September 2

Chicago Comic Con 2011 – DIY edition

As you may have read in my previous post, I recently attended the Wizard World Comic Con in Chicago.  While many in attendance were in full-scale cosplay mode (costume-play), some stood out to me because of the craftyDIY nature of their projects.

I loved this crocheted ode to Dr. Who‘s Tardis. My model very sportingly gave me two views.

And with another homage to the good doctor – a walking Tardis! I’m not sure how much of the con this young lady got to see, as she was stopped frequently for photo opps!

Chicago Comic Con 2011 Dr Who Tardis costume

This Scott Pilgrim-inspired couple didn’t seem to think their costume very photo-worthy, but I thought they were great. I loved their little labels on their shirts and the giant mallet. Made me want to watch the movie again. It also reminded me of this fantastic embroidery project, posted on GeekCrafts earlier this year. (And I have seen a girl with hair like that – that’s mine pretty much every morning when I wake up! Except the purple part…)

Chicago Comic Con 2011 Scott Pilgrim cosplay

I had to marvel at this repurposed use of a set of Star Wars sheets, used to create a smart suit for the Mayor of Star Wars Town.

Chicago Comic Con 2011 Mayor of Star Wars Town Chicago Comic Con 2011 - Mayor of Star Wars Town

Unfortunately I didn’t notice many crafty things for sale at booths, but then, I was cruising through the aisles at warp speed. I was able to nab a few pictures.

Chicago Comic Con 2011 superhero fleece hats Chicago Comic Con 2011 crochet Cthulu Chicago Comic Con 2011 video game legos Chicago-Comic-Con-2011 Dr Who Dalek

Links of Interest:

 

August 24

Star Wars Day birthday party – planned in under 6 hours!

I’ve bookmarked this May the Fourth birthday party post by Annalea Hart on Offbeat Mama for the near future – the simple but awesome Star Wars party she planned and pulled off the same day for her 6-year-old son Luca is super inspiring! Yoda sodas, ice-cream sandwiches, movie-night popcorn, and easy decorations… the force is strong with this one.

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August 23

Tutorial Tuesday: Harry Potter Sunglasses

All you fantastic, trendsetting Geekcrafts readers have probably got your early access passes for Pottermore.

But for all of you who are left behind, weeping into your sorting hat, don’t dismay! We’ve got some HP awesomeness brought to you by blogger Moinette.

Did you go see The Deathly Hallows Part 2 in 3D? did you get some amazing Harry Potter 3D glasses? Follow Moinette’s tutorial to give them a new lease of life as the most Potteriffic sunglasses you’ve ever laid eyes on.

Who needs Pottermore anyhow?

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August 21

Chicago Comic Con 2011 – Review (with cosplay!)

For their birthdays, many women might ask for a day at the spa, or a shopping spree, or at least a fancy dinner. While I can have my girly-girl moments, I really wanted some time when I could bond with my family, and make some lasting memories, before my first-born heads off to college next fall. So I asked for what any good mother to a family of geeks would ask for – a trip to Comic Con.

Wizard World Comic Con - Chicago

Last weekend we took a road trip to Wizard World’s Comic Con in Chicago, held at Donald E Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, home primarily to all things comic book, but also sci-fi, fantasy, and generally geeky in nature.  The Con was a very decent size, and took us about 5 hours to get through. We could have spent longer, but that was all our trip itinerary would allow.

The view from the entrance was quite impressive and a little overwhelming.

Chicago Comic Con 2011 entrance

We decided to just go through each of the aisles, making note of interesting things, before attacking with our wallets.  And always considering our GeekCrafts readers, I put everyone on photo duty for all the interesting cosplay (costume-play) adventures. You’re welcome.

My husband has over 100 pics posted in a Google Album, but here is a sampling to whet your appetite [after the jump]. Continue reading

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August 17

Fright Night UK Premiere

Fright Night PosterIf there are two things I love, they are campy horror movies and David Tennant. And Colin Ferral. Wait…that’s three. For us Americans, Fright Night is coming out THIS FRIDAY.

For a few of us lucky to be in London this past Sunday, and get tickets to The Empire Big Screen event at the O2, Fright Night was an experience to remember. Hosted by David Tennant himself (adorable as always) and in RealD–it was an experience to remember. The crowd filled up fast, and the buzz was building long before they let us into the theatre.

As for the film itself, I was hesitant to view both a remake AND a 3D movie, even if it did feature two impossibly hot men doing hot things. First and foremost, they hit it out of the park with the 3D, I’ve never been impressed with how 3D is used in horror movies until Sunday night. The script was great, enough changes to make this it’s own, modern film, but close enough to the original that the only thing purists will have to whine about is “It’s supposed to take place in the eighties!”.

The film featured lots of great laughs and plenty of good suspense and jump out of your seat moments, a fantastic performance by David Tennant as Peter Vincent (don’t worry, he is only in that awful wig and fake goatee for a few minutes). For those of you reading who aren’t already familiar with the story line, a teenager discovers that a vampire is living next door, preying on his friends and neighbors, and enlists the help of a famed “vampire expert” to destroy him. I could go on and on about how fun this movie was. I am positive I will be buying another ticket to see it in theater (again) when I am stateside.

And, just because, here is a picture of me, my niece, and Martin Barry of Empire Magazine, a totally great guy, even if he was making fun of me a bit. Martin,if you’re reading–Hello!Martin Barry Empire Magazine

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August 10

Do you have Post-Potter Depression?

I know not everyone is a Harry Potter fan, but boy, I am. I loved HP 7.2, and have the $17.25 (!) IMAX 3D ticket receipt to show for it! I’ve read and re-read all the books over the last ten years and yes, even knitted a teeny-tiny Gryffindor scarf (the one in the picture). To celebrate/commemorate the end of the movie series, Chronicle Books is giving away a copy of my book, World of Geekcraft! They posted some pretty cute ideas for fans who are trying to cope with a post-Harry world. If you comment there adding your own suggestions by 8/11, you can win a copy of the book, and craft your own HP baby or toddler costume to introduce the next generation to the series…