Island Hula Hoopla!: COSTUME CREATIONS

**THIS SECTION IS A WORK IN PROGRESS**
What to wear, what to wear.... Performing and costuming go hand in hand. Being able to create custom costumes has added a unique flair to my performing, and allowed me to offer both visual textile arts and movement arts in one.

Since I was a young child I've had an eye for textile adornments. I vividly remember my Mom asking me, "What did you learn today in Kindergarten?" And answering, not with a synapsis of the lesson plan, but a piece by piece breakdown of what everyone in the class was wearing. Ya, just the REALLY important stuff, Mom. I'm so glad she didn't see this as a flaw, but instead, an insight of the creativity to come. Mom gave me her old sewing machine, some fabric scraps, and let me learn by doing.

Embedding the Garnets into "Wings of Love" applique
back of vest

Front of vest: lapels contain Rose Quartz, Citrine, Garnets
sewn in with prayers, to better help the heart radiate
LOVE IN MOTION

It wasn't pretty at first, but the learning process seldom is. Since then I have learned all I can by reading pattern drafting books, attending Natural Dye and surface design workshops, and just DOING it.

Calendula Flower Faerie 2009
Cathy Coates model, Sarah Kerr photo

Fuschia Flower Faerie 2009
Sarah Kerr photo

"1958" Hoopers, photo by Owen Embree
Hooping Poodle applique by the SpinJinny

Team NOVA Rasta Action
roving entertainment costumes

"Fire and Ice" Winter Solstice 2007
with NOVA Firespun Performance Arts

I highly encourage anyone, regardless of skill level, to go forth and create what's in your imagination! Each new creation is an opportunity for growth. Learn all you can, make mistakes, and have fun!

This was probably our easiest group costume ever.
I attached iron-on applique paper to silver and sequined fabric, then cut out stars.
Using our own black top and bottom as base, each troupe member ironed her stars in place.
Add some sequins and you have a super-easy, very effective,
comfortable and safe firespinning costume!
Sarah Kerr photo (top) Ron Pouge photo (below).

2 of my submissions from the 2007 Shambhala

Fashion Show: Alien Birth and Alien Mama

My version of Tinkerbell's Leaf Dress

for Fae's 3rd birthday

Alison Wonderland models the Mushroom Dream ensemble,

a custom creation just for her.

Includes cap, dress, necklace and satchel(not pictured).

The cap, dress and bag feature

UV responsive mushrooms applique on a soft bed of

naturally dyed green silk velvet,

with hammered copper mushroom details.

Necklace is hammered copper on upcycled leather.

Billy Pipe photo

NOVA Firespun Performance Arts "Geisha"
This costume set was inspired and led by NOVA girl Kerry

Mama Moth 2007

Another group effort by NOVA
This was Winter Solstice 2009,
an indoor non-fire show which means we got to utilize
long fringe, flowing vests and two kinds of chiffon,
materials that are definite no-no's when playing with fire!
photo by Barb Mantha