How to Make Paper Mâché Corsets

At last! The Mermaid Room is open for corset tutorial enrollment! Paper Corsets part I and II are available for purchase in my Le Charmed Life Etsy shop.  These two videos go over what you will need to make the basic corset in any size or shape you want. It also includes a template file for use as a guide to help you get the corset shape perfectly sized or you can modify it to reflect your own personal style and character.

This tutorial includes parts I and II video instruction along with an instantly downloadable PDF file containing a dress form guide and supply list. Price of this tutorial is only $15.00. Enjoy!

New Project? Link Jointed Dolls

Okay, time to get back into the swing of things and do some creating again. While I really enjoyed the paper corset and dress projects, I'm ready to take those concepts to the next level by playing around with some jointed dolls.

elongated torso for bust doll

I would really like to move into something on the whimsical side, something with an elongated torso, a pretty but more primitively sculpted face, wire link joints and a head that twists. Oddly enough I found little to no information about wire link joints or even how to make them.

whimsical girl sketch

You would think that the images I was able to find would be self explanatory enough to help me figure it out and mostly they are but in my opinion they still fell just slightly short of the mark. What about the head? How does that get attached and how do I make it twist?

wire jointed doll armature

The first step will be figuring out the mechanics of it all. Since other artists appear to be unwilling to part with their carefully guarded secrets (and I don't fault them one bit) I'll have to figure this out by trial and error. Maybe I'll even put together a tutorial so that others don't have to guess.

My Hair Brained Idea Could Make You a Winner

I've been roused by the semi-recently certified aromatherapist in me to begin creating body products for enhancing well-being. The question I asked myself in January was how seriously did I want to take the nagging whisper inspiring me forward and what would it take for me to create an income stream from it?

Option A

The answer prompted me to start doing some reading about how to create a business plan which prompted further questions about such things as giving myself a name, figuring out how to narrow the focus of what I will offer and what will make me stand out from the sea of other manufacturers of handmade body products?

Option B

Kell Belle Studio is known for paper art so how do I go from blogging about paper to blogging about foot soak and sugar scrubs? The obvious answer: I don't, at least not on this blog. I realized that my paper art and digital design need to be kept separate from anything related to the development of body products, my interest in healing touch therapy and all things divinatory. See?! My focus is getting better already.

Option C

I gave a lot of thought to the naming of this new venture. It had to be broad enough to cover those related interests mentioned above yet still leave room for the business to grown and evolve. Even my color choices had to be significant in some way.

Option D

Yesterday I posted some samples of the new logo on the Kell Belle Studio Facebook fanpage and asked fans to vote for the one they liked the best with the promise that those who voted would be entered into a drawing to win one of my soap samples. You can still get in on the action. Cast your vote by leaving a comment. Drawing will be held next Saturday, March 7th.

Note: There an extra sample in this post, one of these is also the final and none of these is in the same order they appeared on Facebook. See if you can figure out which one is which. 

The Certified Kitchen Witch Goes Public

I did it! As of today I am now a certified, clinical aromatherapist with the ability to recommend essential oils as a way of healing what ails you both from a physical and an energetic perspective. What do I plan to do with my newly acquired credentials? How about perfumery, soaps, fragrance tinctures and personal care products that support and promote wellbeing.

You might have noticed that things are beginning to look a little different around Kell Belle Studio right down to a new tag line that better reflects my new direction. I haven't given up paper art so those of you who count on the tutorials can rest assured that these will not stop, however these too might evolve to become a reflection of Kell Belle's new evolutionary direction.

Pre-Announcement While You Wait

I have a surprise for you but I can't share it yet. I know, I get you all excited about my secret and then I tell you that you have to wait a little longer to find out what it is! I'll give you a tiny hint. It has something to do with the Tarot.

joie de vivre tarot - temperance

I've been busy writing my research paper for my aromatherapy certification so my paper art has been put on hold for a bit but we'll get back to that soon. I don't want to miss the holidays!

Confections of a Dusty Rose Corset

Whilst ravaging the internet (as I often do) for vintage corset inspiration I came across a most gorgeous delight. This corset was found in an antique store by Kerry who publishes a blog called I Love My Home. Couldn't you just look at this for days?!

vintage corset

The wheels are spinning, ideas are formulating, and paper corsets may soon be evolving yet again. Dusty rose, vintage satin and aged tulle beaded with pearls. Couple all that with the flowering vines and I can't help but see the makings of a fine art piece in this divine little confection. We've GOT to make one of these.

Image Credit: Kerry of I Love My Home

November Corset Inspiration

Fall is all about those muted earth tones and even though I've never been wild about fall colors who says I can't turn my orange and rust into dusty rose and annex it as part of my fall pallet? Of course it helps that dusty rose lends itself very well to that antique, aged look that we all like so much.

Fred & Ginger corset

This month I'd like to try something a little different. I'm going for the one piece look, just a slight hint of panty at the bottom of the corset. No skirt this time because I want to play around with adding some garter straps instead. (love the lacy panties in this illustration)

vector stock vintage corset illustration

You know me, I like combining what I consider to be the "best of" qualities in each design and coming up with something new. With these corsets it's mainly the one piece look combined with the low cut bust line of the red corset below that really excite me for the November corset of the month.

from Wilhelmina's Antique Fasion blog

On a side note, looks like interest in the dimensional corsets is gaining momentum so I think a tutorial on how to make those could perhaps be coming sooner than expected. I'm still undecided but I'll keep you posted. Toodles for now.

Corset Diaries III: Vampire Corset Template

I'm a little late with October's corset but better late than never. Sometimes even the creative muse drags her feet or maybe I just resist listening to her guidance. This one is called Francesca. She's an old world, original vampire with lots of deeply ingrained quirks.

vampire corset template - 10 x 7 inches - click to download full size

Explore your shadowy side. Try something you might not otherwise have considered. The result could be better than you imagined. As a journal prompt, what shadowy secret did you learn about yourself during the creation of your vampire corset?

It goes without saying that the template and video appear above. I want to say thank you to those who take the time to say hello by leaving positive and uplifting comments. They are appreciated and I am truly grateful. Please enjoy your template.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please refer to this Formal Paper Corset video to learn how to assemble this type of corset.

Francesca: Mistress of Shadow

Miss October, mistress of shadow makes her presence known in subtle, mysterious, style. An old world girl with a distaste for the Halloween frenzy, Francesca reveals herself today yet she remains ever on the edge, always one step beyond the reach of light.

paper mache vampire corset - front

The corset diaries proudly presents the tattered, old world charm of October's vampire corset. An original beauty in more ways than one, she is made mainly of paper with crushed black tulle and glittered red tulle accents at the bust and skirt line. Satin ribbon is used for the straps and lacing.

paper mache vampire corset - back

For being so uninspired at the start of this project, I'm really happy with how this corset turned out. Of course y'all know what this means. Your template and tutorial video are forth coming so look for those to show up in the next day or two.

Visual Snack Time: It's Vintage and Pink

Do you get excited over creamy pink and sepia tones? Does the idea of scripty french writing and vintage corsets and lingerie make your flea market loving heart flutter? If you're like me and bored of seeing the same tired corset collages with the roses pouring out of the bust line, have I've got a visual snack for you.

vintage corset digital collage ©Kell Belle Studio

From black and white to colorfully stunning I'm delighted to unveil my latest original corset and lingerie collages that you won't find anywhere else on Etsy. Sophisticated shoppers are ready for something a little more upscale. Am I right? Head on over to Le Charmed Life to see all eight images.

Note: These would make nice additions to your corset journals.

Enthusiastic over Purple Burlesque

My enthusiasm and inspiration have returned! Sometimes the creative muse decides mid stream to move in a different direction than previously planned but there's always a blessing in there somewhere. Rather than give up,  honor the muse. She just might lead you in a direction that's better than you imagined.

purple burlesque corset from costume collection

I know corsets are supposed to be described as sexy and alluring but I think this purple burlesque style corset is really sweet. A little crushed tulle, some red paper accents and this look could work really well for our vampy miss October.  Yeah! I like it.

A Dominatrix Corset?

I've been feeling pretty uninspired by black lately which is probably why I'm having such a difficult time finishing the corset of the month. I know it's Halloween, season of the vampire and all things black but for some reason I'm not all that enthusiastic about it.

black paper mache corset for October

Painted with black acrylic, my paper mache corset now has a bit of a shine which conjures up for me images of the dominatrix in black patent leather. Blech! Not the look I was aiming for but I'ma go with it.  I have to know what that creative muse of mine has in mind.

Beeswax Coated Paper Game

Have you ever tried coating paper with beeswax? I have only ever used this technique to waterproof my paper after I've printed on it. The wax prevents the ink from running so I can slather acrylic medium all over it and collage to my heart's content without worry of ruining my image.

how to make beeswax coated paper

Do you have another use for beeswax coated paper? I would love to hear all about them. Leave a comment and link to your work so I can post about you. :) Coating the paper isn't difficult. For a down and dirty tutorial on how to do it, visit Crafting a Green World.

Note: Image credit to Crafting a Green World

Digital Vintage Library Cards

Something new came into the world today. I call it crack for the scrapper. Ha! Digital vintage library cards in a collage of old fountain pen advertisements and typewriter images make great journal cards.

digital library cards available in the boutique

I fell in love with typography in design school so I have a particular weakness when it comes to papers with layer after delicious layer of type and other rustic elements.

13 Days of Halloween Paper Craft

Kids are back in school, days are getting shorter and there are an increasing number of dark and rainy days ahead but don't let that spook you. For some cute Halloween paper crafts that assemble easily in an afternoon head on over to Domestifluff for 13 holiday tutorials.

mini owl treat box from Domestifluff

This little mini owl treat box is such a cute idea for packaging holiday candy and other small items. It could even be enlarged and used as a Halloween trick or treat bag. Perhaps your swaps need a little holiday pizzaz? Use your imagination.

Ooh La La! Sexy French Hosiery

Ah! I feel much better this week and thankfully not quite so gritchy! How do you feel about sexy french hosiery?  Armed with a vintage advertisement, some old paper textures, a few ephemeral bits and a little imagination I came up with this french inspired, digital collage that I just love!

french hosiery digital collage ©Kell Belle Studio

The original hosiery ad (below) was found on the Free Vintage Digital Images blog and was simply too irresistible for me to pass up.  I think it's an elegant change of pace from all the tired dress form and corset collages I'm seeing out there.

1940 vintage hosiery advertisement

Wait . . . that's right! I too have jumped on the tired corset collages bandwagon.  Ha! Why reinvent the wheel?!  I've been busy with a series of boudoir collages created in that aged, vintage, french style everyone seems to love these days so look for those to hit the Le Charmed Life shop pretty soon.

October's Paper Mache Corset Takes Shape

I'm starting to get more enthusiastic about these paper mache corsets! This is the vampire corset so far although she doesn't look very vampire like at the moment, nothing a little black paint won't solve.

paper mache corset for October - work in progress

I want to savor this look for a minute. White on white, rough, torn paper edges and frayed, uneven cheese cloth make me crazy with excitement. I could almost leave her as is but not today. Love it!

Corset Couture: Tattered Alice

The blossoming young Alice comes of age to seduce the world in ravishing corset couture style. She wanted to be different, to break out of the mold and so she became a little slice of tattered, paper mache heaven.

Tattered Alice paper mache corset front view

In pursuit of an arty, more antique and aged look to my work, I did something quite a bit different with this corset. Alice is entirely hand sculpted using torn paper, cheese cloth and lacy fabric.  Isn't she just divinely imperfect?!

tattered Alice paper mache corset back view

For me, the Alice corset is about breaking out of old habits. She represents pushing beyond perfect symmetry, and embracing uncertainty. She is a liberating first work of many more like her to come.

Corset Diaries: September's Corset

By the skin of my teeth, the Corset Diaries presents your corset template for the month of September. The diary page can be downloaded by clicking the image for full size and then either dragging it to your desktop or right click to save.

corset diary Sept journal page 5" h x 10" w 

You'll notice that I'm not using the template this time.  Yep, I've changed things up a bit just to keep it interesting. I won't be offering a tutorial.  After all, a girl's gotta keep some secrets, right?!  Doesn't mean your corsets won't be beautiful though. :)

Video instruction is provided to give you ideas for embellishing your pieces.  Feel free to cut the straps off, alter it, adapt it and otherwise play around with it to make it your own.  Just enjoy and let your creativity flow.

Terms of Use: Selling Your Work

I'm beginning to notice Etsy listings (yes, I troll the listings occasionally) for paper outfits created using my templates and since I don't specifically talk about selling your work in my Terms of Use I should probably address that now.

You are welcome to sell your original, handmade pieces created using my templates.  You absolutely may NOT create copies of my work and offer them for sale. Mass production of items made from my templates is also prohibited without first obtaining a commercial license. Contact the studio for details.

This means that if you are following along with the videos, please use the imagination you were given and come up with your own ways of covering and embellishing your outfits. The videos are for inspiration only and not intended to help you create copies of my work for your own monetary gain.

Some kind of link back to me in in your listings would be great. I spend a lot of time putting the templates together each month and making sure the pieces fit just right so a mention is greatly appreciated.

I'm sure you probably knew this already and I know you would all rather create your own originals anyway right? Of course you would. :) That said, please carry on and continue to enjoy!