I’ve been getting SO many requests to do ATS and tribal fusion costuming over the years 🙂 Now that I got inspired to do ATS / fusion costuming, I had a problem. What should I make!?!? So I asked everyone on my newsletter to submit their ideas, and I decided to do one that was very popular and best of… Read more →
Which part of costume making do you love the most? 🙂 For most people, decorating is the best part of costume making, because you get to be creative! But sometimes it’s hard to find a good balance of different decorative pieces…. Or maybe you’re not sure where to start…. Or you have all these different things you want to use… Read more →
When I first visited a fabric store, I was at a loss. All I saw there were rows and rows of fabric bolts, labeled with foreign names, and I didn’t know what I was looking for. I didn’t even know whether I’m allowed to touch the fabric. I simply walked out of the store empty-handed. 🙁 Well, I don’t want… Read more →
Have you seen gathered fabrics used to decorate dance costumes or formal dresses? That might be pleating or ruching. Both of them add colours, textures and such elegance to costumes and dresses, and it can be an easy way to decorate your costumes. But it can be tricky to create the look, especially when you’re working with… Read more →
I like Princess Jasmine. Her typical look is not a floor length dress like other Disney princesses. She’s in rather simple harem pants, but she is still gorgeous and that’s what I find unique and attractive about her. And to me, the best part of her outfit is the sleeves. Her sleeves are so flowy, and simply romantic.I’ve always wanted… Read more →
Last week I announced that the enrolment to my online Belly Dance Costume Workshop (BDCW) is opening on May 22, 2016. I’ve been receiving messages and questions from excited dancers 🙂 If you have questions about the workshop, feel free to email me at mao@sparklybelly.com. I’m happy to answer your questions, and it’s great to know what you are wondering… Read more →
Last week I shared with you this book called The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, which helped me clean up my place including my sewing station. It was great to hear many of you are also starting spring cleaning and have seen the awesome effect of the Konmari Method explained in the book 😀 If you haven’t tried, I highly… Read more →
Spring is here! And it’s time for spring cleaning. 😉 If you are like me and enjoy costume making, it’s super easy to accumulate fabric, scrap fabric, trims, beads, old jewelries that can be recycled, old dresses that can be recycled, old bras that can be used as bases for next costume bras, old or inexpensive costumes that can be… Read more →
Kaftan dresses are comfortable and very feminine. They are perfect as summer dresses, and keeping one in your dance bag is a great idea because it can be used as a cover up before and after dance performance. In this video, you’ll see how to make this really easy kaftan dress. So let’s get started! 😀 Click here to sign… Read more →
Fun practice wear makes your practice even more fun! Here is a DIY crop top perfect for dance practice, yoga or workout, this spring and summer. In this video, you’ll see how to make this crop top with cute decorative knots at the back. So let’s get started! Click here to sign up for the Sparkly Belly newsletter! The DIY Leggings… Read more →