Thread: Mardi gras beads

I was just in New Orleans and picked up beads, I want to make a cheap bedlah with it, just for fun. Any suggestion, pictures.

did you get alot of beads? it takes more than you think. My teacher used to make some of this kind---i don't have any photos---but look for a coin costume that you like and swag the beads similar to the coin decoration. Get a very firm bra and cover it w/ material( there is lots of on-line info about this)

Dina's Bellydance Costume Galleries

On this page---look at "Midnight Rainbow". The Costume Goddess has great books and info on her website. Also--Shira.net.

After the bra---you can find info on how to make a belt.

Start it and photo as you go---and when you get stuck---send the photo here for "Help!!!!"

Mardi gras bead and masks

Originally Posted by resullivan

Mardi gras bead and masks

nice!

Two small things to keep in mind:

Plastic beads with embedded strings tend to hang better as swags than straight fringe. Straight fringe can do weird, wobbly things if the strings aren't completely centered in the beads. They won't have the same weight and movement as glass beads, or even hand-strung plastic beads.

Since you are aiming for a "cheap bedlah," you probably already know this, but for the sake of anyone else contemplating a project, please consider your venue when wearing "shortcut costumes." Mardi gras beads aren't going to fool audiences who are expecting you to show up in some hand-worked confection from Cairo or Istanbul. Dancers snob on glitter dot, too. I'm just sayin'...

Originally Posted by Tourbeau

Two small things to keep in mind:

Plastic beads with embedded strings tend to hang better as swags than straight fringe. Straight fringe can do weird, wobbly things if the strings aren't completely centered in the beads. They won't have the same weight and movement as glass beads, or even hand-strung plastic beads.

Since you are aiming for a "cheap bedlah," you probably already know this, but for the sake of anyone else contemplating a project, please consider your venue when wearing "shortcut costumes." Mardi gras beads aren't going to fool audiences who are expecting you to show up in some hand-worked confection from Cairo or Istanbul. Dancers snob on glitter dot, too. I'm just sayin'...

"Dancers snob on glitterdot." lol... we totally do. I kinda cringed at a public event when a student made and wore a really poorly sewn glitter dot wrap skirt. Oh well. We all have different tastes and we all do silly things as beginner bellies (and this was just a little event with mostly dancer families watching). Good things to keep in mind... but venue has to be taken into account with the creation/selection of any costume... That's something most of us pros know I should think.

I really like that Dina costume you posted a link to Taji. It doesn't look cheap and is bright and fun. This would be great for an outdoor event or a hafla or a themed performance (carnival/mardi gras, circus, LGBT parade/event, etc.)

ETA: On a costume like Dina's with mardi-gras beads, I would stay away from too many accessories. If you are making a fun and loud bedlah, I would choose skirt and arm drape/band fabrics with a solid color or a very very simple watercolor almost pattern.

Glitter dot can be done to look fine. I saw a straight skirt of it once that had lining and it looked great. I think we should remember beginners budgets. I just had a new session tonight and heard how one of my intermediates(one of the best ones) has no extra money at this time----we're good at sewing and being creative w/ costuming.

So Klazina---do you have a teacher or more advanced BD friend to help you figure out how to put a bra and belt together?

I would spray some clear varnish on the beads before doing anything with them. Unless the Mardi Gras beads have changed a lot in the past few years, the color can dull/chip rather quickly on those and I wouldn't want all the work to be for nothing (or conversely do a very simple "disposable" costume).

And I reserve the right to use glitterdot any way I like. ;) I have a 3 panel skirt in gunmetal glitterdot and it looks positively awesome under a chiffon skirt.

Originally Posted by kemintiri

I would spray some clear varnish on the beads before doing anything with them. Unless the Mardi Gras beads have changed a lot in the past few years, the color can dull/chip rather quickly on those and I wouldn't want all the work to be for nothing (or conversely do a very simple "disposable" costume).

And I reserve the right to use glitterdot any way I like. ;) I have a 3 panel skirt in gunmetal glitterdot and it looks positively awesome under a chiffon skirt.

I agree that glitter dot can look good under sheer fabrics, I've used it effectively with a lace overlay on a costume bra.

Originally Posted by taji-dancer

Glitter dot can be done to look fine. I saw a straight skirt of it once that had lining and it looked great. I think we should remember beginners budgets. I just had a new session tonight and heard how one of my intermediates(one of the best ones) has no extra money at this time----we're good at sewing and being creative w/ costuming.

So Klazina---do you have a teacher or more advanced BD friend to help you figure out how to put a bra and belt together?

I made several bedlah's with swarovski crystal and beads. I just saw all the beads and I thougt if I can do something early seventy's and fun suit.

Originally Posted by resullivan

Mardi gras bead and masks

I like this. Thank you for the photo.

I agree using a can of clear spray paint prior to utilizing the Mardi Gras beads will lengthen the life of the beads. They often crack and split with movement. The end result is usually a chalk white broken bead that falls off the thread.

Originally Posted by klazina

I made several bedlah's with swarovski crystal and beads. .

OK---now we need photos of your stuff you made----so we can admire them.