CHARACTER || Natsuko, fantasy costume

SERIES || Ikasucon website mascot; original design by Kelli

TIME || 25 hours

COST || $100

DEBUT || Ikasucon 2005

WHY || When my friend came up with these cute character designs for the website we created for Ikasucon 2005, I knew I wanted to cosplay Natsuko. I thought the fantasy version of the character would be fun to make and give me opportunities to experiment with making large props and hand beading.

HOW || First I created the base dress from a modified pattern. I made the hemline asymmetrical, and then covered it with my gold fabric. Then I added the red appliques to the top. The triangular designs along the hem were all hand beaded. The main part of the staff was a PVC pipe cut to size. The end cap and round globe part at the top are both made out of paperclay. I ran into problems with the design on the top after I sketched out the design. I was going to make it out of craft foam covered with polystyrene plastic- and discovered my plastic was too thick to cut. So, as a last minute plan I ended up making it out of foamcore. Unfortunately, the glue did not agree with the foamcore and most of it fell apart by the end of the weekend.

IMAGE CREDITS || Character reference images are designed and drawn by Kelli. Costume photos by Kelli.

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