A secret confession... And my next purchase

I have to admit that I really do enjoy this dance costume gemming thing. I feel like it gives me an opportunity to be creative and make beautiful objects, which I usually find myself unable to do. It's a controlled setting with absolute freedom within relatively strict boundaries. I know, that sounds very mixed up and I don't really know if I can explain it better. Let's just leave it at this: I am not very creative, absolutely not artistic, but this gives me a way to pretend I am.

As I've been researching techniques and designs for this year's costumes, I ran into a great article on the blog Khromeatplay about creating your own iron-on gem patterns: http://khromeatplay.blogspot.com/2006/09/how-to-make-your-own-custom-rhinestone.html .

Totally fell in love with the idea and immediately went looking at the local store for the mylar hot fix film I need to start sticking on my own personalized rhinestone designs. Sadly they had none, so for now I'm working free-hand. But I checked out the stuff online ( I LOVE the Google shopping function, LOL) and found it on Amazon.com.

I know now what my next purchase will be: http://www.amazon.com/Hot-Rhinestones-Transfer-Film-Paper/dp/B00467PWRY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325911095&sr=8-1

While I'm there, I'll pick up these creepy looking things too, because those darn gems are tough to hang on to, even with tweezers: http://www.amazon.com/Beadsmith-Jewel-Setter-for-Rhinestones/dp/B002RTJ4Q8/ref=pd_sim_misc_6

I'm looking forward to getting these, especially the film so I can do more intricate patterns despite my limited ability. This is what I'll use to decorate the awesome new dance bag Uncles Chris and Tony bought Caitlynn for Christmas, the Dream Duffel: http://shop.dreamduffel.com/product.sc;jsessionid=0B08ACA6CF89C6C806BD136BA7919EA3.qscstrfrnt04?productId=1&categoryId=1

This Dream Duffle Rocks!

That bag is SO awesome. It has the garment rack built in as a one touch pop-up, holds a large number of costumes, has a built in cooler pocket and a ton of accessory pockets. Even comes with a folding stool! And it has two large ID patches just waiting to be decorated.

So anyway, I can't wait to get this film when I get paid. I am going to practice all sorts of designs. I'll give some as gifts to her dance friends and maybe, if I get good enough, I can start selling the completed and ready to use designs to help fund her ever-expanding list of classes, competitions and accessories. 

It's good to feel so excited about something!