TLDR; This week I cover myself in paint (not intentionally), finally get the templates for the bow printed and start making it!

Painting the flaps #

I’ve made a lot of progress on painting the flaps, though not without a few mistakes along the way. I realised that I was diluting the paint a little too much and that’s why it took about 4 layers to properly cover it - the final layer went on much nicer than previously.

To give it a texture I had plans to airbrush on some dark brown. This however ended up looking terrible due to the regularity and evenness of the paints application. I tried brushing on and it didn’t work, but when cleaning said paint off I discovered that the mostly cleaned off and smeared paint looked perfect!

Once I’d suitably painted on and then wiped off the brown paint I shifted to painting the backs. I just repeated what I did to the front, though with less layers and using paintbrush, using the same paint on a wipe off technique for the brown to give it a similar look.

Build your own bow (some assembly required) #

I finally printed out the templates for the bow, having taken the parts from the trace document and copying them over to a couple of much better organised files for printing. I’ve colour coded them this time too, since sometimes a part is needed in one of the three different thicknesses of foam I’m using for it.

I’ve decided to reinforce the handle with wire to give it a little bit more stability, though the 10mm foam I’m using is pretty good at holding shape. I’ll probably use some wire in the arms as well, though I’m not sure if that is needed yet.

Makeup! #

I’ve received some much needed advice on makeup from a friend (Thanks Cy!) and changed my approach. I’m going to use a primer and a tinted moisturiser rather than foundation which eliminates trying to work out which of the many shades is the right one for me!

Hopefully I can put some time aside soon to watch the videos I’ve collected and do a makeup test! I’ll probably wait until I’ve got the wig done, which is another fairly high priority in case I need to adjust things.

I also bought myself some green contact lenses that arrived yesterday. Finding a place that does a good selection of coloured prescription contacts is difficult, but a friend long ago recommended PinkyParadise. I’ve never had any issues with with any of the 4 or 5 pairs I’ve bought from them, so I can pass along the recommendation.

Electronics #

The electronics have all been shipped out and are arriving, I just need to get some wire to join them together. I’ve discovered some good YouTube videos and a couple of articles that should allow me to get a little more out of the battery too.

What’s next? #

More painting! I need to get the flaps finished, then move onto everything else. In theory these are less complex as they’re mostly either light grey or black so I should be able to fly through them like I did when priming.

Once the flaps are finished being painted I can start adding the cord details to them, which is why I wanted I gave them priority over the rest of the armour pieces.

If you have an questions or ideas for posts you’d like to see, send me a tweet @tjomas