I like DIY’s using T-shirts. They are easy and cheap to get, and because they are simple, you can do so much with them 
In the first episode of Thrifty Belly, we made an off-shoulder peasant crop top out of an old t-shirt. I paired the top with a DIY Turkish vest also made from a t-shirt. I really… Read more →
Happy Friday and welcome back to Your Sparkly Wardrobe Project Week 4! Last week in Your Sparkly Wardrobe, Mahin showed you the really cool costume mix & match technique. If you missed it, check it out here. Now you can mix and match your costumes…but sometimes you need something to tie all pieces together. What completes the nicely put-together look… Read more →
Welcome to Thrifty Belly Episode 1! Thrifty Belly is a new series we’re starting today where I take old clothes or thrift store finds and transform them into dance costumes. I’ve been getting a lot of requests to do practice wear, and today we’ll take an old oversized t-shirt and transform it into this cute, off-the-shoulder peasant top, which… Read more →
Welcome back to Your Sparkly Wardrobe Project! Your Sparkly Wardrobe Project is a collaboration project I’m doing with a lovely dancer Mahin, she’s got a ton of experience and knowledge in belly dancing. And we are taking turns each week to show you how to make the most out of your belly dance costume wardrobe and give you fresh… Read more →
I get costume design inspiration from all kinds of dance (and non-dance) costumes. Now just the other day I was looking at ballroom dance costumes on Pinterest, and I got inspired to create an armband with nude elastic. Nude elastic is used often in dance costumes, and I love how it gives a light feel while keeping things… Read more →
I like Princess Jasmine. Her typical look is not a floor length dress like other Disney princesses. She’s in rather simple harem pants, but she is still gorgeous and that’s what I find unique and attractive about her. And to me, the best part of her outfit is the sleeves. Her sleeves are so flowy, and simply romantic.I’ve always wanted… Read more →
I love belly dance costumes made by Russian designers. I can easily spend half an hour scrolling through Pinterest, just getting design ideas and inspiration from gorgeous creations made by them. They are so good at creating a dramatic look. I noticed they do that by using a lot of ruffles. But not the light and soft type. They… Read more →
Last week I announced that the enrolment to my online Belly Dance Costume Workshop (BDCW) is opening on May 22, 2016. I’ve been receiving messages and questions from excited dancers 
If you have questions about the workshop, feel free to email me at mao@sparklybelly.com. I’m happy to answer your questions, and it’s great to know what you are wondering… Read more →
The weather is getting warmer, and it’s time to think about costumes for summer performances! Or in you’re in the southern hemisphere, think about winter holiday performances 
Either way, now is a good time to start making costumes for the upcoming season. So in that spirit, I have 3 big announcements for you today. Announcement #1… Enrolment of the… Read more →
Here’s an honest disclaimer – This post contains some affiliate links. This means that if you click on the links and purchase products, I earn a small commission (no additional cost to you). The small commission I earn keeps all the Sparkly Belly tutorials free No obligation, just an option. Thanks! Last week I showed you how to make… Read more →