For most of 2024, I was in a Cheap Trick tribute band, and I did 7 or 8 shows with them, until the bandleader self-destructed and blew the band up. ("Drama? In a rock band? Groundbreaking").

I love love love Robin Zander's style, and when I saw this older Arden B leather jacket at the thrift store, I knew it would be perfect for our "Dream Police" finale. It was a dingy cream color, so I watched the DIY Designer's video on how to make a leather jacket metallic, and painted this jacket using Jacquard Lumiere Metallic and Pearlescent Paint in Pearl White, some dollar store paintbrushes, and coconut oil.

I bought a Dream Police patch... but sensing upcoming drama, I never attached it. If we ever bring this band back together (minus the Drama Llama), I'll sew the patch on.

Anyway, the jacket came out great. I wore it out a few times during the holidays, and got a lot of compliments. I've recently ordered a bottle of Jacquard's Pearl Turquoise color, to use on... something. I haven't decided yet. Either an old 80s jacket that I have, or... shoes. Something. Maybe a bag. It's a gorgeous color.

What I *did* decide, was to go back to Goodwill today, and see if this camo Forever XXI field jacket that I saw last week was still there. It was! I really liked it, but didn't buy the first time, because I thought it might be military appropriation. But I kept thinking about Karen Sirko's beach outfit in "Daisy Jones and the Six", and it occurred to me that this could make a fabulous 70s hippie jacket.

My plan is to sew on two patches I recently bought at Rainbow Springs State Park in Florida. And then I want to embroider a giant peace sign on the back, made out of tropical flowers and beach waves, and a sunshine emblem, in the same theme as the patches.

So let me conclude by saying, watch the tutorial, and give it a try, if it speaks to you. It was shockingly simple to do. I painted it in coats, it was easy, took a couple of hours. I didn't even use the full 2.25 ounce jar.

I wore the jacket in the last show we did, October 2023
https://youtu.be/b8PKuHP8MK0?si=8BAi80Y1dLH3ziT-

#1-3 The finished jacket (minus the patch), and the original inspiration photo

#4-6 This XXI field jacket. It has gold hardware(!), an adjustable string inside (!) and functional pockets upon pockets (!!!). 100% cotton, very well made.

#7-8 The patches, and Karen Sirko's look, that made me buy this jacket. ("Imaginary TV people made me buy it").

#9-11 I thrifted this blouse today, and I am going to use the embroidery designs as a general reference for the floral peace sign I am going to embroider. Also, I will wear this top in homage to my mom, who has been wearing this type of shirt as her personal uniform, since the early 1980s.