2018....Lets get started in here!

Well this year definitely didn't start out as planned (not sure it ever does).......we  took a bit of a dive at the start of the year with a number of tragic and unexpected circumstances. We had more change then we could shake a stick at - the loss of someone too close for comfort, moving house again, menaces with agendas, pet death, 2 job changes and the older fledglings (referring here to my older children) finally started spreading their wings to leave the nest - as you you can imagine it's been quiet distracting!

Onto the second part of the year....... and we are all finally finding our feet again! I have a part time job I like, working in retail and partly in haberdashery (how cool is that?? something to compliment what I love to do). My photography antics have kept growing and my renewed happiness has meant I can actually allow some focus toward my plans for Forge again and get back to my creativity with some conviction (which had dwindled under the pressure, was getting pretty exhausted for a bit).

Anyway my favorite thing to do here lately is picture dump......but fingers crossed for more relevant regular ramblings too...

Onto the good stuff  a couple of my favorite collaborations for 2018 so far:-

INSTAGRAM

Hair by @anthonybayerhair
Styling @gathum 
Corset @forgefashion
Shirt @paddyperrett
Makeup @nzmakeupgirl for @blac_cosmetics 
Photographer @hamishmelville
Model @carrot_blood
Cage work @raewynbayer 

FACEBOOK

Photographer:- NEWO

Model:- Simone Stocks - Model

Collar:- FORGE

Crown:- The House of Boo

End of year sum up....

This year has been a year of change....it's contained lots of personal and family milestones and has reminded me there is nothing more constant then you guessed it change! I'm sure a lot of you out there also experienced some of this for yourself in 2017!

So onto the sewing stuffs:-
I have recently gotten back a studio space in which to work, and man am I excited - you could even say it has renewed my creative interest which seems to have dwindled severely of late. I can't say sewing at my kitchen table really floated my boat or left me much room to really be all that productive. Fingers crossed for much creativity and productivity in 2018!

Onto images from one of my favorite collaborations over the last few months......

Photo: Silver Pearl Photography
Model: Elisanth
Jewelry: Alchemy Gothic
Corset: FORGE
Top: The Gothic Shop
Hat: Jazzafine. pieces full of verve

Since I'm still photography my work (aka Trinitynavar) whenever I get a chance I have some new images from my own shoots over the last few months also to share....

 

Model & MUA:- Valentina Grim
Wardrobe & Claws:- FORGE
Photography:- Trinitynavar

Cindy Kim wearing
Crown & Collar by FORGE
Photography:- Trinitynavar

Model:- Siobhan Cuttance
MUA:- FingerGlitz - Melissa Wilton MUA & Nail Artist
Collar & Corset:- FORGE
Photography:- Trinitynavar

**LOL This post should really be called the big picture dump!! 

I'm not a big Xmas person but - Happy Holidays Everyone!!

AND then it was 2017....

Well that went fast!! It's been nearly a whole year since I've attended to my blog?? The days have keep on rolling by and I haven't so much kept track of myself like I use to (I maybe getting a little feral lol)!

Where am I at? My collection hasn't quite unfolded like I would have liked....but I have kept on creating and making so I guess that is something ;) I took sometime to have a clear out and am having bit of a Forge Etsy Sale, this is all directed towards sorting things out so I can get to my new projects as desired. Prior this I had a bit of a flop into the - 'I might just throw in the towel now' after having some mighty underhanded customers and dishonest folk scold me good! Along with that I found myself sewing at the kitchen table which hasn't exactly being ideal for taking custom commissions. But  really I  aways fall back into it......inspired excited and motivated toward some new project that fires up my heart again! Looks like I'm back, making plans, getting excited - so lets see what happens shall we!

Productivity and staying motivated for winter...

I finally got myself settled into our garage......it's a little on the cold side, but actually more space in the long run, plus my teenage daughter and preschooler no longer have to share a room, and my 16 year old son is really appreciating his own space (giving everybody a bit of what they want really is the answer).

As we are heading into winter here in Christchurch, keeping healthy and motivated can be a bit of a struggle. This year I am determined to stay on task, and keep myself busy, creative and above all positive about what I'm doing. Small and big goals are being made, with some 'give' for all the waywardness of general life.

Currently I have a couple of orders to finish up, and then it's onto my planned project......
A new collection!! I hope to start as soon as possible, the intent is to keep my passion/interest in corsetry alive, in the spirit of this I hope to not only try things I've never done before, but also to expand on what I already know. Exciting!!!

But back to the present, I have been busy making stock for a local shop and also my ETSY Store https://www.etsy.com/shop/Forgefashion, as obviously my sales will help fund some of what I do (not that hoarding stuff for years will go astray either, I'm bound to work with what I have to start with). I also have that 'Trinitynavar' thing going on where I do my own photography with friends and local models. I've become quiet passionate about this sideline and actually shoot outside of Forge now, anyway I'll leave you with something from one of my recent playdates.

Model:- Cindy K - Model
Wardrobe:- FORGE
MUA & Photography:- Trinitynavar

A Mini Break

2016 Has started, I've already encountered some health and personal challenge......I guess that just means I'm alive LOL!!!

So far my favorite thing about 2016 is the mini break I took a few weeks ago. Amazing views and time out from my chaotic home life, a real pick me up and hugely inspiring trip (I really need to travel more, instead of hermitting at home).

The Falls

The Rata Tree

Well 'Hello' 2015

Did I forget my blog for a rather extended period? Well yes, actually I did....lets see since last we spoke in 2014 I have had multiple house moves, the generally nuttiness of having a toddler and 2 teens, 3 months without home wifi and recently a death - it's been too easy to want to retreat into myself and shut out the world. But what good is that? Creativity is for sharing and blogging is really my own form of record keeping.....something of a reminder of the productive times and a way to mark down my goals and achievements. I think could I need that again in my life!!

Lets start with my favorite part of 2015 (and ignore all the stuff that wasn't knee slapping good times )......I have my own wee work room  -  and it's outside of the house which is perfect, this is a huge development for me and I'm super grateful!! It's all set up and semi organised and I can come and go as I please with out  the worry of things being disturbed (like they were when I had all my stuff in the corner of the lounge or in a tiny sun room in the entry way). My own little haven to work and create in - OMG finally!!!

So catch up time, I have actually been pretty productive recently particularly over the 3 months we had no wi-fi at home (long story but driveway installation dramas), but  I wasn't completely deprived as I visited the local library regularly and used cell data. Actually going to my local library was pretty cool, it overlooks the beach and pier (so super grand really). But seriously some real internet addiction got curbed too!!

CORSETS:- My favorite corset so far this year is this one below for a lovely local customer using this gorgeous 'Starry Nights' fabric.

Ok that's enough for now! First day back and all better go easy ;p

Christchurch Canterbury Fashion Beauty Week 2014

Forge Fashion is excited to be showing the latest collection 'Imaginerium' at this week’s Major Holdings Christchurch Canterbury Fashion Beauty Week 2014.

2014...

Currently I'm in school holiday mode.....my little people are home joining me in some creative endevours and recreational activities. Which is really lovely and fulfilling, though sometimes a little bit crazy, you know siblings they're either all 'in' or all 'out' (but you know motherhood is a wonderful challenge at the best of times - it also accounts for why my brain is all over the place).

On the Forge front I'm busy doing what I always am, planning dreaming and trashing the house!! Yes you did hear that right here's something I found on facebook that sums it up:-

But back to what actually comes from making a mess, here's a piece I made after getting all inspired from a jewelry making session with my 11 and 13 year old. The shoot was done briefly during a playdate with my friend Cindy while she was over with her daughter....

'Aqua Avaca Dream' Necklace:- Forge Fashion
Model:- Cindy K - Model
Photography:- Trinitynavar

And as I always do in the holidays I have been finishing and refurbishing old stock...

Countess Feathered Collar:- Forge Fashion

Model:- Cindy K - Model

Photography & Editing:- Trinitynavar

OK other things going on  - I've been sending my stuff off for various photoshoots with lovely folk overseas, still have my Fashion Show bits to finish plus some more samples and pieces intended for my ETSY store.

Lot of pics to come......

Show Update and Corsets on the go...

The Melodie M show has been moved into the new year....so we are now looking at late February 2014. Which works out great, giving me a wee bit more time to complete everything and also some relaxed person time with my family over the Christmas holidays :)

This is a piece I've had completed for quiet a while, so to spice it up for the show I've made a matching Corseted Bralette  and Skirt which I really love.....high wasted shorts to finish I think.

This is a another version of the previous Steampunk Style with matching Skirt and Bolero. I've tried it on a model and think it just needs a modesty placket for the front...otherwise it's good to go :)



***Now on a personal note.....I have recently had a very unpleasant experience - yes it has finally happened, my images are being used to falsely promote and sell imitations of my original corsets and accessories. This just down right sux, but it does make me realize that if somebody else thinks there is money to be made from my designs when I'm currently not making any myself - things need to change. So time to work harder and get business savvy, I was already planning a bit of professional overhaul but this just ups the desired level!!**


PS My garden is cranking - it's the biggest I've ever tended and I'm really finding alot of joy in all aspects of learning to keep it. And yay for herbs and goodies right out of the garden :D

Beads beads and more....

Ok, on to my latest piece.......PVC dripping in beads!!!! Mmmmm - yummy!

Hoping to get a photo shoot under way as asap......and I also have another PVC corset to finish - though this one is more colourful and has tails (think military/ringleader).

I have so many things planned, half finished and on the go, I really wish I could clone myself and truly take flight!!! LOL yes I'm a small time designer living in a big world always trying to meet the ambitious marks set either by myself or others (of course all this while wearing my PJ's at camp 'mother nutter').

Anyway, customer orders coming up include an a full costume for one of our local burlesque girls, a lovely lace covered overbust, a steampunk overbust and something tasty for the lovely tightlacing Kathy Chin.

2013.....big love for the new year!!

Here we come....another year of fun & frivolity - well potentially and really anything is possible at this point! So far it's just loose ideas and partially formed plans, but it's kinda like the moment you step on a plane to a new destination - full of optimism and hope for the future (let's hope 2013 brings all the good things we desire) :D

I must make a real effort to blog - at least weekly (or close to).......I totally love reading back over my recorded rants and seeing my progress year to year. Livejournal definitely contains a lot of years worth of my memories and work (seemed to have a bit more of a relationship with my LJ, guess the active communities helped entice me more regularly), but out from under the umbrella of the mushroom I shall try to hang.

Ok thinking about the last few weeks and those immediately ahead.....

The last few weeks has seen me playing photographer again, this time for both  'Forge' and also 'Trinitynavar'. I did a shoot with a lovely friend specifically for editing/retouching practice, which was awesome and the difference with not having my garments as the central focus is huge (another creative outlet). Also my lovely Canadian model Rebecca popped though over the xmas  break so I was able to have a quick jewellery shoot with her as well (pics to come).

The garden has really started to take off and I feel very excited by all my growing produce, since I really haven't had as big a garden previously I am finding it quiet the learning curb. But the rewards are just  awesome, time outside with more diy projects happening, totally unintended (I should start a 'pinterest made me do it' folder to keep a record).

Coming up......

- More damn 'Underworlds', though I am quiet excited by the addition of 'Sonja'
(variation to my bread and butter).

- Collaborations (a few already lined up for 2013)

- 3 Piece Collection = 2x  Corset Dresses and x1 Matching Underbust (all cut and ready to go)

- More Basic Curvy Overbust and Underbust going into stock


PS Have I mentioned how adorable my daughter is, she 14 month now - how quickly that went......she's no longer my tiny baby, instead a strong active toddler running rings around me (but mothers little helper just like her big sister and brother never the less) :)

Symbols of Strength....

I recently went to check out the two cast bronze bulls on the corner of Madras and Tuam Street as part of a Michael  Parekowhai exhibition here in Christchurch. Set against the back drop of the central city (which is still very much in the demolition/rebuilding stage) it had a very erie yet comforting effect. Situated one lot away from where the CTV building once stood, the bulls seemed a very kind distraction indeed - and very appropriate too, for in the face of loss and change the bull is a welcome symbol of fertility and strength for the future!

Before arriving in Christchurch, they were shown at the Venice biennial and exhibited in Paris.
The exhibition is based on a poem by John Keats called Looking into Chapman's Homer.

Photo Prep...

This week hasn't quiet gone according to plan (that seems to be the new norm, lol).......we managed to have some tummy bugs run a muck in the family, so not quiet where I wanted to be at this time this week! Oh well I did manage to make a start on a few accessories in preparation for my next shoot:-
 

Hopefully over the next few days I can finish up the swinghook corsets as intended, then I should be able to organise a catch up with my model and from there make more plans :)

Red Garter Corset

Here is some finished shots of the red garter corset I have been working on:-

Yes I can't help but pixlromatic everything at the moment ;)

*Ok next things next......this is of prime importance:-

'pull it together winter brain, get on the productivity train and get on top of  your finances - NOW thank you!!!'

Sunday fun.....

The internet is full of little time wasters.......and occassionally it's quiet satisfying trying out some of these offerings. Facebook of course is the worst for linking off to obscure sites for random entertainment.......here's one such, pretty fun and a suitable time waster for a Sunday afternoon.
http://www.dolldivine.com/

Full of online doll making games with some extremely lovely costuming you can really have hours of amusement making yourself and friends dolly avatars.  
Some of my favs include 'Game of Thrones' (omg such awesome detail), 'Tudors' & the fabulous 'Pin Up Maker' ........

 My friend/model Rachel as a cartoon doll - awwww so cute!

*Must go take some photos of the finished Red Garter Corset........

Snow Days......it's a winter wonderland!

Snow Days = venturing out into our own little Narnia for some snowball fights and general hooliness.......

Though really it's much more comfy inside beside the fire......brrrrrr!