Another shot of my Captain Holly Short cosplay from the book series "Artemis Fowl".
I love this character so much. When I first started reading the series quite a few years ago, I was more of an Artemis fan, but as the series went on, Holly became my favourite. She's a kickass female character.
I can't wait to do more photoshoots for her because there is so much I want to do with her: different wig (one that is more orangey) and so many props. One of the best things about Artemis Fowl is all the crazy inventions the fairy folk have :3

We were using a reflector during this photoshoot and it made my face all orange XD

Costume Information:

First off: The Fabric
I chose a stiff leather-like material. This was a mistake. Not only was it very difficult to sew, but it was extremely difficult to move around and pose. I would suggest finding a leather-like material that has a bit of stretch to it.
Second: The Bodysuit
There are sewing patterns that you can buy, which are one-piece jumpsuits, but they usually have a seam down the center of the top. To avoid this, I made pants and the top separate pieces. Then, I sewed them together at the waist and put a zipper in the back. So you could use a regular pants pattern-- making the measurements thinner so it is tight around your leg-- and a turtleneck pattern. Then follow the sewing instructions that come with the pattern Because my fabric was so stiff, I had to put in two darts on either side of the jumpsuit's top so it fit my body better, but if there is a bit of stretch to your fabric, it should form around your body nicely.
Third: The Belt
I actually made this for a different costume, but thought that it would work nicely for Holly. I sewed 4 pouches together and two "panels"-- one for the front and one for the back. The panels were just a rectangular piece of fabric with surged ends. Then I attached piping to it, matching the colours as closely as I could. Then I made the actual belt. There are things called belt kits that you can probably find at your local fabric store. It contains a stiff fabric, grommets for the belt holes and then buckle. If you can't find this kit, buy the grommets and buckle separately and then get a stiff fabric (interfacing or a leather) to give the belt the firmness it needs. Cut out a long strip of fabric a little more than double the thickness you want the belt to be. Sew that together (leaving at one end open), turn it right-side out then slip the reenforcement fabric inside. Fold the open end into the belt and pin it closed. Next, you are going to sew the fabric at the top, bottom and sides on the right-side out so the two sides of the fabric and the reenforcement are forced together in the position you want it to be in. While you are pinning, place the panels in the position you want them to be in-- pinning it to the belt at the bottom. Sew the bottom and the sides. Before you topstitch the top of the belt, place the pouches where you want them. Pin them to the belt so the bottom of the pouch flap (where you open it) is in the path of your sewing line. This will attach the pouches to the belt and still allow you to open them. Sew the top. You should now have the complete belt-- minus the buckle and the belt holes. Attach the buckle and then place the grommets where you want the holes.
Fourth: Boots
I bought a pair of green boots from a local store. If you can't find any locally, there are lots of nice boots on Ebay or you can go with a different colour that will still fit the theme-- like a nice tan boot to match your belt or a brown for a more "earthy" feel.
Fifth: Ears
You can attach the ears using something called "Spirit Gum". It is an adhesive that is made for the skin. There is a remover that you should buy as well. I usually put the spirit gum on the ears then place them on my real ears. Then, I hold them in place until they are mostly dry so they don't fall off.
Finally: Accessories
Holly has lots of fun gadgets! Googles are always good. Toy guns would be another good choice. Whatever you decide to get, make sure it looks high-tech or "alien-like" since the fairies have advanced technology!


Myself as Holly Short
Costume made by (me)

Googles were lent to me by
Boots were bought locally.

Ears are from www.aradanicostumes.com/

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