learn-p...ble-tentacles/

You’d easily be able to make it big and be able to pack it away. If you can manage to get a mini helium tank at a store in Vegas and the finished ballon is light enough, you can actually have her floating around you on a string. They also have those LED lights that you can put into balloons and you could have her glow! My recommendation is if you go this route is make at least two of them, maybe three just incase something happens.

I had originally planed on doing something like this for my Machinist cosplay but ran out of time for the convention.

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Originally Posted by Leash

For the Egi, might I suggest making it as an inflatable balloon?
http://makezine.com/projects/learn-p...ble-tentacles/

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That's a really good idea! A few people have suggested the 'inflatable balloon' route (including my boyfriend), but I'm really just worried about time and size. At this point, I'm still not done with my costume (probably approaching around 50%), so I really just want to do something that is a little more quick and easy. I've thought a lot about it and I think I'll be making it out of an EVA foam base with 4x stretch fabric on top. That way, I can assemble it and disassemble it without worrying about the paint chipping or something like that. The fabric is really cheap and easy to apply, too, so as I am coming down to the wire it would be something I would feel confident with. But, I'm definitely going to consider all my options once I get there!

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Originally Posted by Leash

http://makezine.com/projects/learn-p...ble-tentacles/

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>.>
<.<
I don't need anything like this for my costume for fan fest...
But my soldering iron arrives tomorrow and I now have the urge to grab some plastic to try this amg. I mean... I GUESS it could always turn out to be a particular minion with the use of those little battery operated fans...
http://img.finalfantasyxiv.com/lds/b...0160517_12.jpg

I wonder, he mentioned being limited to color, but how well would airbrush painting it would hold- or maybe too sloppy on plastic?

This won't be what I'll be premiering for Fanfest 2016, but I do plan on bringing it and maybe wearing it if we have another pre-pool side meet up like last year!~ I may let a friend walk around in it so wanted to post show of the progress works for it! I'll be using this at Anime California so it had really been halting any work for my main cosplay for this year's fanfest- but since the hard parts out of the way I'm excited to put full focus on my Bunny Chief!

Moonfire Halter Top - Dalamud Red Process and WIPS!

https://67.media.tumblr.com/c9bfdccf...ityto1_540.jpg

Quick synopsis!

This was actually the first bodice I'd ever made, out of the 2 other costumes I had done they were spandex / lyrca skintight so doing this pattern was compeltely new to me! I took some old recycled shirts cut them up to use as reference for patterns and made adjustments from there. I did ALOT (and I mean I sewed 9+ shirts out of muslin test fabric before starting the final).

I started by going to the LA fashion district (I'm lucky to live close!) to gather everything I thought I would need. Walked away with White light-weight cotton 97%(with some synthetic mixed in for stretch) and Basic Red. I couldn't find the correct color contrast in the same material type- so I opt'ed to dye my own fabric to get just the right color mixture.
https://65.media.tumblr.com/29feb215...ityto6_250.jpg
https://66.media.tumblr.com/143ac32d...tyto10_540.jpg

Next I did about 1 - 1 1/2 weeks of tests and research. Best methods, practicing sleeves >___> (because those things are hard!) and making small adjustments to the pattern while observing how it worked or worked against my body structure. @___@ I test ALOT. I really am not sure what I'm going to do with all the extras!
https://67.media.tumblr.com/97bc958e...ityto3_250.jpg
https://65.media.tumblr.com/99878ff4...ityto6_540.jpg
https://65.media.tumblr.com/84c1301b...ityto8_400.jpg
Sooooo many Bodices!
https://67.media.tumblr.com/001e6200...ityto1_400.jpg

After COUNTLESS tests I finally came up with my go-to pattern and final prototype! (Included a shawl collar although I'm still skeptical if the Moonfire Halter top shirt is really just a unusable mini hood... but this was fine with me so I went with it! Also changed it to have interfacing so that I could easily flip back the fabric and not see any of the applique from the front!
https://66.media.tumblr.com/502f799b...ityto2_400.jpg
https://67.media.tumblr.com/8de461f7...ityto3_540.jpg

Start the VERY TEDIOUS pinning, basing, and ironing! @___@ Lining all these stripes up across 4 panels.... so much measuring, folding, RE-FOLDING, and just overall so meticulous to work with ~__~
https://67.media.tumblr.com/dd490f15...ityto4_400.jpg
https://67.media.tumblr.com/7c622911...ityto7_400.jpg
https://66.media.tumblr.com/e162adbe...ityto9_540.jpg

Sleeves!!!! The bane of me I swear-
https://66.media.tumblr.com/753c7777...ityto4_400.jpg
https://66.media.tumblr.com/1c34e0e2...ityto6_400.jpg

Originally I had planned on doing the plus symbols out of thread... but after seeing it it just didn't do it justice decided to go with appliqueing. Because the strips were so thin, this part probably actually was the most tedious. So much difficulty trying to iron it out @__@

https://67.media.tumblr.com/209a17cf...ityto8_400.jpg
https://67.media.tumblr.com/f46c5b4e...ityto9_400.jpg

I left heming the end of the attire last so I could still sew in all the details without breaking through the interfacing! This way it matches the original design and the inside is all white! Used white yarn to mimic the stitches in the attire.
https://67.media.tumblr.com/1a047a04...tyto10_540.jpg

Needed to do some work for the leather straps on the ends of the front of the shirt... I originally bought a faux suede leather but I soon realized it was far to flimsy to work with even though I really liked the texture. So.... NEXT BEST THING - FOAM!
I used Lost Wax's foam faux leather technique to mimic a leather like pattern. It's a pretty cool tutorial with foam if you've never done it! TLDR; Take tin foil, crumple it, put it over your foam, put something over the foil and apply heat with iron. BAM Aweeeesome imprints/ grooves.
https://67.media.tumblr.com/83db4580...ityto2_400.jpg
https://67.media.tumblr.com/54be86e7...ityto3_400.jpg

Base color with black wash vs Base color
https://67.media.tumblr.com/55f5504d...ityto4_250.jpg

Compare next to the original material I bought- While I like the way my first attempt paint job was exagerated the actual leather is a little more subtle and the game's version follows this pattern. Also my color was slightly off.
https://66.media.tumblr.com/423ee7c0...ityto7_400.jpg

Onto round two of trying to get a closer paint job for this particular leather type!
https://66.media.tumblr.com/403b96cf...ityto8_400.jpg
https://65.media.tumblr.com/81895f1b...tyto10_540.jpg


Used the original faux leather I had purchased to make cord strips to utilize along side the foam so I still have some pretty malleable ties!
https://67.media.tumblr.com/f1b138c5...ityto1_540.jpg

The heart pendant my dear husband wanted to make for me after I told him I didn’t think I would have time and the blessed soul was all like LET ME MAKE IT! So I sketched out some blueprints, printed to size in relation to our 5mm diamond and told him basic instructions on using sculpty/wonderflex in my experience~ two days later he spit out the cute heart and metal design! I did a bit of touch up to the heart mold before baking and plan on giving it a better metallic like paint job but I think he did really well for his first time working with wonderflex! After the pieces were completed by him I took some dark red velvet I had bought and cut a strip, attached crimper fasteners along with a clasp and chain~
https://65.media.tumblr.com/909ec4da...ityto2_400.jpg
https://66.media.tumblr.com/aec0c026...ityto5_400.jpg
https://66.media.tumblr.com/63152e9c...ityto3_400.jpg
https://66.media.tumblr.com/37d23c97...ityto6_540.jpg

@___@ Onto sandals! I found a pair I liked that aesthetically matched close enough to what I believe the Moonfire Halter Sandals are- except THEY WEREN'T RED QQ~
Nothing a paint job can't fix...
https://66.media.tumblr.com/c52ea4a0...ityto1_540.jpg

First duct taped off area's I DID NOT want painted.
https://66.media.tumblr.com/441468dc...ityto3_400.jpg

Went cray with painting! (Initially tested dye- NOPE that didn't work, so went with a watered down acrylic- yes it changed the texture slightly of the suede but color was much more accurate!)
https://66.media.tumblr.com/c6fbeca8...ityto5_250.jpg
https://66.media.tumblr.com/010f1ac5...ityto6_250.jpg
https://66.media.tumblr.com/3d851be4...ityto8_540.jpg


And that is a majority of my WIPs for this project! I still have the suit part which I'll post later but I've luckily sewn a decent amount of swim wear and worked the most with lycra / spandex so I should be able to finish that up quickly!

As I mentioned in my other post (darn you 20 image limit!) This won't be my primer attire for 2016 Fanfest but I will be bringing my past FFXIV cosplay's with me the Moonfire Halter, Coronal Halter, and 2014's Mage Coliseum set with me to 2016 so they may appear on a friend and or appear on an off day!

Anyways Looking forward to seeing everyone! So glad this project is wrapping up so I can full-force Bunny Chief Gold Saucer fun!

Looks like emails have been sent out regarding submissions to the cosplay contest! Seeing reports of both emails with confirmation of being accepted or not being accepted to the contest~ so if you sent out an email submission make sure to look for it!

Good luck all! We're a mere 30 days away from Registration! And even if your costume was not selected for the contest please still bring it to wear for fun! There are a ton of attendees cosplaying this year regardless of them entering the contest so this year's sure to be a great turn out and always nice to get lots of group photos!!!

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Originally Posted by NarikoStar

Moonfire Halter Top - Dalamud Red Process and WIPS!

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Beautiful work! The tailoring and stitching is marvelous!

I skipped out on Anime California Con to work on my costume, I’m sad I missed out. :(

I’m so relieved that I got my email confirmation. I’ve been working on this costume every single day since July.

Here’s a little sneak peek:

Made a duct-tape mannequin of myself back in July. I’m so glad I did this first as it has made it so much easier to build patterns, since a lot of pieces are form fitting.
https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8263/2...decca1d9_z.jpg

There’s over 2,000 scales here. I still have to hand stitch them all on and possibly do some more touch up painting @_@
https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8821/2...0f206bb0_z.jpg

I’m about 80% done, but there’s still a lot of work to do. Its taking me a lot longer than a normal costume because I’m trying out and learning new things. I’m also making the costume as genuine as I can. Minus the prop, it could be used in a medieval sword fight ^o^

One month crunch count down! @_@

Finally finished! There’s around 2,200 scales and about 80% of the armor is made with leather. I took a few shots of it in my test run minus the gloves, I realized when putting on the whole costume that I didn’t put my hair up right and had to take them off to get the helm on right ^^’

If I’m lucky, I hope to have WIPs up soon! But for now I need to figure how I’m going to travel with all of this @_@

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...e8&oe=589E1A4B

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...62&oe=586A291A

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...5c&oe=585F9DA8

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...35351665_o.jpg



My friend will be cosplaying with the Stardust Rod I made for her. It will be making its first debut too ^o^
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/eh...Y=w659-h667-no


See ya all there!

Oh no! I can't seem to view any of the links (minus the Stardust ones!) Either way Rod looks really cool! Can't wait to see you there!

Hello! I'll be cosplaying Krile at Fan Fest!

Didn't make my costume but here is a photo of it before I put it together on the day of the convention. This was made by my talented friend novavandorwolf on Twitter/Instagram and Nova Vandorwolf on Facebook.

Hope to see you all there and take photos of you in your costumes too! I will be wearing this Saturday. On Sunday, it'll be casual for me.

(Sorry for the large photos! I am not sure how to resize it..)

http://tinyurl.com/go3j7ly

Also here's me in a pic of my Krile wig that will be styled in time for the convention and ears to show off that Lalafell look.
http://tinyurl.com/hbydq4j

I will also be carrying a Tiny Tapir minion plush as Krile around the convention floor until I change out.

See you all there! And have lots of fun!

Yay more Lalafells! Love it!

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Originally Posted by NarikoStar

Oh no! I can't seem to view any of the links (minus the Stardust ones!) Either way Rod looks really cool! Can't wait to see you there!

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Thank you, I hoped fixed them now!

At least I got the WIPs up now:
https://www.facebook.com/artbyaleash...55621481377706

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...7b&oe=58A1B9F3
Leaving early in the morning, see ya all there~

Just wanted to say great job everyone on the costumes. I was one of the annoying people asking all of you for a picture :) I'm going through the pictures I took and seeing all the detail put into these is amazing.

Leash, congrats on winning the cosplay contest! I don't believe that I got to see your costume in person, but it looks AMAZING! All of those scales! Holy cow!

Aelvi, I saw you multiple times during FanFest. I thought you were adorable and made such a good Krille! Too bad I didn't get a chance to ask to take your picture!

NarikoStar, Wait. That was you on Disney XD too?? I never made the connection between the Gold Saucer hostess that I saw multiple times on Friday and the PvP player on stage at the PvP Exhibition! Those pictures you posted on this thread are amazing! So detailed! :) Oh, and also, your cat looks like my cat!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CvG-jMwWIAA1_kD.jpg:large

It was awesome seeing so many great costumes in one place! I had a blast talking with people, taking pictures, and sharing them. I know I've connected with several people already through various means, but if if I haven't, the pictures I took are posted here: https://flic.kr/s/aHskFs2eiS

Enjoy!