Fancy Dress Question

[andrewducker]

If I needed a bow and arrow for a fancy dress costume, where would I find one in Edinburgh?

Thanks!

Comments

[feorag.livejournal.com]

Last time I was in there, the fancy dress shop on the Grassmarket had such things.

[andrewducker]

Thank you, I'll try there!

[marrog.livejournal.com]

Really, Andy? Today you start looking for the bow and arrow?

You have two options; you could get one from a joke shop (I know there's one in one of the grassmarket ones) or you could go to B&Q and get a cheap length of wood, some dowelling, and some string (if you don't have any).

A slightly flat piece is best for bending easily - you want the wood to be 5-10mm x 20-30mm x whatever height you fancy paying for - technically up to your own height but it's down to how 'real' you want it to look. Rounded edges are good but not really necessary. If it's that sort of shape it will bend easily even if it's cheap not very bendy wood. Then the easiest way to notch it for string is to take the outside edge of the bow (which is either at the moment so just pick one) and notch it, about 20-30mm from the end, in a half moon (or just a triangle) sort of shape. Then tie the string around that part and the notch will hold it in place. The dowelling is for your arrows. If you haven't got a quiver (I could've made you one with notice - I have loads of leftover pleather and felt from Erin's costume...) you probably only want one so you could just use the dowelling as-is (just pick whatever diameter looks best for your purposes but you can be bothered paying for), or you could make a paper/card point and flight for it. I'm not going to go into how to do this because (a) it would be more complicated to explain than do and (b) Julie is crafty, I bet she could figure it out.

Enjoy!

[andrewducker]

So not making one myself, I'll just turn up without if I don't find one in the Grassmarket shop. It's not vital.

And yes, I've not had a free evening in ages, and was just going to do the rounds of a few shops. I figured that someone might be able to tell me one that definitely had one in stock, and save me a bit of time searching.

[marrog.livejournal.com]

I am starting to seriously doubt your commitment to sparkle motion!

[marrog.livejournal.com]

(It's worth observing how amused Erin is at how indignant I get about people who leave costumes to the last day...)

[andrewducker]

I don't really care much about costumes.

[lizzie-and-ari.livejournal.com]

It's alright Andy, we haven't even decided what to go as yet.

[nmg.livejournal.com]

I agree wholeheartedly with the latter suggestion. DIY fancy dress accessories are the best, and show that You Care.

[andrewducker]

I find costumes incredibly stressful at the best of times. I can just about manage the enthusiasm and energy to buy in some things. If a costume party required me to make my own costume I'd be skipping it entirely.

[marrog.livejournal.com]

Oh, sweetie, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel inadequate or whatever, I was just teasing.

[andrewducker]

That's ok. I know you didn't mean any harm. I'm just horribly stressed in general at the moment, and so I'm finding anything extra to do sets me off.

Still looking forward to tonight though - and to seeing you guys there!