Alec-zander is coming together at last.

The biggest thing I was worried about is complete, attached the kilt. I just gotta keep him from going nuts while wearing it and tearing that kilt all apart….

We also have half the crest done, opting to use reeds instead of feathers, for it is simpler to attach, and we are all about simple this year.

From 2011 buildup

The crest will, of course need to be painted, but that’s why God made spray paint.

It’s gone so well overall, I’m seriously pondering making a Tali-zander after all.

It’s been a while since an update. Been lots of long, boring, technical stuff on the costume, joining the two halves together, monster mud washes, coating in a sealer coat of mod podge…just boring long time to dry stuff, hence no updates.

Throw a mistaken attempt at some ribs for the Chimera in there as well.

Finally, Alec’s costume is coming together. Got everything painted, and the shoulders permanently attached. Have a long, painful job ahead with attaching the ‘skirt’, and need to figure out the crest on the helmet.

We’ve also enlisted the aid of this cool lady to add a cape to the thing. Sewing…well, it’s not my thing. Last time we tried that, Poor Kyle ended up with this ill fitting Gandalf the Gray outfit. (since you couldn’t BUY a Gandalf, just the silly elf and dwarf…)

From An UnOrthOdOx Halloween

Yeah, better to leave that stuff to the experts.

Time for a fit check on the armor, and measuring for the shoulder pieces.

From 2011 buildup

Talia, meanwhile, knowing we are making ALEXANDER wants a TALIZANDER.

Just when I got started making progress, what do you know, we get interrupted.

Alec came home with some homework. Specifically, a biography report. Among the requirements is, of course, a costume. Just who’s homework is that?

Well, Alec want’s to be Alexander the Great…

Now, Just how do you make Alexander the Great? Especially so someone KNOWS that’s your costume. Well, there is, perhaps, the most famous of portraits.

From 2011 buildup

There is the Medusa armor. Alec, fortunately is the perfect size for these body forms. So much so the initial plan was just to cut one up and strap it on. But, I figured we have enough time, we’ll make a proper costume.

Paper mache armor is all fine and good, but I think we all know what 8 year olds with a human pinata would do to that armor…So, I’m reinforcing it with cheese cloth decopaged on top. (decopaging cheesecloth into a pinata is a great way to keep kids busy all afternoon as well…)

From 2011 buildup

From 2011 buildup

Armor is all fine and good, but not everyone is going to immediately recognize even that. So, we need a nice greek helmet as well.

Alec patiently sitting while the rigid wrap dries on his head…a super quick form for a helmet…

From 2011 buildup

Medusa taking shape on the armor, based on traditional depictions of Medusa from the time: head surrounded, sunken eyes, and tongue out.

From 2011 buildup