My role for the show was that of makeup artist. I hope you enjoy a few shots of some of the models I worked with.

Model Lauren Kamp wearing Renate’s creation. Jewelry by Jamieson Diemer.

Another shot of Lauren with Renate’s outfit, complete with the jacket. Photo by Tim Roth.

Above two designers / models unknown.

Earlier this month I was privileged to attend the annual Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden. Just as captivating as the orchids were all of the other tropical plants in the Haupt Conservatory. I’m so happy to share the photos – enjoy the specimens!

1. Gather your materials. For this project you will need:

- eyeshadows or pigments of your choice, either pressed, loose, or both

- rubbing alcohol (preferably in a spray bottle)

- a small pot or container for finished eyeshadow*

- a small bowl in which to mix shadows

- a small spoon

- a few q-tips

- a small piece of fabric

- a small disk slightly smaller than the pot for the finished eyeshadow**

- a flat but textured object (optional)

*In this case I found a pillbox with a removable insert, but one could easily re-use the container the loose eyeshadow was in.

**Most pots for eyeshadows are smaller than the one I used, in which case a quarter would work well. I used the lid to a film canister.

2. Pour any loose powders into the small mixing bowl.

3. If it’s not already broken, use the end of your small spoon to break up the pressed powder.

4. After removing any applicators from the case (you don’t want them falling into the bowl), empty the crushed pressed powder into the bowl.

5. Use the spoon to stir up the powder. Use the bottom of the spoon to break up any remaining chunks. The result should be all powder, no chunks.

6. Spray a small amount of rubbing alcohol into the bowl. You want the powder become moistened, not soaked. In this case I used 6 sprays, but you may need more or less depending on how much powder you are working with.

7. Use the q-tip to mix the powder, making sure that it is thoroughly wetted. The consistency should be like that of uncooked pie crust – crumbly, but will hold together. If you need to, add more rubbing alcohol. If your mix is too wet, you can still work with it. You will just have to wait longer for your eyeshadow to dry.

8. Using the q-tip, scrape the eyeshadow out of the bowl and into your new pot.

9. Again using the q-tip, gently press the powder evenly into the bottom of the pot.

10. Lay your fabric over the pot, and place the small disc on top of that.

11. Using gentle, firm pressure, press the disc down into the pot. Make sure to press evenly and cover the whole surface. Press around the edges if you have to.

12. You will be able to see the moisture picked up by the fabric. If your powder is especially moist, repeat step 11 using a fresh section of the fabric. At this point, you could be finished, but if you want to add optional texture follow below.

13. Lay your textured object gently on top of the eyeshadow pot.

14. Using your fingers, gently press the object into the surface of the eyeshadow. You do not need to press very hard, just enough to embed the pattern into the surface. Pressing too hard will cause some of the shadow to be broken up and lifted when you remove the textured object. Carefully remove the textured object.

15. When you remove the object, you will see a subtle pattern on the surface of the eyeshadow. It reminds me of an ancient, worn coin.

16. If you have a case for your eyeshadow, insert it now.

Now you have a beautiful eyeshadow with your personal touch on it. If making custom eyeshadows as gifts, you can buy pigments of all varieties, as well as cute little pots. Check online. Enjoy!

 Yes, this one is not of a mermaid, but aren’t the scales on that dress fabulous?

 The Mermaid Studio is an online shop that sells anything having to do with mermaids, from artwork to jewelry to home decor and tchotchkes.

Personally I think the more ephemeral photos showcase these lashes better than the pin-up type model, but c’est la vie, and to each her own. Check out more options at the website of the lash creators – PAPERSELF.

Chanel “Shade Parade”

This image of fleas in costume was in The Seattle Times in 1919, more recently reproduced in 2000 in Kate C. Duncan’s book 1001 Curious Things.

Above eggs and how to video by the Nest at Windy Corner. Visit their etsy shop!