Every character in anime has an element that is unique to it. More often than not, the element is a prop that adds to the character arc, and has its own story to tell. Think Naruto’s headband, Tanjiro’s earrings, Rukia’s bankai, or Luffy’s straw hat. These props that define cosplayers’ favourite characters are also ones that are usually difficult to source.

“Props play a huge part in cosplaying. Most people resort to crafting it themselves, but end up erring too many times before they are finally able to somewhat figure out the correct techniques, materials and skills to craft it,” says Dakshata Pawar, founder of city-based anime and gaming community, Mage Coven. Inspired by her own journey trying to figure out the art of crafting these, she collaborated with veteran cosplayer and cosworker Surya Sreenivasan to introduce a basic to advanced four-hour-long workshop.