Wednesday 21 September 2011

Saki kigurumi mask and costume completed.

Just completed Sainte's mask order today. It is a Saki kigurumi mask and costume from the anime Steel Angel Kurumi.
I have vague memories about this show, its an anime aired more than a decade ago afterall.
For those who are interested to find out more, hit Google and search for Steel Angel Kurumi, it has 2 seasons in total.

Like every time, I can't wait for Sainte to try it out.
I believe Hotaru and Sainte are both Finlanders and I wish to congratulate Finland for having the growth in Kiguurmi Cosplayers~

Kinda glad that Hotaru will now get a companion to do kigurumi cosplays with. Its so difficult to find kigurumi cosplay companions around.

Hotaru's website can be access from the URL below:
http://www.kiguhotaru.info/gallery/index.php

The related forum thread for the Saki mask and costume can be found here:
http://www.kigurumicosplay.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1126

With the costume, I talked in the forums about some parts which I need to tweak a little before sending.
This costume has so many parts, I can't recall if any of my own costumes came in so many pieces.
If you take a look at the picture on here,  there are 12 pieces.
Looks like it will be fun to wear that~

Another update is that I've recently added over 3000 pictures to the gallery section.
Other members have been actively putting their own favourites up, I'm glad for that.
Do drop by the gallery to check out the newly added images, and you're always welcomed to add some pictures of your own.

With the Saki mask out of the way, I'll have more time to work on the new Saya Dark Elf mask as well as other projects.

Until then, take care and hope to see you on the chatbox~^_^

Wednesday 14 September 2011

Post reaper mortem~

It has been a very busy fortnight, and thus the lack of updates. Work in kigurumi is being done, but just not been written up yet.
So I thought what would be a better time now, that I've got some free time to talk about some happenings in the eventful two weeks.
Some of you may have known, the Facebook reaper (aka FB Shinigami) paid me a visit two weeks ago and I've been reverted back into a baby~
And to make my baby life more miserable, Facebook disallowed me from adding friends for a week, so while I can accept people's requests, I can't add people on my own.
Its like having my hands tied up while trying to clap hehe~
Good thing its over now.
For adventurous friends out there, apparently the Facebook reaper deals a damage of over 1500 per hit.
Took all my life out with one blow.
I'm begining to guess that its a storyline event and cannot be avoided in any way lols~
Well, anyway my character has since then been recovered and can be readded into your party of friends~^^
Do add me if we're in the same party before, my new  ID is Wyu Ri
wyurisu @ gmail . com
I heard that some people have the Facebook reaper visit them almost a handful of times.
Thats kind of worrying, I wonder if there is any item which can ward them off.
Well I guess that means I've just had my first time, and no longer a virgin in this matters~ ^_^
Remember to add me again okie~^_^
A few things which I've been working on lately.
I added a new video on to my Youtube account, its just a casually taken video, nothing professional.
Do check it out below.


Just felt like taking some pictures with my iphone, its quick, easy and doesn't take a lot of effort to get dressed up.
I should consider doing that more often hehe
Posted some pictures from the zipai(self shoot) below.
I also learnt one thing about the Iphone4.
I'm pretty sure I already knew this, but it is my first time seeing its effects and that is the front facing camera on the Iphone4 is very much lower quality than the back facing one.
I was quite marvelled by the camera on the Iphone4 (the back camera) which takes really good pictures, which made me forgot that the front one which is hardly used, is not as good.
Nevertheless, the front facing camera is superb for doing zipai(self shots).
The pictures are of Asuka in an Arena gray full body swim suit, heading to the beach anyone?
I hope you will like the pictures taken below~<3



Sunday 28 August 2011

Asuka nurse uniform pictures added to gallery.


Check kigurumicosplay.com for more updates

More pictures from Asuka in her nurse outfit has been added and the entire album has been uploaded onto the image gallery.
I feel that this photoshoot is one of Asuka's cutest outfits, I really like it a lot.
The gallery for the images can be found in my gallery album located at the link here:
http://www.kigurumicosplay.com/gallery2/thumbnails.php?album=159

Let's talk about some recent updates. The Mini-Chatroom seems to be proving itself a hit.
I initially wanted it to just make it more convenient for users to leave messages for each other in the forums, but it seems because its much easier to use, and allows cute avatars of users to interact with, its become more frequently used than the video chatroom.

I chanced upon it when least expecting it, and after seeing the outcome, you realise how useful it is.
Its part of the forums, so users can read updates and chat about them at the same time.

In comparison to my standalone video chatroom, which is just a chatroom, its less colourful, thus easy to get bored of quickly.

What I really liked about it is that it is mobile device friendly, I can use it on my iphone by just browsing to the web page as its not flash or some software.
Quite thankful to the writer of this widget.
Today, I added the open to let the chat page open up independently on a separate window, so users who just want to chat on their mobile while on the go, can free up resources by not having to load the full long forum page. Phew Long sentence is long.

I hope that it will be easier now to join us in chatting even on your mobile device.

Phew talking about mobile device, I haven't even started editing the mobile website version.
It probably will take some time with so many other things I want to do now hehe.

The blinking mask project has made quite a lot of progress and the picton position has been changed. The overall sliding eye cover design has been taken apart and redesigned too, I just didn't have time to post some updates on it. I will very soon, do stay tuned for the test-type to emerge soon~^_^

The Saki mask project and costume are into its final phase, the costume is completed and the mask is almost ready to be painted.
Been working on a side project these couple of days, and it seems to be taking up all my attention, but yeah, its that exciting.
I hopefully it can be announced soon, but there are many things which are only at the beginning stages.
I hope to get as much help i can get so each of us working on the project will have a lighter load.

After all these are finished, I hope I can start making a new mask model too.
Its been so long since any new models have emerged, I hope to get all the major work completed in the next 3 weeks to move on to the next project~^_^

Until then, stay tuned~

Thursday 18 August 2011

Project Hatsune Miku

I have been slow to grow a liking for Hatsune Miku even though I was well aware of her popularity since a few years ago. I think it must have been the latest 3D virtual concert and improved songs with excellent dancing which made me fall in love with her. And as with any anime character I love, I would invite them into the real world.
Well, I'm definitely not the first who tried to do a kigurumi cosplay of Hatsune Miku, kinda not in line with most of my cosplay choices, but well... first in the english speaking world seems good enough~^_^
I have started resuming the blinking eye kigurumi mask project simultaneously with the Project Miku~
With that, I am trying to debut the Hatsune Miku kigurumi cosplay with the blink-able kigurumi mask. I am not sure how long will it take, I am currently trying to solve another problem.
Do come back into the blinking eye project thread and help me with your ideas to the new and challenging problems~^_^;
One reason that the blinking eye project is taking so long is because the seller for the battery component of my design has failed to send me the correct items.
As mentioned in the thread as well, the seller made a mistake in my shipment not once, but twice, sending me crap stuff that I cannot use.
For the record, they are also the first seller on Ebay which I have given a negative feedback to. Never thought this day would come.
As of now, I have yet received the correct items, I hope it comes in fine now, or this seller would have been a three time commiter of ridiculous mistake.
Due to a small number of requests, I started another kigurumi bodysuit mass order. Both Normal and High Quality suit orders are accepted.
Some time back, I stopped accepting orders for Normal quality kigurumi bodysuits as they are not really as durable as the HQ ones.
But of late, there are a few friends who are just starting up kigurumi and wishes for a place to get cheap yet good coloured bodysuits.
So I've decided to resume making them. Afterall, I think all the sellers only sell HQ bodysuits and no normal quality more economical ones, that makes it hard for some.
If you are interested, please head to the forum page and voice your interest.
I just need you to tell me your height and weight, and size of the suit.
Feel free to ask any questions there as well.
I have some updates for the Saki kigurumi mask and costume which I am working on for Sainte. I patched up the mask today with filler, and will sand it smooth tomorrow.
Cannot wait for it to finish as Sainte and Hotaru, both Finlanders will be able to kig together~^_^
Thank them so much for pioneering kigurumi in Finland~ THE LAND OF THE LEVA'S POLKA~^_^;
Quite an earworm of a song which has a Hatsune Miku version attached below~



 Next up are a few other note worthy posts in the forums, and news~
Join in the chat in the mini-chat box in the forums or take a surf in the new image gallery (new images updated every other day~)
Below are a few more preview images for Project Miku~
I'm just gettting Asuka to cosplay as Miku in the mean time, the Miku custom is only partially complete~^_^;
Thank you for your patience.

Sunday 14 August 2011

Old Meets New – New bodysuit mass order.

The final touches to the Gallery and Forum are in place for now, I can’t think of anymore huge improvements, though small add ons may still come now and then.
Now what’s left is to help some friends with the Links page and the Video chatroom.
The previous HQ bodysuit mass order has also been concluded and all suits been shipped out.
I’ve received a few more requests of suits wanted, so I’m trying to start another mass order. Well at least as many as I can muster within such a short period after an earlier order~^_^
So… Old meets new. Quite a few things in this post is related to old meeting the new thus I pick this title. I posted some pictures of Yu wearing Winter’s nurse uniform on a bed.
And thats kind of old meeting the new.
Not only that, the former pictures in my gallery and the forum gallery has been moved and merged into one large Gallery. So there is a more communal feel to the organising of photography materials.
Last but not least, the Forums has been given a facelift while retaining the same layout and usability.
Talking a little about the picture featured in this post, this shoot is taken quite early in the days when Yu was still modeling for this website.
The nurse outfit is a more fashionable version of real nurse uniforms (Although I do have a real nurse uniform photoshoot), but its more fun and kinky looking this way.
The entire outfit is made from white lycra and also bring quite thin at the same time, so it is quite form fitting.
A white corset is worn underneath the nurse outfit but it can only be seen from this view.
That is where the garter-belt is and white garter straps keep a pair of white opaque stockings on.
The nurse cap is attached to the hair with hair pins to keep it from sliding off and real latex gloves are worn on her hands.
It is a simple costume, but I think Yu pulled it off really well, looking quite sexy~^_^
Below are a few more related images of the shoot.
I hope you like them~

Friday 12 August 2011

Some updates~

First of all, the bodysuits have been sent out. Looks like I will need to make another mass order right away as well.
I”ve received messages asking for new suits, though not that many people as yet, I’ll start another mass order thread and if anyone wants to hop on, you’re more than welcome.
For those who are interested, please check out this forum topic:
http://www.kigurumicosplay.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1277
The other update is regarding the forum and gallery integration.
Most of the work I have in planned for the gallery and forums have been complete.
All that remains is the sorting of the unsorted images imported from the previous gallery in the forums, and adding of a few modifications in the forums.
4 new features are currently visible in the forums, they were added between yesterday and today.
They include a Mini-Chat box so that users can try to get support and answers to their questions a little quicker.
And I added an international country flag display feature for every member. Since the website is an international one, sometimes it might be necessary to remind others where you’re from~^_^
Its a fun add on which I hope members will configure it when they visit the forums.
The next two updates are the “Random Images from the Gallery” and the “Last Viewed Images” also from the gallery.
There are now a large number of COSPLAY, KIGURUMI COSPLAY, FIGURINES and other images in the gallery.
I’m populating the gallery from scratch as nothing was retained when I imported the images from the former gallery and closed my old personal gallery.
Now members are allow to start their individual albums, it will be most useful for kigurumi cosplayers, and also add images into the other albums if the image fits the category~
I’m in the middle of adding a few more new features to the version upped forum.
Most of them will be cosmetics, with a number of functionality improvements as well.
Such as, fully featured quick reply box, user avatar of new posts and PM page enhancements.
Stay tuned for more updates.
Check the forum in a while to see the new features.
A continuation from before, the title images posted here are from the same new costume series which I was posting before the migration to the new server.
Its Yu in a golden metallic ninja outfit~^_^
Has socks too but didn’t wear…

Wednesday 3 August 2011

Half way there~


The new design of the website is up, but there is still more left to do.Seems somehow that there is more work now than before, hehe~^_^;

Everyone who is working on the website are going through a very busy period right now. Yet they still try their best to make some progress in the area of work they are managing.A new links page and video chat page will go live once they are fully tested and working.

In the meantime, I have exported the images from the forums into the standalone gallery. Phew~ the phpBB gallery is huge, there are almost 3000 images there, I'm really glad so many people have been sharing your pictures there all these time.

The new gallery uses the same login as to the forums, you do not need to register for a separate account. At this moment, the images are unsorted as I have just imported them from the forum gallery. Eventually, the forum gallery shall go. I don't think I will be able to sort all the imags in the new gallery myself, if you wish to help, let me know.  The new gallery should be much easier to use than the  improvised attempt by phpBB to make a gallery. There are just too many features and plugins that I want to try to integrate into the forum and gallery which I do not have time to do so myself. If you are comfortable in web authoring, why not send me a message and we'll see how the website can use some of your help~^_^

Quite a few other side work happening at the same time. The costume you see above belongs to Saki from steel angel kurumi.It will go with the Saki mask ordered by Sainte.
But in order to get the costume up to standard, some self modifications are definitely required.
Let's begin the discussion Sainte~^_^
As for the Saki mask, the fibreglass replica has been completed. I will need to start working on that, it will take some time still.

I have been tinkering with the website all this while to get it to working condition.
For now, I can focus on something else since its already operational.


The other work which needs to be done are the dye-ing of the bodysuits. Yes they have arrived, just got them yesterday. Dye-ing them shouldn't take too long, I've done a few today, I will try my best to finish them all tomorrow. The order was closed and production started on the 4th Jul 2011. A month has gone by, thank you everyone for your patience, it will be ready soon.

The new suits have a new feature as well. Some buyers reported to me that due to improper handling, the zipper heads have came off. In the new design, there is a backup zipper head, so if the first one is worn off, a second one is there so you do not have to worry. This is such a good idea, I think we should patent the design lol. Conventional zentais, if you accidentally rip a zipper off its threads, it can be quite a hassle to put it back(nearly impossible). And changing the whole 1m long zipper is out of the question. Nothing of this sort to worry about now~^_^

There is a forum thread that is open for comments and reports on the new website. Since it is somewhat in a BETA stage, problems are bound to exist, if you notice any, do let me know there.
http://www.kigurumicosplay.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1171&start=0
You can also leave a comment in the comment box below~^_^

Do stay tune for new updates~

Wednesday 20 July 2011

Hitagi Senjougahara Gallery 1 added.

Took some time off to add a new album into the gallery section. There seems to be quite a back log there, well there also seems to be some progress with this I suppose. The first half of the gallery has been posted. I'll put up a second half soon~

The move of the website from the old server to the new server seems to have been completed without problems. The previous server was in Germany and the current one is in USA. Those living in the US, is there any noticeable improvement in speed? The internet is quite fast nowadays, I imagine most people wouldn't notice a 1ms or 10 ms difference would they?

With the migration out of out of the way, I think I'll work a little on getting a new design up for the site too. The current version is version 6, the next version will be version 7. It all seems so fun, but I also happen to be going through quite a busy period. Well, baby steps I guess, baby steps can finish anything hehe.

Here are some of the activities that friends and members are up to lately.

The new mask project thread for Saki, from Steel Angel Kurumi (yes Kurumi, not Kigurumi).

Hotaru brings a chainsaw to a con?! Soon to be joined by Sainte, as Saki.

I want to know your desktop resolution, has things changed in the past 5 years?

Mutsu's sculpting of a goat head is sooo interesting to look at.

And a weird issue I kept encountering with FTP clients, do you know the cause?

Sunday 17 July 2011

Godaddy, we have arrived, on the new server and I'm lovin'it~^_^

Go Daddy $7.49 .com Sale!The move to the new server is complete. I must say, I am very very impressed by the service provided by Godaddy.com. On several occassions, I needed to ask questions right away or the migration would have delays. Godaddy's 24/7 help centre was just a call away, and got to speak to a tech support personnel who was able to answer my questions right away.

Let me share with you how my Godaddy experience was like:

"          I know that they are trained to do so, but I am still amazed at how the workers were all able keep up such a high standard of customer service. On one occasion, I needed to delete the server for a reset and reapply for a new host, they walked me through the entire process, they even recommended me an option to choose a server nearer to my visitors, I chose USA(they have Singapore, Australia, China etc). It should be as quick as it gets to load for many of you now. I FELT VERY PAMPERED~^_^

I am so touched, perhaps because I moved from a host who abused their customers. The previous host, ulmb.com, took monthly payments from me, and when I realised and changed to an annual upfront payment, they still kept withdrawing automatic monthly payments, twice before I found out. That is like taking more money than they should and keeping quiet about it. When I sent a message to the customer service, there was no reply EVEN UNTIL NOW! :( I waited 3 days before sending a second message, and by now, I've sent 5 messages and still no reply. ULMB.COM IS THAT BAD. I figured if I stayed on, I will be charged a third time the monthly amount, so I decided to go.

I am still touched and impressed about Godaddy's control manager. The available options and settings are just incredible. Their build in web browser based FTP works just like Facebook/Photobusket/Filezilla combined, I didn't even needed to use my standalone FTP software. Almost all the settings can be modified and there is so much more that I haven't even tried. All the server details are REVEALED and I feel that I OWN MY SERVICE, unlike on the previous host.

Definitely as good as it can get for a web host and domain name registrar.          "

The new site is not just good service, the 4th generation hosting hardware and the features offered are in a list twice as long as my previous web host... Phew, Web developers for my site ought to be happy with the new toy I bought for their use~^_^

The forum is up, I will start working on adding new things to the website, meanwhile check take a look at the following topics:

If you have any problems now, let me know in the thread here or email me:
http://www.kigurumicosplay.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1116


Help me out with a title banner, I want to feature your work on here~^_^ Check here:
http://www.kigurumicosplay.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1127


Some great mask making and repairing tips by mask maker Fantesca can be found here:
http://www.kigurumicosplay.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1124

A new kigurumi mask project in the works, with full costume and shoes for a buyer:
http://www.kigurumicosplay.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1126


I am trying to make kigurumi eyes blink, check out how Rinrin plans on getting interchangeable expressions and making them go -_- !
http://www.kigurumicosplay.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1131


Stay tuned for more updates~^_^ All suggestions are welcomed.

Saturday 16 July 2011

User's probably won't feel a thing, but the server is being migrated as we speak.

The clever thing about links, they all point to the right place wherever they files may be physically. 1/4 of the server and its files have been moved to the new server, but it is still expected to take a while. The most difficult part is yet to come. The forums.

I may want to do a clean installation of the forums, so that all the bugs, and accumulated clutter will become history. This way, I can also ensure that all the features, like the gallery and board version are the newest and most current version.

However the forum's galleries are about 800MB, phew~ I wonder who has been uploading non web optimised pics onto the gallery, I have folders with more pictures than there are in the forums and its not even 150MB lol.

The forums will be temporarily disabled when the actual moving of the forum is taking place. Do not be alarmed, it will be in that way for just a few hours. most likely less than the number of fingers and toes combined lol~^_^;

Anyway, work is on its way. I will be updating what is happening to the forum and new server as we speak on Twitter. I'll let everyone know when things are done~^_^

Friday 15 July 2011

Server migration imminent in the next 3 days.

Server migration has been in the planning and it is expected that it will take place in the next few days.

So please do not be surprised if the forums are temporarily inaccessible. It is because when moving the database, I will have to freeze the forum to prevent any changes. Besides, any changes added to the forums when the data is being move will remain on the old server and won't be seen when the migration is over.

I will post a notice on the blog since blogger.com is hosted by Google and not my own host, it will stay up. It probably will stay up in a nuclear attach too~^_^; The new server has so much more features and stretching space for web developers to improve upon the website. I will talk about it when the bulk of the work is done.

Come to think of it, this will be the second time the forums has been moved. For old time friends and fans, you may remember the "proboards" forum and  "wyu.ulmb.com". With each move, things has improved and newer features and services has been offered for the visitor's enjoyment. Your fun, is my fun, I can't wait when everything is done~^_^

Stay tuned~

Thursday 14 July 2011

Feature your artwork in the banner~

Dear kigurumi cosplay lovers. Do you make good drawings? If so will you like your artwork to become inside the banner on this site?

Specifications:
1) Image must be 1000 x 200 pixels with edges tapered to white.
2) Title of website "Kigurumi Cosplay Society" and slogan "Kigurumi cosplay for everyone else" has be present.
3) You can write your personal URL on the banner as long as it does not obscure the title and slogan.
4) You can use any image, your drawing, your kig pictures etc. It does not have to be 100% kigurumi related, but some relevance is preferred,
5) JPG files are preferred for their compact size, though all image formats are supported.
6) Filesize should be optimised for web, otherwise I can do it for you.
7) You can submit more than one or get a friend to help you.

You may notice that the banner changes each time you hit "refresh" on your browser. The first artwork is provided by Zicron Knight as an demonstration.

Right now it only has two images to swap between one another randomly, but I intend to accumulate a fair number of different banner designs. The banner has absolutely no restrictions except for the dimensions, title and slogan. You can put your dog's picture, or gears in an engine. You can put a background of a scene you took in a CON with kigurumi in them etc. Although I'm after mostly kigurumi or cosplay related themes, just be creative, like how GOOGLE draw its name creatively once in a while~

To send me the banner you made, please post it up in the member gallery or anywhere, you can also email it to me directly. And link it in this forum thread below.
http://www.kigurumicosplay.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1127&p=12843#p12843

You can make suggestions on improvements and ask questions in the same thread as well.
See you there~^_^

Tuesday 12 July 2011

Where were all the work hiding before this~

Just a non related cover girl to start of a post~ Looks like this are really going to get very very busy from now on~ Let me count them here:

1) Got a business plan to present to VCs in mid August (Not Kigurumi^^;)
2) Migrating of website and server to newer, better web host.
3) Full time work~
4) 1 new mask order, with full costume and shoes.
5) Blinking eye project, phew~ waiting for parts.
6) New cosplay character, heh heh~ It'll be a surprise~
7) Daily maintenance and answering of questions on forum/facebook

See lucky 7, blam~ no kidding, just where were all the work hiding before today. If I seem to take ages to reply to real time chats or emails, please forgive me, I think I may need to do less of those for a while.

In fact dear friends, when you send me a message, cutting off the "hi" and "how are you today" and getting straight to the "Its pouring out here today, I need an umbrella" may be more effective in getting a response lol.

I can still chat, but probably just less of the mundane stuff, but don't worry, I still care, its the whole point why I'm busy~^_<

The forums seems to be getting a while lot busier these days. If you are a frequent member, and have a mature attitude, will you like to help by being a moderator?  Don't forget to drop by the forums and check the following hot projects and topics:
-Okuu's new costume design~
-Rinrin's kigurumi character~!!!
-Some anime titles too short?
and more~ ^_^

Thank you for all the help offered with the building of the new community website. The intention was to share the work and share the pride. Trying to make something useful to help other kiggers and kig loving people.

Built the website from scratch collecting tutorials, discussions, ideas and pictures in the forums. I think it has came a long way. People finding the information provided useful kind of made me want to make it even better. Its cool isn't it, when you have a goal that seems right~^_^

So yada yada yada~ I'll be busy, but I'm still here~<3

Sunday 10 July 2011

Web developers, designers and artists. Want to have some fun?

We are making a new website. Will you like your work to become part of the new Kigurumi Cosplay Society?


I am so thrilled of having the current website which got me to know so many great friends with similar interests. Lately I was strongly touched by the support of your friendship when so many of you responded with ideas and suggestions when I asked for help with the recent blinking eye project. I truly experienced how the effort of a group very quickly overtook what I could accomplish on my own.

After speaking to a few friends here, it seems like all the help I need has always been here and all I needed to do was to ask. Little do many know, that my website is being maintained, repaired and renewed by a few members and friends alike. But the truth is, everyone who are reading this and visiting this website is helping this place a great deal.

I have come to the decision of making this Kigurumi Cosplay Society a more useful place by providing kigurumi cosplay lovers with better services than just being a website showcasing just my own's work. Its true that the forum has been doing a fair job in sharing information and showcasing other people's work, but I think it can be better.

Thursday 7 July 2011

Kigurumi Cosplay has a flood of activities lately.



This update will talk about a few things I am aware of happening in the kigurumi cosplay circle of late (But of course, there are tons of kigurumi activity which I'm also not aware of). These include:
-Cici's (Cicelia Winn) completed purple hair, orange eye, gray side-tail Dita.(Hair's different, eyes different, hairstyle's different... is she still Dita >_<; hehe).
-The envy inducing AXCon went by Haru, Kei, Shino, Rinrin, Pool Trooper etc.
-The progress of the revolutionary blinking eye kigurumi mask project and what the ultimate final design is like.
-A new links page underway.
-And I'll touch on the skin-coloured kigurumi bodysuit mass order and a few things at the end.

Dita kigurumi mask
The kigurumi mask on the left is Dita (though I feel it should be called Cici). Well the original customisation was based on Dita from the hit anime Vandread, aired some time ago. Then Cici wanted a purple haired version of the Dita mask with gray side-tails, and the eye colour be orange. (btw, Dita has red hair, blue eyes etc) Hehe... plus a few more customisations, and the mask is completed. Check out more of the completed image shots in the related forum thread here:
http://www.kigurumicosplay.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=5&p=12566#p12566

Monday 4 July 2011

Mikunopolis~ USA~

Damned that Draconpern and Rinrin, they got to see Mikunopolis live while I get to watch it on this youtube video~^_^; Hehe, just wanted to rant about it, I'm fine, no worries. I suppose anyone whose familiar with the Vocaloid's recent activities would have seen the similiar concerts in Japan... on Youtube as well for me.

Indeed, it is quite amazing. The effect does look like a real 3D person is singing on the stage. The movements are very well choreographed and looked so beautiful dancing. They probably are better off in endurance and liveliness compared to real life artists.

When I watched the video, I keep realising how much the performance look like kigurumi cosplay. It looks almost identical to a slender little girl, dressed in kigurumi cosplay costume and doing the show up there. I wonder how amazing it would be if a kigurumi cosplayer can put on that outfit and parade the public grounds. Perhaps there would be countless fans who will fall in love with her at first sight.

One IMPORTANT thing that I noted from the performance is that THE VOCALOID'S EYES KEEPS BLINKING~!!! It does make the character appear more alive, and probably will break the uncanny feeling traditional kig masks give to the public. THIS FREAKIN* MADE ME WANNA FINISH THE BLINKING SAYA MASK A.S.A.P...... GGRAOWLAGH. Wow, what was that? A growl? Sweet. Imagine if a kigurumi mask's face can achive blinking, it will be no different from the 3D Mikus and other vocaloids. I think we're getting somewhere with the blinking eye no jutsu. Definitely going somewhere.

P.S.... if a kig mask isn't singing, the mouth doesn't need to move right? After I tackle the blinking eyes, let's see if I have some time to think about a moving mouth~^_^; I must be crazy.

>>>"CREDIT OF VIDEO GOES TO VIDEO UPLOADER" <<<
The Calif Mikunopolis video has been taken off Youtube, so I replace it with one formerly from Jap.

Saturday 2 July 2011

Someone help me please?

In need of huge help. All ideas are welcomed.

Question: Where and how to put the pistons so they would be able to push the flaps?

I want to make kigurumi eyes blink. One final touch and it could be turned into reality. But I am puzzling over where and how to install the final crucial bit. The placement of the air pistons so they will connect with the eye lids.

The air pistons may or may not be the best solution even in this case. You you thought of an even better method to drive the eyelid flaps, please let me know.

The problem now is that the mask is curved on the inside. There is very little room to install the pistons, and the pistons needs to be able to extend as well.

Is there any kind of electronic switch or simple circuit I can build that when released, inverts the direction of a motor? Building a micro controller circuit is probably out of the question, but simple on/off dc motors are still viable.

Preferably, I do not wish to rely on electronic circuits as I see that the battery most certainly will not last a 4-5 hour continuous driving. And kigurumi cosplays are meant to last that long or longer.

So how, if not the pistons, can I drive the eyelids? Any creative problem solving lovers around I can discuss this with? If you have an idea, best tell me how to do it as well. It best explained with an illustration or sketch ^_^

Thank you very much~

The discussion forum is located here:
http://www.kigurumicosplay.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1090&start=50

Friday 1 July 2011

Another step completed in the blinking eye project.

All these improvising and re-inventing made me recall how easy it was to make ponytails on kigurumi masks in comparison to this.

Shocking, absolutely no less than shocking. The eye lashes part of the project has been overly underestimated in complexity. I twitted the other day that making the eye lashes was like inventing the light bulb, do you know that story of Thomas Edison? He tried and failed over 10,000 designs, well mine was not as dramatic, but still no less than 10 designs.

So many things has changed in the design, even the material used has been changed. I was quite busy figuring out how to get it to work as well as doing my other priorities that I haven't had time to update much in the forums or on Facebook.

Well, the good news is. It is completed. And it is working. That is the sliding action of the eye lashes controlled by the eye lids.

Monday 27 June 2011

Kigurumi mask eyes closed~



I have painted and inserted the eye lids behind the eye lashes. I tested their movement and it moved as I wish they did. I have yet fastened the eyelids behind the eyes on the inside of the mask as yet, so there is more shadow over the eye lids in the animated GIF file below.

Although it is already moving well with the current design I used, I am still not 100% comfortable that the eye lashes design has been perfected yet. I need to think of a better design for the joints behind the eye lashes so that it will move even more smoother than it does now.

Friday 24 June 2011

Moving eye lashes are attached~

The cover girl today is Yu in a silver metallic maid lycra outfit as promised. The costume consist of a metallic silver bodysuit with skirt and 3 accessories. The accessories are a pair of metallic white gloves, a metallic white apron and metallic silver knee high socks. There's enough metallic matter here to turn Yu into a knightress in shiny armour.

The purpose of this update is to show some of the progress of the blinking eye mechanism which I'm building. There is a breakthrough today on the eye lashes. If you have been following my posts, the eye lashes uses nails as joints. This posed a problem because it is quite "thick". This made the eye lashes very bulky.

I wouldn't have knew it would be not suitable before I tried making it, so I can't really say I regretted using this method to form the joints. So I knew the joins needs to be super thin. I went back to my initial idea of joining the eyelashes by interlocking the eye lashes to itself, in other words ORIGAMI. It must be the theory of infinite intelligence working here, when you are focused on some issues, solutions which you never would have known sometimes just appear.

Tuesday 21 June 2011

Need joint suggestion for last piece of the puzzle, inverting eyelashes

Calling out to all craft and tool users out there. I need some help with suggestions for the joints for bendable eye lashes. For those you just dropped by today, I am making a mask project right now trying to create blinking eyes for masks.

There is a discussion thread going on in the forums which might be interesting to you if you have a brilliant suggestion. Even if you do not have any ideas at the moment, check it out to find the engineering behind how kigurumi masks are made~^_^ The forum thread can be found here:
http://www.kigurumicosplay.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1090&start=0

Right now, I am trying to figure out the last bit of the design for inverting eyelashes. I have drawn a diagram below to illustrate the nature of my design. It involves separating the conventional single piece eyelashes into 3 segments which can swivel and thus invert. To better understand what I mean, see the picture below.

Sunday 19 June 2011

Calling all innovative and creative kigurumi lovers~

Livewearyu kigurumi masks has come a long way since Yu ran the show. Since then she has retired, living her blissful married life with her prince charming and hardly mentioned a word about kigurumi. I thank Yu for sending me a few of her pictures in new never been shown before costumes.But won't expect her to show up anytime soon~^_^

What would she say if she saw the modern CC through to Saya models, what would she think of the evolution of the kigurumi mask learning how to blink~

I call upon visitors to this site, to for once, share some creativity and innovative thoughts on the design of the blinking kigurumi mask. Become a part of a new and fun design of kigurumi masks that will amaze people even more. Please visit the thread here:

http://www.kigurumicosplay.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1090&start=0

Trying to make my kigurumi mask blink~ 70% complete >_^

Not sure if it will look as perfect as the picture on the left, but hell, I'll know when its built.

 
During the long talk with Draconpern regarding several issues including making blinking kigurumi masks. I came to decide on two methods to create a pushing mechanism. (Grown bored of waiting for Tool Prooper for a suggestion hehe~^_^;) And some visitors have guessed what I was making from the hints I posted up some time ago. One method is to use air pressure to create a pushing force to close the eyelids. The other is to build a solenoid and control the movement with buttons.

I decided to start building the air pressure operated method since I have no idea how I can press buttons using my face yet, using the tongue would eventually make all foods taste like nothing to me I guess.

EASIER SAID THAN DONE. I spend quite a number of weeks, on and off, pondering on a design to build the pushing mechanism. One which can be control from within the mask itself. YES, just like the ironman suit~!

The design involved blowing air into pistons which will push the eyelids down.The next problem came when I realise I need the piston to retract as well. Brainstormed for ideas of a spring mechanism for a while. and finally, found a retractable string device which I lessen the spring's strength so my pistons can push it.

Wednesday 15 June 2011

Hitagi Senjougahara in pvc bunny suit video on Youtube

There was a Hitagi Senjougahara shoot some time ago, and one of it was her in a pvc bunny suit. I really like the character from Bakemonogatari, I strongly encourage everyone to watch it. The story is very interesting and has depth and Hitagi san, she's so gorgeous.

I added a video oh her in the pvc bunny suit up on my Youtube channel today. Its been a long time since the pictures of this shoot has been posted. They are not in the gallery though I think, its in a blog post in November 2009.

I still remember when I made the suit, I posted pictures and bits of it as well in a number of around Mar09 I think. Yu was the first to cosplay in it and there is a gallery of Yu in this bunny suit in the gallery section. I modeled the bunny suit to resemble Suzumiya Haruhi's concert bunny suit when she sang "God Knows" in the anime.(Click on link to visit)

Sunday 12 June 2011

New high quality kigurumi bodysuit mass order.

A new high quality kigurumi skin coloured bodysuit mass order has been started. The previous stock has ran out and of late, a number of friends and members are asking for the purchase of the bodysuits. Anyone who wishes to join the order must jump on this bandwagon quickly. if you will like to commission a mask in the future or soon, I may not be able to provide a HQ bodysuit if it is out of stock and there isn't a minimum number of orders.

It might be interesting so I'll share with you the situation involved in making a bodysuit, it is entirely a loss when I commission the suits one at a time. I suppose that because the high quality suit fabric has been found at only one manufacturer so far the production process involves a lot of shipping and logistics. The material has to get shipped from supplier to tailor and then to me, which I then ship to the buyer. The price which I'm selling one suit for is clearly insufficient to cover the 3 international shipping involved not to mention any labour. That is why mass order is the way to go, not exactly to give anyone a huge discount (The suits are already at the huge discount to other suit makers) but just to make it possible for everyone who wants a kigurumi skin toned bodysuit to have one~^_^.

Saturday 11 June 2011

A different evening at Misato's home.

A fun and exciting talk of just one of the many evenings that Shinji, Asuka and Misato spends in their apartment. Oh not forgetting their pet emperor penguin Pen Pen. The story was written by Pool Trooper, a forum regular telling of how Asuka came about in the picture previously posted~

I hope you have a good read. If you have a different version you wish to add, just send it to me~^_^ Here is how the story goes:

>>
"So tell me again why we are doing this Shinji?”  Asuka asked innocently to her fellow EVA pilot and sole room-mate until their quite possibly drunk guardian, Misato, got back from where-ever she was.  Since the beginning of the month, both teenagers have had a lot of free time and not a whole lot to due, what with school being out for the summer as well as nary an angel popping its head out to attack NERV.    He’s never asked to take pictures of me before, let alone go shopping with me till a few weeks ago.  She thought, posing somewhat seductively as a camera flashed from just a few feet away.

Sunday 5 June 2011

A Story, can you make a series of events out of the pictures?

Any creative writers/drawers around, I have a favour to ask from you. I am thinking of putting up an interesting read regarding a few pictures that I have taken recently. In simple terms, is someone interested in joining the pictures into a story?

I'm looking for some creative story writer to write a short story (just for fun) about an eventful day about Asuka. It is best coupled with a single or a couple (or as many as you like) of sketches/drawings connecting the scenes from which how Asuka got from the first picture, to the second picture below~^_^;

The story can be from the point of view of Asuka, a third person or even you yourself witnessing the event. I think it will be fun, and creative at the same time. Try to make the story suitable for reading for all ages. As long as it doesn't have too explicit material, I will post it up for everyone to enjoy (if it you have a more daring version, feel free to send it to me~^_^ It could go in the forum thread~). If there are several stories, I intend to put the other stories in the fanart page or forum page.

Thursday 2 June 2011

Facebook has claimed Wyu and Facebook comment plugins added to website

This banner you see on the left is what you'll see on Facebook when you leave a comment or "like" a post here on this website. I've recently create a Facebook profile for Wyu, lol at long last. And thank you for your add on Facebook.

Having Wyu join Facebook was not my primary intention, I was trying to add Facebook plugins on my website and the only way to do it is to have a Facebook developer account. And so, now I'm on Facebook. Facebook has given me some interesting pictures of kig mask attempts by various friends on there. I only wish they could have shared their pictures and mask making adventures with me. They all look so good and appears to have been fun to make.

Saturday 28 May 2011

Nana to Kaoru, another great manga adaptation

Oh no~~ Asuka has been abducted by unknown assailants and has been bound up? Looks like I'll need help with the ransom from you, just support by ordering a kigurumi mask~^_^

Actually, the reason for Asuka being in this state is because she's started taking "breathers", from Kaoru hehe~ But please do not be mistaken, it is not Kaoru kun form Evangelion, he's still obsessed with Shinji kun. The Kaoru kun in this case is Kaoru Sugimura from the popular softcore ecchi manga, Nana to Kaoru by artist, Amazume Ryuta. It is NOT a hentai manga, read on and watch the review to find out more.

I've came across the manga series since some time ago and just thought that its a rather well done ecchi manga and nothing more. But it seems that I'm not the only one who thinks its quite well made, its has gotten a live action adaptation and even an anime OVA being released. Its not really a surprise, and I'm quite happy to see it becoming so. It is after all no small publication with so far 6 volumes, a new series and a handful of specials.

Tuesday 24 May 2011

Ushijima's new Asuka plugsuit~LIKE!~

A quick update on the state of some new masks which I'm making. The T-fa model will be ready to be painted very soon. You may notice that on one of the Saya models, the eyes are cut open completely. Hehe, thats for an experimental model that I am trying to make. Hope that I will be able to finish it not tooooooo long later >_< hehe. Can you make a guess as to what I am trying to do with it?

The exciting thingy that I saw in the recent weeks is this new plugsuit modeled by a japanese manga and anime cosplayer named Ushijima. She has modeled in various costumes and also did an Ayanami Rei plugsuit and Shikinami Asuka test plugsuit in the past. I especially like the plugsuit pictures, no surprises, I'm a fan of Asuka's plugsuit cosplays too. And so, I have kept the whole collection of her plugsuit cosplays in the dozens.

Sunday 22 May 2011

Products and Fanart pages updated~

I know, it is a very crappy attempt at making a spinning Asuka. The reason being, it wasn't truly planned to be. Well I found a few pictures that when stitched together looks like Asuka is turning. I'll try to make a better one the next time around~^_^

There has been 5 new fanarts added in the fanart gallery. I must admit, it took me took long to put the fanarts I've received in there. Thank you anomalocaris, C4th, Inuyasha and Satomi~ I'm sure everyone who visits the fanart page will enjoy your beautiful artworks~
Access the Fanart page here.

And update on another soon to be completed mask. Its the T-fa with black long hair. The new owner wishes her to play the role as Sailormars this time as discussed in the forums. I should be able to post some updated pictures very soon, tomorrow perhaps. Check out the forum topic that keeps track of it. Oh and on a side note, I receive some good news from a buyer of blank mask, its been completed and it looks immensely pretty. Keep a lookout for their pictures in the forum member's gallery.
Access the black haired T-fa 2011 project here.

Sunday 8 May 2011

Shikinami Asuka Live Video

A video of Shikinami Asuka in her test plugsuit has been uploaded onto YouTube. The suit is partially incomplete so perhaps I will have to make Asuka do another shoot sometime later. This video was intended to be a trial shoot for Asuka to see how she'll look like in full costume. The recording was taken a few weeks back the same time when the pictures for the Shikinami Asuka in her test plugsuit were taken.

I really like the costume, it seems as if I have already amassed all of Asuka's costumes. I am aware that I haven't gotten the school uniform, but that hasn't been very high up in my wishlist all the while. Going as far as to purchase it to complete the set is a little costly for me. If someone is willing to donate me one, I will gladly accept~^_^

Hehe, I noticed that I've been putting up updates continuously for 3 days in a row. It hasn't been so since when I started the website almost 7 years ago. Well, it was most fun when think of it right at the beginning. The Yu mask came a very long way. Talking about the Yu mask, I think it is gone for good now. It has been sold to a private collector.

Saturday 7 May 2011

Smooth and shiny


One of the things which kept me busy for the past few days was to finish up a Saya model and working on the other T-fa model mentioned in the forums. The Saya mask has been finished and I'm just showing a few photographs of the pictures taken. It takes a huge amount of labour getting from a rough cast to the state you see now hehe~

I have given some thought about making a new model perhaps and started looking for a look which I might like. But everywhere I looked, I can't find a look that I will be seriously interested to kig in.

I'm hoping for a smiling open mouthed design, but I'm not sure if that would be for the best since in live shows, it seems strange to keep the smile maxed out. And since I've more time to do live than take photoshoots lately, it is making me decide whether it is a good idea.