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Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Wizard of Oz Costumes

Dorothy Costume - Wizard of Oz Costumes
For some reason, I have always associated the Wizard of Oz with Alice in Wonderland and so following on from my recent post on Alice, I have decided to write a little on some fancy dress ideas for Wizard of Oz Costumes. I think the Wizard of Oz Characters make for a perfect theme for a fancy dress party.

So What is the Wizard of OZ?
Most people probably know the Wizard of Oz from the musical made in 1939, but this was based on the novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum written in 1900.

The story is basically about Dorothy Gale, a girl who lives with her aunt and uncle's on a farm in the USA during the depression. Dorothy often dreams of a better life and one day a tornado takes Dorothy, her dog Toto and the whole farmhouse to the magical Land of Oz.

In the land of Oz the Good Witch of the North tells Dorothy to follow the yellow brick road to Emerald City and meet the Wizard of Oz, who will be able to take her out of the land of Oz.

It is along this journey that Dorothy meets a Scarecrow, Tin Man and a Cowardly Lion, who join her on the trip, because they want to get back a brain, a heart and courage, respectively.

Wizard of Oz Characters
The Wizard of Oz has some excellent characters almost all of which could make an excellent fancy dress costume:

Dorothy Gale
The Wizard of Oz, Professor Marvel
The Scarecrow, Hunk
The Cowardly Lion, Zeke
Tin Man, Hickory
Good Witch of the North/South
Miss Gulch/Wicked Witch of the East/West
Uncle Henry
Auntie Em
Toto
Nikko
Mayor of Munchkin City
The Munchkins
Munchkin Soldier
Lollipop Guild Munchkin
Captain of the Winkie Guards


The Wizard of Oz film features Judy Garland who plays the part of Dorothy Gale, Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow, Jack Haley as the Tin Man, Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion, Billie Burke as Glinda the Good Witch of the North, Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch of the West, and Frank Morgan as the Wizard.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Queen of Hearts Costume

Queen of Hearts Costume
Going back to one of my previous posts on Alice in Wonderland Costumes [See the Alice in Wonderland Costume Blog Post], I have decided to take another look at one of the favourite characters from the film other than Alice.

When it comes to fancy dress costumes for woman, I am sure you will agree, the Queen of Hearts Costumes that are available are truly stunning, that is especially true for the Adult Elite Quality Queen of Hearts Costume from In Character Costumes (main image) that you can find on the Jokers' Masquerade Website.

There are plenty of variations on the Queen of Hearts theme, in fact, if you are looking for fancy dress ideas, you could almost have a whole fancy dress party based around the theme of Kings and Queens :-)

Other favourites of mine include the Queen of Hearts costume that literally looks like a playing card, this costume comes with a matching King of Hearts Costume, perfect for couples costumes.

Sexy Queen of Hears Costumes - oh yes, this fancy dress outfit also comes in a few sexy versions, for those of you looking to make a real entrance!

Valentines Ideas
Why not have a valentine fancy dress party, there are plenty of great valentine party ideas that would be perfect: What would be better than the Queen of Hearts Costume at a valentines party! Other valentine ideas I have just thought of include cupid costumes, Venus costume and what about a love bird costume!

So as you can see there are plenty of ideas if you are planning or going to a Royal, Alice in Wonderland or fairy tail themed fancy dress party.


Queen of Hearts Costumes on Amazon


Queen of Hearts Costumes on Jokers' Masquerade

Monday, April 21, 2008

Andre, bridges, cows, and camera

I had the opportunity to take my goodfriend Andre's pictures, at least a few before he gets his hair cut tomorrow. It seems like forever since I really picked up the cam to shoot anything, especially something as fun (and often challenging) as portraiture. I led Andre to a random bridge (and a flooded ditch) that had just what I needed to make some pictures. The biggest plus was having Andre as a subject, considering I practically had all the work done for me. Thanks again to one of my photogenic friends in allowing me a brief session on the side of the road!









Friday, April 18, 2008

Big List of Sewing Blogs & Some Sewing Ephemera For You

I have just been added to the Big List of Sewing Blogs. It's a really wonderful source for finding other sewing blogs and if you have a sewing blog you can ask to have it added too. Just click on the banner below and you'll find 237 sewing blogs! That's a lotta blogs to visit!

I also thought I'd share some sewing ephemera with you. Feel free to use it and please make sure that you don't link to it--instead just right click on it and save it to your computer. Thanks and Enjoy!








New Zealand Rugby bans Borat

Borat Mankini CostumeBorat Mankini Costume Angers Rugby Organisers

Rugby is the biggest sport in New Zealand, infact it is almost a religion and the seven a side game (rugby sevens) continues to grow. One of the biggest Rugby sevens tournaments in Wellington often sees crowds of over 70 000 attend, many of whom wear fancy dress costumes.

This year, the organisers said that the "party" is getting out of hand with many people getting way too drunk and dress code standards dropping below what is seen as "decent".

Many people attending the rugby tournament at Westpac Stadium wear fancy dress costumes and last year there was the legendary Borat, who went dressed in a lime green lycra V-string "mankini" and by the time 8pm rolled around, what little bits of clothing they had, had been lost in the heat of the day!

The Westpac Stadium stadium's has a dress code that says:
  • Costumes must conform to reasonable standards of decency;
  • They should not be so large that you take up more than your seat space;
  • Accessories that look like, or can be used as weapons are not permitted.

Borat Costume Banned!
Therefore it seems that this year and possibly forever Borat has now been banned from attending Rugby matches in New Zealand!

On top of that this year people could be slapped with a two year ban from the stadium if they are caught trying to sneak alcohol in.

Generally I think it is a good idea as many people take children and teenagers to the event and it should be acceptable for children. The organisers are quick to point out that they are not trying to ban fun, fancy dress costumes will still be permitted, but they must conform to what most people deem to be acceptable (what ever that is!)

Water pistols had also become an issue as drunken fans fired them at unsuspecting spectators.

Another ban was on high visibility, or neon, vests were banned because they allowed fans to evade security staff, who wore the same garments.

What Costumes to wear if you want to get banned!
Anyway here are a few ideas of costumes that will get you banned from watching rugby in New Zealand







Also check out the sexy costumes on Jokers' Masquerade for inspiration

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Winter Drumline

Sometimes the greatest things in life have to come to an end; such is the case for my four years playing for the Taft Drumline. But this doesn't mean I'll stop drumming! The drumline completed its season (and my four) last week at State competition, where we performed "The House" (our winterline show) for the last time. Pleasantly surprised, we received 2nd place, feeling like we won the whole thing with our best performance yet. The band earned sweepstakes (highest scores) at UIL this past Wednesday and we will have our last concert next month.

Here is a link to view our percussion concert performance:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0Gj3NLKk7bE

Here are some pics from the season thus far...

Our first contest at Burbank:


The crew

Taken by Natalie Kennedy:


At State:


Catching Up--Awards Day!

Wow! I feel so honored to have these awards bestowed upon me! Thank You Rhonda, Trudy and Angela!
I will now bestow these awards to some of my sister bloggers......

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The You Create A Beautiful Day Award is from my sister Rhonda of Empty Nest on Mulberry Street who has just recently began blogging. Thanks Roni!




The rules for this one are--and Rhonda says they must be followed very closely...

1. Give to 3 BEAUTIFUL Bloggettes.
2. Smile because you are making their day BEAUTIFUL.
3. On the day that you send out your 3 Awards commit one (or more) random acts of BEAUTY.

So see! It is very important to follow the rules! Especially #3.

And this one goes to......

Stephanie of The Hearts of Hartmann

Blondie of Vintage Primitives


Kathi of Out on a Whim Studios

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I've been Tagged by Trudy of Crows in the Attic Primitives to tell you how I got my name, so here goes.....

It's really rather silly. Remember the show Hee Haw from years ago? At the time--early 80's when the husband and I were first married it was his favorite show--not mine however. Anyway there was a character--Maynard on the show--nothing at all like my husband, but the name was goofy, the show was goofy and for some reason I decided to call the husband Maynard--probably because he is goofy--at times. In return he decided I needed an equally lovely name and so he came up with Hazelruthe. It's 26 years later and neither of us call each other those names--thankgoodness! When we went online in 2001 for the first time I needed an email addy and so I thought Hazelruthe and for whatever unknown reason I kept it through the years as my online name for my blog, pattern business and other online usernames. And so there you have it. However please call me Cathy--that's my real name! LOL!

Now to tag 3 others and see how they got their names....

For those of you who have been tagged please share with us how you got your name and then tag at least 3 others.

I tag....

Tammy of Rock River Stitches

Belinda of Pond Creek Primitives

Robin of Bird in the Hand Primitives



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The You Make My Day Award I received from my friend Angela of The Country Cellar--Thank You Angela!



The rules for the “You Make My Day” award are to present it to those whose blogs bring you happiness and inspiration and make you feel happy about blog land. Let them know through email or by posting a comment on their blog so they can pass it on.


I pass the You Make My Day Award To.....

Sherrie of Symple Tymes

Deb of Pilgrims & Pioneers

Shelley of Shelley's Vintage Variety





Thursday, April 10, 2008

Alice in Wonderland Costumes

Alice in Wonderland Costumes
I happened to be watching TV the other day when an old Alice in Wonderland film came on and it made me wonder if there is such a thing as a Alice In Wonderland costume out there?

After some research, not only did I find some Alice costumes, but also found out loads of interesting stuff about where the story comes from.

The animated film Alice in Wonderland that I was watching made it's premier way back in 1951 and was produced by Walt Disney but the original story comes from the book Alice's Adventures in Wonderland which was written way back in 1865 by an English author called Charles Lutwidge Dodgson under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll.

The book is basically about a girl named Alice who falls down a rabbit hole into a fantastic world populated by creatures that have human like features.

Many of the main characters of Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, a book written later by Lewis Carroll have made their way into popular culture and thus there are also many fancy dress costumes based on Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass.

Jokers' Masquerade fancy dress has a whole range of Alice in Wonderland Costumes that includes many of the main Characters including Alice, The Queen of Hearts costume, King of Hearts Costume and White Rabbit costumes. Check out their Alice in Wonderland Costumes.

In some more detail, the main characters and where you can find the costumes are listed below:

Alice in Wonderland Costumes

The character of Alice often said to be based on Alice Liddell, a child friend of Dodgson's. But Dodgson himself said many times that his 'little heroine' was not based on any real child, but was entirely fictional. Alice in the books is a logical girl, even pedantic, especially with Humpty Dumpty in the second book. According to Through the Looking-glass, she is seven and a half years old. Alice in Wonderland takes place on May 4th, Alice Liddell's birthday. Through the Looking Glass takes place on November 4th, her half-birthday and Alice even says that she is "seven-and-a-half - exactly."

Alice is often shown wearing a pale blue knee-length dress with a white pinafore overtop, although the dress originally was yellow in The Nursery "Alice", the first coloured version of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Which you can find in many Alice in Wonderland costumes. Her blonde hair is held back with a wide black ribbon, and because of this they are now commonly called "Alice bands".

USA Shoppers
Alice in Wonderland Costumes on Amazon.com
Alice in Wonderland Costumes on BuyCostumes.com


UK Shoppers
Alice in Wonderland Costumes on Amazon.co.uk



The White Rabbit CostumeThe White Rabbit Costume
The White Rabbit appears at the very beginning of the book Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, he wears a waistcoat, and mutters "Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be too late!" Alice eventually follows him down the rabbit hole into Wonderland. The Rabbit shows up again towards the end of the book, as a herald-like servant of the King and Queen of Hearts.

There are many White Rabbit costumes and fancy dress outfits on the web and many even have waist coats, even the rabbit from playboy has a waistcoat and many can be used if you cannot find a "real" White Rabbit Costume.

US Shoppers
White Rabbit Costumes on Amazon.com
White Rabbit Costumes on BuyCostumes.com


UK Shoppers
White Rabbit Costumes on Amazon.co.uk



Queen of Hearts CostumeThe Queen of Hearts Costume
The Queen of Hearts in Alice and Wonderland is a foul-tempered monarch, that Carroll himself pictured as "a blind fury", she is quick to pass death sentences at the slightest offence. Her most famous line in the book and one which she repeats often, is "Off with their heads!"

The Queen of Hearts Costumes are some of the best looking fancy dress outfits I have ever seen, even if you are not planning on a Alice in Wonderland theme, you could use these costumes just to be a Queen of whatever!

US Shoppers
Queen of Hearts Costume on Amazon.com
Queen of Hearts Costumes on BuyCostumes.com


UK Shoppers
The Queen of Hearts Costume on Amazon.co.uk



King of Hearts CostumeThe King of Hearts
The King of Hearts, when compared to the Queen of Hearts, is pretty moderate in the Wonderland government. For example, when the Queen, who enjoys ordering people to be beheaded, attempts to have Alice executed because shewas unable to answer who is lying down in front of her, the King of Hearts reminds the Queen that she is only a child.

US Shoppers
King of Hearts Costume on Amazon.com

UK Shoppers
The King of Hearts Costume on Amazon.co.uk

Other Characters in Alice and Wonderland include and some of them shouldn't be too difficult to find generic costumes:

* The Mouse
* The Dodo
* The Lory
* The Eaglet
* The Duck
* Bill the Lizard
* The Caterpillar
* The Duchess
* The Cheshire Cat
* The Hatter
* The March Hare
* The Dormouse
* The Knave of Hearts
* The Gryphon
* The Mock Turtle

Although Tweedledee, Tweedledum, Humpty Dumpty, and the Jabberwock are often thought to be characters in Alice in Wonderland, they actually come from Through the Looking-Glass, but are sometimes included in film versions of the book.

Anyway I hope that if you are looking for Fancy Dress Costumes from Alice in Wonderland, I have in some way made the task easier as well as filled you in on a few facts from the story!

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Pincushions and a Primitive Pocket

I finally got something made! It's a Primitive Pocket, a little sewing roll up and 2 pincushions. The Primitive Pocket, sewing roll up and 1 of the pincushions are on their way to Sharon Stevens of Mustard Seed Originals--I hope she's not peeking!!



For the Primitive Pocket I cross stitched a colonial style peacock and flowers with a bit of feather stitching. The peacock pattern is from part of a really cool pincushion pattern I bought from Stacy Nash of Stacy Nash Primitives . I absolutely LOVE her stuff and hope to keep adding her patterns to my collection.

I have discovered however that I can't see worth a darn when it comes to cross stitching. I need to go get real glasses now! So to fix this problem I slightly enlarged the pattern to fit my piece and then I photocopied the cross stitch pattern onto tissue paper and stitched right over it! Much easier to see--however the picking out of the tissue when finished is a challenge.



Here are the 2 Star Pincushions--I kept the green and brown and sent Sharon the blue and brown. The Star pincushions are a pattern by Denise Davis of Sassafras Hill Primitives . This makes a really nice sized large pincushion, but for my purposes this time I sized it down by half and it still makes quite a nice pincushion and they're fun to make!


Here's a view of the inside of the little sewing roll up--very simple. I definitely had fun making these and hope to get some more primitive pockets made up--maybe not with cross stitch--maybe some wool applique instead--much easier to see! LOL

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Citrus

I decided to have a little fun with fruit, spending some time manufacturing my own state of the art system (with help from my mentor). I flipped over a stool and bent my desk lamp down into the middle, stretched out some aluminum foil to make a brighter, larger area to work on, and covered it with a white shirt and glass frame. The results: glowing citrus fruits (grapefruit, lemon, orange, and lime). Not to mention, Gus (a friend at school) designed my new signature, I think it's perfect.







 

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