I started all of this with a simple question: "If I were a fashion designer in the Faerie Realm, what would I design for my clients?"
Obviously, the designs would have to be elegant and fantastical, with graceful organic shapes, magical iridescent colors, maybe some crystal gems or pixie dust to add sparkle. Inspired by Nature, infused with elegant style, uniquely expressive and eye-catching.
My initial vision was of a pair of shimmering bracers, with fairy-wing shapes and iridescent colors. I liked this idea...bracers are unfortunately an underutilized accessory! They are super cool-looking, and unlike a lot of clothing options, they look great on both men and women. Why should only fictional characters get to wear awesome bracers???
Thus "DreamCuffs" were born; handmade, unique wearable art that’s armed and dangerously fabulous!
Wear them on bare arms, or over sleeves or gloves. Add some eye-catching style to your wardrobe, accessorize your favorite costumes or build a whole new outfit around them! There’s something empowering about strapping on a pair of bracers…like you can deflect any obstacles that come your way and let your Most Fantastical Self shine!
Since then, I've been letting my imagination run wild with new designs and colors and embellishments. Some are more feminine, some are more masculine, many could go either way, and they are designed with a flexible fit that works for most adults. Many of them feature UV accents that glow under blacklight. I've also got more sci-fi-themed designs, as well as more abstract geometrical styles (which I'll feature in a future post).
Whether you’re a Dreamer or a Dancer, a Performer or a Party Monster, a
Burner, a LARPer, a Raver or Cosplayer, a Crafter or Costumer or
Fearless Fashionista, adding a pair of DreamCuffs to your wardrobe will take your style to the next level.
And they're not just for costume events...wear them out clubbing! Wear them at faires, festivals, parties, on dates, etc. Wear them as you would any other accessory or beloved piece of jewelry. Wear them whenever you want to feel fabulous and fantastical!
Since I am a part of the Burning Man community, and many Burners enjoy playing with fire, I have also designed DreamCuffs to be safe to wear while fire-spinning. They are made with a leather base layer and have been fire-tested by striking
them with lit poi and running flames over them for several seconds and
they did not ignite or char. I can't guarantee that they won't catch if
you wear them while fire-spinning, and you should always have a fire
safely to assist you (of course!), but they performed well in our fire
tests.
One of the unique features of my DreamCuffs are the iridescent colors. After a lot of experimentation and exploration of various materials, I found some iridescent films that come in a variety of colors. And each color is actually several colors - as the light plays over them, the shades shift, revealing a magical spectrum of shimmering hues. Adding a layer of painted color under the film creates different effects as well. Metallic paints give the most vivid results, paler or more opaque colors create a pearlescent or opalline effect. Blending 2 or more colors creates a subtle gradient or pattern that is visible from certain angles, adding even more dynamic color play. Every pair I make surprises me with some unexpected but gorgeous color combinations that naturally coordinate with a variety of colors, so they are flexible as far as what to wear them with.
The photos don't capture the true, live effect. You have to see them in motion, in different kinds of light, to appreciate the lush depth and brilliant shifting shades.
Check out my Etsy Shop to see what I currently have available. I can also create custom color DreamCuffs just for you! Choose a design and color combination and we'll work together to make you something gorgeous to compliment your outfit or express your favorite style.
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