Prop Tutorial: Deco-Carts (Customized Luggage)

"What's a Deco-Cart?"

Every cosplayer needs a carry-cart to transport their luggage, props and wigs. Some people have lots of props, complex wigs and a lot of makeup to move around too... Our carts help us out a lot, so why do so many of us take them for granted?

I often find myself wondering "Why do cosplayers carry around such plain carts?". With so few designs and colors, it's easier to mix up carts or pick yours out of a crowd, isn't it? That's why, the idea of a "deco-cart" was born! Why not get in on the popular cosplay-world movement and customize your own?

In this article we'll introduce some of our own original deco-cart designs. We tried to play with a few different types and come up with some ideas that would be easy for Layers to use.

Making them is easy! It's just like decorating a cellphone or a portable game-system, so let your imagination run wild and you'll be designing like crazy in no time!

If you want, you can plaster your cart with your own decorations, or you can alter the designs you learn here. "Gosh, this is like a homework assignment" right? But hey, I really want to see some cooler carts!

We're giving away the carts introduced here as presents, too, so take a good, long look at them, okay?

Oh, and if you come up with a neat deco-cart of your own, we'd love to see your pictures!

With Ribbons and Lace, You Can Achieve Sweet-Lolita Mode

If you've got a black polka-dot cart, a few ribbons, a bit of lace and sparkly stones can give you a cart that matches your sweet disposition perfectly.

We made it like this!

First, decide on a design.

Point: Making your design is the most important part! To make sure you end up with just what you've envisioned, be sure to sketch out every detail.

Gather the materials you need for your design.

Point: you can use leftover fabrics and trims from your costumes too!

Make a frill with a sewing machine.

Attach the frill to your cart

Sew on your lace

Point: This kind of cart actually takes a lot of work. Some carts are made of material that can't easily be sewn onto, so please check beforehand! When you sew on trims, be careful not to sew places you don't want sewn. What happens if you sew shut your pockets...?!?! Don't rush, or you'll make a mistake!

Make two cloth ribbons

Glue on stones

Add a charm and you're done

You can come up with a lot of different looks just by using decorations that catch your eye. With an original cart, you'll have a special sort of cuteness and charm. You can take pride knowing that all eyes are on your cart.


Skulls and chains give you a hardcore style. We've tried keeping it punk without going too dark.

 With a big, imposing cart, how about embracing your inner Gothic and Punk?!

The prep for any cart, even a gothic cart is the same. This time we're working with a big cart so you should prepare enough material to cover the surfaces you're working with. We tried using a star chain we particularly liked -- but you can try using your own favorite accessories.

Our design calls for some messy cloth coverage, so cut the fabric haphazardly for an interesting shape. For once, you need messy edges! So fray them apart, then seal them with clear nail polish so that they don't run.

Hold your fabric tightly in place and sew it in place with strong thread. Use thread that will match your cart's fabric and coloring. It's okay to mess up here and there, since this cart has a messy look to begin with!

Now to keep the fabric from flapping around when you walk. The easiest way to do this is glue. Some glues have a distinct color to them when dry, so be careful when choosing one. Then add chains, weapon charms and/or badges for your final look!

With your favorite frilly lace and some felt flowers, you can create a simple but unique cart just-for-you.

 Enjoy a simple design with materials available anywhere!

This sort of design isn't just for events and travel. It's subdued design makes it perfect for regular shopping and for girls who always end up buying more than they can carry when they go out with their friends. Some simple decorations can turn your cheap black suitcase into something adorable!

Points for a simple, cute and natural cart

First, collect your materials.

This time our parts are some nice felt flowers and lace, so a lightweight glue will do just fine!

Attach your parts, careful to achieve balance

 Arrange your parts over and over until you find yourself saying, "this is it!" Then glue them down. It may be hard to achieve a nice "simple" design, but be careful not to go overboard.

Put heavy items inside and on top of your cart until the glue has set
Try putting books inside the cart to make sure it doesn't shift accidentally...

Use something heavy to weigh down the top of your cart for a half a day or so.. Resist taking a peek until it's done... then you can use it freely.

Here's a New Trick!!

There's something else every Layer needs... yep, a mirror! Rather than taking up space you need to carry one, how about attaching it to your cart? If it's part of your cart, you'll never end up forgetting it. I've got one in mine and it's totally useful!! Even just a little mirror is bound to bring you big happiness.

Credits goes to kiratsukai of cosplay.com for a job well done in translating these.