Since discovering the Pinterest website during its “beta testing” back in 2010, I knew it was love at first “site.” As a costume designer and textile historian, collecting visual data have been a part of my process since my first fashion class way back before the turn of the century.
For designers, visual research is an ongoing activity. The goal is to gather images that stimulate and excite, that spark creative thought, and capture a mood, color or texture. The real trick is finding ways to organize and store our personal hoard of pictures.
Design Inspirations
Back in the 80’s, this was about chopping up magazines, catalogs, and brochures and storing them in folders, albums, or boxes. In the 90’s, with the rise of affordable photography via digital media, it became easy to snap an endless, and hard-drive filling, stream of inspirational photos.
Today, the internet is a vast sea of imagery from around the globe. We don’t have to wait for the next magazine to arrive in the mail, or for daylight to explore a garden. Today, we can seek out images 24/7.
Pinterest – Organization for Visual Thinkers
Pinterest allows users to save images that link to sites around the globe. You get to organize collected images into categories that you place on boards. At right, you can see a small selection of the numerous boards I’ve made over the past 8 years. Each board is devoted to a theme, mood, or style. (If you want to see the whole kit-and-caboodle, you can click through to my Pinterest profile.
New Section Feature
In fall of 2017, Pinterest released a new feature that is a boon for people who are seeking to streamline their profile page. The new “Section” feature allows the user to break up a board by type. If you look at the image above, you can see that I’ve devoted several pages to an ever-growing collection of images about my favorite fabric, Assiut. Now, with the new “Section” feature, I can collect all my images into one board, and then within the board, add subdivisions so it’s easier for me locate a specific image again.
I think the home decorating analogy works best. Imagine that you are planning a roof to basement remodel of your home. In the past, you might have a board to devoted to kitchens, and another to living room, and another for the bathroom. Now, with the new section features, you can have a board called “Home” with each room becoming its own section.
Cue the YouTube Demo
Rather than tell you about it, I took a moment to put together this demo of how I’m using the new feature to organize my own boards.
I hope this demo has helped give you a little peek into the power of this new Pinterest feature. If you have a Pinterest account and a board you would like to share, send me a link via email or come and join the conversation on the Studio Davina facebook group.
Best of luck with your Pinning adventures! Dawn Devine ~ Davina Jan. 11, 2018
Come and join me for a talk on my favorite subject – Assiut!
Join noted textile historian and costume designer Dawn Devine aka Davina for a presentation all about Assiut. No matter how you spell it, assiut, assuit, azute, or azyte, join us for this deep-dive into the history and manufacture of this magical cloth. After more than 20 years of research, Davina published her seminal book, “The Cloth of Egypt: All About Assiut,” and in this presentation, she will be tracing the timeline of the history of this cloth using rare historic images, contemporary quotes, and archival documentation.
Attendees in person and online will receive a handout that includes the timeline of the history of assiut and a discount code to purchase a deeply discounted copy of Davina’s book, “The Cloth of Egypt.” There will be a live Q&A session at the end of the presentation so you can ask Davina your questions about assiut fabric and it’s history.
I have a collection of previously unpublished images from the history of assiut that I’m so excited to share!
I look forward to seeing you there! Dawn Devine ~ Davina January 5, 2018
PS: Everyone who attends will receive a link to a digital download with a timeline of the history of assiut and a coupon code to pick up a discounted copy of my book, The Cloth of Egypt.
But the truth is, I simply have too much!Each year in January I take the time to conduct an annual inventory of my entire makeup collection. I began this tradition back when I was a pro-dancer. The first two weeks of January have traditionally been a slow season after the whirlwind of holiday parties and festivities. This yearly makeup inventory gives me a reason to touch every beauty product, evaluate what I have, and make plans for the new year.
Photo: My “go-to” look to pair with black and silver assiut. These are two of the ladies in my drop-in troupe Swirl on Dec. 10, 2017. From left: me, redvelvet, and Zemira at HaflAdira.
2017 Makeup Review
Last year, I realized that my makeup collection had grown to epic proportions. Instead of a makeup bag for my “daily face,” and a larger makeup bag for my “Davina face,” I had four small bins of redundant lipstick, eyeshadow, and blush. Some of this was acquired because I wanted to try new things. However, a lot of it arrived at my home in the form of subscription services.
Why did I quit makeup subscription services? Read “My Last Ipsy Bag” from January 2017
In 2017, my initial plan was to use up my makeup collection. I was just going to plow through it all, not buying anything, and allowing my collection to naturally thin. Then, as products ran out, I would proceed forward replacing only products that I needed. If I already owned a duplicate, I would simply turn to the next item in the category and use them up until the category was completely depleted.
What I learned shocked me! Some makeup products takes a long, long time to use up! This is especially true for colored products like eyeshadow and lipstick. While I expected to use up dozens of products last year, it turns out, I was wildly optimistic. Over the course of 2017, I only managed to finish 2 lipsticks, one concealer wheel, one bb cream, and one foundation! Most of my other products are a bit more “used” but far from finished.
Makeup Inventory Spreadsheet
This year, because I simply have too much quantity, I am implementing a very simplified inventory method. Over the next four weeks, I’m going to gather all my products together, sort them by product class, and do a basic count. I’m using a simple Google spreadsheet that I will be able to access from my phone. Having a cloud-based spreadsheet will make it easy to reference when on the go. So on those days when I’m out and about shopping and tempted to impulse buy, I can refer to my inventory spreadsheet to see what I actually need.
Goal Setting
When I was setting up this makeup spreadsheet, I wanted to make it more goal-based and so I added some check-in dates. As I move through the year, my goal is to revisit my collection and continue to purge items that I’m simply not reaching for. So even if I choose to keep something during my inventory process, if I haven’t reached for it by June, I have to question my motivation, and perhaps let these unused products go.
As I sort the products into their various categories for evaluation and tally, I like to actively purge the obvious items that, with a single glance, need to be thrown away.Anything that has separated, grown a film, hardened over, or broken apart immediately gets tossed directly into the bin. I treasure my skin, and it’s easy for me to toss any suspicious products to avoid irritations, breakouts, and potential infections.
Photo: The pile on the table is all being purged. What’s in the container is staying.
Check Use by Dates
Once all the obvious problems have been eliminated, and the products have been sorted by category, I then begin checking expiration dates.Like food, makeup does expire. Traditional and commercial products do have preservatives, but they do deteriorate over time, allowing mold and bacteria grow.There are some standards that apply to makeup with dates from “date of open.”Products in the US are marked with the “open container” icon with a date in months or years.This indicates the time the products are good after they are opened.
3-6 months: Mascara
6 mo – 1 year:Eyeliner if you “double dip” with gels 6 mo.Pencils dry out.
1 – 2 year: Liquid and cream products like foundations
1 – 2 years: Lipsticks – Liquid lipsticks less time, bullet lipsticks longer
All Natural Makeup3 months – 1 year
The rule of thumb is to treat all natural cosmetics the same way you treat food.Without preservatives and stabilizers, these products will go bad faster.Keeping your all natural makeup in the fridge can extend the life of preservative-free products.Be sure to pay close attention to the texture and scent of your products to avoid products that have gone off.
If you are interested in seeing some of my makeup looks, check out my 2017 Makeup Playlist.
Restock
This year, because I am starting the year with so many products in each category, too many, really, I only am restocking one of my favorite eyeshadow palettes.in 2017, BH Cosmetics re-released their classic “Take me to Brazil” eyeshadow palette in an expanded format called, “Take me BACK to Brazil.”This 35 color pressed pigment palette costs $16.99 or less depending on the day, BH Cosmetics offers a LOT of sales.As a performing dancer, I feel like this palette offers me every color I could need.
I also invested in a second colorful palette from BH to inspire new looks in 2018. The Zodiac Palette has a selection of shimmery baked eyeshadows that I’m looking forward to experimenting with to create a host of new looks.It will be several months before I need to buy anything else, and this gives me opportunities now only to freshen up my makeup looks, but to have the fun of playing with new colors.
Bigger Collection = More Time-Consuming Project
One of the results of having a bigger collection is the realization that this inventory is not going to happen in an afternoon! It’s going to take me several afternoons of swatching and testing to get this spreadsheet completely and accurately filled out. I’ll be sure to share an update when the project is finished.
Best of luck with your makeup review, Dawn Devine ~ Davina January 3, 2018
PS – I just wanted to take a moment to let you know that I’m not an affiliate of BH Cosmetics. I am simply a happy customer who really enjoys using their products. I’m especially fond of their eyeshadow, concealer wheel, and powder blushes.
If you like the eyeshadow palettes above (Take Me Back to Brazil) and left (Zodiac,) I recommend visiting their website and signing up for their mailing list so that you can take advantage of their best offers. While I cannot vouch for every product they make, I don’t mind taking risks with eyeshadow when their prices are affordable.
But do your research. There are plenty of reviews on YouTube and on blogs across the globe. Good luck finding the products that suit you!
Belly Dance Geek Podcast
Self Publishing for Dancers
Dawn Devine ~ Davina
Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017
8 pm Eastern – 5 pm Pacific
I’m so pleased to have been invited to join the amazing hostess Nadira Jamal on her Belly Geek podcast. This is one of my favorite podcasts to listen to, and my second time joining Nadira. For this podcast, we’re going to have a geeky discussion about making books. Listeners who join us live will be able to join a Q&A. So if you see writing a book in your future, bring your questions and a pad for notes and we will take a dive into the art of self-publishing.
If you feel like you have a book inside of you, or just want an inside peek at my process and methods of book production, join us!
Of course, once we’re done, the podcast will be available through your favorite podcast service. I subscribe via iTunes. I was on the show in the spring, episode #48, talking about finger cymbals in conjunction with the release of my last book, “Zills: Music on Your Finger Tips.”
If you like podcasts, and love belly dance, be sure to sign up for Nadira’s Belly Geek Clubhouse and never miss another episode!
Can’t wait to chat with everyone! Dawn Devine ~ Davina December 27, 2017
As part of my year-end review process, I conduct an inventory of the essential tools and supplies for sewing and pattern making. I haven’t done this in quite some time, so this is the year to knuckle down and tackle this project.
Over the past months of intensive sewing, I’ve noticed some of my scissors have dulled beyond resharpening, rulers have cracked, and some supplies I’ve reached for I’ve used up, or worse, are completely missing. I do plan on having a couple of pairs of scissors sharpened, but many of my tools are just simply worn out. My plan at this moment is to purchase these items a bit at a time over the next six months until I have refreshed my entire collection.
Tools
Tailor Scissors Set
A trio of essential scissors from a really good company – Graf. I’m getting a set of these for myself! What I like about this particular kit is that includes my three styles of cutting tools. I do so much cutting that I do wear my tools out and it’s time for some new nippers! My current collection primarily consists of Gingher brand shears, but I’ve heard great things about Graf brand products and I’m ready to try something new. On Amazon
Pattern Making Curves
If you’re planning on giving some pattern making or manipulation a try in 2018, now is a good time to pick up a set of curves. I’ve got a few essential metal curves, I have lost or misplaced quite a few curves over the years. Since I’m going to be picking up this set. This set has practically everything you would need to make practically every style of garment imaginable! On Amazon
Bias Tape Maker Set
In 2017, I found myself heading out the nearest fabric store to purchase ready-made bias tape. Although I have a bias tape maker, it’s for making really big bias tape! I’m not planning on binding blankets in the near future, but I do use bias tape for finishing necklines, shoulders, and hems. With those needs in mind, I decided that what I really need is a set of tools so I can make any size tape out of any fabric I like! I’m really looking forward to building a bigger and more versatile set. On Amazon
Chubby Handled Seam Ripper
There is no doubt about it, seam rippers go dull with use, and are virtually impossible to resharpen. In 2018, I’m going to pick up a new model, but with a nice big comfortable handle. I use the seam ripper extensively during costume rehab projects and having a good grip is essential. This is probably the first thing I will get on this list. On Amazon
Supplies
Hand Sewing Needles
My favorite hand-sewing needles are John James Millinery Needles. I bought my first pack many-many years ago when on a trip to London. I went to Liberty of London main store and visited the sewing department on the top floor. I bought a few trinkets and small supplies, and part of my tiny haul was a set of hand-sewing needles. I fell in love and I need to replenish my supply. I’m going to pick up a craft needle assortment so I have everything I need.On Amazon
Rotary Cutter Blades
That moment when your rotary cutter starts to skip is the worst! I went through my collection of supplies and realized I have used up my backstock of blades. I currently have three rotary cutters in my arsenal, a 45mm, 28mm and a tiny 18mm. But it’s the 45mm one that I use for cutting out large garments that seems to go dull the fastest. Instead of buying name-brand, I like to go down and dirty and buy in quantity. Will they go dull faster than a an Olfa or Dritz brand blade? Probably, but I know that the glam belly dance fabrics I use with foiled finishes will dull all blades, why not save some money? 45mm – 10 pack on Amazon
Pins
Over time, pins bend, become dull, and just disappear. To keep things simple in my studio, I only use two kinds of straight pins. I use these Dritz brand extra-fine white-headed glass pins. These are perfect for fine sewing and working with couture sewing techniques on slippery fabrics. on Amazon
I also regularly purchase Dritz yellow-headed quilters pins in the large-sized package. These are pins are long and sharp and easy to get through even tough fabrics. These are work-horses in my studio and I use them daily. on Amazon
This color coding system makes it easy for me to identify the pins I’m grabbing at a glance. I also use red clips in my process, but since they last longer and don’t need to be replaced as often. If you’re interested in the clips, these are the set I have in my studio currently. on Amazon
If you are setting up your own sewing kit from scratch or updating an existing kit, perhaps some of the tools and supplies I use will also work for you! If you would like to join the ongoing conversation about belly dance costume construction, materials, tools, and supplies, join us in the Studio Davina Facebook group.
I hope that you have a fabulous day during this holiday season! Dawn Devine ~ Davina Dec. 21, 2017
PS: THANK YOU! This post uses affiliate links, and if you click through any of them and make a purchase, you are helping to support this blog.
Makeup Purge
Once all the obvious problems have been eliminated, and the products have been sorted by category, I then begin checking expiration dates.
Tailor Scissors Set
Hand Sewing Needles
If you are setting up your own sewing kit from scratch or updating an existing kit, perhaps some of the tools and supplies I use will also work for you! If you would like to join the ongoing conversation about belly dance costume construction, materials, tools, and supplies, join us in the