tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31345592624985399752024-03-12T20:52:17.859-07:00Damsel in the DollhouseMusic - Photography - Dance - Costume Design - Visual ArtsDamsel in the Dollhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911969351250284072noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3134559262498539975.post-2576621990550102702016-05-03T08:58:00.000-07:002016-05-10T16:07:18.790-07:00New album Feast of Villains is now available!Feast of Villains is a collection of songs celebrating some of my favorite maniacal characters from literature, television, and film. Within each song I tried to evoke a bit of madness that reflects the nature of each villain, while also playing with aggressive synth sounds and rapid variations for those who like to dance while committing mayhem. I invite you now to join me at the table with some of my most wickedly evil friends and enjoy the carnage.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://damselinthedollhouse.bandcamp.com/album/feast-of-villains" target="_blank">Download Feast of Villains from BandCamp</a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TudKdNE8yvA/VyjFJxDarTI/AAAAAAAAAfM/n6stsF9sg7Yy_dKohFfe5jHpc8oDcB1UwCLcB/s1600/Villain-Cover_CDBaby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TudKdNE8yvA/VyjFJxDarTI/AAAAAAAAAfM/n6stsF9sg7Yy_dKohFfe5jHpc8oDcB1UwCLcB/s320/Villain-Cover_CDBaby.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Thirteen tracks, fifteen photoshoots, one extensive video shoot, and so many sleepless nights went into the making of this album. The process began three years ago in 2013 when I decided to create a list of all of my favorite villains and see which ones were the most inspiring and could work based on the sounds I was experimenting with and the danceable vibe I wanted this album to have throughout. Over the course of the next couple of years I created a handful of tracks, but then set them aside partially due to other projects coming up, but also out of my pure frustration with the tracks not working or sounding "evil enough". I mean, how could I have an album about villains when the music sounds so…bloodless?<br />
<br />
After months of avoiding the tracks, then wanting to salvage them, then wanting to bury them again, I finally sat my ass down and gave them my complete attention. It was time to quit whining and pay homage to the fiends I was trying to celebrate. So at the end of 2015 I was finally ready and able to funnel all my attention to reworking those earlier songs and also create a number of new ones.<br />
<br />
If there's one thing I've learned during this journey, it's the necessity of stepping away from a project. It definitely allows you to come back to it with fresh ears so you can hear what's wrong, or missing, or out of whack. It also helped me to get excited about trying new things and then completely slip into the zone in which I could write more songs and finally polish these puppies into their final form.<br />
<br />
So although this album started three years ago, it wasn't until December 2015 that the gears were really turning and burning nonstop. Since then I have been working round the clock on finalizing songs, creating the album artwork, photographing like a madwoman, and recording and editing footage for the upcoming Room 237 music video. Exhaustion, I know thee well!<br />
<br />
This entire project has been such a serious labor of love, blood, and tears, but I couldn't be happier with the final result. A huge thank you goes to Rob Robinson (the amazing Sergeant Sawtooth) for mastering all of the tracks and keeping me going when the weight of this beast was about to crush me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NWuvxu1busc/VyjGHoR0UOI/AAAAAAAAAig/sAyheBsq598QRLeGe24xEqzrYyyftCRCgCKgB/s1600/80sVamp_121_fangs_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NWuvxu1busc/VyjGHoR0UOI/AAAAAAAAAig/sAyheBsq598QRLeGe24xEqzrYyyftCRCgCKgB/s320/80sVamp_121_fangs_sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
For your viewing pleasure, here are the final photos that I took for every track on the album in which I either portrayed the villain or tried to capture the mood of each song. They are the fruits of my madness! Following each set of photos is a link to the track on BandCamp for listening and downloading. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Track 01: Room 237</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DWPyLDWctHk/VyjGUPOUW5I/AAAAAAAAAio/Z5LjEWCTmkU8Fcu8bTFEyALM_jLSMinuwCKgB/s1600/Jack-edited_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DWPyLDWctHk/VyjGUPOUW5I/AAAAAAAAAio/Z5LjEWCTmkU8Fcu8bTFEyALM_jLSMinuwCKgB/s320/Jack-edited_sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4SyMRpFHZo8/VyjGdYjyxnI/AAAAAAAAAio/eMyqNL4D3boMkeAzEYuIjBToG8lTCPccQCKgB/s1600/Twinsies_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4SyMRpFHZo8/VyjGdYjyxnI/AAAAAAAAAio/eMyqNL4D3boMkeAzEYuIjBToG8lTCPccQCKgB/s320/Twinsies_sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F2fqpJyeQYA/VyjGIUaOl7I/AAAAAAAAAfg/SnVuFxk3rQQiiNj7TGoohVQu_951E6yqgCLcB/s1600/DannyFloor_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F2fqpJyeQYA/VyjGIUaOl7I/AAAAAAAAAfg/SnVuFxk3rQQiiNj7TGoohVQu_951E6yqgCLcB/s320/DannyFloor_sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://damselinthedollhouse.bandcamp.com/track/room-237" target="_blank">Listen to Room 237 on BandCamp</a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Track 02: Bloodlust</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0u8Aabaq_d0/VyjGI6GpfkI/AAAAAAAAAig/URCJFBRMnO4Qne2essHid1QQHKtMjncUgCKgB/s1600/Bloodlust02-Water_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0u8Aabaq_d0/VyjGI6GpfkI/AAAAAAAAAig/URCJFBRMnO4Qne2essHid1QQHKtMjncUgCKgB/s320/Bloodlust02-Water_sm.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WKnjjSLWRvo/VyjGKBZ7MhI/AAAAAAAAAio/ynbeyHB_pTg7r51FPDpE7y8TXqpCktx4gCKgB/s1600/Bloodlust06-Water_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WKnjjSLWRvo/VyjGKBZ7MhI/AAAAAAAAAio/ynbeyHB_pTg7r51FPDpE7y8TXqpCktx4gCKgB/s320/Bloodlust06-Water_sm.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://damselinthedollhouse.bandcamp.com/track/bloodlust" target="_blank">Listen to Bloodlust on BandCamp</a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Track 03: It's a Good Day</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rheCTv9ObQo/VyjGPuqm5BI/AAAAAAAAAi4/j-TNf6D3jropXr9eS1hLrAH9v-aHHXW7wCKgB/s1600/GoodDay71_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rheCTv9ObQo/VyjGPuqm5BI/AAAAAAAAAi4/j-TNf6D3jropXr9eS1hLrAH9v-aHHXW7wCKgB/s320/GoodDay71_sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6-zMjmf7HqU/VyjGNppF8QI/AAAAAAAAAio/dLy6CEcUSJwD7ioP2ey5FSkjjptagKr7wCKgB/s1600/GoodDay111_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6-zMjmf7HqU/VyjGNppF8QI/AAAAAAAAAio/dLy6CEcUSJwD7ioP2ey5FSkjjptagKr7wCKgB/s320/GoodDay111_sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbH1T3ot2uo/VyjGRGSIjNI/AAAAAAAAAio/v0vsqyylxnUOPRt0jmMGQID1xYnDpfUWwCKgB/s1600/GoodDay98_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbH1T3ot2uo/VyjGRGSIjNI/AAAAAAAAAio/v0vsqyylxnUOPRt0jmMGQID1xYnDpfUWwCKgB/s320/GoodDay98_sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://damselinthedollhouse.bandcamp.com/track/its-a-good-day" target="_blank">Listen to It's a Good Day on BandCamp</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Track 04: Forever Knight</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OU-pHMk-sBE/VyjGMCTEaWI/AAAAAAAAAio/v8Q9QXyv8c8lE5Fi3UM2HsRjxOsOeViUgCKgB/s1600/ForeverKnight2_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OU-pHMk-sBE/VyjGMCTEaWI/AAAAAAAAAio/v8Q9QXyv8c8lE5Fi3UM2HsRjxOsOeViUgCKgB/s320/ForeverKnight2_sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Q8sPzAx5o8/VyjGM-YkLQI/AAAAAAAAAio/sOi1GrWcq8E8DmSxk2-n-T1smx6uQy2EgCKgB/s1600/ForeverKnight-Final_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Q8sPzAx5o8/VyjGM-YkLQI/AAAAAAAAAio/sOi1GrWcq8E8DmSxk2-n-T1smx6uQy2EgCKgB/s320/ForeverKnight-Final_sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://damselinthedollhouse.bandcamp.com/track/forever-knight" target="_blank">Listen to Forever Knight on BandCamp</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Track 05: Lucifer</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JWb9XReFdFA/VyjGVuni7QI/AAAAAAAAAio/L_CEjxrOxt4byJ0tMMa1L9wfHTdmiJ4nwCKgB/s1600/Lucifer-Cool_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JWb9XReFdFA/VyjGVuni7QI/AAAAAAAAAio/L_CEjxrOxt4byJ0tMMa1L9wfHTdmiJ4nwCKgB/s320/Lucifer-Cool_sm.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lG-_Cwl_DFY/VyjGWP8FGXI/AAAAAAAAAio/njehekQskd4bQA71TC0k5VyaGkcOQJLTQCKgB/s1600/Lucifer-CrayolaEcho2_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lG-_Cwl_DFY/VyjGWP8FGXI/AAAAAAAAAio/njehekQskd4bQA71TC0k5VyaGkcOQJLTQCKgB/s320/Lucifer-CrayolaEcho2_sm.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WebqK8FsJCs/VyjGYGSxxwI/AAAAAAAAAio/uXHBcc1mSEo-yMe29LykDTYvKwIGxyYwACKgB/s1600/Lucifer-CrayolaEcho6_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WebqK8FsJCs/VyjGYGSxxwI/AAAAAAAAAio/uXHBcc1mSEo-yMe29LykDTYvKwIGxyYwACKgB/s320/Lucifer-CrayolaEcho6_sm.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-355hE_Do--g/VyjGXHyHZzI/AAAAAAAAAio/-IyCiLA8V-8btlJaOZ6DepEdKq_y4JYaACKgB/s1600/Lucifer-CrayolaEcho7_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-355hE_Do--g/VyjGXHyHZzI/AAAAAAAAAio/-IyCiLA8V-8btlJaOZ6DepEdKq_y4JYaACKgB/s320/Lucifer-CrayolaEcho7_sm.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://damselinthedollhouse.bandcamp.com/track/lucifer" target="_blank">Listen to Lucifer on BandCamp</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Track 06: Hannibal</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvkKsEEdhMg/VyjGTthoVRI/AAAAAAAAAi4/pA2w5q3DkeIRBTN9Df4hgqkqXnWeJo5DQCKgB/s1600/Hannibal01_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvkKsEEdhMg/VyjGTthoVRI/AAAAAAAAAi4/pA2w5q3DkeIRBTN9Df4hgqkqXnWeJo5DQCKgB/s320/Hannibal01_sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EUnxQFlQw14/VyjGRtK1M-I/AAAAAAAAAi4/Fij0lOfvftABXHaO3nK7jwSU5VkFHsyQwCKgB/s1600/Hannibal_350_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EUnxQFlQw14/VyjGRtK1M-I/AAAAAAAAAi4/Fij0lOfvftABXHaO3nK7jwSU5VkFHsyQwCKgB/s320/Hannibal_350_sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9uCPpQkdrqs/VyjGUCLN7VI/AAAAAAAAAi4/6Wrnj93ByEEgCnRq-IHsiK0KaLdS7wtyACKgB/s1600/Hannibal_353_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9uCPpQkdrqs/VyjGUCLN7VI/AAAAAAAAAi4/6Wrnj93ByEEgCnRq-IHsiK0KaLdS7wtyACKgB/s320/Hannibal_353_sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://damselinthedollhouse.bandcamp.com/track/hannibal" target="_blank">Listen to Hannibal on BandCamp</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Track 07: Mother</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-otuuwccxF0o/VyjGcdXs6wI/AAAAAAAAAi4/nvNxQnWlXE8S5jrJ-rGL6sqFyqmANLKfQCKgB/s1600/MotherBat_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-otuuwccxF0o/VyjGcdXs6wI/AAAAAAAAAi4/nvNxQnWlXE8S5jrJ-rGL6sqFyqmANLKfQCKgB/s320/MotherBat_sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AHkzht7sE5Q/VyjGaESxWeI/AAAAAAAAAi4/ZOyFFD7hlgkGcp5Fq-1O8g9Ed1EukM3pQCKgB/s1600/MotherRoom_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AHkzht7sE5Q/VyjGaESxWeI/AAAAAAAAAi4/ZOyFFD7hlgkGcp5Fq-1O8g9Ed1EukM3pQCKgB/s320/MotherRoom_sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://damselinthedollhouse.bandcamp.com/track/mother" target="_blank">Listen to Mother on BandCamp</a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Track 08: Darkness</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fMxJ_L51U6I/VyjGLOhrBVI/AAAAAAAAAi4/o7tDQUeCf08OEaZmjJnliHMwnMWdRJaAACKgB/s1600/Darkness_130_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fMxJ_L51U6I/VyjGLOhrBVI/AAAAAAAAAi4/o7tDQUeCf08OEaZmjJnliHMwnMWdRJaAACKgB/s320/Darkness_130_sm.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AGAhGNdLp4c/VyjGI4AY5PI/AAAAAAAAAig/UDte_S-aJY0dRq8JxOuUbxwgZIyl-yhcACKgB/s1600/Darkness_105_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AGAhGNdLp4c/VyjGI4AY5PI/AAAAAAAAAig/UDte_S-aJY0dRq8JxOuUbxwgZIyl-yhcACKgB/s320/Darkness_105_sm.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dRO5mj97jPI/VyjGJfMjSqI/AAAAAAAAAig/85q8_tVvVT4n1e99qx4RyPIhhzyl3bsvACKgB/s1600/Darkness_114_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dRO5mj97jPI/VyjGJfMjSqI/AAAAAAAAAig/85q8_tVvVT4n1e99qx4RyPIhhzyl3bsvACKgB/s320/Darkness_114_sm.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://damselinthedollhouse.bandcamp.com/track/darkness" target="_blank">Listen to Darkness on BandCamp</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Track 09: Lolita</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2AOdnm3C0pU/VyjGVw-tC8I/AAAAAAAAAi4/Z2EywomdoOs_ULgeeea4IE7Mw8Iqanw3wCKgB/s1600/Lolita_040_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2AOdnm3C0pU/VyjGVw-tC8I/AAAAAAAAAi4/Z2EywomdoOs_ULgeeea4IE7Mw8Iqanw3wCKgB/s320/Lolita_040_sm.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CXH75ZC0jrU/VyjGUxP6C-I/AAAAAAAAAi4/GtU2g9LvxqwAB6aeIKxXDX9TsAgHbc1MACKgB/s1600/Lolita_156_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CXH75ZC0jrU/VyjGUxP6C-I/AAAAAAAAAi4/GtU2g9LvxqwAB6aeIKxXDX9TsAgHbc1MACKgB/s320/Lolita_156_sm.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Txp5B6av5LQ/VyjGXVrO0eI/AAAAAAAAAi4/pR8xTyIu75USu5vy6IIHBBAxFmyyuyivwCKgB/s1600/Lolita_168_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Txp5B6av5LQ/VyjGXVrO0eI/AAAAAAAAAi4/pR8xTyIu75USu5vy6IIHBBAxFmyyuyivwCKgB/s320/Lolita_168_sm.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://damselinthedollhouse.bandcamp.com/track/lolita" target="_blank">Listen to Lolita on BandCamp</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Track 10: Pristine</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XOu8qtpD9R8/VyjGcdt8GKI/AAAAAAAAAi4/KzK6R3KHNwIHCpKWSWkXycO2L-ZxmRm1QCKgB/s1600/Pristine_302_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XOu8qtpD9R8/VyjGcdt8GKI/AAAAAAAAAi4/KzK6R3KHNwIHCpKWSWkXycO2L-ZxmRm1QCKgB/s320/Pristine_302_sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qg8kI9n7CtY/VyjGepked7I/AAAAAAAAAi4/eqbR1aR_kDAHNOzm7Q_D73e35yhgwsGowCKgB/s1600/Pristine_314_egg_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qg8kI9n7CtY/VyjGepked7I/AAAAAAAAAi4/eqbR1aR_kDAHNOzm7Q_D73e35yhgwsGowCKgB/s320/Pristine_314_egg_sm.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q4WwK4mrZaU/VyjGav234GI/AAAAAAAAAio/L8zuNw6A00AGD3L1OjaE9LCRr5q9oqXxACKgB/s1600/PristineRoy_003_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q4WwK4mrZaU/VyjGav234GI/AAAAAAAAAio/L8zuNw6A00AGD3L1OjaE9LCRr5q9oqXxACKgB/s320/PristineRoy_003_sm.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e4iYksvzqzA/VyjGclK2SdI/AAAAAAAAAio/Mow1j06qqLYQefMxE8uo4TFEj7mUTrYBQCKgB/s1600/PristineRoy_191b_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e4iYksvzqzA/VyjGclK2SdI/AAAAAAAAAio/Mow1j06qqLYQefMxE8uo4TFEj7mUTrYBQCKgB/s320/PristineRoy_191b_sm.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://damselinthedollhouse.bandcamp.com/track/pristine" target="_blank">Listen to Pristine on BandCamp</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Track 11: Greed is Good</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XuAE23dGem4/VyjGOxMxq4I/AAAAAAAAAi4/QwT100jf3RkdzkEAMRsYmCT-tQGkl_WkACKgB/s1600/Greed01_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XuAE23dGem4/VyjGOxMxq4I/AAAAAAAAAi4/QwT100jf3RkdzkEAMRsYmCT-tQGkl_WkACKgB/s320/Greed01_sm.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4YixrGjZLuo/VyjGORPdZtI/AAAAAAAAAi4/DJfeUOcMonw8492v4RYq8roTkvujBBeKQCKgB/s1600/Greed-bw_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4YixrGjZLuo/VyjGORPdZtI/AAAAAAAAAi4/DJfeUOcMonw8492v4RYq8roTkvujBBeKQCKgB/s320/Greed-bw_sm.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k6-X830w_0c/VyjGQevUstI/AAAAAAAAAi4/nLmQW4Gs6tYa37Qe_htSrIYSN22DspFEgCKgB/s1600/Greed_092_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k6-X830w_0c/VyjGQevUstI/AAAAAAAAAi4/nLmQW4Gs6tYa37Qe_htSrIYSN22DspFEgCKgB/s320/Greed_092_sm.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://damselinthedollhouse.bandcamp.com/track/greed-is-good" target="_blank">Listen to Greed is Good on BandCamp</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Track 12: Villain</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UsfgeWacH84/VyjGenMlasI/AAAAAAAAAi8/v6DeQzXIH5EqM32njYzuvICM-JGePVpigCKgB/s1600/Villain01A_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UsfgeWacH84/VyjGenMlasI/AAAAAAAAAi8/v6DeQzXIH5EqM32njYzuvICM-JGePVpigCKgB/s320/Villain01A_sm.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qtt1P7asX04/VyjGeA97OiI/AAAAAAAAAi8/QYRdqPgB8bgUmtFaqVgL0mN-sCBmA0KZQCKgB/s1600/Villain-Close_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qtt1P7asX04/VyjGeA97OiI/AAAAAAAAAi8/QYRdqPgB8bgUmtFaqVgL0mN-sCBmA0KZQCKgB/s320/Villain-Close_sm.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://damselinthedollhouse.bandcamp.com/track/villain" target="_blank">Listen to Villain on BandCamp</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Track 13: War Boy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tpuy0NFOt_g/VyjGgFsnG3I/AAAAAAAAAi8/hBwRpW2PXfQtgdsGinUmzZJx7Gav6jUvACKgB/s1600/WarBoy-Smokey_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tpuy0NFOt_g/VyjGgFsnG3I/AAAAAAAAAi8/hBwRpW2PXfQtgdsGinUmzZJx7Gav6jUvACKgB/s320/WarBoy-Smokey_sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://damselinthedollhouse.bandcamp.com/track/war-boy" target="_blank">Listen to War Boy on BandCamp</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Stay tuned for the premiere of my music video for Room 237 coming later this month!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m5PgVsrjW5I/VyjLTAjNHdI/AAAAAAAAAjI/aOtSJ-5HRTwzFMjEUQcEl2K0o22UQ7OyACLcB/s1600/FeastofVillains_01_text_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m5PgVsrjW5I/VyjLTAjNHdI/AAAAAAAAAjI/aOtSJ-5HRTwzFMjEUQcEl2K0o22UQ7OyACLcB/s320/FeastofVillains_01_text_sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Want to know more about the creation of these photos? Look for a post in the near future discussing the making of each photo including inspirational images, the costumes, props, budget, and editing tricks and apps that produced the final results.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0eIjQazgX3s/VyjL30sUTkI/AAAAAAAAAjM/JWgU7hGgmvARz7_LjKq3Iyqed6hZnMwowCLcB/s1600/Feastly_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0eIjQazgX3s/VyjL30sUTkI/AAAAAAAAAjM/JWgU7hGgmvARz7_LjKq3Iyqed6hZnMwowCLcB/s320/Feastly_sm.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7hjOFEuXxBk/VzDQWulBntI/AAAAAAAAAkg/2G5S7c-y9Co9kGVg1J5o0yFBM66Iz7H1QCLcB/s1600/Greed01_Retouched.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7hjOFEuXxBk/VzDQWulBntI/AAAAAAAAAkg/2G5S7c-y9Co9kGVg1J5o0yFBM66Iz7H1QCLcB/s1600/Greed01_Retouched.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</a></div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3134559262498539975" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3134559262498539975" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3134559262498539975%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D257662199055010270&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-NWuvxu1busc%2FVyjGHoR0UOI%2FAAAAAAAAAig%2FsAyheBsq598QRLeGe24xEqzrYyyftCRCgCKgB%2Fs320%2F80sVamp_121_fangs_sm.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=CMb4xkbM3eMi&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1022px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3134559262498539975%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D257662199055010270&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-NWuvxu1busc%2FVyjGHoR0UOI%2FAAAAAAAAAig%2FsAyheBsq598QRLeGe24xEqzrYyyftCRCgCKgB%2Fs320%2F80sVamp_121_fangs_sm.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=CMb4xkbM3eMi&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1022px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Damsel in the Dollhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911969351250284072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3134559262498539975.post-74357231780287708862016-02-03T13:20:00.002-08:002016-02-05T16:28:48.027-08:00Here we are at Boogie Wonderland and it is so…much…fun!It's been rather crazy round these parts over the last few months so I figured it's time to take a moment and share some of the fun and frenzy. But before I get to the mad recapping, I wanted to announce that you can download all three of my albums from my BandCamp page for free. So have at it!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://damselinthedollhouse.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Damsel in the Dollhouse on BandCamp</a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JFKiHBpD0d8/VrJzuzIldGI/AAAAAAAAAeU/H4iEL5Zo8Kc/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-03%2Bat%2B2.39.30%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JFKiHBpD0d8/VrJzuzIldGI/AAAAAAAAAeU/H4iEL5Zo8Kc/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-03%2Bat%2B2.39.30%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Okay, time to recap! In my October post, I mentioned my crazy Halloween costumes that I made that were inspired by one of my favorite films, Amadeus. And in September's post I mentioned the IndepenDance show and shared some of my previous dance creations. But it looks like I missed quite a few events so let's go way back to September and begin with the epic event known as Interchange, a weekend filled with live shows, public speakers, and family friendly events to help bring our diverse community together.<br />
<br />
One of the events during that weekend was the Interchange Remix Runway Show which showcased a whole heaping of incredible talent including singers and dancers and genuinely fun folks all on a stage setup just across the stream from the Bozeman Public Library. There were food vendors and twinkling lights hung all around the grove and a fabulous crowd that braved the chilly night to witness the awesomeness in all its flashy-tastic glory. So needless to say, I was absolutely thrilled to be invited to perform my cowgirl burlesque number in the show!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_eLjML0Iyg/VrJ1j_D5DcI/AAAAAAAAAec/skVSbOifymU/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-03%2Bat%2B2.47.21%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_eLjML0Iyg/VrJ1j_D5DcI/AAAAAAAAAec/skVSbOifymU/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-03%2Bat%2B2.47.21%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">that's Vanna Visceral so graciously donning the cow costume</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That's me looking like a goofball along with Vanna Visceral in disguise. I originally performed this number in The Visceral Show, but I did tweak my costume for this appearance by adding chaps, more sparkly bits, and switching our red bull costume for a giant black and white cow costume. Since the costume didn't have udders (seriously?) I made some myself. I also added a pocket behind the udders so Vanna could reach in and toss confetti in between the rubbing of her udders. It was so silly and fun and such a glorious night! Thank you, Interchange!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tMlBgnvFEpI/VrJurO0BelI/AAAAAAAAAeE/mPwhKm_R2tU/s1600/Cowgirl_052b_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tMlBgnvFEpI/VrJurO0BelI/AAAAAAAAAeE/mPwhKm_R2tU/s320/Cowgirl_052b_logo.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SSMp59dHLkI/VrJurTLjMWI/AAAAAAAAAeA/RIch_tO-d2s/s1600/Cowgirl_073b_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SSMp59dHLkI/VrJurTLjMWI/AAAAAAAAAeA/RIch_tO-d2s/s320/Cowgirl_073b_logo.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JZ6jM3z9OhA/VrJupr77mbI/AAAAAAAAAd8/-Cno3fDa1TU/s1600/Cowgirl_098_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JZ6jM3z9OhA/VrJupr77mbI/AAAAAAAAAd8/-Cno3fDa1TU/s320/Cowgirl_098_logo.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In October, some of the choreographers from the IndepenDance performance were invited to take part in a special evening raising awareness for local charities and nonprofits. The event was called "It's All About Giving" and featured performances in the Emerson theater and also in their ballroom with tasty treats and booths for viewing the work of each of the participating groups. I was thrilled to be able to perform in Stevie Peterson's "Off to the Races" once again, and also perform my own piece "Pristine". Here's a video of Pristine from the dress rehearsal. We're so androidy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5wnvNZRuEf4/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5wnvNZRuEf4?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
A huge thank you to the ladies of IndepenDance for helping to organize this event and to the folks of It's All About Giving for making this night possible and for making us feel so special throughout the rehearsals and on performance night!<br />
<br />
Later that month, Rob and I had the wonderful opportunity to perform live at the Goth Ball right here in Bozeman. It's an annual party that is open to the public and features goth, industrial, and alternative music spun by local DJs. It was held at the Eagles which has a fabulous ballroom with a stage and an INCREDIBLE sound system. There was a great crowd with folks decked out in their darkest and gothiest attire. Here's Rob and I in our costumes for the performance:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x6ydKSQRNuE/VrI5YMVoVsI/AAAAAAAAAac/ULMHczZ8WF8/s1600/DamselSarge_42_blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x6ydKSQRNuE/VrI5YMVoVsI/AAAAAAAAAac/ULMHczZ8WF8/s320/DamselSarge_42_blue.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nVaku-RViss/VrI5WdbxLSI/AAAAAAAAAaY/I3pAnOtSgA4/s1600/DamselSarge_66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nVaku-RViss/VrI5WdbxLSI/AAAAAAAAAaY/I3pAnOtSgA4/s320/DamselSarge_66.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I had made my gown over the summer so nothing new needed to be sewn for it. For Rob's, I modified an 18th century style costume that I already owned. It originally had an attached vest that snapped the coat closed, but the snaps were big and goofy and the coat was too big overall, so I removed the "vest" and just altered the front so it's an open front coat.<br />
<br />
We had two sets that night, each one was about twenty minutes. We played the first one rather early to a smaller crowd. During my first song I was stricken with an almost immediate dry mouth so singing was a challenge that entire first set. Not cool. Even with drinking water between songs I felt like I had swallowed cotton. After that set, I drank a ton of water to make sure that didn't happen again. Thankfully, the second set went off without a hitch! Huzzah! It was such a fun night and we met so many wonderful people! Thank you to everyone who made this event possible and for all of the lovely people who attended! It was a blast!<br />
<br />
In November, we were honored to be invited to perform live during The Cottonwood Club's "The Future is Female" art event. The Cottonwood Club hosts art shows and parties usually once a month in a basement space near downtown Bozeman. Artists are invited to show their work and the public is invited to peruse the awesomeness and meet the artists. For this event, female artists from all over Montana and beyond submitted their work for consideration. We were so excited and set to work on our costumes right away. Since this was a themed event, Rob and I went with an overall pink palette.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fg0gzzXB1F4/VrI6JKXL8qI/AAAAAAAAAbA/idV79BYhOw4/s1600/FutureIsFemale2015_16_LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fg0gzzXB1F4/VrI6JKXL8qI/AAAAAAAAAbA/idV79BYhOw4/s320/FutureIsFemale2015_16_LR.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MkFfGTQlxN4/VrI5v7Kdl_I/AAAAAAAAAbA/aCjwpqAwcHY/s1600/FutureIsFemale2015_01_LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MkFfGTQlxN4/VrI5v7Kdl_I/AAAAAAAAAbA/aCjwpqAwcHY/s320/FutureIsFemale2015_01_LR.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dhx_YSIX01A/VrI6JqDpb4I/AAAAAAAAAbI/JSP8Cm-fMTM/s1600/TheSarge_2015_21_LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dhx_YSIX01A/VrI6JqDpb4I/AAAAAAAAAbI/JSP8Cm-fMTM/s320/TheSarge_2015_21_LR.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OOEI7jGIELE/VrI6J0pgR8I/AAAAAAAAAbI/w43s32WfPGs/s1600/Cupcake_27b_LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OOEI7jGIELE/VrI6J0pgR8I/AAAAAAAAAbI/w43s32WfPGs/s320/Cupcake_27b_LR.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For our costumes, Rob wore a white lab coat, white loafers, a pink tie, and painted his nails pink. I decided to make a new headpiece and skirt to complement my hot pink corset that I had made years ago. The skirt is from a prom dress that I bought for $10 a year ago, but never got around to altering. The headpiece was made from a headband, sparkly pink foam (for the cupcake liner), snow fluff (cotton bunting to mimic icing), a purple boa, three large feathers, a pink sparkly Christmas pick, a red cherry (made from cotton wrapped with red fabric and dipped in red glitter), and lots of cotton for filling the cupcake liner. I also used some wooden skewers to help keep the snow fluff from shifting around on top of the liner. Oh, and I used a spray adhesive to add glitter to the entire icing fluff. That's one sparkly cupcake!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was also excited to be able to show a video that I had created last summer that incorporated elements of Rob's original music videos along with some other unused footage from our filming sessions back in 2014. The video ran for approximately thirty minutes and was looped throughout the evening's event. It was originally created as a backup projection during Rob's live Sergeant Sawtooth shows, but this was the first official premiere! Here are some screenshots.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KHzsPjfwf60/VrUNUALD6uI/AAAAAAAAAew/2EpMO0k0qak/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-05%2Bat%2B1.16.28%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KHzsPjfwf60/VrUNUALD6uI/AAAAAAAAAew/2EpMO0k0qak/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-05%2Bat%2B1.16.28%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gShItCxcDSg/VrUNUCIhMrI/AAAAAAAAAes/diaJyVBfs4Q/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-05%2Bat%2B1.17.15%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gShItCxcDSg/VrUNUCIhMrI/AAAAAAAAAes/diaJyVBfs4Q/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-05%2Bat%2B1.17.15%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XK51HbOA9fk/VrUNXpam74I/AAAAAAAAAe8/Yog7V1GQBzw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-05%2Bat%2B1.17.31%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XK51HbOA9fk/VrUNXpam74I/AAAAAAAAAe8/Yog7V1GQBzw/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-05%2Bat%2B1.17.31%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aC1mRdsJ760/VrUNWpB28iI/AAAAAAAAAe0/8pZLWcO68KY/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-05%2Bat%2B1.18.00%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aC1mRdsJ760/VrUNWpB28iI/AAAAAAAAAe0/8pZLWcO68KY/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-05%2Bat%2B1.18.00%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-adyLeIWBXUY/VrUNW8mVAnI/AAAAAAAAAe4/HA599NuQ-cw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-05%2Bat%2B1.19.35%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-adyLeIWBXUY/VrUNW8mVAnI/AAAAAAAAAe4/HA599NuQ-cw/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-05%2Bat%2B1.19.35%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The night was a great success and there were many new faces as well as familiar faces that made us feel very loved! Thank you to Dalton and The Cottonwood Club for this amazing opportunity!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKiiDtZzwVI/VrJn9KpsgVI/AAAAAAAAAdY/b1pqeZtt1fo/s1600/33-GOTH-BANDS-you-should-know-Compilation-by-Oskar-Terramortis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKiiDtZzwVI/VrJn9KpsgVI/AAAAAAAAAdY/b1pqeZtt1fo/s320/33-GOTH-BANDS-you-should-know-Compilation-by-Oskar-Terramortis.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also in November, my new track "Hannibal" was included in the amazing compilation 33 Goth Bands You Should Know II released by Gothic Rock Magazine. How cool is that? I was so freakin' excited to be included! You can download the song and all of the incredible tracks featuring bands from around the world for free right now and right here:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://gothic-rock.com/33-goth-bands-you-should-know-part-ii/" target="_blank">33 Goth Bands You Should Now</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In case you didn't know, I am a HUGE fan of the now cancelled show Hannibal. Apparently NBC wasn't getting enough viewers, but it is an absolute travesty that a show this artistic and strange and beautiful and bizarre couldn't move to another network. So sad. I'm still sad. So my song Hannibal is inspired by the show. If I had oodles of time I'd create a music video using clips from the show. That totally needs to happen. I should probably put that on my to do list. This track will also appear on my fourth upcoming album Feast of Villains.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sHl28_62Acs/VrJp5ShGziI/AAAAAAAAAdo/opURNR-fypg/s1600/Moonlight_066b_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sHl28_62Acs/VrJp5ShGziI/AAAAAAAAAdo/opURNR-fypg/s320/Moonlight_066b_logo.jpg" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pause to appreciate those paws</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In December, I was invited to perform burlesque for the Open Range restaurant's 1920s themed Repeal Party. Everyone as encouraged to dress in their flapper and gangster finest while charlestoning the night away to live music and fabulous themed libations. For this appearance, I put together two burlesque numbers that would fit the bill.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LLDVAwhrg2g/VrI57B3WU0I/AAAAAAAAAbA/b1WbZTlub78/s1600/Champagne01_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LLDVAwhrg2g/VrI57B3WU0I/AAAAAAAAAbA/b1WbZTlub78/s320/Champagne01_sm.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-quCmJKxk3Lg/VrI5-ot7KOI/AAAAAAAAAbA/4SrgA4dcDDg/s1600/Champagne02_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-quCmJKxk3Lg/VrI5-ot7KOI/AAAAAAAAAbA/4SrgA4dcDDg/s320/Champagne02_sm.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My first act of the night was a champagne themed number called "Cheers!" complete with golden goddess wings, a large green fan, balloons that looked like champagne bubbles, and a champagne headpiece. For this costume, I wore a green, gold, and black costume that I had made. Some of the pieces I had constructed years ago, but I did revamp the corset with a few new tweaks. The headpiece was brand spanking new. I created the champagne bottle out of sparkly foam then used cotton and gold star accents for the popped cork effect. The champagne glass is plastic and I filled it with silver and gold glitter. I used cotton on top of it so it looked all bubbly. I also used part of a green boa and tall green and black feathers as accents. It was definitely a little tricky to keep this headpiece still on top of the wig and there was a malfunction late in the performance, but hopefully everyone was more distracted by my sparkly underthings to notice! I also incorporated balloons filled with confetti which was a new fun twist for me and now it's my absolute favorite trick!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q3SKvafWzYc/VrI6DVnGKfI/AAAAAAAAAbA/Eiyld8iYgx0/s1600/RedHot05_Sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q3SKvafWzYc/VrI6DVnGKfI/AAAAAAAAAbA/Eiyld8iYgx0/s320/RedHot05_Sm.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZL8NfOrby84/VrI6DZ_rwMI/AAAAAAAAAbA/MVjc9W52SwQ/s1600/RedHot16_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZL8NfOrby84/VrI6DZ_rwMI/AAAAAAAAAbA/MVjc9W52SwQ/s320/RedHot16_sm.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My second number I called "Red Hot" which utilizes a large red fan, long red boa arm attachments, and confetti filled balloons as props. This one required another new headpiece and some new underthings. You can't see the bra and panties, but they are covered in red, orange, and yellow sequin flames. Sizzle sizzle! The other costume pieces I already had in storage including the corset and removable skirt. The headpiece I constructed by using Christmas picks (these were in the shapes of leaves, but looked like flames to me), part of a red boa, and some red sequin trim, all glued and wired to a headband. It was one hell of a hotly totsy event! Thank you, Open Range! You were the cat's meow!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Throughout the rest of December, I had the opportunity to photograph three amazing dance performances. Holiday season is always Nutcracker season and Bozeman has plenty of dance extravaganzas to suit everyone. The first show of the season was Main Street Dance Theatre's annual Twas the Night Before Christmas, which follows the story of a little girl who asks Santa to bring gifts from all over the world for her family. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://damselinthedollhouse.zenfolio.com/p139114305" target="_blank">Main Street Dance Theater's "Twas the Night Before Christmas"</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fuZGj3gxV6k/VrJJK5neO1I/AAAAAAAAAbo/IdJgBaO_BS8/s1600/TwastheNight_Dress_0479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fuZGj3gxV6k/VrJJK5neO1I/AAAAAAAAAbo/IdJgBaO_BS8/s320/TwastheNight_Dress_0479.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The next show was The Dance Center's annual Nutcracker in a Nutshell, which is a condensed version of the Nutcracker with their own unique spin on the tale. This year's storyline featured a little girl who brings her Nutcracker doll to her uncle, the toymaker. After being enchanted by the toys in his shop, Clara falls asleep and witnesses the battle with the rat king with her transformed Nutcracker, then visits the land of the sweets. The performance concludes with a stunning and magical dance of the snowflakes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://damselinthedollhouse.zenfolio.com/p798231493" target="_blank">The Dance Center's "Nutcracker in a Nutshell"</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WRzXE_hWvDs/VrJH7j4mwmI/AAAAAAAAAbc/mETJ_3WbIBY/s1600/Nutshell_Dress_1118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WRzXE_hWvDs/VrJH7j4mwmI/AAAAAAAAAbc/mETJ_3WbIBY/s320/Nutshell_Dress_1118.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Yellowstone Ballet Company's annual performance of their Nutcracker took a more whimsical approach this year and combined the usual tale with the dastardly Grinch from Dr. Seuss. The production was set in Whoville where the Grinch mischievously appears throughout the performance, fighting the prince in place of the rat king, but he eventually has a change of heart and joins Mary Lou Who on her journey to the land of the sweets. Their guest artists are always exceptional and this year's performance was an absolute treat!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://damselinthedollhouse.zenfolio.com/p717840605" target="_blank">Yellowstone Ballet Company's "The Nutcracker versus The Grinch"</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxTnCrQXvS4/VrJIkM8AUDI/AAAAAAAAAbg/9TzEtEMiF28/s1600/Nutcracker31_lr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxTnCrQXvS4/VrJIkM8AUDI/AAAAAAAAAbg/9TzEtEMiF28/s320/Nutcracker31_lr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thus concludes 2015. And what an adventurous year it was! Happy New Year!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There were no performances or events in January which gave me a wonderful opportunity to dive into more creative projects. Highlights of the month included my discovery of the cool photo app Enlight, photographing Rob's stunning daughter, and working on my next music album.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So with Enlight, you can apply some really artistic filters, lighting effects, backgrounds, borders, brushes, gradients, layers, even text to your photos. You can import them directly from your iPhone camera or your Dropbox. As far as I can tell, they export at the same resolution that you import them and they do not overwrite the originals. I tweaked a few of my photos that were first edited in Photoshop and Lightroom, then imported them into Enlight, then exported them back to Photoshop. Here's what the before and after photos look like. The before photos are on the left with the Enlight versions on the right. I'm definitely hooked!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bDnd0uSGT4/VrJRrBKpI6I/AAAAAAAAAcI/FX4Yi9fNk48/s1600/Sample_Babble.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bDnd0uSGT4/VrJRrBKpI6I/AAAAAAAAAcI/FX4Yi9fNk48/s320/Sample_Babble.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BOraWfnhFt4/VrJReYVjIcI/AAAAAAAAAb4/q80Ble3_g0s/s1600/Sample_BloodyDress.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BOraWfnhFt4/VrJReYVjIcI/AAAAAAAAAb4/q80Ble3_g0s/s320/Sample_BloodyDress.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-taODKmEUldI/VrJRjNh8CkI/AAAAAAAAAb8/-FSfoc36TD8/s1600/Sample_Lobotomy.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-taODKmEUldI/VrJRjNh8CkI/AAAAAAAAAb8/-FSfoc36TD8/s320/Sample_Lobotomy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vRQgTMIXOPY/VrJRpo_FGsI/AAAAAAAAAcE/BsxgZgfwXzk/s1600/Sample_Pierrot.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vRQgTMIXOPY/VrJRpo_FGsI/AAAAAAAAAcE/BsxgZgfwXzk/s320/Sample_Pierrot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xP5pajS7wkg/VrJRnJaUvII/AAAAAAAAAcA/nPgtNnWat20/s1600/Sample_SquiggleCoat.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xP5pajS7wkg/VrJRnJaUvII/AAAAAAAAAcA/nPgtNnWat20/s400/Sample_SquiggleCoat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I discovered Enlight from one of those "best of 2015" apps lists online. It only costs a few bucks, but it is totally worth it if you're looking to add some really artsy fartsy effects or just want to snazzy up your iPhone pics.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aJ2AotklL1I/VrJmxEJ79GI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/XP8fWlG0HK4/s1600/Cloaked-Enlight_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aJ2AotklL1I/VrJmxEJ79GI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/XP8fWlG0HK4/s320/Cloaked-Enlight_logo.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Which leads me to my next photo project! Before heading off for a semester in Amsterdam, Rob's daughter changed her blonde locks to a whimsical silvery purple so we had a photoshoot to capture the magic and celebrate her transformation! Here are some of the pics of Monica in all her radiant beauty.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jJD_M8GTPAg/VrJeSsrZZjI/AAAAAAAAAck/g1aBVWUgIYY/s1600/Monica_BlackBk_030_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jJD_M8GTPAg/VrJeSsrZZjI/AAAAAAAAAck/g1aBVWUgIYY/s320/Monica_BlackBk_030_logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bXFV9uEeqUY/VrJeSzeO9tI/AAAAAAAAAco/HnwuQCYQSKI/s1600/Monica_BlackBk_169_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bXFV9uEeqUY/VrJeSzeO9tI/AAAAAAAAAco/HnwuQCYQSKI/s320/Monica_BlackBk_169_logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Z2k7wS8oE4/VrJeVJ_osXI/AAAAAAAAAcw/AIOClAY3kKY/s1600/Monica_WhiteBk_061_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Z2k7wS8oE4/VrJeVJ_osXI/AAAAAAAAAcw/AIOClAY3kKY/s320/Monica_WhiteBk_061_logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WLRxoU4RTsM/VrJeUrihpkI/AAAAAAAAAcs/OFMfGMI646I/s1600/Monica_WhiteBk_068_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WLRxoU4RTsM/VrJeUrihpkI/AAAAAAAAAcs/OFMfGMI646I/s320/Monica_WhiteBk_068_logo.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KAzk0UJSa_M/VrJeVc3PSsI/AAAAAAAAAc0/vKcO3meozJI/s1600/Monica_WhiteBk_095b_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KAzk0UJSa_M/VrJeVc3PSsI/AAAAAAAAAc0/vKcO3meozJI/s320/Monica_WhiteBk_095b_logo.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MSscDwBUzDQ/VrJeSB2ft1I/AAAAAAAAAcg/vCjDs61vYAs/s1600/MonicaSorceress2-Enlight_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MSscDwBUzDQ/VrJeSB2ft1I/AAAAAAAAAcg/vCjDs61vYAs/s320/MonicaSorceress2-Enlight_logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLCAN3JFcjI/VrJeR-EpvbI/AAAAAAAAAcc/S7MFdJmsvb0/s1600/MonicaSorceress-Enlight_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLCAN3JFcjI/VrJeR-EpvbI/AAAAAAAAAcc/S7MFdJmsvb0/s320/MonicaSorceress-Enlight_logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QrRjLl08EHw/VrJeR2VM7vI/AAAAAAAAAcY/f0MTBn-fzb4/s1600/MonicaSorceressBW_Enlight_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QrRjLl08EHw/VrJeR2VM7vI/AAAAAAAAAcY/f0MTBn-fzb4/s320/MonicaSorceressBW_Enlight_logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In the musical realm, I'm currently working on my fourth album "Feast of Villains" and I will be working on it throughout February. So far it's been almost three years in the making. I'm desperately trying to get it finished up for a March release, but it's been a challenge. Some of the songs I wrote almost two years ago and revisiting them again is rather frustrating. It's the curse of the process, I guess. You write something and you feel triumphant, telling yourself that you love it, that it works, that it's final and ready for release. Then you work on other songs and when you revisit that earlier one you question "what the hell was I thinking? this sucks!". Then you start tinkering with it. And tinkering some more. Then you question, is it even worth it? It still basically sucks. Then you get distracted by making other songs and abandon it again. Then you realize that maybe it just needs a little more love. Then you decide, no, it's crap. It's dead to me. And then you discover that you've wasted so much time trying to make the heaping pile of doodoo work. Ah, tis the curse of creation, I guess.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Out of this back and forth misery, I have created some newer songs and I think they're coming along rather nicely. Guess we'll see if any more land in the doodoo pile. Okay, back to work on the tunes!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrDu2R6Vtcw/VrJf2uue2jI/AAAAAAAAAdA/fUudBSMUruM/s1600/SpookyTable_348_LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrDu2R6Vtcw/VrJf2uue2jI/AAAAAAAAAdA/fUudBSMUruM/s320/SpookyTable_348_LR.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Opening quote: What We Do in the Shadows (2014)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3134559262498539975%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7435723178028770886&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-JFKiHBpD0d8%2FVrJzuzIldGI%2FAAAAAAAAAeU%2FH4iEL5Zo8Kc%2Fs320%2FScreen%252BShot%252B2016-02-03%252Bat%252B2.39.30%252BPM.png&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=CMb4xkbM3eMi&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 126px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3134559262498539975%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7435723178028770886&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-JFKiHBpD0d8%2FVrJzuzIldGI%2FAAAAAAAAAeU%2FH4iEL5Zo8Kc%2Fs320%2FScreen%252BShot%252B2016-02-03%252Bat%252B2.39.30%252BPM.png&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=CMb4xkbM3eMi&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 126px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3134559262498539975%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7435723178028770886&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-JFKiHBpD0d8%2FVrJzuzIldGI%2FAAAAAAAAAeU%2FH4iEL5Zo8Kc%2Fs320%2FScreen%252BShot%252B2016-02-03%252Bat%252B2.39.30%252BPM.png&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=CMb4xkbM3eMi&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 126px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3134559262498539975%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7435723178028770886&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-JFKiHBpD0d8%2FVrJzuzIldGI%2FAAAAAAAAAeU%2FH4iEL5Zo8Kc%2Fs320%2FScreen%252BShot%252B2016-02-03%252Bat%252B2.39.30%252BPM.png&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=CMb4xkbM3eMi&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 126px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Damsel in the Dollhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911969351250284072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3134559262498539975.post-16756371237045157552015-11-05T15:06:00.003-08:002015-11-12T14:31:48.697-08:00Tea? Who wants tea? Let's go out! This calls for a feast. You don't want tea, do you, Papa?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That's a quote from one of my favorite films and the inspiration for this year's Halloween costumes.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoIZx-kB6Ho/Vjp4w35JvxI/AAAAAAAAAKk/E0OPUo0C3ec/s1600/amadeus_ver1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoIZx-kB6Ho/Vjp4w35JvxI/AAAAAAAAAKk/E0OPUo0C3ec/s320/amadeus_ver1.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>
<br />
When this film first came out and was nominated for a billion Oscars I was so annoyed. My immature little brain had not yet seen the film, nor understood how much I could fall in love with all of the locations, the sets, the dramatic story, the lavish costumes, and the overall grandeur of the 18th century. When I finally sat down and watched the film, I understood why it won a billion Oscars. And for many years after that fateful viewing, I have coveted two particular costumes.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-toN1uBqW1-U/Vjp6pZzx1QI/AAAAAAAAASs/Q8Lt20Iekuc/s1600/Unicorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-toN1uBqW1-U/Vjp6pZzx1QI/AAAAAAAAASs/Q8Lt20Iekuc/s320/Unicorn.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mozart's Unicorn Masquerade Party Headpiece</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dw7FK2UvOrI/Vjp6nAmL8rI/AAAAAAAAASY/0dT01n6jDIs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-08-18%2Bat%2B4.20.42%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dw7FK2UvOrI/Vjp6nAmL8rI/AAAAAAAAASY/0dT01n6jDIs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-08-18%2Bat%2B4.20.42%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Constanze's Swan Masquerade Party Costume</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Though I longed to possess these amazing creations, I never considered that I could actually make them. I figured they were well beyond my crafty range of skills and would require woodworking and specialized materials and an in-depth knowledge of hats and gravity and balance, etc. I would need cosplay skills up the wazoo and an insane budget for all of the materials.<br />
<br />
But this year, I finally said f**k it! Let's attempt these holy grails of headpieces! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So I made a list of the items I thought I would most likely need to make them and gathered any materials I already had in my crafting bins. I wanted to avoid buying materials as much as possible and keep these projects cheap, but I did end up having to spend a little extra in order to complete them.<br />
<br />
I started with the swan headdress so here are all of the materials I used:<br />
<br />
<b>Materials for Constanze's Swan Headpiece and Mask:</b><br />
basic mask for face (not plastic, it felt like a very thick fabric)<br />
appliques for mask<br />
white paint for mask<br />
thin elastic strap for mask<br />
pearlescent sequin trim<br />
buckram hat frame<br />
white lace (for back of headpiece)<br />
white ostrich feathers (10 of 6-8" and 10 of 10-12")<br />
white loose feathers<br />
white marabou<br />
white boa<br />
3 white hackle pads<br />
thick card stock for small gold crown on swan's head<br />
gold paint for swan crown<br />
gold glitter for swan crown<br />
orange felt for bill<br />
black felt for bill<br />
hot glue<br />
elmer's glue<br />
tin foil<br />
thick wire<br />
white duct tape<br />
gray duct tape<br />
white thread and sewing needle<br />
styrofoam<br />
wide elastic strap for headpiece<br />
red rhinestones for eyes<br />
black paint<br />
Mod Podge<br />
mannequin head (could also use a styrofoam head form from a craft store)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I then sat down and started molding a swan's head out of wire and covered it with aluminum foil to give it shape. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XYCBUgWmfK0/Vjp5yB15LCI/AAAAAAAAALM/WjnUjz7Tu8c/s1600/2015-08-22%2B13.28.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XYCBUgWmfK0/Vjp5yB15LCI/AAAAAAAAALM/WjnUjz7Tu8c/s320/2015-08-22%2B13.28.54.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then I covered it with duct tape to hold it's shape and smooth the surface.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pu0LiXVv09w/Vjp5yCdpU2I/AAAAAAAAALQ/XXod6tl_Vro/s1600/2015-08-22%2B13.40.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pu0LiXVv09w/Vjp5yCdpU2I/AAAAAAAAALQ/XXod6tl_Vro/s320/2015-08-22%2B13.40.24.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I kept some of the wire long so it could wrap around the buckram frame, but it wasn't long enough.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mo5jt_QKYVc/Vjp50QgXcJI/AAAAAAAAALc/eONct_rhApE/s1600/2015-08-22%2B15.03.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mo5jt_QKYVc/Vjp50QgXcJI/AAAAAAAAALc/eONct_rhApE/s320/2015-08-22%2B15.03.54.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So I added more wire to keep the swan head attached to the hat frame. I twisted the exposed wire with additional wire so it could then wrap around the hat frame securely. I taped the wires together then sewed the wires to the hat frame.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K6PyZMJtuu0/Vjp5zmBRocI/AAAAAAAAALg/GK1Clp2YAvs/s1600/2015-08-22%2B14.37.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K6PyZMJtuu0/Vjp5zmBRocI/AAAAAAAAALg/GK1Clp2YAvs/s320/2015-08-22%2B14.37.26.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
If felt pretty secure to the frame so then I attached some wide elastic to the hat so it would be tight around my head.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DvENiB5Aur4/Vjp5158f6iI/AAAAAAAAALs/IPFT4IH-qmI/s1600/2015-08-22%2B15.32.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DvENiB5Aur4/Vjp5158f6iI/AAAAAAAAALs/IPFT4IH-qmI/s320/2015-08-22%2B15.32.02.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
In hindsight, I should have bought some black wide elastic, but I was trying to avoid buying more materials so I used what I had. I figured I could always paint or dye the elastic later on. I also curved the neck of the swan a little more to resemble the swan in the film. Next step was to add some volume to the body of the swan. For this, I added some styrofoam.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pqk6FLaoK2E/Vjp54nAv7bI/AAAAAAAAAMM/Hw1fooxp8nk/s1600/2015-08-22%2B16.23.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pqk6FLaoK2E/Vjp54nAv7bI/AAAAAAAAAMM/Hw1fooxp8nk/s320/2015-08-22%2B16.23.57.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xkp2aC_nPg4/Vjp52IfeJvI/AAAAAAAAAL0/CctxiFW_ppw/s1600/2015-08-22%2B16.23.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xkp2aC_nPg4/Vjp52IfeJvI/AAAAAAAAAL0/CctxiFW_ppw/s320/2015-08-22%2B16.23.46.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I added it to bump out the wing area and the butt. I then covered the styrofoam with duct tape to keep it from shedding.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Y3GRtRQ4_s/Vjp54Sv2J2I/AAAAAAAAAMI/_RESQ0olvsQ/s1600/2015-08-22%2B16.37.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Y3GRtRQ4_s/Vjp54Sv2J2I/AAAAAAAAAMI/_RESQ0olvsQ/s320/2015-08-22%2B16.37.29.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Looks like some strange, futuristic bird creature. I then figured that I would need some support for the ostrich feathers that I would be adding later on so I stuck my poor alien bird with some skewers directly into the styrofoam and secured them with hot glue.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G_sGBXvMnlg/Vjp55IgqAoI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/lJs73oBSTVI/s1600/2015-08-22%2B17.05.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G_sGBXvMnlg/Vjp55IgqAoI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/lJs73oBSTVI/s320/2015-08-22%2B17.05.40.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For the next step, I painted my swan and the skewers with white acrylic as I figured the feathers wouldn't cover 100% of the body and some of the tape would show.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NDujmJMYhhA/Vjp561T6MKI/AAAAAAAAAMg/zZVXOcPt5hM/s1600/2015-08-22%2B17.40.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NDujmJMYhhA/Vjp561T6MKI/AAAAAAAAAMg/zZVXOcPt5hM/s320/2015-08-22%2B17.40.50.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
For more volume and to "seal" in the base of the swan, I covered the body with white felt. I also glued on the long white veil that was featured on the swan in the movie.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w6JWjsuC8h8/Vjp574tS7II/AAAAAAAAAMo/nii6KOZdKAI/s1600/2015-08-22%2B23.33.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w6JWjsuC8h8/Vjp574tS7II/AAAAAAAAAMo/nii6KOZdKAI/s320/2015-08-22%2B23.33.22.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sXFg47naKBc/Vjp57gT4OuI/AAAAAAAAAMk/5baVCo_rvI0/s1600/2015-08-22%2B23.32.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sXFg47naKBc/Vjp57gT4OuI/AAAAAAAAAMk/5baVCo_rvI0/s320/2015-08-22%2B23.32.48.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
At this point I realized that when I glue on the feathers to the swan's head and neck, the white paint might come off. So I bought some white duct tape and covered the head and neck.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k6byuUr0K_4/Vjp5-cYN5UI/AAAAAAAAANA/DxSDZmCK-fg/s1600/2015-08-23%2B13.40.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k6byuUr0K_4/Vjp5-cYN5UI/AAAAAAAAANA/DxSDZmCK-fg/s320/2015-08-23%2B13.40.10.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
During my craft shopping outing, I also picked up the base for the mask and some feather items. I saw some hackle pads at the store so I bought every white one they had (only three were available). I figured these could cover the breast of the swan. I also bought a bag of loose white feathers. With the single feathers, I had to first sort them to find the smallest and fluffiest ones as these would be glued to the head and neck above the hackle pads. I also found some small white feather angel wings. I think these were part of their Halloween costume display. They had a styrofoam backing and an elastic for a child to wear them. I knew immediately that I could make them into the outer wings which would save me some time of cobbling together something similar from loose feathers. And the elastic could be used for my face mask.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nZ1A1al_aSU/Vjp59ZNpNvI/AAAAAAAAAM0/TJLFfzPMOF4/s1600/2015-08-23%2B13.10.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nZ1A1al_aSU/Vjp59ZNpNvI/AAAAAAAAAM0/TJLFfzPMOF4/s320/2015-08-23%2B13.10.56.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is Mister Swan with the hackle pads at his breast and all of those pesky loose little feathers up his neck and on his head. I used Elmer's glue for this part as it was safer than hot glue and easier to manipulate as I had to place on two layers of tiny feathers in some spots to get enough feather fluff. I also hot glued on a strip of white marabou along the bottom edge of the headpiece, securing it to the frame. This would hide the bottom edge of the buckram frame and also add some more swan fluff.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TdzSdM8ElMo/Vjp5-HKYzII/AAAAAAAAAM8/P-bvTkkTCaw/s1600/2015-08-23%2B15.05.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TdzSdM8ElMo/Vjp5-HKYzII/AAAAAAAAAM8/P-bvTkkTCaw/s320/2015-08-23%2B15.05.18.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1fF05qla56U/Vjp5_aeKIaI/AAAAAAAAANI/STKus3gyvgw/s1600/2015-08-23%2B15.05.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1fF05qla56U/Vjp5_aeKIaI/AAAAAAAAANI/STKus3gyvgw/s320/2015-08-23%2B15.05.33.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a-HU3elUZmI/Vjp6AeNcvQI/AAAAAAAAANU/Xcy8ohedWcA/s1600/2015-08-23%2B15.06.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a-HU3elUZmI/Vjp6AeNcvQI/AAAAAAAAANU/Xcy8ohedWcA/s320/2015-08-23%2B15.06.25.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Now it was time to add the white boa. I wrapped it around the wing area, over the body, and around the butt and secured it with hot glue.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8EcFMSwFdR0/Vjp6AmkRMjI/AAAAAAAAANc/KiUGkBCr_Go/s1600/2015-08-24%2B10.49.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8EcFMSwFdR0/Vjp6AmkRMjI/AAAAAAAAANc/KiUGkBCr_Go/s320/2015-08-24%2B10.49.26.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Then came the addition of loose ostrich feathers. I couldn't find any in my local craft store that were small enough so I ordered a bunch from Etsy. I can't recall how many I used, but I glued them to the skewers. Then I added those angel wings. I cut them apart so the wings were separated then placed them on either side of the body where I had previously added my styrofoam bulk. Since the back of the angel wings were styrofoam and it was rather thick, I used some skewers to hold them in place. I cut the skewers so they weren't too long, then inserted one into each wing and hot glued it in place. Then I pushed the other end of the skewer into the base of the swan in the wing area. I then hot glued the skewer and the base of the angel wing to the swan's body.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3kMghkuZymg/Vjp6Bj4INFI/AAAAAAAAANg/pNfSPGy2xag/s1600/2015-08-29%2B13.42.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3kMghkuZymg/Vjp6Bj4INFI/AAAAAAAAANg/pNfSPGy2xag/s320/2015-08-29%2B13.42.39.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Looking pretty fluffy! With all of the feathers in place, I could start work on the face. I cut some orange felt and fashioned a beak. To keep it in place, I used hot glue then further molded it with Mod Podge. It hardened the felt nicely and gave it a little shine. Then I glued on the black eye area which I made out of black felt. For the swan's eyes, I used two red rhinestones and used black marker to color in the center of each eye.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cEHzKZLEoe0/Vjp6DJQF4FI/AAAAAAAAANs/hiZ3CMk9Dm0/s1600/2015-08-30%2B10.50.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cEHzKZLEoe0/Vjp6DJQF4FI/AAAAAAAAANs/hiZ3CMk9Dm0/s320/2015-08-30%2B10.50.45.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Almost done! Next it was time to craft a crown! I originally tried using gold pipe cleaners, but the crown was too bulky and heavy. Then I tried some sparkly gold foam, but that was also bulky. So I just used plain white card stock. I cut out my crown and glued the ends together. Then I painted it gold, let it dry, then covered it in gold glitter. I then used Mod Podge to seal it and make it stiffer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-icbWJ54WRJw/Vjp6D2ZgTkI/AAAAAAAAAN4/1rymEFogCII/s1600/2015-09-05%2B14.19.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-icbWJ54WRJw/Vjp6D2ZgTkI/AAAAAAAAAN4/1rymEFogCII/s320/2015-09-05%2B14.19.40.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Holy cow! I made a swan! And it looks like Constanze's swan! Huzzah! And it only took me about...20 hours! Maybe slightly less, but there was a lot of stop and go throughout the process since I didn't really have a plan in place, nor did I really know what I was doing. Overall, I think this cost me about $40 out of pocket since I already had most of the supplies on hand. Items purchased specifically for this project included the hackle pads, angel wings, loose feathers, ostrich feathers, and white duct tape. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDCLmhg6yoo/Vjp6DCZrpTI/AAAAAAAAAN0/350b_Ua-veQ/s1600/2015-09-05%2B14.19.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDCLmhg6yoo/Vjp6DCZrpTI/AAAAAAAAAN0/350b_Ua-veQ/s320/2015-09-05%2B14.19.09.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now for the mask, this part was much easier and faster. Looking at the mask from the film, it appeared to be covered completely in feathers. I considered copying it exactly, but I didn't have a lot of little feathers left to fully cover it. Once again, trying to save money, I decided to use what I had on hand to decorate it. I began by attaching the thin elastic (from the angel wings) to both sides in the back. Since the mask was already an off-white color, I didn't paint it. I covered the mask with some of the leftover lace that was also used as the swan veil. I used Elmer's glue to secure it and let it dry overnight.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CdqV0YlaVG4/Vjp6jNCA7yI/AAAAAAAAARw/ssaETPuCZMU/s1600/Mask01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CdqV0YlaVG4/Vjp6jNCA7yI/AAAAAAAAARw/ssaETPuCZMU/s320/Mask01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I figured that if it wouldn't look exactly like the mask in the film, it should still tie into the Swan Headdress and also my dress that I would be making for this costume. From the dress, I had removed a whole bunch of sequin and pearl appliqués in a variety of designs and sizes. I chose the smallest and best appliqués and glued them on in a mirrored design. I also used a tiny perfect feather from the loose bag of feathers that I had sorted. For a little sparkle, I added a pearlescent sequin trim around the outer edge and the eyes. I think this took me about three hours to make. Out of pocket was only $4 (for the mask base) as everything else I already had on hand.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Rp2nqkeqjg/Vjp6kTq45QI/AAAAAAAAAR4/OrClW21YkBI/s1600/Mask02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Rp2nqkeqjg/Vjp6kTq45QI/AAAAAAAAAR4/OrClW21YkBI/s320/Mask02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Huzzah! The swan headdress and mask are complete! Time to celebrate! But wait, there's still a unicorn headpiece to make, dummy! Eek! And I have absolutely no idea how to make that thing! I mean, look at it! It's huge!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-toN1uBqW1-U/Vjp6pZzx1QI/AAAAAAAAASs/Q8Lt20Iekuc/s1600/Unicorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-toN1uBqW1-U/Vjp6pZzx1QI/AAAAAAAAASs/Q8Lt20Iekuc/s320/Unicorn.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
I honestly have no idea how they made this for the film. It looks like wood? Perhaps a felt exterior? If it's all wood then it must have been super heavy and uncomfortable. And I definitely didn't want to make something that would be torture to wear. Since I'm not a woodworker, I figured my only option would be...papier mache.<br />
<br />
I hadn't worked with that stuff since second grade and at that time I knew I didn't like it. It's messy and time consuming and takes FOREVER to dry. That one and only time I used it I made a cavewoman marionette. It was fashioned out of a 2-liter soda bottle with yellow yarn hair and limbs made of popsicle sticks and leopard print fur clothing. But it was the head that was papier mache. And I disliked the entire icky process of making it. Mind you, this was just a head, I think the size of a grapefruit, but I never wanted to delve into that seventh layer of hell again.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_kBSyBglVg/VjuLOSAoyvI/AAAAAAAAAUE/Wxyk_tysoKA/s1600/cavewoman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_kBSyBglVg/VjuLOSAoyvI/AAAAAAAAAUE/Wxyk_tysoKA/s320/cavewoman.jpg" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It's possible that I was trying to make a marionette that looked like this.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--sGXUaUU3Ts/VjuNBCwMEmI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/PPAaUPsQEDg/s1600/75.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--sGXUaUU3Ts/VjuNBCwMEmI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/PPAaUPsQEDg/s320/75.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But it probably looked more like this with lipstick and yarn hair.<br />In my defense, I was watching a lot of Saturday morning cartoons at the time and Captain Caveman was pretty awesome. Even if he was an almost complete rip-off of Cousin It. Just saying.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Anywho, to tackle my adult fear of returning to this gruesome process, I watched a gazillion YouTube tutorials on papier mache (or is it paper mache? I've seen it spelled both ways, but I'll go with the French spelling). People were making all sorts of awesome creations…amazing dragons, cartoonish fox heads, creepy witch masks, gnarly pumpkins! So incredibly cool! I want to make all of those things! Maybe I have avoided papier mache for far too long! Look at all the amazing weirdness one can create! There are no limits to this epic art form!<br />
<br />
So I embraced the inevitable and dove in. Now I did know that I didn't want to use the old flour and water mixture. I know it's cheaper, but I did discover that you could make the paste with plain old Elmer's glue instead of flour which could mold. It would require lots of glue, so I picked up a big gallon container. It also required lots of newspaper so I did the whole shredding of paper thing into strips.<br />
<br />
Then it was time to get my materials list together. Okay, what do I need beyond the paper and glue?<br />
<br />
<b>Materials for Mozart's Unicorn Headpiece:</b><br />
newspaper shredded into strips (and a box to keep it in)<br />
Elmer's glue<br />
water<br />
large storage container (for the glue mixture)<br />
vinyl gloves<br />
hot glue<br />
white long horse hair for back/mane - I used a long white costume wig<br />
green leaves<br />
1 red rose<br />
ivory roses and/or other large ivory flowers<br />
pink flowers<br />
white lace trim for bottom edge around headpiece<br />
white paint for base<br />
brown paint for eyebrows<br />
blue paint for the eyes<br />
black paint for nostrils and eyes<br />
gold paint for the horn<br />
wire for the horn and base<br />
cardboard for sculpting outside of head, to brace the inside, and creating ears<br />
tin foil for shaping of horn<br />
masking tape<br />
tissue paper<br />
Fast Mache<br />
air drying clay<br />
sealant<br />
mannequin head<br />
<br />
Before diving in, I grabbed as many screenshots from the film as possible. This thing was a beast, so I wanted to make sure I studied it from every angle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ula_FLpDLMA/Vjp6ruWmqiI/AAAAAAAAATI/jMC1OoaVfiY/s1600/Unicorn03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ula_FLpDLMA/Vjp6ruWmqiI/AAAAAAAAATI/jMC1OoaVfiY/s320/Unicorn03.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E2rts9o2TQg/Vjp6v5oRsHI/AAAAAAAAATs/Xn4_ZU4ZaXo/s1600/Unicorn04.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E2rts9o2TQg/Vjp6v5oRsHI/AAAAAAAAATs/Xn4_ZU4ZaXo/s320/Unicorn04.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is that wood on the inside? Holy cow, that must have been heavy on Tom Hulce's head!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RVOo2Vb3b90/Vjp6tYutisI/AAAAAAAAATQ/iNNCQPglFR4/s1600/Unicorn05.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RVOo2Vb3b90/Vjp6tYutisI/AAAAAAAAATQ/iNNCQPglFR4/s320/Unicorn05.png" width="252" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9_9QrRnv5UA/Vjp6wNeV9mI/AAAAAAAAATw/fcFjs4RmVdY/s1600/Unicorn06.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9_9QrRnv5UA/Vjp6wNeV9mI/AAAAAAAAATw/fcFjs4RmVdY/s320/Unicorn06.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey, where did the red rose go?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WG3zMyHjM2I/Vjp6w5rEcLI/AAAAAAAAATo/7E1rPhbJi9A/s1600/Unicorn08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WG3zMyHjM2I/Vjp6w5rEcLI/AAAAAAAAATo/7E1rPhbJi9A/s320/Unicorn08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Now curiously, the unicorn you see in the bottom picture is slightly different from the one's above it. The shading around the nose is darker and the ears are not as rounded at the tips. Hmm. At this point I also discovered that Constanze's swan in the bottom pic looks NOTHING like the one in the film. It's much bigger and looks almost plastic. Strange. It's not unheard of to have multiples of the same prop, I just thought it was interesting since I never noticed while watching the film and I've seen it a million times! Okay, I don't really know what I'm doing, but let's make a frame!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0tLepPwQQxo/Vjp6FwVwZbI/AAAAAAAAAOE/e86WfJZtjrc/s1600/2015-09-06%2B16.16.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0tLepPwQQxo/Vjp6FwVwZbI/AAAAAAAAAOE/e86WfJZtjrc/s320/2015-09-06%2B16.16.28.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I used heavy wire, cardboard, and masking tape to sculpt a head. It definitely looks more like a Skeksi than a horse, but I figured I could fix that later. And if you don't know what a Skeksi is…<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_4h_3o6nHlo/VjuRmMifnhI/AAAAAAAAAUc/McqnQvtkoAc/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="136" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_4h_3o6nHlo/VjuRmMifnhI/AAAAAAAAAUc/McqnQvtkoAc/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Dark Crystal. Watch it immediately if you haven't seen it.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After feeling somewhat happy with the general shape, I then filled in some of the front of the face with more cardboard strips for stability. After that, I covered my Skeksi, I mean Unicorn, with masking tape to seal it all together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7WffXyQ7E2U/Vjp6HRyuL1I/AAAAAAAAAOQ/O8A4PE_HS1E/s1600/2015-09-06%2B18.52.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7WffXyQ7E2U/Vjp6HRyuL1I/AAAAAAAAAOQ/O8A4PE_HS1E/s320/2015-09-06%2B18.52.31.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Voila! A vulture! With the outside now covered, I built up the inside to help keep it supported when wearing it. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nNRiF6oTd6k/Vjp6GI6tXcI/AAAAAAAAAOI/hOnH0sK0rYg/s1600/2015-09-06%2B18.51.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nNRiF6oTd6k/Vjp6GI6tXcI/AAAAAAAAAOI/hOnH0sK0rYg/s320/2015-09-06%2B18.51.50.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The inside is a strange web of cardboard and masking tape to hopefully keep this thing on a human head. There was a lot of finger crossing at this point as I wasn't sure if it would be too nose heavy and sit right on a human head. It balanced just fine on the mannequin, but it didn't have layers of papier mache on it yet. Now to transform my vulture into a unicorn, I used more cardboard and tissue paper to create ears and a suitable horse muzzle. And for the horn, foil was used to build it out and then I used rope to create the spiral. Then I covered these new additions with masking tape. And hooray! It actually looks like a unicorn!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RLrvL8697_M/Vjp6IWt7y7I/AAAAAAAAAOc/WNZuCHiwEMQ/s1600/2015-09-07%2B00.37.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RLrvL8697_M/Vjp6IWt7y7I/AAAAAAAAAOc/WNZuCHiwEMQ/s320/2015-09-07%2B00.37.49.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zFlEKl9L7Us/Vjp6IqSJW8I/AAAAAAAAAOg/hRabK8Mif24/s1600/2015-09-07%2B00.37.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zFlEKl9L7Us/Vjp6IqSJW8I/AAAAAAAAAOg/hRabK8Mif24/s320/2015-09-07%2B00.37.33.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
With my entire unicorn wrapped in masking tape, it was now time for the papier mache.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3otW1b1jtZE/Vjp6JtRx5pI/AAAAAAAAAOw/7_LlRgn2DLw/s1600/2015-09-07%2B14.00.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3otW1b1jtZE/Vjp6JtRx5pI/AAAAAAAAAOw/7_LlRgn2DLw/s320/2015-09-07%2B14.00.29.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As I suspected, this part was laborious. Using one part water to one part glue (I think I had two cups of glue to two cups warm water for each layer), I had a mixture ready for the paper. Wearing vinyl gloves (I used thin medical gloves), I then got to work. Covering the complete outside of the unicorn took two hours. I then let it sit for twenty-four hours to dry before tackling the next layer. I figured I would need no less than three layers total.<br />
<br />
After finishing up my three layers and checking to make sure my third layer was completely dry, I started to work on the inside. First I had to cover the inside with masking tape. This helped to seal in the "guts" and gave me a smooth surface for the papier mache. Luckily, applying each layer of the papier mache only took one hour to complete inside the head. I then let each layer dry for twenty-four hours before tackling the next one. After my third layer was completely dry, I painted it black. I chose black because I figured I could find black foam to line it. Later on, I could only find white, but I left the interior black anyway.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I6k7obFIxxg/Vjp6JwupTWI/AAAAAAAAAO4/f5ibBMBPS1s/s1600/2015-10-07%2B14.02.08-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I6k7obFIxxg/Vjp6JwupTWI/AAAAAAAAAO4/f5ibBMBPS1s/s320/2015-10-07%2B14.02.08-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
With my interior and exterior now completely dry, I set to work on painting it. I put two coats of white paint on the head and for the horn I did the first layer in black, then added two more layers of gold paint. I let it all dry then discovered to my horror that I forgot to give my unicorn eyes. Since I wanted this to look as close to the film version as possible, I realized that I had to create three dimensional eyes. I did not want to try doing them in papier mache as I had already painted the head white and I did not want to go through that process again. So, the only other option I had was Fast Mache. It's light, quick, and should adhere without issue.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bfs0gG9N5cI/Vjp6KAW7z7I/AAAAAAAAAO0/geHN7XRCJEk/s1600/2015-10-09%2B20.58.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bfs0gG9N5cI/Vjp6KAW7z7I/AAAAAAAAAO0/geHN7XRCJEk/s320/2015-10-09%2B20.58.38.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Fast Mache. What can I say about this substance that I now refer to as papier mache's evil and sadistic uncle? Well, I first discovered this stuff on a whim a few years ago when I found a tutorial for creating creepy hands as a prop for Halloween. The artist was using Fast Mache and touting it as the fantastic alternative to papier mache. I'm guessing this stuff just doesn't like me because it was such an unpleasant experience that I quit halfway through my creepy hand creation and vowed never to open the box of that vile stuff again. It was lumpy when mixed, didn't smooth out at all, dried way too fast on the sculpture and in my hands that it felt like my skin was burning. I didn't have any gloves so I quit after finishing the first hand. The box of unused Fast Mache then sat in the back of a cupboard ever since, lurking in the shadows, reminding me of my failure.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NZT6rStY37Y/VjuasSAGSOI/AAAAAAAAAUs/1OjcofHKl9Y/s1600/IMG_1768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NZT6rStY37Y/VjuasSAGSOI/AAAAAAAAAUs/1OjcofHKl9Y/s320/IMG_1768.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Haunted by an unfinished project. The Fast Mache hand is on top of the second unfinished hand.<br />I just couldn't bring myself to finish the second hand after the nightmare of tackling the first.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I considered using Air Drying Clay, but due to the amount I would need in order to bump out the eyes, I figured it would add more weight to the front of the head and I didn't want to make it any heavier. So in my desperation, I decided to try and make friends with the fiendish concoction and set to work making the icky paste and sculpting it onto the face.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HMhC8Wmfy0c/Vjp6LLiemzI/AAAAAAAAAPE/BB_1Lh5f57E/s1600/2015-10-09%2B21.21.33-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HMhC8Wmfy0c/Vjp6LLiemzI/AAAAAAAAAPE/BB_1Lh5f57E/s320/2015-10-09%2B21.21.33-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ugh. Same issues as the first time. Didn't smooth out at all, is horribly lumpy, dried in my hands, and looks like oatmeal when dry. It did, however, give me three dimensional eyes without adding any weight, so there's that, I guess.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-InC5ysRCUhM/Vjp6L8JMsdI/AAAAAAAAAPM/I3bh8NX4FOE/s1600/2015-10-09%2B21.21.19-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-InC5ysRCUhM/Vjp6L8JMsdI/AAAAAAAAAPM/I3bh8NX4FOE/s320/2015-10-09%2B21.21.19-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So I let it dry overnight then used sandpaper to smooth it out. It still wasn't smooth enough, so I decided to add a little air drying clay on top. Since this stuff is heavier, I kept it to a minimum and used the thinnest layer I could to even out the surface.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qURklQBgOMM/Vjp6MRyFLaI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/AP-mexwEYRk/s1600/2015-10-11%2B09.49.41-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qURklQBgOMM/Vjp6MRyFLaI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/AP-mexwEYRk/s320/2015-10-11%2B09.49.41-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The eyes were now much smoother and any little cracks left in the clay I just filled in with Elmer's glue. Finally, I was ready to paint! At first I tried to create some of the shading that is on the film's version unicorn, but without an airbrush, it just looked terrible. So I painted everything white again and started over. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--eavaJZ34HQ/Vjp6NjaivwI/AAAAAAAAAQA/okZZTqRYQYU/s1600/2015-10-11%2B21.23.32-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--eavaJZ34HQ/Vjp6NjaivwI/AAAAAAAAAQA/okZZTqRYQYU/s320/2015-10-11%2B21.23.32-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I decided to keep the features simple. It would look a little cartoonish, but I figured it would have to do. After I was happy with the facial features, I covered the entire head with sealant to keep the paint from chipping off. Then came the addition of the wig. I used a plain long white costume wig that I already had in storage. I removed the bangs then glued it to the back of the unicorn's head. Then I added all of the flowers and leaves, trying to mimic the design from the movie version. I also added lace trim along the bottom of the headpiece.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pOUQT96cC3E/Vjp6NrbfA3I/AAAAAAAAAPg/q9WSlXwVMIc/s1600/2015-10-12%2B22.00.12-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pOUQT96cC3E/Vjp6NrbfA3I/AAAAAAAAAPg/q9WSlXwVMIc/s320/2015-10-12%2B22.00.12-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fxLTgGQGPtE/Vjp6Ovx8otI/AAAAAAAAAP0/qjVXdQxa86g/s1600/2015-10-12%2B22.00.39-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fxLTgGQGPtE/Vjp6Ovx8otI/AAAAAAAAAP0/qjVXdQxa86g/s320/2015-10-12%2B22.00.39-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oYSUkgpxr8g/Vjp6PHA4UoI/AAAAAAAAAP4/Nxp808TNFo4/s1600/2015-10-12%2B22.00.59-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oYSUkgpxr8g/Vjp6PHA4UoI/AAAAAAAAAP4/Nxp808TNFo4/s320/2015-10-12%2B22.00.59-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And there it is! Huzzah! My very own Amadeus unicorn headpiece!!! To help with the comfort of wearing it, I purchased some basic foam sheets at the craft store and cut them to fit inside. Then I glued some of the foam pieces so they wouldn't shift around. Other pieces I just kept loose so the headpiece could be adjustable.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Overall, I think I spent around $30 for the materials as I already had most of the items. I did purchase two rolls of masking tape in two different widths and bought a few flowers at the craft store. I also bought a large container of Elmer's glue and a sheet of foam. But the labor for this project was extensive and I estimate that I put in around 40 hours total. The frame construction took several hours alone as it was a challenge to figure out the dimensions that would work and keep the nose balanced. The papier mache required six hours for the exterior and three hours for the interior, not including paper shredding prep work. The painting took around 4-6 hours, especially since I had to start over after my shading debacle. But it was all totally worth it! I tackled my own holy grail of costuming challenges!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But the challenge wasn't over yet! I still had the actual costumes to create! And only two weeks until Halloween! Eegads!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Luckily, I had already started planning the actual costumes and pulling together pieces that could be altered from my own costume stash and was also checking every thrift store in town. For Constanze, I knew that I needed a white dress with a full skirt that could accommodate the pannier shape of the 18th century. For Mozart, I would need a frock coat, vest, shirt, knickers, white stockings, and period appropriate shoes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nnFBw2FyPIc/Vjp5v5s46rI/AAAAAAAAAK8/F1Rbneia6xk/s1600/0790%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nnFBw2FyPIc/Vjp5v5s46rI/AAAAAAAAAK8/F1Rbneia6xk/s320/0790%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UlyrG4mz72g/Vjp6veLMe_I/AAAAAAAAATk/tv6rSQqbLT8/s1600/Unicorn07.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UlyrG4mz72g/Vjp6veLMe_I/AAAAAAAAATk/tv6rSQqbLT8/s320/Unicorn07.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'll start with Mozart's costume first.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I already had some white stockings in my own costume stash so those were good to go. For the knickers, I had purchased a velvet pair of ivory ones last year at the Montana Shakespeare in the Parks costume sale (a truly amazing sale that reaped many wondrous items!). I also had a coat that I had purchased on a whim a few years ago from a thrift store that I hoped to one day turn into an 18th century frock coat. At that time, I also bought some matching fabric in the hopes of making matching knickers. I never made them, but thank goodness I didn't! That fabric could now be used to make the matching vest!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W5uHtqL-eyU/VjuiiZb2qTI/AAAAAAAAAU8/HHj4uvAEdRE/s1600/18th%2BCentury%2BGold%2BPrint%2BCoat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W5uHtqL-eyU/VjuiiZb2qTI/AAAAAAAAAU8/HHj4uvAEdRE/s320/18th%2BCentury%2BGold%2BPrint%2BCoat.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I see an 18th century frock coat in your future!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So the only item I would need to make from scratch would be the vest. I had never made a vest before. Seemed easy enough. But alas, no, it wasn't easy. It was a huge pain in the buttocks. Since the material frayed so easily, I had to line the entire thing. Luckily I already had some leftover gold fabric from this project.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BTpYbEqnG5s/Vjujqd2jP7I/AAAAAAAAAVI/nYoGtVpEya4/s1600/DSC_0652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BTpYbEqnG5s/Vjujqd2jP7I/AAAAAAAAAVI/nYoGtVpEya4/s320/DSC_0652.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had used a very nice satiny material to line this cloak and had a huge amount left. So without a pattern, no clue how to make a vest, I used a vest that I already had in storage as my pattern and got to work. Because I was in such a rush I didn't take many pictures throughout my sewing process of this bad boy, but here's the end result.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UIEXpAg7ZFg/Vju3IN6KG1I/AAAAAAAAAVw/3brgrCEYvhM/s1600/IMG_1769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UIEXpAg7ZFg/Vju3IN6KG1I/AAAAAAAAAVw/3brgrCEYvhM/s320/IMG_1769.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dmUCyuUkJU/Vju3FQ2V5jI/AAAAAAAAAVc/cSslhaqYbt0/s1600/IMG_1770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dmUCyuUkJU/Vju3FQ2V5jI/AAAAAAAAAVc/cSslhaqYbt0/s320/IMG_1770.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ignore the wrinkles and the fraying at the neckline. When i cut my fabric I should have allowed for more to hem to avoid the fraying nightmare. This is where the fabric glue comes in handy. Because this fabric frays so badly, I opted to not create true buttonholes. Instead, I just added snaps. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Unfortunately, during the creation of this fraying specimen, it caused the demise of my dear old sewing machine. There was a horrific bang, then the timing was officially off. Something must have jumped gear because now my machine was out of sync and the thread wasn't catching the bobbin thread. After hours of trying to manually fix it, I finally gave up. UGH!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I weighed the pros and cons of three scenarios…try to have it fixed, buy a brand new machine, or sew everything by hand. The first two options would cost quite a bit, but manually sewing the rest of the Mozart costume pieces and the huge gown for the Constanze costume was not a favorable option. And fixing the machine could take days and I didn't have the time. So I did some research and found the heaviest machine with the highest rating that could handle thick fabrics and wouldn't jump around like my old one. I also wanted one that was mechanical, not reliant on any fancy computer chip or digital displays. I wanted a workhorse with muscle. My machine of choice was the Janome HD-3000. Amazon had it delivered in two days. I'll be paying it off for months. Ah, credit cards.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Y0WZMkCOC4/Vju7gnIqqMI/AAAAAAAAAXs/Pk2BHQdsmZg/s1600/hd3000-main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Y0WZMkCOC4/Vju7gnIqqMI/AAAAAAAAAXs/Pk2BHQdsmZg/s320/hd3000-main.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But it really is a fantastic sewing machine, worth every whiff of my burning plastic!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So with the vest now complete, I started on the coat. I knew I had to alter the collar, replace all of the buttons, add some large cuffs, and snazzy it up quite a bit.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W5uHtqL-eyU/VjuiiZb2qTI/AAAAAAAAAVA/JchRcU9oIso/s1600/18th%2BCentury%2BGold%2BPrint%2BCoat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W5uHtqL-eyU/VjuiiZb2qTI/AAAAAAAAAVA/JchRcU9oIso/s320/18th%2BCentury%2BGold%2BPrint%2BCoat.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
From the craft store, I picked up ornate gold buttons and some fancy gold trim. I cut off the collar, sewed it under, then added gold down the front and replaced all of the buttons. For the cuffs, I used the same two fabrics that I used for the vest, lining the fraying nightmare material with the gold material.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLnv7uQcCFc/Vju6mkdHHXI/AAAAAAAAAXM/MA6PVOqobRg/s1600/AmadeusCostumes_27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLnv7uQcCFc/Vju6mkdHHXI/AAAAAAAAAXM/MA6PVOqobRg/s320/AmadeusCostumes_27.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CBDmP6sIdBI/Vju6uPeg4PI/AAAAAAAAAXY/-uefzGtFNpY/s1600/AmadeusCostumes_32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CBDmP6sIdBI/Vju6uPeg4PI/AAAAAAAAAXY/-uefzGtFNpY/s320/AmadeusCostumes_32.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There is a white shirt underneath and a lacy cravat that I made to tie around the neck.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W3kVXOHYY8c/Vju-WtvXI9I/AAAAAAAAAX4/aZJllb8mrTo/s1600/IMG_1771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W3kVXOHYY8c/Vju-WtvXI9I/AAAAAAAAAX4/aZJllb8mrTo/s320/IMG_1771.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
For the cravat, I used a long strip of lace for tying around the neck. To the lace, I attached a section of layered lace from a little girl's dress I found at a thrift shop. The skirt of the dress was all layered lace which was perfect as it could be used for not only this cravat, but also for the sleeves of the Constanze dress. The only catch was that it had pink ribbon stitched to every row of lace. There were about eight layers of lace. And the process of removing the pink ribbon took about four hours. I was committed, damnit!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gXAtFmM2jCM/Vju-XAkTuBI/AAAAAAAAAX8/ZqThOyUJatE/s1600/IMG_1772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gXAtFmM2jCM/Vju-XAkTuBI/AAAAAAAAAX8/ZqThOyUJatE/s320/IMG_1772.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The shirt I also found at a thrift store. When I saw it, I almost fainted. It screamed Mozart! It had a fantastic embroidered pattern all over (you can't really tell with all of the wrinkles, sorry, I had just washed it!). The only thing I needed to alter was the addition of the lacy sleeves. Again, I used some of that little girl's dress and stitched it on to create that signature 18th century flouncey trim.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CWoKLj710oU/Vju3Gs0tTgI/AAAAAAAAAVs/PLvI3Htw55E/s1600/IMG_1773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CWoKLj710oU/Vju3Gs0tTgI/AAAAAAAAAVs/PLvI3Htw55E/s320/IMG_1773.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you unfocus your eyes the wrinkles disappear! Magic!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-71MmqvUmZPQ/Vju6zRjDObI/AAAAAAAAAXg/ei96YbqPW2E/s1600/AmadeusCostumes_38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-71MmqvUmZPQ/Vju6zRjDObI/AAAAAAAAAXg/ei96YbqPW2E/s320/AmadeusCostumes_38.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The pin in the cravat is a vintage piece of costume jewelry that I already had. It's a lovely gold with green gem in the middle. The only thing left to complete the costume would be the shoes and those I found online from a costume store. And they aren't too shabby for a costume shoe. The buckle is actually metal and the material is flexible. They are a little slippery on the soles, but they totally worked.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nsgJiNW8WEg/VjvAxiGkCXI/AAAAAAAAAYM/Dn1reAUFIWY/s1600/s-l1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nsgJiNW8WEg/VjvAxiGkCXI/AAAAAAAAAYM/Dn1reAUFIWY/s320/s-l1000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With Mozart's costume complete and only seven days left till Halloween, I settled in for one hell of a sleepless week. Because this dress, holy cow. Where do I begin?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WDUsnBCcaDY/Vjp6hyM5PUI/AAAAAAAAARk/khwma1I9z3o/s1600/Dress_Inspiration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WDUsnBCcaDY/Vjp6hyM5PUI/AAAAAAAAARk/khwma1I9z3o/s320/Dress_Inspiration.jpg" width="187" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
To be honest, I did start some prep work on the Constanze costume in late August. I pulled a dress that I already had in storage as it was white and had a large enough skirt to accommodate panniers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AxVqAcMKls0/Vjp6zEQt-fI/AAAAAAAAAT4/jdNfBJ20wTI/s1600/Wedding%2BGown%2Bwith%2BEmbroidered%2BFloral%2BAppliques.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AxVqAcMKls0/Vjp6zEQt-fI/AAAAAAAAAT4/jdNfBJ20wTI/s320/Wedding%2BGown%2Bwith%2BEmbroidered%2BFloral%2BAppliques.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The dress was much too big so I figured I would need to remove most of the overlay up top so I could alter it to fit me. I also knew that I would want to include a corset that laced all the way up the back, just like Constanze's dress. Here is the only shot of the back of it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s5BDNnAxMMo/Vjp6cTaNiUI/AAAAAAAAARA/C89dPStw4s4/s1600/DressBack.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s5BDNnAxMMo/Vjp6cTaNiUI/AAAAAAAAARA/C89dPStw4s4/s320/DressBack.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I had seen corsets online that did lace all the way up the back so I found one in white and ordered it toute suite. But when it arrived, it wasn't white at all. It was off white, more of an ivory with the slightest hint of a yellow tint.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kmeDHRsh-Hw/Vjp6ZJhXj9I/AAAAAAAAAQw/p-66vdjQi-M/s1600/Dress01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kmeDHRsh-Hw/Vjp6ZJhXj9I/AAAAAAAAAQw/p-66vdjQi-M/s320/Dress01.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KrFLk8SJpck/Vjp6Y6PiyTI/AAAAAAAAAQs/fN0tq_7XHac/s1600/Dress02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KrFLk8SJpck/Vjp6Y6PiyTI/AAAAAAAAAQs/fN0tq_7XHac/s320/Dress02.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
My heart sunk. I had already started to take apart the white gown and there was no way to bleach the corset. I even contacted the Rit Dye people to see if there was a way to bleach it safey, but alas, it could not be done. So, I had to set aside my white gown and see if I had any alternatives. Being a costume hoarder, I had a few wedding dresses in storage that I had picked up at local thrift stores over the last few years with the intention of transforming them into something new one day. And alas, this beauty was just begging to be used.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQVEkvE8gYw/Vjp6nkG-z1I/AAAAAAAAASU/z9crTBGeN0k/s1600/Dress_Original.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQVEkvE8gYw/Vjp6nkG-z1I/AAAAAAAAASU/z9crTBGeN0k/s320/Dress_Original.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think I paid $20 for this dress (before that local thrift shop started hiking up all wedding dresses to $100+). The tag inside from the original bridal shop had it listed at $600. I think the appliqués alone would cost around $600 on this dress, and there were many of them! All over the front and back of the bodice, the short sleeves, and running the full length of the cathedral train. We're talking yards of beautiful satiny fabric and exquisitely beaded and sequined appliqués. And, hello, it was the exact same color as the corset. Thank you, lucky stars!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now because the bodice was covered in appliqués and I needed to somehow incorporate a corset, I decided to get to work removing all of those appliqués from the front, back, and the shoulders. The only place I left the originals was on those short sleeves. That process alone took about four to five hours, but that was still less time than sewing them all back onto the corset later on!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oYxau8vzNEI/Vju6dB9QhmI/AAAAAAAAAXA/y21QGNL4Fsw/s1600/AmadeusCostumes_26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oYxau8vzNEI/Vju6dB9QhmI/AAAAAAAAAXA/y21QGNL4Fsw/s320/AmadeusCostumes_26.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">An example of some of the appliqués that I picked off the dress.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After I removed the appliqués, I actually put the dress aside and started working on the swan, then the unicorn, then the Mozart costume. Flash forward to a week before Halloween and I realized I had saved the hardest sewing project ever to the very end. Stupid procrastinator! Oh well, onward!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WYjTT3hwoWI/Vjp6WC-8M1I/AAAAAAAAAQY/iTuuw3nyjUE/s1600/Dress03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WYjTT3hwoWI/Vjp6WC-8M1I/AAAAAAAAAQY/iTuuw3nyjUE/s320/Dress03.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the picture above, you can see the dress without the appliqués on the bodice and the corset fastened around it. I removed all of the plastic boning from the corset, except for the boning along the eyelets in the back (I'll probably eventually remove those, too, as I know they will bend over time). I then removed the lace trim along the bottom of the corset and folded it under and sewed it so it had a more period specific bodice shape (high waist and deep front). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since the front of the dress was much too high and wouldn't allow me the full bosom of the 18th century, I decided to cut off the sleeves and remove a portion of the front of the dress. There was a zip up the back, but it only came up 3/4 of the way so I figured I would try to keep that same height in the front. Due to the weight of the skirt, I knew that I would need some sort of suspenders to also keep it up, so I attached some wide elastic.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Cc50ReiFCM/Vjp6YvZzsLI/AAAAAAAAAQo/nhznq20Gkbk/s1600/Dress04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Cc50ReiFCM/Vjp6YvZzsLI/AAAAAAAAAQo/nhznq20Gkbk/s320/Dress04.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At this point I also had to hem the back of the dress from the removal of the train and keep it from fraying. With the hem complete, I then shortened the straps of the corset so it would fit me better then sewed the short sleeves to the corset. Now since the Constanze dress had 3/4 sleeves, I also had to add length to the current short sleeves. I used some of the fabric from the train and extended the sleeves. I figured I could hide the seams later when I added the appliqués.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RKa4DXCXeq8/Vjp6hGSh16I/AAAAAAAAARc/w8Dv9SwBDm4/s1600/Dress06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RKa4DXCXeq8/Vjp6hGSh16I/AAAAAAAAARc/w8Dv9SwBDm4/s320/Dress06.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since the back of the original dress was low cut, when I tried to attach the short sleeves to the corset, there wasn't enough fabric around the shoulder blades. I had two bare patches that just wouldn't work if I left them as is. So I had to create two layered half moon shapes out of the train material and attach them as shown below.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R0XF4bdLPhQ/Vjp6hVQEFVI/AAAAAAAAARg/l651IPfVJiQ/s1600/Dress07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R0XF4bdLPhQ/Vjp6hVQEFVI/AAAAAAAAARg/l651IPfVJiQ/s320/Dress07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It looks rather messy, but again, I would be adding appliqués to try and mask those seams. Next I used the rest of that little girl's lacy dress to make flouncy sleeves.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g7rckPDwjac/Vjp6ayHgqSI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/ejYww5yGSqM/s1600/Dress05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g7rckPDwjac/Vjp6ayHgqSI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/ejYww5yGSqM/s320/Dress05.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next part was the most time consuming as I had to first pin as many of those original appliqués to the front and back of the bodice, along the shoulders, and down the extended sleeves. Then I had to sew them on by hand. After about seven hours and ten bloody fingertips, they were all secured.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G02NGlOPBv0/Vju6ckSAsgI/AAAAAAAAAW8/z_eO3vUUZu8/s1600/AmadeusCostumes_23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G02NGlOPBv0/Vju6ckSAsgI/AAAAAAAAAW8/z_eO3vUUZu8/s320/AmadeusCostumes_23.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now I could add on some more embellishments. I added the lace that I had removed from the corset's bottom edge to the front of it, running it down vertically along the fastener line. I also added a thinner lace trim about each sleeve where the satin met the lace. Since my dress had strayed quite far from the actual look of Constanze's gown, I decided to try and tie it back together by adding some white bows down the front of it. I used a white bow belt from a thrifted dress and made two additional bows from the belt material. These I added to the front with hooks and eyes to secure them once the corset was fastened. Finally, after one completely sleepless week, I completed my interpretation of Constanze's gown.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cjABA20fzbs/Vju575xz_0I/AAAAAAAAAWM/62EKP1ZhDxQ/s1600/AmadeusCostumes_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cjABA20fzbs/Vju575xz_0I/AAAAAAAAAWM/62EKP1ZhDxQ/s320/AmadeusCostumes_01.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To get the hip width, I originally planned to wear one of my metal panniers that I have made in the past, but the weight of the skirt was too heavy and it kept distorting the metal shape.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ptOMVoSQDrw/VjvQTI1DYdI/AAAAAAAAAY4/4ByW0om10QU/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ptOMVoSQDrw/VjvQTI1DYdI/AAAAAAAAAY4/4ByW0om10QU/s320/DSC_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, I fashioned a short and extremely stiff white tutu (I think it was a 7" bando style adult tutu) into a more flexible yet sturdier panniers. I removed the tulle from the front and back of the waistband, leaving only the tulle on each side. Then I added the tulle that I originally removed back to the sides. This made an extra wide and extra stiff "panniers" that could hold up the skirt and also make it possible for me to get into and out of a car. I don't have any photos of my frankentutu, so here are more photos of the dress!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qn7-LT4rSH0/Vju57xstQmI/AAAAAAAAAWI/tD4FzaEqSbk/s1600/AmadeusCostumes_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qn7-LT4rSH0/Vju57xstQmI/AAAAAAAAAWI/tD4FzaEqSbk/s400/AmadeusCostumes_02.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AQKyzU-besM/Vju6Yt29MUI/AAAAAAAAAWw/7Ys1_zg7XnI/s1600/AmadeusCostumes_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AQKyzU-besM/Vju6Yt29MUI/AAAAAAAAAWw/7Ys1_zg7XnI/s400/AmadeusCostumes_12.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CSRPqrIEL18/Vju6YEU9diI/AAAAAAAAAWs/3WeLstOyxq0/s1600/AmadeusCostumes_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CSRPqrIEL18/Vju6YEU9diI/AAAAAAAAAWs/3WeLstOyxq0/s400/AmadeusCostumes_13.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1F-WxmWH6Gw/Vju58Hh4n2I/AAAAAAAAAWQ/tVr-Pol-hRU/s1600/AmadeusCostumes_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1F-WxmWH6Gw/Vju58Hh4n2I/AAAAAAAAAWQ/tVr-Pol-hRU/s400/AmadeusCostumes_03.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Constanze wears a black and white lace choker with a medallion so I fashioned my choker by sewing a piece of white lace to a strip of black ribbon. Then I attached a fancy pin that looks like a mask. I bought the pin on a whim a few years ago at a craft store. It was super cheap, but looks antique.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
So now, without further ado, I give you Stanzie and Wolfie!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DZfxfgMrDyc/Vju6B6aCQjI/AAAAAAAAAWY/IvNjTA1TGkM/s1600/Amadeus_026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DZfxfgMrDyc/Vju6B6aCQjI/AAAAAAAAAWY/IvNjTA1TGkM/s640/Amadeus_026.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i9tiI8Up0kQ/Vju6DpSZiRI/AAAAAAAAAWg/tge9Zx_Bp9Y/s1600/Amadeus_034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i9tiI8Up0kQ/Vju6DpSZiRI/AAAAAAAAAWg/tge9Zx_Bp9Y/s640/Amadeus_034.jpg" width="394" /></a></div>
<br />
You can't see my shoes, but I have to share a photo of these marvelous 1960s or 1970s beauties that I found in Billings at the Montana Vintage Clothing store. These were only $12 and they are in perfect condition. The fates were smiling down on me that day, for sure! Huzzah!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WV964uow5ZQ/Vju686IKyrI/AAAAAAAAAXo/G4ujWMjkmIw/s1600/AmadeusCostumes_45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WV964uow5ZQ/Vju686IKyrI/AAAAAAAAAXo/G4ujWMjkmIw/s320/AmadeusCostumes_45.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Now, I ask you, what is an Amadeus themed costume without some Nipples of Venus? Those were, of course, the fancy treats that Salieri offers to Constanze. In the film, they were made of chestnuts wrapped in brandied sugar. I am no chocolatier, so I decided to make a simpler variation that would yield the same look of the originals and make Duncan Hines proud.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h0PBJ048fK4/VjvNVsbJLiI/AAAAAAAAAYg/w1fIXQmlV24/s1600/NOV_screenshot.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h0PBJ048fK4/VjvNVsbJLiI/AAAAAAAAAYg/w1fIXQmlV24/s320/NOV_screenshot.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Behold! My nipples! Of Venus!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BMXHb7Isyzs/VjvNZmmrF0I/AAAAAAAAAYo/oPqSUJzIbdQ/s1600/NOV_20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BMXHb7Isyzs/VjvNZmmrF0I/AAAAAAAAAYo/oPqSUJzIbdQ/s320/NOV_20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These are actually brownie balls dipped in white chocolate and topped with piped semi-sweet chocolate. For the brownie balls, bake a pan of brownies (I used the family size Duncan Hines fudgy mix), let cool, remove the crispy edges (save those for snacking). Crumble the moist parts in a bowl and shape into balls. Chill the balls on wax or parchment in the fridge for an hour. Dip the chilled balls in melted white chocolate (I used a skewer to dip them). Chill again. Then top your balls with accents of piped melted semi-sweet chocolate. Balls.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iKpfrnM0tTw/VjvPJpymqiI/AAAAAAAAAYw/6M6VqxO9vrQ/s1600/Amadeus_052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iKpfrnM0tTw/VjvPJpymqiI/AAAAAAAAAYw/6M6VqxO9vrQ/s640/Amadeus_052.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Happy Halloween!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now, if only I could make a Salieri doll. Or a Salieri Christmas ornament. Or a Salieri puppet!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0pJOoAc7FMo/VjvWYgGnTvI/AAAAAAAAAZI/3tU2okJLG08/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-05%2Bat%2B3.20.47%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0pJOoAc7FMo/VjvWYgGnTvI/AAAAAAAAAZI/3tU2okJLG08/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-05%2Bat%2B3.20.47%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3134559262498539975%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1675637123704515755&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-0pJOoAc7FMo%2FVjvWYgGnTvI%2FAAAAAAAAAZI%2F3tU2okJLG08%2Fs640%2FScreen%252BShot%252B2015-11-05%252Bat%252B3.20.47%252BPM.png&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=CMb4xkbM3eMi&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 37205px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3134559262498539975%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1675637123704515755&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-0pJOoAc7FMo%2FVjvWYgGnTvI%2FAAAAAAAAAZI%2F3tU2okJLG08%2Fs640%2FScreen%252BShot%252B2015-11-05%252Bat%252B3.20.47%252BPM.png&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=CMb4xkbM3eMi&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 37205px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3134559262498539975%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1675637123704515755&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-0pJOoAc7FMo%2FVjvWYgGnTvI%2FAAAAAAAAAZI%2F3tU2okJLG08%2Fs640%2FScreen%252BShot%252B2015-11-05%252Bat%252B3.20.47%252BPM.png&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=CMb4xkbM3eMi&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 37205px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3134559262498539975%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1675637123704515755&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-dw7FK2UvOrI%2FVjp6nAmL8rI%2FAAAAAAAAASY%2F0dT01n6jDIs%2Fs320%2FScreen%252BShot%252B2015-08-18%252Bat%252B4.20.42%252BPM.png&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=CMb4xkbM3eMi&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 873px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3134559262498539975%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1675637123704515755&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-dw7FK2UvOrI%2FVjp6nAmL8rI%2FAAAAAAAAASY%2F0dT01n6jDIs%2Fs320%2FScreen%252BShot%252B2015-08-18%252Bat%252B4.20.42%252BPM.png&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=CMb4xkbM3eMi&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 873px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3134559262498539975" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3134559262498539975" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3134559262498539975%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1675637123704515755&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-TdzSdM8ElMo%2FVjp5-HKYzII%2FAAAAAAAAAM8%2FP-bvTkkTCaw%2Fs320%2F2015-08-23%252B15.05.18.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=CMb4xkbM3eMi&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 439px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 6876px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3134559262498539975%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1675637123704515755&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-TdzSdM8ElMo%2FVjp5-HKYzII%2FAAAAAAAAAM8%2FP-bvTkkTCaw%2Fs320%2F2015-08-23%252B15.05.18.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=CMb4xkbM3eMi&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 439px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 6876px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Damsel in the Dollhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911969351250284072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3134559262498539975.post-52956601989635573302015-09-11T02:45:00.000-07:002015-09-11T02:58:18.674-07:00Don't forget, a great impression of simplicity can only be achieved by great agony of body and spirit.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's a quote from The Red Shoes. It has some of my favorite dance sequences on film and also one of my favorite characters, the arrogant and villainous Boris Lermontov. If you're a dancer, you should watch it. If you love classic films, you should watch it. If you love creepy dancers in nightmarish masks and disturbing close-ups of dancers emoting, you should watch it. The color saturation of the film is so glorious, you'll be forever coveting Miss Victoria Page's vibrant red hair.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cz2nfXq_HqE/VfKNm4tMNQI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/zgDNIn0Zg-w/s1600/c3c3a235831d31380cd659564c802c6a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cz2nfXq_HqE/VfKNm4tMNQI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/zgDNIn0Zg-w/s320/c3c3a235831d31380cd659564c802c6a.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This poster is perfection!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wVyFEN8goFQ/VfKNrkzJArI/AAAAAAAAAKA/NxPOb9o6qeo/s1600/red-shoes-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wVyFEN8goFQ/VfKNrkzJArI/AAAAAAAAAKA/NxPOb9o6qeo/s320/red-shoes-11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Snippets from famous ballets? Check!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--R6X_OgHmf8/VfKNsLCJFbI/AAAAAAAAAKE/ElsBOzmbENw/s1600/redshoes12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--R6X_OgHmf8/VfKNsLCJFbI/AAAAAAAAAKE/ElsBOzmbENw/s320/redshoes12.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh, it's so gothic, it hurts!</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jyuqkwzMims/VfKNjejBF5I/AAAAAAAAAJw/T8Oi8q6IMr8/s1600/4792782128_c97fbeae04_o.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jyuqkwzMims/VfKNjejBF5I/AAAAAAAAAJw/T8Oi8q6IMr8/s320/4792782128_c97fbeae04_o.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dance, Vicky! Dance the Red Shoes! Gah! He's so evil!</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And last by not least, this moment...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bfN7e1THxgM/VfKNjf9yDtI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/gvP6KKju9pA/s1600/105354_024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bfN7e1THxgM/VfKNjf9yDtI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/gvP6KKju9pA/s1600/105354_024.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh, the insanity!</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This pretty much sums up the past week as many dancers in Bozeman have just endured the almighty stress inducer known as "show week". The show is the annual IndepenDance Performance which features local dancers and choreographers in all styles of dance. It's a huge event and has continued to grow with each passing year. The performance is Saturday, September 12, and it has already sold out the Ellen Theater! Incredible!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most of the choreographers start selecting their dancers in March/April each year and auditions are held to welcome new faces to the Indy family. This year I chose eleven dancers and began teaching the choreography in June. I also wrote the music, which began much earlier in the year, and was ready in time with the start of rehearsals.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year, my piece is scifi themed and is inspired by the iconic film Blade Runner.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ukDfq2lN2Vk/VdZg6lnyKBI/AAAAAAAAAHo/Z7bBwxO9_xw/s1600/150de134004edd34ea106977ef016533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ukDfq2lN2Vk/VdZg6lnyKBI/AAAAAAAAAHo/Z7bBwxO9_xw/s320/150de134004edd34ea106977ef016533.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, even though Blade Runner's replicants are entirely flesh and blood, I wanted to evoke a bit of the typical android which is part human and part machine. So there will </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">be eleven dancers on stage in sleek black costumes and silver-tinged makeup.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the dancers described the piece as "sexy badass fembots", which is pretty awesome and definitely put a smile on my face. I always want the dancers to feel good about the piece and look forward to rehearsals. Hopefully, come Saturday night, there will be a collective shrieking of happiness, not only from the dancers having survived the seven minute cardio fest, but from the audience. And since we are the finale, the pressure is on to really knock their socks off. Gah! I'm getting so nervous!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a sneak peek at the hair, makeup, and costumes for Pristine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6eXgprrPyWY/VfKRSDPcSTI/AAAAAAAAAKU/LCFvFlGSqf8/s1600/PristineMakeupHair11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6eXgprrPyWY/VfKRSDPcSTI/AAAAAAAAAKU/LCFvFlGSqf8/s320/PristineMakeupHair11.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since this is my fifth year being a part of IndepenDance, I thought it would be interesting to share all of my past choreographed pieces from each year's show. As a side note, I have this weird obsession with seven minute pieces, so all of these (except the Mozart piece) are seven minutes. And this year's piece is no exception. Thankfully, the committee hasn't told me to get over my seven minute OCD so far. Which is good, cause next year's piece will also be seven minutes. Haha! Oh, I also write all of my music for my seven-minute dances using Logic Pro and Omnisphere. It's how all of the madness begins.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First up, here's <b>Pretty Constriction</b> from 2011. A huge thank you to Ali, Paige, and Casey for being the first dancers to work with me and endure my weirdness. I like to imagine that these are the ghosts of tortured children. Uplifting, I know. I would have loved to have oversized Victorian toys lying about the stage, like rocking horses, porcelain dolls, and a spooky dollhouse. The costumes are wedding dresses that I dyed, cut, and altered to give them an antique princessy feel. We had dark red lipstick smeared around our eyes and on our lips. I'm the bitchy one in the mask who pushes the other girls around.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rGx12SWBKwE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rGx12SWBKwE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 2012, I created this feel good piece called <b>Mind the Gap</b>. I wanted to do something faster and creepier so I came up with a beat and went from there. Let it be known that I'm a huge Pina Bausch fan, and I think I may have been inspired by her Rite of Spring. If you like some truly disturbing dances I suggest you look up her work on YouTube. Her Bluebeard is spectacular. For Mind the Gap, I envisioned these traumatized women haunting a subway station after their deaths. I think Casey, Stevie, Skye, and Jen managed to scare the hell out of me, so mission accomplished! The costumes are various nightgowns that I dyed in various shades of red to give them that bloody look. The makeup was black around the eyes and our hair was wet for that extra ick factor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/qyAz0gMgmok/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qyAz0gMgmok?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 2013, it was all about witches. This one is called <b>Mother Night</b>. I'm a huge fan of the fantasy film Legend and have always loved how Darkness would say "mother night", so I totally stole it for the title. For the choreography, I wanted something that felt ceremonial, like a ritual happening deep in the forest when the moon is high and only the creatures of the night are stirring. It had to be sinister, but I also wanted to show the family dynamic of these women so they soften as the first light of day begins to peek through the trees. Here are Ann, Skye, and Stevie witching it up. The costumes are long black skirts that have been altered along with various corset tops that I detailed with scraps of black fabric. The makeup was a black widow's peak and black eyes with pale lips.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZFB7v31E9t8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZFB7v31E9t8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last year, in 2014, it was vampires. The piece was called <b>Three Sisters</b> and it tells the tale of three women who are sisters, but only in the sense that they share in their vampiric nature. They need each other, both physically and emotionally, so even though they are deadly creatures, there is a lingering sadness and weakness. Maybe they long for their previous lives. Maybe they murdered their lovers and are tortured by guilt. Maybe they're just over their immortality. These aren't your violent vamps, by any means, more depressed and forlorn. I like to think of them as Dracula's discarded brides. So sad. Sad little vampires. Here's Stevie, Skye, and myself in our crypt-like gowns with bloodied lips haunting the night. Bwahaha!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nH3zrC7T5rg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nH3zrC7T5rg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And last but not least, here is <b>Happy Birthday</b>. This piece was actually only meant to be performed in the MSU Dance Concert, but since the performance took place in a studio and not on stage, the committee was kind enough to let it be part of the IndepenDance Performance. It's the story of a spoiled little girl who is thrown a birthday party featuring not one, but eight clowns. When they gift her with a colorful and fun clown wig, she is less than impressed and proceeds to have a temper tantrum. Clown antics ensue. The music is some of my all-time favorite Mozart snippets from the opera The Abduction from the Seraglio. I first heard some of the music in the film Amadeus and had been wanting to do something fun with it ever since. So here are Ann, Elle, Erin, Jen, Kelly, Madeline, Megan, Skye, and Stevie killing it with their ridiculousness. All of the costumes came from my own collection that I have been hoarding away for many years, just waiting to bust them out for the perfect occasion. Enjoy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/BG3bkO_9f4g/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BG3bkO_9f4g?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm so excited for the performance on Saturday! Gah! Legs, don't fail me now! And here's hoping I don't fall from a balcony and get run over by a train like poor Miss Victoria Page. If you haven't seen the movie, my apologies for the spoiler. I'm pretty sure it's common knowledge that she dies at the end, right? I mean, it's called The Red Shoes. You know, like blood…blood red shoes? Cause she dies in them. Her wee little legs get run over by a train and she dies. In her lover's arms. And he takes off her red shoes, like in the ballet, and then she dies. Gah, it's so freakin' sad!!! Just watch it.</span><br />
<br />
Quote: The Red Shoes (1948)<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3134559262498539975%23editor&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Cz2nfXq_HqE%2FVfKNm4tMNQI%2FAAAAAAAAAJ4%2FzgDNIn0Zg-w%2Fs320%2Fc3c3a235831d31380cd659564c802c6a.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=CMb4xkbM3eMi&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 251px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 144px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3134559262498539975%23editor&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Cz2nfXq_HqE%2FVfKNm4tMNQI%2FAAAAAAAAAJ4%2FzgDNIn0Zg-w%2Fs320%2Fc3c3a235831d31380cd659564c802c6a.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=CMb4xkbM3eMi&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 251px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 144px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3134559262498539975" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3134559262498539975" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Damsel in the Dollhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911969351250284072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3134559262498539975.post-26447748028074864402015-08-21T16:15:00.002-07:002018-10-23T10:56:12.373-07:00Medium is really only for suckers who don't know the concept of value.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another summer is almost over. We had quite a few scorching hot days, some strangely cold and stormy days, and some really bad smokey-aired, burning lung days. Gotta love fire season! We had a thoroughly cold and soggy Bite of Bozeman and the second day of the Sweet Pea Festival felt like a cruel joke as we had nothing but on and off cold rain and wind. Awful. So I didn't get to take as many dance performance photos this year as I'd had hoped. I'm still editing some of them, but here is the gallery thus far:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://damselinthedollhouse.zenfolio.com/p126854053" target="_blank">Dance at Sweet Pea Festival 2015</a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The only three groups I could capture this year were Amy Seiwert's Imagery, Main Street Dance Theatre, and The Dance Center (the TDC photos are still to come). All were fabulous and it's always such a treat to be able to see so much awesome dance in one weekend. There were other fantastic groups on the roster, but many were cancelled on Saturday due to the stupid weather. Here's Rob and I struggling to contain our epic pouty faces as we hide from the rain.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SmiaJaBoghw/VdZL3Uksu5I/AAAAAAAAAHU/wJqswzJdEx4/s1600/11831798_10206236608665776_5590449398819057848_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SmiaJaBoghw/VdZL3Uksu5I/AAAAAAAAAHU/wJqswzJdEx4/s320/11831798_10206236608665776_5590449398819057848_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On Sunday, the rain cleared and I had the opportunity to perform in this year's Sweet Pea, my first time on the Cypress Stage, yay! I had the opportunity last year, but my stupid calf muscle injury had me sidelined. This year, I was able to perform twice. The first was a little ballet number I choreographed to Anyone Who Knows What Love Is by Irma Thomas. I first heard the song in an episode of Black Mirror (can't recommend that show enough!) and fell in love. I was joined on stage by the beautiful and talented dancers Lottie Rhyner and Stevie Peterson. Oh, fun fact, always check for sneaky hooks and eyes on your costumes, folks! My dress kept hooking onto the back of my hair throughout the dance. Curses!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6T_Pp_i1Gcc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6T_Pp_i1Gcc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The second dance was choreographed by Stevie Peterson, who always whips up super fun choreography. This is to Belleville Rendezvous. That's Stevie, Lottie, and I, bopping and a-smiling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/gr5lkIpXV9c/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gr5lkIpXV9c?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So this entire summer has been lots and lots of dance rehearsals. Thankfully, I've remained injury free so far. Yay! Now I'm knocking on wood like a woodpecker with ADD as the annual IndepenDance performance is coming up on Saturday, September 12. I'll be performing in three pieces this year. One is a flashy jazzy number choreographed by Jennifer Waters. The second is a fast and fluid contemporary piece by Stevie. And the third is my own contemporary piece called Pristine. Because I'm a weirdo and obsessed with seven minute dances, it's another seven minute long workout set to my own techno infused music with sleek black costumes. It's inspired by this incredible film…my favorite sci-fi movie ever.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ukDfq2lN2Vk/VdZg6lnyKBI/AAAAAAAAAHk/YAlibzt481w/s1600/150de134004edd34ea106977ef016533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ukDfq2lN2Vk/VdZg6lnyKBI/AAAAAAAAAHk/YAlibzt481w/s320/150de134004edd34ea106977ef016533.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's my original music that accompanies the dance:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/damselinthedollhouse/pristine-dance-performance-mix" target="_blank">Pristine (dance performance mix) by Damsel in the Dollhouse</a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In other news, we had an awesomely fun time with our super fabulous friend Sarah for three days in Missoula! The original intent for our trip was to attend an event, but due to many unexpected and uncomfortable factors, we ended up haunting downtown Missoula instead! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ye_aC2ng9BM/VddJK695HtI/AAAAAAAAAH0/0uIYIFgrcvs/s1600/DKArts4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ye_aC2ng9BM/VddJK695HtI/AAAAAAAAAH0/0uIYIFgrcvs/s320/DKArts4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Sarah, Rob and Nina take Missoula!!!</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yzkf_15Szlo/VddLjQUwiYI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/GlwrFaTuP4I/s1600/DKArts2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yzkf_15Szlo/VddLjQUwiYI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/GlwrFaTuP4I/s320/DKArts2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Brunchy awesomeness!</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZjk6n58hfo/VddiT3gH0vI/AAAAAAAAAI4/sFta0bPi-3A/s1600/Missoula4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZjk6n58hfo/VddiT3gH0vI/AAAAAAAAAI4/sFta0bPi-3A/s320/Missoula4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">giant chai during brunch at Catalyst</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F86EEIl9SJA/VddiSy8U8dI/AAAAAAAAAIg/kw3eA-fBoX8/s1600/Missoula2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F86EEIl9SJA/VddiSy8U8dI/AAAAAAAAAIg/kw3eA-fBoX8/s320/Missoula2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">strolling in style in our pagoda parasols</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nnqwkOwCNwM/VddiSwt5X9I/AAAAAAAAAIk/g33C6Bm_7RE/s1600/Missoula1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nnqwkOwCNwM/VddiSwt5X9I/AAAAAAAAAIk/g33C6Bm_7RE/s320/Missoula1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">riding the ponies at the Missoula Carousel</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KcGkvj1PoG8/VddiS-XOjRI/AAAAAAAAAIo/E7hiJQCyVDI/s1600/Missoula3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KcGkvj1PoG8/VddiS-XOjRI/AAAAAAAAAIo/E7hiJQCyVDI/s320/Missoula3.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A Moment's Repose: </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">viewing art and confinement at the Old Prison Museum in Deer Lodge</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iWHsBe1_0yQ/W89ehHVLHcI/AAAAAAAAAnw/yslvjo-zS7EEaMzIY2XV5WWTxQcF5c3wQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-10-23%2Bat%2B11.46.10%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1266" data-original-width="836" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iWHsBe1_0yQ/W89ehHVLHcI/AAAAAAAAAnw/yslvjo-zS7EEaMzIY2XV5WWTxQcF5c3wQCLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-10-23%2Bat%2B11.46.10%2BAM.png" width="211" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here, let's look at something ridiculous!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0I03_EWiTGQ/VdeqFRNu4uI/AAAAAAAAAJY/6E0mWP4VmaA/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-04-02%2Bat%2B7.36.23%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0I03_EWiTGQ/VdeqFRNu4uI/AAAAAAAAAJY/6E0mWP4VmaA/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-04-02%2Bat%2B7.36.23%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hahaha! We're such weirdos!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In costuming news, I finally got around to doing something with this red prom dress I bought at the local thrift store for, I think, ten bucks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vmn8R1iLkuc/VdZJQQ5ugqI/AAAAAAAAAG8/sPd74nx_SHg/s1600/Ballgown%2BRed%2BStrapless.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vmn8R1iLkuc/VdZJQQ5ugqI/AAAAAAAAAG8/sPd74nx_SHg/s320/Ballgown%2BRed%2BStrapless.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">totally prom dress needs a totally new look</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It basically sat in a bin for two years. I initially wanted to turn it into a Victorian gown by combining it with another sleeved gown, but it just wouldn't come together in my head. With an upcoming live performance in my midst (the aforementioned festival), I decided to take this puppy out again and see what I could do with it. I had created and worn another red and black gown for a previous live show and considered wearing it again (see below), but I I really wanted to do something new.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s3fKwMzaZWY/VdeSfEXEFJI/AAAAAAAAAJI/mUZRcuENy_w/s1600/BlackRed_Damsel01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s3fKwMzaZWY/VdeSfEXEFJI/AAAAAAAAAJI/mUZRcuENy_w/s320/BlackRed_Damsel01.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> still love you, my pretty! I'll wear you again, I promise!</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I cut the prom dress just below the waistline so I had a separate top and a skirt. Then I cut the skirt up the middle and stitched the edges. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since I'm obsessed with the 18th century silhouette, I knew I wanted to poof out the hips with some tulle, so I started there. Then, a</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">fter finagling with it on my dress form, I decided to go with a bustier style top and a skirt that could be removed to reveal a hidden black mini underskirt. After many hours of stitching on fancy trims and bows, I ended up with the final design. I also made some flouncy arm attachments (not pictured) that could be removed during my performance.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bx8NQxZFJgw/VdZJY-XxysI/AAAAAAAAAHI/pTM0ewA2elk/s1600/Costumes_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bx8NQxZFJgw/VdZJY-XxysI/AAAAAAAAAHI/pTM0ewA2elk/s320/Costumes_02.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So there you have it, what a summer, huh? I guess this regular blogging thing isn't as easy as I thought. Next post I hope to have some new photos to share and some more dance updates!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Opening Quote: Ghost World (2001)</span>Damsel in the Dollhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911969351250284072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3134559262498539975.post-24583808468201771992015-05-25T17:20:00.002-07:002015-08-21T17:14:03.327-07:00I am not steak, you can't just order me!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ever get that feeling of "if only I had a day off to work on this or that" and then when you do have the time off you end up having no motivation? Or you have the motivation, but it all comes out less than stellar and you feel like it was wasted time? An optimist would claim that no time working on your art is wasted, even if you feel less than fulfilled. The pessimist just wants to binge on ice cream and slump on the sofa for hours saying "f*ck this, I'm done" and watch the original Mad Max trilogy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cGCBBdpEfxE/VWO7jrhYIZI/AAAAAAAAAGk/LE71mwA55TY/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-05-25%2Bat%2B6.16.15%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cGCBBdpEfxE/VWO7jrhYIZI/AAAAAAAAAGk/LE71mwA55TY/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-05-25%2Bat%2B6.16.15%2BPM.png" width="257" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anywho, I'm happy to report that I recently had the opportunity to perform live on stage with the Sarge back on May 16, right here in Bozeman during his song ADSR: Music from Space. He also performed two live sets during the night and it was such a treat to see and hear his new songs from This is Tomorrowland. Here's a quick little clip of our performance:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4mVNVAZSdxc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4mVNVAZSdxc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sharing the bill for the night was DarkMountain Cirkus, a band from Deer Lodge, who were a lot of fun and I highly recommend that you check them out if they haunt your neck of the woods. They tackle so many different genres that it's such a hoot to listen as they go from country to metal to rap to 80s pop. In spite of soaking wet floors and a leaking ceiling (seriously, I'm glad no one was electrocuted and no equipment was damaged) it was a memorable night and we made some inspiring new friends. We look forward to seeing DarkMountain Cirkus again in July as all of us will be performing at the Montana Dark Arts Festival.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Download ADSR: Music from Space by Sergeant Sawtooth from iTunes: <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sbx-10-extended-version/id484315902">https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sbx-10-extended-version/id484315902</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out DarkMountain Cirkus online here: <a href="http://dmcmusic.us/">http://dmcmusic.us</a></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-07D4YQscCMg/VWO06LqbqSI/AAAAAAAAAF4/cd0S5Id9prM/s1600/2015-05-16%2B21.35.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-07D4YQscCMg/VWO06LqbqSI/AAAAAAAAAF4/cd0S5Id9prM/s320/2015-05-16%2B21.35.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(Sergeant Sawtooth in action)</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In other music news, I released one of my newest songs from Feast of Villains via SoundCloud just last week. It's called Hannibal and it's about…well, the character Hannibal. I chose to focus on the character from the television series as the entire cast, director, and artistic team go above and beyond with the grotesque yet beautiful fantasy of it all. The song focuses specifically on the events in the season two finale as the untouchable Hannibal confronts Will and loses the friend he thought he had and the trust they had built between them. So damn good! I know my song doesn't do it justice, but it's fun to pretend to be a broken-hearted evil character standing on a blue-lit stage in a German underground club while crooning to a sea of goths within a smokey room. At least that's how I picture it being sung.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's my new song "Hannibal":</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/damselinthedollhouse/hannibal" target="_blank">Hannibal by Damsel in the Dollhouse</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vsQlTrgH13E/VWO6JAjuTpI/AAAAAAAAAGY/bXUAA8Qfh-s/s1600/WitchingHour_0187c-2_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vsQlTrgH13E/VWO6JAjuTpI/AAAAAAAAAGY/bXUAA8Qfh-s/s320/WitchingHour_0187c-2_sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(not entirely Hannibal-esque, but there are organs on the menu!)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The third season of Hannibal returns June 4th so get excited, fellow Fannibals! I also bought the Art and Making of Hannibal book which you can currently find on Amazon. I will admit, it's not as exceptional as the Art and Making of Penny Dreadful book (which is absolutely gorgeous and is another of my favorite shows) but it's definitely worth having if you're a fan. It shares information and lots of photos of the costumes, the props, the sets, and how they did some of those amazing special effects. The cover alone is a work of art as the heart on the plate resembles a 3D model that's shiny and icky and wonderful to look at in person. Just buy it already.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's the Hannibal book:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1783295759/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_I96yvb1B8C06S" target="_blank">The Art and Making of Hannibal</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WIqzhwu88VM/VWOwpxX4BcI/AAAAAAAAAFk/9Lulx4BhV_k/s1600/51kF3uIWxPL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WIqzhwu88VM/VWOwpxX4BcI/AAAAAAAAAFk/9Lulx4BhV_k/s320/51kF3uIWxPL.jpg" width="232" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(catch Hannibal on NBC)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's the Penny Dreadful book that is simply delicious and absolutely a must have if you love the show. It details each of the season one episodes and includes so many sumptuous behind the scenes photos and sketches. Every page is dripping with gothy gothiness!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1783293721/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_fb7yvb143FGVV" target="_blank">The Art and Making of Penny Dreadful</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZebbY-XlZlo/VWOwxkFWHYI/AAAAAAAAAFs/YenwJ8QuN9k/s1600/71F2bWt6wRL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZebbY-XlZlo/VWOwxkFWHYI/AAAAAAAAAFs/YenwJ8QuN9k/s320/71F2bWt6wRL.jpg" width="242" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(catch Penny Dreadful on Showtime)</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In photography news, back in April I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph the talented aerialists, Karen and Galen, of Aerial Arts of Bozeman. Click on the link below to see the full gallery of images as they performed some truly amazing twists and turns and extensions via silks, lyra, and trapeze.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://damselinthedollhouse.zenfolio.com/aerial" target="_blank">Aerial Arts of Bozeman Gallery</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are interested in learning from these two incredible artists,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">please visit them at: <a href="http://www.aerialartsofbozeman.com/" target="_blank">Aerial Arts of Bozeman Website</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zlhrKBdV1j8/VWO46yC3IMI/AAAAAAAAAGM/07f8uSrrlyM/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-05-25%2Bat%2B6.05.38%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zlhrKBdV1j8/VWO46yC3IMI/AAAAAAAAAGM/07f8uSrrlyM/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-05-25%2Bat%2B6.05.38%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This weekend I'll be capturing the annual recital of Main Street Dance Theatre. Stay tuned for lots and lots of dance pics coming soon!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Opening quote: Working Girl (1988)</i></span>Damsel in the Dollhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911969351250284072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3134559262498539975.post-54060331077290131942015-05-10T20:28:00.001-07:002015-08-21T17:14:10.899-07:00No time for the in and out, love. Just came to read the meter!Busy, busy, busy…working on the album. But as usual, I always feel the need to add yet another project to my plate for kicks and giggles. And, well, this one would definitely supply some serious giggles. I'm talking about my epic plan to photograph a series of fake album covers for none other than Sergeant Sawtooth. Here's a sampling of what has been discussed thus far:<br />
<br />
Rob in speedo playing synthesizers in space<br />
Rob in 80s outfit with keytar<br />
Rob in 80s workout gear<br />
Rob with 2XL (romantic dinner, in bed post coital)<br />
Rob is Live at the Co-Op - three versions of Rob (flute player, bongos, tambourine)<br />
Psychedelic Rob - Crimson and Clover video<br />
Rob as Bob Guccione<br />
Rob in 70s cookbook motif (spiral cut ham, ambrosia salad, red velvet details, fondue pot)<br />
Gothic Rob - black wig and costume<br />
Flamboyant 18th century Rob - eating a huge leg of mutton or turkey leg<br />
Rob jogging like Doctor Detroit in sweatsuit, headband, and radio headphones<br />
Fifties housewife (me) and Gimp (Rob)<br />
<br />
Just let the awesomeness sink in for a moment and imagine every single one of these strokes of genius. So you see, I'm on a mission to make these photos happen. Because minds need to be blown.<br />
<br />
Oh yeah, and I just found this incredible nightmare fuel at Nu2U. And she is now mine, all mine!!! She's a talking doll, but her voice mechanism is broken. I'll need to see if there is any way to make her talk. You know, cause I'd like to hear what satan sounds like.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nfMz4sbXzro/VVAhisAY_uI/AAAAAAAAAE4/3xff5GQmJUU/s1600/2015-05-10%2B17.48.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nfMz4sbXzro/VVAhisAY_uI/AAAAAAAAAE4/3xff5GQmJUU/s320/2015-05-10%2B17.48.39.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bj4Tevsumdc/VVAhiHgAKmI/AAAAAAAAAE0/-u9FQDUYIqM/s1600/2015-05-10%2B17.49.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bj4Tevsumdc/VVAhiHgAKmI/AAAAAAAAAE0/-u9FQDUYIqM/s320/2015-05-10%2B17.49.12.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I have named her Hildegard. Hopefully she doesn't murder me in my sleep. For her lord and master, satan.<br />
<br />
I hope she makes friends with my other creepy brethren.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XmZCsGDQpRM/VVAyT38KMQI/AAAAAAAAAFM/DeGOdlVmSGw/s1600/DollParty_173_LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XmZCsGDQpRM/VVAyT38KMQI/AAAAAAAAAFM/DeGOdlVmSGw/s320/DollParty_173_LR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Opening quote: A Clockwork OrangeDamsel in the Dollhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911969351250284072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3134559262498539975.post-82645701055932847232015-04-30T08:14:00.002-07:002015-08-21T17:17:45.556-07:00What's in the box? WHAT'S IN THE BOX?!!!After roughly three months of working on music videos for the Sarge and one for myself, I feel like I'm really flexing my Adobe Premiere muscles once again. Boy, Premiere certainly beefed up it's editing options since the last time I tinkered with it! I did experience some buggy issues with Premiere Pro CC 2014 so I had to try and limit my later videos to the previous version just to avoid crashing. Weird. But it felt great to record footage and then get in Premiere and play, play, play. And did you know that you can use Photoshop to edit video footage, too? Holy smokes, it completely blew my mind! You can do all of the same awesome photo editing to your video footage for a whole new level of digital wizardry! Boom. So cool. Needless to say that I hope to do some more video fun stuff soon. Here are the finished videos:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xjY_S2vKOoo/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xjY_S2vKOoo?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GUWDHNLib-I/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GUWDHNLib-I?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OdJRvFKtaNQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OdJRvFKtaNQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Vuq9wbRXBI4/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vuq9wbRXBI4?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Now it's time to focus on other projects! And there are plenty! So what's next in my creative box of crazy concoctions? Here's what's cooking from May thru September:<br />
<br />
<b>Music:</b><br />
Finish songs for fourth album "Feast of Villains". I'm trying to get this one released by early July so I can bring some CDs to the Montana Dark Arts Festival. I'm crossing my fingers since the songs still need a lot of work.<br />
<br />
Still need a song about Alex de Large. He's one of my favorite villains. Not sure anything I write will be Clockwork Orange worthy, but I gotta do it.<br />
<br />
Need to photograph images that correlate with as many songs on the album as possible (there will likely be 12) and photograph cover art.<br />
<br />
Need to create press release for album.<br />
<br />
Need to create album trap-in and CD label.<br />
<br />
Music videos for my songs? Hmm. Not sure how to swing this one.<br />
<br />
Need to update my website when the album is done.<br />
<br />
Need to select songs for Dark Arts Fest and start rehearsing, it's in July. Gah!<br />
<br />
Need to design and create costume for Dark Arts Fest. Do I echo one of my villainous songs? Hmm.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Dance:</b><br />
I'll be choreographing and performing in the local IndepenDance performance this coming September so it's going to be a dance centric summer, for sure! My piece will be science fiction inspired, very replicant Blade Runner-esque.<br />
<br />
Need to finish the song for my IndepenDance piece. It's almost done, need to record vocals and figure out if the album song will be exactly the same as the dance piece song.<br />
<br />
Choreograph the piece. It's going to be fast with plenty of stage patterns due to the large group of dancers. Sketches will help immensely. Rehearsals start in June. I'll have three months to complete the six minute dance with 11 dancers.<br />
<br />
Costume all of the dancers. So begins my weekly visit to thrift stores in search of science fiction inspired clothing. Think Blade Runner. Nothing apocalypse looking. Looking for black, silver, pops of color, sleek, strange, minimal texture, odd materials or details, and comfortable to wear and move around in.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Photography:</b><br />
I recently had the wonderful opportunity to photograph the Yellowstone Ballet Company's production of The Little Mermaid. It was so beautifully crafted and enchanting! There are more dance performances coming up so I'm hoping to share more dance photos soon.<br />
<br />
Here's a link to the pics: <a href="http://damselinthedollhouse.zenfolio.com/p771794119" target="_blank">The Little Mermaid</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Just for Fun:</b><br />
I really want to create a cartoon called The Adventures of Dahlia and Persephone just to capture some of the ridiculousness of our two young kitties and their puss-cat hijinks. Our two girls are so full of the friskies and always eager to learn and explore new things. Maybe animation? Just some simple sketches? Hmmm.<br />
<br />
<br />
Opening quote: Seven<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3134559262498539975%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D8264570105593284723&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimg2.blogblog.com%2Fimg%2Fvideo_object.png&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 924px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3134559262498539975%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D8264570105593284723&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimg2.blogblog.com%2Fimg%2Fvideo_object.png&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 924px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3134559262498539975" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3134559262498539975" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3134559262498539975" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3134559262498539975" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Damsel in the Dollhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911969351250284072noreply@blogger.com