FuFu Costumes

Blog is moving!

2009-07-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks for visiting FuFu Costumes!

This blog is in transition from blogger to wordpress. I'm really excited about the move, but don't want to lose you, dear reader!

For all future posts, please update your RSS feed & link to:

www.dreadfullfufu.wordpress.com

Thanks!
~FuFu~

Nothing to Wear!

2009-06-10T23:32:00.000-07:00

I look in my closet and I've NOTHING to wear. What's a girl to do? It' summer time, weather is warm, buildings mostly cool, but not that cool. Transitioning between in doors and out means you want clothing that's flexible for any occasion. I've plenty of warm winter/fall/spring sweaters, but nothing for the summer. But, why should you care?

Because I am going to tell you what I plan to do to mitigate my situation.

Ruthlessly sort my closet. If it has a) been there since last summer and b) not been worn more than a few times last summer - it's OUTTA there. I find there are articles of clothing I love and wear over and over again. I used to stress that some nasty person at work would tell me, "You wore that yesterday." Then proceed to make fun of me. That was because I used to work around those kinds of people. And they enjoy that sort of banter. I however, want to be accepted. But, have come to realize, who the HELL cares? It's MY life and I'm going to wear what makes me happy!
I'm going to make myself some clothes. I've a room full of craft crap and fabric supplies. Now what the heck am I going to do about it? Let it sit there & rot? Um, no. My supplies are delicious to the touch and most make me happy just looking (or yes fondling the fabrics. Don't tell me you haven't fondled EVERY thing on the rack before buying - even with clothes. You do, even when no one's watching, you do.) I also happen to have some amazing vintage and contemporary patterns. I must make use of them or pass them along to someone who will. For what is the point in having something if you don't USE it!? I'm tired of collecting and buying. I want people to SEE the fabulous creations I design. And, more excitingly I want to energize you into making something for yourself!

So, now that I have a plan. How shall I execute it?

Total Duration: June - September
Total Projects: TBD based on closet evaluation & available resource hours
Total Resources: one (just FuFu)
Resource Availability: 10 - 20%
Materials: Clothing, Fabric, Patterns, Notions

The Closet
Point zero - pull EVERYTHING out of the closet. YUP, everything. This is a six sigma like technique. Get it all out, then put back only that which is used.

I will take 3 passes at my closet. I will first eliminate; second evaluate (what do I have?); and thirdly pull out all the clothes which are my favorites. Once I know which one's, why, and how they fit, I'll decide what can go back. Yes, this is not a fast process, but necessary every few years or so. Finally, I will donate all non-keepers.

Sewing The Clothes
Looking at favorites, I will determine an overall wardrobe which will suit me for a 2-4 weeks. I feel that will allow me enough rotation for the season without feeling like I have to do laundry all the time so I don't "wear the same thing 2 days in a row." (Yeah, I know, it still kinda bothers me... but I'm doing it for myself, not to avoid critique.)

Next, I will determine if there's a gap - more cardigans? more T's? What basics are necessary? Do I have enough pants?

Next, I will determine what styles/patterns I want to make and which fabrics to use. I will determine if there are any necessary notions or linings that I must purchase before I start the project. In this case, a project is defined as 1 article of clothing, start to finish.

Then, I will execute said projects one at a time. The goal is to have a finished article to wear for the summer season. As such, it is more important to finish each project before moving on. I LOVE to start new things. So, this will be a great and fun challenge for me. I usually allow myself a great deal of freedom in one area of my life where I can start and not finish things to my heart's content. But, that my dear's is not what I'm creating as a rule for this particular challenge. And, as my UWSPM cronies said, limitation spurns creativity. And that is one of my self imposed limitations.

I think this will be a fun project. And it's one I've been contemplating for some time. I'd love to know what your summer challenge is. Are you inspired to sew this summer? Or is the sunlight calling your name to be out and about?

Style, Brand, Communication

2009-06-09T00:52:00.001-07:00

I'm creating a new brand/image for my creations. I'm not sure I like the "feel" of my old blog. But, I want to know what YOU, my fabulous readers, think.

Which of the following do you prefer and why?

a. http://www.somethingdreadfull.tumblr.com

b. This Blog (www.fufucostumes.blogspot.com)

c. http://www.somethingdreadfull.wordpress.com

d. http://somethingdread.full.googlepages.com/dance.sd

Change is the Only Thing That Ever Stays the Same

2009-06-08T23:41:00.000-07:00

There are some changes afoot. Chaos is in the midst. But, we must always keep in mind that change often reveals good or even GREATER things than we have in our lives today.

While I do consider myself a "Scanner," I feel spread quite thin. Between managing my etsy store, preparing for MedFest, drawing, designing, fashioning, dancing, singing, marketing, working full time, going to night classes, da da da da... I feel the need to reign back in a bit. I'm lacking my passion for creating dreads in multitude. I'm not interested in sketching (could it be the weather? or the fact that I've just finished school?). I haven't brought a knitting project to knit night in nearly a month! I've recently discovered a joy for sewing again, but find my garden calls my name louder than anything.

It is my nature to evolve and try new things. I want to teach other people how to help themselves make what I make. I want to show you all the wild and wonderful discoveries I make. I want to create through the wee hours of the morning. I want to explore the world around me! I want to travel to new lands. I want to try my hand at many different craft topics! I want to teach you how you can be more successful at ANY THING you put your mind to doing. I want to discuss why we choose to create and what drives us to be better. I want to know why, why, why, why, why! Yes, my theme is why. Drove my parents CRAZY!

Customers, service, support, consistancy in a brand are all important to me. My brand must evolve with me. As such, I'm temporarily taking down my etsy store. I will not be selling dreads any longer. I will not be selling costumes. I will not be selling at this point.

I will be exploring creative commons and sharing knitting patterns. I will learn how to write the best and most effective pattern. I will write up all the gosh dang notes I have on creating fun wearable art! I will share what inspires me and give you suggestions on how you can find inspiration. I want to exchange ideas with and meet new artists! I want to learn how or invent new ways we can make it EASY for individuals to comply with copyright.

I feel I have so much to give, yet holding on to my old designs and recreating them is limiting my creativity. Many times I have held onto an idea SO tightly that I've been completely unable to create anything new. I feared that others would steal my ideas and make money from them.

Today I look back at those creations and think, "Meh. I've moved so far beyond that. How could I have let myself believe that was the best I'd ever be?" I am everthing I was then and much more. We all are!

Yes, I do feel marketing, sales, business management, etc. are all very creative fields, many of which I very much enjoy. But I currently do not wish to spend most of my personal time in those areas. I want and plan to create. My passion, my joy for sharing, and my amazing creations will sell themselves as I continue to network with amazing people like you!!!! I am following my heart. I hope that you listen to the song your heart is singing to you.

One day, I may again open a store. But, for now, I know that another fabulous artist will greatly appreciate your patronage. I entice you to watch the wonders that I will create. For you shall be truely amazed. I know I will! :) For I never know what I crazy new thing I shall think up next! Divine inspiration is an amazing gift from the universe.

Recipe: Carrot Cake Muffins

2009-04-29T00:22:00.000-07:00

*Ingredients*
1 box Carrot Cake Mix
2 Eggs
1.5 C (or handfulls rather) pre-shredded carrots (buy in bag) - *leave as long strands
1 C of Trader Joe's Frozen Pineapple Chunks (defrosted) - *DO NOT DICE
1 C Raisins (big fat ones!)
~1/2 C Ikea Vanilla Sauce (not exactly sure as I just tossed it in)

Optional: 1/4 to 1/3 C extra fine flour (cake) -- this would have helped them to rise and be a wee bit more puffy. Only add dashes of flour... just in until the batter is a smidge less than runny.

Mix all of the above together.
Oven to 350 (follow box mix instructions).
Line cupcake pan with papers (this is a gooey result so papers are a MUST!)
Fill papers 2/3 full. Seriously. Otherwise you end up scraping half the tops off.
Bake ~20 min. Keep your eye on things. Usually with my oven, it's done if I'm smelling it.
Bake longer if you don't want them so gooey. Turn down the oven a bit at the end of the baking cycle if you're baking longer.

OPTIONAL!
Instead of cupcakes, make a single layer cake in a round spring form pan. Highly recommend flouring the pan before putting in the batter.

Now, instead of mixing in the IKEA sauce, pour the batter in the dish and pour IKEA vanilla sauce on TOP as a thin layer. DO NOT MIX. Place in oven for Box Mix duration (approx 35 - 45min).
You will have a yummy crunchy/gooey top. It's like the consistency of a chocolate crisp.

Yum! Yum! Yum!

Cupcakes & Single layer both serve ~12 ppl.

Back to the Drawing Board

2009-04-23T23:33:00.001-07:00

Ok. It was fun to take these photos. I'll admit.
But, the more I look at the "hood" piece, the less I like it.
I want something that doesn't "cling" to the head.
I know some of it I'll have to get by using a fabric liner.
But I really want the effect in the hood itself.

Still trying to acheive the "look" of my first sketch.
This means a much more "shaped" piece. Hmm... fun to create! :)

Latino Horsey Fun @ the Spring Fair

2009-04-21T00:49:00.000-07:00

Wow! The Puyallup Fair is finally branching out and bringing some amazing entertainment! Hooray for the Horse Dancing Event which was part of "Fiesta Mexicana". You guys were amazing! I had no idea horses were even capable of moves like this.

And definite cheers for Mariachi Ayutla, who provided the music. Wow! Fab!

And it was all at the Spring fair no less. Normally that's a smaller and shorter fair event. Keep bringing in more like this Puyallup Fair! So refreshing and entertaining.

Twitter & Sabrina Tunic

2009-04-20T22:00:00.001-07:00

I've joined Twitter. I broke down.

You know, when your mom tweets before you do
that it's probably time to join. ;) Go Ma!
You can now follow me or just catch up here on the blog.
If you follow me, I'll follow you.... ;)

The images above aren't so great - late night self portraits.
But, they do depict the Sabrina Tunic I just finished.
It's made of Batik quilting cotton & Velvet ribbon.
I am in LOVE with it. I've worn it 2 days in a row.
Very comfy, looks great for work (coverage keeps the modesty).
Abs Fabs with a black cardi. Can't wait to make the next one.

Playing: Acrylics, Ink, & Pastels

2009-04-18T19:18:00.000-07:00

These three pieces have been in the making for more than a year.
I'm still working on them. But they've been fun to add bits and pieces to here and there.
The Sacred Heart piece is on hold for someone.
The Skully Girl may or may not be a gift.
And Autumn the Dancer is still defining herself.

The Spring Flu

2009-04-18T01:14:00.000-07:00

Launch of my first comic.
Loosely based on my own life experiences.

Backyard Springspiration

2009-04-17T21:27:00.001-07:00

I'm going to have Raspberries this summer!
I'll carry on the family tradition of being a berry farmer!

And while I'm not fond of pulling the dandy-lions from my garden,
they make a beautiful field this spring!

Egg-Kitch-spiration

2009-04-17T21:24:00.001-07:00

Aren't these Farm Fresh Eggs beautiful!?

Inspiration Freeway

2009-04-13T18:41:00.001-07:00

A double rainbow (you can't see it in the photos, but it was there!), a barn, and high speed photography. Ah... inspiration comes in many forms, does it not?

Designing Curtains

2009-04-11T14:02:00.001-07:00

I can't stand the curtains I have ANYMORE!
I've had these since my Pirate party (OMG - 2006!) and it's time for a change.
I've been dreaming of the circus, moroccan architecture, and something cheerful.

Emerald City Comic Con 2009

2009-04-11T13:58:00.000-07:00

What a blast! Totally looking forward to next year!
Now, what costume to design... ?

Designing Kniting Patterns

2009-04-08T11:48:00.000-07:00

I've always been inspired to create real costumes from my wild cartoon pin-ups and random post-it sketches. Often, I'll get a costume idea and I express the design through cartoons. It's really fun.

In fact, my knitting circle saw me ditch my current project for my markers one knit night at Starbucks. That's 3 hours of color work (or knitting avoidance as some might say)!!! I had so much fun I'd wave my hands about, giggle, and exclaim things like, "oooo... this is so cool!" To which, various knitters had to 'check out' my work. The 'boys in blue' frequent our Starbucks (I think it's a regular cop hang out) and I caught a few of them checking out our "discussion/project work/my artwork". Woot! Woot!

I'm working on 2 designs at the moment: Pucker & Stripe and Lamplighter.
The images above are showing Lamplighter sketches and below is my handspun yarn and fabric sample for this capelet/hoodie. Both designs feature small amounts of handspun, drop spindle yarn. I learned to spin in October of 2008 (~6 months ago) and I'm in love. It's relaxing and so inspiring. I like that I can talk and spin and not "lose my place".

But, with a drop spindle, I don't often want to make 'LOTS' of yardage. I want quick spinning projects that are colorful and exciting. Hence, I also want a pattern to make something with my lovely handspun, otherwise I personally feel like it's a "waste". Others disagree and just enjoy 'looking' at their yarn. I'm on a "use whatcha got" in your stash kick. So, I'm inspired to create wild patterns with small amounts of fiber.

Thus... Pucker & Stripe and Lamplighter were born.

I will be offering both patterns on Ravelry where you can also watch my progress. So, stay tuned for more.

PS. School started again for spring quarter (one more quarter left!) So, like the last 3 months, my posts will be fairly sparse. I apologize. Bear with me though and this summer/fall will bring a bountiful harvest!

Flora, not Fauna

2008-12-28T11:28:00.000-08:00

This Christmas, I decided to make practically every gift for the people on my list. Mediums include paper, fiber, music, bathing accoutrement, PowerPoint, and alcohol. Today's post, will cover the paper flowers I've been making.

Last Christmas (eh, or the one before), the B's gave me a lovely kit from their trip to Japan - a little sleeve with tissue paper & instructions on how to make paper roses. I finally felt the urge to make some as I'm looking for holiday gifts to make. I have a drawer filled with old buttons. Some belonged to my Grandma, while others are vintage glass from the Czech Republic. And, due to my famous scavenging, I had a baggie of stamens too!

So, tra la la, I started making poppies. And lovely they are! A vase of these on your desk and *poof*, "Happiness in a glass!" I also decided to make Mock Orange flowers. These were even easier - white tissue & yellow stamens. No buttons required.

So, how does one make these Poppies? Quite simple, really.

Materials
- Floral wire ( I liked the brown papery stuff, because it gave me a thicker base to work with)
- Floral tape
- Vintage buttons (best if they have a shank, but not required)
- Stamens of choice (preferable black)
- Tissue paper (for realistic, choose, red, orange, blue, or pink)

You'll also need:
- Scissors

Instructions

Before beginning, find a poppy image you like and look at the petal shape. Use this petal as your template. You can get away with only 1 petal shape when making poppies.

Center and Stem
1. Cut two 4" - 6: lengths of floral wire
2. Using center of one length of wire, take a small bunch of stamens and wire together in center (across bundle as though you're saving them to store). Twist wire to secure and leave ends for future use.
3. Fold stamens at the wired point so that each side pokes up
4. Using center of second wire, run second wire through button hole (do not twist)
5. Lay button over top of stamen wiring and twist to secure button to stamens.
--- at this point you'll have stamens sticking out either side of the buttons, not yet in a circle round the button ---
6. Place floral wire (flower's stem) under button/stamens and twist both button and stamen wires round the floral wire to secure center of flower. Once secured, you can begin adding petals.

Petals
7. Take a sheet of tissue and fold until you end up with a 3"x3" or 2"x2" square. Folding arrangements are of no particular interest. This just helps you cut once rather than many times.
8. Using your petal shape, trace the image on the folded tissue. Make sure to leave a tail at the base of the petal to allow for attaching the petal to the stem.
9. Use either scissors, a rotary cutter, or an exacto knife to cut out the shape. The thicker the paper, the more likely your petals will turn out different.
10. Tear off a piece of floral tape about 6" - 8" long
11. Take 3-5 petals at a time and place in a circle around the stem. Make sure you do not cover the stamens. It helps for securing (step 11) if you fold the petals up as though the flower hasn't bloomed.
11. Using the floral tape, carefully wrap it around the petals to secure them to the stem. Wrap diagonally down about 1" - 2" and back up again. Make this tight and overlap the tape significantly. I prefer to wrap the entire stem as it gives the impression of continuity and a green stem.

12. If need be, take a second length of floral tape and secure petals by going over top the first floral tape.
13. Carefully peel the petals out and place to give the impression of real poppies. As you research poppies, you'll see that some petals curl around the flower, while others practically fold back toward the stem.

I hope you enjoy!

My Own Personal Snowstorm

2008-12-14T14:06:00.000-08:00

Hello fun! I've been tracking the fun craft projects over at Craft Stylish and discovered the SnowStorm. Jeffrey Ruddell's designs are amazing and inspiring!

I'm on a "cheap and easy" kick for holiday crafting and presents. And, wonder of wonders, circular labels, dental floss, and dowels are cheap and easy!

So, I've posted my wondering creation to Craft Stylish. What do you think?

And here's the REAL snowstorm we had last night!

Dread.Full FuFu wow's the crowd at MedFest

2008-12-03T14:57:00.000-08:00

*Update* In order to comply with copyright, I've removed the video from the blog.

Credit to Topsy Turvy Design for my rockin Madd Hatter hat!
I designed and made my belt and tossed the rest together like salad. :)

None of this dance was choreographed. I played around the entire time I was up there. Now, I did know my music like the back of my hand. So, that allowed me a lot of improvisational flexibility. My favorite way to perform - you never know what's going to be next!

Music Credit: GO BUY IT!
Rama Lama (Bang Bang), Roisin Murphy (buy through iTunes)
Wade Robson (click on dance beats - buy through iTunes)

QP Dolls @ MedFest

2008-12-03T14:56:00.000-08:00

*UPDATE* in order to comply with copyright, I've removed the video from my blog. I will be taking stills of the video and posting them later.

Nika & FuFu co-choreographed this performance. Truly - this is what we're like in "real" life! Silly, funny, and love to catch our time (and our friend's time) in the spotlight if it makes our "audience" laugh with and at us!

What's funny about the bra/belt sets of our costumes is that we each bought them at completely different times. Mine was purchased at a Turkish Market by a friend. Whereas Nika's was purchased from the lovely and talented Saqra 3-4 years later.

Music Credit: GO BUY IT!!!
L'Ombelico Del Mondo, Jovanotti

You'll love all of Jovanotti's stuff!!!

Dr. Roger. Quite.

2008-12-03T12:55:00.000-08:00

I love me some BBC and I love me some British Accents. ;)
This guy cracks me up!

All that aside, I'm a huge Twilight fan who has incidentally not seen the Flick.

How Doth the Little Fire Beast Mesmerize my Soul

2008-11-12T09:51:00.000-08:00

I was invited to check out SeaComp (a mini Seattle Burning Man) with some very fun new friends. I went in costume - much like everyone else and actually felt my costume PALED in comparison to the rest of the crowd. Those of you who know me, know this is rarely if EVER the case. I am crazy. I am wild. I love costumes. And I looked plain at SeaComp. That was an experience.

It was really interesting to see how they set up the event - drinks, odd tents, dancing rooms w/ Trance type music. I was there once before for a Truth event which had a live band and was very cool too.

But, I felt out of place. Not because of costume, not because of age. Heck - there were so many men and women there in their 50's, 60's, 70's! I was shocked! No, I felt out of place because I didn't enjoy anything but hanging out w/ my friends and watching the fire. I think I've out grown the "club scene". It all seems so tired and boring. I don't care to meet people at a club and find myself un-interested in flirting. What's the point? Ho hum.

So, I hung out by the fire, watched it and took some photos. D kept throwing copper sulfate on the fire to get it to glow green or blue. It was wicked! And tossing the wood into the mouth of the beast takes LOTS of arm strength. It's definitely not like shooting hoops. The target range is much tighter and your wood bounces back at you if you hit the wrong spot. I got to experience M&D's very cool school bus and ate some yummy stew on the bus. All in all, it was a wonderful time and a great experience. Now I want a fire beast of my own!

You Spin me Right Round, Baby, Right Round!

2008-11-12T09:16:00.000-08:00

I learned to spin yarn a couple weeks ago. This is also known as whirling. It's quite fun and relaxing. I truly don't need another hobby, but couldn't resist. I use a "drop spindle" and spin it all by hand. That's right folks, no wheel.

I was searching for some batting/roving to play with and mentioned that to mom. She said, come on by, I've got plenty! And so, I went shopping in Peg's Wildhair Studio. Well, not really in her business store, but her personal stash. And thus, I came out with... the gorgeous aqua, lime, and grape batting. I had to separate it all out, then draft (to make the final product a finer yarn). So I spent all that evening separating and drafting. I ended up with a small gift bag overflowing with roving! yay!

Over the last week and a half, I've been spinning that into yarn. And now, I'm done! The picture I captured is the day before I finished. I wanted to show the before / after of the roving to spun yarn look. I still have more to spin, a silk merino. But, it's a bit messy - makes my black pants fuzzy like I've had a kitty rubbing up against my legs. Ha!

My Teacher told me I'm a Loose Woman! (a loose knitter that is)

2008-09-21T15:35:00.000-07:00

Look out, Loose Woman!

So, I'm taking this "Toe Up Sock" class at my LYS. We were to make a swatch simulating "in the round" by carrying the yarn round rather than turning and knitting or turning and purling. So, I got my 40" #2 (3MM) and knit my swatch before arriving to class.

Well, Mom has been telling me, "Oh that's ok, you're a tight knitter anyway!" when we talk about our sock class (we're taking it together). And I keep thinking, "Huh?!" Must be how I knit when I was learning how to knit from her. I've lived far from home until recently. So, we haven't had many chances to knit together.

Well, we get to class and the lovely teacher says, "Oh my, this is quite loose - we'll have to go down at least a needle size." I'm thinking, "Wha?" A 2 is already small - can you fathom holding something that's 3mm in diameter? Well, imagine being told you must go to a smaller diameter. They put me on a #0! That's 2MM. It's like holding twigs! Smaller even!

And - even at that small of a needle size with a DK yarn (Sock Duet DeKay) my gauge is still larger than Mom's and the other ladies in class! They're thinking I shouldn't work with fingering weight for socks as it probably won't be tight enough for comfortable wear. Wow! Little did I know, I'm a Loose Woman! Shall I start a "Loose Women" group on Ravelry now? Hee hee!

Upcoming Performance // --> Puyallup Fair <--

2008-09-14T19:52:00.000-07:00

Attention!

Who: Raks Sehr al Shamal, Alahad Shamal, and Nika + FuFu
What: Belly Dance Perfomance
When: Friday September 19th @ 7:30 PM
Where: Puyallup Fair, Education Building

Definite entertainment!
And something different than all that Fair phoey! ;) Well, except the exciting corn dogs. Yum!

Rose Tomato Explosion

2008-09-14T17:57:00.000-07:00

My Garden is just growing like madd! It's very very happy. I've had green tomatoes for the last several weeks. Now my heirloom beauties are bursting with color.

My lettuce has gone to seed and I'm attempting to save seeds for next year. All 7 kinds made for a delicious crop.

Somewhere buried are the bullseye beets. I've not had those before. I'll let you know how they taste.

The Roses (all 12) have bloomed 6 times this summer thanks to my repeated pruning. They're very happy, but all have the spotty rotty thing going on - the leaves turn yellow with black spots then drop off. It's sad. I'll see what I can do to catch it next year - I've been trying to keep the leaves out of the beds - that's supposed to help.

Dawgs Dragin Tail

2008-09-14T17:51:00.000-07:00

I was invited to the UW vs. BYU game last Saturday. Mostly, the game was fun. My coworker and I had fun chatting, I crocheted a bit on my Cecilia Chemise, but dawg gone if the Husky receivers were not holding up their end of the bargain in this game.

There were moments when the team had it together. And Jake Locker has quite the arm on him. Honestly, he made it look easy. But the receivers, Ugh! Either they just had butter fingers most of the game or the BYU offensive line was just THAT good. It hurt to watch them after going through my era of Huskie football with names like Huard, Looker, and the older Tui. Yeah, Looker may not have been as famous as the other two, but they make my hometown famous, so I gotta give them props.

We decided to wander back up through campus before driving home. So, I showed my coworker the vista designed around Mt. Rainier. (look at the photos) And we were surrounded by BYU fans the entire walk back. Who knew so many would be there? Do they reside in WA? Or did most of them travel for the game?

Being back on campus brought back such nostalgic feelings. I miss school. I miss the city. Keep your fingers crossed for me... I've applied to go back nights.

Kayak through the lilly pads....

2008-09-14T17:40:00.001-07:00

M & I went out Kayaking yesterday morning. We waited in quite a line, say 20 min or so.
We spent 2 hours on the water. We kayaked from Portage Bay, through the Montlake Cut, and all through the Arboretum. It was really lovely, some spots of the waterways were quite shallow.

Now here's the bit of beauty. I ROCKED this trip - I've got serious power on the water in a sea kayak.

I've not been terribly active as I was through college (in those days I did overnight kayak camping on Blake Island and the like). When I moved to Detroit in 2001, my extensive outdoor activities came to a screaching hault. UGH - the weather there was nasty both summer and winter. I was totally out of my element. When I moved to the 'ham, my activity picked up a bit - regular hikes, cycling, but no kayaking. Recently I've been swimming once or twice a week plus a bit of walking. Nothing strenuous.

Now M on the other hand is quite the avid swimmer. She races and has been on several teams. In my opinion, she's in significantly better shape than I am.

Guess what!? I kicked her butt! I wasn't even pulling hard and I had to constantly stop and wait to make sure she didn't get left behind or slapped up against the walls of the cut (I'm very protective of my friends). Don't get me wrong, this girl can definitely hold her own - 1/4 Iron Man, Danskin Tri, and Marathons. But, for me, little ol me, to be able to do something athletic (non-dance) so easily and effectively was thrilling and amazing to me! I've got to do more kayaking. I think I'll start checking out more rental places and maybe some day trips to finish out the season.

I'm feeling like a million bucks now!

Geek Band - BBQ 2008

2008-08-24T11:52:00.000-07:00

"And the band played, songs that we had never heard, but we danced anyway..." - Deana Carter

The ITD band performed on Thursday for our annual barbecue. We enjoyed ourselves and made a few goofs, but all in all, everyone enjoyed the performance. In case you didn't know, I'm the lead singer. We just added 2 new members between our U. Way performances and the BBQ. We now have the most ROCKIN drummer and an amazing keyboard/pianist. We tackled some very challenging songs - heavy guitar parts, leading bass, blues, country, folk - we tried to reach a little slice of everyone's musical tastes.

Sadly though, our recording is less than stellar. We had fantastic equipment, but the recording was last minute. So, please forgive us for the low quality. But, we hope you enjoy.

Set List:

Set 1---
1. Keep Your Hands To Yourself (not recorded)
2. Little Green Bag (not recorded)
3. How Sweet It Is (not recorded)
4. Stuck In The Middle (not recorded)
5. Safety In Numbers
6. House Is Rockin
And here's the video for Set 1:

Set 2 --
1. Brown Eyed Girl

2. Closer To Fine

3. Crusin

4. Poison Ivy

5. Hound Dog

6. East Bound and Down

Millions of Peaches... and Nectarines

2008-08-17T21:13:00.000-07:00

Cooking - yes, more. But the YUMMY kind.

So, over the past several years, I've stated many times that I do not enjoy cooking for myself. Well, I'm now eating my words - and my delightful kitchen experiments. Something in me has changed. I've finally relaxed enough to enjoy my own company. I still don't enjoy cleaning or doing the dishes. I had been avoiding the kitchen, keeping it messy on purpose. I'd have no reason to cook for myself if it was a mess cause I wouldn't want to go in there. Well, it's still a little bit of a mess.

On to the Peaches (and Nectarines). A couple weeks ago I discovered all the Nectarines I brought back from east of the mountains were NOT ripening. And, on top of that, I had LOTS of them. So, I cut them up, pan fried them with some juice or jam or something. I wrote down the recipe, but don't have it handy. Well- that was the beginning of my love affair with grilled Nectarines.

Tonight, after grilling my chicken and fresh green beans, I decided to grill a peach and a nectarine. Below is the experiment and ingredients. While I used it as a dessert, you could also use this as a Sunday morning brunch idea. It would definitely add to the Stonewall Kitchens Gingerbread Pancake mix - not sweet but super yum!

Double Vanilla Maple Pear grilled Peaches

1 Nectarine*
1 Peach*
2 Tbsp Ikea Vanilla Sauce (ja!, Ikea)
2 Tbsp Stonewall Kitchen Maple Vanilla Pear Butter (use this on your pancakes and you won't go back to maple syrup!)
1 Pinch Cinnamon
1 Smidge Cardamom (use sparingly)
1 Dash Freshly Grated Nutmeg (get the grater that looks like a UFO - it's the BEST!)
1 Pinch ground cloves

Cut fruit in half. Place on grill (if done after cooking meat it will often take on the flavor of the meat - I like this!)
Grill for say 5 min or so. Keep an eye on it - the more ripe the fruit, the lower the cooking time. (I put mine on tinfoil on the grill and they still stuck to the foil - a wee bit of butter would have done wonders)
Put the grilled fruit on a plate. Drizzle w/ Ikea Vanilla Sauce. Place a small dollop of the Maple Vanilla Pear Butter on each fruit half. Evenly disperse the spices over each fruit.
Serves 1 hungry person or 2 mostly full and sated, but dessert needing people. Enjoy!

Note: all measurements are approximations
* Fruit may be used at any ripeness point - grill longer if it's less ripe & be sure to test along the way

"And She Had Stars In Her Eyes...

2008-08-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

... As She Bid Him Adieu!"

I had an "art date" with a fellow artist friend of mine. When I arrived, her husband, an amazing baker, made us dinner - burgers with mozz, tomatoes, and home-grown basil. Delish! Then, as I discovered, my friend is quite hooked on the Olympics and has been catching them at her neighbors place. So, we caught a few olympic swim races - Mens 1500 and Mens 400 IM Relay. Wow! Way to go boyz! Honestly, I'm super glad Tunisia won the 1500 and super psyched about the US winning the 400 IM relay. Phelps was AMAZING!

But, I digress from the art at hand. When we got down to the business of arting, I was introduced to her studio/her husband's gaming space. They have decided not to "paint" the room (new house to them and they're working wonders as the make improvements). As such, they've offered each of their honored guests an opportunity to draw or write on their wall. So, I snagged a pencil and was searching the walls for inspiration and the "right" location.

Turns out, I was inspired by her Shakspearian quote. I sketched this lady peaking out from the words bidding each person farewell as they depart the door of the room. And, as I was divinely inspired, I wrote about the stars I drew in her eyes. My friend gave the final word approval as Adieu doesn't translate from French to English with the same finality as Farewell. As such, the woman I drew is "giving a parting gift to the man she's so much in love with, yet knows she will merry meet him once again!"

PDA - Public Display of Art

2008-08-14T22:06:00.000-07:00

I've taken to sketching in public. It's really fun to get "lost" in the crowd. Yesterday I was at "the Mall" getting some style back into my recently lifeless hair. And, I decided to go for food at N-Cafe. Always a good choice.

So, I've been working on the seductress look in my sketches lately. And my recent inspiration is slightly bored, letting her cig slowly burn down while she waits for you to make your move. *Sigh* I'm working on some really silky looking hair. And covering one eye is a MUST.

The waitress was a doll! She admired my sketches and promptly asked me to sketch her. I learned that she's talented in crochet while her sister makes amazing jewelry. While I don't feel ready to sketch someone in front of me, I'm happy to sketch for someone. As a parting gift, I drew on the "thanks" card given at the close of every sale. If you look at the smaller sketch in the image to the right, you'll see the hair style/face view mimicks the "Cigarette Seductress". I'm totally having fun with it!

Squash Blossoms from a VERY Happy Garden

2008-08-14T21:58:00.000-07:00

Tonight I feasted on veg from my garden. I've 4 different types of tomatoes, volunteer pumpkins, lettuce, kale, and beets. The pumpkin plants began when I left a rotting pumpkin in the flowerbed and didn't get all the seeds. Cowabunga! My whole garden has gone BONKERS. Tomatoes are 7' tall AFTER pruning. The squash patch has completely covered my walkway and has grown to a 6' radius. I'm still getting lettuce - in August!

My striped tomatoes are the first to produce (seen in the photo). They are amazingly full of flavor and ever so slightly salty! Very satisfying. I bought all my tomato plants at Whole Foods as 6" starts. Heirloom variety. I'm saving these seeds!

So tonight I made up a recipe for stuffed squash blossoms:
1 pkg chopped Prosciutto
1/4 # blue cheese
A dash of maple yogurt (brown cow of course)
A bit of left over jam (mint, kumquat, and raisin)
1/4 cup of cream cheese
1 box of onion ring batter
Several Squash blossoms (preference)

Except the Squash Blossoms, Mix it all together in a bowl.
Put it in the fridge for an hour to "marinate".
Stuff the blossoms and place on a cookie sheet.
Follow the instructions on the onion ring batter and dip the stuffed blossoms into the batter.
Ever so lightly fry in a deep pan of olive oil. I prefer to keep the oil shallow.

*Note* I used 8 squash blossoms because that's all that was available on my vine. I had enough stuff left over to make 32 blossoms. I think next time I'd add shredded zucchini and carrots to the recipe. It was a wee bit salty - could also use a little more sweetness.

I'm the QUEEN of dash and bit - especially when it comes to filling in the gap in a recipe or tossing in the "last bit" of something from the fridge. Experiment. You may discover something amazing!

Hot Rod a Rama 2008

2008-08-05T21:52:00.000-07:00

Clockwise, starting w/ top L: Larry's rig pre paints/ink, pin-up inspired by my hair-do & amazing car @ the show, T&A all at once pre-water/ink, Dave's gasser inspired by Dave's posing!

Hot-Rod-a-Rama was even better this year than last! I spent the entire week+ before the show making 5 shirts (2 for B(an)3 and 3 for me). It was rather cold on Friday and I just ended up wearing my cute.a.full psycho 60's skirt w/ Grandma's tatted lace. B(an)3 went nuts over her shirt and wore it Fri & Sat. It fit amazingly! Way to go Amy Butler - I'm now a convert to her patterns. Saturday I wore my cirque sweater, flowers & aminal print (yes, I know I wrote aminal), with my skulls and flames princess seamed tank beneath. Unfortunately I got so jazzed about photographing the cars for future inspiration that my camera battery puked before I got any photos of my outfits.

But, Saturday I picked up my pencil and A2's and went to town sketching. I ended up meeting some interesting guys - got to ride/drive some cool cars and had PLENTY of amazing inspiration. My hat's off to everyone who worked so hard to build/mod/create their cars for this show. I'm inspired. There is SO much creativity invested and these folks have such artistic eyes. WoW!

This weekend there are a couple fun things happening - Lifter's is putting on South Tacoma Alley Rally and also the Seattle Tattoo Expo. I may be attending both. I've never been to a tattoo convention and have recently been very inspired by tattoos. Yes, for the first time in my LIFE, I have considered getting many different tattoos. This, my friends, is a first. We'll see if I still want one a year from now. It'd be very cool to do some for dance - you know, undulations and all.

Then, in a couple more weeks the IT geek band will be performing for the annual BBQ. We've got a set of 12 covers - my fav being the Big Momma Thornton version of Hound Dog. So, now I must come up with a costume of a sort, being the lead singer and all. Plus, for our U.Way performance I dressed as a Bond Girl (yeah, I'd just transferred to the division and within a week was performing in the band - shy, me?). I'll be recording the performance w/ my camera and plan to see if anyone else has a good video recording equip.

Oh yes kids - it is a BUSY summer! Did I mention I'm also growing a veggie garden with 6-8' tall tomatoes and mass amounts of pumpkins for fall? Never dull, never dull.

Good Guys 2008

2008-08-05T21:28:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the tail end of an Impala Wagon, I sketched this lovely backside while crusin' shotgun in a Chopped & Tubbed '71 Datsun w/ a 350. She's no one in particular - just a figment of my crazy imagination. One of the best experiences I've ever had at a car show ... Us 2 chicks, her driving & me ridin' (my friends hubby let us roll in his truck). Awesome!

Now I just need to figure out what kind of hot rod I want to buy. :) They're so ... there aren't even words. I found many that would be perfect for me... The only deal is that I see a car as an extension of my personality. And, since I'm so eclectic, how the heck to I pick a hot-rod?!

Flash Back to Cornucopia Days

2008-07-27T10:40:00.000-07:00

Flash back with me to the weekend of July 11th and 12th. Kent annually holds Cornucopia days and Saqra's Studio performs 3 shows between Friday and Saturday evening. I was fortunate enough to be part of the Alahad Shamal troupe performances, the QP Dolls (Nika & FuFu) duet, and have 2 opportunities to solo. It was fabulous!

The crowds really got into the performances and joined in the fun clapping and learning how to Zaghareet. Above is a photo of my first Solo performance. I mixed 3 Wade Robson songs together - had to have "Power" for the exaggerated breathing moment.

We QP Dolls, Nika (in pink) & FuFu (in red) choreographed and performed our duet to "L'ombellico del Mondo" by Jovanotti, a most amazing Italian rapper! The song title translates into "The navel of the world". I mean, how totally appropriate for 2 Belly Dancers.

For those who haven't been entertained by the QP's, it's all about who can outshine the other! We are a slapstick comedy, maybe slapbelly ;) is a better term, routine while still executing amazing bellydance moves. As you can see from our photo on the left, Nika is showing how wonderful she is, while I look on with that, "Oh you!" expression. We very much enjoy performing and making our audience laugh!

And Shakira's Envy (our affectionate name for the number) was performed with any interested students from Saqra's studio as well as both of Saqra's troupes. It's a fun bellytechno number that really gets you pumped to dance. And Saqra's choreography is always fun - plenty of hip snaps into turns. Saqra is a wonderful teacher who entertains and explains the history of the moves/dance as she teaches you. I highly recommend taking classes or workshops from her! Check out her page at www.saqra.net

FuFu Love MedFest!

2008-07-21T22:33:00.001-07:00

MedFest was a SUCCESS! Thanks to everyone who visited the Wildhair Studio booth. My table was filled with dreads, art, and fabulous fashion. If you're still dreaming about one of my creations, hop on over to my Etsy store and pick one up.

Update on Somethingdreadfull.etsy.com:
I've decided to pursue my artwork fully which means I won't be creating fashion to sell for a while. Dreads will be available by custom order only. Please see my store policies for further detail.

Performances at MedFest were absolutely amazing! I was inspired by so many men and women. I give thanks to the Gods for blessing us all with the ability to tell our story through our dance. Keep dreaming, dancing, and inspiring. Let us ebb and flow with one another and unify through dance.

I gave 3 performances at MedFest. First, as a QP Doll with Nika. Second as a member of Saqra's amazing school of dance, and finally as me self, Dread.Full FuFu. Nika & I kicked off the thrills and excitement of Medfest on Saturday morning with our slapstick routine of "who can outshine the other."

Later that afternoon, I was fortunate to be part of the Student performance of Shakira's Envy. Such talent and support. Troupies and Students alike. I am very lucky to dance next to any one of those women.

Finally, on Sunday I boldly, though a bit nervously, entertained the crowd with my rendition of Belly-robo-Hip-Hop. I changed my music Saturday Evening. Yes, I downloaded 3 brand new songs! I listened to the music about 10 times and danced around my house to the tunes with my hat on. Then, I played with mixing up a couple songs. See, to me, the music, costume, and my character all have to feel like they fit together.

I always have a back-up plan. For my solo, I had a 2nd CD with previously performed to music, just in case I had that knowing feeling, "this is not the right time" or "Dance to your known set". Always, always, always, trust yourself! I knew my new music was right on when I kept singing it all day. On top of that, I had beautiful visions of how my performance would be to the new song. "All systems, Go!"

I dressed in my Madd Hattress hat custom designed by Topsy Turvy and a wild array of bits and pieces from my costume closet. I caught the cat "mini-roar" right on time and caused the crowd to laugh! I know I'm doing my best when the audience is enthralled and engaged in my performance. I want to bring you up and shock the heck out of you!

In all my creative pursuits, I'm constantly looking for new ways to re-invent myself. I want to paint the world with my joy and bring something fresh and tantalizingly twisted. I find that following my joy, feeling my music, and dancing daily (even if only going crazy in front of the bathroom mirror) help me feel comfortable in my own skin and at peace with my soul.

Delinquent Darling!

2008-05-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hello - it's been FOREVER!

Why you ask?

One of my cats was SO mad at me for not spending more time with her... (yes, cats have personalities and express their anger) that she pissed on my purse while it was on the counter. I did not discover this wonder of wonders until I had gotten in my car. While driving down the road, I reached for my cell phone and ... disgusting!

Result - I lost my purse, camera, nearly lost my iPod, and lucked out that both my personal and work cell weren't severly damaged. So, now I had the fun of being able to pick out a new camera. I'm trying the Nikon CoolPix, but the LCD is SO grainy! I'm not really happy with it. So, I'll be returning to the big C. I'm going back to Canon's. Photo quality is MUCH better. Plus, with trying to capture photos for ETSY and such, It's got to take better low light quality photos.

So, what's the haps?

Sewing:

Costumes for Alahad Shamal and my duet with Nika (6/7 @ the Moonraker).

Plus working on Bananan's T-cardi from a Lucky 13T.

Cleaning out the studio: getting rid of old fabrics and junk. Trying to get my cutting table set up (right height and shape)

Dancing: Alahad Shamal performed last Saturday at the Library and it was a HOOT!

6/7 = Nika & FuFu debut at the Moonraker

Mid July = Kent Cornucopia days

Late July = Med Fest.

Be sure to stop by at Med Fest - the Pirate Queens of Wild Hair Studio will be there again this year with some WONDERFUL new pieces (see the pic above) - jewels tribal and caberet, vintage pieces, dreads, and much more!

Drawing: Working on an Alice in Wonderland themed party invitation for my 30th. Been looking into places to scan and print my artwork so I can sell it on ETSY! Yahoo! Anyone know about copywriting your art?

Le Jardin: Tomatoes, 7 different kinds of Lettuce, Beets, Radish, Garlic, Sunflowers, Sweet Peas, Zucchini... the list goes on. Picked some of my irises and have thoroughly enjoyed hanging laundry out to dry. *sigh* It's so peaceful to enjoy the outdoors and watch my linens blow in the afternoon breezes!

Hope to have some photos soon! After the camera exchange.

Lucky Leprechaun Fascination

2008-03-15T11:34:00.000-07:00

One of the many gifts I made to give as a Lucky Leprechaun (think Secret Santa) was a fascinator. I've never made any hats and just made this one up. I just love the way it turned out.

Then, to keep it secret and funny, I asked one of the guys I work with to deliver it for me! The photo of him below was caught just after he did the leprechaun click of the heels in the air! Twas quite entertaining. Monday (after a week of giving gifts) we reveal ourselves. Can't wait!

Riding the Bull Results in the Latest Gwen-ism

2008-03-02T18:28:00.000-08:00

Hit up the Seattle Roadster show this weekend. The reason I like to go is, like "S" said, for the paint jobs. Most inspiring. But, I must admit, that hot rods are truly my favorites. Rough -around-the-edges, take-no-prisoners, The-F*ck-I-will, smell-my-burned-rubber, plug-your-damn-ears-cause- I-drive-a-RAT-ROD-and- I'm-cooler-than-you-and-all-the- money-you-just-dumped-in- your-fancy-dancy-stock-esque-car types.

Then, at the end of the show (after I ran into an old friend from High School) I rode the bull, which was set up in back on the top floor. After Bananan said she couldn't ride cause of a moving injury, and I asked her, "Do you want ME to ride the bull?" Her face lit up like 4th of July & I just couldn't turn her down. Pay attention for the latest "Gwen-ism" and note Bananan's entertaining narration.

A Rootin Tootin Halloween: Wild Wild West Style

2008-02-22T23:24:00.001-08:00

So, the trio of us decided to do it up one more time. For 2007 Halloween, we dressed as a Wild West crew. Trog the Sheriff, Bananan the madam, and me the saloon girl (dance hall).

We each made our costumes, though T&B had help from the wonderful mothers. T's vest is a recycle from their wedding . B's dress was completely made from scratch. I recycled the corset from my pirate costume, but gussied it WAY up. Then, I added one of my sexy aprons of a matching fabric with (of course) FRINGE. Then, I made this fabulous Victorian butterfly bustle. I took a pair of girdle style shorts and added sassy bits of spider-web-like stretch lace from my favorite, Nancy's Sewing Basket. Top it off with a boa, a wool hat I turned Gibson-girl with ostrich feathers from Costume and display and voila!

As the Wheel Turns - Avon Knocks at your Door

2008-02-21T23:25:00.000-08:00

I wanted to show the progress of one of my drawings. This one started merely as a gesture. Tilt of the head, hand on the hip. But, she's hiding something behind her back. So, being the saucy sassy that I am, it had to do something with lipstick. She's sporting an arsenal of lipstick, ready for pucker power at any moment. She's armed by Avon itself. Watch out, it may not be lipstick in the tube..................

AquaGirl

2008-02-21T23:06:00.000-08:00

Darlings - here, I present you with AquaGirl.
I am a child who grew up watching wonderful superheros like Aquaman!
Thus, when playing with gloves and the "broken wrist" syndrome,
I stumbled upon the idea of .........................................FINS!
As AquaGirl, she should have fins coming off of everything!
I just LOVE her. Did you notice the gills on her collar bone?
Looks like us, but has wicked breathing skills. ;)

The Doctor is IN

2008-02-20T21:09:00.000-08:00

I'm very inspired by the ratty bouffants of the 60's. I just adored the latest version of Hairspray. John Travolta - amazing! But, I digress. I pulled a few magazine ads which I find inspirational. Physicians formula hair-do's always make me want to get all gussied up and parade around in front of the boys. Wow, did I just write that? Dear me. How un-lady like. Anywhoo - I'm trying my hand at characatures. How can I make humans look like cartoons. All day long I look at people and see them as cartoon characters - their eyes, their walk, their laugh, their mannerisms. The world is my oyster - or my olive - or my octopus.

Valentine to my Grandparents

2008-02-20T20:59:00.000-08:00

I'm really into wings at the moment. Been thinking about the flying keys in Harry Potter. Plus, I've been trying different wings on for size, if you will. This is an 8x10 done with paint brush style markers. I just love these markers. I keep them in 2 old milk jars and can carry them where ever. Imagine a silverware caddy. Just looking at them sitting there makes me want to pick them up and color. Yippie!

3 x 5 " Creative Constraint

2008-02-19T20:42:00.000-08:00

I had a stack of 3 x5 index cards I've been carrying around with me since my Detroit days - that's 3 years or more folks! Too damn long. So, making that my creative constraint, I doodled my way through 3 different meetings today. Trust me, if I didn't draw, my meeting participation would SUCK! If you've ever heard of, "busy hands are happy hands," then you know one of the tales of my life.
.
All of these sketches are free hand and direct out of my crazy imagination. Bon Appetite
.
.
.
The lucky lady above is what came to me while I sat in an employee "Fun" committee. Lucky Leprechaun is like Secret Santa. I think think Siobhan is a bit racy for my conservative company.

.
Next, I'd like to introduce you to Starla. She's fond of ruffles around her neck. It reminds her of her new favorite Showtime series, "The Tutors." But, in the same turn, she loves the clipped bobs of the Roaring 20's. Though, since she's quite the modern girl, she always calls her lover Baby.
.
.
.
.
.
.

And, finally, I tired of the arguments in my last meeting of the day. Hence, the vamps came out to play. Been playing with angel wings, but, it's time to let loose and rattle the bats in me belfry.
.
.
That was FUN! What inspiration will tomorrow bring?

Zenith Score!

2008-02-18T23:15:00.000-08:00

Look what I scored this weekend ... And, it works. Radio + Record Player. She came ready to play with "How High The Moon." What a beauty!

I picked up several Records to try out: Dolly & Kenny at Christmas, Dean Martin, Camelot, some boogie woogie dealy, and of course,[doing something or other through] Danube Country. It'll be pretty fun!

Sunday's Drawing Lesson - Fan Art: Cheesecake

2008-02-18T18:18:00.000-08:00

I bought Bill Pressing's book "Cheesecake" after looking at the amazing art on his blog, Daily Peril. I really like his style. It's so flirtatious and sexy. So, that combined with books from Christopher Hart are my current teachers in Tooning & Illustration. I've been playing with some wonderful metallic water colors, black ink and an imagination that just won't quit. I've been filling books with my designs for everything I can imagine - wearable art to wall hangings. I haven't started productions yet. I'm going through the imagination + design phases.

Today I was outside for most of the day pruning. Yup. I've self taught (via book) how to prune my roses. As for the Japanese Maples, I consulted my dad - the KING of Ornamental Maples. But, today I did the dirty deed. It's scary how one can just enjoy the speed and pace of the cutting aspect. But, I've really learned that one must make executive decisions, dig in, then walk away, only to return at a later point. Pruning is like artwork. When you start to feel like you're: a) doing too much, b) frustrated, c) confused as to what the next cut/brush stroke should be, d) find your clenching your jaw or hunching your shoulders, then it is probably time to back away (put away the shears or put your drawing in a drawer). Thus, I find it interesting that doing each is relaxing and tensing simultaneously. Both are good for working meditation.

After 5 hours outside, I came in with my kitties (who were MOST entertaining outside climbing trees and meowing for me to pet and reward them for their job well done), and picked up Bill's book. Often I pick an area of the face in which to practice and increase my knowledge of various views and angles. I'm creating depth in my skills as I feel rather one dimensional. So, the lips on "Where the Hell are All The MEN?!" were interesting. How do you create the look of a slight angle - not a profile, not straight on, but a combination of the two? So, I thought I'd try and free hand this page. I really like the way it turned out. The hair is a bit different and the bosom a bit smaller. I learned quite a bit from this page however. The body twist, glossy highlight of the "light source", eyes looking up and to the left. You'll notice if you have Bill's book that the left hand index finger is touching the cheek. I missed that target. Not sure if I placed the head too far back or the fore arm too far away. Bill - you're a great teacher! Thanks!

La Dia de Amor - Celebrate my Darlings

2008-02-12T22:58:00.000-08:00

I've been drawing. Tooning. Painting. Sketching. I'm totally and madly inspired.

So, I'm leaving you all a Valentine. I've been reading WAY too many Vampire stories as of late.
They're seeping into my work all over the place. Vamps, Brits, Dolls, Pin-ups, Sassy, Sexy, Sinister. I LOVE this stuff. So, I leave you with merely a taste.

Henry in Accounting is an Office Hazard

2008-01-16T01:17:00.000-08:00

Meet Henry in Accounting. That is the name of the spiky cactus you see on the left. He is dangerous and doesn't have to try. He is an office hazard.
Yes, yes, I know all you folks out there don't name your plants. But, I decided I would after hearing all the names that B gives his plants. Good God, I'm keeping up with the B's on naming plants! (side note: the B's refer to my bro and his partner)

I have a TV on top of a long wide filing cabinet. Now, thanks to shows like the office and to those sick office hazard movies they show you once every whenever to keep "everyone aware of safety!" we all know that opening two drawers of a two drawer filing cabinet is truly dangerous. I knew that. Heck, Henry in Accounting knew that.
But, did I stop to consider that the TV was perched near the front? Did I consider that Henry in Accounting would win any duel we entered? Did I consider the fact that the TV was perched on the front of the cabinet AND that Henry in Accounting was on TOP of the TV? Nope. All I wanted to do was get some silly little paper. Hm. Somehow, his spikes really weren't worth it.

So, as I'm realizing the whole kit and caboodle (yes, Virginia, there was more stuff on that cabinet) is just about to topple over on me, I decided it's wise to push the TV back in place with my head. "Use your head, girl!" That's what my pops told me, so that's what I did. And wonder of wonders, Henry in Accounting lost his balance. Of course, he gracefully landed on my head and then took a swan dive for the floor. But, he's a cactus and "heavens be David" he turned out fine. Not a scratch. Seriously, I took that photo today and this incident happened nearly 2 days ago.

Here it was Monday morning I hadn't even left for work and I'd already wrastled with a cactus! Let me tell you - my head hurt all day. I mean I was totally discombobulated ! So, Henry's spikes are a bit beefy and they were a might painful. Tonight I was able to remove a spike from my head that was 1 cm long. And, there are several more in my head along with ones in my hands.

And still, Henry in Accounting stands - proud, tall, and menacingly spiky. Ooo I should threaten to turn him in for the weekly safety report. "... And Monday morning and employee had complete disregard for her safety training. She placed a cactus on top of a TV on top of a filing cabinet. Then she attempted to the only two drawers of the cabinet at the same time. The employee and the cactus have been placed on temporary leave until the situation can be completely sorted out."

Housewarming Hostess Gifts

2008-01-13T16:13:00.001-08:00

Had an in-between the holidays Housewarming party. It was lovely. My house is comfortable with 15 plus folks gallivanting about. I made 2 gifts for each guest.

The first was an envelope filled with "Sweet Amber Rose" bath salts. I made the envelopes of this gorgeous Japanese plum blossom paper by folding and taping. Then, I used Epsom salts and added amber, vanilla, and rose. They turned out quite lovely and the scent I adore. But, my friend C. still thinks smells like those smell like an old lady. To each their own...

The second was a vellum envelope filled with orange Iceland Poppy seeds. I harvested them from my previous house. I adorned the envelope with these dimensional silk poppy petals and some combo of black snowflake cut outs and olive green 3D dots. The adornment is quite realistic of the actual flowers.

Everyone loved them and I loved making them. It was nice to feel more prepared for this party than most of my others. I think I'm finally realizing what things I can do and what I don't give a snit about doing! That helps prioritize things for the party!

Blue Sky Alpaca and The Somewhat Cowl

2008-01-13T15:02:00.000-08:00

I've started my 2nd sweater.

This is a good sign. This is a sign of nesting. I'm becoming more comfortable with my life and surroundings. It's been a long time since I have been happy. And I'm really glad now that I didn't purge my stash of yarn completely.

I have 10 or 11 skeins of this gorgeous olive alpaca fiber. Soft, oh so soft! I've been coveting this yarn for a couple years now. I bought The Somewhat Cowl on Knit and Tonic. Oh how I adore her designs. I'm excited to try another one of her designs, but, I must continue to work on this sweater. Tell you what, it is so hard to work on something that has such tiny needles and small gauge. The fear of not finishing has been bad enough that I've gone searching for bulky/chunky patterns to adapt to my stash. But, fortunately, I've been able to persist while allowing myself to review as many other patterns as I wish.

But as of today, I'm into skein #2. Wahoo!

Le Camera: Playing with Color

2008-01-01T11:33:00.000-08:00

I crocheted all through China. I made many things, then just ripped them out right after finishing. It was very satisfying. In fact, I learned lots about different types of yarn with the same hook. Very good experience. Plus, I wasn't so concerned about not getting off the bus because I "had to finish this row."

I finally finished 1 thing: a scarf for my friend C. It was made of 1 skein of lovely purple hand spun, hand dyed wool from the 'ham. It's color runs from rich purple to nearly indigo. C just loves the scarf. In the photos of me, it's only run through the "button hole." Where as I finished with the idea that it wraps around your neck and your head is presented as if the center of a rose or a cabbage. The "petals" or leaves are the scalloped edges of the scarf. I'm quite pleased with the final product.

Photos were taken in Suzhou, China (on the bus). Isn't the color focus feature fun?

Re-Dye: Indian Summer Play Date

2007-12-30T23:36:00.000-08:00

Achtung! RetroActive!

We had a play date at my old place a few months ago - when it was warmer. Mom, Lisa, and I went up to the Dye shop in Vancouver on Grandville Island. Oh how we loved that store. It's not much bigger than a walk-in closet, but OH how chock full of goodies it was!

Then, we came back to my place and turned my dusty rose clothing to a lovely shade of purple. Plus, we tried painting floor cloths and using paint on dyes. Great Fun! To top it all off Yank made us girls MaiTai's and walked them by! So, here's a series of fun photos of our play date. The skirt and shirt were originally the color of the tank top I'm wearing in the last photo.

In the dye pot and to the bucket holding area...

We bought these COOL French fabric paints. So, they helped to hide imperfections in the way the skirt and shirt dyed.

Oh that Luna - she tried to help paint stripes. I guess her stripes weren't bold enough for her!

Reuse, Recycle, Upcycle, and Donations!

2007-11-24T13:00:00.001-08:00

Our grandparents were amazing at this game of reuse and recycle. Hello, can we say button jars? And how many of you have seen the lids of glass jars nailed to the underside of a shelf for containing nails, nuts, bolts, etc.? After living in the 'ham, I've really begun to re-evaluate my shopping decisions.

What happens to those non-recyclable plastic containers that deli and bakery items are packaged in?
If I buy all my items on-line, how much more pollutants are being put in the air by long-haul trucks versus me going to a local store?
If I am supporting local artists, does that help keep art alive in my own community?
How dependent on other countries should we really be?
Do I absolutely love this item I'm attempting to buy or am I buying it to fulfill some emotional need that I'm too scared to confront?

Many things factor into these decisions. Cost, for one thing, is a pretty major consideration for many people. Why should you choose to spend more money, especially if you don't have the funds available, to buy something locally versus a mass produced item? One reason our mass produced items are significantly cheaper is because, yes, they were purchased in bulk and things like tooling and set-up fees are one time and thus the cost is reduced for every item. But, I think many of us are coming to a point that we just don't want what everyone else has. Or, as I find, mass produced clothing (Ready-to-Wear) doesn't fit well or at all! Hence, I often make what I need so I feel good in my clothes.

Then, I look at packaging. I'm starting to re-evaluate what I buy based on how it's packaged. If I can avoid excessive plastics, I will. If that plastic, or other material, container can serve a second or third purpose in my home, then, often I will make the purchase. Let's look at Altoids containers. I use the gum containers to wind up my ear buds and store them in my purse or bag. It makes them easy to find and I just love the cute oblong container. In the larger containers I store stitch markers, stickers, matchbooks, jewelry, fuses (for work), media cards (compact flash/SD), etc. Oh, and by the way, I want to be the singer, Olata Sweets, in this altoids ad! Hello!

Now, what kind of balance is needed for on-line purchases and local talent. When I'm at a bookstore, the cost of a book (at list price) is many times off putting as I can purchase it from Amazon.com for about 30% off. Now, I consider the addition of the shipping costs and envrionmental effect. Both on-line and brick & mortar stores have shipping costs. On-line you pay for it to arrive to your home. Brick & mortar you don't actually see the costs - you pay for the item and tax. But, both have an impact on the environment. Yesterday, I chose to buy "Sew What! Skirts" at the book store. Why?

The item had already been shipped to its current location

I didn't want to buy more books and often the "shipping is free" ($$$) when you buy X amount. I didn't want to spend more.

I was at the book store because it was near the fabric store and it was on the way home (don't you just love sitting in the craft section and drooling over the latest books?)
I could look through the book from cover to cover at my leisure deciding if the book really would fit my needs
I've looked at the book 4 or 5 times already and found I was really looking for a book that wasn't patterns, but how to make skirts with X amount of fabric to fit my body.
By buying at my local book store, I'm helping to keep it in business so I can go back and visit again.

Though, all this has taken me several months before I considered purchasing. In fact, when I first browsed the book I thought, "I don't want this book. I've taken plenty of pattern drafting classes and own many new and vintage skirt patterns. Eh! This is for newbies." But, after much more thought and consideration, I feel it is a good addition to my sewing library. I enjoy their examples and photographs.

But, I'm also a HUGE fan of Etsy.com. And I do buy/sell things on-line. I don't intend to stop, just choose to make positive decisions about what I'm buying. I've made many, many impulse purchases. Having a positive environmental and economical impact on our world means taking the time to consider what your decisions affect. You have the choice to change your world. I can make attempts to persuade you and others around me (I do it all the time), but I can only change what decisions I make. The rest is up to each person. What kind of world are you choosing?

Now, dependency upon other countries is another "strike a balance" item. By buying items which are manufactured in other countries, under decent working conditions, we help support the livelihood of many families. Yes, our dollar is dropping in value, but it is still higher than that of many other countries. It also brings the world more closely together. They are dependent upon us to purchase their export items and we are dependent upon them for items we need. And, in some small way if that exchange is vital to their economy, then wouldn't that be another reason why two countries could be forced NOT to go to war? This is a stretch, but I think it deserves some consideration.

At the same time, supporting local artists helps keep art alive around you. I know it's the season when everyone thinks of giving. But, so what if it starts now around the holidays. That means we've STARTED! We're thinking about someone or something greater than ourselves.

So, what am I doing? I recently moved. I have WAY too much stuff. Good Gods! I seriously want to have a space to art in. I have LOTS of art supplies I'm not using. My mom has said the same thing. And it's truely sad that there are art supplies stuffed in a box somewhere when there's someone who would benefit from it! I've researched where to donate Arts and Crafts supplies in the Seattle area. Wow, there are tons of places. For more info, see www.donateseattle.net. They need many things, not just arts and crafts supplies. There have been many times in my life where creating has saved me. I would not have made it through college had it not been for knitting. And, finally I understand angry art. Being able to make a collage which says, "... The f@#k I will!" really helps to release that anger. If that can help me, then I'd like to pass on the gift.

I'd love to hear your opinions on the subject. I'm always learning and re-evaluating how I live my life. If I've stoked a fire in you one way or another, great! That's exactly what this post was all about. I want to get people thinking about their own choices. It's NOT easy. Especially when you're tired, overworked, stressed, or short on time. I still chose the easy route at times. But, everything we do has an affect on the world around us. What will you do to make it better for the next generation?

Got a creative idea on reusing? I'd be happy to link to your blog/idea or post about it here! Let's get those creative juices flowing so more people can jump on the band wagon!

Remedy for a Bad Hair Day: Aunti Jani's Flower

2007-11-21T22:52:00.000-08:00

All Souls Day is my Auntie's birthday. She can weave a tale like no other. I simply adore her! Lately, I heard she could use some bright and shiny pick-me-ups fit for a queen (though it's the other Auntie who thinks she's the queen!). So, I snagged a Wild Hair Studio vintage Swarovski crystal and some dusky black and brown velvet hydrangeas. Of course, I ripped apart the whole hydrangea in favor of petal play. Then, I put them together (with a few mini golden seed beads) and Voilà!

I must admit. This was amazingly simple. And rather satisfying. Tell you what, I will be using those monsterous beauties Momma (she's Wild Hair Studio) calls crystals again. I just have to get crackin! Hello, can I glue them all over my body? I mean, can I stitch them all along the neckline of all my best shirts? Mom has one color called Volcano. When she unwrapped the vintage paper packaging and showed me, I promptly spilled my tea all over! I believe this is a color we call "Wet The Bed Red" in my family!

*Green Striped Towers of Goo*

I believe I must explain the green and white towers of goo. See, we went to O'Asian for Dim Sum to celebrate Auntie's B-day. I was hoping for Almond Jello, but alas, there was not a jiggle to be found in the entire restaurant. So, I settled for the wiggly striped towers of coconut delight. And, I must admit, it was quite delight-full! It was something like the consistancy of jello jigglers crossed with cheesecake, but a little bit firmer. Yum!

To Bejing and Back!

2007-11-19T23:48:00.000-08:00

Well hello all you costume junkies! I have returned from a flabulous vacation in China. It was beautiful and ugly, joyful and painful, breathtaking and phlegm giving. If you'd like to know more about the trip, look at posts on www.threemisterluckys.blogspot.com! I have SO many ideas for mixed media arts from this trip. I saw amazing fashion on many people, from the AirChina stewardess to the Bejing Airport Store Clerks and from our tour guide to girls on the streets. These observations will find their way into my new designs.

Jingle! Jangle! Jingle! Jangle!
Now that I've returned, the Holiday Season is upon us! I've been thinking of some fun holiday crafts. I'm thinking velvet, I'm thinking kitchy kool, I'm thinking cocktail party!

I will donate 5% of every purchase on both my etsy stores to charity organizations 11/22 - 12/31. I'm still researching and deciding on the charities. So, if you have any good suggestions, please make a comment.

I will begin offering kits on SomethingDreadfull.etsy.com after the new year. Keep your eyes peeled for more details!

Knitting Again, but Rotini No More!

2007-11-04T17:32:00.000-08:00

Guess what!? I've caught the knitty bug again! It has been a year and a half, maybe more, since I've even had the heart to pick up knitting needles. In college I was obsessive about knitting. I knit hats for everyone's new born babies. I even knit my way through Six Sigma training. Now, that is so "odd" for anyone to even "do" something crafty at my workplace - it's ULTRA conservative. You're thinking - whoa, this girl conservative? No way! Way. But, only at work.

Anyway - the last year has been very depressing, oppressive, and sad for me. My body filled itself with pains; I seriously couldn't knit - my hands, arms, and shoulders would just ache. So, I sewed. It was one of my ways to "get through" my rough times and know that I was capable of so much more!

How much do I love the Scarf Style book? Let me count the ways....
Well, I loved the Rotini-esque design of "Ruffles" by Amanda B. Brown. Mom & I decided to have a competition to see who could finish the scarf first. We both LOVE Noro yarns, especially the silk garden - such color!

So, we began. Both starting off at an even pace. But, Mom & Dad had a nasty employee pulling tricks and attempting to pull the "wool" over their eyes (didn't plan that pun!) . Mom was trying to "get through" (knitting is such therapy) and knit like a fiend on Ruffles while my life got crazy in other ways and the pain took over. So, shortly after we started, she finished! She has a lovely scarf in denim and olive (I chose rose and olive). But, now here I am a year later, with a 75% complete scarf that I'm bored knitting.

Since I caught the knitty bug, I've been visiting the last years worth of knitty.com. In fact, I started listening to Cast-On. I just adore that podcast. I feel like we're good friends chatting in her living room. Both Cast-On and CraftyPod are such well made podcasts that I have been inspired to create my own. So, beginning in January, I'll start casting!

But, I digress! Cast-On mentioned Clapotis and I had to go check it out and re-discover what it looked like. Oh yeah! I loved that when it came out! So, what did I do? I just took a bunch of photo documentation of the work I put into Ruffles and ripped it all out on the way to Dim Sum for Auntie Janice's birthday. It felt good to rip. I ripped for several reasons:
1) I didn't want to purchase any more yarn - 7 drawers is plenty - hoarding is not a national sport, yet!
2) I heart Noro Silk Garden
3) I adore my pashmina scarves and this is what Clapotis represents.

I'll be knitting my way through China. So, I'll take pictures of my knitting along the way. Ooo - this scarf will get to meet the Great Wall! Now, I'll just ned to contain myself to ONE project at a time while in China. I mean, they have HOLES in the ground for toilets. I am SO not going to have any open chances for droppage. Wish me luck - I'm a really great squatter. Hope I don't pee on my pant legs.

Office Politics - New Design by Yank

2007-10-28T16:10:00.001-07:00

Check these tough babies out! Wear these with your gray power suit into your next meeting with the directors and Bam! Ain't nobody gonna mess with you Girl!

These beauties go from dark gray toes to nearly white at the heels. Then, atop that, they've got wicked purple barbed wire circling your foot. A simple design that speaks for itself. Nice job Yank!

Happiness = New Job + New Home

2007-10-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

The last month has been a whirlwind of activity for me. My last post talked about my interview suit. Well, I got the job! I'll now be working in the area of Project Management on Telematics. For those who are unfamiliar, Telematics is the combination of telecommunications (think getting info via phone or modem) with infomatics. It usually includes GPS info (where in the world is ...). I'm thrilled with my new job and my new group. This is the first time I've taken a position where "Engineer" isn't in my title.

Another thrill of this job is that it is MUCH closer to my family. Now instead of being 2 hours, I'm 1/2 hour! Plus, this puts me closer to the city. I found a wonderful place to live that's cozy. The house was built in the 50's and all my collectible antiques look like they were made for this house. The neighborhood is great! I think I just may have Trick-or-Treaters this year.

I do find that I'm having to significantly re-adjust my "autopilot" or frame of reference. No, it doesn't just automatically change when you move! I keep having to remind myself which exit is "mine" and re-think how I'm going to drive home from work or from my parents. I love it, but I've been through a ton of change. The furry girls are still getting used to things also. But, they're quite adjusted now. They've even gone outside for the day and didn't forget to come home.

So, now that I've made all the changes, I'll be getting back to my regular blogging and creations. The Etsy store has been great! We sold a pair of Yank's shoes (spiderweb pumps) and the Trouble skirt went. I'm really pleased that we've been able to bring some funky and unusual pieces of wearable art to the greater web community.

Halloween is Wednesday and Bananan, Torgmeister, & I dressed as a Wild West Trio. I was crazy enough to create a Saloon Girl look just for the Saturday before Halloween bar hopping. I'll be getting photos soon. Wait until you see - I created a head to toe look. We loved our costumes so much that we MUST have a Wild West party next year. Maybe it could be our MardiGras theme...

In addition to the Saloon Girl costume, Bananan & I dressed as a James Bond movie theme for our Charity Costume Contest at work. Both dressed as kitties (ears, tails, masks, faux 60's hair, leopard print shirts and black skirts), she had "O-C" & I had "-T-O" on back of our shirts. Can you guess what we were? Well, we WON! 1st prize = James Bond edition of "Scene It!" I can't wait to play.

So, even more fun was I joined the band in my new division for the kick off rally of our Charity week. One week after I started my new job I dressed as a bond girl/Nancy Sinatra-esque and sang spy songs as the Lead Singer of the band! What a way to introduce myself to all my new IT co-workers. Geeks are cool! Now, everyone there knows me. That was a great way to introduce myself. Me, shy? Never!

Conservative Lady's Interview Suit

2007-09-23T08:06:00.000-07:00

I just interviewed for a new position that is internal to my company. For my interview, I wore a suit and shirt that I made myself, thanks to a bit of help from KC-MO Cherry and AR-WA Dana.

The Suit

Fabric: Navy pinstripe summer weight wool, Kaplan's Fabrics

Jacket: I lost this pattern, but it was a simple combo from one of the major companies. For my first jacket, it allowed me a very simple collar design

Pants: #1038 Terrific Trousers from Purrfection. I took Dana's class and was able to finish 3/4 of this pair of pants during the 2 days. Dana was a great help on fitting and taught us a new way to put in a zipper. Now I have a great basic block to make more pants from.

Changes?

I'd put lighter weight buttons on the jacket. These one's have a long shank and the metal clanked on the interview table all day (I'm so expressive w/ my hands, you know!)

I'd allow for a lower neckline on the jacket. My next jacket is going to be a shawl collar so that I can show off more of my lovely shirts!

Different collar. I love the collar on this jacket, but it doesn't match any of the collared shirts I've purchased since making it. Dang, collar-less shirts only.

Interface the waistband. I thought I could get away without it - actually I forgot it in my haste to finish the pants several months ago (for some unknown reason now). I've realized that it'll help out with much of the stability of the closures.

slit holes in the waistband for inserting the base of the hooks/eyes into the "wrong sides" of the waist band. I saw this on one of my ready-to-wear pants and the darn thing never comes off!

Boot leg, not wide leg. I feel like a bell with tiny little feet.

The Shirt

Fabric: Gold cotton quilting fabric with cream bias binding

Pattern: A vintage mail order pattern. Oddly, it was for a size 38 bust and I'm normally a 41, but this actually fit a little bit bigger. The waist is for a 30 and there was enough ease that at a 34 it didn't suction like a sausage casing, nor did it ride up. I wore it all day!

Changes?

I'd try this shirt in a knit or a stretch cotton. But, it's really comfortable as is. Bows too near the bottom. I think this would be nice in a stretch or jersey wool as an over sweater.

Take in at the shoulders. This was a bit poofy at the shoulders and displayed my bra straps nicely when I wasn't careful about keeping it tamed.

Leaner and Greener

2007-09-16T12:34:00.000-07:00

I have been inspired by my friend Mariah. She lives her life as close as possible to Zero Waste. It is truely amazing. Furthered by the culture at her workplace, which has eliminated the need for trash cans, she only has garbage pick up because the city will not allow you to stop said pick up. This is partially due to the concern that if someone did stop garbage pick-up it might lead to a rotting cest pool of a home in an otherwise clean and green city.

So, I said to myself, "Gwen, how can you do this in your life?" First, see what I can transfer from garbage to composting. Second, evaluate what items are paper recyclable that I'm currently trashing. And Third, look into the potential recyclability of items that currently think of as trash: plastics not taken by recycling, electronics, fabric scraps. Today, I'll discuss my discovery of food recycling options in Bellingham.

I had heard some information about Bellingham's new recycling, but didn't know if it was more money put out than return for the environment. It costs twice as much, though still not a huge ping on my pocket, as my current yard waste pick up by City Organics. I LOVE these guys. They've snagged my can from the side yard on days when I've forgotten to put it out. I really want to continue to use them so, my first step was to investigate City Organics ability to take dairy and meat scraps as well as food-soiled paper in addition to the current pick up of yard waste. Unfortunately, they only take items which are grown on the earth. I have decided to keep City Organics for a while - seems I have a bit more yard waste that can be hauled off.

My next step was to request 'Food Plus! Recycling' from SSC. This option allows me to put a ton of my food scraps into the compost bin. Amazingly, I threw away a ton of napkins and paper towels that can now be composted. What's even cooler is that this compost will return to Whatcom County as soil several years from now. More information about SSC's 'Food Plus! Recycling' can be found at their website: http://www.ssc-inc.com/recycling_residential.php. I must admit, the biggest frustration about this is the fruit flies. UGH! They seem to take over my kitchen. Plus, the smell is horrendous if you leave meat in the bin outside to cook in the sun. I haven't discovered a better way to handle this yet.

Next week, I'll discuss paper recycling, what I've realized is recyclable and how it affects each room in my home.

Octopussy

2007-09-16T10:43:00.000-07:00

I mean! Have you ever seen something as cute as this? I found this vintage piece a week ago and fell instantly in LOVE! And it makes a super cute apron! This little cutie can be purchased on my etsy store somethingdreadfull.etsy.com

* Vintage Spanish "Calamared de Malaguena"

* Instructions on how to make calamari

Waiter: "Hola, como esta Sr. Montoya?"

Sr. Montoya: "No! No! No! No, Calamared!"

How much do I love thee.... let me count the flames!

2007-09-04T21:26:00.000-07:00

This car is so HOT! I want it bad. Amazing paint job. It exudes coolness. This is one of the few I was able to catch before we went to the Big John Bates show a few weeks ago. Man, was that a blast! BJB is an awesome show. But, y'all best keep in mind, it's not for the faint of heart.

ME Reunion

2007-08-30T21:48:00.000-07:00

Sunday I had a reunion with a few of the ME boys (mostly SAE) and Heidi. Here's the shirt I designed and Re-Constructed for the it. I think it's adorable. It was SUPER popular around U-Village. I passed out quite a few business cards.

Details:

* Vintage patch (a score at a local store) on the front
* Boat neck collar with purple lace
* Pinched and tucked sleeves

As for the reunion...There were about 12 of us and it was really quite fun. Everyone looked wonderful! Joe got married and is going to India for a while with his Wife. Sean and Andy are up in the "Muck." Marshall is out wreaking havoc all over South Seattle. Will is married with 2 adorable children. Ferg has a cool bike - even rode in... I know I'm forgetting some people... and Heidi was prepared, as always, with FABULOUS photos of days gone by... I'd forgotten that she even took photos of drawings I did on the chalk board for peoples birthdays and such. Even though we gave her a hard time, I really thought it was cool to see the photos of days gone by. Ah yes, waxing nostalgic!

The Dirty Rotten Yank

2007-08-29T22:36:00.001-07:00

Many of you have seen Yank's Pinstriped PinUp shoes in my Etsy.com store.
Today I'm featuring photos of him and his work. You'll also find that there is a new set of FLAMED shoes posted on Etsy.com. You know you're gonna want them!

Now we find Yank hard at work on the lid of the vintage cooler. Usually, he's got some Blues playing in the background while he concentrates on his designs. I think he even keeps the juices flowing with a tall boy (PBR?)

Here's the cooler that Yank Pinstriped.
<------------ Isn't it Wicked!?

Svetty?

2007-08-29T22:32:00.001-07:00

Don't you just love a good svet after a long walk?

Knotty Little Pirate Girl

2007-08-18T18:25:00.000-07:00

New Creations for Etsy.com.

Oooo you're gonna love these! I've been creating and sewing like a madd woman - Madd Jenny Kidd! I have created some sexy little aprons. You can wear them:

* around the house

* out on the town

* over your jeans

* over your sex kitten number

* with nothing else!

Here's a sneak peek -->

All you'll want to do is play with the fringe and twirl your hair! That's what I did the whole time I wore it. My fringe playing was even more crazy when I was on the phone! Wearing these aprons makes me feel sexy, girly, and dangerous all at once. Look a little closer... you'll catch those wicked skulls.

*Note* I also made the shirt I'm wearing. It was my St. Patties Day fashion statement. :)

Dreads are on ETSY!

2007-08-09T20:17:00.001-07:00

I've just posted 1 set of dreads on Etsy.com. The store is open!

I plan on posting more of my pre-made dreads in the next few days.

Keep in mind, FuFu also will make you custom dreads! I adore working with people to acheive the most flattering and fun look.

May your imagination and soul soar open and free!

HotRod-A-Rama: Who You Lookin At?

2007-08-06T20:05:00.001-07:00

How much did I love HotRod-A-Rama?! So much, I want my own HotRod for next year. Wow. Just, wow! The rods ran fat and low, while the guys were drawing designs on the lovely dolls!

And above, you'll find Lovely FuFu (L) and Dirty Bananan (R) are both pictured wearing creations by me, FuFu of SomethingDread.Full. Bananan dressed as a dirty house wife, complete with wooden spoon for spanking! I attempted to be Ms. Glam with a shot of shocking colors. Yes, Bananan finally found some boys to spank. Don't worry, we knew them and they LIKED it! Oh Torgy!!!!!!!

FuFu's Outfit
Fabric: Royal Purple Dupioni Silk
Pattern: Bodice = Vintage Butterick 2488 [circa 1960's], Skirt = Vintage McCall's 5703 (front pleats --> darts)[1960]
Jewelry: designed and created by FuFu and CC of Columbia. The Necklace beads are turquoise shot with color. The earrings are colored wood with bits of old LP's.

Bananan's Outfit
Fabric: Alexander Henry Skulls (cotton quilting) with Red Bias Trim.
Pattern: Walk Away Apron Dress Butterick B4790

Etsy Store: SomethingDread.Full

2007-08-02T22:02:00.000-07:00

I've just signed up to be a seller on Etsy. I'm really excited! I'll begin selling the handmade dreads on Etsy some time next week. Wahoo! So, if you're looking for some of your own, check back late next week.

Something Dread.Full on Google Page Creator!

2007-07-31T21:15:00.000-07:00

Look out folks! I've just used the Google Page Creator! Man, is it fun. Imagine blogger, but as a web page! The possibilities are ENDLESS. It still has some functionality lacking, but hey, that's what Google Labs was designed for - Beta! I am excited to see how this moves along. I think tomorrow, I'll submit some feedback.

Check out --> Something Dread.Full on Google Page Creator

Also, I emplore you to visit Google Transit. Give your location/destination, find your bus route!

Oh what a wonderful thing - design freedom and to have your creations supported and encouraged!

FuFu's Pirate Queens

2007-07-30T22:42:00.001-07:00

So, here we are! The lovely, the buxom, the ladies of the night! Ha!
The rehersal (a mere hour prior to the performance) resulted in significantly better photos than the performance itself. Sun Sprite was kind enough to test out her new camera on us!

We really did enjoy ourselves, despite the spittingly rainy weather! I think the moment I tossed the chocolate coins into the air and my view of them will be forever burned into my memory. Well, more accurately, my pressing thought, "Oh my God, will these bonk anyone on the head!?"

She's a Pirate!

2007-07-18T22:47:00.000-07:00

Saturday FuFu and her Pirate Queens/Dirty Rotten Crew will be performing at MedFest! Argh, what? 'Tis me! The Dirtiest and the Queenliest! Well, just as a Teaser, here's the costume I've put together.

Just like a true Pirate, I was a scavenger!

Vest: I copied the vest from one I made earlier of Atira's Turkish-Arab vests. I was at the beach with my machine and the vest, but no pattern. Then, I had to lengthen and bring up the fit to mid-bust. The original pattern is made to go under the bust, but I like to show a little less. Then, I added points in the front. The main material is pillow ticking that I picked up at Goodwill for a couple bucks.

Sleeves: The sleeves were a rayon remnant that I got a deal on from Pacific Fabric's. I took the pattern from those by ripping my 55" wide x 1.25ish yd fabric in half. The cuffs are my favorite part. I had this LOVELY old pillow case that just ripped up the middle one day. It was one for which a family friend had croched the lace edging. I just couldn't bear to part with it. So, cuffs the edging became!

Aqua Skirt: This is my absolute FAVORITE dance skirt! This skirt is by Birch Street Clothing. I made it years ago and stole the fabric from my mom's stash, a lovely splotchy, wrinkly rayon. When I made it, I thought the hem would NEVER end! But, it has been with me since long before my Detroit and Columbus dancing days. This is one of the first "grown-up girl" pieces I ever made. Take the time to make one. You won't regret it. I've made it in quilting cotton to be a green fairy and it stood out like a can-can dress. I think it would be fun to try in a light weight, perhaps tropical weight, wool.

Cream Skirt with Shisha Mirrors: This is a find that I cannot take credit for. My mom found this for me somewhere. And like most of the things she gives me or makes, she's years ahead of the trend. So, I think, "oh, that's really cool! I love it." Then, I put it in my closet or hang it up to admire and it doesn't get any use for as much as 10 years. Then, one day I'll be digging around in my stash or feel like dressing up for something, and I'll discover just how genious my mom really is. So, this skirt has been with me for probably close to 5 years. I was going to make the pirate sleeves from the skirt fabric, but I couldn't bear to cut it up. There are a lot of mirrors sewn onto this skirt. So, all I did was rip the center back seam out. Then, I use the existing drawstring waist and tie it over my spiral skirt. Then, in order to get the poofy, panniers-like look, I tuck each bottom edge up and into the waist of my skirt.

Holster Belt: Then, I top it all off with a holster belt I picked up at the Yard Dogs show at the NightLight. You shouldda seen my neighbor. She thought I was nuts! But, as always, her next phrase is something like, "If that's what makes you happy..." We had a kick and a half people watching at the show. Then, I wore the belt the whole night and ran around hanging onto the d-rings. I mean, if there's something to hang onto, then you do, right? That's why belt loops were invented, eh?

So, once the show is over and the photos collected, I'll drop a photo of the final costume. You're gonna love it! Hope to see you at MedFest!

HaflaNW brings you FuFu's Jungle Girl, minus the music

2007-04-30T18:31:00.000-07:00

For my first introduction back into the "offical performance arena" I danced at the Nari Women's Hafla Northwest. It was wonderful! All the performances were amazing. Nalini dazzled us with her cool and expressive Bollywood dancing. The Nari women danced several traditional dances from a variety of countries. A few girls from my class gave some fabulous performances. Plus, I got to meet Indigo. You know I have looked her up a bit and never met her until last night.

Well, the time after intermission came for my performance. I was just going to get out there and improvise to Buda. I planned to sing this bit "My Own Home" from the Jungle Book. I thought, "Oh yeah, balance this bowl on my head while acting like the water girl, dance around a bit, do my party trick, Buda kicks in, more dancing and wowing the crowd, then I'd walk out singing the latter part of "My Own Home." But NO!

I had to go and grab the wrong frickin CD. I pulled some audio book I was listening to in the car instead of my Dance CD. OH MY Goodness!

So, I'm whistling and walking in with the bowl. I make my way to center stage and pose. No music. I'm waiting... waiting... waiting... I hear someone whisper, "Is she supposed to do something?" So, I smile at the audience quite coyly. Hee hee hee hee... I pose as for a photo. Oh, here's another photo op - next pose. And another... Then, the CD comes on and it's frickin Rhonda Byrnes telling everyone about The Secret!

Oh the terror you could see in my eyes. But, I played it off. I made some graceful gestures for "CUT!!! You silly man in the back pushing the play button! Can't you see this is entirely WRONG? There's no music going on! Good Gods help me now!" I said Gods because in crazy situations such as this, one must ask for as much help as one can possibly get. So, DJ in the darkness finally sees my desparate attempts to cut the music. I mean really! What was I going to do? Dance to someone speaking? I don't think so!

So, I tell the audience, "Why don't I just sing and dance for you now." To which I received much cheering. I think I started to become like one of those reality TV shows that is so utterly painful that it hurts to watch, but you CANNOT tear your eyes away. I couldn't even hear the audience breathe. But I did.

I took my bowl off my head, pretended that I was in the forest singing to my bowl because it was the only one that would listen. I imagined myself by the side of the water, singing of always having "to fetch the water". I sang the story to the audience of how one day I would grow up and "have a handsome husband and a daughter of my own." I finished the main body of the song, placed the bowl on my head, turned to carry my water back home, and with the bowl balanced atop my head, I curtsied so deeply my right knee touched the ground.

It wasn't my best day of singing. I kept forgetting to breathe and the key of the song; and with my adreneline pumping, I was afraid my voice would crack. I just hate to have an audience hear that. It makes me cringe. But - luckliy I avoided the crack-ege (get your mind out of the gutter!). I mean, I haven't tried to belly dance and sing simultaneously. That is amazingly hard!

It wasn't my best day of dancing. I had planned to so much more. I had ami's and turns and belly tricks tucked in my belt. But, alas - it was a wonderful performance.

Many dancers came up to me after and said that they could never do what I just did. They were shocked and amazed that I kept going. One woman told me she would have run off stage. After the show, many people thanked me and told me how amazingly brave I was. People even told me I had a wonderful voice.

I was in shock. Had I really done that? I had and I pulled it off! So - when's the next performance?

If you'd like to see a mini-video of it... check here:

Stroopwafels and the Raffle Shirt

2007-04-14T11:15:00.000-07:00

STROOPWAFELS
I love Stroopwafels. Mike just brought some back from the Netherlands. mmmm.... They are filled with maple syrup or caramel and smashed together with thin waffles that are similar to ice cream cones. "Ahm-yum-mrf-rem" That's the sound of me eating this one.

The RAFFLE SHIRT

It is LOVELY! It started out as a size large and worked it's way into a size small.
Material: One Large Cotton short sleeve PTC T-shirt, One size 12 Cotton Lycra striped button up shirt
Pattern Inspiration: DvF famous wrap/trench dress, Zac Posen orange dress that Kate Bosworth is wearing in Vogue, Business Appropriate attire for an engineer that is still fashionable
Design Elements: Cuffs from button up, puffed sleeves at cuff, gathered sleeve at shoulder cap, deep v-neck with gathers under bust, gathers at front shoulder seams, corset-ish fitted midriff (bust to hip), logo on the left hip (used to be on the left breast).
Make Again? Yes I would make this for myself next time.
Modifications for Next: Start with a size XL or XXL T-shirt with LONG sleeves, wrap the T-shirt material at the cuff rather than gathering, extend the cuff to end at the top of the forearm rather than the bicep

Ruby Dance Skirt & 1+3 Top

2007-04-03T00:17:00.000-07:00

RUBY Dance SKIRT
Oh did I ever have fun this weekend! I made a practice skirt for dance.
It flits and flutters to my hearts content! I'm wearing it tucked into my hips at each side. The full length hem actually hits at my knees.

Material: light nylon knit
Print: Pucci print in pink, grey, black and white
Pattern Inspiration: Designed after Ruby's brown dance skirt
Design Elements: U-shaped hemline, skirt front/back built in side seam godets, spiral ruffle at hem of skirt front/back, shaped yolk
Make Again? Absolutely! The fabric was the perfect choice: light and drapey. The side fullness flips forward and back when I snap my hips. This is perfect for Belly or Latin dance.
Modifications for Next: I would lower the hemline 8 inches, reduce the waist measurement by 2-3", add a 1/4" or 1/2" elastic, try a point at the side seams rather than a rounded edge

*I just found out Ruby bought this skirt from American Apparel. How did they design a dance skirt and not even know it!?*

1+3 TOP

I made this top months ago. Enlarged it at Kinkos after downloading from SISI. This always makes me feel sexy. I have it pulled up over my bust like I wear it in Dance class. When worn normally, it is "gathered" at one side and works perfectly for my short torso.

Material: light cotton nylon knit

Pattern: P0110 on www.Seeitsewit.com

Design Elements: Gathered at one side, that fun 80's off-the-shoulder-show-one-bra-strap-I'm-too-sexy-look.

Make Again? Absolutely! I love this fabric and want it in other colors. It's drapey and clingy at the same time. Like the skirt, it is perfect for Belly or Latin dance.

Modifications for Next: I accidentally cut one sleeve off and would leave it on next time. Oh the fun you have from not fully understanding someone's design. But, that's how I learn! Make a mistake, understand what it means and fix it next time!

Enough deviation I tell you. It's time for some Inspiration!

2007-03-24T20:43:00.000-07:00

I've deviated from the purpose and focus of this blog LONG enough! From now on, I will be focusing on the following:
1. Pattern reviews
2. Instruction reviews
3. Current creations - this includes all artistic adventures!
4. Inspiration
5. What ever the hell else I feel like adding that seems to fit in with my idea of costuming! ;)

That said, I'd like to tell you all that I've spent the day organizing all torn out, dog-eared, post-it tagged, paper towel marked pages from my numerous magazines. I have sorted them into the following categories:
a) Dresses
b) Skirts
c) Tops
d) Coats
e) Pants/Shorts
f) Accessories: shoes, bags, belts, etc.
g) Jewelry
h) Beauty and lingerie

Soon I will be creating inspiration boards. I think I shall hang lots of bulletin boards about and just begin filling them. I think I'll have one board per category. Maybe I'll break them into further categories - seasonal, casual/dressy, trendy, etc. You get the idea. My kitties have very kindly lent their assistance by walking all over and laying upon various pages of inspiration. No matter! They'll all be just find, mind you. Just a bit wrinkled.

I have just recently posted 2 reviews on patternreview.com. One is a Simplicity top and the other is a New Look top.

Well, you know, "tippity toe and off we go!"
(who can name the source of that quote!?)

VOTES PLEASE: Pink Leather Biker Chick Top

2007-02-06T22:22:00.000-08:00

I did some research and found several tops I'd make into my pink biker chick top.
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE!!!

Leave me a post and let me know what you think.
Plan is for fuschia leather or metalic pale pink leather.
Keep in mind that my bike is pink too! ;)

a) New Look 6428

b) Neue Mode 23268

c) Neue Mode 23049

d) Marfy 8969-8547b

e) Marfy 1115b

My new PJ Pants and Barbarella

2007-02-06T20:58:00.000-08:00

So, here are my new PJ Pants! I just adore them.They are a little bit too low in the back, but that can be fixed. Next time, I'll adjust the back a bit. The flannel is wonderfully soft and I love the boot leg. The first time I made this pattern, I made it into a work/dress pant, beautiful navy with light grey pinstripe. Plus, it had a waistband with zipper and button closure. The pants are a tiny bit big around the low abdomen and crotch. I'll have to make some adjustments. I'd also like to try this with some stretch fabrics and no lining for work pants.

I've been reading Elle and Vogue lately. One of the movies that is influencing current fashion is Barbarella. I decided I should watch the movie and see what the fuss is all about. Oh... my... Gawd! I laughed out loud! Cheezy! Corny! Way too much time spelling out for the viewer that Pygar was flying. It epitomizes the 60's... love, sex, drugs. But, Jane does have some fun outfits. So, I pulled a couple photos from the latest runway shows. Oh my the designers are infatuated with Space Odyssey.

Oh yes, my new infatuation is www.reddress.nl. I just printed the pattern and have selected my test fabric - pink zebra! Yeoww!

Look Out Pantene, I'm the new model now!

2007-01-25T22:54:00.000-08:00

I just got my flip whipped! Ooo yeah!

Snow, snow, snow!

2007-01-25T22:51:00.000-08:00

Here is a photo of one of our most resent days of snow.

I was just arriving at work after a night of getting nearly no sleep.

I got a super awesome parking spot.

I just snagged my camera out and was trying to shoot a photo or two.

Here I caught a snowflake in mid fall!

How beautiful!

Fimo and Italiano

2007-01-25T22:27:00.000-08:00

The new year brings fun new things - large heating bills to cover warm homes during crazy cold snow storms, the urgent need to put your life in order (is that early spring cleaning), and for me of course, the departure from the holiday commitments (though I don't have many) allows for time to take new classes (not to mention they finally start offering them again!).

So, there we are. There I am. Sono bene!

I've started a Belly Dance class again. Dang, I forgot how much it works your quads. And plus, hello - you have to stay in that for the ENTIRE time. But I still love it. I mean, who doesn't adore getting gussied up in fabulous fabrics with bright shiny things all over them? And then on top of that it's OK to let it all hang out and "shake your thang."

Now, in addition to dance, I've begun an Italian class. I believe I was born to speak Italian. It's is to English what Belly Dance is to the Waltz. I LOVE using the accent and learning the words. There's so much life and spirit in everything you say. It's much more fun than learning both Spanish and Swedish. I mean, you get to be so bloody dramatic. See... told you I was born for it!

So, before all that began, I had been working on my box project that was, um 2 months late. Bad girl! Bad FuFu! However, to redeem myself, I made a Gnome out of Fimo, well Sculpey. I haven't picked that stuff up in like 15 to 20 years. It was a blast. I didn't forget any of my skills. Plus, I went on to the next box (yeah, that's due this Sunday), and made some adorable creatures (can't mention cause Mom might read this and it's her box and she can't see until the project is done in June). But, let me just say, I adore them. I had so much fun and was quite inspired. Although, I think the only reason I was so successful in making all of these is that I each creation had a purpose. I don't know what the heck I'd do with any of these if they weren't going to something specific. So, maybe I'll create more, when I have something or someone to make them for.

So, speaking of making things, I got a new sewing machine and had my serger serviced. I haven't sewed since before Christmas. I am excited to get back into it, but at the same time, I don't want to open it and create a bigger mess. I'm deep in the middle of, "how the heck do I get all this crap organized?"

I've been researching ways to organize my clothes and my crafts. Can I just say I have WAY too much fabric not to mention other things. So, stash dive I must! I think I've made a trip to value village or goodwill at least once a week! Crazy!

I'm so happy the weather has warmed up! The snow and cold and ice were getting me down. Talk about depressing! I was able to walk outside today and not get my pants too mucky. How lovely. I do so love strolling outside.

Finally - Halloween photos

2006-12-17T01:20:00.000-08:00

So, I'm trying out Flickr for holding all my photos. Let me know what you think.
Here's the link for the Halloween photos I just posted. Don't worry, I've got more on the way.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44506042@N00/?saved=1

Pirate Names

2006-09-28T22:38:00.000-07:00

So, International Talk Like a Pirate Day came and went. Shannon & I went searching and found our own pirate names! Ye shall call me Madd Jenny Kidd. Ye shall call her Captain Charity Vane!! Ha ha ha!

FuFu Your pirate name is:
Mad Jenny Kidd
Every pirate is a little bit crazy. You, though, are more than just a little bit. Even though you're not always the traditional swaggering gallant, your steadiness and planning make you a fine, reliable pirate. Arr!

Shannon Your pirate name is:
Captain Charity Vane
Even though there's no legal rank on a pirate ship, everyone recognizes you're the one in charge. You tend to blend into the background occaisionally, but that's okay, because it's much easier to sneak up on people and disembowel them that way. Arr!

Building Blocks Class + Communication Rant!

2006-09-19T23:06:00.000-07:00

I just started the Building Blocks class offered on www.seeitsewit.com. I am very impressed with the site and the format of the classes. The information is straight forward and easy to comprehend. I love it.

It may seem silly for someone who is an Engineer to aplaud the simplicity and clarity of someone's communication (people tell me that oh, you're smart, you should easily understand everything. Not true people! Some things take me some time) , but let me tell you! Just because people teach, does not mean they know how to educate someone. Nothing matters unless you have been able to reach your student. When the student is able to quickly and easily comprehend what is being taught, especially via the web, then boy do we have ourselves a fantastic instructor and communicator.

One of my biggest rants and nits is how people communicate when providing instructions. I am very picky when it comes to ensuring the clarity of what is being communicated. Can you look at something and understand in a matter of seconds. Maybe that stems from my short span of attention. More likely, it stems from attempting to provide massive amounts of detail by a mere sentence to an executive who truely doesn't care about what I ate for breakfast or for that matter, why supplier A isn't the right choice. This exec only wants to know why they should make the decision. Why should we pick A over B. Why should this exec even care about supplier A?

Ah, now here we get to the meat of the matter. Very few people seem to understand the point that they don't really matter in the equation of communicating to another person. The person who matters is the person to which you are attempting to communicate. If they grasp the point you are making, then you are successful. If you as the communicator can bear that in mind, then you will find yourself much more successful.

My most successful communication has been when I:
a) considered the end user and audience
b) provided such clarity and simplicity such that if my audience wasn't an expert, nor were they familiar with the topic at hand, then they could still comprehend my meaning.

So, I must say that though my writing skills are far from perfect, great consideration should be taken when writing instructions, teaching a class, or attempting to communicate an idea be it verbal or written. I believe that Heather and her team at See It! Sew It! have taken the time and consideration. Their work is stellar, simple and straight forward. It is pleasing to find such a refreshing change in the world of education. Thanks Heather!

The Wedding: Voice and Skirt in Action

2006-09-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

Mike and Jessica are now Hitched! And what a wedding.

We musicians like to whet our whistles before we put on a show!
I brought the spray bottle to wet the back of my throat (like drinking water) before singing so I wouldn't "muss" my lovely red lipstick. Truely, it worked better than drinking water. It hit right where I needed it. At least it made everyone giggle.

...And laughter helps you to relax before a performance.
(L-R: GG, Nate, & Maria)

C'mon girls, show the groom what he's now gonna miss out on! Ha ha!

Tim & I cut up the dance floor! Y'all do remember the sprinkler, don't you?

How low can ya go?
(L-R: Phil, Ethan, GG, Tim)

Neon HotRod Queen: purple & "you're getting sleepy"

2006-09-05T23:22:00.000-07:00

Photos by RockStar Photography

The purple and black skirt above will be worn to my friends wedding. There I will be performing Etta James' "At Last" with Nate, Ben Harper's "Beloved One" with Mariah and we shall get everyone to join us when we sing "Celebrate". This was inspired by Burda Magazine 12/2004. It is made entirely from Swimsuit material! All in lycra and has no zipper. Feels great on!

Something Dread.Full

2006-08-05T18:58:00.000-07:00

Here they are folks! Something Dread.Full Dreads.

The first and second photo below you see is my mom, Peg (Queen of Possibilities), wearing the 2nd set of dreads I EVER made!
We have a matching set. So, mother and daughter dance performance, here we come!

Here I am wearing my Water Sprite dreads. See the photo of me with the lillypad. These are my favorite dreads. So versitile! I'll be using them to be a lady of the lake.
Penny and I at Med Fest. Penny is wearing one of my favored red sets.
She, an amazing jewelry designer, wanted me to play dress up with her hair. So, I put together a set on her with the hair wrap also. Then, (get this!) she went and bought an outfit to match!

Bayside Challenge 2006

2006-08-03T23:29:00.000-07:00

Nate and I are dancing East Coast Swing. This is my least comfortable dance. I still had a blast. Best yet, mom came in just before this and didn't even recognize me!

Fairy Festival 2006: Eugene, OR

2006-08-03T23:26:00.000-07:00

I dressed as a water sprite for the festival. Mom & I had matching parasols (water themed). We met Brian and Wendy Froud (wow!), Ari, Tony DiTerlizzi, and Michael Hauge. I've never seen so many people dressed as fairies in my life. Wow! Guys, girls, everyone!

Back view of dreads by Something Dread~Full (that's me!) and my LilyPad Hat.

Most of the yarns for my dreads come from Spin Cycle Yarns (See my links!).

Dreads and make-up. This shows the length of the dreads.
Wow, purple shadow up to my brow!