Fait à la Main
Mardi Gras Costumes
Where: 108 West Bridge Street in Downtown Breaux Bridge
Time: 1:30pm to 3:00pm
Fee: $40/Friends of L.F.R. $30
When: Tuesdays, January 15, 22, 29, Wednesday, February 6, 2002
Class Description
Each student will make a complete Mardi Gras costume - mask, capuchon (hat),
and suit. Students will be required to purchase fabric, buttons and poster
board. Items that are difficult to obtain will be provided by the
instructor and therefore a supply fee of $15 will be assessed in
addition to the registration fee. During the first class period, students
will construct the mask; during the second class, the hat will be made.
During a 3rd class, the costume will be cut out and directions will be
given out on how to decorate the suit as it is sewn together. The student
must then complete the sewing at home and then the decorating of the suit
will be completed during the last class. The detailed supply list will be
given out during the first class. Hot glue guns are needed and will be
provided for anyone not having one.
Instructor
Jackie Miller
is of Cajun and German descent and was the youngest of eight
children. She has been making Mardi Gras costumes for the past 20 years, and she
started making masks to help her sons make theirs for the Mardi Gras run. Soon
she was helping her sons' friends, and finally she began making masks, capuchon
and suits to sell to the public.
In addition to her skills in making Mardi Gras costumes, Jackie also is widely
known for her expertise in Cajun cooking. As a youngster, she was always in the
kitchen when her mother cooked, watching and learning. When she married into a
Cajun family, Jackie became more interested in the traditions of Cajun cooking,
and she has since watched, questioned and collected many recipes from
experienced family members and friends.
Jackie has done Mardi Gras costume making workshops and demonstrations at area
festivals, such as the Iota Tee Mamou Mardi Gras Festival, the Folklife Festival
in Eunice, Festivals Acadiens in Lafayette and Festival International de la Louisiane in
Lafayette. Other groups that she has worked with include the Rayne camping
group, school children in the French Immersion program in Lafayette, the local
schools in Iota and a Library program in West Baton Rouge Parish. Every summer,
Jackie attends a week long music program in West Virginia where she teaches
Cajun style cooking and also makes Mardi Gras masks and organizes a country
Mardi Gras run to demonstrate the Cajun culture. Her masks have been approved
by the Louisiana State Folklife Association as a traditional Louisiana craft.
Jackie and her husband, Larry, have a Cajun Musical Instruments business. He
makes Cajun accordions, triangles and rubboards. Together, they attend many
festivals to demonstrate their crafts and promote the Cajun culture.