Well, it’s just over a month since I launched the tutu beaded box tutorial as a fundraiser for the Ukraine DEC appeal. So, it feels like time for an update, don’t you think…?
(If you have no idea what I’m talking about here, then everything is explained at this link. So, check that out to get the background on the fundraiser.)
How is the tutu beaded box fundraiser going?
I am absolutely thrilled to say that we have exceeded my £1,000 target already. So, let me say a MASSIVE thank you to everyone who has purchased the tutorial and made this possible.
Donations are still coming in, and the fundraising page will remain open. So, if you feel like you want to help, or you just want to keep track of how the total is looking, use this link to visit the page.
In addition to that wonderful news, I wanted to share a couple of pictures of completed boxes made by two of the generous donors. I hope you will agree with me… These talented beaders have created amazing interpretations of the design! If you happen to be a ballet fan, then I invite you to take a guess at the inspiration behind each one.
Gina’s tutu
First up, we have this beautiful pink tutu beaded by Gina…
Now, I don’t know if Gina had any particular ballet in mind. But to me, this would be a perfectly gorgeous outfit for Princess Aurora in the ballet, The Sleeping Beauty.
For those of you who are not familiar with that one, the most famous part of it is the Rose Adagio. In that part, the ballerina playing Aurora has a fiendishly difficult dance in which she is meeting the four princes who are suitors for her hand in marriage. Of course, for anyone who does know the story of the Sleeping Beauty, Aurora doesn’t actually get to marry any of them. The wicked fairy, Carabosse’s spell takes effect and Aurora is put to sleep for 100 years. But don’t worry – she is awoken by a handsome prince and they do live happily ever after!
The traditional costume for the Rose Adagio is a pink tutu, usually decorated with pink roses. It symbolises Aurora’s youth (she is just 16), beauty and grace. I think any ballerina would be thrilled to wear a version of Gina’s beaded tutu!
Sarah’s Tutu
Next, we have this beautiful tutu, beaded by Sarah Wiegel…
Again, I don’t know about Sarah’s actual inspiration. But to me, this design would be perfect for the ballet Don Quixote.
That is another staple of the classical ballet repertoire. It is loosely based on one of the adventures of Don Quixote from Cervantes’ famous novel. Light-hearted and full of fun, this ballet is set in Spain. So, the costumes traditionally hint at classic Spanish dress. Red and black features heavily and is commonly used for the tutu worn by the heroine, Kitri.
What can you do to help?
If this has inspired you, then here are a few ways you can help.
First, if you would like to make your own tutu beaded box, use this link to donate and grab a copy of the tutorial.
Second, please share this with your beading friends. That may inspire others to join in and raise more funds to help.
And, if you have already donated, a really big thank you. Your donation will make such a difference to someone who is lost, suffering and struggling right now. Please make sure to share the tutus you make on social media and with your beading friends. Also share the link to the fundraising page. And then, hopefully, we can inspire even more beaders to get involved in this project.
Who knows, we may end up with enough tutu beaded boxes to put on our own ballet production!
