Halloween Costume DIY: How to Make the Katy Perry Cupcake Bra

*This post was originally published nine years ago (!!!), however with Halloween just around the corner I thought it would be fun to bring it back from the archives! (Also, I’m still kind of proud of myself that I managed to pull this off & wear it in public.) I’ve updated the cover photo to show I I re-wore the costume a few years ago. 

Here are a few things that make me happy: dancing, writing & making art projects. Its been a long time since I’ve made anything & even longer since I’ve really dressed up for Halloween (last year’s black American Apparel body con dress, fish-net tights, bun & red lipstick combo that I tried to pass off as “I’m a Robert Palmer back-up dancer” doesn’t count).

Then, late last week I was bit by the crafting bug after reading about some of the scary festivals from around the world in a recent article published by Betway.

 

 

I was lying in bed watching Katy Perry’s “California Girls” video (again) and drooling over how adorable Katy looks partying in candy land, when I had a brain wave: “I WANT A CUPCAKE BRA! I NEED TO MAKE THAT! I’M GOING TO DO IT FOR HALLOWEEN!”. So, that’s what I did and I have the photos to prove it.

INTRODUCING: How to live your own “Teenage Dream” a step by step tutorial. 

1. My biggest challenge was figuring out how to make the cupcake boobs. I don’t even bake, so I knew this was going to be interesting. On Friday afternoon, I bought some modelling clay, plastic bowls and sprinkles.

 
2. I shaped the wet clay around the bowls and then let them sit to dry. On Saturday morning I woke up early and ran into the kitchen to check on the boobs. Bad news! The boobs still weren’t dry and the parts that were dry were brittle and cracking. They also weighed about 5 lbs each. If I strapped these babies onto my chest I would surely topple over.
 
 
3. I ran to my tool box and pulled out a jar of Polyfilla. I grabbed two new bowls & covered them in white goop. The best part about Polyfilla is that it  has the same texture and consistency as icing. It’s also super lightweight.
 
 
While I waited for the “icing” to dry I took a trip down to the Gaybourhood to buy myself a blue wig and some eyelash glue.

4. When I came home, the Poly Filla had hardened nicely which meant…SPRINKLE TIME! I used crazy-glue to attach each sprinkle individually. This was a tedious process but I couldn’t really figure out a better way to attach them without damaging the icing.
 
 
5. With the sprinkles done, it was time to glue on the “cherries”. On the way home from the wig store, I stopped by Sugar Mountain , a local specialty candy store. I grabbed a bunch of different berry candies that I thought might work & a few extra for the road (I love gummy candy).
 

6. I ended up going with the raspberry organic juice berries. They were softer and less pointy than the Swedish Berries. I crazy glued them on…and voila! CANDY NIPPLES!
 
 
 

7. The trickiest part of this whole process was figuring out how to attach the cupcakes onto the bra. Originally I was just going to crazy glue them on but then I realized I didn’t want to wreck a perfectly good bra. Instead, I crazy glued some strips of blue ribbon onto the back of the plates and sewed the edges onto the bra. There has to be a better way to do this. I just didn’t figure it out in time.
 
 
Annnnnnd, Voila! The finished product! Caaaaaliffffforrrrrrrrrrrniiiiiiiaaaaaa!


The rest of the costume consisted of a pair of denim daisy dukes cut from an old pair of skinny Levis (I was originally going to spray them with glue glitter but decided not to just in case I wanted to wear them again – don’t judge!) , candy jewellery and a pair of pink glittery high heels (a drag queen somewhere is jealous.)

FYI. Adding on this much extra boob is…an experience. If you forget you’re wearing them and turn suddenly, there is a good chance you’ll knock someone’s drink out of their hand (true story) and forget about trying to hug your friends! Overall the costume held up well and the only major set-back was when I realized I’d lost one of my candy nipples mid-through the night.

This wasn’t the easiest costume and it wasn’t the cheapest (at $34.95, the wig was the biggest investment) but I had so much fun making and wearing it that I didn’t want to take it off at the end of the night.

When the DJ played “California Girls” I jumped up on one of the dancing platforms, grabbed my boobs and sprayed the crowd with whipped cream.

I’m totally kidding. I haven’t figured out how to do that yet. Maybe next year.

What are you dressing up as this Halloween?

Making DIY Art Dreams Come True with Bestcanvas.ca

It seems like just yesterday I was fantasizing about turning one of Joe the Intern’s photos into a piece of wall art. Well my friends, dreams really do come true. Almost a year later, the folks over at BestCanvas.ca approached me about turning one of favorite photos into a canvas print. I knew exactly which one I would choose.

IMG_0084The  process was ridiculously simple. After consulting the minimum resolution requirements, I chose a large 40’’x30’’ portrait shaped canvas for Joe’s mug and uploaded my photo (the system lets you play around with different formats to see which works best). It was exactly what I had in mind, so I ordered it.

That’s the beauty of BestCanvas.ca — you can literally take any high resolution photo — a favorite vacation shot, a photo of your pet or even a stock image that you really love and turn it into gorgeous, personalized art. Goodbye, generic home decor. Hello, conversation starting DIY statement piece.

About two weeks later, my print arrived on my doorstep and I ripped open the packaging like a kid on Christmas morning totally normal thirty-something anxiously awaiting a large scale print of their favorite man doll.

You guys, I’m smitten. I had no idea what to expect, so I was totally floored when I saw how vivid the colors are.  It’s so bright and happy and perfect.

IMG_0081I love how large, bold art can add an instant pop to an otherwise blank space. When I move, I envision hanging this piece in my breakfast/eating area because I like the idea of looking up from my smoothie every morning and remembering that sunny day wandering around Beverly Hills. However, since I’m currently without said wall space/breakfast nook, I’ve had fun experimenting with the print in various areas of my current home. Behold the proof that a life-size print of a half-naked G.I Joe is surprisingly versatile!

ACS_0029If I’m feeling lazy or don’t have a lot of wall space to hang art, I’m fond of leaning it against walls. I love how my Joe print looks propped up on my dresser.

Although I still think a large landscape oriented (lengthwise) print would better suit the space above my bed, Joe the Intern insisted I try it in the bedroom anyways — you know, because nothing sets potential lovers at ease like a large scale photo of a plastic man with rock hard nipples the size of quarters.

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It doesn’t look terrible, but I think that I’ll stick to hanging this piece in less intimate areas. Sorry, Joe.

All in all, I really enjoyed my Bestcanvas.ca experience. The only thing I wish I’d known beforehand is that these prints are very high resolution (a good thing!) I wish I’d done a better job photo-shopping Joe before I uploaded the image because the small blemishes (ie. marks on Joe’s face) that were visible on the original showed up on the print. Just something to consider for next time.

Joe on the other hand, has no complaints.

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So, there you have it. Art dreams turned real. What photo would you like to turn into a print?

This post was brought to you by Bestcanvas.ca. I received this print free of charge in exchange for my honest assessment of the product. Thanks for supporting the branded posts that support this blog.

Skinny Dip Condoms are Here!

I’m SO SO excited about this (insert a million exclamation points!!!!!!!!!!) The project that started off as a dream (a creative vision really..) has finally come to fruition. Skinny Dip condoms are here!

Wait. WHAT?! Let’s back things up:

It all started sometime before I went to Bloggers in Sin City last year. The first conversation I had with Almie of  Apocalypstick before we met in Vegas was about the faux condom ad on my sidebar (see below).

She sent me a message that went something like this:

“OMG WHERE DID YOU GET SKINNY DIP CONDOMS MADE?!”

I had to tell her that alas, the Skinny Dip condoms weren’t a real thing, they were just a drawing that my then boyfriend had made for me while we were fooling around on the computer one night. However, after I got over the initial excitement of  “Omg, one of my favorite bloggers just emailed me!!!” I started thinking:  I’m all about playing safe. Wouldn’t it be cool to have my own branded condoms? Isn’t that like the ultimate sex and relationship blogger’s dream?! I could hand them out as business cards! I’m sure some people already think I’m totally depraved just because I write about sex, why not fuel the fire?! They would be perfect to bring to Bloggers in Sin City . Plus, I love good DIY project. Just like that time I made the Katy Perry cupcake bra, I knew I wouldn’t be able to rest until I figured out how to make this happen.

Everything came together when the fabulous folks over at Sticker You emailed me and asked if I’d be interested in receiving some free stickers of my blog logo. Suddenly I knew how I was going to make the Skinny Dip condoms! Thanks to Sticker You I’m now the proud owner of my very own blog branded condoms & now I’m ready to share how I did it.

Here’s a step by step DIY tutorial: 

1. I started with the sheet of glossy stickers Sticker You sent me. The color was vivid and they were super glossy . Perfect!

 2. The next thing I needed to do was go out and buy some condoms. I chose the Lifestyle “Natural Feeling” brand because they were on sale and have used them before and was happy with the results. While I was out shopping with my Mom I told her that I needed to make a pit stop at the drugstore to pick up the items required to finish my “art project.” Her reply:  “You’re going to have to go in alone. If you’re buying those I don’t want to be seen with you” (As much my Mom and I are alike, it’s times like this where I wonder how we are related)

(When I opened up the package I realized the condom wrappers were also Skinny Dip pink. Total coincidence.)

3. Next, I peeled off the first sticker.

4. I flipped the sticker over so the sticky side was facing me & attached the condom.

5. I grabbed another sticker and placed it on top. I gently pressed around the edges, ensuring the two stickers were attached, sealing the “condom package”

6. TA-DA!  Skinny Dip condoms for all!!!

I made 12 condom packs from four sticker sheets. I need to make at least another 50 to have enough to hand out in Vegas. So, here’s the question I never thought I’d have to ask:

Does anyone know where I can buy condoms in bulk?!

How to Survive a Breakup, Big Girl Style.

The strangest part about being someone who regularly writes about relationships is that people actually assume you know stuff about relationships. (Really, it’s like the blind leading the blind here. I thought that was painfully obvious?)

So, when someone asked me this summer “What are your tips for getting over a bad breakup?” I actually had to think about it. I tried to think back to the last time I broke up with someone (6 months before my 25th birthday) and what I had done to move forward. I had visions of dramatic hair style changes, lots of vodka, weekend benders, random make-out sessions and long days spent laying out in the sun by my apartment complex’s pool. Oh, did I mention vodka?

Now that I’m actually in this exact predicament, I still don’t have any concrete answers. In the past, the guys I dated usually did me a solid and broke up with me or made it incredibly easy for me to walk away from them by doing something horrible like sleeping with another girl or peeing in my friend’s car… or something else that was so ridiculous, so atrocious my only option was to say “I’d be fucking insane to stick around for any more of this shit!” before fleeing the scene. Until a month and a half ago, I’ve never had to break up with someone that I loved, who I had a life with for 6 years, someone who is one of the good guys. I’ve never broken up with someone not because of some horrible reason but instead, simply because I knew deep down it was the right thing to do for both of us. I’ve never had to move out of my home I built with someone else and start over. Up until about 4 years ago I had never even lived with a man. I’ve never had to do any of these things and doing it all has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.

Everything just feels different now.

I haven’t gone out and purchased manic panic hair dye, or gone on a bender where I drank so much that I’ve thrown up in my co-worker’s sink. I have no desire to do any of these things… and thank god! The cast of Jersey Shore has already fulfilled the world quota of highly functioning alcoholics with bad hair. The reason everything feels so different is because for the first time, I am experiencing the aftermath of a break-up as an actual adult.

I’m still figuring this all out but here is a short list of some things that have helped me (as told through photos of Betty Draper)

1. Let yourself feel it. If you’re feeling sad, angry, lost – allow yourself to feel whatever you’re feeling. Acknowledge it, have your moment & then move on. Everything you are feeling at this moment will in time pass.

Even Betty Draper is a hot mess sometimes.

2. Spend time with friends! This has always been a big thing for me. I’m really lucky that my best friend lives here and we’ve been able to hang out lots since I’ve been home. I honestly don’t know what I would do without her. However, a few weeks ago when she wasn’t around, I started to feel lonely. I’m actually proud of myself – instead of moping, I reached out to a bunch of people I used to go to school with. I’ve been catching up with people I haven’t hung out with in years and it’s been really great. My social life is actually quite busy right now….in my hometown…who would have thought.

Friends and booze. Let's go with that.

3. Go to counseling. I started seeing a counselor a few weeks ago and it’s SERIOUSLY THE BEST THING EVER. It’s really nice to sit down and talk to someone about your life without any judgment. My friends are wonderful but sometimes you need someone who doesn’t know you to call you on your shit. I just started going but I already feel a lot calmer.

Therapy. Luckily, times have changed and going to see a misogynist prick who tells all your secrets to your husband is no longer your only option. My therapist is nice and she's a woman.

4. Take Care of yourself. In the past I thought this just meant getting a hair-cut, a pedicure and buying a whole bunch of new underwear. Although all of those things are great and do help to a certain extent, it’s also important to do the big stuff. When I got to my Mom’s place my feet hurt, my back hurt, my teeth needed cleaning – my body was basically a mess. Now, most of my mornings start with some kind of doctor’s appointment. I’m finally doing all of those long overdue things. For the first time in a long time, my body isn’t in constant pain.

Putting on the Big Girl Panties. Conquering the world.

5. Spend time working on you. In addition to what I’ve mentioned above, I’ve also made a huge to-do list of everything I want to accomplish from now through to January. I’ve divided it into three sections body/mind, career & personal development. I’ve already crossed off a few of the items which makes me feel really good. At the end of the week instead of taking stock of everything I didn’t do, I write a list of all the good things that happened during the week. The list is always longer than I expect it will be (and no, my therapist didn’t suggest I do this – I actually came up with this on my own.)

Personal development. It's a good thing.

6. Allow yourself to do that “One Crazy Thing.” When my room-mate separated from her husband she purchased a brand new TV, another friend booked a crazy all-inclusive tropical vacation, some people get botox. I haven’t done any of these things. Since everything has happened, I’ve got a haircut and bought two shirts – things I would have done anyways. Total damage: $150 tops. Not exactly crazy. I keep waiting for my “crazy moment.” It finally happened on Friday night. I went with my parents to my Dad’s friend’s place to hang out with a couple of their old friends from university. We had BC Salmon, BC Wine and (in true BC fashion) for dessert my Dad’s friend brought out a fat joint of BC Weed.

“It’s government issued. Medical grade. Want some?”

This scenario really isn’t that unusual. Growing up, there was always someone you knew whose parents had a stash of “Dad’s Surfer Weed”. It’s practically like having a wine cellar on the West Coast. My parents both declined the joint as it was being passed around. When the joint reached me, I looked at both of my parents and said,

“What the hell!”

I inhaled deeply and after years of not doing this, it actually felt kind of nice in the moment.  To just say “fuck it” and do something anyways even if it’s a bit crazy.When we got in the car to go home, I said to my Dad:

“I know you probably didn’t want to see me do that but I’m 31 and going through big life changes…it’s about time I did something weird. Now I can say that I have”

“Are you stoned? Was the weed… uh, good?”

“I’m fine Dad. Let’s just go home”

“OK”

It's OK to go a little crazy....just maybe not this brand of crazy.

(Even though my parents didn’t indulge, I think my Dad caught a bit of a contact high. I haven’t seen him laugh like he did on Friday…in years. I think that was my favorite part of the whole night)

My life is not all sunshine & rainbows & getting massages while listening to new-age music – I’ve also had my share of moments where everything just feels uncertain. All I’m saying is that doing these things have helped me – even if it was just to be able to simultaneously add and cross off “smoke pot with my parents” to my life list.

What helps you get through a break-up?

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