-12.4-

Part 2/2 of my mini project!
Part 1

Reference:


Clothing:
For the outfit, I didn't have a lot to finish. I cut my hair, styled it (learning how to use a straightening iron was nerve-wracking) and bought a zip-up tie (what a fascinating invention!)

I was planning to put on make-up to make it seem like my cheekbones were sharper, but I didn't have the time to get the right materials.

Sceptre:
Last time I posted, only the blades were completed. I searched for an extendable pole, and found either an extendable hanger reacher, or an extendable utility pole. I decided on the utility pole, since it was hollow. I also ordered a blue emergency light for the sceptre's energy source. When everything came in, the pole had three sections, so I only used two. I also cut a hole in the plastic on one end of the pole, so the light fit snugly inside.

I also took a risk and sawed off the end of the emergency light so it would be the appropriate size (it worked because the bulb, wasn't at the far end of the light!)

I then painted the pole gold (both the inside and outside extendable parts), and the blades silver.

I measured the length of the pole so it would be appropriately sized for the "cane mode" and cut off the extra on both parts. All I needed to do was attach the blades to the pole!

To do this, I bought a 2" screw and the appropriately sized wingnuts and washers from the hardware store. The wingnuts would allow me to control the tightness of the blades so I could move them in upright postition or leave them down when "changing forms." I marked off, then drilled a hole across the pole, and drilled holes through the blades. I then attached the blades to the pole and secured them with wingnuts!

Complete!:

  

  

-8.4-

A mini-project I'm working on is a cosplay of Loki (Avengers):

Motivation: I really liked the design of the outfit. The suit with the long coat has a crisp look to it, and the scarf is such an unusual pattern...the bold decals, and color combination of green and cream appealed to me.
Goal: Be finished by NYCC 2013 (october 11)
Status: WIP
Reference:

Process so far:

Although I really liked the design of Loki's battle armour, his midguardian attire was easier, and more accessible. I already had a white dress shirt, black dress pants, long winter coat, and last Christmas I received the "lokiscarf" for casual wear. I already had a vest, but I found another one that was longer and better fitted the look. The only thing I'm missing is the tie:

 

Now, for the sceptre. To distinguish myself from other cosplays -aka. I wanted a challenge that would be more painful than the normal route- I changed the design so the sceptre would be able to "morph" into its other form (something resembling this). School has kept me busy, but I managed to make some progress beforehand (aka the last week of summer). 

I found references of the sceptre online and printed them out. I then bought some plywood from Michaels and traced the design onto it. Using a jigsaw and drill (my Dad and I had some fun bonding time), I cut the pattern out, and voila!

To do: For the outfit, all I need is to get a black tie.

For the sceptre, I need to find an extendable pole (3'-5'+), which would help the illusion of the prop "changing" forms. Then I need to paint the pole and blades, and attach the blades to the pole (I'd do this by putting a bolt through the middle of the pole and securing the blades to it with wingnuts).When I want to change from cane to sceptre, I'll flip the blades up and extend the pole.

I also need to figure out how to create the blue light. I bought an emergency blue glowstick, so I'll go from there.

-0.4-

Ah! A new year of STAC. And the final one.

Before I start off with our assignment/introduction, I'd like to reflect a bit on my summer (I didn't have a tremendous time to catch up with others, or reflect on the past few months, so I feel the best way to accomplish these two is to post on here.)

This summer was very busy. To start things off, my friends and I went into the city and attended the 2013 Gay Pride Parade! It was my first time going, and I gathered a lot of good material to share with the GSA here. I had to say, I wasn't as shocked as I was expected to be (what has the media done to me?!)

Since I am a senior, the summer was filled with college-related business. I took a physics class in Flushing in order to make room for Wind Ensemble, so now I know how to ride public buses. I also visited colleges in Ohio (Weslyn and Denison), New York (City College, Hunter, and Purchase), and Maryland (McDaniels). At the colleges in Ohio I sat down for interviews, which was scary, but I think I handled myself in a calm manner. I also studied a lot this summer for the ACT.

I'm trying to narrow down my college search, and finding a small, liberal arts program with a good bio program and low tuition/scholarships is ideal for me. Although I plan to major in Biology, continuing with band and the arts is a must, so the college must also have art programs and music programs available for non-majors! I feel that the Macaulay honors program at Hunter is promising. I also plan to visit Queens college and the University of Puget Sound this semester.

Besides school, I worked at the Women's Fund of Long Island, where I edited videos for them and wrote scripts for a possible PSA project (which I hope to continue this fall, if I have the time). I also attended a week-long leadership school geared towards creating worships for Unitarian Universalist congregations (hopefully I can use some of the more general skills to get projects done this year)!

I was so busy I felt a little stressed, but I had some time to wind down by drawing, mixing music, taking pictures of interesting outfits, watching a lot of art/science documentaries with my parents, and going to the bookstore. I also managed to hang out with friends by going ice skating and swimming three times...the only regret was that I never got to swim in the water (today I got to put my feet in when I visited my old town in the Rockaways, but I found an interesting way to photograph the beach via. the new telescopes they put up!)

I also attended "International Cosplay Day" with my friends, and we sang for a contest (we didn't win, but it was still exciting to perform)!

Not from the actual day, but this is what we wore

When my cousins from Texas came up to visit. We went into NYC and went to the Natural History museum (a special whale exhibit was on display, but we didn't get to go! I hope to go back soon...) Even so, I was fascinated by the hall of biodiversity...I had forgotten how expansive their collection was.

Overall, the summer was a lot of work, but I feel that I worked hard and played hard. I'm a little nervous about being a top dog, but I'm looking forward to carrying some of my summer experiences into STAC, and having a productive senior year (especially after all-things-college-related are done)!

...I'm pretty sure that I wrote down all that happened, but I feel like I'm forgetting something...