Q: what about re-purposing everyday things as props? Like I want to take some thing plastic and paint it, but I’m afraid the paint will chip off. How do I prevent that?

A: Good question! Lots of people like to repurpose items, and it really depends on what the item is made of. If it is plastic, you can go with a spray paint on the top. Just make sure you have the right spray paint. Read the labels. Something else I’ve seen people do is if the item is clear plastic (like a dome), paint the *inside*, then seal it. That way, if it gets banged up on the outside, paint won’t chip off.

Woods need special paints or varnishes. Some items of questionable composition may need to have a base coat put on before you can paint it. And never underestimate the value of sealing your object. If you are using regular paint, your craft store will have a finisher you can paint on. If you are using spray paint, there are different types of clear coats to put on top, from matte to glossy.

Just remember – read your labels! Spray paint eats through certain materials, like foam. The product will tell you what it is intended for, what it works best with, and what you should avoid.

Q: I’m also planning to make a Card Captor Staff too, but it’s my first time making anything relevant to cosplay DIY and I was wondering if you would give me some tips to making this staff. It would be awesome of you’re able to give some tips and what good materials to use.

A: Well I would definitely recommend a wooden rod for the center and not pvc pipping. While the pvc is lighter, it’s hollow center will provide problems with trying to figure out how to attach all the pieces. Since mine was a wooden rod all I had to do was drill holes and use gorilla glue to help me attach the pieces. Much easier, and much more durable! ❤

If you can, try and stick to spray paint instead of paint on paint like acrylic. It's so much smoother! When things are hand painted they have a tendency to look lumpy! 😦

Honestly, do research and play up your strong points in your craft. I'm a pretty big resin caster, so I used that as my strong point and custom made all of the details in resin. Some people are stronger in using sculpey clay or paper clay then I am and have done the details of their staffs out of that. I don't trust myself to freehand something like that. :p (Hence resin casting!) But knowing your strong areas helps to determine what materials you want to use.

Make patterns!! When ever I'm making something, from costumes, to props, to resin pieces, I always draw up patterns first! I usually use graph paper too. It helps me proportion everything out, make sure it's the right size and shape, and it helps me see how all the pieces will fit together. Sometimes I have an idea for something then realize when I pattern it out that it's not going to work and I need to re-think it. I'd rather have to re-think something in the planning stages then realized I messed up half way through the project. @.@

I hope these help! ❤