"Cosplay is one of the most physically, emotionally and socially intense hobbies in the world today. It involves months of time, ceaseless attention to detail and a dedicated commitment that dwarves almost any other recreational pursuit. The myriad skills, knowhow and effort that must be iinvested cannot be underestimated. ... Split into five principle parts, this book introduces and instructs upon the various skills needed to convincingly undertake cosplay. Giving homage to the hobby's origins and history, the experience of the convention, and the means of costuming on a budget, the authors seek to please all who seek to undertake the hobby." --

Cosplay, a blend of costume and play, has taken off in popularity around the world. This entertaining and enlightening volume introduces readers to the wide and vivid cosplay world. They will learn the history of this creative outlet and how some people have taken this colorful and whimsical hobby and made it into a lucrative business. Whether the reader is interested in costumes, makeup, acting, photography, or another aspect of cosplay, this book provides inspirational yet practical examples of people who have made careers out of creative cosplay.

Step-by-step Masterclass recipes presented by renowned chefs introduce the fundamentals of the Japanese cuisine. Illustrated and covers ingredients as well as presentation, this book reveals the essence of an intriguing cuisine.

The Color of Time spans more than one hundred years of world history—from the reign of Queen Victoria and the American Civil War to the Cuban Missile Crisis and the beginning of the Space Age. It charts the rise and fall of empires, the achievements of science, industrial developments, the arts, the tragedies of war, the politics of peace, and the lives of men and women who made history.This illustrated narrative is a collaboration between a gifted Brazilian artist and a New York Times bestselling British historian. Marina Amaral has created two hundred stunning images, using rare photographs as the basis for her full-color digital renditions. Dan Jones has written a narrative that anchors each image in its context and weaves them into a vivid account of the world that we live in today.A fusion of amazing pictures and well-chosen words, The Color of Time offers a unique—and often beautiful—perspective on the past.

This book shows you HOW TO DO Japanese Rope Bondage. Rope bondage has been practiced in Japan since ancient times times and is becoming more popular in the rest of the world. This book sets out to show how you can tie your partner in the way it is taught by a Japanese mistress, Miumi-U. The book starts with the basic ties and goes on to use them in more sophisticated play sessions. Miumi-U prepared these lessons with Kao, her bondage partner, who has performed with her many times in Tokyo Shibari clubs. You will learn to: - Make single and double column ties - Make quick release versions - Tie a chest harness, with and without crossovers - Tie legs in different ways - Dress your model in a Japanese crotch cloth - Combine the various ties - Play with your model - Suspend your model and play with hot wax

“Working with spirits can be some of the most dangerous yet some of the most gratifying work a magickal practitioner can engage in. With Jason as your guide in this book, you are in some of the best hands out there when it comes to approaching and working with spirits. This is a book I wish I had fifteen years ago when I began working closely with spirits.” —Mat Auryn, author of Psychic Witch Throughout history, humans have sought power and knowledge from spirits. Learning how to conjure, communicate, and negotiate with these unseen powers is one of the keys to success in magic. Consorting with Spirits presents a detailed explanation of what spirits are, their different classifications, and how they exist in relation to the world we normally perceive. The reader will then learn a system of practices that will cultivate three main skills: The capacity to perceive spirits clearly, the ability to interact with them effectively, and the tools to deepen your relationships. It is this focus on deepening relationships and increasing clarity in communications that has been missing from much of the material about spirits. This book will teach you different ways of interacting with spirits, from offerings and invitations to forceful conjurations. With these tools in hand, you can work with your spirit allies to achieve any goal, from protection, to wealth, to vast knowledge. Consorting with Spirits shares: Proper training necessary for calling and conversing with spirits. How to evaluate the messages you receive. A full view of different modes of contact and what situations each mode lends itself to Why the best sorcery is local. The tools to establish and maintain a long-term relationship with spirits (consorting). The 6 different manifestations of spirits and their corresponding magickal operations, qualities, benefits, and drawbacks. The 4 methods of interacting with spirits: prayer, conjuring, compelling, and evocation.

The award-winning textile artist presents her modern approach to 150 fabric manipulation techniques in this fully illustrated sewing guide. In Fabric Manipulation, Ruth Singer presents the most in-depth and comprehensive guide to sculptural and embellishing effects since Collette Wolff’s The Art of Manipulating Fabric. Divided into three sections—Pleat and Fold, Stitch and Gather, Apply and Layer—Fabric Manipulation teaches sewists of all skill levels 150 creative sewing techniques with clear instruction, photos, and hundreds of full color diagrams. Ruth explains her innovative variations on traditional fabric manipulation techniques such as pleating, folding, gathering, smocking, quilting, trapunto and applique. She also offers inspirational project ideas for accessories and home décor that demonstrate practical uses of fabric manipulation.

Folds are currently on the rise at the moment and this book shows how to manipulate and finish them in order to obtain that personal touch so crucial in the world of fashion. Working from the simplest possible form, the book addresses all major dimensional techniques, shows how they are related and give examples of both traditional and modern variations. This book can be considered as an encyclopaedia of folding techniques, explaining step by step the world of folds and how to apply them in practice. The explanations and diagrams about the different types of pleating are very clear and easy to follow, showing the stages of construction and the finished garments. This title includes an analysis of the use of folds in fashion throughout history and also a helpful tutorial using 30 examples from some of the most innovative and avant- garde designers in fashion today. AUTHOR: Brunella Giannangeli, Venezuelan of Italian origin, studied in the United States, where she graduated as a graphic designer at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. In 2009 she moved to Madrid to study a Masters in Textile and Surfaces Design at the IED Design School. Currently, Brunella lives in London, where she created her own collection of fabrics and prints for various clients in the fashion and interior design sectors. For the realisation of this book Brunella has collaborated with the Spanish dressmaker Maria Molina. fully illustrated in colour

A comprehensive make-up manual that details all aspects of make-up application, solutions to common problems, as well as tips and tricks for perfecting your look every time.

Cosplay lets you step out of your own skin and into someone else's shoes (or boots, or paws...). This beginner's guide helps you walk that walk with confidence in an awesome costume of your own creation. True to the cosplay spirit of collaboration, Cosplay Crash Course shares favorite tricks and techniques from some of the community's most imaginative artists. Step by step, you'll learn how to turn ordinary fabrics, inexpensive toys, easy-to-manipulate thermoplastics, wigs and other humble materials into original costumes you'll wear with pride. Whether you're making fabulous feathers, metallic armor, wicked horns, lifelike claws or form-fitting boots, this book puts it all within your reach. You'll even learn awesome hair and makeup effects to complete the look. Use this inside advice to fast-forward through years of trial and error; learn to select the best fabrics and adhesives and to make practical choices for comfort and wearability. Armed with the know-how in these pages and a spirit of adventure, who will you become? Everything you need to dress your part! • 25+ step-by-step projects for creating authentic-looking props, costumes and accessories • Easy techniques and clever shortcuts from nine international cosplay artists • How to manipulate wigs, extensions and your own hair to create unique and expressive looks • Awesome makeup effects, from tattoos and zombie bites to tricks for making faces appear more feminine or masculine • Bonus tips for striking a pose and snapping dynamic, in-character photos