I wouldn't compare myself to a Picasso...why do I compare myself to digital art?

I have a little Pinterest board that is causing a big stir.

Before and after photoshopped images. 

I have no problem with using photoshop. It makes things more aesthetically pleasing. Lightens a photo. Brings pictures to life. It brought a whole new genre of art. 

What I don't like is how 99% of images in our magazines are now photoshopped to make the models look taller, longer, and skinnier. And how 99% of us don't realize that those images are completely artificial. The before and afters are eye opening because you can see how a tiny change can make a big difference.

We know that comparing ourselves to Disney Princess is slightly neurotic, because it's obviously not real. Well, guess what? Neither are those photos you're looking at. 

Let's try not compare ourselves to others. And let's certainly not set magazine images as our standard!

Project Runway All Stars! Episode 2.

*The opera gown challenge. Yeeeeeeessssssssssss.
*"Indulge your fantasies," "Most dazzling,"...
*Awwwwwwww. In one day. Boooooo. There's the kicker.
*Yes, I expect a lot of Austin, being the king of couture and all, but in one day? Hum.
*Oh course Keneley goes for pink with polka dots. I love the 50's look, don't get me wrong, but is there anything else you can do?
*Why is Michael freaking out over same colors?
*I'm with you April...the same fabric does not the same dress make. What's the biggie.
*HA! Especially as April is now dying the red Michael just chose not to get. Funny.
*Mondo says he's afraid of this challenge, but I fully believe he's going to wow.
*Love the piece Michael just pulled out of the hat. It's sparkly. 
*I miss Tim, but JoAnna Khols (sp?) is really wonderful. Especially as she is the editor they would be working with at Marie Claire if they win.
*Why is everyone so focused on Austin? Does anyone else remember that Rami has had his looks all over the red carpet?
*I think April will pull this off. 
*Kara. Bridesmaid wear. Ha. So true. 
*Noooooo Sweet Pea! Oh gosh. Why did she come back this season? She's such a doll and has absolutely no aesthetic eye. It's like humiliation round 2. 
*Kara...you're annoyed that you got here and it was, "Bam. Game on," when you're in a competition for a .5 million dollar prize? 
*We have not had a single peek at Rami's look. I want to see it. 
*"...and we're seeing some really really pumped up prom dresses." Thank you Anthony. Love. 
*Ooo. Now Kara is threatening to get her hands dirty. I think she is a challenge too late for that kind of talk. 
*Ohhhh some of these do not look good. Oh my.
*Moment of truth: runway!! Bring on the one day high end glamor!
*I think my friends would predict that I would love this look. Unfortunately they don't know how much I don't love Kenley. Floofy dress and polka dot floof boobs. 
*Oh Gordana. This is for a night under the sea, not at the Opera. 
*I am so disappointed in Rami's! Oh sad. Bright pink inside out dress with poof at the low hip. I'm sad.
*I don't hate Mila's. 
*Like I hate Sweet Pea's.
*And Mondo works it. Who predicted it? Moi.
*Jerrel's is pretty but has no shape. I wonder if they'll get after him for that.
*Bridesmaid. As JoAnna warned Kara.
*Anthony, it's pretty, but what's with the random glitter kitty on the belt?
*And Austin's is lovely but underwhelming. Too much build.
*I think April's is very her. 
*Michael's has got to be the winner. omg. He really did pull it out of a hat!
*Opa. They are calling the highest and lowest. 
*Predictions: Highest: Michael, Austin & Anthony. Lowest: Kara, Sweet Pea & April.
*Ouch. Calling April's tortured. Ooph.
*They loved Austin's. Validated.
*It's Michael for the win. Has to be. 

*Who is it....?
*Austin. Meh. Okay. Beautiful, but I liked Michael's better.

*And Sweet Pea is out. Cause this competition was just too much for her. Bless her heart.

"Punk Teenagers" and How Awesome They Really Are.

Among my many hobbies and passions comes not only a love of the theater world, but an intense respect and admiration of the the 

high school students I have the blessing of working with on 

such theatrical projects. I get to do the after school programs. 

Not be an official teacher, yet still registered 

with the school as an acting coach, dance instructor, 

choreographer & director. 

That also allows me liberties that official teachers don't get to have:

I get to be their friend, confidant, and someone they 

all know they can text or facebook

about their bad day and I will always be frank with them 

and tell it how it really is:

"You are awesome, kid. I loved high school but 

I wouldn't want to do it again. 

Being a teenager is hard, 

but you are beating the odds everyday by just showing up and trusting that it's all gonna be okay. 

And knowing that whatever life throws at you,

you can handle it."

And they know I mean it, cause I'm also the director who will say, 

"Nope. That scene was an epic fail." 

No, really, I will. 

But I also follow it up with,

"Good news is, you took a big risk, got the bad one out 

of your system, and I will help you fix if you want to make it better."

And they do.

High school kids get a bad rap.

Just the other day I had one of my superiors at my day job 

ask how I can stand to work with them.

"(They're) so moody, self important, and just plain annoying!" 

Look, 

They are not only figuring out that they don't know it all,

which scares them,

but that their parents and mentors don't know it all.

Which terrifies them.

But they want to learn.

They want to succeed. 

They want someone to believe in them.

They want someone to be honest 

and tell them that was their worst,

but be ready to show them how to do their best.

And truly believe they can do it if they choose to.

And ps, 

to make sure they get praised like crazy for even their 

smallest improvements.

In my high school days I was blessed with a mentor who 

changed my life by simply giving me that same 

admiration, honesty, and respect. 

She helped me choose to be the person I am today.

To be told I emulate her in any would be one of the highest compliments someone could give me.

I hope from the other side she can see how hard 

I try to pass on to my students

the life changing lessons she taught me.

But I also know now why she chose to teach high school.

My high school students blow my mind every day with

how brave they are.

They inspire me. I respect them. 

 I admire them.

So next time you see some "punk teenager,"

just remember how badly they need someone to know they 

are more than that,

so they can keep the courage to believe it too. 

-In Loving Memory of Syd Riggs-

Thanksgiving Point Bridal Fair

Today I got to attend the bridal fair at Thanksgiving Point. It was a lovely affair, complete with lovely brides, grooms, and gelato  

(Italian ice cream. Try it.)

I had the privilege of being in their fashion show,

where I got the chance to see my favorite pieces walk the runway.

Here is a peek at the action:

The brides were so adorable!

 More adorable brides. 

Here come the brides!

Thanks to Amanda for the photos!

Project Runway All Stars! Episode 1.

It’s no surprise to anyone who knows me… (and let’s face it, probably any one who doesn’t but knows I have a shop where I make “stuff”) …that I love Project Runway. Love. So I was super excited when that started their new season with the ALL STARS!! And here, my lovely fashion forward friends, is my person recap of the first episode. Yay!

*Preview for Dance Moms. I’m a dancer/dance insructor and couldn’t force myself to 

sit through one episode. Really. Not one. I’m not even going to go there.

*Mondo!! Omg go watch his season if you haven’t. He’s a genius. If you want to argue, feel free. I can’t hear you. Love how he mixes prints.

*Michael Costello was hugely underrated his season. But not competition for Mondo.

*Mila? Hu?

*Anthony! Love him! Work it girl!

*k I love Jerrell too. You take that tiara honey.

*This season is shaping up to be a fight already…cause I pretty much adore everyone.

*Not Elisa. That quickly made it easier.

*Any other theater geeks notice that her intro music sounds like Sweet Charity?

*Austin Scarlett IS a star. Cause we (okay, I…) will watch him on any show and love it.

* “Sometimes I can come across as really stuck up, snobby, and just rude. But screw everybody else.” You are such a sweetheart Kenley. Deep down. Maybe I’m a hater but I hate her.

*RAMI RAMI RAMI RAMI! If you’re not familiar with his stuff…go outside and talk to people. Brilliant drapery and fit. Gah!

*Right now I’m seeing Rami and Mondo in the final 3.

*Gordana is an All Star?

*And Sweet Pea?

*Please bless Wendy doesn’t show up.

*Wait, no Heidi?!? For serious? Yeah okay I see the point of switching up the judges…but…huh.

*Ooo, April Johnson. She’s a good one too.  Very goth rock chic.

*No immunity. Woah.

*Who is this Kara woman with the accent?

*Kenley, seriously girl, let the 50’s thing go. Evolve. Grow. Get a good make-up remover.

*For some reason when I think of Isaac Mizrahi I find myself thinking of a Target clothing line or something. I hope he brings a more refined eye than I am currently expecting.

*Starting with a fashion show? Love it right away.

*Elisa has the kind of genius that I know someone somewhere appreciates. It’s just really not me. At all.

*k folks, let’s see these looks.

*Jerrel: That’s way more resort evening party on a cruise than I expected of you. Disappointed but I don’t hate it.

*Mila: I;m sorry someone cut your dress in half and you had to make the other side in another fabric. That must have been almost as hard for you as it was for me to watch it go down the runway.

*Kenley, if you’re a freak about fit and construction, why does your dress fit your model so poorly? Joan Rivers would crucify any celebrity caught dead wearing that on the fashion police. You know it’s true.

*We’re born naked to embellish ourselves? I love you Austin. I do. That’s not why we’re born though.

*Aaaaaaand Elisa’s butterfly dress does not disappoint.  Fly away little model, use those wings and fly!

*Elisa, you design organically?...isn’t that the whole point of creating something in the first place? That we created it? Ergo it is inherently organic of ourselves? Yeah I’m not going to think about that too hard.

*Rami’s is amazing, of course.

*Gordana’s isn’t so bad if you take away the bright red shoulder pads. *April brought something ready to wear. Which I would ps. It is very cool. I hope they don’t hold its simplicity against her.

*Anthony, yours looks like Austin’s, but shorter and green. And a little more tacky. No no no honey.

*Michael: meh. Except that your model made you question your sexuality. That’s kind of a big deal.

*MONDO! I LOVE THE FASCINATOR! I bet you’re all shocked.

*Kenley, welcome to 2012 dear. Can you bring a little modern into the shake shack?

*Valentino. Legit. Woah. I’d probably be in tears too.

* ”Ya’ll I’m from the projects, I thought you all was shooting.” Ah Anthony. So funny.

* UNCONVENTIONAL CHALLENGE! This really is genius challenge because it forces designers to think outside their little world.

* I love the .99 store. I would have rocked this challenge. Except for the sewing and making the dress part.

*No Sweet Pea! I see disaster on the horizon.

* I bet Mondo practiced at home on unconventional materials.  I totally would have. And I predict an amazing dress.

*NO TIM GUNN?!? Awww. Sadness.

*Dear Elisa. Ew. Stop spitting on your fabric to give it blessings. Ew.

*Looks like it’s going to be Sweet Pea. That dress is a towel.

*What’s with the twisty wire sleeve Gordana?

* “It’s a piñata. I hope her model is full of candy.” So does the model Mondo.

* Ouch, poor Austin.

* Poor Austin’s head scarf.

*Austin is a champ. He’ll recover.

*And he does! I called it.

*Hate the hip extensions Austin.

*No.

*Yes! Love that Jerrell.

*Bahahahaha!! The butterfly dress take 2.

* Wow, Rami. I’m am calling Rami for the win today.

* No Sweet Pea!!

* YES MONDO!!! Wow the detail is unreal. And the fascinator!!

* Ha. Kenley’s .99 dress made with a shower mat was better than her real one.

* Anthony’s looks like he is designing for Jersey Shore.

* Gah! Mila! What is she wearing?!?

* The two mop dresses are not too alike. I wonder if they will mention it. I like both of them.

* Rami, Jarrell, & Mondo: highest. Elisa, Sweet Pea and Gordana: Lowest.

* I am right and I agree. Ha.

* This story Elisa is telling is hilarious. “A full story…360…from 180…and it is 2 stories…on a sleeve…” Bahaha.

* Yes Rami’s dress looks similar to the first one…wasn’t that the challenge?

* Well I guess they liked the twist wire sleeves. That is why art is subjective.

* Whew. They agree with me about Elisa. My fashion sense isn’t completely lost.

*Elisa needs to go. Please Elisa.

*Please Elisa.

* Elisa.

* Elisa?

* Rami wins!! Yay!! Well deserved.

* Um, cut Elisa please now.

* Yes. Good choice. Bye bye butterfly. 

What were your thoughts?

Bridal Fair Giveaway Prize

This Saturday, January 14th, is the Thanksgiving Point Bridal Fair!

ArtisanMaskers and BecauseItSparkles 

are both being featured in their big fashion show and

Grand Prize Giveaway!!

Here is a sneak peak at the giveaway prize, valued at 150.00.

(Note that the bridal mask was made by me while the Groom's Masks were made by my best friend Amanda from ArtisanMaskers. The winning bride gets her pick of the two grooms masks.)

If you're in Utah, come stop by and see us!

 

Bright Pink and Peacock Feathers

I love doing custom orders, and here is why:

This picture represents one of the "ah ha" moments in my life. My eyes were opened, my creativity was broadened, and I basically learned that I really don't always know best.

This lovely bride wrote to my sister shop;

ArtisanMaskers 

and asked for a custom bridal mask. As girly/bridal/sparkly is kinda my thing,

I was appointed the task out of our little group of maskers. 

I was very excited. 

Bridal...sparkle...love, love, love. 

And then I got the terrifying news:

The bride wanted bright pink and peacock feathers. 

Bright pink, AND peacock feathers?!?

"Is this bride twelve?" I remember myself thinking. "Does she just not care about color composition? Is there not one kind person in her life who would point out to her how heinous that palate is? Bright pink and peacock feathers. Okay then. It's your wedding. 

I'll just make sure this piece never makes it into my personal portfolio."

And away I went. Now, I may not have been in love with her colors, but that certainly doesn't 

mean I wasn't going to pour my heart and soul into it. I was determined to give her 

something beautiful and special, even if the colors were a dreadful mistake.

So I sketched, picked out the finest materials, and began creating.

This bridal mask set me free as a designer.

Her colors were brilliant. Genius. I was astounded that I had been so short sighted and judgmental.

This beautiful mask is one of my all-time favorite creations, because I discovered that I was capable of making beautiful things I wasn't brave enough to dream up myself!

I now take on any custom order with gusto. I love it. LOVE it. Bringing others' visions to light gives me a moment inside another person's creative world!

And I am honored to be there. 

Bright pink AND peacock feathers?

Yep.

Gorgeous.