Welcome to the Leaf Pile!
Hello! I’m Sammy, aka LeafninCosplay, and this is my leaf pile, a collection of tutorials and helpful advice that can get you started with sewing and crafting or give you ideas for techniques. Everything in this blog can be done in minimal space. My workshop is technically the corner of my living room in a 900sqft apartment I share with my roommate. You don’t need a giant workshop or massive house to cosplay. You can craft and create cosplay in spaces as small as a dorm room!
If you’re new to making your own cosplay or not sure how to start, check out the Getting Started section on the menu. This features a collection of tutorials specifically geared towards getting started with a specific subject.
If you’re looking for something specific, the Tutorials Index is arranged by subject. Recent tutorials are located on the menu above. You can also find character-specific build tutorials on Character Builds.
Feel free to follow me on social media for updates on my latest projects, random posts about my artbook obsession, and games. And if you make something with one of my tutorials, let me know! I’d love to see your work. Remember, sewing and crafting are skills, not talent, so what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
This blog is compatible with dark readers and newer posts all have alt text for accessibility. If there are any issues with the contrast or accessibility, let me know!
Announcements
New Pages! (9.13.22) – There are two new indices for easier navigation. Please check out Tutorials Index by Budget and Tutorials Index by Skill Level.
Upcoming conventions and panels
Anime Los Angeles– Thanks for coming to our panel! You can check out Panel Presentations for our slides! Until next time, ALA!
Latest Tutorials
Making and attaching a sleeve head roll
There’s a good chance you’ve never heard of a sleeve head roll before. It’s a structural piece of fluff that sits along the top of a sleeve – or a sleeve head, thus the name – that gives the top of the sleeve body and sometimes smoothness. And when I needed structured shoulders and sleeves…
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Paper mache poleaxe with Persona 5 Noir
When thinking of paper mache, a 4′ axe isn’t what most people think about first. Neither did I, honestly, but I wanted to make an axe for my Persona 5 Noir cosplay, and it’s way too cold for working with foam in the middle of winter. I needed something lightweight, that could be broken into…
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Making raised details with paper mache
Paper mache isn’t all flat surfaces, and neither is your prop. Your project may include raised accents to create unique patterns or designs. Anything from medallions to details on a blade, even runes or faked laces using supplies you’ve already got for paper mache. It’s all done with the magic of food boxes. When I…
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Creating a wrapped handle effect with paper mache and a PVC pipe
When I set out to make Noir’s axe, I knew I wanted to have a wrapped handle effect. It shows up in her artwork and is visible under her hand in game. The handle would need to also be grippable and not collapse while I’m holding the axe. So I turned to paper mache to…
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Painting faux suede with acrylics
Faux suede fabric comes in a rainbow of colors, but sometimes you need a pattern on your suede, and patterns can be difficult to find in this type of fabric. While you might be able to find cheetah prints or spots or the like, your cosplay’s demands might be a bit different. So it’s time…
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Paper mache Poketch
I’ve wanted a Poketch since Pokemon Diamond & Pearl first came out for my Dawn cosplay. I made several attempts with it, but honestly why overcomplicate things? Sometimes the simplest materials work the best! So I turned to one of my favorite arts and crafts methods: paper mache. Paper mache is a great method to…
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