Conductive thread and washable components have made incorporating electronics into costumes much easier. By integrating lights, sound, and other effects, costumers can bring their outfits and props to the next level. Come learn what's out there and how to incorporate it into your material fantasies.

There is a difference between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation, and sometimes, this difference is a very fine line. As costumers, we need to be mindful and respectful of different cultures and their respective histories, as we pursue our love of costuming. We invite you to listen, learn, and reflect on different cultures, including your own, so you can approach costuming with a more purposeful eye. This panel will be hosted by BIPOC costumers.

Looking for those finishing touches for your non-human costume? During this panel we will talk about the use of prosthetics, contacts, and other ways to alter your basic default Human Exterior. We will cover the basics from how to make your own, match skin tones (human or not), how to apply/remove, and some good basic Do's and Don'ts. 

Fixed, mechanical, animatronic, and light-up fairy and cosplay wings. This class will cover common methods and tutorials for making your own costume wings.

We will go over and discuss the MMCC CRL's, and armor construction per the CRL's. We will also go over ways to attach armor. We will also try to answer question as time permits.

Making creature costumes from fursuits to big, rubber monsters. Showing examples; discussing designs, materials, and techniques.

With the rise in popularity of cosplay general costuming has also rolled more into the mainstream attention. This results in a lot of companies putting out 'fast fashion' versions of the same things costumers have been making the 'slow' way for years. How does this affect your costuming process, access to materials, and the perception of costuming in general. What are some pros and cons of this trend? How would you like to see this trend change?

Question and answer session with convention Chairs Erin Card and Beverly Warner for Costume-Con 42 in 2024.

Shibori is an umbrella of historical dyeing techniques that involve stitching, binding, clamping (Itajime), and pole wrapping (Arashi). Participants will walk out of this workshop knowing at least two techniques.

In this class, you will be introduced to Japanese sashiko, which is a running stitch technique. This class is aimed to give you an appreciation of its cultural & historical importance in Japan and to learn what makes it different from other running stitch techniques used around the world. In addition, you'll learn how to use sashiko in your day-to-day life, including as a form of moving meditation. You will also learn the basic concepts and what tools you need to get started. This clas...

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

You do not have to be a chemist to do dyework. We will review easy-to-use safe products that are readily available to the home dyer and what you can do with them. Items that have been dyed using these products will be available for inspection.

Are you curious as to what goes into a hotel contract for a convention? From attrition, event space rental, room blocks, power drops, food and beverage service, and tons of other moving parts, this panel will help take the mystery out of negotiating a contract for an event.

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. 

Yearning for jewels to accent your period costume? Just love jewelry? Metal clay is a wondrous medium that starts as a soft pliable clay and, when fired, will transform into a piece of fine silver. This class will cover the basics of metal clay techniques from start to polishedFEE: $100 Pre-pay before the convention via Venmo or e-mail Jewelsbyoliviac@gmail.com

Learn to make your own cord, stronger than string, smoother than braid, suitable for laces, rope and drawstrings. FEE: $10 at the start of the class