O Royal Treasure

On August 7, 2017August 8, 2017 By ResaIn Floral124 Comments

Were you ever impassioned to make an Art Gown from 150 O’s?

Yes! Then you probably know this year is Canada’s 150th birthday.

In 1967, Canada was 100 years old. Our national anthem is “O Canada”. In celebration, Joyce Wieland created a famous lithograph of O’s formed by her red painted lips.

Yet, this is the Art Gown dedicated to Ralph from Bluefish Way, and Ralph lives in Spain. Ah, but he lives in Cañada del Real Tesoro, Spain. Canada/Cañada – it was a thrilling discovery.

According to Mini-Me, Ralph, and what Belen Soto told me, it means Path to the Royal Treasure.

Turned out the path to O Royal Treasure was a 4 month trek.

150 flowers were created. Using a dinner plate, and 2 different sized saucers. I cut out 150 circles, gathered the edges, & drew them into flowers. I painted my lips red, formed an O, and implanted an O on each of the flowers.

The bodice was hell to shape, as it is made from a bargain bin stretch poplin.

To sew on the skirt, I removed the bodice from Judy. When I put it back on Judy, the poplin had grown a size bigger. More shaping was required.

A giant bow was stuffed with net. Perfect for sewing on 22 flowers!

O Royal Treasure outtakes.

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There’s a final twist!

Ralph is engaged! Click n the banner below to read the post!

⭐ An Art Gowns Heritage Moment ⭐

Mini-Me educates O Royal Treasure on how to fit in with Art Gowns. “Never do dishes, vacuum or any housework. Make sure to plan a dinner party for all of the girls, as soon as possible!”

In a a dream-like state, O Royal Treasure heads to the dining room to plan her first dinner.

Photos © Resa McConaghy – August 4, 5 & 6, 2017

500 Meters of thread were used in the making of O Royal Treasure.

Never, never, never buy stretch poplin!

If you’re an Art Gown, always listen to Mini-Me’s advice. She’s been living in the Art Gowns’ room since before Strawberry Kisses, my very first girl.

Resa

On June 22, 2017June 22, 2017 By ResaIn Uncategorized

Daniel Swearingen has honored my creative spirit by penning “Resa”, the fifth in his “Whitby Ladies” series. I feel Goth and power! I feel a Muse.
I am closing comments, as those can go on his site, where I hope you will check out the “Whitby Ladies”

Daniel Swearingen

Come down upon me that which ties the ladder, that which laces the dream, string for me that which is of cord magick, that where sirens weave!

These together upon, thy mind, that upon which Resa see’s, comes the gown of which all magic weaves, summoned, now sirens cry, the coven’s treasure, now bend thee, now bend thee….

The weave born of Star Carr, near Scarborough, the thread, in calling that which loves her, that which forms her heart. That daemon which summons patterns bold, summoned stories by a play, look to me, from Yorkshire way, designs that show a sirens way, a seamstress hides away, a stich, her art, the act in play. Heart, heart, summoned Whitby’s art, the ladies by the bay, and Mina smiles…. dear Resa, sew for me a scarf. A woven Faberge, that shows young girls at play, thighs in liquid, that of oceans…

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Tenesa – Honorary Art Gown

On June 2, 2017June 22, 2017 By ResaIn Honorary Art Gowns159 Comments

Were you ever challenged to model an Honorary Art Gown?

No, well then maybe you don’t know Georgian Carlson from Rethinking Life?

You see, I did a post on my Graffiti blog about how an artist named Tensoe spray painted a gown for me. Georgian said you should model it! I said I was too, old to do that.

I expressed how bad I felt about aging, and didn’t want my picture taken, anymore.

One thing lead to another, and now I am challenging my own perception. It is an idea that has been marketed to me my entire life, and brainwashed me to believe.

I didn’t think I could go through with it, but I’m glad I did. I thought about Photoshop airbrushing, but decided to be honest, and just pick the best photos.

⭐ ⭐ Presenting: Tenesa – Honorary Art Gown ⭐ ⭐

Although she’s my idea, I did not make Tenesa. I’ve made all of the other Art Gowns by hand, sewing, painting decorating, but not Tenesa. Yet, Tenesa is so marvelous, I say she’s an “Honorary Art Gown”.

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However, Tenesa wasn’t always this beautiful. She started out as an ordinary custom made De$igner wedding gown who found her way into the alley, one day.

Here she met Tensoe, an artist with many cans of spray paint. He fell in love with her, and spent all of his paint on her.

Go Tensoe! I love you forever for doing this!

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I was breath taken when I saw her. We named her Tenesa, and I took her home to live with the Art Gowns.

I figured, as she was an alley rescue, she wouldn’t be as spoiled as the other gowns and pull her weight around the apartment. Not… she’s already swooping around with the other gowns, planning her first dinner party, not cooking, not doing dishes nor vacuuming.

It’s amazing how fast Art Gowns catch on.

Anyway, I decked up in Tenesa, checked in the mirror and head out to the fire escape.

Resa Outtakes

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Toronto, Canada

Gown Artist: Tensoe ⭐ ❤ ⭐

Want to see more of Tenesa in the alley with graffiti? Click on the pic below and fly to “Redemption Wall Fairy”

Thank you, Georgiann!

Ashlie in Artemis by Moonlight

On April 23, 2017February 17, 2023 By ResaIn Live Model Collection80 Comments

Could you recreate a goddess on a mortal?

Well, I can on Ashlie. She’s my great niece, and my Sherrie’s daughter.

She is not a model, but embraced the Goddess Artemis when she put on the “Artemis by Moonlight” Art Gown.

Stephanie, our official Art Gowns photographer, is away on assignment. As Ashlie was only here a few days, I took the pics. Mini-me was thrilled with the outcome!

I am thrilled! What a beauty.

Art Gown “Artemis by Moonlight” designed, made & © by Resa McConaghy – November 2016 – February 2017

Young Goddesses just wanna have fun!

PHOTO OP: Ashlie congratulates Belén Soto’s Black Drake on his upcoming wedding.

Pics taken & © by Resa McConaghy – April 15, 2017

The above shot was in contention for the opener. Blow it up & see my dilemma. All the small pics blow up.

Artemis by Moonlight

On February 15, 2017April 17, 2017 By ResaIn Goddesses143 Comments

Were you ever inspired to make an Art Gown by moonlight?

Yes! Then you were enraptured by Artemis, Greek goddess of hunting and goddess of the moon.

Artemis, the Art Gown, is dedicated to Aquileana from La Audacia de Aquiles, and Oloriel Moonshadow from Colour Me in Cyanide and Cherry. The three of us have joined our mystic forces to create a fabulous three part post tribute to this prodigious goddess.

Oloriel has posted a most evocative poem with beautiful artwork, “Invoking the Huntress” It is a wonderful part 2 of our 3 part collaboration. Aquileana has posted a marvelous essay, “Artemis’ Dual Achetype”. In this article, Aquileana smartly brings all 3 posts together.

Months ago, when brainstorming ideas, Aquileana suggested animal prints. Artemis is, after all, goddess of hunting. The veggie-head in me decided I would create an abstract animal print of my own. This way no animal print fabrics would be harmed.

In the end, some people thought the fabric looked more like tree bark. Oloriel said she though it was the moon dripping it’s light on the gown.

As I’d used up all of my fabric stash, I hit the bargain bin fabric shop on Queen Street.

I got a deal on a stretch, crushed and burnt out velvet. It had a brown stain from the cardboard roll running through it.

Not a problem, as I was painting the fabric with an iridescent metallic paint.

The paint was mixed with a fabric medium, and voila, after a month of painting, the goods were ready.

I chose a copper satin for the tails.

They almost paid me to take the satin off their hands. It is flawed with dark streaks woven in here and there.

I needed some type of rope to adorn her. So, I made tubes from the satin, & braided them with tubes I made from the wrong side of a cheesy sparkly disco material.

It took 5 hours to make 2 yards of braid. In the end I made 10 yards.

The copper satin tail was made rounded, to mimic a copper moon. A moon shaped copper amulet was dressed around her neck.

From above, the moon watches over Artemis.

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Although she wanted to go hunting, Artemis was stuck in the Art Gown Room, in the city of Toronto. Also, she had only one virgin nymph with her.

I jokingly told her she could go hunting in my house plants, whereupon she fluffed her tail at me. As you can see from the slideshow, she has a lot of tail attitude.

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Artemis waits, as the sun sets and the moon rises.

The end of “Magic Hour”

Once the moon had risen, Art Gown Artemis requested a ride in her chariot.

I told her there was no chariot, because parking was too, expensive in downtown Toronto. She just stood there staring at me until the next day.

Art Gown “Artemis by Moonlight” designed & made by Resa – November 2016 – February 2017

Photos © Resa McConaghy 2017

I keep thinking about how my Artemis collaboration partners, and myself make a magic triangle: Aquileana in Buenos Aires, Argentina.. Oloriel in Belgrade, Serbia ..Resa in Toronto, Canada.

Aquileana is smart as a whip. I always have to read her posts 2 or 3 times.

This is because I want to completely absorb all she has taken much time to share with us. I have learned most about what I know of Greek Mythology from reading her blog.

Click on the girls’ faces, and go to their blogs’ Home Pages. Click on the sketch or book cover, and go to each of their Artemis posts.

Oloriel’s poetry runs the gamut from sweetly intense to piquing, and her artwork is pleasing and intriguing.

She wrote a book, “Colour Me In Cyanide & Cherries. Go to her blog, and discover all she has to offer, and how you can buy a copy of her book!

Me, I’m busy pressing Artemis’ tail. The rest of the Art Gowns are lined up in the hallway, waiting to have their tails pressed. You haven’t lived until you get to press Art Gowns’ tales.

Artemis pines for the forest.

All writing © Resa McConaghy

☆☆ Happy New Year ☆☆

On December 27, 2016May 15, 2017 By ResaIn Gowns, Live Model Collection95 Comments

Did you ever feel like dreams can and do come true?

Well, that’s exactly how I felt when I met Stephanie Tudin.

SWAN

Photo © Stephanie Tudin - Art Gown © Resa McConaghy — Photo © Stephanie Tudin – Art Gown © Resa McConaghy

Stephanie is a young, talented & passionate photographer who said “I love your Art Gowns, and would love to collaborate on an Art Gowns/Photo Fantasy project. I had just begun Mystic Lake, so she became the first. Stephanie chose Lake Ontario for the location.

Mystic Lake was based on ducks, swans & pigeons. Once our model, Paige Marie Anderson, began floating along the lake shore, she became Stephanie’s SWAN. She became my SWAN.

The first post of any new Art Gown will be on Judy, as I have always done. As usual, there will be dedication(s) and/or creative tie-ins with other bloggers. After that, it will be dressed on a live model, and become part of Stephanie’s & my collaboration. The hope is for it to all end up as a gallery show.

A very special thank you to Paige Marie Anderson, who braved the cruel cold, while Stephanie and I were cozy in our parkas.

Please visit Stephanie’s Website

Stephanie Tudin on FaceBook – Stephanie Tudin on LinkedIn – Stephanie Tudin on Instagram

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Thank you, Stephanie! You are like dreams coming true. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Mystic Lake

On September 28, 2016February 26, 2018 By ResaIn Romance118 Comments

Did you ever design an Art Gown for the birds, in particular Ducks, Swans & Pigeons?

Probably not, but if so, then you might know Ceramic Artist Belén Soto from Arcilla y Fuego. Mystic Lake is dedicated to her.

You see, I bought an adorable Black Drake from Belén . As he is lonely & looking for a wife, Belén & I started a Marriage Agency for Ducks. I’m hoping we will expand to Swans & Pigeons in the near future.

Already Belén has designed 2 beautiful candidates, Lúa and Mar. Soon a wedding gown will be needed. I am hoping the duck bride to be & all future swan & pigeon brides will love this gown.

Depending on the natural light, Mystic Lake magically changes from grey to blue. The best blue tones were captured at daybreak on a sunny day. Grey was exposed best on sunny afternoons.

Well, Art Gowns don’t hatch from eggs, so let’s get “down” to the making of Mystic Lake.

White satin was draped over a strapless long-line corset bra that opens in the back. As a real model will eventually wear her, I had to be practical.

The next item I needed was feathers.

Yet, I am a vegetarian, so I decided to make feathers out of Swiss dotted net & cotton muslin.

The fabrics were hand sewn together, the cotton being larger than the net.

Then the cotton was sliced into sections & frayed by hand.

Finally, a strip of feather perfection was added to the décolletage.

The skirt, with a velcro closure lined up under the corset’s opening, was added to the bodice.

The tail feathers were now needed.

I made a waistband. It closes in the back w/Velcro. I sewed bars across the center back of the band, so the tails could hook on.

First came a major white tail.

Then there was a grey voile tail, with fake feather bustle that hooked onto the white tail.

Finally, a decorative black & grey tail piece topped off he tail feathers quite nicely.

Lastly, wings of grey voile were attached to her sides.

It took days to fray the feathers for the wings.

When the back looks as above, the front looks as below.

OUTTAKES

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Mystic Lake made a special beauty shot for the photographer who is coming in a week to view her. Looks like she could be the first Art Gown to be worn by a beautiful model.

As we know, Art Gowns refuse to do housework. They especially hate the smell of the cleaning products. So, Mystic & the Art Gowns are all going shopping, while I clean the bathroom.

Mystic Lake Designed by Resa MCconaghy – Summer – 2016

Photographed by Resa McConaghy – September – 2016

Again, special thanks to my dear friend, Belén. I am very excited to see the next Duck Bride Candidate. Be sure to watch for it on her blog, Arcilla y Fuego

Visit Belén‘s online shop Tienda de Ceramica.

⭐ MORE THANK YOU’S ⭐

I also thank Marina Kanavaki – Art Towards A Happy Day for sending me a gift of art & music.

“Atom Flowers” © Artist Marina Kanavaki – 2016

It was inspiring to listen to MK-O while I created. Hear them on http://www.mk-o.com/

dnoir-3 — “Black Drake” © Artist Belén Soto – 2015

Finally, a sweet thank you to Le Drake Noir. It was Belen’s post Pájaro Negro / Drake Noir that started this whole crazy happening.

Goddess Mnemosyne

On March 18, 2016April 6, 2016 By ResaIn Art Gowns Brand, Gowns95 Comments

Have you ever felt the breath of Zeus down your back?

No! Then you’ve never created a gown for the Goddess Mnemosyne.

So, now you want to know about Mnemosyne. Well, you’re in luck because Aquileana has posted Mnemosyne:

►Greek Mythology: “Mnemosyne” / “Collaboration with Resa McConaghy and Christy Birmingham” 💫.-

Big Bonus: Christy Birmingham of Poetic Parfait penned a poem about Mnemosyne for Aquileana’s article. Art Gown Mnemosyne is there, too!

Intrigued by Greek Mythology since I began reading La Audacia de Aquiles, I thank Aquileana for all the heady gown ideas.

My first inspiration was the classic white draping associated with ancient Greece.

I found yards & yards of natural white curtain sheers in a sell off bin for $2.00/yd. At that price it must have been around since the 1970’s!

Judy is off white and I got a fret on that the fabric wouldn’t show.

I consulted with Aquileana & she said red or blue could work.

So, I styled a fine red silk jacquard under dress for Mnemosyne.

Art Gowns refuse to iron, so I spent many days at the ironing board preparing the white sheers: hand stitching & pressing.

On the right: Mnemosyne inspects & critiques my fussy & diligent work.

It was worth the effort. Mnemosyne is a true classic beauty.

Christy’s poetry is super meaningful, & is making this Art Gown even more special. Thank you so much dear Christy!

Here are some out takes.

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Mnemosyne allowed me to experiment with a slight re-drape.

I wanted to show off all the gorgeous vintage golden brass pieces a friend gave me to help me express Mnemosyne. To me, these represent Zeus.

Together with the red silk they are the Muses.

Mnemosyne is the mother of the 9 Muses. Zeus is the father.

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Mnemosyne & all the Art Gowns welcome you into the Art Gowns’ home for a celebration! Dionysis is bringing the wine, so it’s got to be good.

I will be preparing the meal, as Art Gowns don’t go into the kitchen, ever.

Art Gown Mnemosyne designed by Resa McConaghy – January, 2016

Mnemosyne Photos taken by Resa McConaghy – January 19 – 30, 2016

Above: Mnemosyne w/ Mini-me. Below, a Queen of Goddess.

Blue Pearl

On March 17, 2016 By ResaIn Uncategorized45 Comments

The Art Gowns love Eva Marks’ fashion illustrations. They love to browse her site while enjoying champagne, chocolates & strawberries. Check out Eva’s sketches, especially the gown sketches, to see why the Art Gowns are so enchanted!