Commissions

So, I've been working on commissions lately. To the right is a reversible elven bodice commission I just finished for a photographer looking to do an elven-type shoot. I know my photograph isn't great, but this outer cloth is SO SHINY.

I've also been working on a big elven gown commission. Right now I'm trying to finalize the embroidery designs, so I'll post pictures of my test runs soon.

New Site and Embroidery

So I've been working hard to redo all of my company/design stuff under the Flax and Kite name, and have just now finished a basic version of the new website! I figured it was about time I had a personal website for everything, rather than going through DeviantArt and Etsy.

You can find the site at: http://www.FlaxandKite.com
Oh yeah, and I totally ordered new business cards too (finally!).

AND

I just got an embroidery machine, so I now offer custom embroidery! That includes commissions, pre-made things (like shirts and handkerchiefs), etc. The neato hawk and Tudor rose above was designed by me and embroidered by my new machine :D

It's far too late, and I really shouldn't still be up...

Faerie Princess Shoot

Yesterday I had the pleasure to shoot my new faerie princess costume...at an actual castle! Castle McCulloch was built in the early 1800s and still stands as a wonderful event venue in the middle of NC. I met up there with bunches of great photographers, and some other costumed models, and a good time was had by all (despite the heat!).

This costume began as a waterlily faerie outfit, but I got a bit carried away with the pink and glitter... Sooo I was able to fulfill my childhood dream of getting to be a faerie AND a princess! ^_^ Now my entire sewing room is covered in glitter. What a wonderful problem to have!

I'll post more photos later~

Deerskin Coat Mock-Up

To balance out the super girly and glittery faerie costume, I'm also working on a black deerskin coat for faire and steampunk events this year. This is a mock up of the bodice of the coat (the hem isn't the right length and the sleeves aren't shown).

I'm just waiting for my deerskin to get in so that I can start making this! The design is based off of an Elizabethan men's doublet, which I've always thought looked cool.

Waterlily Fey Progress

So, I'm planning on having the waterlily fey costume done by the end of the month, because there's already a shoot lined up for it July 6! Here's the skirt so far:The waist band and poofies will be hidden/smushed by the steel boned corset that's going to be the bodice of the gown. I didn't want all that weight pulling on the bodice, so they're separate. I still need to hem the bottom layer and of course decorate it, but I'll do that after the corset is done. I cut the organza to look like waterlily petals in different colors, and gently singed the edges with a candle so that they don't fray.

I also tried making a tiny waterlily with some scraps! It doesn't look super, but I'll need lots of flowers and things to put on the gown (along with shinies!).

About the Name

So, I thought I'd make a quick post to explain the name of the blog, Flax & Kite. Flax, as many of you tailors/seamstresses may know is what linen is made out of, a fine and multi-purpose fabric that's been used for centuries (and thus another tidy allusion to my love of history). A kite, in this instance, is a kind of hawk.

Thus, keen observation and wild beauty (kite), mixed with carefully created finery (flax) helps to explain what I aim for each and every time I make a costume or garment. Hopefully this helps the name of the blog to make more sense.

Waterlily Faerie Princess Inspiration

I noticed that lately JoEllen Elam (aka Lillyxandra) has been putting together 'inspiration sheets' for people to see while she's working on a new costume. I thought that was a brilliant idea, so I'm beginning to do the same (thanks, Jo!).

Right now I'm working on my waterlily faerie princess costume. It's super girly, glittery, sparkly, and pink (I feel like a little girl all over again!). The gown was mainly inspired by a pretty waterlily/dragonfly greeting card and Disney princess gowns!


I should have the gown done by the end of the month, and Jason Dulin (http://www.modelmayhem.com/889698) and I are planning to shoot soon after that. I just need to decide what to do about wings!!
I have the wig, and I've finished the crown: