Black Friday Weekend Sale

Black Friday through Cyber Monday, get 15% off all of the Snow Bunny Studios stock with the code HOHOHO

There's also free domestic shipping with the code COSPLAYER

Visit my Etsy and take a look around

Dragon*Con, Anime Weekend Atlanta, and the End of the 2013 Con Season

Dragon*Con 2013

Danielle and I were there, staying together with other mutual friends.  Coming to Dragon*Con, after missing 2012, was like coming home.  It was great to be back!  This was, by far, one of the quietest, low key D*Cons we have ever been to in all the time we've ever been.  We took fewer, simpler costumes, and wore even fewer of the ones we brought.  Between the the two of us, we wore:

• Tony Stark (Avengers/Battle for New York version)
• 1940's Pin Up
• Sweet Lolita Coord (lavender gingham)
• Princess Leia (Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope)
• Formal Tony Stark (Iron Man II version)

I did bring my Mia Fey and Phoenix Wright costumes, but with my ankle still giving me quite a bit of trouble, I was hesitant to wear anything with heals. Plus, Danielle and myself really weren't costumes at all by the time Sunday rolled around.  The rest of the weekend was spent in casual clothes just enjoying the sights.  I went to several awesome panels run by amazing people like Fev Studios, Lone Wolf Armory, God Save the Queen Fashions, and Arda Wigs.

It was yet another awesome year, and we've already registered for 2014.

AWA 2013

My second year going to AWA since leaving SCAD, I did this con on my own.  This con, to me, is th Dragon*Con After Party and Cosplay Family Reunion.  This particular AWA was no exception.  My costume list was:

• Tony Stark (Avengers/Battle for New York, Battle-Damaged version)
• Hongbin (VIXX - "Hyde")
• Sweet Lolita Coord (lavender gingham)
• Phoenix "Pheenie" Wright (Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations)

I did a lot more costuming, all in all, and shared table space along side my good friend Fev Studios in the Artist Alley, and I sold out of 75% - 80% of my button stock!  Tons of friends, both old and new, and, really a fun time.  My 93-year-old grandmother had passed the week before, and it was the perfect way not only to refocus on work, my plans for the future, the dreams for this studio, and my over all goals, as she would have wanted.  All in all, after a rather tiring run of cons, this convention left me feeling rejuvenated.  It feels a lot more like the cons I used to go to as a teen, fun times with good friends in amazing costumes.

You can bet AWA will continue to be one of my regular stops on the con circuit.  It's always been one of my favorites.

The 2013 Convention Year - In Close

I have had the pleasure of going to more cons and events, this year than I have in a rather long time.  Not just these cons, but also the local Renaissance Faire, Lolita Meet Ups, SCA events, coffee shop meet ups, and all sorts of things.  In the meantime, I'll be working on new products for the shop as well as finishing up all the lingering projects around the studio.

Here's to an awesome 2013!  We've already pre-registered for PAX East, Dragon*Con, and other events.  Here's looking forward to finishing this year strong and an amazing 2014 con season to come.

SDCC Write Up and Studios Updates

- San Diego Comic-Con 2013 -

This year at SDCC, I had an amazing time!   Bludhavenbird Cosplay hosted Danielle and myself.  He and his family were wonderful beyond words; I can not thank them enough for welcoming the two of us into their home and into their lives.  That allowed me to rent a car so we could explore San Diego a bit more freely.

At the con itself, I met so many amazing people, whether they were famous or other costumers and individuals heading to nerd central.  Not to mention, I got to see another of my costumes debuted in person, even down to my client's make up and taking her application photos for the Rebel Legion.  If anything, the reason I love what I do and began this business is because I love seeing the smiling faces both of the people that wear my costumes but of the people whose lives are touched by seeing their favorite characters bought to life.

Comic-Con was 4 intense days of costuming, fighting lines, attending panels, seeing previews of new movies and shoes, and shopping for those ever illusive exclusives!  I'm still fighting off the jet lag as life returns to normal, but it was so much better than SDCC 2012.  If I am able, I certainly wouldn't mind making SDCC a regular thing, and maybe even trooping along side my fellow 501st Legion members or working the table.

I miss everyone already, and hope I can stay in touch.

- Snow Bunny Studios News -

With some of the recent changes that have taken place in my life over the past few months, I will be seriously cutting back on the commissions I will be doing.  Some of these changes have already gone into affect and posts have been made in reference to them.  However,  I thought it would be best to ensure that everyone new exactly what was going on.

Those that contacted me prior to my leaving for SDCC have been grandfathered in under my previous commission rules, but starting July 23rd, I will not be taking full costume commissions and will be seriously limiting the number of smaller commissions I will be taking.  I now also require a minimum of 6 months advanced notice on all commissions.  This may change in the future so that I can return to the older commission rules, but when that will happen I do not know.

After I hurt my ankle last winter, I still have a couple lingering commissions that need to be completed that I have been struggling with.  Plus, I have a back log of personal and business costuming related projects, I would like to clear out that cache as well as continue to more forward with my plans to grow Snow Bunny Studios to better serve your costuming needs in the long term.  Sadly, this means for the time being, I will have to limit what I do in order to complete those project.  My goal for Snow Bunny Studios is always to provide you with the best quality and highest accuracy possible.  I also wish to provide my clients with more ready made items in my Etsy shop.  Hopefully, this change in commission status will be a temporary thing, and everything will be up and running back to normal soon.  Again, commissions are not closed, they are simply of a very limited number.

If you are interested in a Snow Bunny Studios product, check out my Etsy shop.  If you can't find what you're looking for on Etsy and wish to ask me about a commission, please contact me either through email or use the Wufoo Inquiry Submission Form.

Thanks everyone for being so amazing and supportive to Snow Bunny Studios and Happy Cosplay!  Stay tuned for more amazing things soon.

Product Review - imPress Instant Manicure from Broadway

At Escapist Expo, as I mentioned before, I wore a Hipster Black Widow costume.  Usually, I forget to do my nails before a con because acrylic nails usually get in my way while I sew and work on projects.  Thus, I decided just for that last little finishing touch, the best way to go would be press on nails.  However, with as horrible a track record with nail polish as I have, I have been nervous to try them previously, fearing that I might end up glue nails on my face my mistake or something.

Now, I'm a big fan of packaging and presentation, so I've been drawn to Broadway's imPress Instant Manicure.  The cute little nail polish-style container is really adorable, and it can be reused to hold any extra nails you don't use in application.  I was pleasantly surprised by how simple it was to put these on, and being that I put them on at around 4am on Saturday, It was nice not have to deal with glue or any other complicated directions.

Here's my full review posted on Youtube:

It's certainly a product I would recommend.  It's great for cons, photo shoots, and quick costume changes.

If you want to watch the other videos, like, favorite, or subscribe to my Youtube channel, you go to the Official Snow Bunny Studios channel or you can view the video itself.

Slam-Packed September

Time is marching on, and just about every weekend this month is booked solid.

At the end of August, I went to LibrariCon, which was a fun afternoon spent along side local 501st, Rebel Legion, and Mandalorian Mercs.  If you'd like to see photos from that, you can see them here: [link]

Last weekend was the first ever Escapist Expo, put on by the magazine by the same name.  I attended Saturday, and my friends and I had a 'Hipster Avengers' group.  I was Black Window.  We're talking about expanding and revising our group at another convention, so we'll see.  All in all, aside from a few snags, I had a great time with both old and new friends.

This upcoming weekend, on the 22nd, is Heroes, Villains, and Special Effects.  It'll be a great meet-and-greet with tons of characters in costume, including members of the 501st Legion.  I will be in attendance, helping out those in costume.  On the 23rd, I have a meeting with the costuming group known as the 105th Carolina Corp of Engineers.  We'll be discussing various official issues, including a possible workshops and classes.  Some of which may even be livestreamed or posted online.  Those details, however, will be worked out in detail at the meeting.

At the end of the month, I'll be heading to Atlanta, GA for Anime Weekend Atlanta.  It's been years since I've been, and I'm certainly looking forward to seeing friends like Fev as well as competing in the costuming contest.

This, combined with my commissions, filming tutorials/demos/reviews, and working on a few things for myself... let's just say it was a wonder I have time to eat and sleep.

Live Streaming Sessions

So, being that I've started exclusively taking cosplay commissions as of January 1st, 2012, I've working to have more livestreaming sessions. If you want to catch them you can do so here:

http://www.livestream.com/snowbunnystudios

From sewing to working on small props, accessories, and even make up and prosthetic. I'm working on building a lot of recordings as well, so if you don't get to see the streams when they happen you can certainly watch them after the fact.

And, if nothing else, there's always awesome music playing, so pop in and say 'hi'.

Snow Bunny Studios - Commissions Info

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Introduction

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Hello, I'm K. D. Thompson and the owner and creative mind behind Snow Bunny Studios located in Greensboro, NC. I have over 10 years of cosplaying and costume making experience and have been doing custom commission work off and on for 8 years. Snow Bunny Studios opened officially for business in 2009.

My passion has always been helping a cosplayer to create the perfect recreation of a particular character - whether it's anime, video games, manga, film, books, comics, and beyond. This is the same level of perfectionism, quality, and attention to detail I apply to my own personal cosplay. Knowing that I was able to help you to bring your favorite characters to life is one of my greatest rewards and why I continue to work as hard as I can for my clients.

While I specialize in meticulously created, complete costumes, if you need single pieces, that can be crafted as well. Over the years, wigs have been one of the most popular items requested from Snow Bunny Studios. Whether its hair falls, pony tails, or full wigs, I will do my very best to work with you and create exactly what it is you are looking for. No matter what your need, if you are curious about a particular project, Email me for a quote ( kenya.kdthompson@gmail.com ).

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Commission Basics

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When you are seriously considering a commission, or even a quote, please send a few things in your request:

Please supply clear information and follow all instructions given.  If you do not, your request will be ignored or you may be asked to resubmit your inquiry.

You can either fill out a Commissions Inquiry Form 

Or, you can email me with the information below:

•  Your name:
•  Attach/link reference images from several angles (minimum front, back, side, & 3/4 view at large sizes - No google/yahoo/etc. image search links, No Fan Art, and No Cosplay or Store Photos. No Youtube links - screen cap what you wish to show me):
•  Name of character and series:
•  Due Date:
•  Your Budget:
•  Basic Measurements (Bust/Chest, Waist, Hips, & Height):
•  Location:
•  Other information about the costume/wig/etc. you'd like to include:

Please allow a minimum of 6 months depending on the complexity of the costume or pieces you wish to be completed.

You should build in about a week or two into the due date for delivery. This way, if there is a delay in the post, it will arrive well in time for the convention or event you wish to wear it to.

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Payment & Shipping

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Pricing can vary greatly from commission to commission. This depends on the level of detail and materials chosen by the particular client. Whether you have thousands of dollars or a couple hundred as a budget - I am flexible and very willing to work within a price point or set up payment plans to meet your individual needs.

I only accept payment through PayPal. The final quote is based on the amount of time required to complete the project, the amount of skill/difficulty involved, and the materials needed to complete the project. An estimate of shipping cost will be included in this quote as well.

• A minimum of half (1/2) the amount due for the commission is due up front at the sighing of the contract.
• Another quarter (1/4) of the final total is due one month before completion of the product.
• The final balance due (If you have been making minimum payments then 1/4 or less if you have paid more), is due 2 weeks before the item is due to ship. Please note: The item will not ship until this final payment is made.

Shipping will be done through the USPS. If the client wishes for rush shipping, which is not the default shipping I use, those costs will be covered by the client.

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Contact Info

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For updates on current projects visit...

Website: http://www.kdthompson.com
Deviant Art: http://snowbunnystudios.deviantart.com/

Facebook Fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/SnowBunnyStudios

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/snowbunnystudio

Pintrest: http://pinterest.com/snowbunnystudio/boards/

Etsy: http://snowbunnystudios.etsy.com

Email: kenya.kdthompson@gmail.com

Thank you!

>^.^<