I am theTAILlor and making tails is my game. I make tails for the furry, anime, cosplay and human fandoms.
I've experimented with various styles of tails but it looks like I'm going the lighted route. Lighted tails are great at night and at dance/raves. Considering that up to half a day can be dark, it makes sense to have a tail that can light up.
Electroluminescent wire or EL wire is a recent trend that offers great flexibility and creativity. The wire can be powered by portable battery packs, combined with other wires, cut shorter and come in many colors. It looks similar to neon light but is flexible. It can be glued to fabric or sewn into place. People also use it in their cars, windows, under desks, beds, signs, displays and many more. The only limit to EL wires is your imagination!
Visit my Etsy shop to purchase!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/theTAILlor
Midwest Furfest Mac n Cheese in a dog bowl - They have chafing dishes!
First off, I was only able to attend on Friday which really sucked ass. I had some other issues with work and had to fly back to Texas Saturday and ended up back in Chicago a few days later so it was a real mess. But i'm glad I at least was able to make it for one day. Luckily, they do sell daily passes at the door so it's an option if you just want to peek into the furry fandom.
I have been into the furry fandom for many years. I think there are more furries out there than most people think. Being that my mom lives in Chicago, I have certainly known about MFF for several years but was not like wanting to go to one until this year. Certain life changes with work and other aspects have led me down a different path and now I want to explore my furry side for awhile. I plan on selling some products I make so I really just needed a primer, just need to see what the cons were all about.
Coming from downtown, the Hyatt O'Hare is within a 5 minute walk from the CTA Blueline Rosemont stop.
I arrived about 15 after 11 am to an overwhelming amount of people. Some in suits, some in quasi costumes like pajamas, hoodies with ears, others with just a tail and the people who looked like they were not part of the convention and were frightened to death. Once I got inside, it took a few minutes to locate the day of registration line which I of course saw coming in. It was long. By the time I found the end of the line which was probably 300 deep, I was already giggling with glee. It was so nice to see others who were into my "thing".
One of the big things is everyone seems to know everyone... except me, but that'll change one day! You can't just help but smile every time you see people embrace or high five. While many people attend many cons, a lot just know about the fandom from online sites such as furaffinity or just searching for random photos like "fursuit airport KFC". You do not want to look at my search history.
The line moved slow, a few feet every so often. It took 3 hours to get to the front of the line where I paid my dues and got my badge. I finally felt like I belonged. Having missed two panels I wanted to see, I headed over to the Starbucks in the convention center and had lunch. I had not planned on being in line so long so I was starving. I did attend one panel I was hoping to see. It covered how to deal with the media which I find important. There were only 9 or 10 people so I guess people were too busy partying or didn't find interest in the topic but it was nice to get away from the crowds for awhile.
After the panel, I headed to the dealer's den. This was the main room I wanted to see so I could size up my competition. Long story short, I'm good. I'm currently working on getting into my first convention but I did not realize the lead time to register was so far out so it's likely that I won't get into one for a few months.
I'm not really into live music but for some reason, it seemed like fun. There were two performances by apparently "well-known" musicians who are also furries. Again, really learned a lot. i was bummed that they did not perform in costume... but I digress. The first guy was Matthew Ebel who does piano rock and was quite entertaining. It really gave me more insight into the people who love the fandom enough to create and perform. That was followed by Fox and PepperCoyote who did great set with a full band. Again, really enjoyed the lyrics and the backstories.
By the end of the music, it was pushing 9 pm. I went to the lobby to grab a quick bite to eat. There was a stand selling personal pizzas or mac n cheese in a dog bowl. With my slight embarrassment of being at a fur con, I erred on the safe side and got the pizza however now I totally regret not just letting go and getting the mac n cheese. Sure i can get that bowl at the dollartree, not that I was shopping for one, but I allowed myself to be tied up in societal convention and that will not happen again! I saw many people enjoying their meals out of their dog bowls. Next time, it's already on my calendar.
I finished the night off at the dance. I stayed off to the side but enjoyed seeing everyone let loose. I think this kind of convention is great because it's one of those that people want to go to. It's not one they have to go to for work. I was pretty bummed leaving but am excited to go to more cons as an attendee and or dealer.
This is part two on my series of how to commission a custom fursuit. I just got my reference art back from Pawzer Studios http://pawzerstudios.com
It cost $90 for two panels (an open and closed version)
JALR Just Another Lab Rat Reference Art Open Mouth
JALR Just Another Lab Rat Reference Art Closed Mouth
Stay tuned for the next section which will deal with the actual process of finding a fursuit maker
If you're a child of the 80's or early 90's, you may have fond memories of playing Super Mario 3 for hours on end. What better way to rehash those memories than with an awesome hoodie inspired by the game. The Super Mario Racanooki Tanooki hoodie from 80's tees will bring a smile to you and everyone around you.
Super Mario Racanooki Tanooki hoodie with ears and wagging tail
One cannot help but want to wag the tail and jump around! The drawstrings around the waist can raise and lower the tail as well as wag it back and forth.
Super Mario Racanooki Tanooki sweatshirt hoodie
But don't wear this hoodie in the middle of the summer! I did and pass out. Yeah, but this hoodie is warm and fuzzy on a cool day.
Super Mario Racanooki Tanooki hoodie furry costume
People will be mystified by you when you wear this hoodie. Many scream Super Mario! while younger people might be puzzled by your choice of wardrobe. People have thought I was a bear, reindeer, moose or camel. It doesn't matter!
For $50 (regular sizes), you'll be happy you bought this. This is NOT just for Halloween. I wear this hoodie every chance I get. It's a tad bulky with the tail and hood but you just can't beat this hoodie for something unique to wear.
Super Mario Racanooki Tanooki looks great at the laundromat
Super Mario Racanooki Tanooki looks great at the park
Super Mario Racanooki Tanooki looks great when alone on Christmas day in a dingy hotel room
Super Mario Racanooki Tanooki looks great at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
Super Mario Racanooki Tanooki looks great in Nashville, Tennessee
Super Mario Racanooki Tanooki looks great at Wrigley Field in Chicago
Super Mario Racanooki Tanooki looks great in Knoxville, Tennessee
Super Mario Racanooki Tanooki Raccoon looks great on an airplane
Check some videos on my YouTube channel where I'm wearing this hoodie!
