Deep Dive | A Cosplay Duet

Series: Kingdom Hearts II
Character: Juusankikan Roxas
Cosplayer: Dark

Base: 2 large rectangular blocks of foam
Coating: Gesso
Paint: Spray paint; Acrylic
Materials: Foam; Gesso; Black, red and silver acrylic paint; White spray paint; Clear sealant; Necklace; Hot glue; Paper clip; X-acto knife; Sand paper

I started with two large rectangular pieces of foam and cut them with an X-acto knife outside. If you're working with foam I would definitely recommend cutting the pieces and sanding them outside. The stuff gets everywhere. Foam is a really good base, but it's pretty weak so I covered it in several coats of gesso. First, draw the keyblade shape onto one of the large rectangular pieces of foam, and once you're satisfied then cut it out with an X-acto knife. Then use the second rectangular block to cut out the smaller pieces, like the spikes on the keyblade. Remember to watch out for your fingers; it's surprisingly easy to slip up.

Then sand the rough edges with sandpaper. You can also use the X-acto knife for the really obvious parts. Before moving on you may also want to reinforce weaker parts by sticking paper clips through them. They're really helpful - from holding up your wig to keeping props together, paper clips are always there for you!

Don't worry too much about all the rough edges - we'll do more sanding later. Just add a few good coats of gesso with plenty of time in between for them to dry. Make sure they're not too heavy so they don't drip - otherwise it really will dry heavier in some areas. After you're satisfied with the coats, it's time to sand down the gesso to get the finer bits.

For paint, I started with a solid base of white spray paint and painted the rest with black and red acrylic paint. The "chain" is actually pieces of a necklace that I took apart. I know I could have used a plastic chain, but this was easier at the time. Then I just finished sealing the paint with a clear sealant. Always remember to seal your painted props with some sort of sealant [matte or glossy] otherwise the paint might just decide to melt on your hands when you're holding it, and you'll end up with a mess.

Double check that you have everything, and you're done! Have fun with your new keyblade!

All cosplays and props belong to Dark and Ven of Deep Dive Cosplay, and the layout was designed by Dark. The original term "Deep Dive" belongs to Square. All original characters, character designs, and other concepts belong to their respectful owners.

	I started with two large rectangular pieces of foam and cut them with an X-acto knife outside. If you're working with foam I would definitely recommend cutting the pieces and sanding them outside. The stuff gets everywhere. Foam is a really good base, but it's pretty weak so I covered it in several coats of gesso. First, draw the keyblade shape onto one of the large rectangular pieces of foam, and once you're satisfied then cut it out with an X-acto knife. Then use the second rectangular block to cut out the smaller pieces, like the spikes on the keyblade. Remember to watch out for your fingers; it's surprisingly easy to slip up. Then sand the rough edges with sandpaper. You can also use the X-acto knife for the really obvious parts. Before moving on you may also want to reinforce weaker parts by sticking paper clips through them. They're really helpful - from holding up your wig to keeping props together, paper clips are always there for you!

	Don't worry too much about all the rough edges - we'll do more sanding later. Just add a few good coats of gesso with plenty of time in between for them to dry. Make sure they're not too heavy so they don't drip - otherwise it really will dry heavier in some areas. After you're satisfied with the coats, it's time to sand down the gesso to get the finer bits.

	For paint, I started with a solid base of white spray paint and painted the rest with black and red acrylic paint. The "chain" is actually pieces of a necklace that I took apart. I know I could have used a plastic chain, but this was easier at the time. Then I just finished sealing the paint with a clear sealant. Always remember to seal your painted props with some sort of sealant [matte or glossy] otherwise the paint might just decide to melt on your hands when you're holding it, and you'll end up with a mess.

	Double check that you have everything, and you're done! Have fun with your new keyblade!