Friday, October 29, 2010
How to Make a Peacock Costume
6:35 AM | 
Posted by
Rochelle |
I have always loved peacocks. From their statuesque confidence to their iridescent feathers, I have always admired the beautiful creatures. Something else I have always loved is Halloween. Every year I try to pick a costume that is somewhat unique and creative, with a lot of self-assembly required (but no sewing. I am great with a glue gun...but haven't sewn since 4-H twelve years ago.) Last year I made a great Firefly costume, paying lots of attention to detail and utilizing random fabric pieces to combine into (what I thought) was an impressive outcome.
Glencoe Photography
Now for the peacock. I have always wanted to be a peacock for Halloween, however have been a bit shocked at the lack of quality found in the pre-made costumes. I felt that the peacock costume had to be worthy and representative of the intricate and ornate details found in the feathers of the animal, so I decided (bravely, and with much trepidation) to make one of my own. I googled a variety of how-to's and found very little as far as a guide to create a quality and fairly low-cost costume. I somehow made up the costume as I went, a risky move, but fortunately it worked! Therefore, now that my costume is completed and I am (more than) satisfied with the results, I will share the "how-to"...in case you decide you want to be a peacock yourself.
ITEMS NEEDED:
1. Corset (I purchased mine off of Ebay)
2. Tutu (Also Ebay)
3. Peacock Feathers (I purchase 3 different kinds of feathers of of Ebay: 50 natural shell back feathers, 50 eye feathers, and 25 sword feathers)
4. 4 / 72" high-quality Boas
5. Glue gun & glue sticks (I used about 25-30 mini glue sticks for this project. For extra stability, you can use hot glue and use a needle and thread to add reinforcement to each individual feather. For time purposes, I chose not to do this)
6. Scissors
7. Plain hair claw
8. 1 yard of black feather trim
Optional items to complete costume:
*Fishnet tights
*Opera length gloves
*Velcro for tutu
STEP 1: Use a feather boa to accent the top of the tutu. Simply use hot glue to attach, covering the circumference of the waist of the tutu.
2. Hot glue the back shell feathers individually into the boa at the waistline of the tutu. Be sure to vary the colors, and apply the majority of the feathers to the front of the tutu (as the back will have the tail).
3. Determine how long you would like your tail to be. I decided about 3', or 36". Cut a boa to this length, and glue to the underside of the boa on the back of the tutu, at the very CENTER. Following this, cut 2 slightly shorter pieces, and glue on both sides. Cut two more slightly shorter pieces, and glue to either sides of those, and once again. Glue these pieces very close together, so there is no seam in between the boas, and it creates the illusion of one piece. Based on your personal preference, you may need more/less boas than I used, depending on the fullness and length you desire.
4. Trim the eye peacock feathers to accentuate the eye of the feather. Following this, individually glue the feathers sporadically but fairy evenly into the boas on the tail of the costume, using about 20 of the eye feathers. Following this, glue approximately 20 of the sword feathers, trimming if necessary.
5. Cut the feather trim to match the measurements of the top of the corset. Following this, glue the eye feathers neatly on the trim.
6. Glue the trim to the top of the corset.
7. Cut a boa to the measurements of the top of the corset. Glue over the base of the trim on the top of the corset. Use remaining back shell feathers to glue into the boa.
8. If you have a elastic waistband on your tutu, you will likely need to add a closure so you are able to wear it. I cut the side of the tutu, and applied velcro strips using hot glue, so I can take the tutu on and off very easily.
9. For the hairpiece, simply glue a length of boa onto the backside of a claw clip. Adorn it with 3 sword feathers, an eye feather, and some rhinestones (optional.)
Depending on your budget, particularly utilizing sites like Ebay, you can make this costume for less than $75. I splurged a bit on the boas ($50), as they were the one item I did not purchase on Ebay. I purchase a boa on Ebay that was not the quality I was hoping for, so in the future I will find a reputable seller on Ebay or Amazon that has high quality products. If you are looking to spend less than $75, it can also be made with a black leotard and tight short black skirt. (these can be found for very cheap at TJ Maxx or Goodwill, if you have the patience to bargain hunt a bit). You can also make this a "Racy Peacock" costume by using a more revealing black corset or bra.
And that's it! Enjoy!
Now for the peacock. I have always wanted to be a peacock for Halloween, however have been a bit shocked at the lack of quality found in the pre-made costumes. I felt that the peacock costume had to be worthy and representative of the intricate and ornate details found in the feathers of the animal, so I decided (bravely, and with much trepidation) to make one of my own. I googled a variety of how-to's and found very little as far as a guide to create a quality and fairly low-cost costume. I somehow made up the costume as I went, a risky move, but fortunately it worked! Therefore, now that my costume is completed and I am (more than) satisfied with the results, I will share the "how-to"...in case you decide you want to be a peacock yourself.
ITEMS NEEDED:
1. Corset (I purchased mine off of Ebay)
2. Tutu (Also Ebay)
3. Peacock Feathers (I purchase 3 different kinds of feathers of of Ebay: 50 natural shell back feathers, 50 eye feathers, and 25 sword feathers)
4. 4 / 72" high-quality Boas
5. Glue gun & glue sticks (I used about 25-30 mini glue sticks for this project. For extra stability, you can use hot glue and use a needle and thread to add reinforcement to each individual feather. For time purposes, I chose not to do this)
6. Scissors
7. Plain hair claw
8. 1 yard of black feather trim
Optional items to complete costume:
*Fishnet tights
*Opera length gloves
*Velcro for tutu
STEP 1: Use a feather boa to accent the top of the tutu. Simply use hot glue to attach, covering the circumference of the waist of the tutu.
2. Hot glue the back shell feathers individually into the boa at the waistline of the tutu. Be sure to vary the colors, and apply the majority of the feathers to the front of the tutu (as the back will have the tail).
4. Trim the eye peacock feathers to accentuate the eye of the feather. Following this, individually glue the feathers sporadically but fairy evenly into the boas on the tail of the costume, using about 20 of the eye feathers. Following this, glue approximately 20 of the sword feathers, trimming if necessary.
5. Cut the feather trim to match the measurements of the top of the corset. Following this, glue the eye feathers neatly on the trim.
6. Glue the trim to the top of the corset.
7. Cut a boa to the measurements of the top of the corset. Glue over the base of the trim on the top of the corset. Use remaining back shell feathers to glue into the boa.
8. If you have a elastic waistband on your tutu, you will likely need to add a closure so you are able to wear it. I cut the side of the tutu, and applied velcro strips using hot glue, so I can take the tutu on and off very easily.
9. For the hairpiece, simply glue a length of boa onto the backside of a claw clip. Adorn it with 3 sword feathers, an eye feather, and some rhinestones (optional.)
Depending on your budget, particularly utilizing sites like Ebay, you can make this costume for less than $75. I splurged a bit on the boas ($50), as they were the one item I did not purchase on Ebay. I purchase a boa on Ebay that was not the quality I was hoping for, so in the future I will find a reputable seller on Ebay or Amazon that has high quality products. If you are looking to spend less than $75, it can also be made with a black leotard and tight short black skirt. (these can be found for very cheap at TJ Maxx or Goodwill, if you have the patience to bargain hunt a bit). You can also make this a "Racy Peacock" costume by using a more revealing black corset or bra.
And that's it! Enjoy!
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Tuesday, September 28, 2010
A new Heart for Brian
Several years ago, I met Brian "Chile" Caneda, while volunteering at a Meals on Wheels Fundraiser in Charleston, SC. Him and I ended up working together on several occasions, and I was struck by his infectious optimistic spirit and caring nature. It occurred to me that individuals like him are rare: kind souls that work tirelessly to help others with little concern about reciprocation. Recently, I received an email from him, informing me that he had discovered he had a heart condition, and would be needing a heart transplant. The irony of the situation was blatant, that a man so gentle and good-natured would find himself in such a predicament, yet his nature has not changed, despite the stress he is enduring.
There will be a fundraiser taking place this coming Tuesday, October 5th, to assist in raising funds for Brian's heart transplant. I have copied and pasted some information from Brian's Facebook site for his fundraiser, as well as included a link to his heart transplant profile on the NTAF (National Transplant Assistance Fund.)
Click to go to his Facebook Fundraising Event Page
The information below has been copied from Brain's Fundraising Event Facebook Page, written by Brian's sister, Stephanie Caneda Moseley:
Our family has begun a fundraising campaign for my brother, Brian “Chile” Caneda, to help cover his medical expenses for a heart transplant. As you may know, Brian has just been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. His doctors have determined that Brian must have a heart transplant in order to survive. So we need your help.
Brian has lived in Charleston over 25 years. During that time he has been a fixture in the hospitality, food and beverage industry, thoroughly enjoying his interactions with locals and tourists alike. Brian has actively and passionately served his community as a volunteer with a variety of organizations including: the SC Aquarium, Darkness to Light, Pet Helpers, East Cooper Meals on Wheels and the Family Circle Cup Tennis Tournament. Most recently, he has helped Fields to Families harvest produce from vegetable fields on Johns Island to provide food for those in need.
Now Brian needs help himself. The cost of the transplant surgery, of which Brian’s insurance will only pay a fraction, is staggering. Additionally, following the transplant, very expensive anti-rejection drugs are required for the rest of Brian’s life. Due to this financial burden, a fundraising campaign for Brian has been established with the National Transplant Assistance Fund (NTAF). NTAF is a nonprofit organization that has been providing assistance to transplant patients for over 25 years. All tax-deductible donations are disbursed by NTAF for uninsured medical expenses.
If you are able to assist in Brian's cause, all donations are greatly appreciated! Let's take this opportunity to help someone who has gone to great lengths to help others. If you are located in the Charleston, SC area and interested in donating fundraising items, please contact me at Atlantis0330@aol.com and we will add those items to the silent auction list. Life is too short to take a moment for granted- Brian has shown what an incredible difference just one person with a passion for life and generous spirit can make. I will certainly do my best in replicating his example!
Click to go to Brian's NTAF Fundraising Site
There will be a fundraiser taking place this coming Tuesday, October 5th, to assist in raising funds for Brian's heart transplant. I have copied and pasted some information from Brian's Facebook site for his fundraiser, as well as included a link to his heart transplant profile on the NTAF (National Transplant Assistance Fund.)
Click to go to his Facebook Fundraising Event Page
The information below has been copied from Brain's Fundraising Event Facebook Page, written by Brian's sister, Stephanie Caneda Moseley:
Our family has begun a fundraising campaign for my brother, Brian “Chile” Caneda, to help cover his medical expenses for a heart transplant. As you may know, Brian has just been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. His doctors have determined that Brian must have a heart transplant in order to survive. So we need your help.
Brian has lived in Charleston over 25 years. During that time he has been a fixture in the hospitality, food and beverage industry, thoroughly enjoying his interactions with locals and tourists alike. Brian has actively and passionately served his community as a volunteer with a variety of organizations including: the SC Aquarium, Darkness to Light, Pet Helpers, East Cooper Meals on Wheels and the Family Circle Cup Tennis Tournament. Most recently, he has helped Fields to Families harvest produce from vegetable fields on Johns Island to provide food for those in need.
Now Brian needs help himself. The cost of the transplant surgery, of which Brian’s insurance will only pay a fraction, is staggering. Additionally, following the transplant, very expensive anti-rejection drugs are required for the rest of Brian’s life. Due to this financial burden, a fundraising campaign for Brian has been established with the National Transplant Assistance Fund (NTAF). NTAF is a nonprofit organization that has been providing assistance to transplant patients for over 25 years. All tax-deductible donations are disbursed by NTAF for uninsured medical expenses.
If you are able to assist in Brian's cause, all donations are greatly appreciated! Let's take this opportunity to help someone who has gone to great lengths to help others. If you are located in the Charleston, SC area and interested in donating fundraising items, please contact me at Atlantis0330@aol.com and we will add those items to the silent auction list. Life is too short to take a moment for granted- Brian has shown what an incredible difference just one person with a passion for life and generous spirit can make. I will certainly do my best in replicating his example!
Click to go to Brian's NTAF Fundraising Site
Monday, September 27, 2010
Inspiration in Unexpected Places
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Beauty, Business & Breakups Part 1
I cannot recall the exact point in which the the determination struck me to become an entrepreneur, but I remember vividly various moments of my first several business ventures.
At the age of eight, I gathered a small selection of rocks from the driveway. With care and precision, I delicately scrubbed each rock clean, and proceeded to paint vibrantly-hued flowers using my Bob Ross painting kit. I gave both my mother and father a personalized stone, proudly explaining that I would be selling my creations to the neighborhood. Perhaps my bullheaded determination deterred my mother from explaining that my painted rocks would not likely be a booming business venture, but it did not seem to matter, as I painted several rocks, sold them for about fifty cents a piece, and lost interest. I lived in what could be considered the country: Yakima, Washington, surrounded by horses, cattle, and apple trees.
I also had a brief stint during which I attempted to create my own line of cosmetics at the age of nine. I scooped large handfuls of Vaseline into little jars, and, using a q-tip, used food coloring, glitter, and even mint extract to create my elegant palette of lip glosses. I also utilized my mothers talc powder to create a selection of eye shadows. Alas, my cosmetic line never made it to market, as I quickly discovered that the creations were difficult to package appropriately, and I sensed that the long-wearing abilities added by the food coloring would not be greatly appreciated by potential customers. Although I dismissed my business interest in cosmetics as a fleeting venture, I discovered that I had an obsession with all things make-up. I enjoyed drawing, and was considerably talented for a nine-year-old, and begin creating my first of countless "Makeover Books", showing a series of dramatic before and afters, describing in rich details the products used, as well as step-by-step instructions for the complementing hairstyles.
At the age of ten, I was introduced to what would soon become my passion, income generator, as well as the key factor in leading my across the country to the state of South Carolina. My mother met the father of a well-known harpist (the harpist's name was Gary Garritan), and a discussion regarding the harp ensued, involving an exchange of information that would lead to my mother setting up harp lessons in Kennewick, Washington- over a one and a half hour drive from our home. Fortunately, I was homeschooled, therefore I was able to spend the time weekly- about five hours roundtrip, including the hour to hour and half lesson- to begin my life as budding harpist. I adapted quickly, as I had been playing the piano for several years, and the similarity of the instruments enabled me to pick up the instrument with little difficulty.
Image by Alpine Portraits
It was love at first sight...and touch. It was not my aspiration to become a music prodigy or live the life of a professional musician, yet I became enchanted with the beauty, sound and feel of the magnificent instrument. I became eager to learn more and continue with lessons, and within two years my mother was driving me three hours each way to see a master instructor, as qualified harpists are not abundant- particularly in Washington state.
As a homeschool teacher, scrapbooker, and homemaker, my mother was devoted to her four children: my brother, Bryndon, two years my senior, myself, and two younger brothers, just sixteen months apart. As we were all homeschooled, we spent a signifcant amount of time together. Fortunately, my mother made efforts to include us in various activities, which made our lives quite active and exciting. I was involved in classes that involved all my passions: hip hop and jazz dance, horseback riding, American Sign Language, acting, piano and the harp. By the age of eleven, I also began modeling locally, working with several accomplished photographers as well as modeling for the local mall. I discovered that I loved modeling as well: I not only enjoyed the hair and makeup that was involved, but I also loved seeing the creations that were created, the artistic visions combined by both model and photographer. My mother encouraged and supported me in pursuing all of my passions, spending countless hours driving me to and from the many classes, spending her time waiting for me at a scrapbook score or scrapbooking, as photography and scrapbooking were her two passions.
I began playing the harp at weddings at the age of thirteen. My first wedding was a friend of the family, and I remember finding myself in a dreamlike state during the ceremony. Every element of a wedding: the gown, the ambiance, the romance, the flowers, the joy and happy tears- I found it all incredible, thrilling. I began playing regularly at weddings, and I would make mental notes at each, figuring my own wedding would be no longer than ten years down the line. I began collecting bridal magazines, which assisted in helping brides when planning their weddings, but I also would gaze with adoration at the pictures of the majestic brides. It was then I realized I was a romantic...but I would not realize I was a hopeless one until several years later. I would model in bridal shows, as well as rent a booth with my harp. The shows were always a tremendous success, as I typically would book up to twenty weddings on the day of the show, with phone calls pouring in for months. Through out high school, I would often turn down bookings as I had no availability. A typical week would involve two or three restaurant gigs, and one or two weddings. I also had several harp students. I greatly enjoyed showing the beauty of the harp to both young children as well as eager, mature adults.
The harp led me to many experiences, many realizations, and opened doors that created opportunities that I can describe as nothing less than surreal. I met incredible and influential people, witnessed the unions of hundreds of beautiful couples, and created a lasting connection to music and the power within. I lost two friends during high school, both of which I played the harp for their funerals. One of my friends was a firefighter who had just graduated high school and began her new career three weeks before, the other was a handsome football player that took his own life. The harp was not an outlet I had considered in honoring their lives nor displaying my grief, yet it did so by instilling their memories in moments that I play the songs I had prepared for their funerals. I found that the harp was not only an outlet, but a piece of me in a strange way, a statuesque yet fragile beauty that now too often stands alone.
During my junior year of high school, I visited the University of South Carolina, in Columbia, South Carolina. I had been offered a music scholarship for harp performance, and my mother encouraged I look at schools all over the nation. I visited schools in Virginia, Tennessee, Texas, California, and South Carolina. I realized that this would be my opportunity to branch out, to discover new territory, and I found myself enthralled with the notion of moving cross country. A professor at USC recommended I also visit the College of Charleston. During a particularly turbulent plane ride from Columbia, SC to Myrtle Beach, SC, the young attractive women next to me mentioned she was a student at the College of Charleston, and encouraged I visit. My mother and I rented a car, and made the two-hour trip to Charleston.
Upon arrival to Charleston, I was not won over with the city. The drive into town exposed a dirty, unpleasant picture of the town, and I found myself wondering what I was thinking for wanting to leave the natural mountainous beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Within an hour, upon arriving at the spanish-moss laden entry way of the Randolph Hall at the College of Charleston, I found myself speechless. Strolling the cobblestone sidewalks, and making our way past the bright-hues of the historic homes called Rainbow Row, I noticed a harp in the window of one of the mansions.
Image by Kristina Skalak
This is it, I thought. This is my new city.
The next day, while visiting the school, I felt a bit overwhelmed with how perfectly the city suited me. The streets lay rich with history, yet Charleston thrived with shopping, restaurants, and sightseeing, all perfectly situated in the heart of downtown in the intensely romantic and picturesque southern city.
The next year, I packed up to make the 3,000 mile journey to Charleston, South Carolina. I had made the transition from homeschool to attend a public high school, where I enjoyed my time as a cheerleader, however I found my heart lay somewhere far away. I left my high school sweetheart, who would soon after move to San Francisco. Our wedding plans faded every week I spent enjoying my new life as a college freshman. I was ecstatic at the opportunity to live in such a vibrant city, eager to begin my life as an adult. I knew the harp would always be a major part of my life, however I also felt that my career would fall into something that was my heart, my core. The hopeless romantic in me still envisioned me being happily married by twenty-two, with children waiting until I had pursued my aspiration to be an actress.
The next year, I packed up to make the 3,000 mile journey to Charleston, South Carolina. I had made the transition from homeschool to attend a public high school, where I enjoyed my time as a cheerleader, however I found my heart lay somewhere far away. I left my high school sweetheart, who would soon after move to San Francisco. Our wedding plans faded every week I spent enjoying my new life as a college freshman. I was ecstatic at the opportunity to live in such a vibrant city, eager to begin my life as an adult. I knew the harp would always be a major part of my life, however I also felt that my career would fall into something that was my heart, my core. The hopeless romantic in me still envisioned me being happily married by twenty-two, with children waiting until I had pursued my aspiration to be an actress.
Nine years later, I look back on these moments with a tinge of nostalgia, yet no regret. The years following my arrival in Charleston have proven to shape and mold me in many unexpected ways, however I have found that many of my younger years pointed me in my direction, long before I could grasp what my rather random and eclectic collection of talents and passions could mean.
Upon arrival in Charleston, I would begin my first job as a server at a high-volume, tourist-driven seafood restaurant located downtown. Thus would begin my life in the world of Food & Beverage.
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About Me
- Rochelle
- Model, harpist, bartender & entrepreneur... "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it you will land among the stars." - Les Brown
