Monday Handmade Hall of Fame - Big Easy Roller Derby (BERG) Skate Wheels

Well, it's definitely helping keep me coming to the blog more regularly to have a weekly "feature," hopefully that will  also eventually train me to post more shoes, techniques, etc. The weather is finally at long last showing signs of improvement here, so hopefully new shoes to post for 2016 by the end of the week!

This week's installment of the Handmade Hall of Fame features the Big Easy Rollergirls (BERG) and  their decorated Skate Wheels throws.

In addition to being the official New Orleans all female, flat-track roller derby, the Big Easy Roller Girls can be seen playing the role of the bulls in the Neuva Orleans Running of the Bulls, and rolling (literally) in the Krewe of Muses parade. Like the Ladies Godiva, they do a really clever nod to the glittered shoe: decorated skate wheels.

Here are a few images of decorated skate wheels from the BERG Facebook page:

According to the Facebook page, these are Jamingos, Duckicorns and Skate Wheels. I love the wee horns and helmets...so much awesome (via the Big Easy Roller Girls Facebook Page)

Gold wheels with black lettering. Fabulous detail on the logo (via the Big Easy Roller Girls Facebook Page)

A nice stash of gold wheels including notes. I love personal touches like that, they remind you that a human put some serious TLC info whatever they just handed you (via the Big Easy Roller Girls Facebook Page)

Now, I am kinda in withdrawal right now, but seeing all that glitter in all those beautiful colors is seriously making my heart flutter right now. I want to reach out and play with it. (via the Big Easy Roller Girls Facebook Page)

And a few from the BERG Blog:

Chunky glitter with purple, green and gold tinsel. Beyond fabulous (via the Big Easy Roller Girls Blog)

Lots of very cool wheels here (via the Big Easy Roller Girls Blog)

Link Round-up:

• Big Easy Rollergirls website 
• Big Easy Rollergirls Facebook Page
• Posts on the BERG blog about rolling in Muses and handmade wheels can be found here:
• http://www.bigeasyrollergirls.blogspot.com/2007/02/big-easy-rollergirls-do-muses.html
• http://www.bigeasyrollergirls.blogspot.com/2008/01/mardi-gras-is-here.html
• http://www.bigeasyrollergirls.blogspot.com/2010_02_01_archive.html
• Big Easy Roller Girls to Roll in Muses from 2009
• The only person I can really find blogging about BERG decorated wheels at all is Sally Asher. She's mentioned in this article, and has pictures/info for her AMAZING hand made BERG-themed throws here and here (the second one is really not to be missed if you're into handmade throws).

Incidentally, I really like that article linked to above ("Could local one-of-a-kind throws catch on?"), since it articulated a feeling that a lot of people seem to be coming around to way ahead of the curve (seven years ago, in 2008):

"Somehow we've got to make more throws that are special. There should be fewer disposable, store-bought beads and more precious keepsakes like Zulu coconuts and Muses shoes."

The author calls this phenomenon "bead fatigue," which is a great term for that feeling like you'd rather catch one special thing than fill your whole trunk with more plastic beads.

Now to get back to my pot of red beans, which I'm attempting to make with smoked turkey and chicken andouille because I gave up red meat for lent (crossed fingers are appreciated). Have a great week!