Invoking the Goddess

Pin up

2010-11-20T17:10:00.003-06:00

Rockabilly Pin-Up Queen is completed!!

2010-11-19T14:19:00.000-06:00

New Design !!

An homage to Pin-Up Girls, Rockabilly Queens and Roller Derby Dames!

This designs features 3 interchangeable skirts!

VINTAGE 80'S MCDONALD'S COMMERCIAL FRENCY FRY LOVERS WITH FRY GUYS

2010-11-08T11:57:00.000-06:00

Because I Can!

2010-11-08T11:56:00.002-06:00

Linings are a necessary part of a costume so why shouldn't they get some attention too!

Fry Guys are Awesome!

Fire Tribaret

2010-11-07T10:12:00.000-06:00

Custom Design Tribaret for a local Fire Dancer

Idle Hands

2010-11-06T10:25:00.001-05:00

I am starting to feel like I have MCP....multiple costuming personalities. I have always had a self enforced rule that I work on only one design at a time. The only problem is I hate rules...and have a tendency to break them. I also have a tendency to not finish something I start. I am horribly inflicted with "Magpie Syndrome"...Easily distracted by shiny objects...ergo the rule!

I have 3 costumes on the go right now and each one has a different personality.

The first costume I started is a design I have been percolating for some time. I have always loved the "Rockabilly" or Pin-up style and I found the perfect fabric to emulate this look. I had finished "The Green-Eyed Monster" on October 4th and was slated to have surgery on my hand for Carpal Tunnel on Oct.12th....ample time to start a costume! I began the construction of the base prior to surgery and continue with the decorating after. Good Plan. About 6 days post surgery, I was itching (literally and figuratively) to start the decorating. When I looked at my stash of stones, I realized that I did not have enough of the color I wanted for the design. I put in my order and waited....in the meantime, I was able to work on the beading around the edges...tedious work and not nearly as satisfying as placing the stones but...a necessary evil! A trip to the fabric store (always a happy day for me!) was next to find the lining...I had a definite pattern in mind and found it immediately. That should of been the end of my trip but it wasn't...It never IS. I had to wander over to the "Fancy Stretch Fabric" section. OF COURSE I found a fabric that I just HAD to have. There it was...my next design. Inspiration had hit. I finished the edging of the Pin-up design and still had not received the stones in the mail. I was left with nothing to do...that's not a good thing! This is where I HAD to break my rule. It was for my own sanity! What's that saying "Idle hands...something something something"...whatever it is...I knew idle hands are NOT good so I began my second design. A vintage inspired design. Very Hollywood.

Now this is where it gets confusing. I had a previous custom order in early Fall for a local dancer. I gathered supplies and was set to begin when communication stopped. I was set to have my surgery and didn't pursue the order at the time. I was working on "Vintage" when my stones arrived! Yippee! I decided to go back to "Pin-up" and work on the much more satisfying placing of stones. Things were moving smoothly along with "Pin-up" when I received an email from "Local Dancer", re-establishing the custom order...Enter design number 3...Custom order Tribaret Bra.

I didn't just break my rule, I kicked the c@$p out of it!

At a time when I am "supposed" to be taking a break to heal from my surgery...Carpal Tunnel...Right Hand...supposed to be taking it easy...

My head is swirling but I just keep thinking "Idle Hands...something something something"....

monster madness

2010-10-04T19:09:00.000-05:00

Here are the complete photos of the monster!

Arrival of the Green Eyed Monster

2010-10-03T19:29:00.001-05:00

I have created a monster...well, probably more than one but this one is up for grabs!! I felt I needed to make a curvy girl costume...this one is a fabulous DD

This design started with a fantastic hematite/emerald green/silverish grey organic tie dye stripe...how's that for a description! I saw it and was instantly in lust! I had to take it home...where I proceeded to pair it with the coolest green glass cabochons with a hematite/reflective coating. Organic, Earthy, Alien...the first thing that occurred to me is the green cabochons reminded me of alien eyes...it very quickly became apparent that this costume was going to be labeled 'The Green-eyed Monster"

The costume is nearing completion...
the Necklace

And I have found the most perfect lining fabric for the bra and belt

More photos to follow!!

it's the little things

2010-10-01T17:50:00.002-05:00

Instincts are everything...

When I looked at these photos, I felt that there was still something missing

before

I decided to add some green fringe to balance out the green

after

Belt before green fringe

Belt after

I'm much happier now

I have been known to put a couple of hours into a design only to have that gut feeling that it just wasn't quite right and proceed to tear out hours of work and start again...

I have learned to try to listen (very quickly) to my instincts...saves a lot of time in the end!

More Monster Progress

2010-09-23T15:25:00.001-05:00

Without Fringe and Rhinestones added

Strap

Scalpels and Monsters

2010-09-19T18:20:00.001-05:00

I have an official date for my Carpal Tunnel Surgery...at long last...it's only been causing me pain and discomfort for only 14 years....

With 23 days to go before my surgery, what do I do?? Start a new costume with one already on the mannequin waiting for approval from my client. I might as well go out in a blaze of glory!

I am crazy about the colors of this fabric that I found and I just had to do something with it quick~ Paired with the most fantastic stones...I am calling this one

"The Green Eyed Monster"

Stay tuned! This one is unfolding at warp speed!!

a little somethin' somethin' for myself

2010-09-01T16:51:00.000-05:00

I am in between costume projects right now (waiting for supplies to come in) so I decided to dig out some turquoise stones that I have had in my stockpile for a long time. I have always wanted to make something special for myself and I decided on a collar style beaded necklace. I paired my stones with various copper, gold brown and turquoise beads.
Here is a picture of my progress so far.

I have to bead around the edges of the collar and attach it to a necklace and will soon have a new sparklie to wear!

Operation Fitness

2010-08-17T13:07:00.000-05:00

Deadlines make the fingers go faster... My sewing needles were flying this week to get "operation fitness" complete well before my client's deadline. There is nothing like the pressure of not having a costume to add to the stress of pre-competition. There were only a few construction differences.I usually make a strap with NO stretch, but my client and I felt that it would be better to have a little stretch to accommodate for the aerobic/gymnastic movements.

I just have to go on the record saying the I HATE GLITTERDOT. It's a B*%$H to sew with...ok....I now have that out of my system. I would much prefer not ever having to use it again

Here are the photo's of the completed costume

warp speed ahead

2010-08-13T01:44:00.000-05:00

I worked my fingers to the bone today and managed to construct the bra...schedule in a fitting and cover the bra base...not bad for a day's work.

Adventures in Costumes

2010-08-12T20:46:00.001-05:00

Next on the docket is a costume for a local Fitness competitor. This is the 2nd costume I will have designed for a Fitness/Body Building competition. A friend of mine 'scratched my back' by appearing in a performance of mine for a Themed show called "If Elvis Could Bellydance". I was "Elvira Mistress of the Dark and he was one of the "Hunky Eye Candy" that carried me on to stage...

I scratched his back by letting him use the costume for a Bodybuilding Performance. I was thrilled to have been able to help him out!

I received an email a few days ago from a local competitor who will be competing in Nationals in Toronto and is in dire need of a costume....I couldn't pass up this chance. I am under the gun as far as time is concerned but I think I work better under pressure!

Here is a picture of the raw materials....tune in to see what becomes of it!

nearing the end

2010-08-11T18:03:00.001-05:00

I have come to the end of the line with my camo-floral. It feels complete....so therefore...it is.

other than a few customizing tasks when the costume finds it's dancer, that is...

Complete Costume with skirt, belt, bra, necklace 1 upper arm flower,2 wrist flowers and 1 hair flower

Extra long neck straps for the bra that can be shortened to a halter style or adjusted for a standard over the shoulder strap

The belt is constructed in 2 pieces to be very adjustable for sizing

Belt shown in 1 piece

The "accouterments" various body flowers!

Custom matching necklace

Lined bra

Inspiration

2010-07-27T13:05:00.000-05:00

I stumbled across this amazing fabric while shopping in Kenora, Ont. Could this be the next design??

The glass stones were from a previous shopping trip and they are meant for this fabric!!

but then again....

I found this fabric a couple of weeks ago.

Shredded Animal Print

What's a girl to do?!

quick update on Camo-floral progress

2010-07-26T17:25:00.000-05:00

Work continues!

I have almost finished beading the belt...one more flower....and then some drapy fringe and it will be done. I will start to work on the 'extras' like armbands and such and should be finished by the last sunset on the lake.

here are some updated pics!

Gothic Red Complete

2010-07-19T18:16:00.000-05:00

Here are the complete photo's of the Gothic Red Belt

Camo-floral

2010-07-19T16:05:00.000-05:00

After completing the Gothic Red Belt, I am now free to continue work on my "camo-floral" design.

here is a closeup of another applique for the belt.

When I covered the bra with the fabric, I was able to place the fabric just so, in order to hilight the flowers that I wanted, unfortunately, this wasn't possible with the belt and I'm forced to make appliques and attach them.

Gothic Red addition

2010-07-19T15:56:00.000-05:00

I have been keeping myself busy this summer with a custom order belt for a costume I created a few years ago. A lovely Canadian Dancer living in New Zealand purchased the costume sometime in 2006 (if I recall correctly).
I was very great-full that she sent a photo of her in the costume...I always love seeing my designs in action!

I was surprised this spring when I received an e-mail from her asking if I would be able to create a belt to match so that she could wear the costume with different skirts/harem pants etc. I still had leftover fabric and beads and was delighted to take on the task!

I was thrilled when she was able to email me with a sketch, including measurements of what she wanted but also gave me creative licence to 'tweak' the design. Collaboration always makes for the best outcome!

Here is my sketch of the belt.

I was given the go-a-head and I set to work right away!

This belt will be a 2 piece belt with a lace up on either side.

Close-up of the back of the belt

Before adding the looped fringe

Close-up of the beadwork

It came time to line the belt and I just couldn't resist this fabric!! The dancer, being a Canadian living away from 'home', I thought, will be able to appreciate having the Canadian Flag lining her belt!

The belt is almost complete. I will be adding an attached 'skirt' of the same black mesh that is on the skirt.

a work in progress

2010-06-21T13:18:00.003-05:00

I have been working on a new design...this one is definitely going to be a labor of love. I found this fantastic camouflage colored floral print. Shades of khaki, lemon, chartreuse, and hematite....how could I pass it up!!

I decided to do a simple design and just enhance the fabric by matching the beads and bringing out the pattern. The bead work is very labor intensive but I am very happy with the progression. I have finished the bra and am working on a belt....something I very rarely make...belts...I'm not too sure why...I guess I personally just prefer a beaded skirt....easy on...easy off. Less chances for costume malfunctions. anyhoo....I digress....back to the belt. I am cutting out the flowers from the fabric and making appliqués to put on the belt...I was able to 'place' the flowers where I wanted them for the bra but was unable to find the perfect alignment of flowers that I wanted to enhance for the belt. Lots of work...but I think it's worth it.

Here are a couple of pictures of the work in progress.

Here is a picture of the bead selection

Close ups of the bead work

In progress

Close to finished...I have since asymmetrical added beaded strands

Appliques prepped for beading

Belt Progress

Fabric store finds

2010-04-29T13:00:00.000-05:00

They just followed me home from the fabric store...

Lucy's Chocolate Factory

Lady Bugs

Fries with that??

Inspiration

2010-04-29T12:54:00.000-05:00

It is a cold cloudy day. I went fabric shopping last night....yup, you guessed it! I'm going to park my butt at my sewing machine all afternoon...I pray to the sewing needle gods that it will be a productive afternoon.

Autumn Tribaret for sale on etsy!

2010-04-17T14:28:00.002-05:00

http://www.etsy.com/listing/44986271/autumn-tribaret-bellydance-1-of-a-kind-o

Autumn Tribaret is complete!!

2010-04-17T14:04:00.000-05:00

Here it is! A long time in the works but it is now finished! Inspired by the colors of the fall...

Autumn Tribaret

Lucy's Chocolate Factory

2010-04-16T10:57:00.000-05:00

I was out fabric shopping the other day and found the cutest fabric for lining the bra of my current project.

Lucy's Chocolate Factory

I have made a lot of progress on the "Autumn Leaves" costume and finished lining the bra this morning. There is nothing more satisfying then a beautifully lined dance bra. It makes me very happy. I just love everything about it....even down to the little stitches. Yes, it's a sickness...there should be a 12 step program out there for people like me.

Absolutely Divine

2010-04-13T19:39:00.000-05:00

I was just sent some photos of the beautiful Anya of Edmonton in my "Into the Wild" costume and I just HAD to share them! Such a beautiful dancer!
You can find Anya on the web at www.edmontonbellydance.com/ and http://bellybellyyeah.blogspot.com/

Facebook

2010-04-08T17:47:00.000-05:00

Just one more on a long list of things to update! New Facebook fan page!! check it out

Invoke the Goddess Designs on Facebook

Absence make the heart grow fonder

2010-04-08T10:32:00.000-05:00

I had started on this project in the late summer. I was so inspired by the colors of this fabric. It looked very organic to me and reminded me of the colors and texture of leaves. I started off like gangbusters...progressed to 3/4 of the way through the costume and then hit a brick wall. I wrestled with it for a few weeks...many times I felt like ripping half the beading out and starting again but...thankfully...didn't. I decided to walk away from it for a while and put it in a storage bin until I decided where to go with it. I will be taking a "forced" break from costumes for a short time due to Severe Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and I wanted to tie up all loose ends. I hate having things hanging over my head. I brought it out of storage about a week ago and have been scrutinizing it ever since. Absence does really make the heart grow fonder. My husband even commented on how 'different' and impressive (his words) it looks now that he hasn't see it in a while. I am still struck by the beauty of the colors and am happy with the mix of beads that I have chosen to pair with it. I had found these amazing Bloodstone pendants that I wanted to use. I love the red veins in the stone.

When I found this fabric, they had a bolt in red and green...I love them both so I had to buy them. I couldn't decide which fabric went better with the stones and beads that I had chosen...so I decided to use both fabrics together. I rarely combine fabrics on a costume. I tend to like the more simple designs and think sometimes the more you add the fussier it gets, but these fabrics worked so well together, I just had to use them both.

Keep checking back to see how this one progresses!

Funky Zebra

2010-04-06T21:57:00.003-05:00

long time coming...but here it is...I'm not sure what to call this one...Funky Zebra??

I would have to say...THIS...IS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE FABRIC!

love love love the zebra twist..

New Design....long time in the works

2010-04-05T11:10:00.002-05:00

I DO have a new design finished....it's about freakin' time! I will be posting pics asap!

Carpal Tunnel Troubles

2010-04-05T11:05:00.001-05:00

The time has come...I have been dealing with Carpal Tunnel on an off for over 10 years. It was especially bad when I was hairstyling and it DID ease up since leaving the profession 3 years ago. I finally mustered up the nerve to get tested again and ...no surprise...SEVERE Carpal Tunnel Syndrome...now...I wait. I have an appointment for a surgery consultation ...in Sept...yikes. There is no way I can stop 'doing the things I do' until then. I have slowed down quite a bit. It's hard to hold a needle when you can't feel anything in your right hand. I have been keeping myself busy with cakes and cookies in the meantime.

Royal Icing Rocks!!

2009-12-02T10:42:00.000-06:00

LOVE LOVE LOVE Royal Icing!!

Here are a few of my creations!

Uninspired

2009-12-01T21:53:00.001-06:00

I have been struggling with a lack of inspiration these last 2 months. I have tried to 'push forward' and will the inspiration back but to no avail... I started a costume in late September, got about half way through and just had to walk away from it. It was literally like pulling teeth. I was so unhappy about 'having' to work on it. I decided after about a month of looking at it, that I should put it away until the inspiration hits me again...there is no joy in forcing it. Anyone who makes bellydance costumes (for money) or 'involved' crafts, knows that it certainly isn't about the money...it's the love of the art.
So...I placed it in a bin and buried deep in my storage room...I then spend a day playing with beads and fabric to see if the inspiration would hit me again....It did! THANK GOD! I was inspired by an amazing(crazy print) fabric and have been working on a new design.
I also have been taking a cake decorating course (The Wilton Method) and that could also account for being so disconnected from beads and fabric. It's hard when your time is limited, to divide it between different arts.
I have really enjoyed dabbling in butter cream and Royal Icing and since I have no costume pics, I thought I would share some of my cake/cookie creations!

Halloweenies!

2009-10-25T11:41:00.000-05:00

I just finished making costumes for my kids for Halloween. They are big fans of the

Sesame Street Yip Yip monsters...so I happily obliged!

Here is my take on the yip yip's!

Has it really been that long!

2009-10-14T22:54:00.007-05:00

Wow...How time flies!

I didn't realize that it's been that long since I have "blogged". The summer kept me very busy. I did work on a few projects over the summer, however! I made a few necklaces to sell at a "lake gift shop". I really enjoy those projects...quick and dirty...projects that can be completed in an hour or so, unlike costumes that I can be working on for sometimes 6 weeks or more!

Here are a couple of examples of this seasons "Beach Jewellery"

Convertible Necklaces that separate into a matching bracelet and anklet!

very versatile!!!

I also completed a custom order over the summer so I wasn't just parking my butt on a beach chair and soaking up what little sun we had this summer... ok so I WAS just parking my butt on a chair...but occasionally I had a needle and thread and a pile of beads beside me!

I really loved the color combination of this costume. I was given the material for the skirt and pulled the colors from that. The fabric was a small teal colored leopard print on a beige background with turquoise sewn on sequins. The client wanted to play up the teal color rather than the turquoise but I thought a combination of a teal base with a turquoise highlight would be really pretty! The client also preferred warm tones as opposed to silver or Crystal accents for the stones which worked really well with the beige background to the fabric!

I also worked on a Fix-it type of project.

I was asked to try to come up with a solution for a "cut-out gone wrong" dress.

The dress itself was beautiful but it had a diagonal cut-out that wrapped right around the body and ended up on the booty...complete butt cheek would be exposed...yikes!

I was able to pull out the "shape" of the bead work to make some appliques that would camouflage the butt area...the dancer will still have to wear appropriate undergarments but the "butt" will be much more appropriately covered!

I am also about halfway into a new design...I was inspired by fall colors..deep greens and reds....I'll try to get some picutes up soon!

Posing for Pictures...a necessary evil

2009-06-16T19:29:00.003-05:00

I am such a reluctant model...I hate my smile. I always seem to have a stupid look on my face and my husband usually bears the brunt of my frusteration. Unfortunately it is the only way to properly display a costume... so here goes...the reluctant model returns!

It's about time!!

2009-06-15T20:35:00.004-05:00

I just finished the "never ending design". It's not that it was a particularly difficult one, it's just that we had such a busy spring with home renovations. I had NO time to work on it. I am the type of person who "gets lost" when I am in a creative space and it was hard to get lost in this one. Nevertheless it is complete!

I love love love the colors of this one and if I was dancing these days, I would never let this one go! I barely have time to work, let alone dance!!

Finally some progress!

2009-05-28T14:39:00.006-05:00

This one has been torture! I have had to stop and start the creative process so many times with this costume. It has been very difficult to jump start it again. The hardest part was deciding the direction. I really wanted to emphasize the "fringy" trim...I'm lovin' the trim..and the color combination...I really don't want to "overbead" this one.

Here are a couple of sneak peek pics!

Here are a couple of newer pictures with some more outlining and draping of beads

The cutest little lobster ever!

2009-04-24T23:16:00.003-05:00

The lobster is complete!!

I couldn't find any patterns for this costume much less inspiration...what's wrong with lobsters??? Doesn't every child want to be a crustacean for Halloween??
I started with a boys pajama pattern for the pants and shirt and just "winged it" for the rest.

It all came together rather quickly.
I think my favorite part is the eyes...

My Little Lobster

2009-04-23T14:38:00.005-05:00

Some of the things that are keeping me away from Bellydance Costumes these days are "Other Dance Costumes". It is my son's first year in dance class and their recital is coming up soon. Since I am ALL ABOUT THE COSTUMES...I volunteered to make a "Lobster Costume". Yikes!!...Oh well...never backing down from a challenge, I have jumped in ...head first!
I decided to make a red shirt and pants with a lobster cape/hood...sound good??
I found a pattern for a pair of pants and t-shirt and set forth...I cut out the pattern pieces yesterday and today, I put it together....I have to say...I'm pretty proud of myself...having never actually made a t-shirt and pants (especially small size), I think I did fairly well!
I will post pics later!
I am now mulling over the hooded cape and lobster gloves....

Too bloggin' busy!

2009-04-14T16:33:00.003-05:00

I have been far to busy with home renovations to blog,chat.twitter, facebook, surf, craft, bead, sew these days.....somethings gotta give! I'm starting to go through withdrawl and it ain't pretty!

Asra's Amethyst

2009-03-24T19:09:00.006-05:00

Asra's costume is now complete! for more pics please see my website:

http://www.invokethegoddessdesigns.com/Asra's%20Amethyst.html

What's up??

2009-03-18T15:31:00.002-05:00

I have been busy working on a custom order for the lovely Asra www.asra-bellydance.com ...getting close to finishing! Yay! I will be posting pics asap!

Champagne and Pearls

2009-02-20T12:17:00.004-06:00

My newest design in the "Natural Elements" Collection is complete!

The inspiration for this design came from the fabric. I was at my local fabric store looking for another color of fabric and this color literally jumped out at me. It would not be my typical choice of color. I instantly knew I wanted it pair it with pearl and set out gathering supplies. I found the Mother of Pearl chips from my local wholesale bead supply along with the most unique (and expensive!LOL)gold lined seed bead (Picture a figure 8 with a hole in the center....) but they didn't have the color of pearls that I wanted. I found a seed bead mix at my local "Dollar Store". The problem was that there were small vials...and not very many of them. I had to travel around to 4 stores to buy up enough to do the costume. I found the pearl mixture at Walmart....only 5 packages...not enough! I visited 3 walmarts to gather enough pearls. That just part of the "labor of love"...traveling to the ends of the earth...or in this case...4 dollar stores and 3 walmarts to be able to materialize the vision that is in my head. I am very pleased with the outcome of this design....well worth the gas to run around the city!

Champagne and Pearls

2009-02-09T13:20:00.005-06:00

Here are some more pics of the new design. I am close to finishing the bra and about 3/4 of the way finished with the skirt. I love the weight and feel of the beadwork on this one.

Progress

2009-02-07T15:03:00.007-06:00

Here is a little sneak peek

This one is called: Champagne and Pearls

Here is a little glimpse into my "inspiration" and "temptation". If I had the space, I would have this many bolts of fabric in my basement....thank god that I don't!

Inspiration

2009-01-20T15:20:00.003-06:00

After finishing a costume, I always say that I need a break...I'm not going to rush into another costume right away. I feel somewhat depleted, creatively. I try to use this "in between" time to make some jewelry, or clean out my sewing room....then it starts....I see a bead or fabric that captures my imagination and off I go. Right smack dab into the next costume. This pile of "stuff" is what is inspiring me...or should I say obsessing over!

Into the Wild

2009-01-12T18:11:00.006-06:00

The new design has officially been unveiled!

Here it is

I am proud to say that this costume is sold and will be staying in Canada!

Funny Blog

2009-01-08T10:25:00.004-06:00

Check out this funny photo blog

http://www.omnomnomnom.com/

Love this concept...just had to go through my photo's to see if I had any OM NOM's

this is what I came up with

A shameless plug

2009-01-06T13:29:00.004-06:00

I'm not usually about this kinda thing but what the heck...isn't that really what a blog is about anyway! LOL

I recently listed some new items on the "Dreaded Ebay" I despise ebay but have some jewelry lying around that I made in the summertime and I am too "set in my ways" to figure out etsy...I guess I'm going to have to do it one of these days...but for now I'll use ebay....anyhow...

Sitting on the beach at West Hawk Lake this summer I kept looking at the rocks that I habitually pick up (and have always done so...Even as a little girl). The colors and shapes always intrigue me so I tried to come up with a way to "use" the rocks that I keep collecting. What I was able to do was use a beading technique to make a pendant out of the rocks.
Here is an example of one of the rocks I have made.

Amethyst and Hematite

One of the Gift Boutiques in West Hawk were graciously displaying them for me and people seemed to be interested in jewelry made from local items.

I have some of these necklaces left from the summer and though I would see if anyone would be interested on ebay.

Please feel free to check them out or just leave me a comment on what you think! I am eager to hear feedback! I need to know whether I need to start a stockpile for next summer!

If you saw jewelry being made from rocks at your favorite beach...would you buy it?

Here is the link

http://shop.ebay.ca/merchant/invokethegoddess_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_mdoZ

Connecting the Dots

2009-01-05T12:41:00.003-06:00

I think that some people aren't connecting the dots in regards to the identity of the person involved in scamming on eBay and Bhuz. If anyone has ANY doubt...Please contact me. I will be glad to give some clarity on the subject. I see that this person has been active again on Bhuz and I would like anyone who has contact with this vendor to know what kind of unethical business practices this person engages in. I would never tell anyone NOT to do business with this person, but I would like to aid in making an informed decision.
email me at info@invokethegoddessdesigns.com if you have any questions!

Sneak Peek

2009-01-04T13:41:00.003-06:00

Here is the sneak peak for the new design...Now that the holidays are finished, I can concentrate on finishing it.

I Spy with my little eye

2009-01-04T13:31:00.005-06:00

...something that is Swarovski Heliotrope 27x17mm.
Spotted on a recent New Design post on Bhuz.... at least they have been paid for now. Still doesn't make up for the attempt at theft.

Another little tidbit of info I found searching around...this "person responsible" was already in trouble with the dancers on Bhuz for posting a Gallery of stolen pics advertising costume designs on her website. Not cool!

Procrastination

2008-12-28T22:45:00.005-06:00

I have been working on a new design but with the holidays here, I seem to be procrastinating....Allot.
I am close to finishing it but can't seem to "re-start" the creative juices when I have to put it aside for a few days. I have such an obsessive personality that if I start something, I HAVE to keep going until it's done. If I have to step away (which happens allot when you have 3 children), I seem to lose interest. I had hoped to have it finished before Christmas but I really didn't want to rush this one. I have been wanting to engage my "Animal Instincts" for a while now and have been hoarding the perfect fabric. I am in a very "chunky" beaded, minimalistic faze in my designs right now and thought it would be the perfect time to 'take a walk on the wild side'. As soon as I dig my camera out and clear off all of the Christmas pictures, I take a sneak peek pic.

Here to stay

2008-12-28T22:24:00.004-06:00

I had some doubt on whether or not I should remove the post regarding "Fraud in Israel" from my blog. I have had great support from the "community" who would benefit from this information and I have decided that I will NOT remove it. I believe that I have supplied information in the most 'delicate' way that I can. All of the links I have provided are public domain. EBay and Pay pal seem to be doing nothing to protect us so we have to do what ever it takes to prevent 'these people' from engaging in in this kind of fraud.
As my grandmother used to say "Hell slap it into you"
or in other words...Karma is a bitch!

Request to Remove previous Post

2008-12-23T15:32:00.007-06:00

I recieved a request to remove the previous post...

Hello.
Can you please remove you post from blog where you posting my personal information and calling me scamer?As I explained - this is issue with PayPal. I refunded or sent items back to all sellers that lost money from PP reverses.For th efuture - scamers not order items to his real address and answer from real email and so on.... This is real exident...Hope will understand me, best regards.

Not sure how I feel about it.
If I remove the post and someone else from the Bhuz or Ebay community falls into the same trap, I would feel horrible.
One thing to think about...If I remove the post, people will WANT to see it more. It would draw more attention to it...the opposite of what the 'person responsible' wants...
What to do...What to do...

Fraud in Israel...What a tangled web we weave

2008-12-22T16:49:00.011-06:00

Alright...here is the scoop...I recieved and order on my eBay store for Swarovski Stones...lots of them...80 to be exact. I recieved the payment right away...packed everything up and shipped it 2 days later...the next day recieved this message from paypal.

Dear shauna clarke,It has come to our attention that you may be the recipient of potentially unauthorized funds. We have initiated an investigation into this event. In the meantime, we have placed a temporary hold on the funds in question until the investigation is complete. This temporary hold will show as a deduction in your available balance. In the meantime, you are free to continue transacting using your PayPal account.-----------------------------------Transaction Details-----------------------------------Transaction Date: Jul. 27, 2008 16:28:39 CDTTransaction Amount: $267.22 USDPayor's Email: linimonerg@gmail.com

I tried contacting Paypal and the buyer...no luck

Just recently I noticed a post on Bhuz regarding fraud on a Bella costume sold on eBay and the address was in Israel.

We cross checked the addresses and lo and behold...same address...just a few spelling differences and dashes added...

Here is the address:

Dmitriy Pauluchenko

Ainshtein 85/1

Haifa, _

34602

Israel

We started exchanging information and digging around...we linked some of the information we had with info on the net (cyber geeky bellydancers rock!!) and this is what we came up with.

First off ...the email address from correspondence with the buyer was

elordik@gmail.com
and the user Id used in my situation on eBay was horsekovaleva (no longer a registered user)
http://feedback.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&userid=horsekovaleva&ftab=AllFeedback&myworld=true&seeallfeedback=See%20All%20Feedback
If you check out the feedback and what they were purchasing (you have to check what kinds of objects the sellers were selling because the feedback is too old) you will see coins and currency...some hot fix swarovski stuff
The ebay user Id for the "Bella Scam" was
"shimonadal" here is there feedback profile (no longer a registered user)
http://feedback.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&userid=shimonadal&ftab=AllFeedback&myworld=true&seeallfeedback=See%20All%20Feedback

again you see coins, currency and swarovski stones
I contacted 5 sellers on this list and 2 out of the 5 had chargebacks on their accounts.
Here is 'lordik's' feedback profile again...not a registered user
http://feedback.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&userid=elordik&ftab=AllFeedback&myworld=true&seeallfeedback=See%20All%20Feedback

By the feedback...clear evidence of a scam...items purchased...costuming supplies...feathers, swarovski stones...

OK...now for the clinchers!

The key piece of info in searching this person is the Name "lordik" and the name Dmitiry.

Search "lordik" on Youtube and you come up with this

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=lordik&search_type=&aq=f

scroll down a couple to see a link to the "bellydance world"

This is the most important part for those of you who are on BHUZ

Then check this out...when you search out the domain info...it links you back to the Name in the Mailing Address and an email address lordik@gmail.com coincidence...I don't think so.

http://www.whois-search.ru/domain/all/asc/20/1/BDDESIGN.html

Note the Website

Ok...now go to google and search "lordik"+ebay and you get this

http://www.google.com/search?q=%22lordik%22%2Bebay&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7SUNA

the first link is to an ebay forum "Looking for tool that will allow me copy other sellers listings :):

even the others participating on the thread think that this is kinda "hinkey"
From what I can understand..."lordik" is looking for an easy way to copy listings from one ebay user account to another user account....MPD...multiple profile disorder...to many ebay accounts and wants an EASIER way to scam people!

Some other tidbits of info in the "google" search is a currency forum...http://www.talkgold.com/forum/r67461-.html the status of the "user" is Banned...I wonder why?

Here is some info on a free-lance design website with"lordik" putting a call out for work done for ebay and bddesign.ru
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&u=http://www.free-lance.ru/users/Lordik&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=1&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3D%2522lordik%2522%252Bdmitriy%26hl%3Den%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox%26rlz%3D1I7SUNA%26sa%3DN

I don't know....what more would anyone need ...

I WILL say that I sent an email to all of the address I had, giving some of the information I had connecting the dots and they responded within 24 hours, offering to pay me my money...saying it was a misunderstanding. In my email to them I said "You are responsible for defrauding me out of $260.00 US dollars and I would like my money returned to me within 48 hours . It would be in your best business interest if you returned my money to me. I would very much like to let people know on Bhuz and eBay that there was a misunderstanding and that the person who has my product made things right by paying me what I am owed."
To my surprise...they sent the money the next day.

In the end...I guess it pays to never give up! I got NO HELP from paypal and ebay. They seem to want to just overlook this scam.
It is a very sad day when a couple of Bellydancers can, through emails, uncover a sizeable internet/creditcard scam out of Israel that paypal and eBay CAN'T OR WON'T detect....

'lordik" messed with the wrong bellydancers this time!!

Lessons Learned from Paypal

2008-12-22T16:45:00.005-06:00

OK...here is what I have learned regarding Paypal and Fraud

-Do NOT use paypal unless ABSOLUTELY necessary!!!!!
-If you do use paypal....do NOT ship to an unconfirmed address.
-If you have a confirmed address BUT you do not ship (from Canada) via Expedited Parcel...you will not be covered. Expedited Parcel is the ONLY shipping service from Canada that has an online tracking service.

In the end Paypal Sucks!!! Western Union Rocks!!!

I messed up

2008-12-22T10:14:00.001-06:00

Sorry ...I messed up....I downgraded my website account and lost my blog. I will try to repost the info regarding the scam asap!!