Workshops are back at Rose City Comic Con ‘25!

Hello Portland makers! I’ll be returning for another amazing weekend of workshops at Rose City Comic Con in September! I am joined by Hoku Props, who are teaching a wide variety of Airbrushing workshops as well. Here is my class lineup:

3D Silicone Accents on Fabric!

$30

Friday, September 5, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM (60 Min.)
Learn how to add flexible, professional-looking silicone accents to your costumes in this hands-on workshop with Beverly of Downen Creative Studios. Perfect for bodysuits and garments that require mobility, this technique adds professional, eye-catching detail that moves with your costume. Students will apply pre-made silicone appliques to a novelty bag to take home, using Sil-Poxy. You'll walk away from the class with the knowledge and hands-on experience with the tools and materials that Beverly used on her acclaimed Hela costume.

  • Instructor: Downen Creative Studios

  • Age Minimum: 16

  • Skill Level: All Skill Levels

  • Limited to 25 students

Foamsmithing Essentials: EVA Foam Texturing Boot Camp (Book Included!)

$40

Friday, September 5, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM (90 Min.)
Step into the Foamforge! Join this immersive, hands-on workshop where texture meets transformation. Under the guidance of foamsmith and author Beverly of Downen Creative Studios, you'll create detailed surface effects on EVA foam -- like wood grain, hammered metal, aged leather, and embossed patterns -- using rotary tools, stamps, and other hand techniques. This class is designed for makers who want high-end finishes without expensive equipment. These are essential skills for elevating your props and costumes to competition-ready quality. As a special bonus, each participant will receive a signed copy of Beverly's acclaimed book, Cosplayer's Ultimate Guide to EVA Foam -- a must-have resource to keep leveling up your foamsmithing craft and expand your creative toolbox. At the end of class, you'll leave with skills and resources that are sure to transform your future projects!

  • Instructor: Downen Creative Studios

  • Age Minimum: 16

  • Skill Level: All Skill Levels

  • Limited to 25 students

Precision Foamsmithing: Advanced Beveling Techniques for Competition-Level Builds (Book Included!)

$40

Saturday, September 6, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (60 Min.)
Perfect bevels and clean edgework are the mark of a true foamsmith! In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn how to craft crisp, symmetrical bevels using rotary tools, blades, and specialty cutters like the BevAll. Whether you're building armor for fun, the stage, or to impress the judges' table, this workshop gives you the skills to create cleaner, more dynamic, and more professional-looking foam work. Led by experienced maker and author Beverly of Downen Creative Studios, the class includes hands-on guidance and practice of several techniques from her acclaimed book, Cosplayer's Ultimate Guide to EVA Foam. This workshop is a fast-paced class, designed for intermediate and advanced makers with experience with EVA foam and cutting tools. Bonus: All attendees receive a complimentary copy of her book to expand their maker's toolkit!

  • Instructor: Downen Creative Studios

  • Age Minimum: 16

  • Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced

  • Limited to 25 students

Say Goodbye to Seams: Mastering EVA Foam Finishing Techniques

$30

Saturday, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM (90 Min.)
Tired of those pesky glue seams ruining your EVA foam projects? In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn proven techniques to reduce -- and even eliminate -- those stubborn contact cement seams that drive cosplayers crazy. We'll explore the tools and products trusted by the cosplay community, including how to apply Gap Filla and Fine Finish for smooth, professional-looking results. You'll also get hands-on with rotary tools, sanding methods, and more to achieve flawless finishes. This is an in-depth, practical session -- so come ready to work and learn! This workshop is designed for intermediate/advanced makers with some experience with EVA foam and tools.

  • Instructor: Downen Creative Studios

  • Age Minimum: 16

  • Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced

  • Limited to 25 students

Armor Upgrade: Invisible Engineering (Book Included!)

$40

Sunday, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM (90 Min.)
In this workshop, Beverly of Downen Creative Studios teaches you techniques to improve the fit, support, and functionality of your EVA foam armor with accessible materials like zippers and floral wire. You will learn how to integrate near-invisible closures and internal structure that reduce reliance on bulky straps, while enhancing the wearability and silhouette of your builds. The zipper technique you'll practice is featured in Beverly's acclaimed book, Cosplayer's Ultimate Guide to EVA Foam --- an essential resource for makers at any level. As a special bonus, each participant will receive a signed copy, making this workshop a powerful investment in developing your skillset and your maker resource library! This workshop is designed for intermediate makers with some knowledge of using EVA foam, rotary tools, cutting tools, hot glue guns, and superglue.

  • Instructor: Downen Creative Studios

  • Age Minimum: 16

  • Skill Level: Intermediate

  • Limited to 25 students

Beverly Downen

Beverly of Downen Creative Studios is an internationally published professional author, award-winning cosplayer and creator, crafting high-quality costumes based on pop culture characters as well as elaborate original designs. She travels across the country to host workshops and lectures at events, and has a passion for writing extensive tutorials. In 2018 she founded SheProp, a maker forum for female, non-binary and transgender cosplayers, and is the executive producer of all programming and events. She’s worked with many industry companies including Marvel, Worbla, Smooth-On, PlaidFX and MicroMark and has been featured on Tested, Be Amazed, and NW Nerd Podcast. Her 240-page how-to book Cosplayer's Ultimate Guide to EVA Foam was published in 2022 and is available on bookshelves everywhere.

https://DownenCreativeStudios.com
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Lae’zel Costume, Shield, and Sword Build Write-Up Now Available