Cosplay how to's?

[TomokoKuroki 1,707]

Hello, I am sort of a new cosplayer who is looking for some help or information. I've been cosplaying for a few months now, and I've done Hatsune Miku as my first cosplay with great success. I have been looking into a new character to cosplay as, and I am not sure exactly where to start.

 

The new character I want to cosplay as is Clare or Teresa from the anime/manga Claymore. They look similar minus the facial differences/hair. they wear armor and weild a claymore as their weapon of choice.

 

 

So my question is what kind of materials do cosplayers use to make armor/props? clothing isn't a problem, but when it comes to their shoulder plates, various other pieces of armor, and their weapons I am not sure what materials to use. any help would be appreciated.

Edited April 3, 2013 by Hayzelestia