October 31st -- Halloween, Dias de Los Muertos, Day of the Dead, Halloweenie, whatever you want to call it, is one of the best days of the year, and the funnest by far. Of course, there is no Halloween without a proper costume. And so each Halloween would begin! Ever since I can remember, my mother would begin preparation for this day at least a month in advance in search of the perfect costume costume. We'd take a trip to the Fabric Store (Pacific Fabric on Bel-Red to be exact), and I would pick out my favorite stuffed animal to join us for the trip--usually my cat (go figure) or my sand bag snake I would wear around my neck. I remember startling one of the kind old ladies at the store with my "pet," or maybe she was just playing along...actually yeah...that's probably it.
Anyway, we would then go through the ritual of going through all the different pattern books, and once a pattern was decided the fun part could begin! Choosing the fabric was always my favorite part, because I always felt that was a keystone for customization and creativity. After all fabric and patterns were purchased, we'd drive on home and I would watch as my mom began carefully cutting out the pieces, ensuring that materials weren't wasted. Sewing machines, boxes, closets full of fabric was our idea of fun :) My mother had always made me clothing when I was younger. Children would taunt and tease, and I began refusing to wear the clothes, but whenever Halloween came around, I always felt like I was on top of the world with my custom individually pearl stitched costumes, and over time the thought of my homemade clothing became overwhelming feelings appreciation and love.
As I grew up, neither my mother nor I had time for making costumes anymore. This was fine as the options were unlimited and there was ALWAYS something you could find online. But over the last couple years, I've revived that the joy in costume making! The best part! This year, after sharing my photos with how I celebrated this year, my mom said to me, "Isn't it a wonderful feeling to be able to spread happiness with your ideas and creations?" I couldn't have said it better myself. The greatest gifts are those unmeasurable but always with us. Thank you to my mother for sparking in me the joys of creativity I carry with me. Thinking of you and your beautiful creative soul from the other side of the planet :)
Here are some shots from Halloween in the JIng this year. A huge thank you to my awesome team and company #LPTech for letting me plan the Halloween Party this year at work, and to everyone who was willing to participate. Although I didn't make my costume, I did have the opportunity to unleash with face paint/ Chinese Opera Paint ;) Enjoy.
