Costume-Con 15 (CC15): Program & Participants

Schedule for Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday

Friday Program Schedule:

• Wired Jewelry (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.): Cat Devereaux‡ (2 hours)
• Wearable Art (A discussion of the creation of art to wear from design to construction.): Wendy Ross, Jacqueline Ward
• “To Glue or Not to Glue” (Using the right adhesives for the right project. Safety precautions will also be discussed.): Sandy Pettinger, Amanda Allen‡
• Native American Costumes (The construction of Native American costumes from footwear to headgear. Examples will be shown.): Max Helfant‡
• Needlepoint (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.): Maxine Baker (2 hours, Supply Fee: $4.00)
• Bringing Literary Characters to life (Designing and creating costumes inspired by your favorite books.): Deborah Feaster‡, Jess Miller, Amanda Allen‡
• Working with Stretch Fabrics (How to make costumes using spandex and other stretchy fabrics.): Bridget Landry, Kate Morgenstern, Kevin Roche
• Stage Presentation (The do’s and don’t of stage presentations. Using video tapes of past masquerades, the panelists will show what worked and why.): Christina Carr, Martin Hunger
• Hand Tying Wigs, Beards, and Mustaches (Cheralyn demonstrates the hand tying techniques used to create wigs and facial hair pieces.): Cheralyn Lambeth (2 hours)
• Featherwork (The techniques of gluing, sewing, dying, and caring for feathers.): Kathy Mix, Max Helfant‡, Pierre E. Pettinger, Jr. (moderator)
• Corsets (The differences in corsets over time and how to construct them.): Jennifer Ketcham, Animal X
• Applique as Embellishment (Creating appliques from different mediums to use as decoration on costumes and wearable art projects.): Jacqueline M. Ward, Bobby Gear‡
• Negotiating the Halls in Your Historical (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.): Bridget Landry, Kate Morgenstern, Janet Wilson Anderson (moderator)
• Jacobean Crewelwork (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.): Vicki Warren (2 hours, Supply Fee: $10.00)
• Recreating Costumes from Art (How to interpret the artists renderings into an actual three dimensional costume.): Katherine Jepson, Jenne Burnham
• Reproducing Men’s Clothing through the Ages (An overview of menswear from research to production.): Robert Himmelsbach
• Enchanted Beings (The design and creation of dragons, fairies, and other mystical things.): Animal X
• Silk Painting Demo: Diane Seiler (2 hours)
• Still Playing with Dolls (A slide show and discussion illustrating the joys of doll collecting, and it’s relationship to the appreciation of fashion and costume.): Louise Hypher
• Basic Photography (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.): Ken Warren, Jack Krolak
• Basic Quilting (How to get started, materials needed, and techniques used in beginning quilting.): D. Jeannette Holloman‡, Bobby Gear‡
• Accessories (The finishing touches that can make or break your costume.): Cat Devereaux‡, Jenne Burnham, Pat Ritter, Kevin Roche (moderator)
• Costume as a Business or Career (Costumers share their “real job” experiences of trying to make a living in costume related careers or businesses.): Daren Bost, Janet Wilson Anderson, Jennifer Ketcham (moderator)
• Judging at the Masquerade (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.): Thomas Atkinson, Robert Himmelsbach, Marty Gear‡, Amanda Allen‡ (moderator)
• Welcome to CCXV (A chance for people to talk with the current and past con chairs and find out what is happening at this Costume-Con.): Betsy Marks (moderator), Marty Gear‡, Ron Robinson, Pierre E. Pettinger, Jr.

Saturday Program Schedule:

• International Costumers Guild Vintage Clothing Discussion: Marty Gear‡ (Moderator) – (2 hours)
• Building Weapons (Making all kinds of weapons such as guns, swords, etc.): Ric Frane
• Surface Embellishment for Kids (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.): Amanda Allen‡ (2 hours, Supply Fee $5.00)
• Glitz and Trim (Sequins, beads and trim galore. What to use where, how to apply it, and make it stay where you want it.): Pat Hammer, Denice Girardeau, Zelda Gilbert, Sharon Trembley, Susan Toker (moderator)
• Big Creatures (Animals, Aliens, Robots) (How to create large and oversized creatures using foam, wire, wood, plastic, and whatever else the panelists can think will work.): Louise Hypher, Jess Miller, Andrew Bergstrom, Daren Bost (moderator)
• Theatrical Costuming as a Career (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.): Patricia Anne Buard‡, Vicky Nebeker-Destasio, Jennie Faries (moderator)
• “Tool Time” (Panelist will discuss the “friendly” hardware store and what you can find there to make a costume.): Chuck Coates, Marvin Bryant, Ric Rader, Ron Robinson (moderator)
• Using the Library (Our expert librarians tell you how to wade through the library’s vast resources to find the information you need.): Deborah Feaster‡, Jill Crowthers-Peters, Don Sakers‡ (moderator)
• Working with Cardboard and Buckram (How to build headpieces, shoulder pieces, collars, and armor using these materials.): Kathy Mix, Pat Hammer
• Welcome to CCXV (A chance for people to talk with the current and past con chairs and find out what is happening at this Costume-Con.): Betsy Marks (moderator), Marty Gear‡, Ron Robinson, Pierre E. Pettinger, Jr.
• Beaded Earrings (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): Ann Lesnik (2 hours, Supply Fee: $5.00)
• Body Painting (Professional artists Ric and Wendy will paint designs on a model and discuss patterns, techniques, paints, and ways to remove the paint.): Ric Frane, Wendy Mitchell (2 hours)
• Recreation Costumes From Movies & TV (How to overcome the difficulties of exactly copying costumes everyone has seen on screen.): Angelique Trouvere, Andrew Bergstrom, Cheralyn Lambeth, Donna Dubé (moderator)
• Advanced Quilting (A detailed discussion of the various techniques used to create quilted art, clothing and costumes.): Bobby Gear‡, Jacqueline M. Ward, Diane Kovalcin
• Leatherwork (A basic overview of different techniques for working with leather and suede.): Jennifer Ketcham, Chuck Coates, Kevin Roche, Duane Elms (moderator)
• Foam Sculpting (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.): Lisa Ashton (2 hours, Supply Fee: $4.00)
• Make-up & Prosthetics on the Cheap (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.): Christina Carr, Martin Hunger
• Beginning Costuming (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.): Zelda Gilbert, Cat Devereaux‡
• 14th-18th Century Textiles (Show and Tell) (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.): Animal X
• Murder on the Ornament Express (Saturday Afternoon Social)
• Ribbonwork (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.): Diane Kovalcin & Susan Toker (2 hours, Supply Fee: $5.00)
• Pattern Draping (The basics of creating patterns on a 3-d form will be shown.): Jennifer Ketcham, Wendy Ross
• Historical Research and Documentation (Researching and compiling the information necessary to reproduce historical garments.): Janet Wilson Anderson, Deb Salisbury, Jenne Burnham (moderator)
• Costume Design (Bringing your ideas to life for stage, hall, and future fashion shows.): D. Jeannette Holloman‡, Sandy Pettinger, Patricia Anne Buard‡, Pierre Pettinger (moderator)
• Magic Clothing: Costumes for Ritual, On Stage and Off (A slide show and discussion of the reproduction of ritualistic clothing and how to adapt them for stage and actual events.): Tara Maginnis
• Advanced Photography (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.): Ken Warren, Shanti Fader
  (2 hours)
• Historical Undergarments (What was worn when, including tips on construction, materials, and patterns.): Ann Stephens, Kathryn Elms
• Transporting Costumes (The design and construction of costumes that “travel” and problems that arise in transporting large costumes.): Barb Schofield, Jacqueline Ward
• Costuming on a Budget (Using inexpensive materials and alternate items to create costumes without breaking the bank.): Wendy Mitchell, Amanda Allen‡
• Airbrush (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.): Lisa Ashton
• Blackwork (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.): Robert Himmelsbach (2 hours, Supply Fee: $3.00)
• Theatrical Make-Up (How to use theatrical make-up including face painting, glamour, and special effects.): Carol Salemi
• Cleaning Costumes Past and Present (Care and cleaning of actual antiques as well as newly created costumes. This panel also covers designing costumes so they can be cleaned.): Animal X, Jennifer Ketcham
• Fabrics for SF/F Costumes (How to mix fabric textures and colors to make your costume a show stopper.): Pat Ritter, Sharon Trembley, Susan Toker
• 17th & 18th Century Scottish and Irish Dress (A look at the clothing of this time period and how to recreate it accurately for the purpose of living history.): Kathleen Norvell
• “Stage Fighting” Techniques (An introduction to stage combat, including demonstrations of the techniques. Use of basic weapons (swords, staffs, etc.) and safety precautions will be discussed.): Eric “Cobra” Blackburn, Tonta (2 hours)
• Renaissance Costumes (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.): Vicky Nebeker-Destasio
• Designing a Group Costumes (How to maintain consistency when designing different costumes for a group presentation.): Amanda Allen‡, Pat Hammer, Kathy Mix (moderator)
• Living History (What it is, how to get involved, and the standards of historical costume will be examined. Panelists discuss their experiences in the field.): Kathleen Norvell, Ric Rader, Ann Stephens (moderator)

Sunday Program Schedule:

• Costume Drawing Basics (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.): R. Craig Enslin (2 hours, Supply Fee: $1.00)
• Beadwork (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.): Duane Elms
• A Whirlwind Tour of 19th Century Underpinnings (A decade to decade review of what items were worn including construction techniques, materials, colors, and decorations.): Deb Salisbury
• Working with Plastics and Fiberglass (The panelists discuss ways to cut, shape, mold and paint these odd materials.): Chuck Coates, Andrew Bergstrom, Ric Rader
• Thrift Store Finds (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.): Susan Cohen, Gary Rumain, Marvin Bryant (moderator)
• Mascot & Other Bulky Costume Movement (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.): Daren Bost (2 hours, No Fee)
• International Costumers Guild Costumers Quarterly Discussion: Marty Gear‡ (Moderator) – (2 hours)
• SCA Costumes (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.): Kathryn Elms, Duane Elms, Eric “Cobra” Blackburn
• Working with Metallic Fabrics (How to cut, sew and tame all those glittery fabrics.): Kate Morgenstern, Bridget Landry
• Star Wars Costumes (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.): Thomas Atkinson, Carol Salemi
• Stage Lighting and its Effects on Costume (Using stage lighting effectively in your costume design and presentation.): Jennie Faries
• Electronics (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.): Kevin Roche, Ric Rader, Martin Hunger (moderator)
• Working with Unusual Materials (How to use many different kinds of things such as chainmail, leather, vinyl, and feathers in the creation of your costume.): Angelique Trouvere, Animal X
• Recreating Characters from Comics and Animation (Where are those bloody seams and how am I ever going to find fabric that color? Translating 2-D characters into 3-D forms.): Andrew Bergstrom, Pat Hammer, Bobby Gear‡, Thomas Willeford, Amanda Allen‡ (moderator)
• Welcome to CCXV (A chance for people to talk with the current and past con chairs and find out what is happening at this Costume-Con.): Betsy Marks (moderator), Marty Gear‡, Ron Robinson, Pierre E. Pettinger, Jr.
• Single Pattern Contest / Future Fashion Show
• Embroidery (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.): Terelynn Marks‡ (2 hours, Supply Fee $10.00)
• Flat Patterning (An introduction to the methods of creating patterns from basic slopers.): Pierre E. Pettinger, Jr. (2 hours)
• Wig Making from Scratch (Panelists discuss techniques to create wigs using various materials.): Cat Devereaux‡, Zelda Gilbert, Rae Bradbury (moderator)
• Twisted Historicals (How to have fun with your costume by creatively combining unusual materials with historical silhouettes. Picture Victorians in camouflage; our panelists did.): Katherine Jepson, Kate Morgenstern, Bridget Landry
• Costume-Con 16 (Con-Chairs discuss what is planned for CC 16 and what there is to do while in St. Louis.): Bruce Mai, Nora Mai
• Headpieces for all Occasions (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.): Patti Gill‡
• Laser Applications (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.): Chuck Coates (road trip, 2 hours, 15 people)
• Bustles, Panniers and Hoops (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.): Animal X
• Running a Masquerade (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.): Susan de Guardiola, Donna Dubé, Marty Gear‡ (moderator)
• Wings (The design and construction of wings including materials used for support.): Bruce Mai, Angelique Trouvere
• Blocking a Felt Hat (Tara will demo the making of a cloche hat and making surrealist felt sculpture hats using a hat block.): Tara Maginnis
• Color Theory (Using color effectively in your costume design and the effects of lighting on color.): Kathy Mix, Jennie Faries
• Combining and Altering Commercial Patterns for Costumes (How popular patterns can be changed to create your costume ideas.): Pat Ritter, Jill Crowthers-Peters, D. Jeannette Holloman‡ (moderator)
• Replica Costumes on the Cheap (Panelists will discuss researching your costume, cheating with various materials, and generally keeping your costs down. Examples from the SF masquerade will be shown.): Christina Carr, Martin Hunger
• Making Dolls and their Clothing (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.): Ann Catelli, Helen St. John, Louise Hypher
• Historical Masquerade
• CC16 Party

Monday Program Schedule:

• Beadwork Techniques (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 Dubé and is limited to 15 people.): Denice Girardeau & Donna Dubé (2 hours, Supply Fee $ 5.00)
• Alien & Creature Eyeballs (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.): Chuck Coates & Carol Salemi (2 hours, Supply Fee $5.00)
• Making Military Costumes (The techniques used to construct and fit uniforms or uniform-like costumes.): Cheralyn Lambeth
• Working with Found Items (Anything can be used in the creation of a costume. Others trash can become your costume treasure.): Thomas Willeford
• Belly Dancing (Valerie will demonstrate the basic movements of the belly dance and encourage the audience to join her in learning the art.): Valerie Dishong
• International Costumers Guild Annual Meeting
• Props & Stuff to Hold (Prop making using a variety of bought and found objects as well as traditional craft supplies.): Gary Rumain, Susan Cohen
• The Evolution of Costumer from Technician to Artist (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.): Tara Maginnis
• Overview of Historical Sewing Techniques (How garments were put together from types of stitches to finishing treatments. Photos and samples will be presented.): Animal X
• Fangs & Teeth (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.): Marvin Bryant, Thomas Willeford
• Footwear (Ways to change, create and decorate shoes and boots to finish off a great costume.): Thomas Atkinson, Angelique Trouvere
• Working with Fake Fur (How to cut, sew, decorate, and paint fur fabrics.): Daren Bost
• Costumes for Kids (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.): Diane Kovalcin, Lisa Ashton
• Make-Up From Street to Stage (The application of basic street make-up and how to adapt it for stage.): Kevin Roche (2 hours)
• Native American Featherwork (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 [dyed] white turkey feathers and will be supplied for the workshop. The class is being conducted by Max Helfant‡ and is limited to 15 people. ): Max Helfant‡ (2 hours, Supply Fee: $6.00)
• Design & Decoration of Large Headpieces (Panelists teach a variety of construction techniques from simple to complex. Examples from the SF masquerade will be shown.): Barb Schofield, Katherine Jepson
• Dyeing and Painting Fabrics (The techniques, materials, and what works best with different fabrics will be discussed.): Wendy Ross, Nora Mai, Sandy Pettinger (moderator)
• Working with Metals (How to cut, bend, shape, and mold metals into costume bits.): Andrew Bergstrom
• “Wigged Out” (How to style, decorate, and build onto wigs and hairpieces to create that great costume “topper.”): Cat Devereaux‡, Katherine Jepson
• Belly Dance Costumes (A discussion of the costumes used for the belly dance. Tribal belts, Gypsy costumes and some imported dance costumes will be shown.): Valerie Dishong, Nora Mai