Let's Go To Italy - The Art of Creative Costuming

There is still time to sign up. $100.00 discount if you sign-up before

March 7, 2010

http://toscanaamericana.com/asciortinoartdolls.html

Alice and Wonderland - Movie

Mark Your Calendars!!!

"Alice in Wonderland"

March 5, 2010

I don't want to miss this film. The costumes and make-up are wonderful.

New Workshop - Witch Doctor Wears Prada

May 14 - 16, 2010

Witch Doctor Wears Prada

Newbury, Ohio

Gala 2010

www.dollgatherers.com/Gala2010.html

You can hear the African Drums beating in the distance. The natives are restless waiting with great anticipation for the "Witch Doctor's" arrival. All the while wondering "What wonderful shoes and accessories will he be wearing this time?" Will they be fuzzy and pink? Will they be red? Will they have so much "bling" on them that they will have to wear sunglasses to welcome him? Will they be made out of animal skins, from his latest victim?Witch doctors are steeped in rituals. They work in a sacred healing hut, where their ancestors reside. They have specific colored cloths to wear to please each ancestor and often wear the gallbladder of the goat sacrificed at their graduation ceremony in their hair. They summon the ancestors by burning a plant while dancing, chanting and most importantly playing drums.The "Witch Doctor" will soon arrive for the big Gala 2010, sporting all his beads and colored fabrics. And Oh Yes, we can't forget about his shoes!!! He will be ready to "p a r t é y" and to enchant all those in attendance.

Avatar!!!!! WOW!!!

I finally was able to go see AVATAR (3D) Amazing movie! I highly recommend it. You don't want to miss seeing this movie at the theater and wearing the 3D glasses makes it that much more special.

Happy Mardi Gras!!! Mobile, Alabama

Queen Annette – Inca 2010 – Mardi Gras
Mobile, Alabama
Never in my wildest dreams did I think my daughter would ever be queen of Mardi Gras. However, in all the excitement and anticipation, there was a waiting period of 2 years before the announcement could be made public. In the meantime, all the necessary preparations were on their way. I can assure you that the two years was certainly not enough time to prepare for such an extraordinary event.
The check-list contained:
1) Designing the Crown and Scepter
2) Queen’s Jewelry
3) Designing the dress
4) Designing the collar
5) Designing a 16ft train
6) Shoes
7) Evening dresses for special engagement

Designing the train was the most difficult. Creating the design had to be different than any other design in the past; hence, we featured the crest of the organization that nobody had ever showcased. We also incorporated her “A” and mine, for our names and two fluttering butterflies representing each of my granddaughters, Brittany and Skyler. The main fabric was red velvet, trimmed in 12” iridescent gold trim, rhinestones sprinkled throughout the train.

Deciding on the evening gown was another thing. She had her mind set on a certain style but everything that we found was too plain. So mom to the rescue; did all the beading on the dress in Swaroski crystals (Siam AB) with clear crystals and touches of gold beading. Keeping in mind that red was in the train we had to keep the continuity of the color and design.

The crown and scepter were custom made by a Mardi Gras crown maker who has been making crowns for Mardi Gras kings and queens for over 50 years. Again we took everything a step further and designed the crown and scepter in Swaroski crystals with Siam AB crystals, a little flamboyant, showy and most pretentious, but why not, she was Queen of the Mardi Gras. A successful coup that had never been demonstrated before in this particular organization. The crown and scepter were personalized with the “A” and special stones were inserted to represent the different family members. Since I was the Queen’s mom my stone was in the center of her scepter. How cool is that?!

"We Are The World 25 For Haiti"

I just had to share this video. I am sure Michael Jackson would have been right up front singing.

The new "Alice In Wonderland"

I can't wait for this picture to come out. I am sure the costumes will be over the top. You rock Johnny Depp!!!

Megan Butel - Artdollartists.Blogspot

I wanted to share a wonderful aritcle that was written by Megan Butel on her blog, http://artdollartists.blogspot.com , about my newsletter, Creative Costuming and classes.
Click here: http://artdollartists.blogspot.com/2010/01/free-dollmaking-resource-adele.html
Thanks Megan....your the best!!!!

My Photography February 2010

I am so ready for some sun and beautiful flowers! Winters are tooooooo long in Quebec. I took these pictures last year at the Montreal Botanical Gardens.

(Montreal, Canada)

ADU Bazaar - Ottawa, Ontario Canada

It was a great Valentine's Day! Visited with fellow members of the ADU (All Dolled Up Club) in Ottawa, Ontario (Canada) and participated in their ADU Bazaar day. What fun to see old friends and meet new fellow artists.

Menopause "The Musical"

I had a chance to go see this musical and it was sooooooooooooo funny. If you get the opportunity to go see it....GO!!!

“The Hilarious Celebration of Women and The Change®,” the original, off-Broadway musical begins with four women, “Professional Woman,” “Soap Star,” “Iowa Housewife” and “Earth Mother,” at a Bloomingdale’s lingerie sale with nothing in common but a black lace bra - and hot flashes, night sweats, memory loss, chocolate binges, not enough sex, too much sex and day-to-day challenges with aging parents, aging children and aging partners. They share their ups and downs through a collection of 25 re-lyricized baby boomer songs from the 60's, 70's and 80s. Disco hit “Stayin’ Alive” becomes “Stayin’ Awake,” Motown favourite “My Guy” is transformed into “My Thighs,” "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" switches to "In the Guest Room or on the Sofa, My Husband Sleeps at night,” and “Puff The Magic Dragon” becomes the anthem to exercise, Puff, My God I’m Draggin’”.

Marching Herrings

I was walking out of my front door and here came some marching white herrings. It was a sight to see. You thought they had a special invitation to come into the house.

(Ft. Lauderdale, Florida)

My Photography for February 2010

Beautiful architecture in downtown

Mobile, Alabama.

My Photography for January 2010

Toronto, Ontario skyline. I was crossing on a ferry when I spotted this wonderful opportunity to take a picture of downtown Toronto.