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How To Make An Organza Boa

Trixi Tassels - Sunday, December 04, 2011
I decided I wanted an organza boa to go with my green costume but the ones in Taurus have raw edges and are a bit scratchy. I saw another performer's boa the other week that was made from tubes so it was all soft and bunchy (is that even a word?) and thought that was a better way to make it and that I could just do it myself. I couldn't find any decent how-to tutorials on the web so here is the way I went about it!

Thankfully I am immensely talented in using MS Paint, so have drawn some highly accurate, to-scale drawings to help you understand what I am describing and what is shown in the photos. The red lines are the stitching lines.

Step 1: I bought 6m of 150cm wide organza and tore it into 4 long strips - 2x 50cm wide and 2x 25cm wide. NB if you want a fuller boa these strips need to be wider, so you will need double the length of fabric unless you magically come across fabric significantly wider than 150cm.

Step 2: Fold one of the thinner pieces in half and pin it inside the folded wider piece (you will do this step twice). Sew up the entire length of both halves. Turn inside out once sewn.


Step 3: Pin the two halves together with the thinner section sticking out the middle on both sides. Fold these thinner sections over to one side and sew up the entire length through both halves. The organza will bunch up in places and you will get folds that you will stitch through - this doesn't matter at all cos the whole thing will be gathered so these imperfections won't show at all.


Step 4. Flip the thinner sections over to the side you just stitched and then sew up the other side, leaving a gap around 1-2cm in the centre for your gathering ribbon to go up.


Step 5. Now you should have a 6m length of 6 tubes all sewn together in the centre. Get a thin ribbon (I used a 1cm black ribbon I had lying around) and put a safety pin on the end. Feed this up the entire length of the centre of the boa (where the blue bit is) and stich in place at the very end. Now gather the hell out of the boa until you get the desired length, then stitch the other end in place. Mine is about 2.5m long. You can adjust the gathers and tubes so they puff out a bit nicer.


Ta-da!

Sparkle Sparkle

Clara Cupcakes - Thursday, December 01, 2011
The number one question I get asked when talking to people after shows is "Oh my god!!! How do you do you lips like that!".  By "like that" I mean glitter lips!  Glitter lips are a burlesque make-up staple.  It looks AMAZING on stage.  It add that little extra hint of glamour and faboulousness to your act.  And we can always do with a little more fabulous yes??  So here is a little mini tutorial on how to pretty up your pout!

Ingredients
- lipliner
- lipstick (I'm using red but you can use any colour you like to match your glitter)
- fine glitter (sadly, this brand has been discontinued but there are plenty of cosmetic grade glitters out there)
- clear sticky lip gloss or (what I use) She-Laq by Benefit 
- scotch tape (weird but very important)

Okay lovelies!  Lets start by preparing your lips in the usual way.  Use the liner to draw the shape you desire and then fill in the rest of your lips with the liner as well.  As a little side note, I don't understand people who don't use lip liner, especially with red lipstick.  It help stop feathering, makes it much easier  and my lipstick lasts 5 times longer than if I just pop it on straight from the tube.  If you don't use liner you a dang crazy fool.  That's all I'm saying.

So, anywhoo, I am using  a lip pencil in Cherry and lipstick in Ruby Woo (my favourite!) by MAC.  I'm doing a 50's lip shape here but it works with any and all styles.  I particularly like it with a little 1920's little bow lip.  It adds a little glitz it a very dark film noir look.   Take your lip brush (another thing you are dang crazy without), load it up with lipstick and go over your lip liner.

*MWAH* Perfect!  Now we get to the bling. There are a few different ways to do this.  We all do it a little differently from girl to girl in the troupe.  But these are the three main ways we glitter up our lips.

1 - Pressing the glitter straight over your lipstick.  I am not a big fan of this because I mostly use matte lipsticks and I find that they are a little too dry to be able to press as much glitter into them as I like.  But if you use a more moisturising lipstick then this would work quite well.  The only major problem I have with this is that it doesn't have much longevity and the glitter has the potential so smudge and shift.  But I am the worst person at messing up and smudging my make up. 

2. Slick on some sticky lip gloss and press the glitter onto it.  If you are going to do this you want to uses a very, very thin layer.  You don't want the glitter melting down you face under the hot lights.  I recommend clear Lipglass by MAC or  Shock Gloss by Rimmel.  

3. My own personal method.  Applying a make up sealant (like She-Laq or Lipstick Lock by Rimmel) very thinly to your lips and pressing the glitter onto it.  I like this method the best as I find it has the best  longevity and can hold the most glitter.  You don't want to use too much because instead of  drying light and flexible, it will dry hard and crusty and the glitter will flake off.  I really love this stuff.  It's great for eyeliner to,

Alright!  Enough gabbin',  Lets get to glitterin'.

Take your chosen glitter application product and pop it on the bottom your pout.

Use a small make-up brush do dip into the glitter (She-Laq conveniently comes with some little brushes that are perfect).  You may want to dampen the brush slightly with some water to that the glitter sticks a little better.

Press the glitter onto your lips quite firmly.  Don't be afraid to pile it on!

Repeat with the top.

You can see it's a little messy and not as defined I generally like it.  This is where the scotch tape comes in.

Take a piece of scotch tape and press it up against you lip line when you want to remove excess glitter,  Peek it off again and then....

VOILA!  perfectly defined glitter lips.

I hope this tutorial has been helpful!  Let me know if it's too long of if I have waffle on to much.  I would have done it as a video but I am still working out this new fangled technology.  So until next time my loves.  I hope your lives are a little more sparkley and shiny now!

Until next time.
xoxo
Clara 

Sugar Blue Burlesque In Strasbourg

Trixi Tassels - Wednesday, November 23, 2011

This past weekend saw the first (of many, hopefully!) Sugar Blue Burlesque show in France. A'dora Derriere, Scarlet O'Harlot and myself, Trixi Tassels, travelled to Strasbourg to put on a show with the wonderful George Bangable. 


It was a crazy, busy weekend that began with our Eurostar at 7.25am on Saturday and ended when we arrived back in London late Sunday night.

We three girls performed two solos and two trios each, resurrecting the amazing cherry mambo act from London Burlesque Week 2010 and the classic Sugar Blue Burlesque fan dance.

The stunningly beautiful Coco Das Vegas was our pickup girl and additional performer for the night, also driving us to and from the train station and generally looking after us all.

The venue, La Salamandre, was pretty stunning, only having been open since September and with a retro feel and lovely large stage.

Adora was teaching a workshop on Sunday which meant Scarlet and I had a chance to explore Strasbourg. We wandered the beautiful streets eating roasted chestnuts and even managed a trip to the modern art museum to check out an exhibition on the occult and witchcraft in European art during the 18th-20th centuries.


Yay for France!

Paris Burlesque Festival 2011!

Adora Derriere - Friday, October 14, 2011

 I had to privilege to perform last weekend at the amazing Paris Burlesque Festival 2011.

The festival was held between the 6-9th October this year and the theme was Viva Las Vegas and there was no mistaking it!!

Juliette Dragon and her incredible crew created an atmosphere like no other festival I have attended!! It was a complete credit to them!

Sugar Blue Burlesque's Trixi Tassels and myself (A'dora Derriere) performed on both the Friday and Saturday night and taught workshops as well. There were 2 of the same shows each night. 

The festival was held at La Bellevilloise, a 3 level venue which had different entertainment on each floor. Top level was a full Vegas scene. Wedding chapel, casino, tattoo parlour, shop, dj, photo booth and also the peep show. A lot of top European perfomers were lucky enough to be invited to perform in this space. Intimate and experimental!! 

Here are some shots that I took backstage on both the Friday and Saturday night at the Festival.

Friday night was a showcase of Classic Burlesque Performances.

 

Trixi Tassels posing before she heads onto the stage.

 

Xarah Von Den Vielenregen from Germany and Miss Anne Thropy from Paris

 

Here I am on the far left in my showgirl headpiece with UK boylesque performer Adriano Fettucini and the amazing Billie Rae from Brighton, UK. To the right is the fabulous Italian lady, Dixie Ramone.

 

Another stunning Italian performer, Scarlett Martini

One of my favourite acts of the festival were this troupe from Sweden, Blackbird Burlesque. Their act featured a singer at the beginning and they all did an lovely choreographed dance number with parasols and fabulous striptease. 

 

Here are some live shots of myself and Adriano Fettacini. Below, we have a live shot of Billie Rae with her fire!

 

Here we have UK Burlesque starlet, Missy Fatale who performed in the Peep show and also in our Prince trio act in the main show on the Saturday night. Next to her stands the amazing London Burlesque photographer, Tigz Rice.

 

Pics from the Vegas 1st floor of fabulousness! See below for Missy Fatate and Betsy Rose (UK) 
Getting married!

 

 

The pics above are from the basement floor of the venue, where there was an amazing band playing after the show. Throughout the sets they would have various dancers on stage with them, including tap dancer Jazmin Beret (Australia)

 

And here we have the Sat night show which was the neo burlesque night!
To the left, I (Prince) am posing with French artiste Mademoiselle Loison

 

Above, we have Canadian Lass, Champagne Sparkles and the famous LA lady who headlined the festival, Kitten Deville!

Me and my beeatches.. Trixi Tassels on the left and Missy Fatale on the right.

 

This lady is to be seen!! UK performer Khandie Kisses is a energetic bombshell on and off the stage!!! Loved her!
To the right is Mademoiselle Loison again showing her religion.

 

Had to put this one up, me and Kitten!! To the right is Miss Glory Pearl from the UK. She was amazing, her act was a granny turned into an an incredible pole dancer. Was funny and she was soooo great on the pole!! 

 

Here is Trixi Tassels wowing her audiences with her Balloonacy act!

Thought you may want to see the Sugar Blue Burlesque act on the Saturday night at the Paris Burlesque Festival!

 

Here are a couple of pics of 2 of my 4 classes that I taught at the festival! The girls were so wonderful! I love the French!

Here is a clip of my Vintage Showgirl Chorusline students after only 1.5hrs of my lesson. They had a great time and so did I. Cant wait to go back to Paris!!! xxxxx I love you!!

Paris Burlesque Festival

Trixi Tassels - Wednesday, September 21, 2011
I am very excited to announce that I am one of the headliners of the Paris Burlesque Festival this year! I am performing in the Friday and Saturday night showcases with my acts 'Appreciation' and 'Balloonacy' as well as teaching a tassel-twirling masterclass on Saturday.


I have purchased some beautiful new balloons for my Balloonacy act including one that is blue with white polka dots! Can't wait to blow them up and toss them around.

Now off to do some tasselling practice...

Hello Sweetheart Show pics!

Adora Derriere - Thursday, September 15, 2011

Last Saturday Night, the 10th September, 2011, Sugar Blue Burlesque had a sold out
show at the Fly By Night in Fremantle, Western Australia featuring the 18 piece,
Oz Big Band and Miss Burlesque Australia Runner-up, Kelly Ann Doll

Here are the photos of the night, by John Leonard Photography and 
Gregory Bruyer http://gmb.bur.st

  

Poster by Gregory Bruyer. 

 

Angelique A'Llure begins with her tribute to Rosy the Riveter

 

The Absolutely gorgeous Cecile Mimieux and Odile Devine as follies! 

Clara Cupcakes homage to war time pin- up Betty Grable

 

Cheeky and sexy Kitty Litteur plays up as legendary pin up Betty Page

 

Our star, Miss Kelly Ann Doll, shakes her thang!!

Lulu Peekaboo as her hero Lucille Ball

  

Sugar Blue's pin up Odile Devine and those amazing legs of hers!!!

 

MC Diggy Bones playing a game with the audience

 

Cecile Mimieux doing her bit for army recruitment. 

Sapphire Demure as a dirty spy

Lorelei Lita as Marilyn Monroe entertaining the troops

 

 

The Sugar Blue Swing Dancers - awesome!

 

Kelly Ann Doll

 

MC Diggy Bones with his lovelies

The fantastic Oz Big Band

Hotel Jarretelle 2011 - Belgium Burlesque Festival!

Adora Derriere - Wednesday, September 07, 2011

In July this year, I was lucky enough to be part of Hotel Jaretelle, which was the Belgium Burlesque Festival held
 in Gent. I taught some masterclasses  and got to see the fantastic show that they had running for over a week!
2 shows a night - for a performer, its tough, 2 acts, twice a night for 10 days!

Missy Fatale, a lady who began her Burlesque education with me in Perth, Australia, is now a very popular and
sort after artiste in Europe. She was one of these awesome performers in the show. Below you will see a clip
put together of the this awesome festival! You will see me teaching my showgirl class! So much fun with so many girls. 

The fantastic company behind this festival is Radio Modern, they run swing party's and burlesque shows and classes throughout the whole of Belgium! Very talented and innovative group of people! I love them!



The other fabulous lady I met was Lady Flo from Neo Retro.  She organised all the masterclasses and is an awesome MC, charleston dancer and singer. She is a total powerhouse of a lady and I admire her lust for life!! Here is a clip of her doing her thing:

Next stop, Berlin, and then the Paris Burlesque Festival !

xx A'dora Derriere

Merch! (Not My Merch Though...)

Trixi Tassels - Thursday, August 25, 2011
I made a post a wee while back about funding Satan's Angel's film through Kickstarter. It reached its goal and is now in post-production! But! You can still contribute to the project by purchasing some sweet merch through the Satan's Angel website.

http://satansangelmovie.com/Merchandise.html

If you buy something your name will appear (just like mine!) on the Wall of Flames.

Hell yeah!

Clara Cupcakes on Today Tonight!

Adora Derriere - Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Our gorgeous starlet Clara Cupcakes was featured on 'Today Tonight' TV on Channel 7 tonight! 

An article was written about her as well on the 'Today Tonight' website.
By day Elly Squire works as a receptionist, quiet, mild mannered. At home she's deft hand at baking but she's taken her love of Cupcakes from the kitchen to the hurley burley world of the theatre. By night Elly becomes Clara Cupcakes sassy star of the burlesque stage. "I think part of it is kind of me almost a parody I think sometimes I can be quite out there but Clara's just the next extension on that" 
Read more of the article here!

Clara was featured on 'Australia's Got Talent' this year. Here is the clip!



Clara teaches Burlesque Classes in Balcatta and also a 3 - week Hoola Hooping course in Perth!

Burlesk Safari show photos!

Adora Derriere - Sunday, July 31, 2011
On July 23rd at the Fly By Night, Sugar Blue Burlesque held another huge sell out show!! 
The Burlesk Safari was a show of jungle proportions!!

Photos by John Leonard Photography.

 
To the right we have one of our MC's on Safari.

 

Piggy Showgirls! Lulu Peekaboo, Cecile Mimieux & Clara Cupcakes

 

 

Sapphire Demure in Little Red Riding Wolf! Awesome!

 

 

Odile Devine and her amazing ballet legs in her gorgeous fawn act.

 

Mia Bella & Coco Poppin take on the Cat Fashion Show.

 

To the right, we have Johnny Domino..  has anybody heard.. about the bird..

 

Kitty Litteur doing her part in representing the Australian native fauna.. the frilled neck lizard!

 
Our Special guest from the US, boylesque performer, Smokin McQueen

 
Odile Devine and Kitty Litteur getting ape with the audience..

 
Our swan princess, Cecile Mimieux

 
Coco Poppin.. so so lazy ... what a sloth

  
Lulu Peekaboo as 'I love Lucy' in her ring master role with her two kittens, Sapphire Demure and Clara Cupcakes



The whole cast, all together!! What a great show!


Latest News

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