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Monday 31 January 2011

On Fire For Handmade

Here's one of my fellow On Fire For Handmade artisans I'd like to share with you.




This weeks Featured Artisan is Diane's Dangles! Diane has wonderful creations for you to see in her shops. Not only does Diane creation true treasures she is dedicated to promoting her fellow artisans which is a wonderfully kind act! You can find Diane's Dangles on:
Artfire
Twitter
Facebook
Blog
Daine also has a 2nd shop on Artfire called BeadSouk... take a peek there too!

Kitsch and Quirky

I have to be honest, there is something about Kitsch and Quirky that I find hard to resist. I've been having fun this afternoon sat here in Balham, drinking a cup of delicious Waitrose Dark Chocolate drink, browsing through ArtFire looking for some of the more unusual items people have made and wonderful vintage originals. ArtFire certainly didn't disappoint.

I've put together a joyful collection of some of my finds which can be found here: Kitsch n Quirky from members of one of the ArtFire Guilds I belong to who also have a Facebook group On Fire For Handmade

Here's a snapshot of the collection, but click on the link above or the caption for the photo so you can see the fun items I found more clearly, you won't be disappointed!

Kitsch n Quirky Collection on ArtFire

Saturday 29 January 2011

New ArtFire Collection

Vaudeville Gypsy Hair Jewel has been featured in an ArtFire Collection today. You can view the whole collection here: Handmade Delights which was beautifully curated by LottiesTrinkets, many thanks! The whole collection is made up from members of the On Fire For Handmade ArtFire Guild

This is a One Of A Kind Hair Jewel made using a repurposed piece of Vintage jewellery with stunning Starlight crystals, set on a GP hair comb. Starlight Navettes are quite difficult to find. More details and photos can be found here: OOAK Vintage Swarovski Starlight Hair Jewel

Thursday 27 January 2011

Swagged Gypsy Twist Tribal Fusion Skirt

Managed to take a couple of photos of the swagged Gypsy Twist  hip accent skirt. It has a deep swag front and back and it really accentuates curves and hip movements, perfect for all those shimmies and omis!

Tuesday 25 January 2011

Best laid plans of this little mouse went straight out the window!

Last Thursday in the run up to the Tribal belly dance event I was booked to exhibit at I managed to injure my back. So crippling was the pain that at first I thought I might have to call an ambulance. Thankfully with a mercy mission from my other half, hot water bottle and painkillers I survived the 2 hour wait to see a doctor in our local surgery. Unfortunately it meant cancelling the much anticipated trip to The Beat of The Drum, organised by my former tribal instructor Sam Hough. I'm so disappointed I was forced to miss it as I was looking forward to seeing friends and watching some amazing dancers.

I've had an enforced rest yet again since then, unable to do any work which is doubly frustrating having had the flu for the previous 2 weeks.  Which of course means I can't even show you the fun I could have had with my ruffler!

Previous to the injury I was working on more Gypsy Twist Hip Accent Skirts. I have a selection of sizes in crushed black velvet and open web fabrics. I also had a play with the basic design and have a new swagged style, yet to be photographed. It's quite neo Victorian/Edwardian in style. The Gypsy Twist Hip Accent Skirt is ideal as an over skirt for Tribal Fusion dancing. They are simply constructed having no 'waistband' as they are made with stretch fabric, so no ugly bulges over tribal flares or pantaloons.  They are cut to sit on the hip and emphasise hip movements. They work equally well left long or tied up on one or both sides as a more traditional hip wrap. Of course the added benefit is they may also be worn as a shoulder wrap.


Gypsy Twist Hip Hugger Skirt
 I've also experimented with a 'hip hugger' skirt with a bustle effect on the back emphasised with lacy net spider web fabric for a touch of Victorian Gothic

 

Current projects include a halter bra and skirt combo and several feather, flower and jewelled hair ornaments.

It's great when pieces get adopted and their new owners share their enthusiasm for their new VG creation. I had a lovely email from a lady in the USA after receiving her VG hair jewel. It makes it all worthwhile when someone loves what you made for them.

OOAK Vintage Hair Jewel

Monday 17 January 2011

21st Century Vamps, Tribal Goddesses and Ruffles ahoy...

I've been putting this off for some time now, but spurred on by my friend Anna and her newly started blog annamaltoys I've taken the plunge and created my very own blog. I suppose I ought to introduce myself and what I'm about.


Vaudeville Gypsy is born of my love of Tribal Fusion and ATS Belly Dance, the Silent Film era, Art Deco and Victorian Vaudeville. These things all go to influence my designs. I originally trained as a jeweller and also went on to train/work in costume and props. Vaudeville Gypsy is my outlet for my creative ideas, be they jewellery, costume or accessories. I like to make beautiful things to adorn 21st century vamps and tribal goddesses.
Autumn Rose Gold Feather Fascinator  
I collect vintage jewellery and I also like to re-use and re-vamp vintage and antique jewels and textiles within the pieces I make. From Sari fabrics to Victorian applique; from Art Deco dress clips to Atomic age brooches, I like to take forgotten pieces and give them a new lease of life so they may be treasured and loved once more.

Vintage Diamanté & Feather Fascinator

I've been poorly this last week and have lots of work to catch up on, so I won't write much more today. I was supposed to be going in to hospital for a small op but ironically have not been well enough to do so! I'm trying to muster the energy to make some Gypsy Twist skirts and a bra/matching skirt combo as I have an event this weekend coming, To The Beat Of The Drum 2 - A Day and Night of Arabic Dance where I shall be offering up some of my creations.

My latest toys are some new feet for my vintage Elna SU62 sewing machine. I can't even start to tell you how ridiculously excited I am about them: a gathering foot and a RUFFLER foot, oh the joy! I will let you know how I get along with them next time and hopefully post some photos too.