going to battle in a foam helmet

I went to battle earlier this year trying to fulfill the wacky theatrical vision of my dear friend, Rob. Rob directed a community theater production of Lysistrata, a play written by the ancient Greek comic playwright, Aristophanes, in 411 BCE. When Rob asked me to help with costuming, he pitched the play as the "first-ever … Continue reading going to battle in a foam helmet →

a little drollerie

Here's a little something I worked on earlier this year. I've been calling it a sculpture but "doll" would be more accurate. It's about seven inches tall and made in the likeness of one of the characters from Hieronymous Bosch's painting, The Temptation of St. Anthony. Have you ever checked out any of Bosch's work? … Continue reading a little drollerie →

that was unplanned

Okay, so it's been a few months since popping in to sling letters onto the screen. In my defense, Valentine's Day was breathing down my neck in a threatening, decidedly non-sexy way. I really wanted to do something special: a love-themed automaton for my engineer hubby. With overconfidence in tow, I dedicated every spare moment … Continue reading that was unplanned →

finishing the wig alterations

This is the final post regarding the wig alterations I recently finished. As a reminder, I needed to alter four wigs for a dance troupe. The wigs were almost waist-length but needed to be lengthened and braided so that the braids ended at the hips. In previous posts, I described how to straighten synthetic hair … Continue reading finishing the wig alterations →

crazy for valentine’s day

Valentine's Day. That celebration of romantic love. A day of hearts, flowers, and admirers, hopefully. I can already feel hot breath on the back of my neck... But the breathing is decidedly aggressive and non-erotic... Only one week until V-Day. One week! How am I ever going to get my gift together?!? There's really no … Continue reading crazy for valentine’s day →

the price of love

It took 15 minutes before Michelle finally believed her sister, Francie, who called to report that she got married over the weekend. Part of the problem was that Michelle had never met her new brother-in-law. She didn't even know his name. Francie only ever referred to him as her "Mexican Gum Drop". He was 10 … Continue reading the price of love →

check out your public library

If you don't currently avail yourself of your public library and you've got time, I encourage you to find out what they have to offer. You might be pleasantly surprised. I've spent the last few weeks taking advantage of the free resources available through my community's public library. I've gotta say, it's been amazing! I … Continue reading check out your public library →

making hair weft tracks

This post continues to describe the process I used to alter wigs intended for wear during Uzbek dance performances. Because the original waist-length wigs needed an additional foot of hair, I knew I had to add hair extensions but needed to decide what type I would use. Because the hair had to be braided anyway, … Continue reading making hair weft tracks →

thoughts on mckinley’s deerskin

Robin McKinley's novel, Deerskin, is loosely based on the Charles Perrault fairytale, Donkey Skin. In both stories, a beloved king wants to marry his daughter. His daughter runs away, works menial labor in disguise, and finds love with a prince from another kingdom. Perrault's Donkey Skin contains key elements found in other fairy tales. In … Continue reading thoughts on mckinley’s deerskin →

straightening synthetic hair

I needed to transform a curly synthetic wig (below left) into a straight one (below right) to prepare it for additional alterations. I know a few ways to straighten and smooth synthetic hair: Dunk it in really hot water. This can be the fastest method but leaves a big watery mess when I do it. … Continue reading straightening synthetic hair →