We wear the masks 2

I thought about adding doo-dad's and various things to my mask but after the glaze I realied less is more. I added 4 rhinestones. This is the result.

Happy crafting ya'll! 

We wear the masks....

It's the time of year when you get to choose what face you wear and parade as someone else for a day without being trucked away in a new custom tailored winter white wrap jacket. Halloween.

I like to participate just like any other drama camp deprived kid turned adult so I get into the festivities, stage makeup style. My daughter has chosen a witty costume. German tavern girl dress + brown child= German Chocolate. (This kid is a riot)

I haven't decided if I want to be a comic book or a black and white movie character but either way, I'll be sure to share it with ya.

After halloween, I will be attending a masquerade ball! I have wanted to go to one for quite some time so off course I had some plans on attire and a coordinating mask. I decided to DIY my mask and I am thrilled with the results, hence why I am sharing my project before it's been completed.

I started with a mask from Michael's Art Store. It set me back $4.99 (big spender). I had the other supplies but if you do not they are not expensive.

You will need:

1 mask (plastic)
Black acrylic paint
gold metalic paint
1 small round acrylic brush
1 flat medium acrylic brush
pencil

First, paint your mask with acrylic paint. I used 3 coats of paint painted in short strokes until almost dry to give my mask the appearance of hair since my mask is a cat shape. It helps if you tie the ribbons on the mask together. There were a few times I almost dropped the mask while wet and the string was the only way to catch it workout ruining my project.

After the black paint is dry use a #2 pencil to sketch a pattern. This process is important and if you make a mistake you can erase without a problem.

Once you are satisfied with your sketched plan paint using your metalic paint and small round brush. Take you time with this step. If you rush, it will show. I tried using a metalic sharpie instead of paint. I do not suggest it.

The results were very dull. 

In my normal impatient manner, I could wait to go to the store for metalic paint so I opened a metalic paint pen. More work than necessary but, wowzers-the results are amazing!

This is what I have so far. I would like to go back over the stray gold brush strokes with my black paint again, seal with a matte protectant and I'm thinking about adding rhinestones and/or feathers. I really love the result and although I would love to add a lititle sparkle I don't want to ruin a good thing.

This would be a great project for anyone still looking for a low maintainace halloween costume with umph.

Well, until next time happy crafting ya'll!

Mom-jitsu: Training Style

One of the hardest things to figure out since I started training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (other than spelling it correctly) is figuring out how to style my half natural/half text-laxed hair to protect against damage and without looking like horrid out of the dojo. Here are a few solutions I have come up with.

1.  Multi-ponytail faux French braids. This one works really well for both my daughter and myself. Many people advise against using rubber bands. I use them but instead of attempting to remove them-which is when damage occurs- I cut or break them to get them out. I figure there is a reason that they sell them by the gazillions. I got the idea for this style from Chocolatehairvanillacare.com.

2.  Pinned under French braid. This works ok but on my hair looked like a hot mess after sweating.

3. Crochet braids with Marley Hair. This is the best option yet. Because of the texture of the added hair, the more weathered the real hair gets, the more natural it looks. I roll the sides and bun the back during training and shake it out when I am finished and it always looks good. Funny thing is, you would expect that it would get worse with time. WRONG-O. The more your natural hairline gets frizzy the more natural it looks!

4. Braid out. This is a good option because it holds during training and- if planned well- can lead to a nice braid out curl style. This photo comes from justgrowalready.com.

I'll add styles as I run accross them but you know I have to give you examples of things that DID NOT work. DON'T try these.

1. Braided updo/bun with added hair.

 It's beautiful. It can't get caught. It's good to go right. NOPE!

This style put's your edges at risk ladies (and gents)! As if the tension on the hairline wasn't bad enough, just imagine trying to escape a choke but you can't because you can feel the hairs pulling. don't do it. On bjiujitsu.blogspot.com, the blogger recounts Nyjah Easton's experience like this:

"I decided to try braids and of course after you get over the week of barely being able to move your head from the tightness freshly done braids and cornrows add, they too would often get caught. I've actually had a full cornrow rip out and pull all of my hair along with it."

Are you serious? No thanks! This may work if you use your own hair and bun it really tight but I haven't tried it so I can't speak on it.

2. Super long box braids/twists...sigh....I'm ashamed to say that I thought this was an option...Bad idea...seriously. They got caught a lot in addition to all issues contained in section NOPE.1

3. Scarf. If it slips off in bed, it WILL slip of on the mat. 'Nough said.


I will update as I find viable options. Deuces!