Custom design portfolio
This page highlights one-of-of-a-kind costumes I have created for custom-design contracts and for my friends and family.
I am always looking for new sources of inspiration, so if you have a unique request, please text or call me at 616-566-2505 and let's talk!
Jesus Christ
I have started making custom-design Jesus costumes, including a replica of one from The Chosen - season 1 and a regal King Jesus costume. (The costumes are real, with AI-generated backgrounds)
Jesus Christ - "The Chosen - season 1"
Jesus Christ costume
King Jesus - initial concept photo
King Jesus - initial build (AI background)
King Jesus - AI-generated embellishment ideas
King Jesus - Final product (AI background)
Roman Centurion
I created this custom Roman Centurion ensemble to rent as an "Armor of God" costume...then my first rental customer decided to purchase it! I have ordered new helmets and plan to make more faux leather armor pieces in the future.
Roman Centurion - design photos
I used tailor's chalk and a straight edge ruler to measure out the belt & straps on the back side of black faux leather.
I cut out the straps, leaving 2" at the top to attach the belt. I stitched two layers together, adding weight & giving it a finished look.
I added studs and metal buttons to the front of the belt and five front straps.
I built the chest armor and shoulder detail as separate pieces for mix-and-match
I explored options for a neck scarf, cape attachments, trim, & adjustable side lace-ups.
The complete Roman Centurion costume included: metal helmet with plume; black faux leather 2-piece armor, studded belt, gauntlets, & shin guards; red tunic & cape
I made adult and youth versions with brown faux leather ... these were purchased as well.
Girl's dress-up
I have enjoyed creating elaborate dress-up costumes for my grand-niece. Most of these custom creations are now available for rental or purchase.
Paw Pals, Sky - pink dress, vest with wings, and bomber helmet (not available for rental)
Belle's yellow ballgown with gold florets & side lace-ups
Pink & purple princess costume with cape
Fairy costume with rosebuds (skirt available for rental)
Women's historical
In between working on shows, I develop my sewing skills by making historical and fun costumes for myself. I also participated in a couple Detroit ASG Costume Makers Group challenges. These deluxe costumes are now available for rental or purchase.
Civil War style dress - red taffeta (front)
Civil War style dress - red taffeta (back)
Overlay can be added to change the look of the skirt.
Challenge: make a western style costume using the purple satin & lace provided
Result: Satin ruffled hitch skirt and lace covered vest.
Challenge - make variation of jacket pattern using the blue material provided
I had striped material in my inventory, so made a period-appropriate vest and skirt to go with the jacket
I used on-hand material to create a Renaissance dress.
I made this mock-up skirt when designing my niece's wedding dress.
I created this classic maid costume for a murder mystery party.
Classic maid costume - at the party with my husband
Weddings & formals
I made a custom Boho-style wedding dress for my niece's lakeshore wedding and made my grand-niece's flower girl dresses for several weddings.
I mocked up a few different options before we settled on the final design.
This was my first attempt at adding scallops to the layers of the skirt.
Here are the in-process wedding dress and flower girl dress.
I sewed my niece's Boho-style wedding dress.
White lace flower girl dress; I added off-shoulder sleeves.
I re-cut the back neckline to match the bride's style.
White/burgundy flower girl dress - similar pattern
Adventureland - theater/skit costumes
- Red-and-white candy-stripe apron
- Hawaiian print smoker's jacket
- Hand-crafted cake
- Vintage "used" apron
- Hawaiian print smoker's jacket
- Hand-crafted cake/orange
- Military helmet
- Military shirt
- Star medal with photo
Two Scottish kilt sets (red and blue/green) - includes kilt, sash, and hat
French beret, glasses, and tie
Matching "bowling shirts" - burgundy and red
Shakespearian bard - velour hat, fur-lined vest, cream shirt, brown satin pants, and black boot spats