Paper Couture XVIII: Red Velvet Bustier

Paper Couture is proud to offer the bustier template as part of the paper wardrobe project for December. For help with downloading, visit How to Print Templates.

template is 3 x 5 inches

You may have noticed that the back of the bustier was modified slightly from the one shown in the video. I thought you might like this template better.

The video will show you how to overcome cutting/covering challenges with the back of your top being lower than the front. The techniques presented can also be applied to other templates. Enjoy!

Christmas Dress Calling the Azteclady!

I followed a suggestion I received in a comment from azteclady that I wanted to share with you with regard to adding trims to your paper outfits.

finished Christmas bustier

 You know me, I'm not big on unfinished edges especially when it comes to putting paper on top of paper as in ruffles and fringe. I will usually try to hide them in some way with glitter or ribbon.

very polished look to the ruffle

 There is another way to go about this that I've been aware of but just never tried until now. The technique is to sandwich your trim in between layers of your papers during the covering process.

leave openings to allow space for trim

 This is very easily accomplished by not adding glue to the places you want to leave open. This will allow for trims to be placed in between them later.

ruffle fits nicely in between layers

I will go over this in the video. This technique works very well if you are only applying the trim to one side. If you want it to circle the entire piece with no gaps in the sides you are still better off placing it on the outside. Thanks for the suggestion azteclady! It works great!

Paper Couture VI: The Paper Wardrobe Project

Sparked by my recent participation in a vintage dress form tutorial, I was inspired to begin launching a series of articles having to do with paper couture.

paper machè bustier or corset top

During my searches for material I came across a blog called Alice and Camilla. Margaret, the author of the blog began a project called Dress Up 2010 in which she created one paper dress every month for an entire year.

Serafina gypsy mermaid mixed media painting ~ paper corset

I was so inspired by the idea that I finally figured out a way to put my own twist on it. I call it the Paper Wardrobe Project. Coincidentally, I happen to be working on a mixed media painting of a mermaid and created this rather exquisite paper bustier corset top for her.

<a HREF="http://kellbellestudio.blogspot.com/2011/07/paper-couture-vi-paper-wardrobe.html"><img SRC="http://kellbellestudio.com/site/images/musings/blogsideimages/papercouturebtn.jpg" WIDTH="188" HEIGHT="104" BORDER="0"></A>

So here's the deal. Beginning in August I will be creating one item a month having to do with the paper couture articles presented here and I challenge you to join me. I've got lots of good stuff planned which includes links to templates and tutorials posted in the right sidebar so grab a blog button, add me to your favorites and check back often!