Couture Dress Form

I am excited to show off this little mixed media dress form I made for Graphic 45.  Being able to play with hot off the press craft supplies is one of the coolest perks of being on a design team.

I started off by coloring the Kaiser Craft mannequin with black gesso.

Then I used the brand new washi tape to decorate the edges of the stand.  As most of you know I adore decorative tapes, so I was pretty jazzed when Graphic 45 finally came out with some.

To decorate the bodice I used a new shabby chic metal keyhole.  To create a bit of interest, I backed the opening with a scrap of paper that had a pretty face image on it.

To provide movement, I added a chain I had on hand.  I have oodles of junk that my dad gives me from left over estate sales and this is where I scored this treasure.

I also used the Couture flower die cuts to embellish the skirt area of this project.  I love how their coordinated embellishments make it easy to add design elements.

Also notice the new shabby chic key and brad I used.  The finish on these new staples is really lovely.  It was a little bit hard for me to not horde them!

The final touch is my usual buffing of gilders paste in silver for added texture and framing.  

I hope you liked this fun little project for Graphic 45!  I sure had fun creating it!

Cheers, 

Rhea

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