Intro to Bum Rolls

I know it sounds totally silly, but bum rolls are the best. I do not profess to know the whole history and such of them, but they are basically used to give your skirt some oomph.

For example, here is my behind without a bum roll.

And here it is with a bum roll.

It's like an old-school booty-pop.

For any sort of costume or skirt that requires a bit of scaffolding around the mid-section, they are the way to go. No need to make a complicated bustle skirt when you can tuck a bum roll under a pleated or gathered skirt for much the same effect, and much less hassle.

Even if you have the skill, time, and energy to make a full bustle skirt, a bum roll will still give it that extra pop that the style demands.

Best part is, they are crazy easy to make.

You will need:

• a few yards or scrap fabric (or 2-3 old t-shirts)
• scissors
• a needle and thread
• ribbon or string

You can make these a few different sizes and such, but the method remains the same. The one I am wearing wraps from the front of my hips around, with only a small section missing in the front, across my stomach. I wear it under Renaissance-style costumes. You can also make these so they just sit directly above your bottom, to go for a more Victorian look. They can be as large or small as you want.

Step one: Measure how long you want your bum roll to be.

Step two: Fold 2/3 (or 2 of your t-shirts) to this length.

Step three: Fold the remaining 1/3 so it is about 4 inches shorter. Place it on top of the longer fabric, in the center.

Step four: Roll all of your fabric together, as tight as you can, and pin in place.

Step five: Hand sew along this line, with doubled thread for strength. **It does not matter if your stitches are pretty, no one will see them.**

Step six: Sew a length of ribbon onto each end, long enough that you can tie the roll just below your waist.

Step seven: Wear and enjoy!

Antique Leather Pirate Mask or Eyepatch

Leather masks can cost big bucks at renaissance fairs and online retailers, but you can make your own in a matter of minutes that looks just as great, and is formed for your own face.

You need just a few craft store items:

Leather scraps (I bought a bag of scrap suede for about $5)
Scissors
Glue
Ribbon or cord
Blow dryer
Craft sealer paint or spray (optional)

And you can make this project in about a half an hour or less. (Plus drying time)

Step 1: Cut a piece of leather a bit bigger than you want the finished product to be.

I made mine an eyepatch sort of style, so I cut a triangle, about 2x3 inches.

Step 2: Cut any embellishments you want.

For instance, I curved the sides in and cut some spikey sorts of designs on one side. For extra guidance, draw cut lines on the back if needed.

Step 3: Wet the leather, just a little. Pat off any excess water, and lay the leather across your face where you will want it to sit. Gently press it to form to the curves of your features.

I also chose to curve some of the edges up for style.

Step 4: **VERY CAREFULLY** blow dry the leather, while it is still on your face. Use the lowest heat you can, and take your time, making absolutely sure not to leave too much heat pointed at your eye for a long time. I cannot stress this enough! Do not burn yourself!

Step 5: Cut the eye hole. Again, if you need to, draw a cutting line on first, or have a friend help you gently outline your eye for the correct placement.

Step 6: **If you want a mask you can see through, skip this step** Cut a second, smaller piece of leather, of a different color, and form just to your eye with the water and heat method above. Glue it in place on the back of the eye hole of your main mask.

It is difficult to see in this picture, but the eye hole has a light tan piece behind it. This mask is for a villainous sort of character, and supposed to be a bit on the creepy side. I thought the light eye socket would do it.

Step 7: Wait for the leather to dry completely. String an elastic or cord onto it, and you are done!

Optional: You can also choose to paint the front of the mask with a craft sealer for better hold and molding. You can paint or decorate the leather however you desire. For comfort, you can also glue felt to the back of the mask. Go to town! Have fun! And if you really don't want to make one yourself, check some out in my Etsy shop - coming soon!

In the meantime, craft on, internet friends!