Set Design and Construction

I have again accepted the role of Set Designer for Christian Life Center's Christmas Play this year. I have done a crash course in Ancient Studies, mainly covering Roman and Egyptian influence in Israel, King Herod and Bethlehem. A lot of online research went into studying about the previous and also the Magi and Persian Empire. I bought few books that really help in studying the architecture of these areas:





Ancient Egypt, Art and Archaeology of the Land of the Pharoahs by Giorgio Agnese and Maurizio Re





Lost Cities from the Ancient World by Maria Teresa Buaitoli and Simone Rambaldi





Our plans are to reuse some of the sets from last time, like Joseph's House and the Inn, but will be repurposing the other sets to add to the stage.

The director, Sandy, and I are very excited as we plan on putting a Magi Tower over an aisle next to the seating area (if the Fire Marshal say's Okey Dokey) and turning the lobby into Bethlehem! We will be using market tents and a couple of other surpises.



A few years ago, I made a couple of Egyptian Columns that were used at a company event. I decided to repurpose them to use for the Christmas play this year. This picture is of one of the columns.

When I made them, I did a crash course in Heiroglyphics, so yes, the columns do say something! What does it say? LOL I can't remember all of it and which column said what, but my name was on one and it also said "Merced is very hot in the summer". LOL Seriously!

In this photo I have stripped the plaster strips off the base and top of the colums to reveal the wire framing, which I then removed.

I have now replastered the columns. I have created new bases and tops for the columns, which were plastered yesterday. I promise to post the completed pictures ASAP. I promise. Really, I promise.

These are painted pieces are to make a 4' x 4' x 2' wall. I forgot to take pictures of the framework. I have added foam, with some stone carving and have muddied the walls. I will be painting them today. Again, I promise to update with pictures soon!

I will also be helping out in the Costuming, making new patterns for new characters. I learned what type of clothing the Magi wore and it is very different from what is in the stock.

It's all very exciting, and because Sandy and I are so excited, I'm going to give you a little peek at the rendering for the Magi Tower. Enjoy!

Well, that's all for now. I have lot's of other plans to draw and an ancient wall to finish painting. Toodles!

How I Spent My Summer Vacation...

Yes, I know, I'm behind on my postings again. I try to keep up but I get carried away with different projects and the time just seems to fly right by me! I had a great summer. It was quiet, yet busy.

The first and most important event of the summer was that our oldest son, Jeremy, graduated from High School!

We are very proud of our little Jay bird.

The other great thing about this summer is that I've been able to finally catch up on a lot of reading! I have acquired quite a number of art and costume books over the last year and a half and have been able to read most of them and browse through the rest for quick references.

The art books I have are:

Realistic Textures by Diane Cardaci - this is a great little reference book that covers everything, and a little more, that I learned in class.

How To Draw Dragons And Other Mythical Creatures by Emmett Elvin - This is a browser, I haven't really taken the time to apply my drawing skills, but I still love it because it has dragons! OH! And now Dick Blick is selling a dragon manikin! I gotta have one! http://www.dickblick.com/zz216/29/

Fairy Art, Artist and Inspirations by Iaian Zaczek - This book is just loaded with different pictures of beautiful fairy paintings through the years.

In the costume craftworks department I have:

Costume Craftwork on a Budget by Tan Huaixiang - This has some really cool directions for making headdresses, prosthetic pieces , crowns.... I can't wait to have the opportunity to make some the samples.

Now in costuming, I have:

Character Costume Figure Drawing by Tax Huaixiang - Now when I first got this book, almost a year and a half ago, the figure drawing threw me off. But then I took a fashion design class and the storyboard class and the little light bulb went on inside my head! It all makes more sense to me now, so I need to give it a second go around.

Costume Construction by Katherine Strand Evans - I like this book but I rarely refer to it for costuming tips. I use it more for tools and supply references.

Stage Costume by Mary T. Kidd - I like this also for figuring out how to transform basic shapes. Plus it has a lot of color photographs, which I love.

Costume Pattern books are:

Patterns for Theatrical Costumes by Katherine Strand Holkeboer - This is a great pattern book, it offers illustrations and patterns of garments, trims and accesssories from Ancient Egypt to 1915.

Patterns for Costume Accessories by Arnold S. Levine and Robin L. McGee - Great book for accessories! I especially love the mid-19th century accessories.

More Costumes for the Stage by Sheila Jackson - Good book for period garb reference, illustrations are a bit too close together though.

For more specific time periods in costume I have:

Everyday Dress of Rural America, 1783 - 1800 by Merideth Wright - I have only browsed through this book but it seems to fit into what I was looking for in 18th century clothing.

Patterns of Fashion 1, Englishwomen's dresses and their construction c. 1660 - 1860 by Janet Arnold- Again I browsed through this book. It is extremely detailed in pattern layout so I need to set aside some serious quiet time to read this to be sure I understand it. It looks very, very promising though!

18th Century Embroidery Techniques by Gail Marsh - Oh this book, I love all the photos and illustrations. I also love all the little history lessons and stories about certain pieces. I even whipped out my hand embroidery and practice a little stitching! Ok, the outcome wasn't great but it made me happy!

Costume Design 101 by Richard La Motte - When I ordered this books I thought it was going to be another step by step instructional on making costumes. WRONG! This is actually a costume business book. I love this book! Mr. La Motte really explains the ins and outs of the business and gives stories and examples of what to do. And what not to do. And most importantly, what to consider in making decisions to get into this type of business. Love this!

Now for sewing I bought:

Couture Sewing Techniques by Claire B. Shaeffer - All I can say is, WOW. I knew couture was hand sewing and very detailed, but geez, I really had absolutely no idea what it all entailed! I love this book and read sections periodically. Great book.

I have 3 more books that I loaned to a friend that I can't wait to read. One is on pattern drafting, one on fabric manipulation and the last is on chemicals and fabrics.

So now you're proably thinking, OK, she's read a lot about sewing and art but has she actually done anything? Well, the answer is yes. Nothing grandious, just some minor sewing projects, mainly alterations.

The photo's below are of a dress I altered for my mom. It was too long and the bodice needed to be taken in at the intersection of Princess Seam and Arm Hole. Plus the front shoulder straps needed to be taken up.

How I Spent My Summer Vacation... (cont'd)

This is Princess Emma, my Great Niece.

She is wearing a lined velveteen cape, head piece and muff that I made her. Both the cape and muff are trimmed in a white twisty trim and accented with mini pearls. The Muff is simply velveteen.

Since the majority of my family consists of mainly nephews, it was quite a welcome change to finally make something pretty for a beautiful little girl.

Below are the trim details for the cape and headpiece.