#mrmchughes

omfg this is the best

The old one’s predominantly cardboard(which one should be able to get for free), craft foam(available at Joann Fabrics, Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, etc. for pretty cheap), hot glue(you can find boxes of 100+ sticks for $20-$30 on Amazon), and lots of cheap acrylic paint(Apple Barrel brand, which I bought at Michael’s was exclusively what was used on my original gear, solely because of the low, low cost).

Aside from that, there’s tracking down the boots, belts(raid all of the Goodwills you can), chaps, gloves, and clothes you’ll need, but I can’t imagine it’d be much more than $300 for everything if you do some research and what-not.  I do believe most of the links on my Alistair build walkthrough are pretty current, and they’re more or less the cheapest I could find with consideration to accuracy.  I do know it’s better to overshoot your budget and have some leftover money at the end than the other way(which is what usually happens to me).  Mind you, I made that costume when I was in college, and basically had little to no money to devote to cosplay, so it should be reasonable to put together on the cheap while still giving you a decent result.  It just depends on how crafty you are and how well you’re able to thrift shop and cut corners where you can.

My new gear is certainly a bit more expensive and a little more advanced, material-wise, considering the leatherworking and use of plastics, but I’ll be doing a full write-up on all of that after Labor Day.

I know I always mention this to anyone who asks, but seriously, if you get stuck at any point, want some advice, or just a second opinion, never be afraid to send me a message!  I’m just as much of a fan of the ol’ doofus as everyone else, and I would love nothing more than to see more people cosplay him!

Hey, Michael!

Really happy to hear you like my costume, and I absolutely encourage you to cosplay everyone’s favorite goofball Warden!  When I started building that costume back in 2010, I had no idea what I was doing, not very many skills under my belt, and since I was in college at the time, I had next to no spending money.  I had experience working with cardboard before, and my painting skills weren’t that bad, so that started me in a direction.  Seriously knowing your strengths and weaknesses will help make your life easier, and use sites like YouTube to improve necessary skills that you’re not the best at.

I don’t know if you’ve come across it before, but I did assemble a bit of a build log on that costume that may help, though it’s very much catered to my own experiences.  I’m also in the process of rebuilding the whole costume out of EVA foam and sintra(foam PVC), so I’ll have the occasional update cross my posts over the next few months if that’s more your speed.

Mostly just doing this to figure some stuff out about myself more than anything. 

WHAT WAS YOUR:

Last Beverage: Water Last phone call: to my dad about GI bill stuff I think?  Last text: just to some giant nerd by the name of Lisa/ frenchshrimp :P Last song you listened to: Uma Thurman by FoB Last time you cried: I teared up a little out of happiness recently, but as far as sad crying goes it’s been a long while.

HAVE YOU EVER:

Dated someone twice: I’m guessing this means breaking up with someone and then dating them again? That’d be a no. Been cheated on: No Kissed someone and regretted it: nah Lost someone special: Yes, a couple of older family members Been depressed: I don’t know if depressed is the right word but I’ve definitely had some rough patches here and there Been drunk and threw up: oh god no, I don’t even like alcohol, I can’t ever imagine drinking to that point  List 3 favourite colors: I’m going to have to go with Teal, Grey, and Red in no particular order. 

LAST YEAR, HAVE YOU:

Made a new friend: A few Fallen out of love: Not sure if I’ve ever been in love or not Laughed until you cried: Yes Met someone who changed you: I’d say so, though I’m not sure if they’d be considered big changes or not. Like certain close friends have inspired me to try way harder than I normally would have. Found out who your true friends are: Not really sure where this is going actually. I’ve gotten closer with people if that counts??  Found out someone was talking about you: I’m sure friends have talked about me at some point when I’m not there, seems like it’d happen at some point or another in conversation. 

GENERAL:

How many people on your FB friends list do you know in real life: Every single one of em

FIRSTS:

First surgery: I don’t even remember since it was so long ago, I’ve been super lucky in regards to not having to go to the hospital. First piercing: never had one, doubt I ever will First best friend: I think it was a kid back in kindergarten, but my memory’s pretty hazy going that far back.   First sport you joined: Soccer  First vacation: First one I can remember is skiing in the Alps

RIGHT NOW:

Eating: nothing Drinking: still drinking water I’m about to: go to bed  Waiting for: Quidditch is always a blast, though spending time with frenchshrimp is always a highlight of my day 

YOUR FUTURE:

Want kids: I honestly have no idea right now Get married: Maybe if I find the right person

WHICH IS BETTER:

Lips or eyes: Eyes  Hugs or Kisses: Definitely hugs, but really its a little bit tricky for me. Just stuff like that is kind of a big deal for me and I’d really only do it with people I feel SUPER close/comfortable with. Really that goes for any form of affection tbh.     Shorter or Taller: not really much of a factor  Older or younger: ^ Romantic or Spontaneous: I think more “romantic” since I’m not really good with spur of the moment stuff Nice stomach or nice arms: buff arms are hella cool Sensitive or Loud: I can be pretty quiet so I’d go with someone a bit more loud since I can be quiet sometimes 

Hook-up or relationship: relationship Trouble maker or hesitant: Someone who’s a bit more outspoken

HAVE YOU EVER:

Kissed a stranger: no Drank hard liquor: I had a shot of rum once, was not a fan at all Lost glasses/contacts: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAVE YOU HAD CONTACTS? Sex on first date: God no Broke someone’s heart: Nope Arrested: No Turned someone down: no Cried when someone died: Yes Fallen for a friend: I guess in some since of the word fallen. This is complicated for me since I’ve only felt anything romantic-like towards friends I’ve gotten close to and yeah this whole bit is SUPER confusing for me honestly.  

DO YOU BELIEVE IN:

Yourself: More than I used to lately! Miracles: Sure, I managed to finish Stats after all lol Love at first sight: Not really. I’m sure it can happen for some people though

Heaven: I guess

Santa Claus: I did when I was little