I was quite young when my fascination
and love for the Wizard Of Oz, and morely so, those ruby slippers, evolved.
I don't know how many times I have tried to re-create them when I was younger.
I remember going to the Smithsonian when I was 12 years old. I didn't
even know the real ruby
slippers where there. I am sure that many
of you can imagine what I felt when I saw them! So, I took a pic. I was
afraid the pic wouldn't come out good since the flash went off. But the
pic came out pretty good. As I grew older, memories seemed to have
faded...but then the internet came and so many things I had as child came
back to life...including those shoes. So now, as an adult... somewhat older
and not-so-much wiser, the childhood dream of getting a pair of those shoes
is going to be a very real reality. I have seen many of the ruby
slippers that many of you made...they are all so beautiful.
Of course, I wanted to make a pair in my
size to wear, but I thought the task would be too great, so I wrote to
Jack Townsend and he made a pair for me. But later, I decided that I still
wanted the experience of making a pair. So I found a pair of shoes
the right shape, not a size 5.... almost my size, but snug. They would
have to do for my first pair. I looked everywhere online that I could think
of for sequins. I didn't find anything even resembling the actual sequins
used, so eventually went to a craft store and ended up with the metallic
red sequins. Again, they would have to do for my first pair. Then
I would have to find the jewels and something to make the bows out of.
The jewels weren't exactly up to par with the originals, but they would
still look nice and serve their purpose. It took me just 4 days to make
this first pair and I think for what they are, they came out rather well.
I have since decided to start on my second pair and I want to make them
as close to the originals as I can, since I feel the first pair is far
from it. I am sure that it will take longer to make my second pair as I
think I am going to use a different technique and different materials than
with the first. I am sure that as soon as I am done, I will post those
photos as well.
- Kathy |
