1) Advanced Photography -- Ken Warren, Shanti Fader
Taking the basics and going beyond the snapshot. How to work one on one with a model, put a model at ease as well as getting the model to work for you and the camera. Attendees will learn how to pose in costumes. This demo also covers the "photo studio" and any specialized equipment one might want on and.
2) Airbrush -- Lisa Ashton
Lisa demonstrates the use of basic airbrush techniques for costuming. She will discuss basic equipment, types of paint available, choosing and preparing fabric or garments, and painting on unusual fabric.
3) Basic Photography -- Ken Warren, Jack Krolak
How to get good snapshots of costumes at masquerades and in the halls. This is going to be a simple question and answer session where people can ask the "experts" their thoughts and theories. Equipment and film will also be discussed.
4) Beadwork -- Duane Elms
Beadwork is an art form as well as a form of decoration. Duane will demonstrate several techniques including edge beading and will show a costume that incorporates many of these techniques.
5) Belly Dancing -- Valerie Dishong
Valerie will demonstrate the basic movements of the belly dance and encourage the audience to join her in learning the art.
6) Blocking a Felt Hat -- Tara Maginnis
Tara will demo the making of a cloche hat and making surrealist felt sculpture hats using a hat block.
7) Body Painting -- Ric Frane, Wendy Mitchell
Professional artists Ric and Wendy will paint designs on a model and discuss patterns, techniques, paints, and ways to remove the paint.
8) Fangs & Teeth -- Marvin Bryant, Thomas Willeford
This demo will focus on using dental acrylics and finger nail acrylic to mold and shape all sorts of teeth. Two victims/audience members will receive a free set of fangs by volunteering to be used in the demo.
9) Flat Patterning -- Pierre Pettinger
An introduction to the methods of creating patterns from basic slopers.
10) Hand Tying Wigs, Beards, and Mustaches -- Cheralyn Lambeth
Cheralyn demonstrates the hand tying techniques used to create wigs and facial hair pieces.
11) Headpieces for all Occasions -- Patti Gill
Do you need a headpiece in a hurry? Don't worry, Patti will show you how to make that great finishing touch in a short amount of time.
12) Laser Applications -- Chuck Coates (road trip, 2 hours, 15 people)
A road trip to Chuck's workshop will introduce you to the computer controlled laser world. A demo of cutting plastic, leather, and woodburning will show you the power of technology in costume creation.
13) Make-Up From Street to Stage -- Kevin Roche
The application of basic street make-up and how to adapt it for stage.
14) Pattern Draping -- Jennifer Ketcham, Wendy Ross
The basics of creating patterns on a 3-d form will be shown.
15) "Stage Fighting" Techniques -- Cobra, Tonta
An introduction to stage combat, including demonstrations of the techniques. Use of basic weapons (swords, staffs, etc.) and safety precautions will be discussed.
16) Theatrical Make-Up -- Carol Salemi
How to use theatrical make-up including face painting, glamour, and special effects.
17) Wired Jewelry -- Cat Devereaux
This is a 2 part demonstration of making jewelry. The first hour will cover basic stringing techniques, jump rings, and clasps. The second hour will be the demonstration of the wired jewelry technique.
1) Advanced Quilting -- Bobby Gear, Jacqueline Ward, Diane Kovalcin
A detailed discussion of the various techniques used to create quilted art, clothing and costumes.
2) Applique as Embellishment -- Jacqueline Ward, Bobby Gear
Creating appliques from different mediums to use as decoration on costumes and wearable art projects.
3) Basic Quilting -- Jeannette Holloman, Bobby Gear
How to get started, materials needed, and techniques used in beginning quilting.
4) Big Creatures (Animals, Aliens, Robots) -- Louise Hypher, Jess Miller, Andrew Bergstrom, Daren Bost (moderator)
How to create large and oversized creatures using foam, wire, wood, plastic, and whatever else the panelists can think will work.
5) Building Weapons -- Ric Frane
Making all kinds of weapons such as guns, swords, etc.
6) Combining and Altering Commercial Patterns for Costumes -- Pat Ritter, Jill Crowthers-Peters, Jeannette Holloman (moderator)
How popular patterns can be changed to create your costume ideas.
7) Costume Design -- Jeannette Holloman, Sandy Pettinger, Patricia Buard, Pierre Pettinger (moderator)
Bringing your ideas to life for stage, hall, and future fashion shows.
8) Costuming on a Budget -- Wendy Mitchell, Amanda Allen
Using inexpensive materials and alternate items to create costumes without breaking the bank.
9) Design & Decoration of Large Headpieces -- Barb
Schofield, Katherine Jepson
Panelists teach a variety of construction techniques from simple to complex. Examples from the SF masquerade will be shown.
10) Designing a Group Costumes -- Amanda Allen, Pat Hammer, Kathy Mix (moderator)
How to maintain consistency when designing different costumes for a group presentation.
11) Dying and Painting Fabrics -- Wendy Ross, Nora Mai, Sandy Pettinger (moderator)
The techniques, materials, and what works best with different fabrics will be discussed.
12) Electronics -- Kevin Roche, Ric Rader, Martin Hunger (moderator)
How to make costumes and props that light up and do things. This includes tips on where to find supplies and components, the right tools to use and safety considerations.
13) Fabrics for SF/F Costumes -- Pat Ritter, Sharon Trembley, Susan Toker
How to mix fabric textures and colors to make your costume a show stopper.
14) Fantasy Headwear (A Show and Tell) -- Carol Salemi
Carol discusses the methods used in making fantasy fashion show headpieces for Yolonda's of Waltham.
15) Featherwork -- Kathy Mix, Mindy Helfant, Pierre Pettinger (moderator)
The techniques of gluing, sewing, dying, and caring for feathers.
16) Footwear -- Thomas Atkinson, Angelique Trouvere
Ways to change, create and decorate shoes and boots to finish off a great costume.
17) Glitz and Trim -- Pat Hammer, Denise Girardeau, Zelda Gilbert, Sharon Trembley, Susan Toker (moderator)
Sequins, beads and trim galore. What to use where, how to apply it, and make it stay where you want it.
18) Leatherwork -- Jennifer Ketcham, Chuck Coates, Kevin Roche, Duane Elms (moderator)
A basic overview of different techniques for working with leather and suede.
19) Make-up & Prosthetics on the Cheap -- Christina Carr, Martin Hunger
Panelists have done Prosthetics the expensive way and will share their secrets on how to save money. They will talk about materials, makeup and adhesives.
20) Making Military Costumes -- Cheralyn Lambeth
The techniques used to construct and fit uniforms or uniform-like costumes.
21) Props & Stuff to Hold -- Gary Rumain, Susan Cohen
Prop making using a variety of bought and found objects as well as traditional craft supplies.
22) Stage Presentation -- Christina Carr, Martin Hunger
The do's and don't of stage presentations. Using video tapes of past masquerades, the panelists will show what worked and why.
23) "To Glue or Not to Glue" -- Sandy Pettinger, Amanda Allen
Using the right adhesives for the right project. Safety precautions will also be discussed.
24) "Tool Time" -- Chuck Coates, Marvin Bryant, Ric Rader, Ron Robinson (moderator)
Panelist will discuss the "friendly" hardware store and what you can find there to make a costume.
25) "Wigged Out" -- Cat Devereaux, Katherine Jepson
How to style, decorate, and build onto wigs and hairpieces to create that great costume "topper."
26) Wig Making from Scratch -- Cat Devereaux, Zelda Gilbert, Rae Bradbury (moderator)
Panelists discuss techniques to create wigs using various materials.
27) Wings -- Bruce Mai, Angelique Trouvere
The design and construction of wings including materials used for support.
28) Working with Cardboard and Buckram -- Kathy Mix, Pat Hammer
How to build headpieces, shoulder pieces, collars, and armor using these materials.
29) Working with Fake Fur -- Daren Bost
How to cut, sew, decorate, and paint fur fabrics.
30) Working with Found Items -- Tom Willeford
Anything can be used in the creation of a costume. Others trash can become your costume treasure.
31) Working with Metallic Fabrics -- Kate Morgenstern, Bridget Landry
How to cut, sew and tame all those glittery fabrics.
32) Working with Metals -- Andrew Bergstrom
How to cut, bend, shape, and mold metals into costume bits.
33) Working with Plastics and Fiberglass -- Chuck Coates, Andrew Bergstrom, Ric Rader
The panelists discuss ways to cut, shape, mold and paint these odd materials.
34) Working with Stretch Fabrics -- Bridget Landry, Kate Morgenstern, Kevin Roche
How to make costumes using spandex and other stretchy fabrics.
35) Working with Unusual Materials -- Angelique Trouvere, Animal X
How to use many different kinds of things such as chainmail, leather, vinyl, and feathers in the creation of your costume.
1) Belly Dance Costumes -- Valerie Dishong, Nora Mai
A discussion of the costumes used for the belly dance. Tribal belts, Gypsy costumes and some imported dance costumes will be shown.
2) Bringing Literary Characters to life -- Deborah Feaster, Jess Miller, Amanda Allen
Designing and creating costumes inspired by your favorite books.
3) Costumes for Kids -- Diane Kovalcin, Lisa Ashton
Children love dressing up, but to costume for them requires some special considerations. Learn how to design for kids, tips on what works and will keep you sane for presentations.
4) Enchanted Beings -- Animal X
The design and creation of dragons, fairies, and other mystical things.
5) Magic Clothing: Costumes for Ritual, On Stage and Off -- Tara Maginnis
A slide show and discussion of the reproduction of ritualistic clothing and how to adapt them for stage and actual events.
6) Making Dolls and their Clothing -- Ann Catelli, Helen St. John, Louise Hypher
The panelists will discuss their experiences in making dolls and making their clothing. Types of dolls covered will
be soft, non-human figures, fairies, Barbies, and porcelain.
7) Native American Costumes -- Mindy Helfant
The construction of Native American costumes from footwear to headgear. Examples will be shown.
8) Recreating Costumes from Art -- Katherine Jepson, Jenne Burnham
How to interpret the artists renderings into an actual three dimensional costume.
9) Recreating Characters from Comics and Animation -- Andrew Bergstrom, Pat Hammer, Bobby Gear, Thomas Willeford, Amanda Allen (moderator)
Where are those bloody seams and how am I ever going to find fabric that color? Translating 2-D characters into 3-D forms.
10) Recreation Costumes From Movies & TV -- Angelique Trouvere, Andrew Bergstrom, Cheralyn Lambeth, Donna Dube (moderator)
How to overcome the difficulties of exactly copying costumes everyone has seen on screen.
11) Replica Costumes on the Cheap -- Christina Carr, Martin Hunger
Panelists will discuss researching your costume, cheating with various materials, and generally keeping your costs down. Examples from the SF masquerade will be shown.
12) SCA Costumes -- Kathryn Elms, Duane Elms, Cobra
An introduction to the SCA for the newcomer and those who are just interested. What to do, how to do it and where to get involved will be discussed.
13) Star Wars Costumes -- Thomas Atkinson, Carol Salemi
Our panelists have made just about every major costume from the films including designs from artwork that never made it to the screen. They will share their expertise in creating these costumes with you.
14) Still Playing with Dolls -- Louise Hypher
A slide show and discussion illustrating the joys of doll collecting, and it's relationship to the appreciation of fashion and costume.
15) Wearable Art -- Wendy Ross, Jacqueline Ward
A discussion of the creation of art to wear from design to construction.
1) Bustles, Panniers and Hoops -- Animal X
A review of various skirt supports that includes both a historic (construction with historical accuracy) and a theatrical (using today's techniques and materials to create the correct "look") perspective.
2) Corsets -- Jennifer Ketcham, Animal X
The differences in corsets over time and how to construct them.
3) 14th-18th Century Textiles (Show and Tell) -- Animal X
A collection of samples will be shown, followed by a discussion of the fabrics commonly used during these times
and what fabrics available today are appropriate substitutes for them.
4) Historical Research and Documentation -- Janet Wilson Anderson, Deb Salisbury, Jenne Burnham (moderator)
Researching and compiling the information necessary to reproduce historical garments.
5) Historical Undergarments -- Ann Stephens, Kathryn Elms
What was worn when, including tips on construction, materials, and patterns.
6) Living History -- Kathleen Norvell, Ric Rader, Ann Stephens (moderator)
What it is, how to get involved, and the standards of historical costume will be examined. Panelists discuss their experiences in the field.
7) Negotiating the Halls in Your Historical -- Bridget Landry, Kate Morgenstern, Janet Wilson Anderson (moderator)
How do you keep that hoop from flying into your face as you try to sit down? Our experts teach you how to bend, sit, turn, and stand without embarrassing yourself.
8) Overview of Historical Sewing Techniques -- Animal X
How garments were put together from types of stitches to finishing treatments. Photos and samples will be presented.
9) Renaissance Costumes -- Vicky Nebeker-Destasio
Altering commercial patterns to create renaissance costumes for men and women. Tips on choosing fabric, colors, and dyes for the time period will also be discussed.
10) Reproducing Men's Clothing through the Ages -- Robert Himmelsbach
An overview of menswear from research to production.
11) 17th & 18th Century Scottish and Irish Dress -- Kathleen Norvell
A look at the clothing of this time period and how to recreate it accurately for the purpose of living history.
12) Twisted Historicals -- Katherine Jepson, Kate Morgenstern, Bridget Landry
How to have fun with your costume by creatively combining unusual materials with historical silhouettes. Picture Victorians in camouflage; our panelists did.
13) A Whirlwind Tour of 19th Century Underpinnings -- Deb Salisbury
A decade to decade review of what items were worn including construction techniques, materials, colors, and decorations.
1) Accessories -- Cat Devereaux, Jenne Burnham, Pat Ritter, Kevin Roche (moderator)
The finishing touches that can make or break your costume.
2) Beginning Costuming -- Zelda Gilbert, Cat Devereaux
Where to go now that you're interested in this "costume stuff." Panelists tell how they got started and give tips on everything from design and choice of materials to basic presentation.
3) Cleaning Costumes Past and Present -- Animal X, Jennifer Ketcham
Care and cleaning of actual antiques as well as newly created costumes. This panel also covers designing costumes so they can be cleaned.
4) Color Theory -- Kathy Mix, Jennie Faries
Using color effectively in your costume design and the effects of lighting on color.
5) Costume as a Business or Career -- Daren Bost, Janet Wilson Anderson, Jennifer Ketcham (moderator)
Costumers share their "real job" experiences of trying to make a living in costume
related careers or businesses.
6) Costume-Con 16 -- Bruce Mai, Nora Mai
Con-Chairs discuss what is planned for CC 16 and what there is to do while in St. Louis.
7) The Evolution of Costumer from Technician to Artist -- Tara Maginnis
Turning the costume shop into the costume studio. A discussion of the gradual change that makes a technical historical costumer into the artist who uses costumes to express abstract concepts and emotions.
8) Judging at the Masquerade -- Thomas Atkinson, Robert
Himmelsbach, Marty Gear, Amanda Allen (moderator)
A discussion of the techniques and process of awarding masquerade honors. Including but not limited to differences in judging Historical vs. SF/F and workmanship vs. stage presentation.
9) Running a Masquerade -- Susan de Guardiola, Donna Dube, Marty Gear (moderator)
The basic principles of putting on a convention masquerade, from a small local show to a large regional competition. Panelists talk of mistakes to avoid and helpful hints.
10) Stage Lighting and its Effects on Costume -- Jennie Faries
Using stage lighting effectively in your costume design and presentation.
11) Theatrical Costuming as a Career -- Patricia Buard, Vicky Nebeker-Destasio, Jennie Faries (moderator)
Panelists talk about what kind of adventures they have had making a career in the theater. They "bare" all about how they got started, what kind of training they have had, and what kind of opportunities there are.
12) Thrift Store Finds -- Susan Cohen, Gary Rumain, Marvin Bryant (moderator)
Cheaper than a Hyundai and the best thing since sliced bread, what you can find in a thrift shop and how you can
use it to your advantage.
13) Transporting Costumes -- Barb Schofield, Jacqueline Ward
The design and construction of costumes that "travel" and problems that arise in transporting large costumes.
14) Using the Library -- Deborah Feaster, Jill Crowthers-Peters,
Don Sakers (moderator)
Our expert librarians tell you how to wade through
the library's vast resources to find the information you need.
15) Welcome to CCXV -- Betsy Marks (moderator), Marty Gear, Ron Robinson, Pierre Pettinger A chance for people to talk with the current and past con chairs and find out what is happening at this Costume-Con.
Below is the list of workshops that are being held. A sign up sheet will be available on the 19th floor for the workshops that are not filled. Instructors ask that you only sign up for the workshops you will be attending so that others will be able to participate. A confirmation list will also be located on the 19th floor, but cancellations always occur and hopefuls should check with the instructor at the time of the workshop for any openings. Supply fee's will be payable to the instructors at the time of the panel.
Specific supplies for each panel will be included in the cost. The following is a basic supply list that the instructors have requested attendees to bring but are not required to attend the workshop: Scissors, ruler, measuring tape, pins, pencils, pens, needle, thread (basic colors), embroidery hoop, note pad.
Alien & Creature Eyeballs -- Supply Fee $5.00
This is a workshop on how to make plastic ping balls into alien, animal, and monster eyes that you can actually see out of. The instructors will teach you how to cut, shape, paint, decorate, and drill ping-pong balls into the "eyes" of your choice. Supplies include ping-pong balls, drill bits (2 sizes), paints, emery boards, and assorted glue-on goodies. This class is being presented by Chuck Coates and Carol Salemi and is limited to 15 people.
Beaded Earrings -- Supply Fee: $5.00
This will be a workshop in which you can create a quick, but elegant set of beaded earrings. Other beading techniques will be discussed including weaving peyote, brick, and square stitches to make matching necklaces. Handouts will include diagrams of the various methods as well as a list of books for reference and sources of supplies. The fee will supply you with beads, needle, thread, and handouts. This workshop will be presented by Ann Lesnik and is limited to 15 people
Beadwork Techniques -- Supply Fee $ 5.00
This is a workshop and demo of hand beading techniques including diagonal weave, a tambour shuttle variation, heddle loomwork and an overview of surface application. The fee will supply you with beads, needles, frame of fabric, handouts, and tambour shuttle "variation." This workshop is being presented by Denise Girardeau and Donna Dube and is limited to 15 people.
Blackwork -- Supply Fee: $3.00
This workshop will teach you how to do basic 16th century counted thread embroidery. This is the perfect technique to decorate your renaissance shirts or shifts. The fee will supply you with practice fabric, embroidery floss, and a stack of patterns. This workshop will be presented by Robert Himmelsbach and is limited to 20 people.
Costume Drawing Basics -- Supply Fee: $1.00
This is a workshop centered around drawing the human and non-human figure. The artist will discuss proportions of figures, how to draw costumes on the figure, and how to show off your costume with basic illustration techniques. The fee will supply you with Bristol and pencils, but the artist says that you can bring your own. The workshop will be conducted by R. Craig Enslin and is limited to 20 people.
Embroidery -- Supply Fee $10.00
This is a basic workshop for those who have no experience or very little experience in embroidery and wanted to give it a try. The instructor will demonstrate basic stitches and have practice patterns available to work off of. For the quick learners, more advanced techniques will also be discussed (if the class is ready for them.) The fee covers the fabric, floss, embroidery hoop, and some transfer designs. The workshop will be presented by Terelynn Marks and is limited to 12 people.
Foam Sculpting -- Supply Fee: $4.00
Did you ever wonder how those alien creatures were made? This will be a workshop to practice carving foam sheets and layering pieces to achieve an organic (or alien) look. The skills used to apply small pieces of foam to fabric, using foam to create scales and skins, and foam on masks using various adhesives will also be covered. Painting the carved foam will also be discussed. The fee will supply you with foam to play with and the necessary adhesives. This workshop will be presented by Lisa Ashton and is limited to 15 people.
Jacobean Crewelwork -- Supply Fee: $10.00
This workshop centers around embroidery done with wool thread on linen. Jacobean designs were generally abstract florals (think hotel drapes.) The workshop will demonstrate basic stitches in a design intended to be made up into a pocket to be worn under one's skirts. The fee will include all threads and fabric needed to make the pocket and directions on how to complete the project. This workshop will be presented by Vicki Warren and is limited to 10 people.
Mascot & Other Bulky Costume Movement -- No Fee
This workshop teaches how large costumes absorb movement, putting character into your walk, conveying emotions, and learning to navigate in an awkward costume. Daren will even let you play in his costumes if you smile and ask nicely. This workshop is being conducted by Daren Bost of Lionspaw Mascots.
Native American Featherwork -- Supply Fee: $6.00
Did you ever see those old westerns and the Chief is sitting there wearing a full war headdress? Did you ever wonder how they make that? How about Las Vegas showgirls? Well, in this workshop, you will learn the proper methods on how to prepare coup feathers. A coup feather is the basic piece to make those fancy headdresses work. In fact, it's the way most "eagle" feathers are prepared. Here you will be making a very colorful and useable fan out of the coup feathers. All "eagle" feathers are actually died white turkey feathers and will be supplied for the workshop. The class is being conducted by Mindy Helfant and is limited to 15 people.
Needlepoint -- Supply Fee: $4.00
This will be a workshop on how to translate needlepoint graphs on paper to actual canvass, or in this case plastic. You will learn how to read those confusing graphs and how to translate the color codes. In this class, you will make a Loony Toon character bookmark in which to practice the skills. (I believe the instructor has chosen Tweety Bird) The fee will supply you with thread, plastic, needle, and felt. This workshop will be presented by Maxine Baker and is limited to 20 people.
Ribbonwork -- Supply Fee: $5.00
This is a two part workshop to introduce you to the inner workings of ribbon manipulation. The first section will introduce you to the fine details of ruching ribbon, box pleating, and using fabric for a decorative trim for your historical costumes. The second part will introduce you to cockades, ribbon flowers, and a folded trim technique. The fee will supply you with wire ribbon, flat ribbon, and fabric to play with. This workshop will be presented by Diane Kovalcin and Susan Toker and is limited to 15 people.
Surface Embellishment for Kids -- Supply Fee $5.00
This is a workshop that is fun and creative only because it involves those unpredictable characters called kids. Our instructors will demonstrate many safe and fun techniques that can be done by kids to decorate their clothes, shoes, and personal items. The instructor will also discuss ways to preserve the "artwork" on clothes that need to be washed. A T-shirt will be provided, as well as all the glitz and trim. Parents are welcome to attend. This free-for-all will be hosted by Amanda Allen and is limited to 15 kids.