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Im thinking they are covered wire.

My guess would be some sort of coated or wrapped wire. Trying to mold a plastic that would be strong enough to hold its shape in 3-D like that would be quite a bit more work, and I imagine that it would need to be reinforced with wire (like the earpiece on a pair of eyeglasses) anyway.

fabric covered wires would also be easiest to bead, as well.

I will be following this thread!

Maybe by using the same method that samba headdress makers use to cover the wire base:

The first ever ''HOW TO'' make your own samba costume backpack.wmv - YouTube

i have been all over this since i saw it as well and i am pretty darn sure its covered wire. I have been utilizing this method in my cutout bras and it works beautifully. The way i do it (i dont know if fatima doe sit this way) is take my base making material, cut it to the shape (yes its tedious and skinnny), sew the wire on the underside of the shape, then cover everything in pretty fabric.

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Consider using heavy gauge garden wire (already encased in a plastic covering).

Be careful buying wire that may cause problems later. Copper can leech green and metal blends with iron can make rust stains as they oxidize. (Might not show up at all, might be a problem when you sweat or wash the costume--try a few experiments in water before you spend hours making your embellishments.) There's also an issue of pot metals with lead in them, and some people are more concerned about that as a biohazard than others. If you do use a mystery metal that may have lead in it, it's recommended to wash your hands after handling the bare wire, especially before eating.

I would try aluminum wire, it is light weight, easy to bend, and does not oxidize. I found this website, they have it in all sizes. I have to try this for my next costume.

Aluminum Craft Wire for Sculptures, Armatures,Craft, Jewelry & Wrap - FAST SHIPPING

I think that millinery wire might work really well for this - it's already wrapped in cotton, and it's fairly heavy gauge as well. And it should be fine to work with - I would assume that as it's made specifically to be worn, it would be safe to use.
I think I might have some around the house - I'll have a play with it and let you know what it's like.

Haha, I was just wondering about the same thing today :D

Russian dancers on the russian forum beledi.ru asked Fatima many times what material she is using, but she answered that it is "commercial secret". I am wondering if it could be just wire, because wire has circular cross section and I assume that it is impossible to attach hot fix stones one by one without twisting. I am very currious about the outcomes of your experiments ladies, because I admire her work too and I am also wondering what it is made of.

Thanks to Google Translate, I found this at beledi.ru.... The photos are terrific.

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That google translate has great info!

Originally Posted by auraevans

That google translate has great info!

And beledi.ru has some wonderful technical information!

Halfway on this page is an announcement of a DVD Fatima is producing about: masterclass, the art of costume bodice of Fatima Habib (google translation).
Has anyone seen this DVD?

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