Getting creative

Hi All,

It's been a long time since I posted here but my good excuse is that I had a busy summer full of birthday parties, farmer's markets, corporate events, community barbeques... the list goes on!

Now that the busy season is slowing down, I am feeling the pull to create outside of the box a bit. Unicorns and superheros are great fun, but I am craving challenge outside of my comfort zone.

I recently asked a friend if we could do a back painting and this is what we came up with. I was fortunate to have the wonderful Will Minsky take photos in the forest for this project and am thankful that my model braved the wet and cold to create this lovely... er... "interesting" character.

Makeup and body painting by Allyson Grant - www.gossamerdesigns.ca
Photography by Will Minsky - www.williamminsky.com

Alice in Wonderland

Last month, I had the pleasure to work with a talented and hard working cast of young performers in Abbotsford for a production of Alice in Wonderland, the Musical. Their energetic and enthusiastic production director, Mr. Paul Lilly, was a joy to work along side and gave me artistic license to create unique looks for the 4 characters I was assigned to: The March Hare, The Cheshire Cat (played by three different actors), the Dormouse and the White Rabbit.

The excitement of the students was contagious! I had a blast helping them bring their characters to life for the run of the show. And with my background and training in acting, it was a joy to be backstage at a beautiful theatre complex. Thanks to Chief Dan George Middle School for such an enriching opportunity!

I love Birthday Parties!

I did a very fun Monster themed birthday party for a 3 year old over the weekend. The kids were fantastic and loved being their characters, some of which included a butterfly, The Hulk, a few Spidermen, Batman and a Rainbow Glitter Girl... So what if they didn't all want to be Monsters?! It is such a treat to see that initial look on their face when they see what they have "become" in the mirror!

The Mom who hired me wrote me this beautiful message the next day:

Thank you so much for coming to Liams birthday party! Your face painting talents were more amazing than I had expected! And not only that, but your patient, warm and nurturing personality kept the kids engaged and comfortable.

I have kept your business card in hopes of having you visit future birthday parties! I also handed out your card to each parent because they were ALL interested in having you at their parties as well.

I cannot thank you enough. You made Liam's bday party a success!