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 →
I’ve been curious about those curly rhinestone appliques used to decorate belly dance costumes, often by Russian designers. And lots of dancers have been asking how to make these on Facebook. They are so cute and help you create beautiful, romantic designs. It took me a while, but I finally figured out how to make them, and in this video, you’ll… Read more →
Last week I shared with you this book called The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, which helped me clean up my place including my sewing station. It was great to hear many of you are also starting spring cleaning and have seen the awesome effect of the Konmari Method explained in the book 😀 If you haven’t tried, I highly… Read more →
Last 2 weeks, we made this simple and pretty baladi dress with a keyhole neckline. But what makes your baladi dress look complete? A sparkly hip scarf, of course! 😀 In this post, which is the last of this baladi dress series, you are going to see how to make this hip scarf that goes with the baladi dress. You… Read more →
Last week I showed you how you can make a custom pattern for a baladi dress using your own shirt. So glad to receive emails and comments from dancers telling me that they are excited about this pattern! 😀 This week, we’ll sew all the pieces together. So let’s get started! Get your FREE keyhole neckline pattern here! Check out… Read more →