I tend to use metallics as a neutral in a lot of things. And I love using pearl or shimmer mists like Perfect Pearls or the Tattered Angels Glimmer Mists to add depth and interest. Like here:
You can just barely see the shine in the photo. Unfortunately, I've found that these effects don't photograph well.
Lately I've been more interested in using rhinestones as an accent, just to give a little bit of shine, a little bit of fancy to a piece. Even when I'm using other materials that might be a little more rustic or grungy. So the other day, I picked up these guys:
Iridescent goes with everything, and I just love those Goosebumps ones! They'll make great flower centers.
You may even have noticed them on this from my Seth Apter book:
Shiny shiny shiny...
So, it seems somewhat natural that lately, I've been teaming up with my Mom to do something super blingy. It started, sort of, a year ago. At the Sheep and Wool Festival, I found these earrings, and couldn't leave without them:
I mean really, how fabulous is that?
I decided immediately that they would be perfect to wear for belly dance performances, since that is something I also study, and decided that at some point, I would have to make a costume to go with them. Well, I have a recital coming up on Sunday, so about a month ago, Mom and I got to work. I did the sewing and she did the beading, for the most part. The only beading I did was the sequins on the belt, and she did help with the sewing. But mostly we divided the labor along sewing (basic) and beading (complicated) lines. And this is what we did:
Invisible Carrie!
Here's a closeup of the belt, with the faux button that Mom made. That's right, she made it. She also did all that beaded edging.
On the top, she beaded a meandering path on the band, bezeled and added fringe to a vintage button, and did the sequins and the beaded edging. Rockstar.
All done by hand!
Mr. Pocket got in on the action, too, and mailled me this beautiful necklace to go with the costume. It's perfect with it!
I'll try to post pictures of me in the costume once I have some from the recital, with the makeup and all the jewelry and the whole nine yards. I'm so pleased with how it turned out, and super excited to wear it on Sunday! It's really a blessing and a luxury to have such a talented family who's willing to work hard on stuff like this for me. If you haven't already gotten familiar with her blog, please go to Zingala's Workshop and check out my Mom's other work. She's amazing! We've worked together on costumes before, for my friend's theatre group, and it's always fun to collaborate on stuff like this. We make a great team :)
