I've seen fursuits and other animal costumes around before, especially at our annual Unschoolers Waterpark Gathering. But when we were at the BlackRock Medieval Festival this summer, I was completely amazed by one gryphon - Taruk, created by Michigander Rebecca Sharpe.

Taruk at the BlackRock Medieval Fest

I was intrigued enough to email Sharpe, and ask her about her work. Further inspired, I asked an unschooling costume creator, Elise, to help me with the right questions to ask (thanks, Elise!). Little did I know the vast world of costume creators (also known as monster makers, and the costumes themselves are sometimes known as fursuits). I learned much from Elise, and Rebecca - and am very glad to share this interesting world with our Wandering Educators. Have you seen costumes such as these? They are incredible!

Here's what Rebecca said, when I interviewed her...

I started officially fabricating creatures about 9 years ago, September 11, 2007. Since then I have taken up taxidermy, wire wrapping, leather tooling/armor craft, motorcycle repair, and lapidary. Each hobby I've found has helped me grow my other hobbies in some sort of way. I'm grateful for my husband of 5 years, who supports my unusual assortment of messes; heaven only knows where I would be without him. 

Though costume making was originally a hobby, it has become a full time job. It's taken me all over the U.S. and has introduced me to so many amazing people. It's taken me to movie sets, schools, expos, and large conventions. It's changed my life and helped me change other lives as well. From creation to performance, I love it all. 

My name is Rebecca Sharpe. I'm 25, and I'm proud to be a creature fabricator. 

Taruk 

Taruk at BlackRock Medieval Fest

Do you create fursuits for you or yourself and others?
I create for myself as well as others. It's fun to make creatures I myself can perform in, but to watch someone else bring a creation to life...the joy from them and those around them is amazing. 

Who is your fursona?
For the longest time there was a representation of who I wanted to be. She was a werewolf that was deeply interwoven in adventure. After I married, those daydreams became hazy with the happiness my husband brought, and a secondary character I had for a good while took over a more realistic self. A German Shepherd that was inspired by my own late shep Maggie. Trooper (the character) keeps my old pup's memory going on in spirit. The gentle love and protection that she was tied in with her goofy side like all dogs have. I demonstrate that towards those that interact with the costume. We have too much sadness in this world, so if I can make at least one person happy, I've done my job. 

Trooper and my husband 'Pizza'

Trooper and the Kids at Family Expo

Have you ever been to Anthrocon in Pittsburgh?
I have been to AC, twice now. Once in 2013 and then again this year. It's truly an experience. How the entire city comes in to show their support. 

Are there similar Furry Conventions you like?
There are. Most of them are in the Great Lakes area, mostly because that's all I've had time to attend. Midwest FurFest in Chicago, Motor City Fur Con in Novi, there's even little Great Lakes Fur Con in Grand Rapids, MI. MFF is definitely one of my favorites. Arizona Fur Con is the furthest I've been to and thoroughly enjoyed it. 

Recon, a Pokemon called a Talonflame

What's the farthest distance you have sent a costume to? Or traveled to ..to hang out with other Furries?
Furthest I've sent a costume... I've sent to Russia, Taiwan, even a naval ship a few times. That was fun. Lots of paperwork. As for hanging out, it's more of the people I look forward to seeing rather what their interests are. Generally if they're out of state though, we wait to see them at cons. 

What is your furry "job?".. Charity work...entertaining... Where do you go to do this "work?"
My main job is a maker. I create costumes from small parts to full size pieces. My secondary is performance as a freelance mascot and entertainer. I've been to everything from school events and festivals (such as Blackrock and Holly) to small town events (Manchester holds a delightful fairy festival). I've done Step Up for Down Syndrome, Relay for Life, Walk for the Souls (5k walk/run for charity), Rite Aid fundraisers for the Children's Miracle Network, D.A.R.E., and the Children's fun Faire up at the DeVos center earlier this year. I've also done work at retirement homes and Christmas events.  

A Disney worker once told me, if a person gives me a hug, let them let go first, because you don't know how long they need it. That's proven true to me a few times when an elderly woman broke down crying (which soon had me crying, then we were both laughing). It's tiring work. It's hot, sweaty, and can often leave you drained. But if I can make someone's moment bright and happy in a dark sorrowful world... it's worth it. 

Trooper at the Step Up for Down Syndrome event 

What was your hardest creation?
Hmmmmmm. Many can seem tough at the time, specifically due to lack of experience. A more recent costume is filling that slot for the time being. A large avian with a body pod (foam body shell for the shape) with a 16 foot foldable wing span and individual wing feathers. Before an event at the end of October, I get the joy of remaking his wings... For a third time. :p

Voodoo

How did you get inspired to create?
I guess I never really had some big starting point. My dad and I always made my Halloween costumes. The most memorable one was a centaur. We made wig extensions to make a mane and a paper mâché horse butt. It was all really cute. 

So when it came to making my first 'fursuit' (I didn't know the term at the time), I literally said "Hey. This year I'm making my own werewolf mask. I don't wanna buy one." After almost a month of research, I went off and made my first, and most certainly not my last. 

Snow Wolf

Maltese

Incredible, yes? 

Find Rebecca Sharpe's work online at http://sharpe19.deviantart.com/

And on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharpecostumes/

First photo by Wandering Educators. All other photos courtesy and copyright Rebecca Sharpe