Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

[Ratty]

Just in case anyone likes to browse Pinterest. Here is my one and only board. (Burning Man costumes of course). http://pinterest.com/ruthratty/my-found ... rning-man/

[Ruhm]

Your pinterest board is great, it really motivates me to craft my own stuff.

I had but one question : do you have a recommendation for the kind of shop that would sell shell decoration ?

Cheers !

[Ratty]

Sorry, I never buy retail. Just about every 2nd hand store in California has shell leis from all the luau parties and trips to Hawaii.

[Savannah]

Your pinterest board is great, it really motivates me to craft my own stuff.

I had but one question : do you have a recommendation for the kind of shop that would sell shell decoration ?

Cheers !

Bead stores sometimes have them. Thrift stores also tend to have shell necklaces hanging from pegs in the jewelry area--& they're usually cheaper than bead stores. The larger craft stores have bags of shells, for sure.

Certain major online retailers also, really cheap. Search under "mixed bag sea shells".

[theCryptofishist]

I don't like bead shops or on line for shells. You don't know if they are sustainably harvested or not. Buy used, thrift stores,yard sales, etc. Not unobtainium there.

[Ratty]

I admire the 'Earth minded'. I really do. On the other hand, I would fry up the last conch shell innards if I thought it was my last chance to try some. (But that's just me)

[theCryptofishist]

I'm not sure that these aren't being killed for their shells, and that meat not eaten. The sad truth is that we are stressing the oceans at multiple points. I certainly cannot ask anyone to obey my preferences, but as you point out, there's no shortage of shells at thrift stores.

[maryanimal]

Your pinterest board is great, it really motivates me to craft my own stuff.

I had but one question : do you have a recommendation for the kind of shop that would sell shell decoration ?

Cheers !

Bead stores sometimes have them. Thrift stores also tend to have shell necklaces hanging from pegs in the jewelry area--& they're usually cheaper than bead stores. The larger craft stores have bags of shells, for sure.

Certain major online retailers also, really cheap. Search under "mixed bag sea shells".

You can also buy a bag of shells at walmart in the craft area.

[theCryptofishist]

Your pinterest board is great, it really motivates me to craft my own stuff.

I had but one question : do you have a recommendation for the kind of shop that would sell shell decoration ?

Cheers !

Bead stores sometimes have them. Thrift stores also tend to have shell necklaces hanging from pegs in the jewelry area--& they're usually cheaper than bead stores. The larger craft stores have bags of shells, for sure.

Certain major online retailers also, really cheap. Search under "mixed bag sea shells".

You can also buy a bag of shells at walmart in the craft area.

Yeah, but those shells are assembled by Chinese child slaves working under truly dreadful conditions.

[Earthwalker]

I'm not a fan of the shell idea either. How are they harvested? Usually not in a sustainable or humane manner. And even if they are, personally, I think it's somewhat of a tacky decoration, like an indian headress made of fake feathers.

That said, wear whatever you want, if it makes you happy. Some people just like doing such and have no care for where they came from. i don't judge. Ok, I do a little, but why should you care.

I was thinking for a minute that it would be cool if the shells were all ones you collected on a trip, or multiple trips. That way there would be a story behind it. But then I remember a Kauai travel guide I have where the writer says "this beach used to be covered in seashells, but now they're all back on the mainland in people's garages and bedrooms". So even though I may want to take one or two, it adds up.

If you're going to buy them, I'd go with thrift shop over online.

good luck!

[Riv]

Back on the topic of making things out of stuff you have...

A friend gave me some purple over-the-knee socks a while ago because she knows I like purple and they were too small for her. They were too small for me too--so I cut off the feet and spiral-stitched the hell out of the raw edge to make armwarmers. They go up to the top of my arms and are super warm. Yay evening layering possibilities!

[AntiM]

I love the ideas and creativity here. I suppose I should post someone of my own things. Many were made to give away, I don't have nearly as many pictures as I should.

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[AntiM]

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That is my impromptu blown away shade structure costume: A hunk of shade cloth and prayer flags. Larry is wearing a water bottle harness. Gotta love the ranch stores.

[junglesmacks]

M.. where did you find those orange pompoms???!? I saw the coolest pompom dress on here a while back and it gave me an idea for a pair of shorts. I'm been searching for bulk poms for a while now but no luck..

[AntiM]

A local craft store went out of business, I got them at 90% off. Sorry, it was a fluke buy.

[junglesmacks]

OOooooOOooOo.. bulk poms..

[AntiM]

I still have a bunch of orange ones, and a shirt to sew them to. Time to get stitchin'!

[Savannah]

. . . AntiM, that pic of you and Larry!

I think he & I have the same knee socks . . .

M.. where did you find those orange pompoms???!? I saw the coolest pompom dress on here a while back and it gave me an idea for a pair of shorts. I'm been searching for bulk poms for a while now but no luck..

It sounds freaky & wrong, so you need to do it.

[tatonka]

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[junglesmacks]

It sounds freaky & wrong, so you need to do it.

Sig worthy, my dear Sav. Sig.. worthy.

[AntiM]

. . . AntiM, that pic of you and Larry!

I think he & I have the same knee socks . . .

.

Hot Topic clearance rack?

[Savannah]

. . . AntiM, that pic of you and Larry!

I think he & I have the same knee socks . . .

.

Hot Topic clearance rack?

I'm pretty sure it was.

[Ratty]

I just made this silly thing for a 5th grade boy that needs to be Uylesses S. Grant. It was a ladies jacket and pants. Now a fur beard and he's good to go. It's a shame he can't carry a sword, smoke a cigar and carry a bottle of Old #7.

[Earthwalker]

This thread is actually something everyone should read. I keep coming up with things to buy, like a tent, and then realize "umm, I own three tents, what the hell?!!"

[FIGJAM]

I try to shop the net for what I want, then figure a way to make it or approximate it.

[tattoogoddess]

$2 for as much as you can put in a trash bag at this sale tomm. Morning. Nothing will fit but maybe I can make other things out of the stuff?

[Ratty]

I decided to turn an old black skirt into a cape. Cut it, turn the seams under and add some blue tiger trim. I love capes because they are a quick dress-up when I need something to throw over a bulky costume. (Click on the photo to enlarge it).

[MyDearFriend]

Awesome, Ratty! You make my brain work in wonderful ways!

[Simon of the Playa]

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[Kalikopia]

Hey guys, was wondering if you could help me with a find at a local thrift shop:



It's a Gunne Sax wedding dress. It's not in nearly as nice condition as this or I wouldn't think twice about taking the shears to it, but it is gorgeous! It's a bit brown and stained in some parts and it actually doesn't completely fit me as the sizes on gunne sax dresses tend to be incredibly unachievable unless you're some kind of child bride. The neck won't even fit around me properly and I'm well decently sized, I really have no idea what they were thinking.

I can fit into the dress alright, it's the top part that's not working out so well, I'd basically have to remove a set of ribs in order to get the zipper up. But I really love the frills and the length and the bodice is awesome, I just wonder if I could do something with this dress or go around the playa in it leaving the back unzipped. Maybe strap the back up like a bustier or deconstruct it in some way?