Exhibit Review: V&A 'Club to Catwalk'

No place in all of London gives me such inspiration as the V&A. Every time I experience ‘Creative Block’ (Writers Block for Designers), all I gotta go is head over there. But first I have to make a personal protest. In the more popular exhibitions these days, now not only is photography prohibited, but now so is sketching! Usually I attend exhibitions more than once because I like to come back and look again in more details and things that stood out for me. Last year when I first came to the Ballgowns exhibitions at the V&A, the place was filled with fashion students at work-it was such a rich source for inspiration! But then when I came back, with a tiny notebook and pen, one of the ushers told me sketching was prohibited. I was outraged-first, how can they change their policy half way through an exhibition? Second, the V&A is visited by thousands of fashion students a year! It seems so wrong to actually try to dissuade them from drawing inspiration from their presentations. I’m just dumbfounded by this policy, and would love to understand their reasoning behind it.

The Club to Catwalk exhibit currently on is a presentation of the nightlife scene influenced fashion. It features works from designers including John Galliano and Vivienne Westwood who really embraced the outbreak of Punk style of the 1980’s. But it also discussed how fashion morphed into personal expression, in customizing clothes to becoming part of trends such as Goth as a reaction to political movements. 

Overall, I was a little disappointed in the exhibition. To me, the tone was very much a repeat of their Brit Pop exhibit  that opened in 2011, of how nightlife and music influenced fashion movements of the decade. 

However, I was exposed to some designers I’d never heard of, such as the Mortisha brand that picked up on the Goth movement, creating pieces such as coffin shaped clutches. A mask shaped brooch caught my eye, giving me an idea for a mould and a way of expressing my love for the performing arts. The Swanky Modes black stretch dress was fabulous-simply chic, yet so seductive with its use of cut and draping. This brand obviously understand the mechanics of fabric. 

Maybe not one of their best presentations yet, but still featuring some really unique pieces. I wish I could remember more but, oh yeah, I wasn’t allowed to sketch....

Mould Making Part One

Tarina Tarantino awakened this jewelry making craze in me, particularly in mould making. I’ve got so many oddities lying around that would make cute unique pieces in a necklace, brooch etc, from keychains to small figurine animals. And once you have the one mould, you can make these pieces in different colors again and again.

I got an 8oz packet of Sculpey’s Mould Making clay on Amazon. The results were...complicated.

First, I did not realize how sticky the stuff was gonna be! True, it’s gotta pick up all the intricate details on the original piece, but I panicked that conditioning it would wreck it during baking.

My assembly of mould choices consisted of a tiny clock, a butterfly, a cameo, a heeled shoe, and a mouse and hedgehog figurine. Some were easier, others way more challenging for a first time moulder. 

I wouldn’t recommend this product because of the inconsistent instructions. It seems easy to do, but during baking I was totally flabbergasted. First, the instructions say to bake 20 minutes per 1/4 in of thickness-of what? Of width? Of height? Second, they specifically warn against over baking. Out of habit I always add to the recommendations, whether it’s cooking or cutting extra seam allowance. And they certainly didn’t mention how the clay would take on that purple tinge when baked, so I had no idea if I was overdoing it, or should wait for the mould to be a consistent purple tone throughout. And finally, the instructions claim that after baking, the mould should be ‘permanent and flexible’. How the heck is that possible, those descriptions are completely opposite! When I  got the nerve to take out the smaller pieces first, after cooling off the clay did stiffen a little, but the texture was more rubbery that I’d imagined it be. 

The final verdict won’t be clear until I’ve made the polymer clay pieces themselves, but overall I’m disappointed in this product. 

Mark Montano's Button Cluster Necklace

This was my first attempt as a jewelry maker. And for something that was a complete newbie job, I was thrilled with the results! 

Black is a staple in any fashionistas’s wardrobe, so a cool bold black piece seemed a nice to touch to liven up the jeans and T-shirt look. I worn it yesterday to work with a scoop neck blouse, and despite it’s quirkiness really settled in with the look as a whole.

I recommend this project for anyone who loves bold necklaces, but wanted to make some notes from my own experience crafting this. I have zero experience in metal crafting, so for the base of the pendant I actually stuck together layers of black card which still produced a good solid base to work on. Next, Mr. Montano uses mostly shank buttons, removing the plastic look on the back to flatten them down for the cluster. I didn’t wanna go out and buy buttons specifically for this project, seeing how I’ve got a whole tin full of them, sticking to my rule of ‘working with what you had’. For the few shank buttons I did use, though, I actually didn’t remove the loops, finding them useful to glue and press into place between the layers of buttons. And finally, instead of fashioning jump rings from wire to hook the pendant to the chain, I found my own method a great alternative. Dipping into my ‘Sparkles’ tin, I got three large oval black flat back stones and, using the sewing wholes on it’s edge, looped the jump rings through there. I was afraid that during the spray paint part of the process these wholes would be sealed up by running excess paint, but they didn’t. Also just to add variety, I added more gems amongst the buttons.

This necklace seems chunky and cool from a distance, but closer up it’s unconventional and playful. And although I had my own way of doings things, I strongly urge you not to skim parts of the process, especially the gray primer! Also make sure you get Matt black spray paint. Glossy would come out looking cheap.

Project Costs: £15 (for the spray paint, primer and black chain)

Arts Review: V&A's Pearls

My parents often get invited to the special preview nights at the V&A, and sometimes I’m more than happy to go in my Dad’s place to the more fashion geared events. Last night was the premier opening of the V&A’s special exhibition Pearls. Lasting from Sep 21 until 19th Jan next year, this exhibit is a collaboration between the V&A the the Qatar Museums Authority. I was keen to go, seeing how much next accessory creation will be a pearl necklace!

In the the reception hall guests were dawning, in my opinion, rather gaudy yards and yards of pearls. Though I’m sure they were all enthusiastic to dress for the occasion, not to mention those exquisite jewels no doubt had wonderful history to them, a friend of ours remarked how I looked more subtle with my single black Mikimoto. After a glass of bubbly and a brilliant opening speech from the representative for the collection and Boris Johnson, we headed into the exhibition.

As always, the V&A never fails to deliver unconventional presentation. Not only did it showcase some stunning pieces, from religious icons to Elizabeth II’s coronation dress, the exhibition presented the history and production of the pearl industry. The pieces was presented in massive antique wooden boxes, an innovative way to present such intricate historical jewels. And finally it discussed the historical significance of pearls. At first their association with purity being used in icons featuring the Virgin Mary, but later taking on the more mature sophisticated view we have of them today when they began to symbolize fertility-the reason they’re traditionally worn at weddings. 

As a vintage jewelry lover, I’m keen to go back and gather ideas for other pearl featuring accessories for future projects. I’d love to have another look at the pearl necklace that belonged to Marilyn Monroe, not to mention a piece that belonged to the most amazing collector of all time, Elizabeth Taylor.

September Book Review: Mark Montano's 'Big Ass Book of Bling'

This was the very first craft eBook I downloaded for when I was visiting my sister in Charlotte last May, and quickly became the first of many! 

I got hooked to Mark Montano’s work when I received his Big Ass Book of Crafts for my birthday two years ago. Featuring over 50 projects-at least!-the layout of his books are so vibrant yet simple, not to mention the instructions easy to follow. The book is divided into concise sections, based on certain materials or techniques and the various projects they can be used for, such as wood work or glass fusing, so if you decide to invest in those materials you’re sure to get several projects worth out of them. However, some of the methods for these crafts do intimidate me slightly, mainly because I’m scared to make a mess at my parents’ place! But one thing for sure, this particular book triggered my interest in mould making.

My personal style is very versatile and subtle at the moment, and I’d would like my looks to be more quirky and show my creativity. Accessories may just be the ticket. So while I’m sure to be using some of the tips from this book, the projects I intend to make are focused on being personal yet durable, especially if I’ll be investing time and money into their production. We all go through phases of hobbies, crafting being a particular weakness of mine, and nothing is worse than materials you were desperate to buy at the time that are now covered in dust at the bottom of some drawer somewhere. 

On that note, these are some of the pieces I’ve book marked; The I Ain’t Lion and Linked Bead necklaces seem really easy and fun to make, though for the first I’m considering either the small mouse or frog figurines I own. 

Other projects such as the Ice Resin and Lace earrings and the Love Handcuffs bracelet have given me some great ideas for Christmas gifts. 

End thoughts; the range and number of projects the title offers makes it a must for any crafters'

bookshelf.

Final Score: 4/5

Second Child Style's Second Era

In the words of Droopy Dog....hello all you happy people. Yes, I know, I’ve been pretty terrible in keeping this blog up to date. Second Child Style has taken many different paths in the past, but now it’s time to combine and direct all those into one singular outlet for this crafter!

The mood board concept did have its advantages, but honestly my heart-and hopefully my future career-lies in crafting. Whether it’s my knitting, doll sewing projects, my recent buzz for jewelry making, or even reviewing the brilliant craft books I’ve read recently, I want to share all of that to the rest of the crafting world.

So Second Child will be going back to its roots, presenting recent projects I’ve been working on, but I’ll be sharing more with readers. For one, since receiving my beloved Kindle last christmas, I’ve discovered a great way to keep my creative thirst at bay while traveling; downloading craft eBooks. Vacations are fun, but planning a project to work on upon your return home does makes the bump back to a reality a little softer. And besides, on those 9 hour long flights visiting my sisters in the States, what better way to spend your time on the plane? So every month I’ll be reviewing one of these amazing titles, and maybe even discussing my own experience dabbling with the projects featured in them. Maybe even reviewing some of exhibitions I’ve visited and how they inspired recently, or even just a crafting technique I learned. Overall this blog will be far more rounded and versatile, set to deliver to suit your every crafting need.

So whether you’re a knitter, jewelry maker, doll costume designer, or just looking for a good read or even a rainy day project, I hope this second child can give you a little inspiration for your creative activities.

Weight Loss Booklet

Once again, I find myself house sitting and being home alone. However, I’ve got a real DIY itch today. Reasons for this particular project are three fold; 1) The Notting Hill Carnival is happening this weekend by my neighborhood, I’m house bound anyway 2) It’s pouring rain outside and 3) I need a notebook anyway.

Frustrated with how my constant exercise regime seems to have produced little results in achieving my target weight loss, I realize I need to take a new approach. My usual workout is sorta boring these days, and I probably could keep a little more of an eye on what I eat. A friend recently recommended keeping a journal that marks your progress, from how I worked out that day to what I ate and what my current weight is. But instead of going around the corner to the stationary store and buying a new notebook, I thought why not make it really personal and homemade. That way, I’d truly be diligent in keeping it up to date!

Despite this day and age of touch screens and fast typing, I think millions would agree with me that there’s something very refreshing about putting pen to paper, whether it’s writing in a diary or even making a note. Notebooks can in usual in so many ways, and not just for your grocery list. For you creative types out there, ever gotten an amazing idea for a project while on the move? With this little baby in your bag, you can jot that idea down before it vanishes forever. Also in the fashion industry everyone carries notebooks, taking notes at shows, schedules etc. I myself keep a Stylist Little Black Book with all the contacts I’ve collected in the industry. Any of these would be a great way to use this project!

YOU WILL NEED:

Sheets of Plain Paper

Colored Card Paper

Masking Tape

Glue

Needle and Thread

Ruler and Pencil

Old Magazine clippings

STEP 1:

Cut out two equal sized pieces of the colored card the size you wish your book to be. These will be the front and back cover of the book. 

Next, start sticking your various magazine clippings and arrange them, stick them down (preferably overlapping each other) in an arrangement of your choice. For my ‘Diet’ booklet, I chose clippings which all had a healthy exercise theme to them, so you can them yours anyway you wish.

When both card pieces are covered to satisfaction, seal the clippings onto the cover using strips of masking tape. The ends of the tape should be tucked a good length, an 1’’ each end, on the inside of the cover (don’t worry, they’ll be concealed later!). Now your book is covered.

STEP 2:

Now the pages. Fold several pieces of your page paper (I chose lined paper) then measure out your pages. I made mine slightly smaller than the cover panels. Inside the folds hand stitch about three to four sheets of paper together using a simple hand stitch. Using the prit stick, glue each side of the small booklets together from their outside pages to make 1 large booklet. Finally glue the outside of the pages to the inside of the book cover. 

The contents are now up to you...