When I make beaded appliques, I like to mix in a rhinestone chain. 🙂 Rhinestone chains are great for defining the shape of the applique, which is a big plus for dance costumes. (Vague shapes don’t show well on stage.) And of course, rhinestone chains add lots of shine, and they are much quicker to sew on than… Read more →
Decorating a costume is the best part of costume making. 🙂 You get to be creative and play with all the sparkly items! But because there are so many embellishment options out there, it can be overwhelming! And once you start decorating, you realize there’s SO MUCH SPACES to fill! So no matter whether you want… Read more →
In my last post, I showed you how to make a drape armband that matches your costume. It is very important to have a matching accessory, because it really balances out your entire outfit and completes it! Here’s another matching accessory idea which I call Sparkly Chunky Bangle! 😀 In recent years this type of thick,… Read more →
A few months ago I did a review on Swarovski’s shimmer effect rhinestone series, which was initially introduced to me by Alisa at Har-Man Importing. And last month, she sent me another new line of rhinestones, called Star Bright. Thanks, Alisa! Sign up for the free course & start making costumes! Star Bright is an Austrian Crystal collection, and Har-Man… Read more →
I like belly dance costumes that have decorations sewn onto the skirt. 🙂 For this type of skirt, you don’t have to wear a separate belt, which can be more comfortable for some of you. At least for me – less opportunity for costume malfunction 😉 But how do you sew decorations to the stretch waistband of… Read more →
In my last video, you saw how to make a heart shaped beaded applique. And this week I want to share with you this paisley beaded applique. I love paisley designs, and they look great on costumes in every colour. Let’s get started! Download the free paisley patterns here! To make these paisley appliques, you need: Felt – to use… Read more →
Valentine’s Day is coming up! So today I want to share with you how I made this heart shaped beaded applique. It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day theme costume decorations or just make one as an accent piece like a hair accessory or Valentine’s Day decor or DIY gift. If you stick to neutral colours like I did here, you can… Read more →
Welcome back to the Holiday DIY series! In my last 2 posts, you saw how to make a sleeveless choli top with cute double bows and a super easy no-sew skirt for your holiday costume. But I mean, these are great all year around! And today, I want to show you how to make these sparkly star appliques to add to your… Read more →
Today I’m super excited to share with you the latest & greatest rhinestones from Swarovski! 😀 Back in August, Alisa from Har-Man Importing contacted me and shared with me this brand-new line of Swarovski rhinestones. Thanks, Alisa! See the review in the video: Sign up for Sparkly Belly newsletter and get free course Belly Dance Costume Making 101! These are called… Read more →
I’m so excited to publish this post today, because… I have one of my all time favourite belly dancers, Zahra Zuhair, on Sparkly Belly!!! A couple of months ago, I stumbled upon her YouTube videos where she was talking about creating your own signature style of dancing, which was really, really good and helpful. So I immediately emailed her and… Read more →