Costume & Crafting Help

[ibdave]

Anybody got sleigh bells they don't need?

I could use them.

saw them at the HD big box on 50% yesterday.. didn't see the price...

[EmilyD]

Interesting treatment of wedding gowns I just saw, for those of you who don't need them for the Brides of March:

[daft]

How does the color retain its structure?

[forty_eight]

I was toying with making some friendship bracelets, and I still might ... you can use the pattern above with the method for making Alpha bracelets and it should turn out, OK.

If I finish one, I'll post a pic!

[EmilyD]

How does the color retain its structure?

.

I'm guessing if this is latex or acrylic paint it's going to flake off and be "moopy". But...if one did this with fabric paints, or dyes, it would seep into the fabric pretty well. A hot dryer, or iron would set the color...but be careful not to melt the gown, unless that's part of the look you're after.

[lazerfox]

Fur question again: so where is the cheapest place to get some fur fabric? I don't want much just want a little so I can start test out how to work with it and maybe make some accessories.

[Ratty]

Jo Anns fabrics and crafts usually has a sale flier at the entrance to the store. It has a coupon for 40% off one item. Pick out some fur that's NOT on sale and buy one piece. Call ahead to see if there is a sale paper available. Or....go to the thrift store and buy an old faux fur coat. (Joanns will be cheaper and prettier).

[lazerfox]

I was really hoping for places that had more of a selection. My local Joann's never really have any fun colors to choose from (i.e. purple or aqua) They tend to stick with actual animal prints or boring white & brown.

Oh and funny enough not sure if it is because I live in FL and we don't really use coats here but the only fur coats I usually find at the thrift stores are actual real furs. It is the craziest thing ever...I had never seen a real fox coat until I started thrifting. I will definitely keep looking though.

Any online places that come to mind would be super helpful

[Drawingablank]

I was really hoping for places that had more of a selection. My local Joann's never really have any fun colors to choose from (i.e. purple or aqua) They tend to stick with actual animal prints or boring white & brown.

Oh and funny enough not sure if it is because I live in FL and we don't really use coats here but the only fur coats I usually find at the thrift stores are actual real furs. It is the craziest thing ever...I had never seen a real fox coat until I started thrifting. I will definitely keep looking though.

Any online places that come to mind would be super helpful

If you are looking for fur other than "normal" black, brown, white, or leopard then you will likely need to mail order. I use distinctive fabrics (burner owned iirc). They have great prices, will send samples, and don't forget to use their monthly coupon (follow the fabric discounts link). Plus when you sign up for an account they will send up to 5 swatches (plus 5 more with each order).

[lazerfox]

Drawingablank!! I was hoping you would respond and you are a life saver!
Not only do they have fun fur but they also sell purple brocade!!!! Which I have been trying to find for MONTHS

Thank you! thank you! thank you!

[Ratty]

I did a quick search of 'colorful faux fur yardage' and I liked Mendels.com. They had long hair fur for under $20 a yard, (60 inches wide), and will send you free swatches. I imagine you can beat this price since I found it so quickly. Fur shopping is irresistible. I want it all.

[Ratty]

OMG. Thank you!! 'Distinctive' is a great resource. I fell in love with 6 things immediately. Thank you, thank you.

[jella]

Drawingablank!! I was hoping you would respond and you are a life saver!
Not only do they have fun fur but they also sell purple brocade!!!! Which I have been trying to find for MONTHS

Thank you! thank you! thank you!

Gee thanks Drawingablank...just what I needed another project idea ...seriously though what a traesure trove of goodies !

[Drawingablank]

They are a great company to deal with.

I think I found them through the BM resources listing, although it must have been an older one since I can't find them in the 2011 one.

[Ratty]

I went to my 'fur pile' to try and remember where I got all this stuff. One really great a cheap place to get fur is from stuffed animals. They go for next to nothing at garage sales and make fab hats, shoe covers or neck-wrist-ankle pieces. Plus their heads turned inside-out are scary.

[lazerfox]

Stuffed animals is a great idea!! I'll need to remember that one for sure next time I visit the thrift store.

I'd like to make a fabric version of this awesome bottle/shot glass carrier I came across as I do not think I'll have enough funds to start endeavoring into leather making. (Twill perhaps may be strong enough...)

[Drawingablank]

Stuffed animals is a great idea!! I'll need to remember that one for sure next time I visit the thrift store.

I'd like to make a fabric version of this awesome bottle/shot glass carrier I came across as I do not think I'll have enough funds to start endeavoring into leather making. (Twill perhaps may be strong enough...)

A tapestry type upholstery fabric may have enough body to support that too.

[trilobyte]

Following up on the fur discussion. You might want to sign up for the Distinctive Fabric (awesome burner-owned business) mailing list or follow them on Twitter. They don't abuse your address, and do occasionally have some decent discounts.

I've never shopped Mendels online, but they're local to us and we've found a few great items there over the years. You may also want to check out Denver Fabrics (good overall assortment, and occasionally some awesome finds) or Minky Delight (specifically for minky fur)

[Foxfur]

I love stuffed animals!

Teddybear Massacre 50.jpg

[EmilyD]

I'd like to make a fabric version of this awesome bottle/shot glass carrier I came across as I do not think I'll have enough funds to start endeavoring into leather making. (Twill perhaps may be strong enough...)

A tapestry type upholstery fabric may have enough body to support that too.

You could also try neoprene. It's strong, and lightweight. Looks like there's a source in Seattle:
http://www.seattlefabrics.com/neoprene.html#Neoprene

[Ratty]

What IS neoprene? Can you just cut up old inner tubes. Those are free at the tire store. (I'm into free). If you get truck tubes are they any thicker than car tubes?

[jella]

Neoprene is the stuff they make wet suits out of sometimes knee and elbow braces. Inner tubes might work though

[theCryptofishist]

They also make insulated bottle covers from the stuff.

[Ratty]

Oh. I love that stuff. It's firm enough to make great costumes. Like M&Ms, playing cards, slot machines. I got a giant set of hand-cuffs from Kostume Kult. (They're hanging in my front room). That fabric is expensive and it might stretch from the weight of a full bottle. You can buy old leather jackets, belts and purses to cut up and lace it together. No sewing and a nice primitive look. You can drill the holes if it's stubborn.

[Savannah]

What IS neoprene? Can you just cut up old inner tubes. Those are free at the tire store. (I'm into free). If you get truck tubes are they any thicker than car tubes?

You can actually work with innertubes and other discarded rubber. I have a messenger bag made out of rubber and waxed twine or cord stitching, a little hardwear (two buckles and a swing clasp), and a long satin strap. The rubber is probably about the thickness of a pencil eraser and has held up well due in part to that thickness. (You do have to keep oil off of it or it'll break down the rubber, obviously.)

[Ratty]

I like the sound of it. Plus I could drop it to my hearts content. I probably wouldn't want a satin strap. I'm such a 'boy'. I think I'll stop by the tire place and get an inner tube to play with.

[Savannah]

Hee. It's really thick satiny stuff, wide and industrial almost like a seatbelt in keeping with the automotive feel. I think it was aimed at men.

(I never listen).

[Ratty]

Oh. I do like that. Smooth, shiny, flexible yet tough. Sounds nice. Gotta sleep now. Work tomorrow. Nice chatting with you. I'll sleep with my fingers crossed for my husbank to get a ticket. nite, nite

[lazerfox]

Neoprene...rubber...I'll have to thrift some this weekend and see if I have any options like those that are cheaper than just getting fabric from Joann's.

Thanks guys!

[DanusLight]

Neoprene...rubber...I'll have to thrift some this weekend and see if I have any options like those that are cheaper than just getting fabric from Joann's.

Thanks guys!

lazerfox, i have some neoprene of sorts that I'd be more than happy to send you. it's a covered neoprene material ... think the material used for a can cozy.

Let me know if you want it!