August 11, 2009
I’m getting to support lots of individual artisans in putting together my costume, and I’m really enjoying it. It’s a small thing, but it feels good!
My underbust is coming from AnnaLadyMoon in a blue-grey stripe, or at least will be, if she doesn’t get entirely frustrated with my ability to completely confuse horizontal and vertical. Oops. Either way, it’ll be lovely.
The hat, which is critical, is in the works from Noxenlux Chapeaux. I’m not much of a hat person, but she comes highly recommended. I hope she sends me a sketch soon, I’m incredibly curious as to what she’s got planned.
Also curious to see what ByGaslight is going to whip up for me to use as “stained glass” accents for the skirt and coat. I’ve given her a general idea, but it’ll be her design. I just love the way her stuff looks.
Very excited about a pair dove grey lace gloves from Skywatcher112 on their way to me right now. She had them finished in two days! Handmade lace gloves! How incredibly fabulous. I simply cannot wait for them to arrive!
…and not really for the costume, but I’m also anxiously checking the mail for the Dalek glass bead kalliope_kheru made for me. I think he’ll make an awesome little necklace, or a watch fob, perhaps. Lots of personality.
July 28, 2009
When I asked if you made a certain pleather item in real leather, I expected to receive a simple yes or no answer, perhaps a suggestion for another material. Instead, you said, “We do not use animal products or participate in environmentally hazardous practices.”
Well, I really hope that you can back that up. Modern life is ‘environmentally hazardous’ by its very nature, and if you’re going to insult me for thinking leather is an acceptable clothing material, then I expect you to put your money where your mouth is.
Are you using 100% solar power in your offices and workshops? (It’s unlikely, as you’re based in a major city.) Are all your laborers paid a living wage? (Judging by your prices, I would say no.) Has the manufacturing process for your vegan alternatives been proven to be environmentally neutral? (I seriously doubt it, as that’s why I’ve never been keen on pleather.) Also, how do you intend to get my product from your warehouse to my doorstep? (Oh, right. You ship UPS. Oops.)
See, I was going to give you money. I may still have to, as you seem to be the only people producing the item I want for $20 instead of $200, but now, well, I’m not going to be happy about it.
Also, your response about how you were only stating store policy? Well, might want to revise your store policy to something that reflects reality, eh?
No love,
Sparrow
July 16, 2009
Currently faux-aging copper with hydrochloric acid, which is most readily available as hydrogen chloride in toilet bowl cleaner… It’s simple, just douse your copper in solution and go find something else to do for a while. It takes 12-24 hours, and so far it looks to be working, but my question is; WHY IS PROFESSIONAL GRADE LYSOL TOILET BOWL CLEANER PEPPERMINT-SCENTED?
Really. I want to know. This stuff will KILL YOU if you eat it, it’s pretty vicious even just getting it on your skin, and yet here it is, a lovely blueish goo that smells like peppermint. Who the hell thought that was a good idea?
July 7, 2009
Boing Boing posted a small article about an absolutely stunning watch carved from ivory.
I love to make things from bone, it’s interesting. The older it is, the more character it has, the more depth there is to what it wants to express. It carries all sorts of memories with it, and you can absolutely feel that while you’re working with it.
Ivory is such a unique material, incredibly strong and capable of amazing detail, with a wonderful feel in the hand, and a weight that isn’t present in any other bone material. It’s irreplaceable for scrimshaw, and as an art medium, I rather lament its unavailability.
