Johanna Mead
Sewing since the 1990s, Johanna had organized costuming events at many conventions, including Gallifrey One and Rose City ComicCon. She penned "Costuming: More Creative Than Drugs, But Just As Expensive" for the Hugo-award winning collection "Chicks Dig Timelords" and wrote FabricForCosplayers.com because it's the reference she wished she had when she was starting out. Johanna lives in the Pacific Northwest with one husband, two cats and almost too much fabric.
Sessions in which Johanna Mead participates
Saturday 22 April, 2023
What's the difference between chiffon, organdy and organza? Wool gabardine or polyester? Does it matter? A crash course on fibers, weaves and fabric types, what they're most suitable for, and when it's okay to buy the cheap stuff. Many swatchbooks will be available for perusal - presented by the author of fabricforcosplayers.com
Sunday 23 April, 2023
Are you guilty of committing cosplay crimes? Of course you are! Whether you've used hot glue to hem a garment, spray painted in your bathroom, dyed a sink bright pink, or “forgot to wear gloves”, this is the panel for you! Join guest of honor Downen Creative Studios and members of SheProp as they share some of their mistakes, short-cuts gone awry, and reveal some of their own worst crafting moments. Come bond with us as we assure you that we are only human and even the most experienced mak...
Monday 24 April, 2023
Corsets, hoops, dance belts—these are all foundation garments and they really matter in costuming. Advice on selecting and making foundations and visual examples of the huge difference they can make to a costume.
It’s possible to make a fun and colorful wig with just a glue gun, yarn and a few basic supplies! Learn which materials to use and see a demo of yarn prep and wig-building, while avoiding pitfalls along the way. The basics of wearing and storing wigs will also be discussed.
Sessions in which Johanna Mead attends
Not scheduled
Add color to your cosplay. Want to be an Orion green alien or be the golden one? learn the basics in body paint! Go from idea to glitter and not rub off on your friends. **LIVE MODEL IN PG-13 ATTIRE**
Friday 21 April, 2023
Wigs are a great way to add drama to a costume, but where do you start? Why are there so many options, but never the color or cut you really want? What does heat resistant really mean? Does a lace front really matter? How do I store and clean them later?
There are unique challenges to getting a bunch of people together for a group stage presentation. Our panelists have plenty of experience with the triumphs and the pitfalls of getting a bunch of costumes finished and presented.
Saturday 22 April, 2023
Want to know how to reproduce those high 1770s hairstyles using a wig? This class will show you how! We'll do a live, abbreviated demonstration of one of the looks from the instructor's book, "18th Century Hair & Wig Styling: History & Step-by-Step Techniques."
What's the difference between chiffon, organdy and organza? Wool gabardine or polyester? Does it matter? A crash course on fibers, weaves and fabric types, what they're most suitable for, and when it's okay to buy the cheap stuff. Many swatchbooks will be available for perusal - presented by the author of fabricforcosplayers.com
Ever wanted to know how drag queens, kings and monsters change their bodies, faces and hair? Here is that chance. Award winning drag artists spill the tea on how they make the magic happen. From duct tape, to makeup, to foam, to corsets and a ton of pantyhose: the box of tricks gets opened to help you get new tools.
Sunday 23 April, 2023
This is a demonstration to show a wide variety of unusual materials used to make large props and monster suits. Different types of foam, stretch-furs, adhesives, and other uncommon materials will be shown.
Tips on getting fragile or massive (and anything in-between) from Point A to Point B. Tips and tricks for getting costumes safely to cons.
Are you guilty of committing cosplay crimes? Of course you are! Whether you've used hot glue to hem a garment, spray painted in your bathroom, dyed a sink bright pink, or “forgot to wear gloves”, this is the panel for you! Join guest of honor Downen Creative Studios and members of SheProp as they share some of their mistakes, short-cuts gone awry, and reveal some of their own worst crafting moments. Come bond with us as we assure you that we are only human and even the most experienced mak...
Monday 24 April, 2023
Corsets, hoops, dance belts—these are all foundation garments and they really matter in costuming. Advice on selecting and making foundations and visual examples of the huge difference they can make to a costume.
Do you struggle to hide seams on your EVA foam projects or are you unsure which material combinations can be used? Do you work in a small space and need high-quality, non-toxic options? Join Beverly of Downen Creative Studios, author of the Cosplayer’s Ultimate Guide to EVA Foam as she walks you through a condensed course covering many products and processes that can be used to reduce seam lines, fill gaps and smooth sur...
It’s possible to make a fun and colorful wig with just a glue gun, yarn and a few basic supplies! Learn which materials to use and see a demo of yarn prep and wig-building, while avoiding pitfalls along the way. The basics of wearing and storing wigs will also be discussed.
Learn how easy it can be to add textures to EVA foam! Downen Creative Studios shows you how to use simple techniques and tools to create a variety of complex texture effects including leather, hammered metal, embossed details and much more using rotary tools, utility knives and foil!