Dear Constant Reader,
It’s Friday! Time for a tip!
You can layer false eyelashes to get exactly the look you want.
There’s 3 sets stacked up in that photo!
For even more eyelash wisdom, join Betty Blaize on Saturday, October 17 for “Jeepers Creepers, How Do I Stick Eyelashes on These Peepers?”!
These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 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,
This Friday the first temporary exhibit at The American Burlesque Collection opened! Halloween Comes to Burlesqueland features costumes, photos and other items that celebrate my favorite holiday (maybe yours too).
I went up to help with the exhibit set-up and it was frantic. The museum closed at 5 and the guests coming for the inaugural arrived at 6:30. Even with the prep the staff and volunteers had done, it was not a lot of time. I was on costume duty, as you might have guessed.
The easiest set up should have been the Hedy Jo Star flame coat. One piece, zipper down the front. But I just had to get clever and do some swapping of mannequins and bases, so I’d get one that was tall enough, but also had arms. Only I discovered that there was no way to get the arms through the skinny, skinny upper sleeves. After that disappointment, in the process of removing a recalcitrant mannequin arm, I clonked myself in the forehead with it. And am sporting a charming lump even now. It’s all glamour here.
One of the most creative displays (I had no hand in this one) is The Lost Girl and Bücher in “Creepy Doll” from The Wrathskellar. Since The Creepy Doll costume really should be displayed as creepily as possible, a standard fashion mannequin wasn’t up to the task. Instead, she’s on an articulated skeleton (’tis the season!) in one of her most disturbing poses from the act. For the final touch, a video of the act is projected just above the costumes.
I was most excited to work on a loan from Angie Pontani. She sent the museum her stunning Madame de Pompadour costume by David Quinn. This was a little tricky to display. We decided to put the undergarments on one mannequin and the over-garments on another. Makes perfect sense, right? Except the gown wouldn’t hang right without the underpinnnings. We came up with a very creative solution… Can you guess?
There are pictures of all these costumes and more are available to my Patrons. The rest of you will just have to visit the museum before November 15th!
These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 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,
October is going to be busy at B.A.B.E. We’ve got a bunch of on-line classes!.
Introduction to Burlesque is back! The new session starts on Monday and we’ve got courses scheduled for the end of the year.
Starting October 12, I’ll be teaching Spellbinding Striptease, a seasonal burlesque routine, in three classes.
On October 17 Betty Blaize will be hosting Jeepers Creepers, How Do I Stick Eyelashes on These Peepers?, a workshop all about false eyelashes!
These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 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! Today is the launch of Burlesque Galaxy! It’s also one week until the American Burlesque Collection opens their special Halloween exhibit with a very exclusive dinner and tour.
And now for your tip! Previously I told you how to salvage spilled rhinestones…
Keep a magnet handy to pick up fallen pins and needles from around your sewing area.
This works very well on carpet — just hover the magnet close to the surface and the pins will magically appear. It’s so much nicer to find those pointy little things with a magnet than your foot!
These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 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,
Another Friday is upon us! Here’s your tip!
Hand wash your rhinestoned costume items.
You do not want to be subjecting those babies to the violence of a washing machine. Dry cleaning chemicals can damage the finish on some stones.
Fill up the sink with cool water, add a little gentle soap, and give them a nice bath. Don’t twist or wring. You can roll them up in a towel to get out excess water. Then let them air dry.
I often just take my little bits, like g-strings and gloves, into the shower with me after a show.
These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 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 had a hard time coming up with a tip today. Everything sounded too frivolous on such a weighty day.
Take a little time today for quiet contemplation.
I’ll be thinking of those I love and of everything for which I am grateful. That includes you, Constant Reader.
Be well.
Dear Constant Reader,
It’s a great Friday! The American Burlesque Collection opens today! I’m at the museum in Salem as you read this, which brings me to your tip.
Schedule your social media posts in advance.
There are a number of them out there, some built in to platforms and some separate apps. It’s so much easier to create a bunch of posts when you have the time and energy, then set them up to go out whenever you want. It’s important to stay connected to your fans, but also not to burn yourself out.
Speaking of staying connected… check out Burlesque Galaxy, premiering September 25th, to keep you connected to burlesque even in these socially distant times.
These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 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! Tonight I’m teaching Blonde Bombshell, a one-hour on-line workshop as a fundraiser for BurlyCares. Go here for more information and to register. It’s pay-what-you-can and every penny goes to BurlyCares to support our Legends!
Also, in just one week the American Burlesque Collection opens to the public!
Now on to your tip!
Your costumes will be happier in the dark.
Sunlight is no good for fabric. It will fade and degrade in the light. (Take my class Caring for Your Costumes to learn more!) The best place for your costumes are in a closet or inside drawers. I know that’s a luxury not everyone has. Storage boxes are one option. If you keep your costumes on a freestanding clothing rack, just toss a sheet or a similar cloth over it. Added bonus is that it keeps out dust as well!
These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 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,
This week really got away from me! I had so much I was going to share with you. Here it is Friday and those missive are still on my desk, unfinished. Ah well, perhaps next week. Here’s your tip!
Shoulders down and back!
My mother was constantly saying that to me when I was a kid. When you let your shoulders hunch, not only is it terrible for your posture, but you look uncertain and like you’re trying to hide. So push those shoulders back! Even if you don’t feel confident, especially if you don’t feel confident. Changing your posture can change your mood!
These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 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! Time for a tip!
The back camera on your phone is much better quality than the front camera.
Your front camera is fine for selfies and IG Live, but if you’re recording an act or a class, you’ll want to use the back camera. I know that makes it harder to set up your shot if you don’t have someone around to play cameraperson (trust me, I know). Ultimately it’s worth it. Check the specs for your phone to see the relative quality of each camera.
These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you 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! 