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just plain sara: May 2010

Friday, May 28, 2010

Some new commissions for the summer

I actually do have a couple commissions to work on this summer and my problem as usual, is finding time. That's all I can take on for now. I don't think I'll even make myself anything new this year. I'd like to. Goodness knows, my wish list is long enough.

The first project is actually top secret so I can't reveal it until the buyer is ready to release that information. The second, I'm not sure about but we'll have to see. We only began our email discussions this morning so it's not even a firm deal yet.

For now, thank you for all your support with the new website and I'm glad that some of you who only want to read about the costumes are still finding this little blog helpful. Quite often the questions I get are answered with the same stock response, "just join up at thesuperherocostumingforum.com and hundreds of us will be able to help you with your project." It's true. I'm only there about once a week now but it's a vital website, just like the League of Heroes. You don't have to be working on a superhero style costume to join or ask questions. We have our share of G.I. Joe and horror projects among the board members and galleries.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Vacation in Style... Is there any other way?!

Beyonce vacationing in style!
Left to right: Geometric Print Kaftan Dress by Supertrash $205.13, www.asos.com; Flirt Kaftan, $71.20, www.chicos.com; Cheesecloth Embroidered, $85.50, French Connection; Bold Flower Paradise Poncho, $63.20, www.chicos.com
Left to right: V Neck Kaftan Cover Up, $40, www.topshop.com; Aurora silk kaftan by Emamo, $650, www.net-a-porter.com; Marlin Print Kaftan, $110, www.monsoon.co.uk; Davina Kaftan, $100, www.monsoon.co.uk
Planning a trip away soon and have no idea what to wear? No problem. Take a leaf out of Beyonce's holiday wardrobe and pack your suitcase full of vibrant kaftans and tunics for lazy days on the beach. Truth be told you don't even need to be vacationing on an island to copy this look. Wear these tops with shorts, skinny jeans or flowing linen pants for instant "sunshine chic."

Monday, May 24, 2010

lolol ha fatty, take some of these bit.ly/acaifat

Posting a response just so my real fans can see what I put up with. I'm no longer fat & unhealthy. At a healthy weight for my height & cholesterol & blood pressure are textbook after years of being near 200 lbs.

Ask me anything

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Marvel's Black Cat commission

These pictures are of a suit that I've made for someone else so it's a bit baggy on me because the customer is much taller than I am. I just had to try it on because I was so happy with how it came out and I think it makes for a better picture when you can see someone in an outfit even if it isn't perfect.

The customer commissioned just the black bodysuit in the style worn by Marvel's Black Cat, Felicia Hardy. I am not responsible for any of the accessories nor the fur trim which the customer will be adding later. So basically, I had it pretty easy but after having my confidence shaken a few times, I was nervous about delving back into taking commissions.

As usual, I used a Kwik Sew figure skating pattern as my base. I only had minor modifications for the leg length, neckline and front zipper. You can see me testing the neckline/cleavage in the picture to the right.

Here are my suggestions for the other elements of the suit if anyone else is looking to put one together (links naturally may break after original posting due other people's website dynamics):

Wig: I've switched from bestwigoutlet to cosworx.com because the prices are usually better; it's just harder to navigate around the site looking for color swatches but price usually wins. Plus cosworx is somehow related to cosplay.com which has a trading post/marketplace forum where you can find used and new wigs (and lots of other things).

Mask: I use Lance at XtremeDesignFx.com for that; he offers the perfect mask for Black Cat or Ms. Marvel among all of his other work. I do find that ordering takes a long time so keep that in mind.

Variations: Sometimes Black Cat has white boots and white gloves with the fur; other times black. You can avoid getting fur installed on the legs if you purchase boots with santa style fur trimming:



This leaves fur for the gloves/sleeves and the collar.
Gloves http://www.greatglovesonline.com/product/3GLFE162MAR/8Button_Shiny_Stretch_Satin_Spandex_Slipon_Gloves_with_matching_color_Marabou_Feather_trim_around_cuff_and_down_the_side_cuff_extends_8_above_the_wrist_bone_below_the_elbow__3GLFE162MAR.html

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Special Dr. Sketchy's Pittsburgh: Guns of Shadow Valley

This isn't about your typical charity fundraiser. It's not one of those tax-deductible sort of things. However, it would mean a lot to folks involved including myself.

I'm the spokesmodel for the Guns of Shadow Valley comic book which is online and completely free at gunsofshadowvalley.com. The comic is the blood, sweat and tears of Dave Wachter. It was just nominated for an Eisner Award for Best Digital Comic which is like the Academy Award of comic book awards. Dave has been living the joyous freedom filled life of an independent artist for years. We have plans to attend the San Diego Comic Con for two nights just to go to the Eisner Awards dinner. If you've heard of it, you probably know how crazy expensive that trip is.

The extremely generous people that the Pittsburgh Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School offered to give all of their May proceeds to Dave to fund his trip to San Diego. The event details are http://docsketchy.eventbrite.com/ but the brief is that it's May 24th, a Monday night at the Gypsy Cafe. You don't have to stay the whole night of course if you're like me and get up in the wee hours for a day job, but coming out to support the Guns comic would be truly appreciated.

For $15, you can sketch, sculpt or photograph sexy cowgirls who will be modeling (including myself) and partake in a variety of Dr. Sketchy's hilarious contests with prizes of course including our sponsor Boyd & Blair vodka. It should go without saying but the food at the Gypsy is to die for. Chef Jim Dietz and manager Melanie know how to make people happy with food and drinks. They invented the Wachter Waffles and the Peckinpahguerita in Dave's honor when he got the nomination.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Margie's Wonder Woman tutorial

You've probably seen more pictures of Margie as Wonder Woman than any other costumer out there today. She practically runs Heroes Alliance which is a Florida troupe of costumers that do loads of community service. Recently, she posted a tutorial on making Wonder Woman armor over at Facebook, which may be friends only so I'm not sure if you'll be able to get through the link if you are not on her friends list. Please, if you send her a friend request, take a few seconds to attach a message; this makes a big difference to women who model and costume.

Monday, May 3, 2010

PC attack - in case you didn't know

If you aren't following my twitter, then you might not realize just how far up Shit's Creek I am with my computer. I can't get my video files to work now. I haven't even tried my scanner yet. This means reviews and content are probably going to be a month behind schedule. If you're a paid customer and you have issues with lack of updates or login failures, please email me at amberlovescomics at gmail. 


You can read my pathetic details here: http://amberunmasked.com/?p=1156


On a happy note, I was at Phantom of the Attic for Free Comic Book Day and got loaded up with my monthly stack plus a few of the freebies. I have tons of reading to get to now that I can't get anything on my computer to work.