Shopping with Karen and Joy can become an all-day adventure. We have a BJD conference next weekend in Austin, plus Animefest in September (just in time for my birthday!) and Celtic Music Festival 2 weeks later. After a long bout of summer school, things besides the weather are heating up ... So, we went looking for goods to make new jewelry designs for people and dolls.
Yes, the dolls get jewelry as elaborate as their human companions ... and depending on the materials, the jewelry costs as much. Shoot, Colette's wardrobe and shoes costs as much or more than my own Renfaire garb, so I'm as guilty as the next BJD collector. Alas, we merchants must take the risk and hope that (sooner rather than later) we can find buyers who desire our goods ... considering we went to the "Asian Trade District" on Harry Hines, I should watch the connotation of my words ... For non-Dallas residents, sections of Harry Hines are notorious for prostitution, although now I believe the term is "bath house" and "live nude models." As long as a precocious child doesn't ask after the specifics, most parents can zoom past the shadier sections of the street ... Besides, who would bring a kid along on a major shopping trip in the wholesale district? Never mind, I'm sure someone has, since one wholesaler has a sign that says, "No Strollers Allowed."
On the left, Pash't shows a hand flower based on some designs we've seen at local Ren faires, as well as the "slave bracelets" so popular in the 70s & 80s. It's true -- everything old is new again. Just wait 5-10 years. I never imagined that I'd mentally measure girls' skirts and have to remind them that the length is too short ... it takes me back ... way back, to a time and place I'd rather forget. At least we don't have to make anyone kneel down so we can measure the distance from hem to floor. Ahem! back to Joy's design ...
The elf lord sports a rainbow moonstone wrapped in 14 K gold-filled wire ... some guys have all the luck. Last year, some of our smaller pieces sold to women who decided to share the pendants with their dolls, so this year we'll take large and small wire-wrapped stones and crystals. You never know what will appeal to whom ... Unlike Texas, buyers from out-of-state appreciate the artistry (and lower prices) of our work. No nonTexan has studied Joy's work, sniffed, then said, "I could do that" or "I used to do wire wrap" when we're at the bigger cons. Of course, the prices for OOAK jewelry startle the kids at conventions; they haven't learned yet that you have to pay for high quality stuff ... Unless they're cosplayers, they shop for their "fine jewelry" in the department stores.
On the right, Pash't displays a jewelled choker. Joy learned how to make them at Beadworks (now defunct); I'm sure the pattern has appeared in Bead & Button or other jewelry magazines. We just reduced the pattern to fit the dolls ... originally Joy made several large pieces for human wear ... lots of head pins, many crystals, and hours of work. I still may make a steampunk piece in my colors (capri blue, hunter green, chocolate brown) and copper ... but I have to make the dress, too ... that won't happen before Animefest. Besides, it's too hot to wear courduroy with appropriate Victorian undies while the temperatures are topping 90 degrees -- if we're lucky. If not, it'll be closer to 100.
Steampunk -- when Goth met Brown, according to the fan boys ... The so-called "industrial chic," to use the hobby store's designation. I think it's a way to combine science fiction and fantasy with history ... and the fashions are much kinder to the heavier set (not to mention those of us who are over 30!) than much of the loligoth -- unless you go EGA (elegant goth aristocrat), which -- except for the colors -- isn't much different from steampunk fashion ... if you can, though, try to find the Victorian ghostbusters with their steam-powered "proton" packs as they prove that even in the past "who ya gonna call?"
Dance is the hidden language of the soul.
-- Martha Graham
May all your dances be happy ones!
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