Red Shoe Studio

Howl-A-Ween

I have a feeling that dogs really don't notice when you dress them up like a mini Jack Sparrow or Tin man...maybe they even like looking goofy....cats, however, are a bit more prideful. I got Chris this extra-small, dog (bad word), store-bought (another bad word) costume at Target a few weeks ago for his big Halloween blog debut.

He consumed about half a box of kitty treats which I was using as a bribe so he would look at me and not try to chew off his devil wings (he does LOVE his fabric!) I shot about 20 photos and then gave him his horned cap as a kitty toy, which he enjoyed much more than wearing it...I may be turning into a crazy cat lady or just missing Halloween with my kids...

A little treat...

I'm in the midst of packing mania, so this year I'm unhappily packing my Halloween decorations to move instead of decking the Halloween halls. I think next year I'll have to plan a big bash, costumes and all, to make up for this one. (I did however, buy plenty of candy and in time-honored  tradition, have already eaten half a bag of Reese's.)

I though I'd share this easy Halloween project, so wash the chocolate off your hands and head out for supplies...

The idea is pretty simple, a small paper mache box, paint inside and out, embellish with glitter bones and decoupaged Posada calaveras. The small skull on top of the box is white oven-baked clay. These make great little "treat" boxes.

Fishnets, anyone?

I don't know if Kate was just feeling sorry for me, or if she was taking advantage of the fact that I've always liked being "involved" in her projects, but she recently asked me to design/make a Halloween party costume for her. The theme is Moulin Rouge and she specified "short and skimpy."(Mothers of young daughters beware, this WILL happen to you, too!)

Quick sketch, long trip to Joanne Fabrics for pattern that I could adapt and fabric...

The (skimpy) vest is black velveteen lined with pink silk. The (short) skirt is pink silk with an attached petticoat of black and gold tulle.I sewed gold rings on the vest for the laces so I didn't have to add grommets or buttonholes. I also found a little top hat at Hobby Lobby. I started adding trim but kind of pooped out, so I'm sending Kate baggies of flowers and fringe along with fabric glue so she can embellish her heart out. I have decided to ask for a new sewing machine for Christmas this year. Mine is a cheap replacement from Target and I guess I got what I paid for. What with the bobbin tension and Chris the Cat's tulle addiction, it was a longer process that I'd planned....it always is, though...

I did get to meet Jen Lancaster (briefly) at The Book Cellar in Chicago last Friday. Her blog, Jennsylvania and her books are fantastic..I'm a "super fan" ...

I still have weeks....

I'm a deadline person, I always work best under pressure...hence the procrastination with packing up all my shit. (Well, it's not ALL shit, I do have some nice stuff, but when you're forced to pack it, it becomes just so much crap.)
So today, instead of working on packing the studio, (makes me want to shred my Daniel Smith catalogs and drive past every Hobby Lobby for the rest of my life!) I've been sewing a costume for my college-age daughter, and playing around with my photos...
I love color, but was trying to see if I could do a black and white French series that I could do something (?) with...

I need to work more with contrast and brightness, but I think they have "potential".

On a totally unrelated note, I'm going to be seeing a "famous blogger" at a book signing on Friday in Chicago...I can't WAIT! More on this very interesting person (and hopefully a photo) next week!

I'm back...

and it's time to catch up...
Both my kids left for school in mid-August and I have to say, it wasn't as traumatic as I thought it would be! I expected to cry buckets but I didn't... am I a bad mom? (kids, don't answer.) The thing is, they're both doing great in school, not too much homesickness, I think they miss my cooking and having their own bathrooms the most!
I have sold my home! (Closing date in November!) I'd like to thank the good thoughts you sent my way, St. Joseph, (got to remember to dig him up), and, I know this sounds weird, but I was walking a labyrinth the day the buyers were here and thinking good house-selling intentions the whole time...you never know, right?
With all my new spare time I've been out to Colorado again and

made friends with Lucky and Jack, my Mom's new pet donkeys...they are really sweet!

taken photos of "rust" for a new show...

and been to Chicago to look for a new, old house and to see the original door panels

from the baptistery in Florence that I thought I'd seen this summer. (Three of the panels are at the Chicago Art Institute.)

I've really been missing the blog, but was feeling guilty 'cause I had so much to do...(although I did take time out for new fall TV shows, can't live without Prison Break!)..now I'm just trying to pack a little every day, and am determined to take the time to get on the computer and see what you're all up to!