Drawn and Plastered Toys With Your Head

I was going to post about wardrobe essentials today, but I’m putting that off. Because I just saw the promo photos for our next event based on the nutcracker and holy shit this is going to be goddamn freakin amazing. I dare you to see this and not want to go. So yeah, come, or you suck. http://www.drawnandplastered.com

Body painting and our model for the Nutcracker Prince supplied by the incredibly talented Kim Brennen of http://www.mardigrasfaceart.com/, with the Sugar Plum Fairy’s outfit and rat tails by Chelsea Moir who is also playing the Sugar Plum Fairy. Check out our most talented group yet in person on December 20th at Pop Soda’s in Winnipeg. You won’t want to miss this!

Drawn and Plastered Grows More Than Ever at Pet Sematary!

It was a dark and stormy night, but all was warm and convivial inside our newest venue, Pop Soda’s Coffee House and Gallery! The venue was absolutely perfect, providing more space for the artists to work, and a gorgeous environment for our photographers to shoot in. With paintings on the walls, books on the shelves, comfy couches all around and the usual delicious drink specials, we couldn’t imagine a better place. We even had an art studio as a dressing room!
The most notable feature of all brings us to an exciting announcement. Drawn and Plastered will now be a primarily all ages event, the very first of its kind! Because we feel no one should be excluded, and young people have a lot to offer to the art community, we couldn’t be happier, and you don’t even have to give up the booze (that part still just for those over 18 of course). This should not only allow a whole new group of people to participate, but also makes it easier for those with kids who would like to bring them along. Win-win for the win!
Animals were of course included as well, so there certainly wasn’t anyone missing. A beautifully plumed bird perched on a swing, a cat and werewolf prowled together among the artists, a spider queen ruled over her domain, a lizard planked, and the evil Dr. Lazarus did her best to make their lives a nightmare, turning the event into an artist’s dream. And while our models were beautiful on the outside, you were ALL beautiful on the inside, raising money for animals in need at the Winnipeg Humane Society. Jennifer Swan won her second prize since we first began, and is now the proud recipient of a photoshoot with True Charisma Photography. We can’t wait to present the WHS with their donation later this week.
Speaking of the evil Dr. Lazarus, Drawn and Plastered has a second announcement: The addition of our fourth core family member, Sarah Putnam as model manager! She’ll be helping us take on the duties of assisting the models throughout the night, so it’s easier for them to do their jobs, and therefor easier for you to make use of them. Thanks to her and our new MC Chloe, the modelling was absolutely the best we’ve ever had, so we can’t wait to have them back on a regular basis.
And finally, the announcement of November’s theme. It may be getting cold out, but get out your bathing suits and start teasing those beehives, because this November Drawn and Plastered Stars in Pink Hawaii!

Drawn and Plastered’s Spectacular Imagination Emporium!

 

This month Drawn and Plastered gets freaky, and we couldn’t be more excited!
Sometimes while working to inspire others, we get inspired ourselves. We loved what the Fringe was doing this year and wanted to be part of it. We may have had to push back these plans a month, but finally here comes the circus! It’s the greatest show on earth, and you won’t be disappointed.
Not only will we have models never before seen at Drawn and Plastered, but we will also have amazing performances by Antony Keith doing his magic act, Jenna Jane spinning rings of light, and other big surprises you’ll just have to wait for. Drinks like The Lion Tamer will keep your head spinning, music by Stolen Babies and Squirrel Nut Zippers will keep your toes tapping, and freaks will keep your mouths gaping. It’s hard to describe just how intense this show is bound to be. We suggest you bring along LOTS of different colors, and of course a little glitter couldn’t hurt either.

While you’re there, don’t forget to take a little trip to check out the wares being sold by one of our newest sponsors, The Foxy Shoppe, who offers the most gorgeous dresses and corsets, some of which will be displayed on our wonderful models. We’d also like to thank Gags Unlimited for their generous supply of balloons and other decore that no circus event could be without.

So get ready for a little magic, a little wonder, and lots of imagination. Here comes the circus!

Drawn and Plastered: Victorian Asylum, Part 2

Ok, so WordPress did not like me uploading that many photos. My browser is STILL recovering. So anyway, on with the rest! And I suppose I should also be including the list of credits.

Holly Halftone – Co-founder, photographer, promotion guru

Me – Co-founder, wardrobe, music, model “Penny Dreadful”

Sarah Putnam – Character model “Ophilia Opiate”

Pam McMillan – Character model “Patricia Pillbocks”

Alicia May – Model “Lilly Longbottom”

Angela Sutherland – model, and she sewed Sarah’s apron

Lovern Kindzierski – Artistic consultant, Holly’s dad

Todd Rema – DJ

Michael Dyck – Accounting, and my husband

On with the show!

Things start to get heated between Ophilia Opiate and Patricia Pillbocks

Patricia gets pantsed! It was impossible to keep my eyes off their antics.

My dad called this sketch "masculine" :S

I can't figure out how Angela managed to keep a straight face during the staged fights. She's good!

Oh no!

The doctor steps in to break it up.

Patricia is dutifully hauled off stage.

Ophilia weeps for the loss of her skirt.

This couple got engaged! How's THAT for creating inspiration?

Wow, what a great turnout!

This young lady with the camera was the lucky winner of our door prize.

 

This really makes me wish we had a group shot of the whole team.

Let the after party commence!

Woo! See you next month!

Drawn and Plastered: Victorian Asylum

The following was written by my business partner Holly Halftone for http://drawnandplastered.com/

“I had so much fun, and the atmosphere was fantastic!”
-Samantha Rech

“Cool event, nice of you to let the photographers have a go! Gotta keep an eye out for the next one”
-Brandon Greer (The Tune Podcast)

Yes – it really did happen! The first Drawn and Plastered ever took place last night (July 23rd) and was welcomed with open arms by our amazing patrons.

From 10pm-midnight we were serenaded by eerie and sometime electric violin music, ramping up to even include a few Alice Cooper songs from his asylum album, “From the Inside”.
Emilie Autumn was also heard frequently.
25 attendees took home our beautiful mix of choice music from the night, with CD cover art by Holly Halftone herself.

Sarah Putnam and Pamela McMillan, as Ophelia Opiate and Patricia Pillbocks were crowd favourites, nagging at each other on the floor and even running up on stage a couple times to rip clothing off of each other – the final time resulting in Patricia being carried off stage by our Doctor in residence, played by Lovern Kindzierski.

When Alicia and Meg (as Lily Longbottom and Penny Dreadful) finished their last pose on the stage, we did a draw for the $30 door prize from Cre8ive Supplies, which was won by Jennifer Swan – congrats! 🙂

It was so great to see so many happy and creative people enjoying the show we put on. It was exactly how we imagined it, thanks to everyone involved! So that being said, here are a nice big batch of photos from the night!

These lovely cupcakes were a gift sent to us by a future Drawn and Plastered model, Victoria Karras

 

The hat display on Rockband drums in the makeshift dressing room. I made the one in the middle, which was worn by Sarah Putnam as Ophilia Opiate.

The hair and makeup table, though the lighting was too dark to actually do the hair and makeup there.

Holly's dad Lovern, who was an amazing help to us along the way.

I was raving all night about how delicious these were. You really must try them!

The fabulous Holly

Pam getting the crazy started!

 

The ballots for our door prize from Cr8ive Supplies

 

My very good friend Jesi, of Jesi's Full Moon Gifts

Holly's mom helps Sarah with her makeup "back stage."

The always gorgeous Alicia May

Pam greets our very first guest.

Wut?

 

Sarah entertains our guests.

This guy's work actually reminded me of DaVinci.

Photographers welcome!

 

And now WordPress is REALLY starting to act up on me because of all the photos, so this is to be continued in part 2…

Drawn and Plastered, Inspiration Emporium

Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 23rd, because the very first Drawn and Plastered has arrived!

So what the hell is that? It all started at my friend Holly’s birthday party. We were talking about art events held in cities around the world for artists to gather for a “drink and draw” night. Models pose, and artists come to sketch them. It’s all pretty simple. Actually, almost too simple. And it was definitely true that they had their flaws. Attendees mentioned how slapped together they seemed, how uninspiring the locations were, and how the models just never seemed to be facing the right direction to where you were sitting. Holly KNEW we could do better. And as we talked, the idea grew. We wanted it to be inclusive to all art forms, not just drawing. Our events would accommodate photography, fashion design, handcrafted merchandise, and even performance art. Our events would also be heavily themed, in order to generate a specific atmosphere to inspire the artists, and to give them focus while allowing for even more opportunity for everyone to participate, no matter what their style. Oh, and the models would also be dispersed, with some even in character walking the floor, so everybody could get a good view. Our event would ROCK.

Within only 2 weeks we exploded. The ideas engine was jam packed with exciting things, and everyone was extremely enthusiastic to the idea – Holly had secured the sponsorship of the Cre8tery art supply shop, and we were offered Saturday to hold the event at the Academy instead of the intended weekday slot we thought we would be bound to. Things continue to look even better as time goes on. We were recently offered the sponsorship of Kinky Konnections, and just today I got Gags Unlimited on board as well! Most amazing of all, we’ve recently received news of interest in starting a second branch in Alberta! It’s almost too great to believe. But one thing at a time.

So what can you expect at the first Drawn and Plastered? Victorian Asylum: a Descent into Madness. Consider a Victorian Mental hospital with more than a touch of magic. The models will be a colorful group of mental patients, some of which believe themselves to be the nurses. Renfield himself will be the DJ. And the performance will HOPEFULLY be lead by an escape artist trying to work his way out of a straight jacket. The event will be followed by an INSANE after party. You really won’t want to miss this.

So gather up your art supplies and creative energy and come see us at Drawn and Plastered at The Academy, 10pm July 23rd. And of course, make sure you check out the website where you can learn more about the events, contribute, network with other artists, and show off your creations! We look forward to seeing you!

http://drawnandplastered.com/

http://eventful.com/winnipeg/events/drawn-and-plastered-victorian-asylum-/E0-001-040273922-8?fb_ref=event_browse&fb_source=home_oneline

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Drawn-and-Plastered/140449482702393?sk=wall

Being Bad With Thrift

When is it good to buy bad?

While I believe in absolute luxury, we all have to come to terms with the obstacles of cost, time, and effort, and now environmental and ethical issues as well. Buying used is one of the best ways to overcome that.

I started buying used books purely for economic reasons. I loved to read, and dreamed of a library like the one in Beauty and the Beast. At 12-30$ each though, that could add up really quick. Used books could easily be bought for about 6$, and sometimes even as little as a few pennies. And the thrill of the hunt, when not simply scouring Amazon, was a lot of fun. I spent many sunny summer afternoons as a teenager locked away in one particular used bookstore downtown that had a whole wall of books on the paranormal. I treasure the books I bought there to this day, and they hold a lot of those memories for me. Old books can often fall into the category of affordable antiques, each one a little piece of history. I recently bought a bible from 1912 with all the names and addresses of the previous owners. One day I hope to read a book so old that the Ss look like Fs. That would be a real treat. It also helps that used books don’t signify that I haven’t read them yet, a testament to my terrible ADD. Plus new books are just so… crisp and modern. Blech.
It was only years later, when the Kindle came on the scene that I started paying more attention to the fact that all this paper consumption was a pretty destructive thing. Yet as much as I adore the Kindle, there’s just something to be said for shelves full of old books, a beautiful display of your little literary hopes and accomplishments (though after Mike gets one, I think I may just become a convert. The thing looks AWESOME). So what did I do? I kept buying used, of course. And now that I’m thinking more about the environmental consequences, AND saving for a house, I now make even more of a point of it. Even the newest publications can often be found used in as little as a few weeks. I’m having my cake and eating it too.

A few years after that I started reading a vintage lifestyle forum. One of the more interesting threads was about women who, while they would NEVER buy real, new fur, had no qualms about buying and wearing vintage fur. While I can still see there being a moral dilemma here, it’s worth at least considering. You’re not supporting an industry that harms and promotes the harm of animals, you’re recycling, and you’re at least giving the poor thing a good home as opposed to unceremoniously tossing it in the trash. These are not people who disrespect animals. In fact they’re wearing the vintage fur because it’s already out there, so it may as well go to use for someone who really appreciates it. This is an ongoing debate, but it makes perfect sense to me, even while I find most fur to be somewhat hard to pull off without looking like a tacky Cruella Deville. I do consider that a fur hat and wrap in the winter could be extremely nice. Leather comes into play here as well.

So go ahead and indulge in the things you want. Just remember to be creative while doing it, and give a good home to those “bad” things that others may now be avoiding more than ever. Reducing, reusing, and recycling means more wonderful things for all of us to enjoy.

Movember is Sexy

There was a time, a very, very long time, when I totally went for the long-haired clean shaven metro-men. Maybe it was the part of a young girl that loves her some dark romance. I mean, Twilight pretty much confirms that’s still going on.
But now, maybe as a part of my increasing taste for older men, my tastes are starting to do a complete 180. Maybe it’s also because I’m seeing so many fine examples lately but I’m finding myself increasingly attracted to men with short hair and beards.
In fact it’s become quite a huge trend for a good few years now.

I guess it might have become first solidified for me last Movember, the prostate cancer awareness campaign that has men growing out their mustaches all November. Mike participated in it, and while not *technically* attractive -he looked a little like someone’s dad from the 70s- the cause MADE it attractive. I loved looking at his sort of silly grungy face and being reminded that this was a really great guy who cared about a good cause. So the mustache became sexy, and I can’t understand anyone who thinks men shouldn’t do this simply because they don’t find it aesthetically pleasing. It’s the kind of warped priorities that make me doubt their maturity.

Since that time, I’ve noticed more and more men putting down their razors. It seems a little timeless, and a little modern at the same time. Modern in a good way, like we haven’t really seen this for about 30 years now so it’s very refreshing.
It also means we get to see men in a new light. The last big thing was the metrosexual, and yeah they’re attractive, but there comes a point when that sexy model-esque guy just starts to look like a silly douche. These new guys aren’t necessarily hippies, but they’re not so caught up in trying to impress us either, and in a way that should actually impress us even MORE. It shows he has confidence in himself and has other things going on in his life besides looking in the mirror. Because it makes him look older, it makes him look more mature and distinguished.

But maybe I’m reading too much into it. As awesome as the power of association is, I really am starting to find it genuinely attractive. Men change, and so do we. That’s the story of life.

The Burlesque Show Was Great!

Not so much an article, just a regular ol’ blog post.

So we went to The Best of Burlesque tonight and let me tell you it was an AWESOME show. It was super sexy, super fun, and wow do those girls ever have talent! It had so much great stuff to offer I would probably forget some if I tried to tell you about all of it, but as far as the highlights go there were fire performers  outside the theatre, a hilarious 50s housewife performance by Heather Witherden, and an awesome finale by guest performer Miss Rosie Bitts in which she pops a huge balloon and gets showered in gold glitter. It was positively ethereal. We met her after the show and she is so sweet and so much fun to watch on stage, I instantly became a fan. I must also say that I am a huge fan of the house band Johnny Pancreas and the Diabetics, too. Do they have CDs? Because I want one.

It was so cool to see everybody in the lobby all dressed up in their vintage gear. Everybody looked fabulous. And just as I said in the Stop Staring! post, I did have people asking where I got my dress, including a guy, and had my picture taken by a stranger who wondered if it was custom made! Didn’t I tell you the tailoring on these babies is perfection? If anybody is interested I’ll post some pics for you all of our great time out.

Coming soon will be another guest post about wardrobe in the film industry. It’s going to be really interesting so I hope you all keep checking back so you can check it out.

Don’t miss the next show! I’ll see you there!

Moonlight Madness Burlesque May 12th at the Park Theatre

Is there anyone who doesn’t just love burlesque? If you didn’t I’d be inclined to believe that you’re either half crazy or sadly misinformed. My dad certainly proved this when I arranged to have the very lovely and talented Miss La Muse perform for us at our wedding social. He was very angry with me about it, because he thought burlesque was equivalent to nudey bar type stripping, and it wasn’t until after the (very clothed) performance that I received a swift apology.
Burlesque isn’t just about nudity. It’s about the tease, humor, music, old school glamour, and so much more. There have been performances in which nothing was removed but a glove. It’s not about the stripping down so much as the way it’s done, and that’s with an incredible amount of style. Burlesque is a fabulous all-encompassing performance, a real show, and a treat that all adults can enjoy.

And that’s why I see burlesque as such a high art form. It’s the most fun and yet realistic portrayal of sexuality. And it’s deeply psychological. You certainly don’t need to see a fully nude woman in front of you to get the full effect of the performance.
As the president of Moonlight Madness Burlesque, Winnipeg’s sweetheart of society Miss La Muse is a master at this, and I’m proud to call her a friend of mine. I’m genuinely impressed by her commitment to the art, and the skill with which she performs it. Her shows are a real treat and I really enjoy watching her success grow.

So I’m urging all of you who live in the Winnipeg Area to attend Moonlight Madness Burlesque’s next performance, The Best of Burlesque Show & Fundraiser at the Park Theatre May 12th at 8pm. You’ll get to experience great music, comedy, and some very beautiful ladies, not to mention that the money will be going to the Red Cross for assistance in the earthquake relief effort in Chile. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Tickets are available at the Park Theatre and Kustom Kulture in Osborne Village for 10$. 15$ at the door or 10$ for those dressed in vintage or burlesque attire.
Have fun!