Strawberry Kisses

25 Nov

Did you ever wake up in the middle of the night and feel like designing a gown?

Well I have, and I totally understand how you feel if you have.

Most recently I’ve thought of gowns as an art form.

I could paint on a gown, or use exotic media (toilet paper, banana peels or my old venetian blinds) to build a gown.

I could write someone’s poetry on a gown.

One recent night I decided an “Art Gown” should be like music.

Live music floats into the air then disappears forever.

Why not a “Performance Art Gown” that I drape on my Judy then take the pins out and it’s gone forever?

Before I take the pins out, why not photograph and name it, like a song performed live,  recorded and enjoyed in the future?

I tremble as I pull Judy out of the closet.

I drag out my stash of fabrics, and make a fabulous and colorful creative mess.I begin pinning away.

I like what I’ve started. However, I see that if this gown needs all this tulle underneath, it isn’t as free flowing as I’m thinking for my first “Art Gown” Post.

I decide to finish this gown later. (I since have and it’s awesome!)

I discover a gorgeous piece of red silk Jacquard that I had forgotten I own.

It’s 6 Meters long, 45 inches wide, and it is stunning.

I immediately think about Boomie and her poetry. I’m truly inspired and name the gown I am about to drape “Strawberry Kisses”

I cut 8 inches off the bottom of the piece of fabric. This is to make a waist band and bow.

Without cutting into the fabric, I drape it continuously over and around Judy.

After about an hour, I end up with a softly pleated halter top gown.

 Boomie , this “Art Gown”, gone forever like a song played live, is for you.

“Strawberry Kisses”

It is backless and cinched in heavily at the waist. That fact that the yardage remains uncut, gives the dramatic swoop at the hem finished with a tail. I love it!

AFTERMATH:

As I clean up my colorful mess, I think about the fun I had designing Boomie’s gown. I feel like an artist. I think of more and different “Art Gowns” I can design for inspiring Blog friends like Carolyn at ABC Of Spirit Talk, Robyn Lee  at Through The Healing Lens or, Imelda Evans at Wine, Women & Wordplay.

Of course Sherrie, my driver, will need a chauffeur gown.

The list goes on like the beat in a song.

SUMMATION:

I wish everyone’s life could be like a gown, long and beautiful!

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56 Responses to “Strawberry Kisses”

  1. boomiebol November 25, 2012 at 5:10 pm #

    Bless your sweet and wonderful heart. You are mighty talented and that gown is indeed a work of art.

    I can almost see myself in it and the beautiful silk falling appropriately on my body :) . You are too lovely Resa and are a true artist. Thanks for my beautiful gown. I LOVE it!!!

    God bless!!! Super super hugs

    • Resa McConaghy November 25, 2012 at 5:13 pm #

      Yay!!!
      You are so awesome. I had so much fun Boomie.
      Thanks for the inspiration! ;-)

  2. Imelda Evans November 25, 2012 at 7:44 pm #

    That fabric is sooo beautiful and the gown defies description. Actually it doesn’t, but I don’t want to waste it here. I’m going to save my mental picture of your gorgeous dress and use it in a story. Maybe I’ll even make one just for it. So your empheral creation will live on!

    I love the idea of something beautiful just while it lasts. It encapsulates how I feel about dance, or opera or fireworks. So much work, for something that cannot truly be captured and caught, except in the memory and the heart. Just because it’s beautiful. That we are willing to do so much for beauty’s sake lifts my heart. I’d never thought a dress could be one of these beautiful ephemeral things, but I am very glad to have discovered it is so! Love your work, Resa!

    • Resa McConaghy November 25, 2012 at 10:31 pm #

      Oh Imelda, your words are a joy!
      I love your writing, I can hardly wait for your book to be available in Canada, and I can hardly wait to design your “Art Gown”
      - Resa xoxo

  3. Robyn Lee November 25, 2012 at 8:13 pm #

    You are a phenomenal artist…. and of the most passionate sort Resa! This is gorgeous… and I love the whole concept of creating masterpieces that are so tangible and then ~ poof – and gone forever – but preserved in your posts!! Stunning work, can just imagine boomie in this dress too! — A very talented lady you are! Much Love to you dear friend ~ Robyn

    • Resa McConaghy November 25, 2012 at 10:39 pm #

      Much love back to you, Robyn!
      I already have the fabric (raw silk) in my trove for your “Art Gown”. You are a truly inspiring person!
      I hope things are going well for you. I hope Boston was a positive experience and that full healing after “Sandy” is under way! xoxoxo- Resa

  4. ledrakenoir November 25, 2012 at 9:16 pm #

    Lovely post – no I did never wake up in the middle of the night and feel like designing a gown – but if I have met a beautiful woman wearing a wonderful gown at an evening party – it almost can keep me awake thinking of how well they fit together – really a wonderful gown – you are indeed a very talented woman… :-) ;-)

    • Resa McConaghy November 25, 2012 at 10:43 pm #

      I sure Love your words!
      Since I was a young girl I always wanted to dress all my dolls in gowns, especially “Barbie”.
      You are so lovely to fall for a woman in a gown. I think that is the sign of a very romantic man. xo – Resa

  5. belocchio November 25, 2012 at 9:29 pm #

    Drop dead gorgeous Resa. A red carpet gown. Fortunate the woman who wears it for she will be taken to knew heights of fashion and beauty. V.

    • Resa McConaghy November 29, 2012 at 10:58 am #

      Thank you, Virginia! Drop dead gorgeous! What a wonderful thing to say.

  6. carolynpageabc November 25, 2012 at 10:23 pm #

    How stunning…!
    I love the colour; it is indeed a masterpiece.
    Boomie would look grand in this piece; it sings her nature…!
    You are an artist, my dear Resa…
    I can’t help but wonder what you would do for me…!?!
    Now you’ve started something; you could be doing this forever…. ;)
    How many followers do you have…! Hahah…. xoxoxo

    • Resa McConaghy November 25, 2012 at 10:53 pm #

      Darling Carolyn,
      You know a gown for you is inspiring me.
      I know you ballroom dance, and the waltz is your favorite, (designing a gown for you is why I asked what your favorite dance is.)
      Waltzes make me think not just of flowing fabrics, but soft classic colors.
      What are your heart’s waltz colors?
      xoxoxo – Resa

      • carolynpageabc November 25, 2012 at 11:11 pm #

        Aha, I wondered yet wasn’t inspired to ask…!
        Now it all makes sense…
        You are a gem, dear Resa. This is a wonderful thing you are doing. You’ll make many smile over this, for sure…! xoxoxo :)

    • carolynpageabc November 25, 2012 at 11:17 pm #

      Gold is a favourite however, anything that glitters…!
      I love sparkles; they catch the light you know… ;)
      You are such a gorgeous girl…. I am so looking forward to seeing your next creation…! xoxoxo

  7. billgncs November 26, 2012 at 4:18 am #

    it is art – and absolutely elegant.

    Guy question, how do you know what size it is, is that your size, or is Judy your size?

    • Resa McConaghy November 26, 2012 at 8:54 am #

      Judy is a size 8.
      I’m a size 4.
      However, Judy’s shape is based on perfect.

      • billgncs November 26, 2012 at 10:29 am #

        Will I see it at the Oscars, or Academy awards ? ( smile )

      • Resa McConaghy November 26, 2012 at 11:08 am #

        ;-)

  8. nutsfortreasure November 26, 2012 at 7:43 am #

    Beautiful!

  9. Emi Valdarquis November 26, 2012 at 5:42 pm #

    I know they already wrote this, but, yes, you are an incredibly talented artist, Resa! Ever considered launching your own brand? These creations of yours are so elegant.

    • Resa McConaghy November 26, 2012 at 5:48 pm #

      Your compliment is welcomed! Thank you.
      I’ve been so busy designing in film that “my thing” has been on hold. It could happen, though.

  10. John S November 26, 2012 at 8:23 pm #

    Out of my depth here, but it looks cool! Definitely art.

  11. Lori Lipsky November 26, 2012 at 8:47 pm #

    I can’t imagine ever waking up and wanting to design a gown, but we artists work in different ways, don’t we? For me it would be with words or music.
    The gown looks beautiful. The fabric and color are stunning. So glad you are back, Resa. I’ve been thinking of you. My mother-in-law passed away yesterday after being ill for a time, so I’ve had a hint of what you are going through. Hugs and blankets to you!

    • Resa McConaghy November 26, 2012 at 8:51 pm #

      Lori! I’m so sorry to hear about your mother in-law. It’s a sad reality. Many hugs and love to you and yours.
      Honestly, I’ve got to say I’ve been thinking of what kind of a gown I could make out of a patio blanket!
      Take care- Resa

  12. Lindy Lee November 27, 2012 at 8:00 am #

    Red inspiration for Holiday Season…

    • Resa McConaghy November 27, 2012 at 10:06 am #

      That’s true…Holidays are right around the corner!

  13. ohyesshesabitchbutnotyours November 27, 2012 at 10:54 am #

    I find your work very inspiring. Great blog!

    Much love,
    Mari

    http://ohyesshesabitchbutnotyours.com/

    • Resa McConaghy November 27, 2012 at 10:56 am #

      Thanks! I’m over on your Blog right now listening to your song!
      Fantastic!!!!!

  14. susanbright November 27, 2012 at 9:05 pm #

    There is a place for you on Project Runway….I love that show!

    • Resa McConaghy November 27, 2012 at 9:06 pm #

      Lol! Maybe there is a place there for me. Who knows?

  15. Sherrie November 28, 2012 at 3:13 pm #

    Your wonderful followers have confirmed what I have always told you…you are an amazing talent. Boomie has received the beautiful gift that is you, something I have been blessed with all my life. Only your heart overshadows your creativity. I have always admired you and continue to be proud of you. xoxo

    • Resa McConaghy November 29, 2012 at 8:55 am #

      Sherrie,
      You are so very loving, and fun. OMG, I don’t know what I would do without you. I’m very proud of you too, xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

  16. Free Tag Zone November 29, 2012 at 12:26 am #

    I look forward to see the next one! ;-)
    Tu as beaucoup de talent Resa …
    Eric

    • Resa McConaghy November 29, 2012 at 10:56 am #

      Merci beaucoup, Eric!
      Your compliment means a world to me.
      Hugs and kiss!

  17. WhenJmetK November 29, 2012 at 1:22 am #

    What a great post, I love your reference right at the end on the comparison from gowns to long and beautiful lives :)

    k

    whenjmetk.com

    • Resa McConaghy November 29, 2012 at 10:21 am #

      Thank you for enjoying the Post! Especially thank you for commenting on my last line. That means a lot to me! ;-)

  18. carolynpageabc December 4, 2012 at 6:10 am #

    A star for you, my dear Resa…!
    http://abcofspiritalk.wordpress.com/2012/12/04/lifes-little-pleasures/

  19. You Monsters Are People December 17, 2012 at 6:08 pm #

    I don’t wear a whole lot of gowns but, if I did, I would probably want that red one to be a staple in my collection.

  20. Jennifer Bichara December 18, 2012 at 10:52 am #

    Love the gown and yes, I feel the same way. ;)

  21. fiammisday January 22, 2013 at 6:55 am #

    You are amazing and I love your blog!!! I’m a new follower!!! A big kiss from Florence

    • Resa McConaghy January 22, 2013 at 8:48 am #

      Thanks! I’m heading over to check out your blog! xo

  22. adollyciousirony January 23, 2013 at 1:24 am #

    You’re a great artist! This is indeed a very elegant gown and so pretty :) I wish to wear one like that! mmmwahh

    • Resa McConaghy January 23, 2013 at 8:27 am #

      From your pic I can tell you would look amazing in a gown like this! Your dark hair and a deep red are beautiful together.

  23. rimassolosailingaroundtheworldm February 2, 2013 at 8:32 pm #

    Thank you for sharing photos

    • Resa McConaghy February 2, 2013 at 8:55 pm #

      It is my pleasure to share these pictures of my “Art Gown”!

  24. Virginia Duran March 20, 2013 at 10:52 am #

    I enjoyed my time in your blog! Loved this dress especially! Thanks for sharing your designs, you have a lot of creativity! Looking forward to your next post!

    • Resa McConaghy March 20, 2013 at 12:10 pm #

      Thank you, and likewise! You have a lovely Blog yourself!

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