Thread: Strung-bead gauntlets and shoulder covers?

I'm working on finishing up a homemade costume, and, as usual, the last few elements are proving to be the most difficult to pull together.

First, I was wondering if anyone knew where I could find strung-bead gauntlets like these in silver.

Second, although I think those gauntlets would be a step in the right direction for the costume, what I'd really like to have are strung-bead shoulder covers.

The costume has a halter-strap bra top and upper arm bands. The problem is that I have wide shoulders and a long torso, so, despite adding fabric to the bra, I still feel like my upper body looks bare, and I think adding something over the shoulders would solve this problem better than adding something over the arms.

What I'd like to add is strings of silver beads (like the ones on the gauntlets) running from the halter strap to the arm bands, but I have no idea how to go about making such a thing! Should I try to buy prestrung fringe in a very long length and make it out of that (perhaps ordering it custom from the vendor Lauren recently suggested)? It's the bead stringing that I don't think I have the time to do on my own.

Originally Posted by Ainsley

I'm working on finishing up a homemade costume, and, as usual, the last few elements are proving to be the most difficult to pull together.

First, I was wondering if anyone knew where I could find strung-bead gauntlets like these in silver.

Second, although I think those gauntlets would be a step in the right direction for the costume, what I'd really like to have are strung-bead shoulder covers.

The costume has a halter-strap bra top and upper arm bands. The problem is that I have wide shoulders and a long torso, so, despite adding fabric to the bra, I still feel like my upper body looks bare, and I think adding something over the shoulders would solve this problem better than adding something over the arms.

What I'd like to add is strings of silver beads (like the ones on the gauntlets) running from the halter strap to the arm bands, but I have no idea how to go about making such a thing! Should I try to buy prestrung fringe in a very long length and make it out of that (perhaps ordering it custom from the vendor Lauren recently suggested)? It's the bead stringing that I don't think I have the time to do on my own.

How high-quality does the finished product need to be? I did something very similar once using plastic mini-garlands meant for tiny Christmas trees. I cut the strings to the length I wanted then sewed the ends to stretchy bands of sequin trim... uber easy really, and looked terrific from a distance. Mine was irridescnt white plastic, but I'll bet metallic silver wouldn't be too hard to find... it would be like mardi gras beads, though, not glass beads.

ETA:
http://www.interiordigs.com/ProductC...FQEUKgodZD4A0w

Lots of options from this seller! I like these:
http://factorydirectcraft.com/catalo...g_garland.html

http://factorydirectcraft.com/catalo..._33_yards.html

http://factorydirectcraft.com/catalo..._33_yards.html

I have some of those same bead gauntlets like on the belly dance store's website in silver I can sell you. I got them ages ago to match a costume, but then they weren't quite right for that costume and I kept them thinking I'd get a costume to go with my fancy beaded gauntlets. It doesn't help you with your to the shoulders idea, but let me know if you are interested. They are still new.

The weight and movement of strands of plastic beads molded around a string will differ from glass beads. The quality can vary quite a bit--some of them look like real, strung beads until you get up close, and others don't even hang straight and lose their finish quickly. Still, they're a good idea for a test drive. My concern about having bead strands going from the halter to the arms is that they might be impractical in ways you couldn't anticipate until you're actually wearing the costume (get caught in your hair, get caught on your bra, etc.). Making a quick-and-dirty mockup with cheap craft strands might be a good idea before investing in nicer molded strands or glass beads.

Originally Posted by Tourbeau

The weight and movement of strands of plastic beads molded around a string will differ from glass beads. The quality can vary quite a bit--some of them look like real, strung beads until you get up close, and others don't even hang straight and lose their finish quickly.

Absolutely. The ones I made were GORGEOUS for stage, but not for up close work with a discerning audience.

Originally Posted by Tourbeau

The weight and movement of strands of plastic beads molded around a string will differ from glass beads. The quality can vary quite a bit--some of them look like real, strung beads until you get up close, and others don't even hang straight and lose their finish quickly. Still, they're a good idea for a test drive. My concern about having bead strands going from the halter to the arms is that they might be impractical in ways you couldn't anticipate until you're actually wearing the costume (get caught in your hair, get caught on your bra, etc.). Making a quick-and-dirty mockup with cheap craft strands might be a good idea before investing in nicer molded strands or glass beads.

Yes this is a good idea. It will also help you figure out how long the strands need to be in order to allow freedom of movement.

Once upon a time I thought it would be clever to sew sparkling teardrop gems to the end of a sleeve flutter. But the gems kept smacking me in the face as my arms moved.. so they had to go.

Originally Posted by Lauren_

Absolutely. The ones I made were GORGEOUS for stage, but not for up close work with a discerning audience.

I have used a plastic bead curtain(beads were teardrop shaped faceted semi transparent "jewels")around edges,tassels plus full lengths on belt on a mermaid velvet dress.
This was one of the costumes that got the most compliments

Originally Posted by Tourbeau

My concern about having bead strands going from the halter to the arms is that they might be impractical in ways you couldn't anticipate until you're actually wearing the costume (get caught in your hair, get caught on your bra, etc.).

That's a good point. Did you have that issue, Lauren?

Originally Posted by shems

I have some of those same bead gauntlets like on the belly dance store's website in silver I can sell you. I got them ages ago to match a costume, but then they weren't quite right for that costume and I kept them thinking I'd get a costume to go with my fancy beaded gauntlets. It doesn't help you with your to the shoulders idea, but let me know if you are interested. They are still new.

PM-ing you!

Originally Posted by Ainsley

That's a good point. Did you have that issue, Lauren?

I didn't have halter strands, just beaded strands going from upper armband to lower armband, and the beads were round so they don't catch on things much.

If you are concerned about the plastic beads losing their luster this might be worth considering: prior to any work hang the beads over a cheap wire clothes hanger. While outside spray with clear spray paint or sealer. (We have utilized the $1 cans, thus far it has worked fine.) Allow to dry for a few minutes and coat again from the other side. Several coats will not take long and it can avoid issues later.

I think what you need are epaulettes. They are easy to do with regular bras but a little bit more tricky with halters because you have to create support straps.

As you can see in these photos, this is a halter bra. But we wanted to add droopy arm fringe and needed an epaulette to hang the fringe on. So we attached to cross straps in the back and connected the back straps to the halter strap. Then we made the epaulette and attached it to the halter strap and back strap. Once you have the epaullette in place you can hang fringe from it any way you want. You could just edge the epaullette with some 4 inch fringe.

Do test drive with an inexpensive substitute first. Bead drapes move a *lot*, and, hanging where you describe could pinch tender armpits or (worse!) look like bizarre body hair if you are on a large stage.