Just in case anyone else is looking for costume props, I actually make costumes and accessories for a living. ^.^ I'm closed for costumes right now (to make my outfits for this con ^^; ), but I'm still taking commissions for accessories. I can make practically anything. I have my portfolio online (because I had this silly idea it'd help me get into an art school ^^; ) so if you want to see what kind of things I've done in the past, check it out. Its
http://www.lilelfdesigns.com Ignore my random ramblings and scroll down to the bottom and click on the portfolio button.
I do live in California, but I can usually get props made really quickly, and ship them out to you in plenty of time, or just hand them over to you at the con (as long as they're not flipping huge. ^^; I'm going to have enough trouble getting Auron's sword through Airport security. "Uum...its for a con..."::runs from guards with guns:: ) But things that are under 2.5' would fit nicely in my dufflebag.