Thursday, February 11, 2016

Throwback Thursday The Labyrinth Project

Summer 2015, Casey July and myself had a vision come to life. We had talked about doing a Labyrinth based event since 2013. If you do not know what the Labyrinth is and why we love the idea of creating art inspired by it then I suggest you find a copy of the movie and enjoy yourself some Goblin King, Sarah and some Dance Magic! I mean magic happened in that movie that changed my childhood and made me believe in magic and friendship!! (Just saying, if you haven't watched it Soon!)

We just had to get the right people together and get the details figured out. Unfortunately, because of some other opportunities for both of us we put it on the back burner for a while. 2014 we both had opportunities that we wanted to pursue and that taught us a lot (Both good and bad lessons... But as any teacher knows, even a lesson that comes from a bad experience is useful as you grow and move forward. 
In Fall 2014, we began to fiddle with the idea of The Shattered Silk Studio. An online experience and studio where we could work on projects in a creative and supportive collaborative relationship. We both still did our own things, still ran our own businesses, and created individual projects. We both still work with people the other does not, and still have our own personalities and our own journey.  However, we wanted to have somewhere that highlighted our work together and with other artists. 
Our first collaborative experience was a gid photo shoot at HaHa Tonka Park in Missouri. But that will be a throwback post for another time. :)

In January 2015, we revisited the idea of doing a Labyrinth Project. We started brainstorming about what we wanted to focus on for our Labyrinth Project.... The Bog of Eternal Stench was not going to be an option. (and again if you dont get that joke... GO WATCH THE MOVIE!! I mean David Bowie as The Goblin King...)
I wanted to do some dance magic but didn't want to endanger any children by tossing them in the air. 
Casey, who loves creating beautiful dresses, and I, who can create masks and props, decided that we would do our own small ballroom scene. I mean seriously, Sarah dancing with Jareth,the Goblin King, surrounded by amazing costumed people in masquerade masks. YES ON SO MANY LEVELS!

We planned out the outfits. Casey created one of a kind piece inspired by the scene. I made over 20 mask including a handmade paper mache Goblin King mask that I created from a hand sculpted clay mold. It is one of my favorite pieces ever.

We then gathered models who were enthusiastic to be a part of this event. Sarah White, who we have worked with on several projects including our Snow White and the Evil Queen, was set as our Sarah. Our Masquerade Ball Goers were; Jamie Marvel, Kyle Mills, Samantha Snyder, Karson Cox, Angie Pedersen and Angela Graham.
We were approached by a local shop who specializes in Steampunk items. Distorted Utopia in downtown Springfield Missouri invited us to have the event at the store front. So we had the players, we had the stage, we were working on creating custom made pieces for everyone. 

In the weeks leading up to the event we had some ups and downs. Models had scheduling issues and Casey and I both had some financial balancing to do. 
Then disaster.... Our Goblin King had a issue that would prevent him from attending. The hustle and bustle to find another male model or actor who fit the custom made clothing that was already finished.  OMGoodness, the stress of a production. 
The day before we finally found someone who was available and who could fit in the clothing. Neither Casey or I had ever met him. But we told him where to be and when. Then we just prayed that he would show up. 
Finally the day here, and our 2 year journey was finally happening. Our Labyrinth Project was underway. When I arrived Casey was already there. Minda the owner of Distorted Utopia had set up a window and a dance floor. Our models were going to be living window mannequins, and they were going to recreate the Masquerade scene on the dance floor in the middle of the shop. 

We had a unusual time getting the models ready in the back of the shop, while the shop was open. Customers were asking questions and trying on items during our prep time. Which was fun and yet stressful at the same time.
Then there was the strange issue of the electrical outlets. We had to plug in a hair curler but couldn't find a working outlet. Lets just say after many tries we FINALLY found one that was working. Minda and her team were wonderful and helped us in so many ways including figuring out where we could get ready. 
(I will say that the shop was doing some remodeling and I believe that a breaker may have been turned off or something like that. ) 

As the time got closer to our event, we were all in a frenzy to get everyone in their clothes, masks and jewelry.... and still no Goblin King. Oh my what were we going to do. We started to narrow down our options to get it done and get it done right. 

10 minutes before we were to begin he arrived. Our model, who we had just confirmed the day before was there. With a quick change into the custom made Goblin King jacket, a wig, and the Goblin King mask. Adam Blair was our Goblin King!

So the stage was set, and it was time. We moved our models into the window to create a unique living window display. Photographers Teresa Baker, Sarah Holland and Brian Martin were in attendance to capture the magic on film. 

After about 20 minutes in the window, we moved the players to the ball room. The heat from the sun shining through the window was getting a bit extreme. Everyone was so amazing and stayed true to their character. 

Check out some of the amazing images captured that day. Casey has created a youtube video showcasing some of them. Watch it here.


Model Adam Blair
Photographer Sarah Holland
Concept, Clothing: Casey July
Concept, Mask and Jewelry: AJ Blanton

Model Samantha Snyder
Photographer Teresa Baker
Concept, Clothing: Casey July
Concept, Mask and Jewelry: AJ Blanton

Models: Samantha Snyder, Angie Pedersen, Angela Graham, Kyle Mills, Jamie Marvel
Photographer Brian Martin
Concept, Clothing: Casey July
Concept, Mask and Jewelry: AJ Blanton

Models: Adam Blair and Sara White
Photographer Sarah Holland
Concept, Clothing: Casey July
Concept, Mask and Jewelry: AJ Blanton

Model: Adam Blair, Sara White
Photographer Sarah Holland
Concept, Clothing: Casey July
Concept, Mask and Jewelry: AJ Blanton

Model: Adam Blair, Sara White
Photographer Brian Martin
Concept, Clothing: Casey July
Concept, Mask and Jewelry: AJ Blanton

Model: Adam Blair, Sara White, Samantha Snyder, Karson Cox, Kyle Mills
Photographer Brian Martin
Concept, Clothing: Casey July
Concept, Mask and Jewelry: AJ Blanton

Model: Angela Graham, Karson Cox, Kyle Mills
Photographer Teresa Baker
Concept, Clothing: Casey July
Concept, Mask and Jewelry: AJ Blanton

Model:  Sara White
Photographer Brian Martin
Concept, Clothing: Casey July
Concept, Mask and Jewelry: AJ Blanton



Model: Jamie Marvel
Photographer Teresa Baker
Concept, Clothing: Casey July
Concept, Mask and Jewelry: AJ Blanton
Model: Angie Pedersen
Photographer Teresa Baker
Concept, Clothing: Casey July
Concept, Mask and Jewelry: AJ Blanton

Model: Angela Graham, Jamie Marvel, Samantha Snyder, Sara White, Adam Blair, Kyle Mills, Angie Pedersen, Karson CoxPhotographer Sarah Holland
Concept, Clothing: Casey July
Concept, Mask and Jewelry: AJ Blanton

Model: Angela Graham, Jamie Marvel, Samantha SnyderPhotographer Sarah Holland
Concept, Clothing: Casey July
Concept, Mask and Jewelry: AJ Blanton
If you would like more information about the models, photographers, and business featured in this blog post please contact me on my facebook page: aBeesCreations 
Look forward to our next big collaboration in 2016!

Please leave me a comment on what you though about our Labyrinth Project. What is your favorite part of the movie? (And if you still havent seen it, seriously what are you waiting for?!?!?)

Credits:
Props, Clothing, Masks, and Concept by Aj Blanton, ABeesCreations
https://www.facebook.com/aBeesCreations 
Clothing, and Concept by Casey July, The July Studio 
https://www.facebook.com/TheJulyStudi... 
Hosted by Distorted Utopia 
https://www.facebook.com/is.distorted...
Photos by Brian Martin https://www.facebook.com/BWMPhotography/
 Sarah Holland https://www.facebook.com/BlueSkyesPhotos and 
Teresa Baker  https://www.facebook.com/TBakers-Photos-416268391766977/
Models: Sara White, Adam Blair, Jamie Marvel,
Angela Graham, Angie Pedersen, Karson Elijah Cox, Kyle Mills, Samantha Snyder





Saturday, January 30, 2016

Haunted House Clinic: Featured Photographer Ron McGinnis

During the Haunted House Photo Clinic that I hosted on November 22, 2015 at the Haunted Castle House in Brumley Missouri we had several talented photographers there shooting the models. 
Ron McGinnis out of Springfield Missouri was one of these talented photographers who was in attendance. He has given me permission to share with everyone some of the images he captured. 
So this post is dedicated to his images. All photos and rights to photos belong to Ron McGinnis. 
Check out his AMAZING work on his website:

Model: Connie Chung
Makeup: Connie Chung and Kyle Mills
Concept and wardrobe: AJ Blanton
Photographer: Ron McGinnis

Model: Connie Chung
Makeup: Connie Chung and Kyle Mills
Concept and wardrobe: AJ Blanton
Photographer: Ron McGinnis

Model: Ashley Homminga and Riley O'Laughlin
Makeup: Kyle Mills and Lexy Morrison
Concept and wardrobe: AJ Blanton
Photographer: Ron McGinnis

Model: Ashley Homminga and Riley O'Laughlin
Makeup: Kyle Mills and Lexy Morrison
Concept and wardrobe: AJ Blanton
Photographer: Ron McGinnis

Model: Carrie Orlando
Makeup: Carrie Orlando, Lexy Morrison and Dakota Friend
Concept and wardrobe: AJ Blanton
Photographer: Ron McGinnis

Model: Carrie Orlando
Makeup: Carrie Orlando, Lexy Morrison and Dakota Friend
Concept and wardrobe: AJ Blanton
Photographer: Ron McGinnis

Model: Carrie Orlando
Makeup: Carrie Orlando, Lexy Morrison and Dakota Friend
Concept and wardrobe: AJ Blanton
Photographer: Ron McGinnis

Model: Shaila Heath
Makeup, Concept, and circlet: AJ Blanton
wardrobe: Casey July
Photographer: Ron McGinnis

Model: Shaila Heath
Makeup, Concept, and circlet: AJ Blanton
wardrobe: Casey July
Photographer: Ron McGinnis

Model: Rachel Peneston
Makeup: Jennifer Leigh Pritchett
Concept, wardrobe: AJ Blanton
Photographer: Ron McGinnis

Model: Riley O'Laughlin
Makeup: Kyle Mills
Concept and wardrobe: Casey July
Photographer: Ron McGinnis

Model: Riley O'Laughlin
Makeup: Kyle Mills
Concept and wardrobe: AJ Blanton
Photographer: Ron McGinnis

Model: Riley O'Laughlin
Makeup: Kyle Mills
Concept and wardrobe: AJ Blanton
Photographer: Ron McGinnis
Thank you again Ron. I can't wait to work with you again.

For more information on the businesses featured in this clinic:

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

2016 Year of the Starlet: Lucille Ball

So as I announced in October, 2016 is the year of the Starlet for aBeesCreations. Not only will I retire the artwork series from 2012-2015 from print, I will also be creating a whole new never before seen line of art work. I am also taking my love of producing and creative directing photo shoots to create a whole series of photos based on my 12 favorite Starlets! 
The talented photographer Dakota Friend of Friendly Fire Fotography out of Branson Missouri has agreed to shoot the entire series. We may occasionally have a second shooter with us but Dakota is the main photographer who is working on this project with me. 

So it being the 1st month of 2016, I am happy to share with you all the first photo session for The Starlet Collection.
I Love Lucy... What about you? 

Our muse was the funny and stunning model Beth Pace. She was the perfect choice for Lucy!
She had us laughing so hard with her quirky enthusiastic personality all day. At one point we all stopped for a moment and Dakota said it doesnt even seem like it was Beth. She really channeled the Queen of Comedy, the brash and sassy Lucille Ball. I am utterly amazed by her professionalism while still bringing the comedic edge that she did. Beth was absolutely amazing and I know everyone involved is looking forward to working with her again in the future. 

Often you see this term MUAH when we talk about photo shoots. MUAH stands for Makeup and Hair. And I am so honored that once again I was able to book the talented and genuinely sweet Krista Cronin of Krista's Beauty and Bliss out of Ozark Missouri.
Krista owns and operates a wonderfully charming small spa and studio. She has more than once opened her studio space up for my productions. She met us at the door as usual and invited us all in. Her hospitality made everyone feel at ease. She provided a fun mix of music for us while Beth hopped into the makeup chair. And yes Beth is so petite, like so many of us firecracker women are, that she had to HOP. Krista worked on makeup while we all just hung out and Dakota and I set up the studio. It was a lot of fun and felt like a group of friends just getting together to create some art. 

Dakota Friend of Friendly Fire Fotography and I set up Krista's Studio space and talked to everyone about music, art, and of course the industry. 
After MUAH were finish, I pinned Beth into her wardrobe. Yes I had to do a lot of pinning. She is so tiny!!! Like a Double 0 tiny. Which did make it difficult to find clothes for her to wear during the shoot. Especially since there were 2 wardrobes. But after some pinning she was ready! She had tranformed into the glamourous Lucille Ball. Well, Lucy with a modern edge. Dakota was energetic and full of creativity. I must say I am very proud to see the growth he has achieved since he first began shooting at the age of 13. He has finally found his style and at the age of 21, I can only see great things in his future as an artist.

Check out some of the photos from the Glamour part of the session. 





After we shot the Glamour side of Lucy we had to have fun. I mean you can't do a Starlet Photo Series without capturing the spirit and personality of the Starlet that inspired the shoot. Right? 
So we had to show the comedic genuis of Lucille Ball mixed with Beth's snarky edgy twist. 

Here are some of the photos from the Comedic part of the day. Trust me we have SO MANY more to edit and release that these will not be the only ones featured on this blog. But for now here is a sampling.









Be sure to follow my blog or facebook page to see more releases from this shoot as well as the next Starlets! 
What do you think? Did we capture the essence of Lucy?

What Starlets are you hoping made the list? 

Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I appreciate hearing from you all. 

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Spring Line 2016 Circlets and Tiaras by aBeesCreations


I put my Etsy shop on vacation during December and I am happy that I have reopened it this week. There are a lot of changes that I am making to the products I am going to offer in my shop. 
Not only will you find my Starlet Art Print, fun accessories and jewelry gifts for under $5, but I now will be listing props and costume items. 
I have been working hard to create a new spring line of unique crowns, tiaras and circlets. All handcrafted and are original designs. 
I hope to list at least 3 new items weekly. Here are a few examples of the items I have created for this 2016 spring season.

Fayette Tiara $40
Now Listed on www.etsy.com/shop/aBeesCreations

Lady Anne $40
Not listed yet will be soon. It is currently available so please message me for details on facebook. www.facebook.com/ABeesCreations 



Wadjet Circlet $45
Now Listed on www.etsy.com/shop/aBeesCreations

Dorian Circlet $30
Not listed yet will be soon. It is currently available so please message me for details on facebook. www.facebook.com/ABeesCreations 

Cora Tiara $45
Not listed yet will be soon. It is currently available so please message me for details on facebook. www.facebook.com/ABeesCreations 

Tatiana Circlet $50
Not listed yet will be soon. It is currently available so please message me for details on facebook. www.facebook.com/ABeesCreations 

Leona Circlet $35
Not listed yet will be soon. It is currently available so please message me for details on facebook. www.facebook.com/ABeesCreations 

Queen Flora Fairy Crown $95
 Stands 12 inches high and has over 750 beads. 10 hours of hand beading to create this lovely piece.
Not listed yet will be soon. It is currently available so please message me for details on facebook. www.facebook.com/ABeesCreations 

Lady Rose Tiara $50 
Not listed yet will be soon. It is currently available so please message me for details on facebook. www.facebook.com/ABeesCreations 

Ella Circlet $30
Now Listed on www.etsy.com/shop/aBeesCreations




Monday, January 4, 2016

Update on the Fight For Humanity



My goal when I started the Fight For Humanity photo series was to finish up the series by May to get the calendar printed by September. I still have that hope but I have unfortunately hit some financial obstacles. I have been ill and I have had to reevaluate our financial situation. I just wanted to keep everyone who is following the progress of the series up to date. Thanks everyone

So far I have done 5 shoots of the 14 I had scheduled. 

War in Heaven
Models: Connie Chung and Jessica Green. Makeup by Krista Cronin
Concept, wardrobe and props by aBeesCreations
Photographer Dakota Friend


Pandora
Model Toni Globis (Necklace also by Toni Globis)
MUAH Kyle Mills
Dress The July Studio
Concept and Props aBeesCreations
Photographer Brian Martin
Set design Bil Deck








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