costume: monster

(Halloween 2003)

Chula, the monster
In the early years, I made her Halloween costumes based on her current personality traits. She was about 20 months here- a bundle of ferocious, adorable, energy. Plus she made a lot of growly noises...

I consider this a "cheater" costume, because I used an existing pair of feetsie jammies as my sewing base. I stitched crazy melon colored fur directly onto the jammies. Once I had most of the body constructed, I cut away the inner jammie fabric. I use the "cheater" method with bulky fabrics to ensure a good fit. I built a huge stuffed tail, and covered some Aqua Sox with fur for monster feet- complete with toe nails! (Toe nails made from egg carton.)

I also added a mane of crazy yarn and random stringy trim, which runs from the top of her head, to the tip of her tail. Between the bits of crazy, colorful hair there are big bumpy scales- also made from egg carton. I especially like her big pointy ears.

construction paper: wedding banner

(construction paper wedding banner. 2003)

This is a terrible picture...

When my husband's brother was engaged, a cousin and I planned a couples bridal shower. My contributions included a hand-made board game and this banner. It's made out of construction paper, with eyeshadow added to my sister-in-law with a white colored pencil. I had originally intended for this to be a game of "pin the boutonniere on the groom," but after I had finished, I was too excited about the overall piece to think of someone accidentally taping over their faces. (I put a black box over their names for on-line privacy.) I was especially happy about the resemblance with my brother-in-law, mind you he did NOT wear an orange and green tux at the wedding...