Aprilenchanted Design
Corsets, Costumes , Magick & More
 






Most recent work-2007/2008:
  • Costumer for 'Ballerina' episode of to be aired in late January 2008
  • On-set tailor on photo shoot for with the U.S. Men's Ski Team
  • Costume Mistress for the -design and creation of costumes for Medusa production, management of Nutcracker costumes on tour and local production
I am a longtime seamstress and designer and have worked as a costumer in the theatre arts since 1993.  Previous to working in theatre, I was a bead artist in Southern California.  I did this work primarily as a freelance artist but spent about a year working for Barbara Grimes clothing designer in Solana Beach that provided stage clothing for Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton and many other celebrities under her Gossamer Wings label.  During my time there I realized that I needed to learn how to sew, so that I could take on the work of designing my own garments.

In 1991, I moved to Denver, Colorado and continued doing beadwork for customers locally.  In 1992, I began a full time Professional Sewing program at the Emily Griffith Opportunity School.  In 1993, about halfway through this two year program I began an apprenticeship at the costume shop.  I spent five seasons there and loved every minute of it.  I spent one season working in the theatre costume shop at the , then moved back to California to continue my education at the in Los Angeles.  While a student there, I continued working in theatre and spent a season at the in Costa Mesa as well as doing a lot of freelance design, patternmaking and manufacturing for some small dance companies and high school marching bands.  In addition, I had the wonderful opportunity of working as a restoration assistant with , a textile restoration company in California.  While there, I worked on the restoration of several private collections and museum collections, including a 250 year old Tibetan thangka, a victorian beaded purse collection belonging to the Whittier Historic Society and the historic uniform collection belonging to the.  Though coincidental that this job came to me, it was especially meaningful because my father and grandfather are retired LAPD police officers.

Upon returning to Denver, I took a job in the automotive industry using my design and pattern drafting skills to design soft tops for Chrysler to install on their factory issued Jeeps.  I was able to hone my pattern drafting skills in a new environment and learned to use CAD tools for pattern drafting while working there.  However, the creative environment of theatre and dance was calling to me.  Since leaving that position, I have been fortunate enough to work with Opera Colorado for their debut production of Carmen at the brand new Ellie Caulkin's Opera House in the Denver Center for Performing Arts.  

I am currently offering sewing, design and patternmaking services to the general public for costumed and formal events.  I also offer my services as a freelance designer and seamstress for the Denver dance community, as well as sewing classes for adults and children.