I know this isn't a Naruto fansite, but it's the only forum I go to that has cosplayers, so I thought I could ask for advice...

I'm planning to cosplay Tsunade with my husband as Jiraya (I know he's too young, but I think it should work pretty well). I've seen places selling Tsunade's necklace or Jiraya's headband on the internet... I guess I'd be allowed to just buy them... The thing is, they don't seem to ship here, for some mean reason.

So first thing: Kazzu, please help me with the headband? Your Godot mask has a similar texture AND is more complicated to make. And we all know how good the result was...

Second thing: how much should I put in the wigs? They range from less than €10 each to around €60 each (which is like, $90 or something right now? The dollar is getting lower by the minute, so I'm not quite sure.)

I think I'll start there... Then, I'll be asking for sewing advice :p Is it okay to do it all by hand, by the way? I don't have a sewing machine, and can't use one anyway.

Thanks for all imput, and sorry for asking a non-Ace Attorney question ^^ I thought it still fitted in the cosplay section, though.

I can answer a few of your questions.

If you go to here they have Tsunade's necklace for sale. They'll ship to europe, too.

You should put a decent amount of money into the wigs, but not TOO much. Probably about 30 euros each. Anything above 35 is extortionate.

I can't help you with sewing, though. Sorry.

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Hand sewing probably wouldn't hold out for a multiple day convention. I would definitely suggest a sewing machine. I had never used one before, but it was pretty easy to learn.

About wigs, look for kanekalon wig. They're the best quality. I really like Amphigory and Katie Bair offers a purchasing service if you don't live in the US.

I've also heard very good things about this eBay store, though I've never ordered from it myself. Their wigs are less expensive than Amphigory.

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Thanks to you both!

@Topaz: I didn't see Tsunade's necklace on that website, but I'll look again. And they have the patch for her back, which should be very helpful.

@Yuanfang: I think you're right, I should save up and get a sewing machine. Especially since I think I'd enjoy making clothes more than wearing them, so I could do commissions and stuff in a little while, after I get some practice.

I just had a look too. They don't have them. ( I must have got confused, as they were selling them at the London May Expo)
If you REALLY can't get it anywhere, look for a TokyoToys stall at the Convention/Expo. They'll normally have some for sale at around £15.

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Ebay stores are my favorite wig source since the reputable sellers stock these special wigs made with some magic Japanese fibers. Professionalonly and cosplaywig are the two sellers I prefer. Their wigs are about $40-$50 which translates to... 25-32 euros?

What about this site for Tsunade's necklace? They'll ship to Europe but for like $30... If you wanted, you could probably just make the necklace yourself. Find a good blue quartz crystal and cut it maybe. If I recall, the necklace isn't incredibly necessary since she gives it to Naruto anyways, so if you're absolutely stuck you could just forgo it completely. Still, it does have a nice touch I'll admit. :)

Headband... This could be a job for craftfoam (available at crafts stores) or sheet metal (lots of other Jiraiya cosplayers use it I think but I have no clue where to get it). I'm not sure how it'll work with those little horns on it though. All of the headbands sold by online vendors seem to look terrible honestly. If you do use craftfoam or sheet metal, I think you could probably use it also for his weird metal glove things too.

Finally: YES get a sewing machine. Those things astound me with their stitching - so quick and perfect! My hand-sewing is absolute crap and wouldn't hold two pieces of fabric together for more than a day at a convention. It's fairly simple to learn how to use as well. Most fabric stores offer machine sewing lessons too if I recall.

EDIT: Whoops. Fixed everything to Europe. For some reason I thought you were from the UK.

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Thanks ^^!

Don't worry too much about that UK thing. I'm from Europe and I speak English, it sounds normal to assume I'm from there. Plus, most things available there would be way easier to get to than what's available in America only ^^.

I should be able to get a machine if I manage to get a job in summer (you wouldn't believe the situation in France. I just found out that now you need a 2 year diploma to work at a cash-register. Even McDonald's isn't hiring me, and I've got experience with them >_<)

I should also be able to get a city-funded course in sewing, that would be quite helpful (and if I ever want to get a job in that field, be it for a summer or whatnot, I wouldn't be hired without a degree, doesn't matter how many past costumes I could show them).

Anyway, that should really get me going in using a sexing machine, and also give me actual lessons on making matterns and stuff. I'd have 3 classes: the bases, female clothes and male clothes. And then I could get another course in costume-making for theatres and stuff, which would be good for cosplays.

(Don't worry, I'm not getting that course just so I can make cosplay outfits. I have other reasons ^^)

Anyway, the course should answer my sewing-related questions, so I'm pretty much left with the headband and necklace. I think I should be able to find the necklace in an import DVD store (Japan has the same DVD zone as France, and they usually sell cards, action figures and stuff like that).
I might PM Kazzu for help when I'm working on the headband itself. Or I'll just find that thread in which he explained how he made his mask...

I'll probably post pictures, but they'll come in several months, when I actually have a machine to use.

If you need any additional help, it's would be worth it to check out Cosplay.com's forums. :)

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Well.. You could try the same method as I used for my visor. I think if you took your time and drafted a model from paper first, it could work for you. But then again they sell the headbands online so that might be a better option for you.

Draw out the basic shape of the headband, including the little spikes at the top. You'll be cutting the spikes in half so you can glue them together in a way that they are 3-d and poking out. After you figure out the right shape your piece needs to be, copy over your paper model to some craftfoam. Id recommend hotgluing some floral wire on the back so you can control the shape of the headband to fit your head. Make your little spikes, and dont worry about any gaps that might be left. After that you can cover the whole thing in epoxy resin (or any other kinds... I think you can use polyester resin) They also sell thicker epoxy gel that works great to fill in gaps. Once thats on, sand it down and paint, they sell chrome paint at auto stores that look really nice. It's kind of a long process but the results are strong and look pretty nice.

Foam and hotglue are cheap, the resin might cost you $10 or so.

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