Dear Constant Reader,
It’s Friday! How about a tip?
Use hairnets to preserve your wigs’ styles.
After you go to all the effort to style your wig, put a hairnet over it to keep it looking good until you’re ready to wear it.
[You can find all my previous Tips on this page.]
These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page. Or you can just tip me if you liked this.
Dear Constant Reader,
I’m writing this in haste for The Expo begins today. Here’s your tip!
Buy from independent stores, artists, and craftspeople.
The big businesses will do just fine without your patronage, but these folks may not. The Expo has a fine selection of Vendors the weekend for your burlesque needs and desires. And there are many lovely small businesses here in Salem that deserve your support.
These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page. Or you can just tip me if you liked this.
Dear Constant Reader,
It’s Friday again and this particular Friday Massachusetts is now requiring masks indoors again. You’ll need them when you attend The Great Burlesque Exposition next weekend! I though this tip was timely…
Wash your cloth masks after every wearing.
I like to handwash mine. Use cool or warm water (temperature doesn’t really matter) and some soap — this is the virus killer. I usually use Dawn because it also is great at removing lipstick stains. Take out any filters before submerging. Swish around and then thoroughly rinse until there’s no soap left. No need to soak. If your mask has wire shaping, definitely don’t let it hang out in the water longer than necessary. Let the masks air dry.
You can also machine wash, but if the masks have elastics, I recommend air drying. It’ll extend their life
If your masks are rhinestoned or have other embellishments, definitely hand wash!
For a final touch, give them a quick press with the iron once they’re dry, to crisp up any pleats or folds. This is completely optional, of course.
Not only will washing with soap kill germs and viruses, you’ll have a fresh, clean piece of fabric touching your face, which is just more pleasant. And maybe save you from some irritation and break outs.
These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page. Or you can just tip me if you liked this.
Dear Constant Reader,
Happy Friday! Here’s your tip!
Before every costume project, take your measurements, even if you’re sure of what they are, write them down, and refer to them throughout the project.
This tip brought to you by the woman fixing an almost-finished costume piece because she cut it a size too large.
These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page. Or you can just tip me if you liked this.
Dear Constant Reader,
Happy Friday the 13th! We have a show tonight at our beloved venue, Deacon Giles Distillery — Bad Luck Burlesque! Last I heard we were almost sold out! Will I see you there?
Here’s your tip!
If you edit your music for an act, rename the song so you can easily find the version you need.
These days it is so easy to change your music to suit your act — shorten the song, drop in another piece of music, add a sound effect, slow down the tempo, change the key, etc. You want to make sure you are giving the correct version fo your song to whoever is handling your music. Adding a note to the name will insure that there’s no confusion.
Here are a few examples from our catalog: “Dark Eyes (slow)” or “Mint Julep extended version” or “Pantaloons with thunder” or “Feelin’ Good BeauTease edit”. These songs were edited specifically for the acts and then renamed to specify the change. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. You could use “performance” or “final” to keep it simple.
It’s a terrible feeling to hear your music start and realize “that’s not the right version!”. A simple addition to the song title can give you peace of mind.
These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page. Or you can just tip me if you liked this.
Dear Constant Reader,
Happy Friday!
As you well know, I have a Patreon, because I tell you all the time. However, I also support a number of artists and creators there. The latest is the Slightly Sinister Academy of Crafts, which just went live today! I’ve been following Sinister Sarah’s stunning projects on Instagram and I’m really looking forward to her instructional videos. Join me in supporting her!
Here’s your tip!
Take joy in what you do and share it with others.
I had a really stressful, high-anxiety week. At rehearsal, I joined by Betty and Devastasia, who had their own, different sources of stress.
We started with a warm up, as we always do and decided to play our favorite pass-it-along game — Betty does a couple of repeats of a move, then I do a move. We do Betty’s move, then my move, then Devastasia contributes one. We do Betty’s, mine, Devastasia’s, etc., continuing around the circle for a couple of songs. When you only have three people you need to keep thinking! And as the songs on the playlist change, we adapt the moves to suit. It can be a very useful tool to teach vocabulary, especially to apprentices.
It was so much FUN! It was great to just move and even better to do it with friends who were also trying to deal with some stuff. We picked our favorite high-energy moves, not trying to impress or teach anyone, just wanting to have a good time with it. We were grinning and laughing all the way through. And that mood continued through the rest of rehearsal.
I hope you find some joy in your day.
These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page. Or you can just tip me if you liked this.
Dear Constant Reader,
Friday again. I’ve been wracking my brains for a tip. My only advice for you today is:
Sometimes you’re not feeling it. Try again later.
Brought to you as the result of a not-so-great day.
These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page. Or you can just tip me if you liked this.
Dear Constant Reader,
I hope you’re enjoying your Friday! Here’s your tip!
When applying skin care and cosmetics, consider your neck to be an extension of your face
When you are applying moisturizer or sunblock or foundation, don’t stop at your chin! Your neck needs love too. Bonus points if you also include your ears and décolletage.
These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page. Or you can just tip me if you liked this.
Dear Constant Reader,
Happy Friday!
Tomorrow I’m teaching a beading class at the summer virtual BurlyCon at 10AM (Eastern)/7AM (Pacific) (yeah, I know, but there are participants from all over the world). You can sign up a la carte or buy a weekend pass.
Here’s your tip!
Make a list of all your projects in progress and then prioritize them.
Most creative people I know have several projects in progress. New projects are more exciting. Maybe you have a pressing deadline so that project jumps to the head of the list. Perhaps you don’t have the materials for the next phase, so you turn to something else in the meantime.
And the next thing you know, your project space is in chaos and you’ve got more unfinished projects than you realized. So, make your list and rank everything. Things with hard deadlines go first, but after that it’s your choice. Maybe you want to put the items closest to completion at the top, or the ones that will be most fun to work on, or the ones you’ve been putting off the longest.
Then dig in to your number one project and drag it over the finish line!
(Was this Tip inspired by actual events? Well, maybe…)
These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page. Or you can just tip me if you liked this.
Dear Constant Reader,
Tropical Storm Elsa is pouring down as I write this. I hope everyone in the storm’s path is staying safe and dry.
Here’s your tip!
If you’re going to throw something into the audience, lob it underhand.
Whatever treat you’re giving out, whether it be candy, condoms, or what have you, you don’t want anyone to get hit in the face. A gentle toss is best. Also, make sure aim some goodies toward the back rows so the cheap seats have a chance to catch some too.
These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you! I appreciate you all so much. To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page. Or you can just tip me if you liked this.
Oh, The Glamourous Life! 