| My Ruby Slipper story begins in the early
1990's. I had never considered making a pair of replicas until Tod
Machin's blueprint was published in Rhys Thomas' book, "The Ruby Slippers
of Oz". That was the catalyst that started it all. I had recently
finished a scale model of Munchkinland after 18 months of work, and needed
another project.
The first hurdle was finding a pair of
shoes which were the correct shape, size, etc., something that every Slipper
Replica builder has faced. After a year of looking in thrift stores,
flea markets and numerous other places, I was driving by a yard sale, and
sitting in the middle of the yard all by themselves was a pair of red dance
pumps! The heels were perfect, but I had to build up the sides of
the shoes with a stiffening material, which I then covered with red fabric.
Next, I was able to locate a bead shop that special ordered a spool of
red sequins, which were already strung. (I have since made 3 other pairs
of slippers, and still have sequins left!) I found the rhinestones,
gemstones and bugle beads at a craft store.
I cut the bows out of a plastic laundry
detergent bottle, since the slightly curved shape of the bottle lent itself
perfectly to the shape of the bows. I covered these with the same
red fabric which was used on the reconstructed
areas of the shoes. Each shoe was
hand-lined with beige kid-leather. (On subsequent pairs of replicas, I
had to grind down the heels to the correct size, and do extensive building-up
to obtain the correct look and shape for the shoes.)
The sequins were cut in strands of varying
lengths, then I secured the strings under the last sequin on the top of
each strand with craft glue. These strands were then applied to the
shoes one-by-one, slightly overlapping each row. I did the toe area
of each shoe first, then worked towards the
back of each shoe. These strands hung
over the bottom edge of the shoes, so the sequins had to be pulled off
a strand at a time until the last sequin lined up with the sole.
The resulting empty threads were cut to 1/4", then
tucked and glued under the sole.
The final strand of sequins was then added to the top edge of each shoe.
Finally, the completed bows were attached using double-sided tape.
I have estimated the time needed to construct
these shoes at approx. 70 hours. I have now "retired" from the slipper
replica business after making four pairs. Anyone who has made pair
of replicas can understand why!
The replica of the Witch's broom was made
for a friend who is a well-known member of the Oz community, and has portrayed
the Wicked Witch on stage and at Oz festivals. It added a frighteningly
realistic finishing touch to the costume and makeup.
- Stephen |
