Con Crunch

Con Crunch Season 4

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About Con Crunch Challenge

Every cosplayer has experienced the con crunch that happens before the big convention. Sometimes the crunch is just adding all those last-minute touches, but for most cosplayers it’s staying up all night to stitch, pin or hot glue those essential details that make or break a costume. The Con Crunch Challenge is the four-part video series that places cosplayers/sewists of all skill levels right in the thick of a new kind of Con Crunch!

In each episode, our host and cosplayer, Cheryl Sleboda, will introduce a new daring cosplayer/sewist who has accepted our challenge, all in the hopes of winning fame, glory, and some really, sweet prizes! In each episode, one cosplayer will have two-hours to complete the costume project of their choice. It can be anything from a prop to an accessory to a whole costume, it just needs to be done in two-hours.

This is the ultimate cosplay sewing series for those just getting started or curious about this fascinating pop culture phenomenon! Over the course of the season, Cheryl and her sidekicks, expert cosplayers Cassiopeia and CannonCreations, will help our cosplayers/sewists beat the Con Crunch Challenge!

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Season 1 – Con Crunch

Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Behind the Scenes Photos
Episode 1

“Frankensteining” a Sewing Pattern with Cassiopeia

About this Episode

In this episode, you’ll meet Cassidy, AKA: Cassiopeia. She started cosplaying way back in 2009 and has been passionately cosplaying ever since, expanding her skills and meeting new people. She is seeking Chery’s help in “Frankensteining” a fireman’s jacket pattern for her interpretation of the sassy Bombshell Starfire character. This character means a lot to Cassiopeia because she comes from a family of firefighters. Not only is she piecing together a fireman’s jacket, she’ll share how she took over 5 different wigs to create the flame-looking hair for her costume. Cheryl also provides Cassiopeia with tons of great stabilizer information, which is critical to achieve the dramatic effect in her fireman’s jacket. Plus, our competition expert Trinity Renee gives us tips on what judges look for in cosplay contests.

About this Cosplayer

Cassidy, AKA: Cassiopeia started cosplaying way back in 2009 and has been passionately cosplaying ever since, expanding her skills and meeting new people. Sewing for over 10 years, Cassiopeia has the skills for most costumes, and fears no large sewing project. Her experience in historical costuming and more helps her designs stand out.
Episode 2

Ginger and Parker, Dynamic Duo

About this Episode

In this episode, you’ll meet the dynamic, mother/daughter duo, Parker and Ginger. Cheryl is going to show Ginger how they can recycle and improve Parker’s interpretation of Spider-Gwen she wore last year. Cheryl will also help this team add some embroidery embellishments to a Carol Danvers-type flight suit along with making Parker’s version of Captain Marvel as comfy as possible. Ginger even gets herself some fun casual cosplay tips! There’s even a 3D printer involved in making this cosplay. Plus, our con expert Kate tells us what we need to keep in mind to have a great con experience.

About this Cosplayer

The dynamic, mother/daughter duo, Parker and Ginger are part of Con Crunch! Ginger has been taking Parker to the Denver Pop Culture Con since she was 4-years-old, this will be Parker’s 5th con already! While Ginger is more of a casual cosplayer, Parker loves going all out for her costumes which Ginger helps create each year. Usually they only go for one day of the con, but this year Parker wants to go all three days, that means three different costumes.
Episode 3

Custom Commissions and Corsets with Megan

About this Episode

In this episode, you’ll meet Megan, AKA: Something Versatile. Megan teaches us all about what to look for in making a commission cosplay for another person and how to work with a commission sewist. For herself, Megan is creating a Mismagius costume to wear at the Denver Pop Culture Con. Megan has not yet mastered making corsets so Cheryl is going to give her some great tips on creating all types of corsets. See some of Megan’s commissions and hear from Kate, our con expert, on convention logistics you need to know before you head out to your next convention.

About this Cosplayer

Megan, AKA: Something Versatile loves making cosplays and clothing for other people more than herself, but Megan just adores the whole process of creating them! Megan started out creating costumes for her husband and now she takes on commission costumes all the time. Pokémon is her specialty! She is currently working on designing & creating male versions of the evolutions of the Pokémon, Eevee. For herself, Megan is creating a Mismagius costume to wear at the Denver Pop Culture Con.
Episode 4

Hero Foam and LED Building with Nathan

About this Episode

In this episode, you’ll meet Nathan, AKA: On Fire Cosplay. Nathan created his first interpretation of Iron Man a couple years earlier, now with Cheryl’s help he is looking to upgrade to a much better model. Learn all kinds of tips and tricks for using EVA Foam and where to get designs to make for cosplay. Nathan will get introduced to Hero Foam and wait till you see the cool LEDs Cheryl found for the eyes in Nathan’s helmet! Plus, our con expert, Kate< will help us navigate the convention’s cosplay rules so we have a great experience.

About this Cosplayer

Nathan, AKA: On Fire Cosplay has been cosplaying since he was in high school and really got into building foam armor and props and now it has become his favorite hobby. Nathan volunteers for hospital visits in cosplay and went to a child’s adoption ceremony as Batman so it has been a fantastic journey making people smile as well! Nathan created his first interpretation of Iron Man a couple years earlier and is looking to upgrade to a much better model.
Behind the Scenes Photos

Season 2: Con Crunch Challenge

Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Behind the Scenes Photos
Episode 1

Baby Yoda in 2 Hours

 

About this Episode:

In this episode of the Con Crunch Challenge we meet Phillip Odango, AKA Canvas Cosplay. Philip is an award-winning international cosplayer, costume designer, teaching artist, speaker and author. He is known for his craftsmanship as Canvas Cosplay. Phillip is currently creating his next cosplay, Mando, from the Disney+ series The Mandalorian. Phillip will only have two hours to create The Child (aka, Baby Yoda) to go with his latest cosplay. Let’s hope “The Force” is with Phillip so he can beat the clock and win the prizes!

About this Cosplayer:

Philip Odango is a professional artist, costume maker and cosplayer from the United States whose award-winning costume design work as Canvas Cosplay has been profiled by MARVEL, Disney, SyFy Channel, Good Morning America, The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, Forbes Magazine and international media outlets MCM la chaîne (France), ABS-CBN News and GMA (Philippines), Business Insider South Africa. Philip also:

  • Works professionally in theatre and as an interior design fabricator for IKEA®
  • Has created over 60 costumes since 2006
  • Received fabrication and special effects makeup training with Stan Winston School of Character Arts
  • Kryolan® Professional Make-Up artist
  • SINGER® Sewing Company brand ambassador, VELCRO® Brand ambassador
  • Author of Cosplay Professional Development Series —
  • Cosplay Marketing & PR 101
  • Cosplay Guest Secrets Revealed
  • Cosplay Sponsorships and Partnerships
  • Panelist and presenter for over 30 conventions all over the world with masters-level international contest judging experience, including South Africa, Austria, Philippines, Hawaii and throughout the United States.
  • A former cosplay champion in New York Comic Con and C2E2
  • Has judged the C2E2 Global Crown Championships of Cosplay, Western Championships of Cosplay, New York Championships of Cosplay and will be judging
  • Keystone Championships of Cosplay. He has judged Vienna Comic Con and Comic Con Africa.

Episode 2

Glam Game of Thrones Costume

 

About this Episode:

In this episode of the Con Crunch Challenge we meet Casey, AKA Casey Renee Cosplay. Casey is an award-winning cosplay artist who focuses heavily in sewing and working with soft materials. She loves historical costuming as well as Disney and often combines the two to make some costume magic. Casey’s biggest competition win was with Sakizou Amethyst taking the Grand Prize at Twitchcon in October of 2018. Casey will have two hours to embellish her current Ice Queen cosplay to give it those finishing touches this Twitchcon champ is known for delivering. See if Casey Renee has what it takes to beat the Con Crunch Challenge!

About this Cosplayer:

My journey started in June of 2013 where I just wanted to be a superhero! I bought an $80 machine and a pile of fabric, I had no clue what I was doing but I just went to town! After that first costume I fell in love and continued to learn and develop my sewing skills. In February of 2015 I started competing in my Tauriel costume and after winning at three separate conventions I was addicted to competition. I grew my skills in prop making, wig styling and sewing to continue to make harder costumes. I went from Tauriel to armored Ariel to Rococo Belle and finally my most recent accomplishment in my competition career with Sakizou Amethyst taking the Grand Prize at Twitchcon in October of 2018.

Now my goal is to help other content creators reach their goals. Share my knowledge of costuming and ultimately give back to the community that has helped me so far.

Episode 3

Death Eater’s Doublet

 

About this Episode:

In this episode of the Con Crunch Challenge we meet Evan Cannon, AKA Cannon Creations. An avid costumer since childhood, Evan always made costumes for Halloween. After years of ever increasingly complicated Halloween costumes, he started attending cons. Evan’s whole world was changed as he met other cosplayers and people who genuinely appreciated the time and effort he put into his creations. Evan has been attending Denver’s Pop Culture Con yearly for the last 5 years, and would love to someday attend San Diego Comic Con. He has cosplayed everything from Skeletor to Night Crawler but most recently he dressed as a Death Eater from the Harry Potter series. He has always wanted to upgrade the costume as bit. Even will have only two hours to complete a doublet type vest to go with his Death Eater costume. He may need a magic wand to complete the Con Crunch Challenge.

About this Cosplayer:

Raised in small town Texas, now living in Denver, I’ve been an avid costumer since childhood. Growing up we always made our costumes and my love for Halloween developed. After years of ever increasingly complicated Halloween costumes, I started attending cons. My whole world was changed as I met other cosplayers and people who genuinely appreciated the time and effort I put into my creations. Turns out I had been doing cosplay all along and just never knew it. I’ve been dressing up and attending Denver’s Pop Culture Con yearly for the last 5 years, and would love to someday attend San Diego Comic Con.

The thing I love most about cosplay is the widespread love you experience for your fandom. Nowhere else have I met a group that is so devoted and engaged in the worlds of fantasy and modern mythology that shape our culture as a whole. Being able to transform yourself into a character from a fictional world is exhilarating and being appreciated by those who know that fictional world is a confirmation that you are not alone in what interests you and you’re not weird for liking it.

Episode 4

Conquering the Barbarian’s Fanny Pack

 

About this Episode:

In this episode of the Con Crunch Challenge we will meet Cassie, AKA @alter_affect_cosplay. She has been cosplaying and costume making since 2015. At first Cassie started attending renaissance festivals, then in 2018 she attended her first Con. That experience definitely expanded the world of cosplay for Cassie. Her favorite costumes are the ones that offer multiple textures and lots of detail, and she especially enjoys a rugged, weathered look. Cassie’s most recent costume is a Barbarian and Cassie would like to create a utility type belt to go with her costume, so she can hold all the essential things she brings to a convention like an ID and touch up make up. She will have only two hours to complete a fanny-pack that looks authentic to her Barbarian aesthetic.

About this Cosplayer:

Howdy! My name is Cassie AKA @alter_affect_cosplay. I live in Colorado, and I really, really love costumes. I have been cosplaying and costume making since 2015. When I first started, I was only attending renaissance festivals, then in 2018 I attended my first Con. That experience definitely expanded the world of cosplay for me.

Sewing is my main area of expertise; however, I have dabbled in EVA foam and 3D printing, and I want to continue learning new skills that will take my cosplays up a level. My favorite costumes are the ones that offer multiple textures and lots of detail, and I especially enjoy a rugged, weathered look.

For me, cosplay is a way of connecting with fandoms I admire and using my hands to make art. Not to mention getting to hang out with friends and play dress up! Costume design is a wonderful hobby that anyone of any skill-level can be a part of, and we all start at level zero. So, to anyone who is considering getting started with this exciting hobby, I say to you: jump right in!

Behind the Scenes Photos

Season 3: Con Crunch Challenge

Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Behind the Scenes Photos
Episode 1

Wigging Out with Laharl

About this Episode:

In this episode of Con Crunch Challenge cosplayer Jade will attempt to create the wig of one of her favorite characters Laharl from the video game Disgaea 5. Jade is an award-winning cosplayer who comes off calm and collected, but will the Con Crunch Challenge put her to the ultimate test and break her cool façade?

About this Cosplayer:

Simple, fun-loving, and smarter than the average bear (maybe), J’adore Cosplay/Notgrima is a Denver-based cosplayer and crafter of 8 years. She has attended several conventions all over the United States, winning master-level craftsmanship or Best in Show awards from many of their cosplay contests. She favors sewing, wig styling, and latex work. Her ultimate goal for cosplay is not only to showcase her work, but to make everyone feel accepted and loved in the cosplay community by spreading positive messages, memes, and love in any way she can. She says that no matter where you’re from or what you look like, if you want to cosplay then you deserve to have fun and give it a go.
Episode 2

Jester’s Embellished Jacket from Critical Role

About this Episode:

As a disabled, LGBTQ Cosplayer, Magnus Rose has made it their mission in cosplay to make sure all cons are accessible to all cosplayers, especially those with a disability. Magnus is studying historical costuming which should come in very handy for the character Jester’s embellished jacket from Critical Role they plan to complete in two hours!

About this Cosplayer:

Magnus (Magpie) Rose, a seamstress of 17 years, has been an active cosplayer since 2013. As a designer, they favour original twists on classic characters and complex detail work to bring their creations to life. While winning a variety of costume based awards for craftsmanship and creativity, a large part of their interactions focus on their activism and charity work. As a member of the LGBTQ+ and disabled con community, they have run panels, consulted with convention head’s, and worked with hotels and event centres to not only make sure that cons are a safe environment for all but an accessible one as well.
Episode 3

Kyoshi Warrior Garb from Avatar: The Last Airbender

About this Episode:

Kate & Mark have been happily married for years, but will their marriage survive the Con Crunch Challenge? They plan to create Suki’s Kyoshi Warrior garb from Avatar: The Last Airbender for Kate. Mark is more into Live Action Role Playing and Kate is a costume designer and sewist so creating a cosplay costume is a new adventure for them both!

About this Cosplayer:

Kate started her costuming experience (and sewing knowledge) in the theater, which she majored in before spending several years working in a costume shop. There, she made everything from Victorian wedding dresses to stinky sock costumes… for other people. She went on to editorial work, which eventually collided with her sewing knowledge when she started working for Sew News and Creative Machine Embroidery magazines. She takes a few days off every year to volunteer at her local anime convention and bask in cosplay. These days she mostly sews everyday basics for herself, but she always loves the opportunity to pull out her costuming skills.
Mark is a geek of every stripe (except the circus kind). A long-time dabbler in costume and prop-making, Mark has started hundreds of projects in the last twenty-five years (a few of which even got finished!). He’s tried his hand at most of the usual crafts, and even some unusual ones (such as armoring), which have given him a wide, if flighty, skill set. In his free time, he is generally wrapped around his cats’ fuzzy little toes.
Episode 4

Life Size Baby Yoda

About this Episode:

The Child (AKA, Baby Yoda) has taken the world by storm and cosplayer Kat of Diamonds fell hard for our baby green friend. With the head of her life size Baby Yoda cosplay finished, Kat will try to create a custom robe to complete her Baby Yoda cosplay! Will two hours be enough for her to finish?

About this Cosplayer:

Kat goes by KatOfDiamonds as her cosplayer and Internet handle and has been cosplaying since 2012. Her grandmother helped her make her first TARDIS dress to attend her first con and she’s been using YouTube, friends, and prayers to the cosplay gods to teach herself new skills ever since. In July 2018, she started streaming her costuming builds on Twitch where she stays true to the motto “cosplaying by the seat of my pants!” Streaming allows Kat to talk cosplay and troubleshooting with her viewers and provide a safe, fun space for her community to learn and create along with her. Being involved in cosplay has inspired Kat to start bodypainting and building that skill set into her repertoire.
Behind the Scenes Photos

Meet Magnus (Magpie) Rose