I have only been to Anime Boston once before, but I fell in love with it. The people, the Cosplay, the panels, the music, it was all so much fun. This year I’m at Artist Alley and am new creations right up to the time I need to pack up the car and drive to Boston.

How amazing is it to be in a culture that allows you to express yourself and your passion for Anime and music?

 I received a new corset yesterday and went fabric shopping for the material to make one of my original designs. I will be putting up a video shortly about my first corset and another on what I’m wearing to this Convention. I do apologize for not making a video sooner as I’ve been super focused and hit by a monster cold. Thankfully I’m on the mend and gearing up to have an awesome time!

To celebrate, I will be giving away free hair bows! To make sure you get yours while supplies last, comment below, like The Other Scene on Facebook, and re-tweet this post.

So much to do and so little time! See you at Anime Boston =D

I respect your privacy so rest assured your information will be kept confident.

While doing all of these creative things, I forgot the first rule when working in ANY shop. SAFETY!! I let my mind wander while cleaning a cutting blade and cut myself (I will spare you the gore of pics). It was a clean cut so I washed it out, used Super Glue to bond it shut since it was on my finger, and wrapped it with Neosporin and a Band Aid. I might get a battle scar from it, but at least it is healing.

Many times when working on any crafts, there are tools that are dangerous. We might not think of them day to day, but they can cause serious if not fatal injuries. That being said, I have listed some suggestions on how to keep safe when working with potentially dangerous tools.

1. Always wear protective goggles. Yes you might look like a dork, but your eyes are invaluable and keeping them longer means more projects! You can get goggles in most stores for under $5. I use magnifying glasses to see what I’m doing better which also works for protecting my eyes.
2. When cutting, always cut away from your body. You would be surprised on how many times you can slip up and the pointy objects go towards you. I’ve done it. Be safe and cut away.
3. Have a stable surface. Being crafty means that sometimes you need to craft where you can. However, I high recommend having a steady, level surface to work on and to store your tools on to avoid any accidents.
4. Keep things clear and clean. Having open containers or ones that are stacked balanced on top of each other can result in bad things. Keep your tools clean and containers sealed on stable surfaces (see #3).
5. Always have first aid supplies nearby. I’ve have times where I am fumbling around for a Band Aid when I desperately need one. Don’t let this be like you. Have a first aid kit with you when crafting. It will make life easier.
6. Be smart. When working with fire, heat, chemicals, pointy objects, and other dangerous tools, read instructions on how to handle them. I’ve heard it said that it’s not for the fact that the instructions and warnings are there to help you, but because someone else has done it and it has resulted in bad things. Learn from these people, read the instructions and follow them.
7. Have fun! The safer you are the more fun you can have ; )

Do you have any tips or tricks that you use when keeping it safe? Let me know by commenting below! Until next time, play safe and enjoy the night!

I love Cosplay and dressing Gothic so when I buy or make something, I make sure it will go with everything. The first piece is essential for any Gothic or Punk Lolita. It is a black crinoline petticoat that can be worn on its own (it’s sheer, I wear leggings underneath) or under a skirt or dress to give it extra lift. I bought this online from a Halloween costume shop. It’s so soft!

The next is a basic corduroy black jacket I found at JcPenney. It’s very Steampunk or Gear Lolita. Many of the modern boutiques are selling Anime and Gothic clothing right now. It’s the perfect time for a shopping trip!

I have a few sets of Cyberlox I’ve made along with a pair of Silky Straight Hair Falls in pink! I am making sure to dye my hair with Manic Panic just before the Convention so it will blend with the falls.

Accessories make the outfit. These are a few I have created along with a choker from Alchemy Gothic, a Lolita cuff bracelet from a New York City based artist, and a Lolita headband by a local artist. Both of the artist’s were at Anime Boston 2011.

I love my Dr. Marten jemma boots as you can tell. I wear them nearly every day. They are not only my Cosplay boots, but also my LARPing (Live Action Role-playing) boots. Before Anime Boston, I will polish them up

There are a few things I would love to get before the Con. I have always wanted a pair of Demonia Mary Jane shoes. Aren’t they the cutest!

Another is a Lolita inspired dress that I designed. I am talking with a seamstress extraordinaire to make my dream come true. I don’t want to ruin the surprise so I will show pictures of the dress once it is complete.

It can be a difficult task to Cosplay as one’s favorite Anime character or J-band member, but with a little creativity and savvy shopping, you can get the look you want!

Want to keep up to date with my latest tutorial, blog post, or review? Fill out the form below!

I respect your privacy so rest assured your information will be kept confident.

When I create, I have to get myself into the mood. First, I put on some neutral music. Sometimes it’s loud, other times it’s classical. Today I put on instrumental Steampunk ambient tunes (thank you Pandora). Then I set everything I will need in front of me. Finally, I take a deep breath, relax my shoulders, and just do it.

I’ve occasionally sculpted throughout my life, but I have not used Kato Polyclay. My overall impression was that this clay was easier to work with then many other types of clay I’ve used in the past. The consistency was smooth and I could rework it easily once it was conditioned. I molded the clay into the shape and thickness I wanted it to be in then I added some gears. I don’t clean my gears because I like the greasy, dirty look rather than a polished look of machine parts. This piece is far from being finished. I plan on adding a bit of dimension after it’s baked and wrap it with wire. I am not sure if I want to use silver, brass or copper. The beauty of creation is seeing what works and what doesn’t.

Until next time, enjoy the night and stay crafty!

]]> http://www.theotherscene.com/my-first-kato-polyclay-necklace/feed 0 http://www.theotherscene.com/anime-boston-update http://www.theotherscene.com/anime-boston-update#comments Mon, 27 Feb 2012 21:57:46 +0000 GypsyNightshade http://www.theotherscene.com/?p=888 Today I am pleased to announce that I have received the table plans for Anime Boston! As the time draws closer, the more excited and nervous I become. This will be my second Convention this year. I am gathering things together, making lists, and preparing for New England’s largest Anime Convention that is just over a month away.

I do not plan on Cosplaying this year, sadly. It is due to budget and not having found a seamstress to create something unique. Being a designer, I prefer to wear creations that I have designed rather than purchasing something that is more generic. That being said, if I find a cute number handmade by another artist and it is reasonably priced, I might just grab it!

Want to receive a free hair bow (while supplies last)? Comment below with your Cosplay creation that you will be wearing to Anime Boston, follow The Other Scene on Facebook, Twitter, and/or YouTube, and stop by my booth in Artist Alley!

It takes a lot of preparation to attend a Fair or Convention. I am putting together a small information packet on how to prepare, set up, track inventory, take payments, and more! I did some research before going to TempleCon, but found a few things that could have helped me. I shall keep you posted when I come closer to having everything together.

I have just finished a lovely necklace for the Christmas giveaway winner! It is an onyx pendant wrapped in Argentium Sterling Silver wire with accents of jadeite and Argentium Sterling Silver swirls. The lace is secured using ribbon ends. The ties are black satin ribbon that allow for varying lengths while adding a touch of elegance. The winner loves swirls and natural stones and showed me a similar necklace. This came to me from pieces I had made previously, but was never able to make them into a complete piece.

Until next time, stay crafty and enjoy the night!

This was my booth.

Me and my brother. (Thank you David for assisting me all weekend!)

A lovely woman who enjoyed wearing her new pair of Silky Curls in Purple and Black made by me. I also adore her parasol and all the decorations that adorn it.

One awesome person with crazy hair.

The skeleton across the way wanted to wear a set of my Kinky Falls in Blue and Black.

A random person who also wanted to try on the Kinky falls.

I left with great memories and new friends! Time to get ready for Anime Boston and I will be looking into other Conventions and Fairs!