Location: Anime Milwaukee 2026 | South Hall Room 201C - Workshop Room

Saturday, March 7th | 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Class Length: 2 hours

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Bring your props to life in this hands-on workshop focused on beginner-friendly cosplay weathering techniques. Students will learn how to sand and dry brush prop daggers to create realistic wear, aging, and battle damage, then take their finished piece home. The class also includes live demonstrations of basic fabric weathering, including painting and controlled fraying using simple tools like a pet brush. Perfect for cosplayers looking to move beyond “fresh off the printer” finishes, this workshop teaches techniques that add depth, realism, and story to any costume.

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In this workshop you'll learn:

• How to use sanding techniques to create realistic wear and surface damage on props
• Dry brushing methods for adding depth, highlights, and age to prop pieces
• How to safely weather props using simple, accessible tools
• Basic fabric weathering techniques, including painting for wear and controlled fraying
• How to use unconventional tools (like a cat brush) to achieve natural-looking fabric distressing
• How to apply these weathering techniques to props, accessories, and costume elements for more believable cosplay finishes

Prerequisite Skills:

• None - Beginner Friendly

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About the Instructor:

Turtle Smithy has been cosplaying for over 20 years. He has competed and won awards at many different conventions, not the least of which being the first C2E2 Crown Champion. He has also judged many competitions at shows over the years, and currently makes cosplay accessories full time for his Etsy shop. He has a wide range of expertise, including costume patterning, sewing, armor, props, leather, painting, mold making and casting. Turtle Smithy is excited to share his knowledge in this hands on workshop.

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The Nitty Gritty:

• To participate in this workshop, a liability waiver must be completed for all participants
• Anyone under 16 years of age MUST be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian
• Space is limited and all tickets are first come first serve
• Purchasing a ticket reserves one (1) seat at this class. For multiple tickets, please add more than one ticket to your cart
• All tickets are final sale. In the event of a no-show, no refunds will be available
• Tickets will be delivered digitally to the email address provided at checkout. This digital ticket will be needed to enter the event.
• All classes start promptly at the time they're scheduled for. In the event of tardiness, you may miss certain aspects of the class and may not be able to complete the scheduled project in full.

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Our Sponsors for the 2026 Anime Milwaukee Cosplay Studio: