Niki Iro Jean Chicago Visit: At Home Making All American Chocolate Chip Cookies

We had an awesome time when the Television show from Japan visited our home in Chicago.

Welcome Niji Iro Jean! 

This colorful dogs caretakers filmed a fin experience. My nerves were a wreck. I am grateful smell-o-vision doesn't exist. The magic of TV. We enjoyed a full day, nearly 8 hours with this crew. Which turned into 12 mins of tv action.

Camera man waiting patiently for our Chocolate Chip Cookies. And baby girl also waiting patiently.

Niki Iro Jean and Chocolate Cookies, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

Coming back from introducing the boys - when they still roomed together. Younger son snuck down the stairs cutting off the camera man. Moments when I felt our home was too small, I remembered the size of things over seas.


Niki Iro Jean and Chocolate Cookies, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

Our translator and behind the scenes photographer took candids throughout the day... as did mom, thus the blog and our keepsake book. 

Niki Iro Jean and Chocolate Cookies, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

Mom and baby girl, resting between takes. Look at that happiness on dad in the background. That was his way of showing how much fun having a full day of taping was making him feel. I wish I took the photo of him throwing his feet up on the couch as soon as they left. 



Niki Iro Jean and Chocolate Cookies, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

After the visit. We received a gift from Niji Iro Jean straight from Japan. These are designed as the size of placemats. Spray starched and pressed as a placemat. When I washed it the material shrunk down into a hand towel. We still use and love these today. 


Niki Iro Jean and Chocolate Cookies, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

A great unique experience!  See the arrival photos. And how we made cookies.
See all the posts here under the label "Niji Iro Jean." 

Happy and Safe Travels!

Niji Iro Jean Chicago Visit: Picking out our Christmas Tree, December 1st

As many of us have done time and time again, we prepared to purchase our Annual Christmas Tree. We prefer a frasier fir. My father and grandmother always get this style tree because they said it reminds them of their childhoods in Poland. So I continue that tradition.

When the crew arrived they were all giddy and excited to start filming and exploring the lot themselves.


Niji Iro Jean Chicago Visit, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

In between shots, and set ups, they played with the kids running around. Of course we were stressed since the lot is near a busy street. But the crew - and the kids - enjoyed the chase.


Niji Iro Jean Chicago Visit, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.



Niji Iro Jean Chicago Visit, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

This moment is one of my favorites of Jean and Dad. This is the moment, my husband realized, he is Talking to a Puppet! 

Of course we prepared a gift for Niji Iro Jean. We wanted to welcome him to America. So mom found a premade set I had to moditfy a lil bit.  I didn;t think we could find more genuine excitement in the day. We put Nijis present under the tree so baby girl could pick it up and hand it over. But she got a little shy so Older son got the pleasure of handing it over. Niji Iro Jean caretakers dressed the little one in her new gift, a red hat, scarf and gloves. Of course I researched to make sure red colors aren't offensive in Japan.

A little behind the scenes magic. Niji sees his present for the 1st time. Nijo received a gift from us as I blogged about here. We learned about Japanese gift giving tradition in our 2013 trip. Here Niji is opening his gift. The box was the size of French Soap.

Japan TV Show Niji Iro Jean in Chicago, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.


Niji Iro Jean Chicago Visit, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

Final filming of the Cookie treats after a long day. And the arrival pics. 

See all the posts here under the label "Niji Iro Jean." 


Happy and Safe Travels!

ESPECIALLY Happy travels Niji Iro Jean.

Japan TV Show Niji Iro Jean in Chicago: Meeting the Family

I wonder if Niji's crew was overwhelmed with my photo taking. We were staging lights and camera set up. I am sure I was more in the way then not. Crew sets up meeting dad. This shot didn't work so we moved him back to the seats with Baby girl.


Japan TV Show Niji Iro Jean in Chicago, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

Meeting dad. We re-arranged furniture again for this version. Our christmas lights were staged just after Thanksgiving in prep for the show. We never dressed the house this early for the season.


Japan TV Show Niji Iro Jean in Chicago, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

More smiles. More wondering if Ill be taking pics all day. Yes I will. This is outside the boys room. They were asked to play with their toys on the floor. And of course our babies play quietly. They thought the kids would be louder. The translator kept asking "please have them play..." I said they are playing. It wasn't rough or fun enough?


Japan TV Show Niji Iro Jean in Chicago, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

After the actual welcome, this was the fake welcome at the door. Niji knocked and mom said "Hello, and welcome to our home."


Japan TV Show Niji Iro Jean in Chicago, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

Next stop visiting the tree selling lot.

Happy and Safe Travels!

See all the posts here under the label "Niji Iro Jean." 

Niji Iro Jean A Chicago Christmas

POST Our Japan travels, our family was selected to be featured on Niji Iro Jean, a stuffed puppet that travels the world bringing his adventures to the people of Japan.

WELCOME NIJI IRO JEAN, RAINBOW COLORED JEAN, TO CHICAGO

Niji Iro Jean A Chicago Christmas, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

A Japanese traveling variety show Niji Iro Jean

 "Rainbow Colored Jean" came to film a Chicago Christmas in 2014. Unfortuantely there was No snow, but we were ready for Christmas on December 1!! Film crew arriving and staging the house

Niji Iro Jean A Chicago Christmas, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

They wanted to film the kids playing, "please make them play...." this is how they play. They had their hard toys out making fun noises.

Niji Iro Jean A Chicago Christmas, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

Set up in our bedroom, this clip got cut. Japanese have some naughty humor, as does any country. So Niji was going to take a nap - in my bed!

Niji Iro Jean A Chicago Christmas, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

See all the posts here under the label "Niji Iro Jean." 

Happy and Safe Travels!

More Inspired Crafts

All this creativity from my Suessical Project is overflowing into other pending projects.

I made some cartoon lunch bag notes for the kids from their favorite cartoons: Minions, Totoro, Scooby Doo and others.

More Inspired Crafts, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

Or see our visit from Japanese TV Show Niji Iro Jean. We made his warm clothes gift for his visit to America. 

More Inspired Crafts, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

And my mink cuffs, made from my moms upcycled mink coat. She already received a mink scarf and my winter gloves got a fur upgrade, now the cuffs. One for mom and one for me.



Happy Crafting!

Seussical Costume Kits for Volunteers

There is a saying in my Event Management life, "show volunteers HOW its done, and GIVE them the tools they need and Volunteers step up and Make It Happen." And these parents did not disappoint.

In a plastic bag I provided:

1. cutout templates of the pieces volunteers would be assembling & material for cutting.
2. the instruction sheet was hand written with drawn figures. Some people are visual and others do better with written guidelines.
3. scrap felt for decorating.
4. tacky glue.

The Volunteer parents really stepped up!!! Over 35 people contributed to our costume success! Kits were made for ribbon rods (made from FREE paint stirrers), WHO everything (except the sewn shorts and skirts) suspenders, collars, headbands, ties, etc., the hunters reversible vest to fish and a separate kit to make the fins and tails, where the mom took extra effort to decorate them!


Seussical Costume Kits for Volunteers, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

Seussical Costume Kits for Volunteers, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

Seussical Costume Kits for Volunteers, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

Seussical Costume Kits for Volunteers, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

Seussical Costume Kits for Volunteers, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

In all fairness, there are two important life experiences that gave me the talen and skillset to complete this project.

I have been both on stage, backstage as crew and behind the scenes in theatre performances all through High School and College. I LOVE the theatre. My background helps me with the vision and effects for costumes.

I work in Event Management Professionally as a Consultant, JK Marketing and Event Management. My organizational skills and attention to detail are a big part of the business success. And fun!

More Inspirational Images for Seussical Costumes

More fun ideas for simple creative costumes!! Yes, it takes 1-2 night of googling ideas to find the right combinations of colors and costumes. But worth the search!

Grinchs hair and costume inspiration was simple and effective, the Wickershams were played by girls, and I loved the boyish charm of these costumes!

Sour Kangaroos actor came to me and said "my character needs to be sassy, and fun, and purple, and totally own it!" She put me on a mission to please her vision!!

I love the elegance of this Sour Kangaroo, her pouch and interesting ears.

More Inspirational Images for Seussical Costumes, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

I loved the EARS on this purple piece:

More Inspirational Images for Seussical Costumes, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

The WIckershams, ours are played by girls. But the Ears on these backwards caps really inspire. As do the clothes colors.


More Inspirational Images for Seussical Costumes, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.


Up close Wickersham Ears Alternative:

More Inspirational Images for Seussical Costumes, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

 Of course the Grinch. And while he is not the Star of the Seussical, every audience member will recognize this character. I loved this hair. And the T-Shirt inspired by the actual movie.

More Inspirational Images for Seussical Costumes, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

Final photo to come.... 

Inspirational Images for Seussical Costumes

These are some inspirational and PINspirational photos for the final costumes. Hortons Elephant ears, the actual Dr. Seuss Gertrude (which reminded me that she blooms 1-feather tail strand and not 10. Deviantart had nice ideas too.

Clearly, Mayzie - the redish bird - is sassy and experienced. Whereas Gertrude is simple and young.

Inspirational Images for Seussical Costumes, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

Gertrude Ideas - short skirts, feathers and blue.

As Dr. Seuss intended her to look:
notice the single tail strand that blooms.

Inspirational Images for Seussical Costumes, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

Inspirational Images for Seussical Costumes, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.



Horton the Elephant - Real Clothes is the inspiration for this piece.
 

Inspirational Images for Seussical Costumes, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

Baby Elephant - oversized ears. All grey clothes.

Inspirational Images for Seussical Costumes, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

Final Photos to follow.

Seussical Original Costume Sketches

After looking at a bunch of image ideas online I sat down with paper amd sketched out my WHO ideas.  I kept these sketches in my costume book so I could show the kids the inspiration and colors for their costumes.

Seussical Original Costume Sketches, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

Boys with suspenders and vests, girls have collars and aprons. Headbands with pipe cleaner ideas and decorations for them all.

Seussical Original Costume Sketches, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

Sour Kangaroo was going to be a simple Elegant Pouch.
Similar to the Inspiration I posted here.

Seussical Original Costume Sketches, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

I sketched Mayzie in an elegant dress and Gertrude in a cute little girl dress. I didn't like all the skin exposure on most costumes I saw for Mayzie. It is still an elementary school performance.

Seussical Original Costume Sketches, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

Hortons amd Baby Elephants ears needed to be measured for correct placement. I made adjustments right on each student.

Seussical Original Costume Sketches, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

Seussical Costumes, The Final Photos - All Homemade

One of my favorite parts was making the WHO costumes. First I sketched out the ideas, and then narrowed them to 4 color combinations: Yellow and Green, Purple and Orange.

There was NO WAY I would have been able to make all the suspenders, bow ties, neck ties, collars and aprons... It would have taken 12+ hours. So I used a trick from my event planning bag, KITS. I made kits with instructions and figure drawings, pre cut felt pieces for examples and excess fabrics and notions. With the schools permission I left a Seuss Pick Up Box in the Main Office or delivered kits to mom who signed up to help. We had over 30 volunteers to help assemble and decorate the kits!! Wow -- great support.

Seussical Costumes Homemade, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

Seussical Costumes Homemade, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

The Headbands

Seussical Costumes Homemade, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

We made kits for WHO Suspenders, headbands made from pipecleaners, collars, aprons, neck and bow ties. Admittedly the shorts and skirts were some of the most crude sewing I have done. But their costumes, and as our High School costume queen said, it has to last and be durable for 2 days and look great!! My lesson learned, make costumes bigger and a few smaller pieces if you don't have a chance to measure the kids in advance!

That's me adjusting Horton's ears. Notice those striped arm covers? Yes, those are from Japan, since they use skin covers instead of sunscreen.

Seussical Costumes Homemade, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

Mr. and Mrs. Mayor, upcycles from the Wizard of Oz costumes.

Seussical Costumes Homemade, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

 
Mayzie - I wish I had a shot of her on stage LIVING THE COSTUME. When she first put it on she shook her tush, and waved her hips!! She really owned the costume.

Seussical Costumes Homemade, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

The Bird Girls: These girls wanted their feather colors to culminate into Mayzie's tail colors. 

Seussical Costumes Homemade, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

We made that happen.