Geek Out: Worbla Thermoplastic

Welcome to Geek Out! Let's talk about Worbla. For those of you who don't know, Worbla is a brand of thermoplastic sheet you can heat in several different ways for it to become pliable to fit molds or be manipulated into a shape (kind of like putty). This material hardens fast, is sandable, and is ideal if you plan on using multiple layers, seeing as how the heated Worbla will stick to other sheets. It can be primed, varnished, and painted as well.

So, what can you use Worbla for? Really, it's up to you. Now, what I've seen Worbla used most impressively for is Cosplay. In case you didn't know, Cosplay is short for "costume play" where you can wear costumes and accessories (you can buy or make yourself) to represent a character from a work of fiction (that includes things you make up). There are obviously degrees of technicality with Worbla, going from simple accessories to full on suits of armor complete with helmet and weapons.

Picture right from Worbla's website of a contestant at Blizzard's Costume Contest in 2012.

Crazy impressive right? So what do people say in general about Worbla use? I've heard people swear by it when it comes to crafting props, accessories, and outfit elements. A con for some could be the fact that because it's so easy to stretch and flex, breaking it can also be easy, but that can be said for another commonly used material, Wonderflex. The biggest compliment (and relief) I've heard about the material is even first time users can craft with it pretty simply, and can work on progressively more challenging projects as they get more comfortable.

Where can you buy the stuff? The internet knows no bounds. Cosplay Supplies carries different sized sheets for a pretty penny, but quality is never cheap my friends.

So why am I so interested in Worbla? I'm glad you asked! I'd like to believe most of you know I am head over heels for a one Mr. Laufeyson. Loki is a character I'd be proud to attempt to cosplay as. A lot of the elements of the outfit I feel would look best with the use of Worbla. I'm really determined to do a Lady Loki outfit for MegaCon 2014 in Orlando, Florida.

Way impressive Lady Loki Cosplay by Atra Cosplay.

Have you ever used Worbla before? What are your thoughts on it? What other projects would you use Worbla for? Comments are always welcome!

When Did I Start Respecting Cosplayers?

The answer is always, silly. It doesn't matter if you have a $500 outfit or $5. Store bought or hand-made. You've chosen to so something few others have the courage (or audacity...) to do. So here is a list of my top three reasons I respect cosplayers.

1. You let your freak flag fly: You love Sailor Moon. You decided to dress up as her despite the fact you are not a spot on resemblance of her, but you do it anyways (for better or worse). You have fun and tell anyone who doesn't like it STFU.
2. You put in work: Unlike most everyone else, you didn't come in a clever t-shirt and backpack. No, you decided to be theatrical. Slaved making it or making the money to buy it. You did your hair, your make up, and put thought into poses.
3. You put up with shit: Maybe people are heckling you for not being "the perfect" cosplayer. Maybe people are stalking your ass through the convention hall and forcing themselves on you. Either way, you deal with it. Not only that, it's fucking hot in those crowds.

So, I was happy to discover that Syfy will be premiering a new show called Heroes Of Cosplay. Most people I recognized their names instantly, and I'm excited to see a glimpse into their wicked cool process. These people are obviously on the high end of Cosplay. Could I ever achieve their greatness? Theoretically,with some sewing lessons, down time, make-up, and cash I could get close. Will I try it? Yes.

MegaCon 2014, here I come.

When Did I Ever Have Such A Great Nights Sleep?

I appreciate good sleep just as much as I loath bad sleep, and last night was GREAT!

My personal sleeping pill.

AND IT'S ALL THANKS TO JAMES BEING BACK IN CHICAGO! Yes, James arrived last night pretty late, but I felt so amazingly peaceful once we were together again that I had the best nights sleep ever.

So his schedule for today is/was:

• James goes to the recruiter office to talk to the Officer.
• James has his appointment for tomorrow at MEPS confirmed.
• Tonight James will stay at a hotel.
• Tomorrow morning, James will go and get his MEPS stuff finished.
• Hopefully from that, we get offered the contract right away Thursday.

I'm in my optimistic zone right now, and I know James is all good to get passed.

Look how good I look after sleep!

So tonight I have to go and buy NEW pants for my costume because the ones I got are too big on me and look funny with the corset over them. I'm already going out with my mom to her physical therapy after work, so it's on the way. Busy days leading up to C2E2, but I'm expecting good news all around! Wish my husband luck!

When Did I Go To Doctor Appointments?

I went into work today to put in the hours I'll be taking off for C2E2 festivities. Needless to say it was hard convincing my body it was worth it to come in on a day off, but I made it.

This is how I feel when I get out of work.

After work I had an appointment scheduled with my family practice doctor. My back has been killing me, and I was dying for a referral for a physical therapist. During that part where they take your blood pressure, I was told the pressure was good, but I needed to lose weight. Well gee, thanks, I think I know what I'm carrying around here. Anyways, she prescribed me a pill to cut my appetite down dramatically in hopes over 3 months I'll have a shrunken stomach capable of now making me obese with its incessant hunger. I'll let you know how it goes.

So I have just a little preview of my C2E2 outfit for Saturday...and here goes nothing!

Dear god my calves are meaty...

What do you think? "Harley Quinn in High School" worthy? Am I fooling myself here?

When Did I Find Time To Write This?

There is a lot going on this month for me, and it's all demanding my attention. Don't worry, I didn't forget my Hannibal (NBC) Episode 2 poem.

"Holy Shiitake!"

Written by: Adela M.

Will Graham you shot down

That killer Hobbs plenty

Did it in his kitchen as your

flashbacks remind me.

For his daughter Abigail

you feel responsibility

Confiding in Dr. Lecter

How bad could that be?

That red head blogger Freddie

She's one sneaky bitch

If she doesn't tread more carefully

She'll end up in Lecter's knish

Somewhere in this episode

there were some gross bodies

covered in yucky fungus

by a pharmacist crazy

Will Graham takes the shot

saving young Abby

he really should be asking 

"Who is saving me?"

This episode was fantastic. The spotlight isn't on Hannibal, but rather on Will and how Hannibal is eerily able to connect with him and enable him. The "murderer" this week was brilliant in a creepy psycho way that doesn't help me trust my local Walgreen's anymore...

So this weekend I'll be working on the clothing aspect of my cosplay more heavily now that the hammer is finished. Wish me luck everyone!

Oh, by the way, Shiitake reminds me...

When Did I Get A Reason To Use My Hammer?

So I've finally finished ONE hammer last night, and I am not disappointed. Check it out!

Made from:

• Handle: 1/2 inch PVC pipe (cap on bottom)
• Hammer Head: 5 inch irrigation pipe (caps on both ends)
• Held together with epoxy
• Decorated with handy dandy duct tape

It will go fabulously with my Harley Quinn outfit for C2E2, don't you think?

Before I go, I have some gross/disturbing news to share with you....prepare yourself.

http://geekologie.com/2013/04/facehugger-new-tarantula-the-size-of-a-h.php

I read Geekologie every weekday usually, but since April started I haven't checked it out. I started from most recent and worked my way back to where I stopped reading last, and discovered that little gem of a post. Let nightmares ensue.

Then again, I finally have a bug suitable to crush with my mighty hammer!

When Did I Start Making Props?

Good morning all, and Happy Tuesday! It is a bit glum here in Chicago; rainy and gray, and just how I like it. Sorry for the silence Monday, but I was enjoying my day off from work.

So let me update you on my C2E2 costume: the props! I had only 1 real prop in mind for the Harley Quinn outfit I'm going to do, and that is 2 hammers.

Aren't they marvelous? Not finished of course, but they are really taking shape. I'll have a (fingers crossed) finished product to show you Thursday morning, but what do you think of them so far? I've never done anything like this before.

On another note, I've decided to keep at my Hannibal (NBC) review poems. Although I don't watch the shows the day they air (Thursdays) I figure I'll do it every Sunday so it gives everyone time to see it. Sound fair?

So I'm one episode away from finishing Sherlock's second season on BBC, and what a wild ride it has been. If you haven't started watching, go to Netflix right now and catch up on season 1 and 2. You'll be dying for the Sherlock experience to last much longer than 3 episodes a season. Did I mention I have "Cumberbatch Fever"?

When Did I Buy C2E2 Tickets?

The answer is last Friday. What? You don't know what C2E2 is? Let me take you on a journey. A journey of Nerds, Geeks, Otaku, Collectors, Gamers, TV show enthusiasts, Book Lovers, and general kids at heart. Once a year they converge onto McCormick Place in Downtown Chicago to do what they love most; be themselves. C2E2 stands for Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo. It's a young convention, it's only been around since 2010. I've attended every year so far, and I really love what it has to offer.

Why do I go to C2E2?

1. I like comics. My husband has a nice little collection, and I just enjoy the story telling.
2. The Entertainment Guests. This year I'm looking forward to getting Adam West, Felicia Day, and R.L. Stine's autographs.
3. The discovery. Every time you turn a corner, you're gonna see something new. Some of this stuff you're gonna end up loving and wondering how you didn't find it sooner.
4. The outfits. Commenplace at these conventions is dressing up like your favorite character. Whether the outfit was handmade, cost $50, has electronics, or looks straight up bad ass, you can feel the love from the fans here, and that's what makes it feel welcoming.
5. Churros. No lie, there is a stand in the convention center that has the best churros ever.

This year I hope to be among those who dress up. Here is a picture of me in 2010 and 2011 with my favorite Cosplayer. Also, The Joker is among my Top 5 comic book characters <3

C2E2's first year in 2010.

C2E2's second year in 2011.