Altered Dress Form

A few weeks ago I posted here about a creative challenge I was about to embark on and this post showcases the results.  I was offered an opportunity to alter a dress form, with the chance of it traveling for the next year at the Original Sewing and Quilting Expo shows throughout the United States, if selected. 

7/14/12:  I am so pleased to report that my Industrial 

Glamour Girl was chosen!!!!!

The project is entitled Runway Re-View, and the challenge was to use repurposed items and not spend more than twenty dollars on materials.  Since the challenge this week on Simon Says Stamp and Show this week is "Anything Goes," I am going to enter this there as well.

I would gather that the value of the stuff I used on this was right around ten dollars.  The dress is made from embossed aluminum tape from the hardware store I had on hand.  I grunged it up with black gesso by painting it and wiping off the excess. 

To add a bit more bling, I added a belt made of an old chain and a broach.  I am always on the hunt for old jewelry on the cheap at flea markets and estate sales.  I recently went to my first auction and that was even better as far as affordable altered art supplies, but I digress...  To take the sheen off of the chain I used a bit of black Guilders Paste.  I am in love with this product, I want it in every color.   It is hard to see, but I also spritzed the dress with Perfect Pearls mists.  These work really well on metal. 

The bottom was embellished with a few bits I found on a half off sale in the wedding section of a big box store. I really loved the little sprays of wire and gems.  A few light bulbs were also added to go with the industrial feel and add a whimsical element. I detailed the trim of the dress in a black sequin trim I had on hand, although I have no recollection of ever getting it. 

I hope my little industrial gal is chosen to travel.  Perhaps some of my readers will actually get to see her in person, that would be cool.  No matter what, it was a fun experience to participate in and it really challenged me artistically.   

Cheers,

Rhea

A new creative challenge

I was recently contacted by a gal named Teri who asked me to participate in a special crafty event.  Teri and I crossed paths once through a local art meeting and I am so grateful for this chance meeting. 

The challenge is to decorate a paper mache dress form using 80% reused, recycled, re purposed or reclaimed materials.  We cannot spend more than $20 on additional supplies.  If my piece is selected, it will travel to at least 12 trade shows through out the United States through the Original Sewing and Quilt Expo.  The project is called Runway "Re-View."



When I was first approached about the project I really resisted as fabric is just not my thing.  I hope to really use a lot of different materials in interesting ways to dress my form.  I do have to say the scale is much larger than I had anticipated, so that will also be a challenge for me.  I wonder what all those quilters and seamstresses will think of my crazy mixed media antics!

Stay tuned to see how my little project unfolds.

Cheers,

Rhea