Distressing Post Apocalyptic Clothing for Cosplay and LARP

   

 There are many ways to distress clothing for post apocalyptic cosplay.  In this blog,  I'm going to give you a quick run down of common techniques, and share my favorite secret technique for getting that well worn, dystopian look.  Many of these tips have come from across the web, the last one is my own personal discovery.

    Distressing with Bleach

Using a spray bottle,  and a 50/50 mixture of bleach and water, randomly spritz different areas gently from above, and from the side. Typically, sweat will bleach out clothing over time, so, pay further attention to areas such as the neckline and armpits of any shirts, and backs of knees on pants. Allow bleach to set for at LEAST one hour. Wash thoroughly with detergent and water before proceeding.

    Distressing with Blades

 

A serrated blade, dragged forcefully sideways across fabric can create wear and tear quickly. Again, randomly choose areas for distressing, and scrape away! This part is fun if you're using clothing left behind by one of your exes, because you can express built up aggression! Using any sharp object or knife,  stab holes into the fabric. Larger slices can be resewn to give a long-owned look.

     Distressing with Blood

No Human Sacrifice Required! Fake blood is easy to make on your own. Karo Corn Syrup, water, and red food coloring make a fairly realistic blend, while store bought fake blood, or even paints could also be used. Just remember, dried blood is a dark color, not bright red!

     Distressing with Dyes

 

Personally, my favorite products with which to dye and age clothing (as well as other materials) are Antiquing Solutions by Tsukineko. Many other methods can be used in place of these products, such as any brown and red brown ink or dye, coffee, and even tea!  Spray bottles are a great method to apply dyes but dipping bottom corners and various places directly into dyes is also a great idea and gives a truly swamped look.

     Distressing with Acid

 

While I'm sure others have probably stumbled across their own unique ways to distress with acids, I accidentally discovered my favorite method/step in distressing post apocalyptic clothing items while fixing my toilet! I used Liquid Lightning Drain Cleaner, containing sulfuric acid. It is INCREDIBLY important to wear gloves, and keep it on the clothing you are trying to distress ONLY, it will eat holes in anything you drip even a drop on. Small amounts have big effects with this method, so use sparingly! Dipping a fork into a small amount of the substance can yield minor drips perfect for this. I have yet to try a spray bottle with this substance, however. Although listed last, this would ideally be step one. It is also important only to wash this substance off in either a bathtub, sink, or yard, because you definitely do not want any residue from it lingering in your clothes washer and dryer!

Happy hunting, see you in the Fall!

Simple Cyber Punk and Post Apocalyptic Cosplay Prop Weapons Idea

      Cyber Punk, Steam Punk, Post Apocalyptic, Atom Punk and Diesel Punk Squirt Gun Altering

You've got the perfect costume, now all you need is a cool weapon to fit your favorite aesthetic! I've got a couple of diy techniques and ideas for you to try that don't involve a lot of foam, which lets face it, foam gives an incredible look, but execution of such projects isn't a likelihood for everyone, like me.

      Paint an existing squirt gun

I know it doesn't sound like the most original idea, but there are SO MANY different squirt guns and so many different paint effects you could apply, that the possibilities are ENDLESS. 

Steampunk Style Phaser Weapon

Post apocalyptic style weapons, with rust and aging effects

       Alter an existing squirt gun

This idea relieves you of the stress of having to create a base, while maximizing the possibilities for your weapon creativity. Depending on which materials you have, and what you can manufacture, you can come up with some seriously unique killing machines.

This ray gun features a painted rubber vape stand as a flared barrel on the front of the gun, a working compass, some tubing, a jar of green goo (Victorian battery), and a bubble wand as a sight.

This painted water gun features an unaltered base, metallic paint scheme, and a faux patina effect.

It's pretty simple, and all you need is a squirt gun, and some paint. Added supplies are nice and help to make more complicated and otherworldly weapons, but even if all you do is paint an existing water gun, you can still achieve some pretty cool additions to your cosplay get ups.

When choosing how to distress your weapon it really depends on what type of conditions your character would live in. How old is the weapon? does it exist in a dry climate, or a wet one? maybe it is exposed to chemicals frequently. Is it covered in blood? What powers it? These are all important questions to ask yourself while creating your weapon.

Getting Craftier

     Sales are slow in the summer! But my little shop survived anyway. More due to the generosity of my customers than my own perseverance but alive is alive either way, and I won't be taking it for granted.
     I've diversified my inventory, but my main focus has taken a sharp turn toward cosplay items. Not that I ever didn't do cosplay items, just that I've now got the confidence to make more of what I want to make. I've made leaps and bounds in the learn-to-run-a-business arena, but living with schizophrenia, I have to take these things slow to avoid being overwhelmed. I'm still a little nervous about the future, I've got to admit. Making ends meet is a challenge.
     Learning to use Pinterest is an even bigger challenge! (The wiki says I can follow my Facebook friends, but I can't find anything on Pinterest that will allow me to).
     In November, my store will have its first birthday.  Its come a long way and it's still got much farther to go!
One of my recent pieces