Grace's BCC entry

When I was a lot younger and just beginning to build my performance arsenal, I would often print out eBay listings for tack and prop items that I wanted to own, but could not yet afford. I stored these in a three ring binder that I jokingly called my Wish Book. I still have this book, and I enjoy flipping through the pages periodically. 

At that time, I was obsessed with Alaina Richardson's Bookshelf Barns props, and her work makes up solidly half of the Wish Book.

However, there are also a lot of listings for Native American regalia by Grace Newhouse.

And when I say a lot, I mean a lot.

Clearly, I was obsessed with her work as well.

I met Grace at last year's BreyerFest. She had a room full of 1:9 scale props, and I spent a lot of time in there, shopping and talking. We discussed all manner of things, but not regalia. I just assumed she'd moved on and was now focusing exclusively on props.

Well, I am happy to report that is not the case. Grace created a set of Crow regalia set for this year's BreyerFest Best Customs Contest, and I like it even more than all those long ago pieces. Here it is as described by Grace herself.

The Babysitter

by Grace Newhouse

Here is my BreyerFest 2023 Best Customs Contest entry in the Theme class: Meet the BABYSITTER!

This piece depicts regalia from the Crow tribe. It consists of over ten thousand beads and over one hundred bells. 

I don't normally name pieces like this, but once in a blue moon the spiritual side kicks in and you create it with that in mind. We all know or have met that special horse that truly is remarkable and is, indeed, a babysitter. I owned one myself.

I searched for years for the right, pristine white, suede type leather. I finally found it. Super thin, super supple super white. 

It is the best I have ever came across for hand sewing. It takes a needle and thread fantastically like velvet butter. I really enjoyed working with it and will continue to do so in the future. 

Check out that drape on the spear head and those tiny bells are sewn right into it. It lays super nice and fits like a glove. This suede comes from Italy and is used in the high end fashion.

Before I go, I would like to take a moment and give a huge shoutout to a couple of people. First is Dani Boiko. If it wasn't for our late night studio meetings trying to keep on track and pushing one another, we probably wouldn't have made it to the finish line. I know I wouldn't have so thank you! Next up is a WiCkEd mother/daughter duo team from Australia, Glenn and Jaime Rowlings. Glad you don't charge for hand holding and therapy. These crazy ladies are a hoot, and I cant wait to see them again, although I have a feeling their visit will require bail money. Lol.

Congratulations, Grace. It was nice to meet you last year, and I am delighted you are still making beautiful regalia.