fairy

Well, you may all know that I like fantasy costumes... in fact I keep a blog about fantasy costumes called YOUR FANTASY COSTUME :) I created a while back to bookmark all the fancy things I like (or would long or crave to buy for my performances hahah). Anyway, as I'm an illustrator I like to draw and design garments... the problem was that despite making some crafts like crowns and some easy customizations I really never had any skill for sewing... yes... not even a button or fixing a sock!!  But last month my friend and designer Alassie (from El Costurero Real that we previously covered in your fantasy costume article "El Costurero Real: King Arthur´s legends") encouraged me and a couple of friends to make a garment for ourselves to attend to her faerie birthday party and for a couple of weeks, all girls gathered on a weekly workshop :) to learn to make our own garment for the party... So it was FUN and we were busy bees and it was so lovely to see that we were creating our own dresses... I felt very accomplished and I know it´s my first and maybe not so perfect (almost hand-made too) but I had never done anything before so I was really proud.

Above: The faerie wing shopped luna wings model

The Faerie wing shoppe is a company based in UK that manufactures hand-made  light weight and realistic fairy wings designed  by SarahDuxbury. Yes, in UK, when most of the wing makes are USA based, here's a closer shop for customers in Europe. The wings take around a week to be made and range from iridescent several tones membrane  to some gorgeous models with lights.  They remind me a little bit to the delicate wings of Kira (from The Dark Crystal movie).  You can order with different vein patterns, colors, material and with or without lights. Basic pattern comes strapless so they will look even more realistically attached to your back  but if you feel safer with them they can also be added by request. If you have of course any other idea in mind she's open for discussing to make the  just the  custom perfect wings you have in your head for that special occasion.

Above: leave cushions and blanket... tell me you don't want these on your bed...  I DO they're lovely!!

Leafy creations is a lovely store based in Australia that find in the forests and leaves their source of inspiration to make a lovely collection  of items inspired in the shape of the leaves.  Not only clothing but also home wear like blankets and cushions that will make your room look like a fairy lair or could be also a great asset for theater or performing atrezzo and props . I'd really to love to grab a few at least ;-). Some of the items are customizable in color

Peter Stone is one  of the largest collection faerie sterling silver jewelry. I particularly like their celtic, wicca and fairy-fantasy collection. They feature also a collection of reproductions of some well known fantasy artists into lovely pendants, earrings and other jewellry items.  The design above is called the "tree of life" one of my favorites. :) Below you can see some other examples:

Moresca is a New York based company specialized in fairy-tale, fantasy and renaissance costumes. I had the chance to see the wonderful bodices, garments, gowns and accesories when I attended as performer to the faeriecon last 2009. I fell in love with the seagull short bodice but I wasn't fast enough! people grabbed them in one day... as lovely as they were. I'll probably will be getting this one for a videoclip. I think it's heavenly adorable. It belongs to the MORESCA  "seagull" collection, though I think of an "artic wolf" too and that's the way I want to characterize myself with it.

How to make your own floral garlandI love making floral headpieces myself, they're useful for your dryad, fairy or nymph dress, and a common element for your masquerade ball or performing garment, not to say also a key element for a wedding or flowergirl dress, thus   surfing the net to polish my technique I found some tutorials you might find worth. Making them is inexpensive and you can unleash your imagination choosing a palette of colors and designing  them to fit the seasons or the color of your garments. Also you  can make smaller versions for a ponytail and add some ribbon steamers and other ornaments to make it stand out.

Faeries closet is another of our recommended  websites that offers high quality fairy wings that features very delicate models in a collection suitable for weddings, halloween, ren faires and fairy masquerades. Prices ranges from 100 to 300$ but they look uniquely adorable.

Fairysteps is a british company that specializes in fairy and pixie inspired footwear. With an urban edge though, it can be used both as  casual wear or as the perfect complement of an urban pixie. Solid and durable there are some models in stock and others that are made by order. It has also some lovely pouches and fairy bags to get ready for walking comfortably in the enchanted forests.

Gypsy moon's company has created a collection called Brian Froud's faery wear inspired in the  fairy illustrations by talented Brian Froud (designer of movies like "The Dark Crystal" and "Into the labyrinth" he has rendered a wealth of fairy books from which I would highlight "good fairies and bad fairies" book, one of my favourites. Romantic, floaty gowns of sheer silk and chiffon and also coats and blouses ready for a more urban approach to a modern fairy, no matter what size or age.

To visit the official website of Brian and Wendy Froud to discover their stunning art visit WORLD OF FROUD.