24th March 2011: Kotani Cup I did the changes listed in my last entry post, and re wore it for Kotani Cup last Sunday. It works much better now, but I still see lots of possible improvements. I think this will simply be one of those cosplays I'll never complete, no matter how much I work on it.
Kotani Cup is an award given out by Mari Kotani, she is one of Japan's first cosplayers (she started cosplaying in the 70's) and now occationally travels around the world holding cosplay competitions.
At Kotani Cup I became one of the 5 winners. Woo! :D
Next, and possibly last time I'll wear it will be for a photo shoot this summer.
5th October 2010: Completion????? SFGHIYTXCV!!!
Melandru is officially ready for wearing! So she was used this Saturday at Coscon here in Oslo. I've posted pics as I've found them online. I'm surprised at how many there were who asked for a picture, as no one knew the character! XD I didn't have a proper shoot this time. Sooo, for a future shoot there are several things I'm going to improve on her:
- pieces of fabric around my hips: add a few more colours, and make the strips of fabric look more ragged and worn.
- make a proper headband for the "head branches", to keep them properly in place.
- back branches: not quite happy with the look of them. So improvements are needed. Will also have a look at the harness.
- bottom of legs: I did not have the time to complete the shoes or lower half of the legs. So it looks incomplete.
- TRAIN AND TONE STOMACH!
I'm looking forward to a future shoot with this cosplay! No idea when that will happen though.
28th September 2010: Foam work - complete! Finally! After what has felt like months of piecing small bits of foam together, it's now complete! All that's left to do with the foam parts is a couple more layers of latex (which my boyfriend has kindly offered to do while I'm at work tomorrow, yeys!). So tomorrow will be spent painting.
Progress picture is from a couple of days ago.
22nd September 2010: My poor, poor fingers! Trying to get this cosplay done-ish by Saturday, so that means some hectic days to come. I'm aaaaalmost done with the texture on one leg, so just the other leg and torso details to go. Before I can paint it all, and start working on the other details.
My goal is to have to body-suit with the bark detailing done by Saturday, then the rest (leaf tails, bow, etc) will just have to follow the week after.
My fingertips are already ruined after stitching through the foam and latex suit, and I'm far from done T_T
12th September 2010: Return of cosplay mojo! At long last my cosplay inspiration has returned, after having more or less been absent since may (having to cancel cons because of lack of funds really cripples the cosplay drive!). After 3 intensive hours of working last night, the bark texture on the legs is about 1/4 done. I still have looots of hours of hard work in front of me on this one. Hopefully I can complete it by October 2nd, as I want to wear Melandru for Coscon (Norwegian con).
11th April 2010: About 50% complete Today I tried the cosplay on for the first time. Went for a make-up test aswell. It's coming along nicely, but there is still so much to do on it, even on the part of the body that's shown on this picture. But it was useful to see what needed improving, and what to think of when shaping the next bits and pieces. :)
10th April 2010: About 200 leaves later.... *faints* Hot gluing on the leaves one by one really took it's time. And that's only the branches for my back, and the branches for my right hand and shoulder done. A lot more leaves awaits for other branches and details.
..How many leaves does a tree-person need?? XD
8th April 2010: Texture and branches The bark texture on the right arm is complete, so are the branches that goes on my right shoulder and my back. All that's left to do on them is to add lots and lots of leaves XD I've made a start on this, and it looks like I'll have to paint the leaves a bit, as they look a bit too bright compared to the other colours this cosplay is based on.
Harness for the back-branches is also almost complete ^_^
The bark and branches are made of wire, furniture foam. Painted with liquid latex and acrylic paints. Then some parts have got a small layers of "moss" (I used Games Workshop Static Grass)
20th March 2010: Vambrace Finally something that is complete, and that I won't have to think about again! XD I do love working on the armour parts, but I wish I had more time.
Vambrace is made out of fun foam, painted with Games Workshop paint. I had a bit of a struggle figuring out the colour of Melandrus armour parts, as the reference picture is quite blurry and the colours kinda flow into each other. I ended up with a coat of Chaos Black as a base. Then mixed Camo Green, Shining Gold and Mithril Silver untill I got a colour I was happy with. Three coats of that, then I drybrushed Boltgun Metal to get the more worn, metallic armour look.
Looking at it now, I might add some brown into the mix.. Might do another coat with some added brown later on. We'll see :)
17th March 2010: So Stressed! T_T The deadline I've had to set for at least the torso, arm and head details is closing in too fast! I need to have these parts done by the beginning of April! And I've got so much to do at work >.< Anyways: the bark texture on the right arm is nearly complete. I need to add some details here and there. But hopefully that won't take too long. Then it's ready to be painted. The leaves are in the mail somewhere between Norway and USA. Hopefully they will arrive soon. Can't wait to see how my branches will look like painted and with leaves, as they look mostly like antlers just now. Especially the big branch that goes on my shoulder. XD At least I now know how to make perfect antlers! I hope I'll need that skill at some point! XD
Details are made of furniture foam cut into shape, then painted with liquid latex.
The armour is going pretty well: plastazote with fun foam detailing. Just need to cover the white bits with fun foam now, then I can start painting that aswell.
27th February 2010: I loooove talcum powder!!! 8D I have spent parts of both yesterday and today wrapped up in cling film, with body suit on top, and painted myself with liquid latex. Man that stuff smells bad! >.< I just hope my landlord can't smell it upstairs, oh wells, smell is gone no, so he has no prof! >=D
The love of talcum powder? Well, it makes it so much easier to escape the latex prison! And put it back on again. XD
So now I've got a bodysuit covered in latex, when hanging it up it looks like I've skinned someone with a slightly odd skincolour XD
Next step now is shaping and sculpting the bark skin.
24th February 2010: The Bodysuit The bodysuit is complete at last! It will be the base for all the bark skin Melandru has, so it will all be covered in the end. Next step will be to use foam liquid latex to make the bark texture.
Oh yeah, the red top is not supposed to be there, but I did not feel like showing off myy bra tonight :P In the finished cosplay the chest area will be covered by armour, while I'm going to show off my stomach. Time to work on my sit ups!!! XD
11th February 2010: The wig arrived! :D At long last I got Melandru's wig! *dances* It has been a long road to say the least. I've spent a LONG time trying to find a wig in the right shade of golden/green. Difficult mission was difficult, as the wigs I found either was too bright green, too dark, and generally not golden at all.
Around christmas I finally found the perfect one and bought it. Turned out the seller had discontinued it (and still posted it on eBay *grumble*). So had to get a refund and what not. And had to start the search over again. Then I found this one, the colour and style is not as perfect as the previous one, but I'm happy enough. It does look a bit greener in different light ^_^ Will probably style it a wee bit in the front, but first I have to make the branch thingies that sticks out of Melandru's head XD
7th February 2010: Duct tape dummy Seeing as this cosplay will require both armour work and liquid latex, a mannequin was needed. I don't have that.. :( So a duct tape dummy is in the progress of being made! :D Unfortunately after having finished only one arm for me, and Mysterious Fayth's torso (he needs one for one of his planned cosplays), we ran out of duct tape, so it abruptly ended for us today. We'll continue tomorrow with this project, though that is not something I'm looking forward to. Making a duct tape dummy is a paaaaaain! T_T
Adamoluna - 25th January 2009 yay! guess I'll have to add Dwayna and Balthazar to my "planned" as well :)
Mtani - 25th January 2009 Hehe, indeed you have to ;P
Anonymous - 25th January 2009 I can't wait to see this! :D!
Toshi-chan - 8th March 2009
this looks like its gonna be a lot of work
but i can't wait to see it finished it's gonna be one hell of an amazing cosplay =]
eternal_aranel - 30th May 2009 Awesome! Go you! ^_^
Tsuchinoko - 7th February 2010
This looks really challenging.
Good luck, this will be very interesting to see ^_^
Mtani - 9th February 2010 Thank you Nat, I think I'll need it! XD I'm quite nervous about this project, as I love the character design so much, and most of the techniques I'll be using for this cosplay are new to me. So yeah, at least I should learn lots from this! XD
MysteriousFayth - 11th February 2010 Yay for wigs, looks great ^_^
sjbonnar - 11th February 2010 The wig is looking great! It's scary how similar your facial features are O_O
Mtani - 11th February 2010 *lol* I had not noticed that, but if people think so then YEY! 8D
nanahara - 11th February 2010 helllllllllll yeah XD, this will be awsome, and your already doing well with a great wig
Adamoluna - 12th February 2010 yay, progress! :D That wig looks absolutely amazing, well done! And yup, you really do look like Melandru XD
MysteriousFayth - 27th February 2010 Looking good ^^
Adamoluna - 28th February 2010 ooooh texture! :3 Can't wait to see how your undersuit turns out, looks very very promising!
Ranma1-2 - 17th March 2010 Wow the artwork is beautifull, and it looks to me quite an ambitious costume to attempt, but you are doing it so easily. I'm enjoying seeing you slowly put this together and learning so much from watching how you do it. Thanks for the wip pics and journal entries. I'll tag along and follow progress. :)
nanahara - 17th March 2010 your progress is looking awsome XD, I can see you looking EPIC with this cosplay
Mtani - 20th March 2010
Wow Ranma! That comment made me all sorts of happy! :D I'll be sure to keep the journals and WIP pics coming ^_^
Thanks for the comments guys! :D
Adamoluna - 21st March 2010 yay, progress looks amazing! I love the skin texture and the branches especially. The vambrace looks really pretty, the colours you chose will go very well with the woodland colours of the costume! Can't wait to see more progress on this! 8D
Mtani - 29th March 2010 Wee! Your approval means a lot to me! Seeing as you are the Guild Wars expert of us XD And I just hope my Melandru will be anywhere near as epic as your Dwayna! 8D
MysteriousFayth - 8th April 2010 Looking absolutely epic so far love! Ganbatte! =D
Anonymous - 8th April 2010
Wow, what a stunning costume!
Your progress pictures are amazing - I'm stumped. You are making it look so easy!
I am looking forward to seeing this - any idea when you'll wear it?
Mtani - 8th April 2010
Whee! Thank you to the both of you! :D
@Lunar_Kitten: Hehe, it was actuallt surprisingly easy to make this. I thought it would be a LOT harder! The only thing is that is takes a lot of time making all the small details, so patience is a big help! ^__^ If I can find enough suitcases, or a big one, and can get Melandru with me on a plane, then I'll wear her for Amecon this summer, and possibly Oct Expo ^__^
RanmaSyaoran - 8th April 2010 O___________________________________________O
Toshi-chan - 9th April 2010
the bark (and actually everything else) is stunning :)
you continue to be an inspiration lmao :P
Alyx - 9th April 2010 Looking beautiful!
Adamoluna - 9th April 2010 woow, great work so far! I'm truly impressed, I can't wait to see the whole thing come together! :D I love how organic the parts look, even the armour, you're really capturing the essence of Melandru here. :)
Ichigo-Chan - 9th April 2010 This is so.......... *speechless* words cannot describe how amazing this looks so far. The texture on the branches looks realistic and the wig really suits you.
Mtani - 10th April 2010
Oh wow! I'm really happy about the awesome feedback you guys have left me! *swoons* XD
Ada: Hehe, thanks! I'm really happy with the organic look of it all! I was worried for a while, because I couldn't find the colours I wanted. The only good paint shop in Tromsø shut down recently, without me knowing. Luckilly Clas Ohlson sell acryllic paints, and after a lot of mixing it turned out ok *phew*. I think the Games Workshop grass is what really saved it all XD
Anonymous - 11th April 2010
OMG.. I am just totally speechless at how beautiful this is turning out~ It looks like real branches and the bark textures are just fantastic. I'm really quite curious as to how you got into the chestplate or how you made it so you can get in and out of it. XD
I'm loving the detail so far and I am just in complete awe of this~ It's a work of art @_@
MoonLily - 11th April 2010 Good lord this is stunning and it's still in progress! *_*
nanahara - 11th April 2010 dear god girl, I mean WOW O.O...... this is some EPIC progress
Chibi - 11th April 2010
Nice to see someone else who enjoys using Games Workshop supplies! :D The paintwork looks gorgeous
And thanks for your journal tips on how to make wood look like wood, that's gonna really help me with one of my dream cosplays XD
Stunning progress, can't wait to see more~
Lady Oni - 11th April 2010 This is looking absolutely stunning :D
KhaosKreator - 11th April 2010
Looking good!
-Tab
eternal_aranel - 11th April 2010
Wowwwies *_*
Your making me want to start playing the game again XD
delusional - 11th April 2010 Woah, seriously in awe of the wood/bark effect! Very much looking forward to seeing this completed :)
Littlegeeky - 11th April 2010
Wow *o* this is look amazing so far!!! I really can't wait
to see this completed, I bet it'll be epic! Keep up the amazing work ^_^
Sephirayne - 11th April 2010
Holy crap! That is seriously awesome. Love the armour and the wood effect.
I am really looking forward to seeing this.
Mtani - 12th April 2010
Wow you guys! 8D
eternal_aranel: *lol* go playyyyy! :D It's been a while since I last played myself. All my spare time has gone to working on this cosplay XD
Chibi: thank you! :D And yeah, the Games Workshop stuff is brilliant! Can't live without it! The people in the shop must think I'm a big collector, as I'm constantly there getting new supplies XD And I'm glad my WP pics and journals is of help!
Demented Kid: thankies! :D Hehe, quite easy. The hole between the neck guard and breast armour is big enough so I can just stick my head through it. And the strap that goes around my back can be opened on the side (under my left arm), so I can easily slip in and out of the armour ^_^ I'm still going to need lots of help putting this cosplay on though, as there's so many different parts to be fastened all over the place XD
Amy-Lou - 21st July 2010 This is incredible! I'm blown away by the bark effect you've got, really looking forward to seeing it in person. Do you think you'll be ready for Ame?
Mtani - 26th September 2010 Unfortunately I didn't have to money to go to Ame, so once I knew that all cosplay spirit left me :/ But now it's back, and I'm aiming to have it done-ish by next Saturday ^__^
Adamoluna - 2nd October 2010 so close!!! SO EXCITED!!1 D'8
Ranma1-2 - 3rd October 2010 Awesome! I hope I will see this for real someday. And I hope you find more piccies from the con. :)
Alyx - 4th October 2010 Stunning! Really really beautiful work.
Pez - 4th October 2010 This is so beautiful! Love it.
Tsuchinoko - 4th October 2010
This is looking really nice Mtani - especially the texture of the bark.
Good job ^_^
nanahara - 4th October 2010 cooooooooooooool XD
Alias Cosplay - 6th October 2010 The craftsmanship on this and the detail is wonderful.
Adamoluna - 6th October 2010 looks great, even if it's not finished (now we both have 99% finished Goddess cosplays, huh? XD). I am completely in love with the different textures, it really makes this costume. I didn't know you had the bow in the works too! So cool!! 83 I hope you had a good time at coscon, wish I could've been there :( Seeing your Melandru in full is really kick-starting my ambition to finish Dwayna and Balthazar for the group, too. :3
Sephirayne - 6th October 2010 This is really incredible work. Love the armour and the texture. Nicely done.
Mtani - 6th October 2010
Aww, thank you all! :D
Ada: haha, good thing we're not real goddesses then.. The world would never be fully created! XD Though... that's the case with the real world I suppose. with it's constant evolving... *rambling*
Hehe, the bow was sort of a last-minute thing. When buying my stick insects I saw some perfect branches in the terrarium department. So I bought a stick with a bow-shape, so I just had to decorate it. Luckyyy! x)
I really can't wait for the group! :D Me and Greg is probably going to start working on Grenth after the Oct Expo, and I'll finish Melandru asap :D
Coscon was a bit.. meh... I had great fun, but that was because of the people, not so much because of the con itself. It was so, so crowded! >.<
eternal_aranel - 25th March 2011
Loving the new photos and expecting more!
Stunning <3
Hope I get to do GW cosplay with you one day
Adamoluna - 28th March 2011 grats for the Kotani Cup victory! :D Nice to see more pictures of this costume, though we need more yet! >:3 That bow looks really nice, as if it's a part of you just as much as your arm.
Mtani - 21st April 2011
Hehe, more pics *will* come. I just think she deserves a green forest for her photoshoot ;)
Ada: Thanks :D Tha "bow" was a lucky find in a pet store. XD
Aranel: That would be awesome! :D And we do have Ada's GW group as a possibility ;)
ElegantAura - 7th June 2011 Wow this is Outstanding!!! Fantastic work on all the detail! Guild wars characters have such lovely designs, its great to see such a magnificent cosplay ^_^
Adamoluna - 7th June 2011 I love the new photos! Perfect setting! :)
sjbonnar - 7th June 2011 Loving the new pictures hun ^_^ This really is an amazing costume!
nanahara - 7th June 2011 awsome photos of awsome cosplay. It certainly shows how much work you put into it. Very impressive indeed ^^.
eternal_aranel - 7th June 2011
Love the new photos! So stunning!
Also love how they ate named after ranger skills! *geekgasm*
Mtani - 9th June 2011
Ahw, I love these comments! Feels so nice to know that all the hard work paid off! :D
Laura: Haha, I was hoping someone would notice that! ;)
Toshi-chan - 7th November 2011
Love love the photoshoot pics!!
Such an incredible cosplay...being surrounded by nature just shows it off even more :)
Tsuchinoko - 7th October 2012
Congrats on the Showcase, Mtani! =)
I think I already commented on DA how I love how it blends so well with the foresty locations ^^
Sephirayne - 7th October 2012 Really happy that this got showcased. Love the costume. Well done ^^
Manticore Arts - 8th October 2012 Congratulations! I love this concept! It's so Beautiful!
Littlegeeky - 8th October 2012
Wow! This costume is so beautiful!
Congratulations on the showcase!
Toshi-chan - 9th October 2012
OMG yay!!! You made showcase xD
So many congratulations, you totally deserved it with Melandru :)
**happy happy**
cookie - 30th March 2013 U camouflage relay well to the back ground really cool