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Sunday, April 29, 2012

The Cuteness That Is Chubbs The Wampug



Ever wanted to see a pug dressed as a Wampa? Well now you can. Check out Chubbs. A very adorable pug that is dressed like a Wampa. Chubbs has multiple costumes and she is adorable in all. It's enough to make anyone go aaaaaawwwwwweeeeeee.

Also check out her mom's site. Who creates Chubb's costumes plus is a costumer herself.

http://starwarschick.com/pug-chubbs-costume-wampug 

Costume Wish List Take 2



I couldn't just have one post on a wish list. I had to have more costumes I wanted to make/have. I'm going to need a house at some point with a big garage to work on this stuff.

The above image is Kyrisa a nightsister from Dathomir. The nightsister/Sith witches were brought in recently on The Clone Wars. I discovered Kyrisa when I was randomly researching nightsisters awhile ago. She has exceptional skills in controlling beasts. She ends up on Hoth and we all know what is on Hoth. Wampas. And she can control them. I'm the Wampa Handler. Kyrisa controls Wampas and I handle for Rusty the Wampa. Pretty much a given on my part.

http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Kyrisa

Next up is from another movie. Alice from Resident Evil. I always see Jill Valentine being made but rarely see an Alice. The one I'm thinking is from Resident Evil Extinction. I do enjoy the parallels to Alice in Wonderland. I figure this would be a nice one to have for comic conventions.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice_(Resident_Evil)

Next up is from one of my favorite video game franchises. Scorpion from Mortal Kombat. Specifically from the newer game that came out in 2011. He has always been one of my favorite characters. This one has been on my mind for awhile to make.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scorpion_(Mortal_Kombat)

Another one well two that happens to be from 80's cartoons. Jem and She-Ra. Yep I said it Jem and She-Ra. Why not. They were my favs then. Gotta love the 80's anyways.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jem_(TV_series)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/She-Ra

And one last one until I decide to make a few more. Eric Draven. Yeah off the top of people's heads they may not know that name. But they may know the movie that character is from. The Crow. One of my absolute favorite movies. I know its called a gothic action flix but I think its a chic flix. I'll explain. Guy comes back from the dead to avenger his fiance's death. Chic flix. Well in my head it is. I just think it would be a different costume for me to do.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Crow_(film)

So here concludes my second wish lists. I'm sure an another week or 2 I will come up with more.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Costume Wish List

Everyone has their own wish lists for different things. Just think about it when you were a kid. I know you all remember those pages of a Christmas lists we all made. Some have their movie wish lists. Game wish lists. Well this is my costume wish list. This is the list of costumes I want to make over the next few years. None of these are including the ones that I already have or in the process of making them. Please check out the links to all of these characters.


First off, is CT-21-0408. But the name that is most known is Echo. He is a clone in Star Wars The Clone Wars. He is my favorite clone in the series from the first moment I saw him in the episode "Rookies." He will always be my favorite. Sadly he met his end in the show. But I will make this costume next.

http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Echo

Next costume, Jaina Solo the daughter of Han Solo and Leia Organa Solo. Yeah in case you didn't know it Han and Leia not only got married but had kids 3 in fact. Jaina is a twin to her brother Jaycen who later became a Sith. Jaina is called the Sword of the Jedi. Ever since I started reading the Expanded Universe books Jaina became one of my favorites. She even went to go train with Boba Fett. Yes a Solo trained with Fett.

http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Jaina_Solo

Next up from a horror movie, Silent Hill. This character well enemy is in the video games as well as the movie. But I will be going with the ones from the movie. I think it would be a fun costume to have on hand for horror conventions.

http://silenthill.wikia.com/wiki/Nurse

Next one is an anime character from Naruto. This is my favorite character of the series. It's Gaara. His story gets heartbreaking at times. He has been through so much and is the Kazekage of the Sand Village and that is the costume I chose to make.

http://naruto.wikia.com/wiki/Gaara

Next one is from another horror movie. Saw. More specifically Jigsaw. I had this one at one point in time. But it was just a cheap one I bought. I want to make one. Basically the robe and the weapons under the sleeves. Saw is my favorite horror movie franchise. I even have a jigsaw piece tattoo.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jigsaw_(Saw)

Next up and this will be a big undertaking. We are talking about stilts (no I'm not making my own wampa) and multiple lightsabers. I'm talking about General Grievous. The cyborg general of the Clone Wars. Like I said this will be a big undertaking once I get going with it. Maybe by CVII?

http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Grievous

Monday, April 9, 2012

Another New Tattoo

The most recent post that I did about the Litany tattoo became reality. Yes the tattoo I designed Friday night has already been put on my arm. This one went on my left arm. I will have both my half sleeves. My guess is probably within the year I will have the outside of my arms will be done. Then I will start working on the inside of my arms. Probably 2 years total. 3 tops. I have even spoken to the tattoo artist that did this tattoo and my other 2 I did last month. Gave him some ideas and he is on board. June will probably be my next sitting. And without further ado my newest tattoo and by the way I've officially got to the point where I have lost count on how many I have.

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Litany Against Fear Tattoo Design

I'm as much a Dune fan as I am a Star Wars fan. I started reading Dune when I was young. Saw the original movie on cable TV. And when I mean original I mean the one from 1984. That's right the one with Sting in it.

There is a quote from the books and the movie that has always stuck in my mind. It is more or less a prayer. It's the Litany Against Fear and this is the whole quote.

"I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain." Bene Gesserit Litany Against Fear.

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Dune

Like I said before this has always been on my mind. Everyone has their prayers they use. Instead of one of the more common prayers used, I heard it spoken on TV once and it was not Dune. It was an episode of Law & Order SVU. I don't remember the exact episode or what was going on but it surprised me when that character said the words. I immediately went back and listened more closely and she was repeating the whole Litany.

As some of you know I have been working on doing half sleeves on my arm and what would be a better addition to my sleeves then the Litany. Since the Litany is fairly long I choose one part of it to use in a design. I will face my fear. It sums up the Litany with just 5 words. But of course I can never do anything simple when it comes to my tattoos. I couldn't decide on how or what I wanted it to look like. So instead of describing it I will show it in transformation from text to how it will look on my arm.

Friday, April 6, 2012

SWTOR: My Review

I've never played any MMO games. I'm use to my PS3. I've had several other systems but never really played on the computer. I rarely go online to play a game on the PS3 other then maybe for Little Big Planet or Call of Duty. So Star Wars The Old Republic was an interesting twist for me.

Also I know nothing of the Expanded Universe regarding the Old Republic. I'm a child of the Original Trilogy. I watched the Prequels as they came out and have expanded my knowledge to the Expanded Universe books surrounding these 6 movies and the Clone Wars.

I heard about SWTOR almost 2 years ago on E3. The yearly gaming convention. Several of us hoped it would be cross platform. No dice. At this point I was like no way. I'm not playing it. I don't do MMO's. I like my platformers just fine. Then I kept hearing all about it once it came out. I watched videos and was like okay maybe I would try it.

One day, some kind soul took pity on me and handed me the trial. I downloaded the game. I first watched the opening cinematic. Holy crap! The graphics are gorgeous. I'm like make a movie and make it look like this. Well I have seen a movie that gorgeous and that was Final Fantasy Advent Children.

Then it was time to pick a side. Naturally I choose the dark side. My first character I made was a Sith Warrior. Fail. I couldn't figure out the controls. So I made another character. A Chiss Bounty Hunter. Once again fail. I almost give up. I just couldn't get a handle of the controls. I watched a few tutorial videos and that kind of helped. So I tried one more time. I made my third character a Twi'lek Sith Inquisitor. Bingo! After hitting random buttons, I discovered the right mouse button was useful for something. Translation hitting things with a lightsaber. I slowly started picking up things. Just enough to get by. I ran several missions both dark and light side. I managed to make it to level 7 before my trial ran out. Not to shabby considering I never played an MMO and for the short amount of time I played.

I haven't purchased the game yet but I do plan on getting it soon. I did have fun playing it and I would like to keep trying with all 3 of the characters I made. Plus would like to have more characters as well.

http://www.swtor.com/

Saturday, March 31, 2012

What To Expect For CVI

Siths and Jedis and Wampas, oh my! Sorry I really couldn't resist. With CVI about 5 months away, a lot of prep work is going on around the world for those going to this convention that has only been held a hand few of times. For some of us this is a once and a lifetime chance to go. It is only held in the US about every 3 years. I thought CV I thought that was it. One time thing. And I was happy with that. Until the announcement was made that CVI would be held in Orlando again August 2012. Okay so now has become a twice in a lifetime thing for me.

Last time I went as the wampa handler. This time I will be going as a member of the 501st, Rebel Legion, the media & the wampa heandler. So many costumes to choose from. I plan on wearing my TK, Sith Cheerleader, Luke Skywalker, a female version of Starkiller.... If I can finish up 2 other costumes in time I will wear those as well. Of course Wally the Wampack will make an appearance. 6 potential costumes to wear in 4 days. Good thing the hotel is close.

Lots of prep work is currently going on around the world. More props to build, sets to build, costumes to build/modify/help out with. The wampa will be modified. Keep up with that over on www.mywampa.com along with wampadude's newest costume. Anyone that needs help making costumes I will help when I can. I know of a few props and sets being built right now but I'm not going to ruin the surprise right now.

One thing I can say, CVI is going to be crazy fun. For sure it will be an amazing life changing time.

http://starwarscelebration.com/

Friday, March 30, 2012

Why I Named Them Rusty and Wally

I keep getting asked why I named Jeremy's Wampa costume for the 501st Rusty. I think on one of my Wampa posts I even said I need to explain this eventually. So here is the story.

After spending several hours in Jeremy's garage helping building the Wampa, I would always stare at the walls at times. One of the things on the wall is this name badge like for a mechanics shirt that says Rusty over the work bench. I kinda forgot about it for awhile. After CV, I told him we should name the Wampa. He's like what? Name him. I randomly said a few names that I can't remember right now. Then I remembered the name badge over his work bench. I then named him Rusty. By now it has stuck at this point. People ask for Rusty specifically.



Now for the wampack. When we were at CV we went to the Ice Bar one night. We hung out with some people that were there for the convention. They had the Celebration Exclusive Wampa Plush. They kept calling him Wally. They even let me carry him around for awhile. Every since then anytime I saw that specific plush, I would call him Wally. So when I made the wampack there was no better name for him then Wally.

What's To Come From inkstress.net

I will be posting many more articles on inkstress.net over the next few months heading up til CVI and of course after that. I have a few ideas already in order for the site.

  • Costume Builds
  • Costume Modifications
  • Naming of the Wampas
  • Travels
  • Crafts
  • Jeep Modifications
  • My Thoughts on SWTOR
  • Tattoo Designs including with the Continuation of my Right Sleeve
  • And Guest Authors
After all, its time for a Star Wars Celebration.


Saturday, March 17, 2012

Jay and Silent Bob Get Old - March 2012

For those that have never heard of Kevin Smith, go watch his movies or listen to his podcasts. He does some great movies. His most recent being Red State. His movie Clerks 2 is the movie that when I'm down I watch it and it perks me up. He also has a podcast network branching off of Smodcast. You name it and he talks about it. And to add to it. Kevin Smith's mom was actually at the show along with his wife and Jason Mewes' wife was also there.


Friday the 16th I went with a good friend of mine James to go see one of the live podcasts Jay and Silent Bob Get Old. All I've ever heard from James as long as I've known him is that he wants to meet Kevin Smith. More about that later.


The reason for this particular podcast is like a live aa/na for Jason Mewes. Jason Mewes is Jay from the Jay and Silent Bob movies. He had a bad time years ago with drugs. He got sober then after intervention from his friends. He relapsed a couple of years ago. Then got back on track again, got sober and has been sober for just shy of 2 years and counting. This podcast was thought up as a way for him to talk about everything and I mean everything. At every show he announcing how many days he has been sober to which the audience cheers loudly. Its heart warming to see so many people cheering for him to keep him going through all of this. I can bring tears to someones eyes.  



There is some fun to be had at the show. We had front row seats. I thank the people that left those 2 seats open so that we could get them. I knew from listening to previous shows that Kevin would read out tweets. So I tried to get one of my tweets read knowing that James' bday was coming up. That didn't happened. We were cracking up through out the show. At the end of the show, they play various games. The long running game has been Let Us ****. Where people get chosen to go on stage to perform with Jason Mewes. I told James I would get him on stage somehow. When Kevin just glanced in our direction I started screaming and pointing at James and he got picked. I'm like that worked? While they were setting up the first act. Kevin told James to sit down next to him and talk with him. I have never seen James fanboy out. But he held it together. He probably talked to Kevin for about 2 minutes. Then they had to set up their act. Then James and Jason got to do their "act." How I didn't fall out of my chair laughing I don't know how. I managed to record it. The nice couple next to me were cheering him on as well and helping me record it. The audience cheered them on. Afterwards James got a hug from Kevin and Jason and apparently backstage got a hug from Jen, Kevin's wife.  





It makes me so happy that my friend got to finally meet the one person I've heard him talk about for as long as I've known him.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Side Trip To Downtown Disney - 2012

Instead of going to Megacon on Sunday I decided to take the day and go hangout at Downtown Disney and the Resorts for the day before I headed back home.


Downtown Disney has some of the most random stores. Plus they have the Cirque du Soleil, Disney Quest and a movie theater. Just about anything you are looking for you can find there. Also plenty of great places to eat. I like going to the Lego store, world of Disney, the crystal store and just wandering around and taking pictures.


I eventually moved on to hang out at the Polynesia. One of the main resorts. I kinda had lunch there wandered out to the water and just across the lake is the Magic Kingdom and you can see the castle from the shore. I went over to one of the other resorts, the Contemporary. From the observation deck there you can more or less see into the Magic Kingdom and take some great photos.

Megacon 2012 - Saturday

The busiest day of all cons and Mega isn't an exception to this rule. It's twice as busy as it was on Friday. I opted out of wearing my TK armor due to knee problems. So instead I decided to be wampa attack victim/handler. Jeremy and I scarred up my face pretty bad to the point I creeped people out. Also in tow I wore Wally the Wampack. Since Rusty couldn't be there, we had to have some type of wampa representation and that was Wally and everyone loved him.
Jeremy wore his TK for the first part of the day. We hung around the 501st booth as always and wandered the floor a bit. Then it was off for the 501st photo shoot. After that it was time for a costume change and for me to touch up my make up. Jeremy changed into the Emperor and I walked him and Darth Maul back into the con and back to the booth. I continued my wandering and picture taking and talking with many other people at the convention. Always going back to take up handling duties when needed. Got to see some more friends and make new ones and also after speaking to one person finally broke down and decided that I'm making a clone. Yep I'm going to be CT-21-0408. That would be Echo from Clone Wars. 2 days at a convention and I already have 2 new costumes in the works.
And to end the night in true fashion. We all went to Brickhouse for the 501st dinner.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

My Need For Ink

I've been wanting for awhile to write why I choose to get tattoos. Yes my name is Genna and I am an addict. I'm addicted to tattoos. I'm not the only one. I've met several people that once you get one you can't stop.

I've been getting tattoos for about 9 years. As of today I have 19 tattoos, and many of my tattoos are random themes. Within my first year of getting tattoos I had 4. I generally go 6-12 months between getting tattoos. 12 months is usually too long. I start getting the itch around 5 months after the last one.

My last tattoo was in September of last year. I made it 5 months this time. And this time I got 2. Number 18 and 19.


A majority of my tattoos are on my arms at this point. The count is 1 on each ankle. 4 on my left arm. 7 on my right arm. 6 on my back. My left arm will be next. I do get the feeling that I'm unbalanced but I'll explain why the 2 were added to the right arm today.

I knew I wanted to have half sleeves, shoulders to elbows. These 2 new ones are a great jumping point to start the right sleeve. I'm already working on the ideas to do my next tattoo that will pretty much cover a chunk of whats left of the outside of my right arm. I was only going to do the imperial cog but someone suggested they could see me with the mando skull. I decided why not and get both. So I did.

With the exception of 2 of my tattoos which one was done out of town and another done at a convention (my R2-KT tribute) all of mine of come from the same company. Atomic Tattoo. First time I walked into one of their shops I had that feeling that this was the place. So I keep going to them. I've had several different artists work on me. And I have no complaints.

I find getting tattooed very relaxing and calming and stress relieving. At one point I use to go to tanning beds. I found that 15 minutes was great. I had 15 minutes of forced time to myself where I could relax. I stopped going for no particular reason. Once I started getting tattooed I realized who good it was to relax. Oh and I'm not a fan of needles. Except when getting tattooed. I can watch the artist tattoo me. Or I can take a nap. No I do not pass out from pain, I really do fall asleep for about 15-20 minutes. I generally chat with the artist for a bit then just zone out. Don't get me wrong it does hurt but I just let go of it and let go of everything on my mind. It's the same way no matter if I go with a friend or by myself. Even with a friend there it's still relaxing.

I wasn't planning on going today. Once I have it in my mind to get tattooed I carry the art with me that I want. I've been carry 2 sheets of paper around for about a week. I was out doing errands and said screw it I want to get a tattoo today. So I did. My guess around September I'll be getting another 1 or 2.

Megacon 2012 - Friday

It is early in the year in Florida again, that means its time for Megacon. Which is now a yearly thing. This is my 3rd year going to this convention. Friday is a preview to how to expect the weekend plus its a good shopping day.

I decided since this is primarily an anime convention to dress as Tifa Lockheart from Final Fantasy Advent Children. Plus wore my Wally the Wampa Backpack, which people loved him. I did over hear an interesting conversation over my costume. They couldn't figure out which Tifa I was. So I decided to be nice after about 5 minutes to tell them which version I was. I did over hear tons of people talking about other costumes trying to figure out who a person was dressed as. Kinda got to be an interesting game of whose wearing what.

Before the con opened up I decided to wander around to take pictures and chat up other people. Finally the doors opened up and I went straight to get my Froggy Photo tickets. If you haven't heard of them, they are this service at many cons where you can get professional photos with celebrities. I choose Daniel Logan, who is Boba Fett in AOTC and Tom Felton, Draco Malfoy from Harry Potter. Jeremy got his photo taken with Lord Vader himself David Prowse. The photos turned out amazing. And the actors were sweet.

We wander and bought a few items. I got Captain Mal's pistol and a Fremen crysknife. Took a "few" photos. I do enjoy people watching at cons and talking to other people. I got into a conversation with a stilt walker and several of the people standing in line to get photos when I was in line. Natural swung by and talked to the Droid Builders and their droids. Also swung by the Rebel Legion booth. Finally managed to make it through the crowds to go to the 501st booth to see everyone and take photos.

While I was taking photos in the booth and talking to a friend, someone decided to set me up. Everyone knows I'm not a fan of furries. Naturally while standing there talking to a friend next thing I know a furry has its arms wrapped around me. Yep a furry was hugging me. When it let me go I hid behind my friend. Then I looked and saw everyone laughing and knew I had been set up yet no one took video or took pics. I'll admit it, they got me good. So good its time for a new costume. Which of course I've already changed it because I think I just used it as an excuse to finally have a steampunk costume. More on that later.

We continued walking around, taking photos and talking to everyone. Going to this convention is like a reunion. I got to see people I hadn't seen since last year. It's great to see everyone and see people all dressed up and what new things they come up with. We ended the day at the con. But of course for the end of the day we kept with a tradition. We went to Friendly's for dinner. Stay tuned for my take on Saturday at the convention and my side trip to Downtown Disney and the resorts.


Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Wally the Wampa Backpack

Along the lines of the Star Wars backpacks like the Chewy, Yoda and R2 ones, I decided I wanted a Wampa backpack. Since I'm the wampa handler and that is probably the one thing I'm most known for these days and since no one has one available to buy I decided to make one myself...kinda.
At Star Wars Celebration 5 they released a wampa plush that the arm could come off. I'm not too crafty so I decided to take that exclusive plush and turn it into a backpack. I hunted him down online and soon he was here.
I took a kids backpack to get the straps plus the fabric I would need to make a pocket. I cut the straps at the seams. Then cut out the inside lining to make the pocket. I sewed the straps into the shoulder area of the plush. Then again above the legs. Next I realize I couldn't cut into the fur like I thought to turn the insides into a bag. So I took the lining folded it over, sewed it over, attached snaps and then sewed it between the straps. Its not a large pouch but I can put in a few things, like my cell phone or my wallet or my camera. Just the basics.
I wore the wampack both days at Megacon and people were stopping me and taking pictures and asked where I bought it. He was a hit. I did have one person surprised that I did this to an exclusive but then again they loved it. I had several people wanting me to make one for them as well.
I will eventually cut into the fur and into the insides to make it really into a backpack to hold more and add a zipper to it. But for right now Wally is just a cute little backpack for me to carry around at conventions and events.
On a side note on where the name Wally came from. At SWCV, we went to the Ice Bar one night. There was one lady there that had this plush and she called him Wally. It kinda stuck. So I dub thee Wally the Wampack.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

My Favorite Makeup To Wear

Yes even I use makeup. Well for costuming. But my favorite is not a lipstick or eyeshadow or bronzer. It is a scarification makeup called Rigid Collodion. I use this liquid for costumes and sometimes just to freak people out. Especially if I wear my white zombie contacts with it.
At first I used it when I was at Motor City Comic Con when I dressed as Hoth Luke Skywalker while handling for Jeremy as the wampa. Used it recently at Megacon making it look like I was clawed by something which later everyone said by the wampa. With one of the scars going over my eye I wore one white zombie contact. After seeing photos and hearing comments, apparently I should be able to just get away with wearing civies and that makeup. From what else I heard at Megacon, if people didn't know me then they had a difficult time figuring out if it was real or not.
I learned of the Rigid from a friend that costumes as Anakin Skywalker from ROTS. For that he needs to have a scar over his eye. I asked him about it, knowing I was going to be Luke Skywalker. Pretty much have been using it since then.
A small how to guide on how to do this. First: pick a good spot wear you want to use the Rigid. For this I used my arm. Most of the time its the right side of my face.
Second: take a dark red lip liner to draw on the lines. I just used a single line but feel free to go crazy.
Third: start putting on the Rigid. I usually put on about 3 coats. Let is start tightening up then add a few more coats to it.
Fourth: if you want to make it look puffy, add some blush to it. And this is how you look like you've been attacked.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Wampa Videos

I finally decided to go through all the SWCV pics and I discovered video I forgot I shot while handling for wampadude. So with the new camera I got, it came with some video editor stuff. I know nothing about it but decided to fiddle with it a bit and decided to upload the videos and I now have a channel on youtube. Check out Rusty the Wampa. One day I should really explain the name thing.


Saturday, January 14, 2012

Project Jeep 2012


On wednesday the 11th I got a new vehicle. A 2012 4 door white Jeep Wrangler. Soft top of course. I loved my previous Jeep which was a 2009 2 door black Wrangler but I need more room to carry my armor bins to events and conventions. So I started looking into them and finally got one this past week. I'm going to add a "few" things to it. As one person said TK it up. Yep. I am. I'm going to post pics up on my Photobucket. I started already. A few things are on order. My plans are to have all the vinyl installed on the vehicle by Star Wars Celebration 6. I will be doing all the artwork myself. I started today by reinstalling my the metal tail light covers my dad got me for my birthday last year for the old Jeep and they fit perfectly on this Jeep.