Paper Crafts by Kathleen

Back in September when I was having my Surreal Week there was something I couldn’t tell you that made it soo beyond surreal in was mind blowing.

I knew my friend Linda was writing another book and it sounded pretty cool.  I didn’t really know too much about it because it was a “secret” and never wanted to ask her about it.  I did know my good buddy Glamma was involved so I was super excited for him too.  Little did I know that I, too, would be asked to contribute to this amazing project.  When I received the text from Linda saying “I want you in my book, what do you think?” I was blown away.  My answer was quick  “of course I want to be in your book”.  I was so excited I immediately instant messaged the husband saying “OMFG Linda wants me in her book.” and his reply was “Holy Fuck!”  Both of us were so excited.  Linda wanted Glamma to be in charge of the photo shoot.  The two of us began our brainstorming as we had a deadline that was quick to come upon us.

We decided my wardrobe would consist of a paper dress that I would make to wear.  We hit the thrift stores looking for a shell to attach paper too and found a navy blue slip.  We figured it would do the trick.  Next step, I needed a dress form.  Thankfully, I know an amazing seamstress.  Tricia was my maid of honor and also the creator of my wedding dress.  I remembered she used a dress form all those years ago.  I made a quick phone call to Trish and the dress form was mine to use and the excitement was starting to build.

I never use scissors. I tear paper, pictures, everything gets torn.  I’m not a fan of straight edges I would rather see something distressed or rustic.   I love the feeling of tearing stuff up.  There is an art to it ~ you can’t just tear something and hope it rips in the right direction.  You have to do it just so, so that the image you are trying to create comes across with the paper.  Certain paper tears better than others and certain paper adheres better to things.  In the making of my paper dress, a hot glue gun became my friend and my scrap box was unloaded.  Knowing my figure I had to ensure the dress would not make me look like a tank.  Glamma assured me I would look nothing shy of perfect.

The day of my photo shoot was truly a day I will never forget.  It will be etched in my brain until my dying day.  Not only was this a fantastic opportunity but it was being done with my childhood best friend.  We were giddy like school kids but, as if we could read each others minds, professional to a degree.  He had a job to do and so did I.

I desperately needed to search for my inner, camera happy diva that I wasn’t sure existed.  I hate having my picture taken.  I like taking pictures but not seeing myself on camera.  It was so strange that day, I picked Glamma up and the moment we arrived at my house we got to work.  We had to get this all done while my kids were in school.  Glamma transformed my bathroom into sheer beauty.  We discussed angles and how we both saw the outcome to ensure we were on the same page.  Once the bathroom was transformed Glamma got busy on my face.  I relaxed once the process began.  The gentle touch of the blush brush, the clamp of the lash curler and his soothing voice asking if it was feeling ok as he clamped down on my eyelashes ~ he knows I’ve flipped that fucker before so I’m a tad scared of it~ and his warm touch as he tilts my face in the direction he needs to complete his job.  I was so proud of the man he’s become, so talented, his rock star presence everywhere.  We were in this together.

My big worry throughout the morning was whether or not I would be able to get the dress on.  I figured I’d either get it on and would get stuck trying to get it off OR I’d get stuck trying to get it over my shoulders.  You don’t have 15 years of gymnastics behind you without having wide shoulders!  My shoulders did get in the way but we decided to cut the dress up the side and I’d hold it together throughout the shoot.  It worked out fine.

The shoot began and it went off without a hitch.  It was like I knew what to do.  Glamma was my perfect photographer.  I felt so at ease with him ~ and trust me wearing a hot pink corset and a g-string under that dress yeah…I wouldn’t wear that around just anyone!  He got some amazing pictures, the type you look at and think, “wow, that’s me?”

My face tends to show a lot.  I often can’t hide how I’m feeling or what I’m thinking as it reads like a book.  Glamma managed to capture a classic Kathleen look on my face when I don’t like something.  I think this was the time in the photo shoot I was suppose to take a self-portrait.

Once the pictures were taken the images were then sent off to Linda for her approval.   I was so happy when I got her email and text response saying she “fucking loved them”.

Meeting in the Ladies Room is not just about photos of women in a bathroom.  This book tell the many thoughts of how women, from all around the globe, feel about themselves and view themselves.  The mirror can reveal many things to a person, especially when you are in the bathroom, alone, staring at the image in front of you.  What do you see when you look in the mirror?  What do you think about when you are alone? What’s the best ladies room you’ve ever been in?

For me, this experience was so amazing.  I enjoyed seeing the process of how a book is created.  I enjoyed each and every email from Linda asking my artistic opinion and I gave it to her.  It was a process ~ I’ve memorized it all.  There are 68 women represented in this book.  Linda calls us “ladies” – for those who know me, I’ve never professed to be a “lady” but I’ll accept this term with this amazing compilation of women.

I haven’t revealed my pages in the book ~ you’ll just have to buy it ~ cause it’s available now!