October 21…

It was 7:00 p.m., and I was determined to finish this keyblade. So, I went ahead and started painting! The gesso has dried entirely and painting on top of a gesso is like painting on a canvas. This stuff really works wonders!

I used a hairdryer to dry the paint faster. It is 8:20 PM and I am not here to stay until midnight to watch this thing dry!

I added more electrical tape on the handle to cover the paint marks I made while painting the handle. Time check: 9:42 PM. I am surprised at how quickly I finished painting this keyblade. I mean, it is huge! But then, I am quite skilled at painting so I guess it helped! Again, I was extremely exhausted so I went right to sleep after cleaning all my paintbrushes.

October 26-27…

I have been so extremely busy with my school (MIDTERMS, PROJECTS, PRE-INTERNSHIP, ETC.) that I did not have time to work on my last sword for this timeline. Despite all of my busyness, I am determined to create my sword using my design.

TIME CHECK: 8:40 PM… Oh, how I love creating things at night when everybody is already sleeping! *insert sarcasm.

I started by sketching whatever came to mind. Since it is almost Halloween, I figured I could make some Halloween-themed swords!

I added some measurements. I wanted it to be relatively small so I could finish it fast, but large enough to be considered a sword.

AGAIN, I got so invested in creating this sword, while fighting with time, that I forgot to take pictures of my process. However, I will list down what I have done so far:

• I traced the sword on the EVA foam and started cutting it with the cutter
• I made two copies of the sword with everything: from the handle to the blade
• I made two copies of just the handle. This way, it will look like the blade is attached to the handle separately. Just like a real sword!
• I added two barbeque sticks (THE LIFESAVER) to each sword frame and attached them. So there are a total of FOUR barbeque sticks inside this sword, acting as a foundation!
• Used trusty electrical tape to create the handle. One thing that is so great about electrical tapes is its elasticity as well as its leather-like appearance!
• Added gesso on the handle to prepare it for painting!
• I did not add gesso to the blade part and just went ahead and painted it. I wanted to see what the paint would look like if I did not apply gesso. I mixed black, white, and silver metallic paint to create this nice finish. It turned out quite nice.

TIME CHECK: 11:31 PM

I did not think I could use the hairdryer at this point because I would wake up everyone in the house. So I just left it to naturally dry on the next day.

I woke up around 6:20 AM the next day, quickly changed for EAE201 class, and went down the basement to complete my sword. Once again, time was against me because I needed to finish this sword around 7:30 AM because that was the time we left the house to go to work/university. Since it is the morning and everyone is awake, I can use the hairdryer!

I mixed crimson red, burnt umber, and black paint to create this darkish red colour. For the eyes, I used white, crimson red (for the veins), and black to make it. Then I just blow-dried everything, and I surprisingly finished at exactly 7:30 AM!

Final Reflections…

This was such a challenge for me. I could have picked any other theme to do for my personal art project, but I do not think I will not be as satisfied as this. I have always wanted to create cosplay weapons and be able to cosplay one day! What is the next step? Maybe I will try sewing clothes and eventually create a cosplay costume! Maybe I will invest more in cosplay tools (like a sander or a Dremel rotary tool) to create a more refined look. Overall, I am very satisfied with what I have made. I am glad I picked this topic and I am extremely happy with the results.