Nice weather today. No sun. No wind. But nice nonetheless. Had lunch with a dear friend of mine. That was a great part of the day.
Looking for a subbing job tonight but nothing seems to be out there. If no one calls tomorrow, it will be gym time.
Our anniversary is Saturday but we're going to celebrate it tomorrow night on date night. Can't wait. Going to Red Lobster. Their cheesy biscuits are to die for -- I could sit with them and raspberry iced tea and have a meal! LOL
Today I did some sewing on finished items. More snaps, which drive me crazy. I need to finish these so I can put them in my store.
Did you vote yet? Unfortunately, Jazzi isn't in the top two. Otterine, who made the fabulous squadron bar is up for the award. She is in competition with Casey's Minis. In fact, at any given time, they are only 1% apart! Casey has won several years in a row. So please go to miniatures.about.com and vote!
Did you ever try to make flowers? I have two sites for you to view. There is a tutorial for gladiolas on doreensminiatures.blogspot.com. There is also a tutorial for peonies on bluekittyminiatures.com. Take a look. Anything strike your fancy? I think when I get all better I want to take a few days and make nothing but flowers!
I'll be doing minis tomorrow -- and sewing -- if I don't have to work.
Until then...
Pat
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Sewing tasks today
Lots of rain today. But better than snow. Lots of robins out, almost a convention. Eating who knows what? I can't believe we have that many worms in our yard. They were here even before the rains came. Nice to see them, though.
I didn't have the energy to do any major minis today. However, I did have some sewing to finish.
See, I like to make clothes and then I put them aside to finish them with trim, snaps, buttons, etc. The problem? They pile up quickly. I really dislike fiinishing them. Snaps are probably the worst to sew on since they need to be so small for doll clothes.
So I started with putting elastic in four pairs of pants for 18" dolls (such as Carpatina or American Girl). The waist openings now need to be closed up. Then there were two outfits that needed teeny tiny snaps. I have quite a pile of clothes awaiting my attention. The next few days will be fixing these -- a few at a time -- because I get bored with finishing so quickly.
I also had a terrible headache all day. Ever have one so bad that it hurts to walk? I did take a nap today. No gym today while feeling so bad. Maybe tomorrow.
Until then...
Pat
I didn't have the energy to do any major minis today. However, I did have some sewing to finish.
 |
| Clothes for different dolls |
So I started with putting elastic in four pairs of pants for 18" dolls (such as Carpatina or American Girl). The waist openings now need to be closed up. Then there were two outfits that needed teeny tiny snaps. I have quite a pile of clothes awaiting my attention. The next few days will be fixing these -- a few at a time -- because I get bored with finishing so quickly.
I also had a terrible headache all day. Ever have one so bad that it hurts to walk? I did take a nap today. No gym today while feeling so bad. Maybe tomorrow.
Until then...
Pat
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Doors are up
Whew! What a night. Raining cats and dogs. We got our heater fixed tonight. Yay! That means we'll probably get warm weather now. Okay with me.
This blog is late because we just got home. Our grandchildren's school had a play tonight. It was so cute. The youngest one, Kate, is in the drama club. She is a wonderfully creative child. Sydney is in the technical club. She is more wonderfully cerebral. Fun night. But not used to getting home so late. It ended at 9 and we got home at 9:30.
I put these doors on today. I have a few more to go but I think they look great. I want to do some other things on the trunks, too.
The tallest door is the superintendent of the faerieminiums. He will get steps.
Well, off to bed. I'm ready to collapse.
See you tomorrow night.
Until then....
Pat
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| Kate |
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| Sydney |
This blog is late because we just got home. Our grandchildren's school had a play tonight. It was so cute. The youngest one, Kate, is in the drama club. She is a wonderfully creative child. Sydney is in the technical club. She is more wonderfully cerebral. Fun night. But not used to getting home so late. It ended at 9 and we got home at 9:30.
The tallest door is the superintendent of the faerieminiums. He will get steps.
Well, off to bed. I'm ready to collapse.
See you tomorrow night.
Until then....
Pat
Monday, February 25, 2013
Painted trees
Good evening. We are still on jury-rigged heat. Thank goodness. It's more damp outside than cold. Tomorrow we are expecting rain. The ground needs the rain.
I spent quite a lot of time this morning sewing the doll dress. I also got out those outfits that need finishing touches. Some need snaps, some zippers, some hemming and then a good pressing. That will be my therapy -- handsewing.
I then painted the four pieces of tree. Using white paint, it is supposed to look like a white birch. The paint cooperated by saturating certain areas. So there is no flatness to the paint. I wasn't sure I wouldn't have to dab brown on it. But I think it's mottled enough.
First I will put in the branches to see how they will work. I think the branches will need to be painted, too. I'll do an online search. Then I will trim out the spots for the doors and glue them.
I'm excited to see that they really do look like tree trunks.
Also have the gym tomorrow. Have to keep strong for possible work on Friday.
A reader, Debbie, suggested that to make wallpaper for my dragon house, make a collage of dragons and use that. I have tons of dragon pix so I'm going to try it.
I don't know what else I'll tackle tomorrow. I'll show you tomorrow night.
Until then....
Pat
I spent quite a lot of time this morning sewing the doll dress. I also got out those outfits that need finishing touches. Some need snaps, some zippers, some hemming and then a good pressing. That will be my therapy -- handsewing.
I then painted the four pieces of tree. Using white paint, it is supposed to look like a white birch. The paint cooperated by saturating certain areas. So there is no flatness to the paint. I wasn't sure I wouldn't have to dab brown on it. But I think it's mottled enough.
I'm excited to see that they really do look like tree trunks.
Also have the gym tomorrow. Have to keep strong for possible work on Friday.
A reader, Debbie, suggested that to make wallpaper for my dragon house, make a collage of dragons and use that. I have tons of dragon pix so I'm going to try it.
I don't know what else I'll tackle tomorrow. I'll show you tomorrow night.
Until then....
Pat
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Tree glued and ready to paint
Cold today but at least we have heat. However, our heating man is down sick so we won't get our furnace fixed until probably Tuesday. Fingers crossed it doesn't go out again!
Watching the red carpet events. I love the glitz and glamour. Since I enjoy designing clothes for dolls, creating patterns, choosing fabrics and trims and dressing dolls, this part of the Oscars is my favorite. I keep a blank pad next to me so I can make notes.
I did the first part of the trees. Didn't realize how long it would take me to do four sections. The first part was to measure the sizes of the tree trunks. Since I try to be a perfectionist, the notations had to be just so. I must say that I measured a few times. Then I cut and tried the pieces on for size. Perfect fit.
Then I had to measure where the holes were for the tree branches. That was interesting. I lost a few pencil points in the covering. I put my pencil within the tube and tried to mark the covering. It worked sometime. And not other times. But finally the marks were made. I then took my pencil point and made holes in the covering.
Gluing was messy. I hate glue anyway. Mostly because I hate to get my hands dirty. But I persevered and the job was finally done. And I had the fun of making sure that the holes in the tube matched the holes I made in the covering before I glued it on.
I was going to start painting the trunk. I decided to wait because the paper was quite damp from the glue. Tomorrow it will get its first coat of paint.
Talk to you tomorrow night.
Until then....
Pat
Watching the red carpet events. I love the glitz and glamour. Since I enjoy designing clothes for dolls, creating patterns, choosing fabrics and trims and dressing dolls, this part of the Oscars is my favorite. I keep a blank pad next to me so I can make notes.
I did the first part of the trees. Didn't realize how long it would take me to do four sections. The first part was to measure the sizes of the tree trunks. Since I try to be a perfectionist, the notations had to be just so. I must say that I measured a few times. Then I cut and tried the pieces on for size. Perfect fit.
Then I had to measure where the holes were for the tree branches. That was interesting. I lost a few pencil points in the covering. I put my pencil within the tube and tried to mark the covering. It worked sometime. And not other times. But finally the marks were made. I then took my pencil point and made holes in the covering.
Gluing was messy. I hate glue anyway. Mostly because I hate to get my hands dirty. But I persevered and the job was finally done. And I had the fun of making sure that the holes in the tube matched the holes I made in the covering before I glued it on.
I was going to start painting the trunk. I decided to wait because the paper was quite damp from the glue. Tomorrow it will get its first coat of paint.
Talk to you tomorrow night.
Until then....
Pat
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Tree cut and ready to bark
We have heat tonight. Furnace to be fixed tomorrow. It's nice being warm. And having a warm shower.
No snow today and that's a good thing. We know it's cold out though because hubby has been buying bird seed and suet. They go through it as fast as he fills the feeders. There is a piliated woodpecker who loves the suet. I'm not sure the other little ones get their share. But I'm not interfering with that one. LOL
Hubby cut up the tree base for me. It will look like it's growing up through the village. I found the tutorial for creating this tree.
The base already has holes in it for branches. I just have to make sure I don't cover them up when gluing the paper on. I will probably have to slice the cover paper up a bit to fit the fairy house doors. It is a fairieminium, remember?
Speaking of paper, I have no idea where this particular paper came from. I found it after I saw the tree tutorial. And voila! there was the paper on my shelf. This is why I save things and see "great" and other look at things and see "junk." The tutorial uses this paper for the entire tree but I am limited in the amount I have to work with.
And of course, I have a large bottle of white paint. I am anxious to get this started. I'll take pictures as I go along.
I will be using regular white glue that sets up pretty quickly. I think I will paint it once it is on the tube. I don't plan on making this a permanent tree in the village. Hubby cut it perfectly after I measured it so the pieces fit perfectly.
The top piece does not go up to the top of the village setting. Tube wasn't long enough. I will probably be making tree foliage for it, although from what I don't know yet.
So I'll have to start on this immediately after church tomorrow.
Until then...
Pat
No snow today and that's a good thing. We know it's cold out though because hubby has been buying bird seed and suet. They go through it as fast as he fills the feeders. There is a piliated woodpecker who loves the suet. I'm not sure the other little ones get their share. But I'm not interfering with that one. LOL
Hubby cut up the tree base for me. It will look like it's growing up through the village. I found the tutorial for creating this tree.
The base already has holes in it for branches. I just have to make sure I don't cover them up when gluing the paper on. I will probably have to slice the cover paper up a bit to fit the fairy house doors. It is a fairieminium, remember?
Speaking of paper, I have no idea where this particular paper came from. I found it after I saw the tree tutorial. And voila! there was the paper on my shelf. This is why I save things and see "great" and other look at things and see "junk." The tutorial uses this paper for the entire tree but I am limited in the amount I have to work with.
And of course, I have a large bottle of white paint. I am anxious to get this started. I'll take pictures as I go along.
I will be using regular white glue that sets up pretty quickly. I think I will paint it once it is on the tube. I don't plan on making this a permanent tree in the village. Hubby cut it perfectly after I measured it so the pieces fit perfectly.
The top piece does not go up to the top of the village setting. Tube wasn't long enough. I will probably be making tree foliage for it, although from what I don't know yet.
So I'll have to start on this immediately after church tomorrow.
Until then...
Pat
Friday, February 22, 2013
Warmer house and a tutorial for you
Cold tonight again but not windy. We had heat for a little while last night but out again today. Too cold to stay home.
Went to the gym to work out, came home, had heat and quickly took a shower. Good thing. Out again. The part is in. It will be replaced Sunday.
So, let's talk tutorials. How many tutorials do you use? I love them if they are good.
Here's one I thought might be of interest. I hope to try it myself. Probably in my next life!
Do you like working with clay? I think I will try this regular size and then do a mini. I think it is so cute and would be a good project for kids, too. Let me know what you think.
Talk to you when it is warmer.
Until then...
Pat
P.S. Heat working tonight! Yay!!!
Went to the gym to work out, came home, had heat and quickly took a shower. Good thing. Out again. The part is in. It will be replaced Sunday.
So, let's talk tutorials. How many tutorials do you use? I love them if they are good.
Here's one I thought might be of interest. I hope to try it myself. Probably in my next life!
Do you like working with clay? I think I will try this regular size and then do a mini. I think it is so cute and would be a good project for kids, too. Let me know what you think.
Talk to you when it is warmer.
Until then...
Pat
P.S. Heat working tonight! Yay!!!
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Brrr...brrr...brrr
We have no heat. It is very cold out and our furnace died. Good grief. Our heating guy is coming out but we don't know how successful he will be. Have hot water on the stove and that keeps the temp up pretty much. And if no heat? Electric blanket tonight!!!!
So today was difficult. I worked on sewing part of the dress I'm making. I set up the lining piece. Tomorrow I hope to work on the flounces.
I only did a few things tonight. In the old old set of furniture I bought that included general store items, I worked on the post office front piece. I finally got all 4 pieces aligned and glued.
On the mail slots, I had trouble with some of the pieces breaking off. I tried to fix them and think what I did will work. They may be smaller slots but it's no problem. However, I have to glue each individually because they move around. lol
So I have pictures. Since the directions aren't real clear, I'm making my way cautiously through them. There are a lot of pieces to this p.o. front piece.
Perhaps I'll make a general store and put these pieces in it. Or a group of stores since I have the bakery counters. In my next life.
I have a few more blogs for you to visit:
This is a wonderful blog, full of good stuff. sabsminiinteriors.blogspot.com
This is such a nice blog. Sort of quiet and quaint. jannetscountrycottage.blogspot.com
This blog is so good. However, you have to realize he uses lots of real tools and he is a perfectionist in the mini world. His blog, though, is fun. tallminiguy.blogspot.com
Talk to you tomorrow...hopefully warmer!
Until then...
Pat
So today was difficult. I worked on sewing part of the dress I'm making. I set up the lining piece. Tomorrow I hope to work on the flounces.
I only did a few things tonight. In the old old set of furniture I bought that included general store items, I worked on the post office front piece. I finally got all 4 pieces aligned and glued.
On the mail slots, I had trouble with some of the pieces breaking off. I tried to fix them and think what I did will work. They may be smaller slots but it's no problem. However, I have to glue each individually because they move around. lolSo I have pictures. Since the directions aren't real clear, I'm making my way cautiously through them. There are a lot of pieces to this p.o. front piece.
Perhaps I'll make a general store and put these pieces in it. Or a group of stores since I have the bakery counters. In my next life.
I have a few more blogs for you to visit:
This is a wonderful blog, full of good stuff. sabsminiinteriors.blogspot.com
This is such a nice blog. Sort of quiet and quaint. jannetscountrycottage.blogspot.com
This blog is so good. However, you have to realize he uses lots of real tools and he is a perfectionist in the mini world. His blog, though, is fun. tallminiguy.blogspot.com
Talk to you tomorrow...hopefully warmer!
Until then...
Pat
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Check out these blogs
Brrr...cold and blustery again. Our heat went out three times today and hubby had to relight the pilot light. I really need for spring to come.
Today was a down day so I went through some mini things to straighten them out. I don't know how little things get out of order so fast. I swear they move around at night.
I was out again all day. We tried to find someone to fix the car cheaper than the original estimate. Think we have to ask hubby's son to help. Sigh.
Worked out a long time at the gym today. But then had some errands to run. We didn't get home until 4 again. Honestly, once the afternoon comes, I just cannot do much. A few more weeks of strengthening should help.
So I did some blog reading to see what others are doing. Do you read blogs, too? Some are just wonderful.
For example, Casey's Minis at caseymini.blogspot.com is really interesting. It is the story of her mini projects with two main characters, Tessie and Zar. Sometimes it is very humorous.
New England Miniatures at newenglandminiatures.blogspot.com is another great site.
Christel Jensen is amazing. Take a look at her mini clay items. She actually makes teeny tiny teapots. I would love to make some of her things. Her work can be seen at christeljensen.blogspot.com.
And then there are the great houses at susanshouses.blogspot.com which is a great blog showing all types of things mini.
So take a look at these and let me know what you think. Some of these blogs may take a reading of past blogs but they are all interesting.
I'm planning on being home all day tomorrow. Perhaps I can actually get something done.
Until then....
Pat
Today was a down day so I went through some mini things to straighten them out. I don't know how little things get out of order so fast. I swear they move around at night.
I was out again all day. We tried to find someone to fix the car cheaper than the original estimate. Think we have to ask hubby's son to help. Sigh.
Worked out a long time at the gym today. But then had some errands to run. We didn't get home until 4 again. Honestly, once the afternoon comes, I just cannot do much. A few more weeks of strengthening should help.
So I did some blog reading to see what others are doing. Do you read blogs, too? Some are just wonderful.
For example, Casey's Minis at caseymini.blogspot.com is really interesting. It is the story of her mini projects with two main characters, Tessie and Zar. Sometimes it is very humorous.
New England Miniatures at newenglandminiatures.blogspot.com is another great site.
Christel Jensen is amazing. Take a look at her mini clay items. She actually makes teeny tiny teapots. I would love to make some of her things. Her work can be seen at christeljensen.blogspot.com.
And then there are the great houses at susanshouses.blogspot.com which is a great blog showing all types of things mini.
So take a look at these and let me know what you think. Some of these blogs may take a reading of past blogs but they are all interesting.
I'm planning on being home all day tomorrow. Perhaps I can actually get something done.
Until then....
Pat
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Just some newsy stuff
Cold and rainy today. Went to the cardiologist today and I was pronounced fine!!! I still have the first week of March as going back to work. But the hospital bills are coming in, our heating thingy will need to be replaced and that's definite, and our car went pretty much belly up. Time to go to work, kids!
We were out all day and it's now 8:40 pm and we've been home long enough to have dinner. Can I tell you nothing got done? In mini-ville anyway. Tomorrow after the gym I have to really buckle down.
And just today, this came in from Jazzi, who is over the moon with excitement:
"I am so excited and thrilled the announce I am a finalist in the About.com Miniatures Readers Choice Awards for 2013! This wouldn't have happened without the support of all my blog followers nominating me.
I am the first Australian to be in these awards yay!
Voting has begun and closes March 19th. You can vote once every 24 hours.
http://miniatures.about.com/od/Readers-Choice/ss/2013-Finalists-Best-Miniatures-Blog-RC_4.htm.
I look forward to everyone's support! Thank you."
Cheers, Jazzi
Australia
http://jazzminis.blogspot.com.au/
So I am asking everyone to go and vote everyday for Jazzi. It doesn't take long and it would be so cool to see her win!
Talk to you tomorrow.
Until then....
Pat
Monday, February 18, 2013
Second set of faerie doors
Cold and blustery today. Spring needs to get here. With our luck, we'll get weather that's warm and blustery! LOL
I worked on the Easter dress for my Delilah doll. I dislike making dresses without sleeves because it's difficult to join the top straps. But a little handsewing fixes it. Along with many bad words. But I am almost finished with the bodice. Tomorrow I hope to work on the skirt.
Didn't have a chance to go to the gym today. Our car is having a bad day. Hubby's son is a mechanic and we have to ask him to heal the car so it'll run for awhile longer. Hospital bills are now coming in. Thank goodness we have health insurance so it'll cost us dearly but not so bad we'll be poor. But that takes care of having the car fixed. Oh well.
So tonight I decided to finish the faerie doors. I love the one with the flower. I have seen lots of doors but mostly they are masculine. I had to put a few feminine flourishes on them.
Don't forget to check out jazziminis.blogspot.com.au to see her Monday doings. Great blog.
Another great blog is caseymini.blogspot.com to read about her characters, if you haven't seen it already.
Talk to you tomorrow.
Until then...
Pat
I worked on the Easter dress for my Delilah doll. I dislike making dresses without sleeves because it's difficult to join the top straps. But a little handsewing fixes it. Along with many bad words. But I am almost finished with the bodice. Tomorrow I hope to work on the skirt.
Didn't have a chance to go to the gym today. Our car is having a bad day. Hubby's son is a mechanic and we have to ask him to heal the car so it'll run for awhile longer. Hospital bills are now coming in. Thank goodness we have health insurance so it'll cost us dearly but not so bad we'll be poor. But that takes care of having the car fixed. Oh well.
Don't forget to check out jazziminis.blogspot.com.au to see her Monday doings. Great blog.
Another great blog is caseymini.blogspot.com to read about her characters, if you haven't seen it already.
Talk to you tomorrow.
Until then...
Pat
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Tree bark found
Cold and blustery today. No snow, though. Yay! Went to a birthday party for a married couple who both are 50. Nice restaurant and excellent food. Yum.
I have been really giving some though what to use for the bark of the tree for the fairie village. While surfing pinterest, I saw these pictures from saifou.com. I thought they looked interesting. But where was I to get this paper? So I repinned the photos to my board and waited...
...and then I was looking for something today and found just that paper. I don't remember ever seeing it. Could the faeries have left it for me? Whatever, it's there. I hope it's enough for the tree. The photos are good but I wondered if the white is just paint.
I'm going to try and paste it in this blog. The photos are vertical so I hope they show up.
What do you think?
Talk to you tomorrow.
Until then....
Pat
I have been really giving some though what to use for the bark of the tree for the fairie village. While surfing pinterest, I saw these pictures from saifou.com. I thought they looked interesting. But where was I to get this paper? So I repinned the photos to my board and waited...
...and then I was looking for something today and found just that paper. I don't remember ever seeing it. Could the faeries have left it for me? Whatever, it's there. I hope it's enough for the tree. The photos are good but I wondered if the white is just paint.
I'm going to try and paste it in this blog. The photos are vertical so I hope they show up.
What do you think?
Talk to you tomorrow.
Until then....
Pat
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Different kind of mini day
Snow flakes off and on all day. Cold here. Windy, too. Lots of storms coming this week. We aren't expecting any accumulation so that's great.
Today we had a special day. Our granddaughters were over and it was a day of minis. I was surprised that they had such determination and dedication to their activities.
Because the youngest one, Kate, who just turned 9, is making a boutique, she wanted clothes for it. So I suggested cutting out felt shapes, decorating them and hanging them up. No one will see they aren't full dresses, etc. She did it. Short dresses and floor-length, too, in several colors. Next time she wants to do the pants and tops. I took a photograph of them. She really is learning how to make a pattern, pin it on the felt and cut it out. Only stuck herself a few times.
The older child, Sydney, who is 10, decided to make cupcakes for her bakery. She used the mold I bought from True2Scale. It has the cupcake mold on one side and the icing mold on the other. She worked to make 4 dozen cupcakes. Devil's food and yellow cakes with different icings. I took a photo of these, too. She put them together with glue. I hope to make cupcake liners next time they come over.
We didn't get to do any sewing. Dinner was loved and they are at the age where they simply inhale their food. Poof! Gone. We took them out for ice cream before we took them home. Their parents went out with friends. We were home by 10:30. Nice day.
So if you haven't ever looked at the True2Scale.com website, please do so. She has wonderful items for sale. Most things you cannot find elsewhere.
Talk to you tomorrow night.
Until then....
Pat
Today we had a special day. Our granddaughters were over and it was a day of minis. I was surprised that they had such determination and dedication to their activities.
Because the youngest one, Kate, who just turned 9, is making a boutique, she wanted clothes for it. So I suggested cutting out felt shapes, decorating them and hanging them up. No one will see they aren't full dresses, etc. She did it. Short dresses and floor-length, too, in several colors. Next time she wants to do the pants and tops. I took a photograph of them. She really is learning how to make a pattern, pin it on the felt and cut it out. Only stuck herself a few times.
The older child, Sydney, who is 10, decided to make cupcakes for her bakery. She used the mold I bought from True2Scale. It has the cupcake mold on one side and the icing mold on the other. She worked to make 4 dozen cupcakes. Devil's food and yellow cakes with different icings. I took a photo of these, too. She put them together with glue. I hope to make cupcake liners next time they come over.
We didn't get to do any sewing. Dinner was loved and they are at the age where they simply inhale their food. Poof! Gone. We took them out for ice cream before we took them home. Their parents went out with friends. We were home by 10:30. Nice day.
So if you haven't ever looked at the True2Scale.com website, please do so. She has wonderful items for sale. Most things you cannot find elsewhere.
Talk to you tomorrow night.
Until then....
Pat
Friday, February 15, 2013
More than just minis
What a beautiful day. It got up to 52. Went to the gym and came home to sew. We did go out for our Valentine's Day dinner. We got engaged on Valentine's Day 40 years ago. Lovely just thinking how romantic it was. Hubby told me we were getting married on Friday night. Why? He already took the next day off! I said yes, of course. Best "yes" I ever said.
I finished the blouse pattern that I made. Here it is still on the doll. Only one sleeve because there's no need to make 2. Collar will be down in front. Inside out to enable me to use pins to indicate where the seams will be sewn.
I have to work on the skirt tomorrow. I hope to have its pattern finished then.
Then the next outfit gets started. I am still undecided how the design will work. I have sketched it out but I'm not satisfied.
I also have to make a birthday card for a friend. Why is it that when you aren't looking for something, there are dozens of them? When you look for that thing, you can't find it anywhere. Plan A was to do something with cats because she loves cats. Nothing. On to Plan B. I found the cutest stick-on that says Queen Bee. I think a crown on the front will work. I looked all over for a bee. Nothing but stuff for babies. Thought I could draw one. Ha! Ever try to draw a bee? My attempt looked like a kidney bean.
Getting our granddaughters tomorrow afternoon. I think we'll work with Kate's birthday present: the design an outfit kit we bought her. I have enough dolls for her to practice on. Who knows what Sydney will work on? They will probably want to work on the furniture for their still-in-the-making stores. I was supposed to design and cut out furniture for these projects. But then I had my stroke and that stopped many things. So maybe I'll have her sew a skirt for her AG doll.
I was able to bring in some branches today so I do hope to get some fairy furniture made tomorrow morning. I keep thinking I'll be more constructive and then I get stopped by exhaustion. But I am getting stronger every day. Yay! I'm over this already. LOL
If you get a chance, check out this blog. It's worth taking a look: christeljensen.blogspot.com
Her handmade things are really awesome. If you can find one of her YouTube videos, watch her as she makes these teeny tiny teapots. She makes it look so simple. She's truly an artist.
Bought the latest Miniature Collector magazine. There's an article about coloring stones for stone cottages. Sounds like a great article.
Talk to you tomorrow.
Until then...
Pat
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| Front view |
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| Back view |
I have to work on the skirt tomorrow. I hope to have its pattern finished then.
Then the next outfit gets started. I am still undecided how the design will work. I have sketched it out but I'm not satisfied.
I also have to make a birthday card for a friend. Why is it that when you aren't looking for something, there are dozens of them? When you look for that thing, you can't find it anywhere. Plan A was to do something with cats because she loves cats. Nothing. On to Plan B. I found the cutest stick-on that says Queen Bee. I think a crown on the front will work. I looked all over for a bee. Nothing but stuff for babies. Thought I could draw one. Ha! Ever try to draw a bee? My attempt looked like a kidney bean.
Getting our granddaughters tomorrow afternoon. I think we'll work with Kate's birthday present: the design an outfit kit we bought her. I have enough dolls for her to practice on. Who knows what Sydney will work on? They will probably want to work on the furniture for their still-in-the-making stores. I was supposed to design and cut out furniture for these projects. But then I had my stroke and that stopped many things. So maybe I'll have her sew a skirt for her AG doll.
I was able to bring in some branches today so I do hope to get some fairy furniture made tomorrow morning. I keep thinking I'll be more constructive and then I get stopped by exhaustion. But I am getting stronger every day. Yay! I'm over this already. LOL
If you get a chance, check out this blog. It's worth taking a look: christeljensen.blogspot.com
Her handmade things are really awesome. If you can find one of her YouTube videos, watch her as she makes these teeny tiny teapots. She makes it look so simple. She's truly an artist.
Bought the latest Miniature Collector magazine. There's an article about coloring stones for stone cottages. Sounds like a great article.
Talk to you tomorrow.
Until then...
Pat
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Start of fairy doors and my surprise
Cold out today again but the snow melted on the sidewalks and roads. How cool is that?
Hubby's test was super fine and he's okay now for several more years. However, I came home and was really sick all afternoon. I even took a nap and I never take a nap unless I'm sick.
Hope everyone had a super Valentine's Day. Hubby bought me a beautiful heart locket with a small heart on the front and Love written. We're supposed to go to dinner tomorrow night.
So it's back to the gym for me tomorrow. There is no doubt that wonderful leg machine helped me gain strength in my knees. I'm driving now. My hope is to try for a job March 7 and/or 8.
When I felt better, I did a few doors. I will be doing some funky ones but I can't help liking pretty. I think once they go on the trunk of the tree they will be fine.
Now, for my surprise. Jazzi of Jazzi Minis sent me one of her special couch sets. Is it not the most terrific thing you've ever seen? It is going to be for my beach house! Which isn't built yet but the ideas are flowing. Then she sent me micro-mini shells for the house. And two mini seashells for a possible serviette (her idea! isn't she remarkable?). The darling little Australian pillows are cute as can be. They are for sale on her site if you want some. jazziminis.blogspot.com.au
Here are the pix. Enjoy. Talk to you tomorrow.
Until then...
Pat
Hubby's test was super fine and he's okay now for several more years. However, I came home and was really sick all afternoon. I even took a nap and I never take a nap unless I'm sick.
Hope everyone had a super Valentine's Day. Hubby bought me a beautiful heart locket with a small heart on the front and Love written. We're supposed to go to dinner tomorrow night.
So it's back to the gym for me tomorrow. There is no doubt that wonderful leg machine helped me gain strength in my knees. I'm driving now. My hope is to try for a job March 7 and/or 8.
When I felt better, I did a few doors. I will be doing some funky ones but I can't help liking pretty. I think once they go on the trunk of the tree they will be fine.
Now, for my surprise. Jazzi of Jazzi Minis sent me one of her special couch sets. Is it not the most terrific thing you've ever seen? It is going to be for my beach house! Which isn't built yet but the ideas are flowing. Then she sent me micro-mini shells for the house. And two mini seashells for a possible serviette (her idea! isn't she remarkable?). The darling little Australian pillows are cute as can be. They are for sale on her site if you want some. jazziminis.blogspot.com.auHere are the pix. Enjoy. Talk to you tomorrow.
 |
| Australiana pillow! |
 |
Until then...
Pat
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Start of faerie furniture
THIS IS THE PUBLISHED BLOG BEFORE THE ONE THAT GOOGLE PLACED IN THE WRONG SPOT!!!@@##$$%% : )
Hi. Cold today but no rain. May have snow accumulating tomorrow night. Spring, oh spring, where are you?
Went out driving today and it was like I've never been away from the car. I drove around the area with no traffic and then drove home in traffic. Wonderful!
And for those of you who have been following my therapy progress, I found out last night that I can write and print again. I don't know when it came back. It wasn't back Sunday evening. The pins and needles finally went away in those 2 little fingers. Guess that was it. So I continue to practice and strengthen my hand. I can hold things a little longer, too, with this hand. Yay! I'm coming back. Still can't handsew but I'm sure that will come back.
Today I drafted the bodice of the dress I am making for one of my dolls. I have to make it in muslin first to check the fitting. I have the fabric and don't want to do any test fits with the good stuff. It will be an Easter dress.
I have to curtail my spending on miniatures and doll things. On March 10, there's a doll show in northern NJ. I love that show. And you need to take a bit of money with you because there are wonderful things for sale. I purchased a whole bunch of dollhouse flower pots for $2 last time. And a vendor wanted to get rid of his potted flowers. I bought all 6 for $4. Bargains I love.
So I took out my faerie building stuff and stared at it. One of the hardest things for me is to build something that is rough. I know it's quaint and cute with twigs and what-nots. I have to gear myself up for it. I think I started out well. Lots of drying time needed for twigs. I have the bed part glued and two posters up. Tomorrow I'll do more after therapy.
I found lots of things to use for the furniture. Flowers and beads and greenery. And there are some fabrics I think will go great with the beds. And I have to do chairs and tables, too. Fun times ahead.
Last night I posted a link for you but didn't connect the link so you could just click on it. A reader suggested that I do that so here it is: mysmallobsession.com
Enjoy.
Until then...
Pat
Hi. Cold today but no rain. May have snow accumulating tomorrow night. Spring, oh spring, where are you?
Went out driving today and it was like I've never been away from the car. I drove around the area with no traffic and then drove home in traffic. Wonderful!
And for those of you who have been following my therapy progress, I found out last night that I can write and print again. I don't know when it came back. It wasn't back Sunday evening. The pins and needles finally went away in those 2 little fingers. Guess that was it. So I continue to practice and strengthen my hand. I can hold things a little longer, too, with this hand. Yay! I'm coming back. Still can't handsew but I'm sure that will come back.
Today I drafted the bodice of the dress I am making for one of my dolls. I have to make it in muslin first to check the fitting. I have the fabric and don't want to do any test fits with the good stuff. It will be an Easter dress.
I have to curtail my spending on miniatures and doll things. On March 10, there's a doll show in northern NJ. I love that show. And you need to take a bit of money with you because there are wonderful things for sale. I purchased a whole bunch of dollhouse flower pots for $2 last time. And a vendor wanted to get rid of his potted flowers. I bought all 6 for $4. Bargains I love.
So I took out my faerie building stuff and stared at it. One of the hardest things for me is to build something that is rough. I know it's quaint and cute with twigs and what-nots. I have to gear myself up for it. I think I started out well. Lots of drying time needed for twigs. I have the bed part glued and two posters up. Tomorrow I'll do more after therapy.
I found lots of things to use for the furniture. Flowers and beads and greenery. And there are some fabrics I think will go great with the beds. And I have to do chairs and tables, too. Fun times ahead.
Last night I posted a link for you but didn't connect the link so you could just click on it. A reader suggested that I do that so here it is: mysmallobsession.com
Enjoy.
Until then...
Pat
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| I think it looks like a reindeer! |
Faerie Bed and Condo Doors
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JAZZI. of Jazzi's Minis.
She has the most wonderful site so visit if you can.
For some reason, last night didn't publish. Good grief. Google!!!!!!
Rain tonight. Then it will mix with snow. And it will be gone tomorrow which is wonderful. Hubby has to go in for a test tomorrow and is drinking a gallon of that yucky stuff. He can't have anything but liquids today; good thing because that stuff will kill any hunger pains you might have.
On the sewing front, I made the blouse pattern for my doll dress. It's cut from muslin and I sewed it up to check the fit. It fit perfectly so I'll undo the basting stitches tomorrow, iron the pieces and use them for the final pattern. I'll work on the skirt ruffles tomorrow.
Then I finished the first part of the fairy bed. It took 4 odd pieces of a branch. I was going to get some more today but it was so wet outside and now it's raining. Since this bed is done building-wise, I'll make a mattress. I'll concentrate on decorating it faerie-style. I have to hunt for some material that will flow. I have flowers. And "jewels." Faeries love jewels.
While waiting for the glue to set up and dry, I took out some of the doors for the tree "faerieminium" (not a condominium). I just painted them and let them dry thoroughly. Tomorrow I hope to decorate them with little bits of things but it will have to be tomorrow evening or after we get home after the test is done.
I haven't decided about the bark of the tree yet but the doors have to fit on it. We'll see. As usual, something this small requires trial and error.
And, if anyone knows of a tried-and-true way of doing tree bark, let me know.
Until then....
Pat
Monday, February 11, 2013
Furniture planning for village
Rainy all day but it washed away almost all of the snow. Hurray!
Didn't get to try driving today because it was raining too hard.
I was out almost all day so nothing got done on my village. Went to a friend's house for lunch and stayed to see her train set. We've seen it before but it was amazing because her father created everything. There is a helicopter that actually works and is a news chopper. Her father recorded an actual tv chopper traffic report and it plays. Really cool stuff.
Worked out hard today. Then used the heating pad after taking some ibuprofen. lol
Tomorrow I plan to make furniture for the village houses. Most of them will be regular beds but in doing a search of faerie furniture, I came across some great pieces. I wouldn't make the exact thing but it gave me ideas. Here are the pieces of wood I'll use -- just need some twigs, which I have, and floral pieces, which I also have.
I also saw many faerie doors for the treehouse condos. I will try to paint these tomorrow, too. I have a lot of the door shapes so I'll have lots of door.
I'll show you some faerie furniture and doors that I've seen on Pinterest. Their artists are so creative. Which ones are your favorites?
See you tomorrow.
Until then....
Pat
Didn't get to try driving today because it was raining too hard.
I was out almost all day so nothing got done on my village. Went to a friend's house for lunch and stayed to see her train set. We've seen it before but it was amazing because her father created everything. There is a helicopter that actually works and is a news chopper. Her father recorded an actual tv chopper traffic report and it plays. Really cool stuff.
Worked out hard today. Then used the heating pad after taking some ibuprofen. lol
Tomorrow I plan to make furniture for the village houses. Most of them will be regular beds but in doing a search of faerie furniture, I came across some great pieces. I wouldn't make the exact thing but it gave me ideas. Here are the pieces of wood I'll use -- just need some twigs, which I have, and floral pieces, which I also have.
I also saw many faerie doors for the treehouse condos. I will try to paint these tomorrow, too. I have a lot of the door shapes so I'll have lots of door.
I'll show you some faerie furniture and doors that I've seen on Pinterest. Their artists are so creative. Which ones are your favorites?
See you tomorrow.
Until then....Pat
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Sunday activities and stuff
It was cold today but not as bad as yesterday. Thank heavens the snow is melting from Snowstorm Nemo. Now Storm Orca is on its way. Don't know our fate yet. Good grief. But I can't help feeling pain and sorrow for those who still can't get into their houses from Sandy. This snow didn't help them at all.
Went to Kate's 9th birthday party today. Lots of big people, kids and dogs. Kate requested Mexican food so we had quesadillas, empanadas, and more. Then the ice cream cake came out. All enjoyed it. Kate went and got her chopsticks and ate her cake with them. As expected, everyone cracked up.
We bought her a sewing kit with a dress form and fabrics and trims. I'm going to teach her how to drape a dress on a doll mannequin. That should be fun.
So when we came home I went on Pinterest to see what I could find for you to view. I don't know about all of you but I love tutorials. And all types of pix of minis. Here's some for you.
And for a few minis of great interest is mysmallobsession.com. Check it out if you haven't already. Lots of great tutorials.
See you tomorrow.
Until then...
Pat
Went to Kate's 9th birthday party today. Lots of big people, kids and dogs. Kate requested Mexican food so we had quesadillas, empanadas, and more. Then the ice cream cake came out. All enjoyed it. Kate went and got her chopsticks and ate her cake with them. As expected, everyone cracked up.
We bought her a sewing kit with a dress form and fabrics and trims. I'm going to teach her how to drape a dress on a doll mannequin. That should be fun.
So when we came home I went on Pinterest to see what I could find for you to view. I don't know about all of you but I love tutorials. And all types of pix of minis. Here's some for you.
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| Miniature jail cell |
 |
| Butcher shop |
And for a few minis of great interest is mysmallobsession.com. Check it out if you haven't already. Lots of great tutorials.
See you tomorrow.
Until then...
Pat
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Ever tried this tutorial site?
Eight inches of white stuff. Hubby was able to use neighbor's snow blower. When he was finished, he couldn't believe he did so much in such a small amount of time. Usually he shovels. And the wind chill factor this morning was 11 degrees F.
We didn't do much today. I finally decided to follow the tutorial on how to hem jeans without cutting off the original hem. It worked! I was so pleased and hubby is, too. I watched the YouTube tutorial twice before I tried it.
I sewed up all my little dresses and hope to finish some of them tomorrow. I don't have a lot of trim that I need so a shopping trip is in order. I think I made 8 or 9 of them. Two are leather. LOL
I don't know how many of you like tutorials. I love them and am constantly surfing sites to find new ones. For example, do you know how to make a 1:12 golf bag? a samovar? mini roses? hat boxes? shoes? furniture? plates and cups? food? Tutorials are such a good way to make the things you need at such a nice price. Often the price is only what you have around the house.
So I am going to suggest that if you haven't been on her website yet, visit Kris' site and learn how to do many things that will save you big bucks!
Here's the site:
This is the chair Kris found to draft and build. She saw it and sketched it, changed the back and soon it will be a chair. I plan on using this particular tut when I start my beach house.
So this is my blog for the day. Look this site over and maybe try this chair!
See you tomorrow!
Until then...
Pat
We didn't do much today. I finally decided to follow the tutorial on how to hem jeans without cutting off the original hem. It worked! I was so pleased and hubby is, too. I watched the YouTube tutorial twice before I tried it.
I sewed up all my little dresses and hope to finish some of them tomorrow. I don't have a lot of trim that I need so a shopping trip is in order. I think I made 8 or 9 of them. Two are leather. LOL
I don't know how many of you like tutorials. I love them and am constantly surfing sites to find new ones. For example, do you know how to make a 1:12 golf bag? a samovar? mini roses? hat boxes? shoes? furniture? plates and cups? food? Tutorials are such a good way to make the things you need at such a nice price. Often the price is only what you have around the house.
So I am going to suggest that if you haven't been on her website yet, visit Kris' site and learn how to do many things that will save you big bucks!
Here's the site:
This is the chair Kris found to draft and build. She saw it and sketched it, changed the back and soon it will be a chair. I plan on using this particular tut when I start my beach house.
So this is my blog for the day. Look this site over and maybe try this chair!
See you tomorrow!
Until then...
Pat
Friday, February 8, 2013
Rained all day. Now it's snowing. But poor New England is really getting hit hard.
Went with friends to a little place and had personal pizzas. Yum. With a Barq's Root Beer. Doesn't get better than that.
Added another machine to my exercise routine at the gym. It is a leg thing. You put both feet flat on this metal plate and stretch your legs, all the while the weights lift. It is just the thing to help strengthen my legs and hips.
And today I got sidetracked. Since my stroke, I just allow myself to go with the flow. If I don't want to do something, I just move on to something else. So I chose the fabrics for the village building curtains and then moved on. LOL
I sew for dolls, too, and recently got a 4" doll named Amelia Thimble. Here are her dresses and I will be sewing them up tomorrow. I did one already by hand. I will embellish them, too. Amelia won't show any of the outfits on herself until her wig is back on and she is wearing shoes. I don't blame her. I prefer my hair on, too.
I am also working on the sewing project I told you about and bought fabric today. Have to find my photo of me as a little girl in the most beautiful Easter dress. I tried hard to find similar fabric and only could find something very bright. I might have to tea dye it to tone it down. It will be sewn for my Delilah Noir doll.
Bought the fabric for the other doll outfit, too, but have time to make that one.
I did get a few comments on the crooked furniture in the eye candy photos. If I were to hazard a guess, I would think the things like the fridge and other things are made from clay. Any which way they are made, it's an art.
And speaking of crooked, I found this staircase online and just had to show it to you. It is a real life staircase but imagine putting something like this in a dollhouse. It is from the Bruce Palmer Design Studio.
Talk to you tomorrow.
Until then....
Pat
Went with friends to a little place and had personal pizzas. Yum. With a Barq's Root Beer. Doesn't get better than that.
Added another machine to my exercise routine at the gym. It is a leg thing. You put both feet flat on this metal plate and stretch your legs, all the while the weights lift. It is just the thing to help strengthen my legs and hips.
And today I got sidetracked. Since my stroke, I just allow myself to go with the flow. If I don't want to do something, I just move on to something else. So I chose the fabrics for the village building curtains and then moved on. LOL
 |
| Dresses ready for sewing and trim |
I am also working on the sewing project I told you about and bought fabric today. Have to find my photo of me as a little girl in the most beautiful Easter dress. I tried hard to find similar fabric and only could find something very bright. I might have to tea dye it to tone it down. It will be sewn for my Delilah Noir doll.
Bought the fabric for the other doll outfit, too, but have time to make that one.
I did get a few comments on the crooked furniture in the eye candy photos. If I were to hazard a guess, I would think the things like the fridge and other things are made from clay. Any which way they are made, it's an art.
And speaking of crooked, I found this staircase online and just had to show it to you. It is a real life staircase but imagine putting something like this in a dollhouse. It is from the Bruce Palmer Design Studio.
Talk to you tomorrow.
Until then....
Pat
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Eye candy only
No one knows what it's going to do tomorrow -- weather-wise. Snow? Maybe. Rain? Maybe? Both? Maybe. We have to wait!
Today I had a lunch guest. Then I did some sewing. This afternoon I had to nap. lol So nothing was done. I just can't move tonight! So I'll tell you my ideas for tomorrow and then do some more eye candy.
I thought that while my poor brain is still healing, I would concentrate on making curtains for each house. I think I can do this part. Stay with me.
Here is some more eye candy. Enjoy it. Maybe something will grab you. And perhaps you can figure out how Australian artist Hila Rosenberg Ventilators did her work.
Enjoy. My work tonorrow.
Until then....
Pat
I love how everything is tilted. Look at the yellow cabinet.
Take a look at the foot on the tub! Who would have thought of that?
The file cabinet is too great. Question still remains. How did she do this?
Today I had a lunch guest. Then I did some sewing. This afternoon I had to nap. lol So nothing was done. I just can't move tonight! So I'll tell you my ideas for tomorrow and then do some more eye candy.
I thought that while my poor brain is still healing, I would concentrate on making curtains for each house. I think I can do this part. Stay with me.
Here is some more eye candy. Enjoy it. Maybe something will grab you. And perhaps you can figure out how Australian artist Hila Rosenberg Ventilators did her work.
Enjoy. My work tonorrow.
Until then....
Pat
I love how everything is tilted. Look at the yellow cabinet.
Take a look at the foot on the tub! Who would have thought of that? 
The file cabinet is too great. Question still remains. How did she do this?
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Start of fireplace and eye candy
Supposed to get snow this weekend. Starting on Friday night. Not the little stuff we have been getting. But the big stuff. I don't care. But I do have to get to Joanne's Fabrics as I have some projects to do.
Today was gym day and I added the step machine. I don't what the formal name is. I did it for 5 min. in addition to my other circuit activities. Last 1 minute? I thought I would need new legs. I'm sure it will get easier. Worked my hand this afternoon. Penmanship still horrible.
I decided to do another little kit. The quarter-scale fireplace. I put the two front pieces on and then the backing. I'll paint the inside tomorrow. Didn't feel like it doing it tonight. Then tomorrow is the mantel and the hearth. It calls for doing the brick facade, too.
I understand the some of you could not link onto the site I thought was great. So I'll download some of them here. The artist is Australian artist Hila Rosenberg Ventilators. I know it's a strange name but it's taken from the site of a Russian artist who found these pix and showed them on her blog. And now I'm showing you on my blog. Make them larger and check the detail. Wow! More tomorrow night.
Enjoy.
Until tomorrow....
Pat
Today was gym day and I added the step machine. I don't what the formal name is. I did it for 5 min. in addition to my other circuit activities. Last 1 minute? I thought I would need new legs. I'm sure it will get easier. Worked my hand this afternoon. Penmanship still horrible.
I decided to do another little kit. The quarter-scale fireplace. I put the two front pieces on and then the backing. I'll paint the inside tomorrow. Didn't feel like it doing it tonight. Then tomorrow is the mantel and the hearth. It calls for doing the brick facade, too.
I understand the some of you could not link onto the site I thought was great. So I'll download some of them here. The artist is Australian artist Hila Rosenberg Ventilators. I know it's a strange name but it's taken from the site of a Russian artist who found these pix and showed them on her blog. And now I'm showing you on my blog. Make them larger and check the detail. Wow! More tomorrow night.
Enjoy.
Until tomorrow....
Pat
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