Friday, July 26, 2013

Wands and brooms

Nice weather today.  No Internet yesterday but today it is working.  We got everything back this afternoon.  And we still have water.  We are batting 100!

I worked on my wands and brooms today.  I'm working on a special project.  I wanted to make the wands different colors.  Then thought it would be good to make the brooms the same color.  I have a few more things I want to do to each of these. I love them.


Then I will start on the hats.  Each hatband will have the same color as its corresponding wand and broom.  I need to go shopping for more beads and glitz, too. 

I am also getting my dolls ready for a future project.  And it took up most of tonight.  I did stop and have some black cherry ice cream, though.  Made veal marsala for dinner.  Delish!

Anyway, thanks for the needle ideas.  I am going to try all ideas to see which one works the best.

Another question for everyone:  I am looking for a snowy white owl.  About 4 inches or so.  I want one with feathers, not a porcelain one.  Brea, if you are reading this, I left a message asking you  where you got your owl.  Did you make it?  I don't think I have time to make one.  Hmmm....

I'm sure I'll be doing something different tomorrow.  I go from place to place to place.

Until then...

Pat

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Back with different things

Yay!  Finally have Comcast back and water, too!  Woo hoo!  They are installing Verizon throughout the area in which we live.  Yesterday they broke a water main.  No water for hours.  There was no water when we went to bed.  Thank goodness we had it this morning.

However, we did lose Comcast for 2 days.  And when Comcast goes, so goest the phone and Internet and t.v.  It was not back this morning.  But we had to go out early and when we got home, the Comcast was back!  So I can do the blog.

Yesterday I had our two granddaughters over.  They are still working on their shops.  Kate did a few things for her boutique.  She wanted a counter to showoff the purses and shoes she will be making.  She took an empty toilet roll, painted it yellow and decorated it with flowers.  She then took a yellow butter lid, cut off the edge and glued it to the top of the roll.  Voila!  Round counter.

Sydney made shelves for her bread and rolls.  We made the shelving unit from a spaghetti box.  She painted the 3 inside and 3 outside spaces.  And used the front piece for the shelves, cutting them and gluing them in.  They are a bit off, since the glue was wet and it moved.  She will not be happy.  Oops.

Then they worked with clay.  They love, love, love clay.  And used the pasta maker.  And all of the tools at least once.

When they were done, Syd had two cakes.  The one on the left is a yellow cake with braided icing.  The second isn't finished (girls had to go home!) but it's a red velvet cake with white and green icing.  She is going to cut a piece or two from them to put on a place.  I think they came out so nice.  She's 10.  She cooks and bakes at home, too.  (Made chicken cutlets the night before for her family.)


Kate didn't want to be left out so she decided to make headbands for her shop.  You can see where she started and then because more complicated as she went on.  They will probably hang from a hook so they can be seen by "customers."



I didn't get to do anything.  Keeping them busy and teaching them the correct way to use the tools took my time.  Especially with the cutters. 

So, that was my day.  I slept well last night.  LOL

See you tonight as long as we have cable!

Until then...

Pat

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Things for sewing room

Still hot here.  Did have a thunderstorm (we did keep our electricity!) and quite a bit of rain.  Didn't cool it down, though.  Still humid.  So I'm still in the house.  Glad I'm not teaching yet because the majority of the classrooms have no AC.  But it's good in here.  LOL

I began to make things for the sewing room.  I tried first to do bolts of fabric.  They turned out lovely.

First, I cut a piece of cardboard for the insert, just like at the fabric shop.


Then I cut strips of fabric and ironed the edges.  I lightly glued the fabric onto the cardboard edge.  Then I folded it up.

 
The edge of the fabric strip is the last to be folded.  Then I glued the folded end down.  And then they become fabric bolts! 
 

Believe it or not, it took me awhile since I had to do several for gifts. 

I'm still thinking of things to use for sewing needles.  Any ideas???

Until tomorrow night...

Pat

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Printies to view

Very hot today.  Lost power again.  Did have thunder.  It rained about 52 drops.  We are supposed to get a cooler wave of air over this evening.  We shall see.  I did not go out the whole day. 

I folded and glued printies for Rowena and friends.  The pictures didn't come out very clear.  It's late!  LOL

So here is the baking soda. Never heard of Cow Brand but it is probably from across the pond.


And here is a box of Kellogg's Corn Flake Crumbs.  The thickness of this package is about 1/32". 


Pillsbury Flour is a definite pantry need.  This is a box instead of the paper package, for which I was grateful.  Folding the tops of tiny bags is a bummer of a task.


Everyone needs coffee in their stock.  And Nescafe Classic is a good brand!


These are Mini Ritz crackers.  The actual package is very clear, but you get the picture.

 
 
This is a craft mat.  It looks uneven at the top but it really does lie flat.  I took the picture from above.
 


And that's how I spent my Saturday, all while staying cool.

Don't know what is up for tomorrow...oh yes, the sewing room!

Until then...

Pat

No power...again.

Hi.  So hot that last night we had no power --- again.  Guess too many ACs on at one time.  Or maybe an accident down the street.

I'll have a blog tonight, even if I have to do it from my phone!

Until then....

Pat

Thursday, July 18, 2013

And the rest of the goodies

Another hot day.  Only went out for a little while.  We are going to have this heat for another 72 hours.  Then rain will bring coolness, they say.

So here are the last little things.  Hubby bought a new Dremel today.  Electric.  We have a small one that is battery powered.  Have to charge them all the time.  And one of the batteries just died.  We had 2. 

Enjoy. 

Here are 3 cute skillets.  I think I may clean them up a bit.  But they do look "used."


Two bundt pans!  Can you believe it?  They are a copper color.  They will make good cake shapes with clay!


And a personal favorite, more wine.  I love these because they look so real.


Until tomorrow...

Pat

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Third group of lovelies

Another hot day.  Only went out tonight when the sun went down to get ice cream.  Yum.  I had a small cup of both cherry vanilla and death by chocolate. 

So here are some more things to show you. 

I love this tray.  Now I need to make little perfume bottles for Rowena. 


I could not pass this up for 25 cents.  I may get model paint because it's metal and repaint it. 


I have some of these.  Their name escapes me.  But they are nice because of their size and weight.  They are the weight of a piece of paper.


These red enameled canisters are so cute.  I'm not fond of the flowers on it which means if I don't use them for a swap or a gift, I will probably paint them.


There's one more group to show you tomorrow night.

Until then...

Pat











Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Second group of goodies

Another hot day.  Calling this a heat wave.  A scorching wave it is. 

I promised to show you some more of my bargains.  And here they are:

Marguerite, who owns the site, insisted on giving a dog bone for the house.  No dog yet.  I am looking for a Russian wolfhound standing, not laying down.  If anyone sees one for less than $25, let me know.  There is one that is $200.  I can't afford that one.  I don't even have a real dog!


This is a dust pan.  I may (or not) put a small handle on it so Rowena's housekeeper doesn't have to bend down to use it. 


These eggs are glued in so unfortunately, all of Rowena's eggs are in one basket.  Okay.  Sorry.  Couldn't resist that one.  But it's so darned cute.


These are two pieces of lace-trimmed fabric.  I think they might be curtains but I haven't taken the tie off yet.  When I get ready, I will do that.  They will probably end up in the sewing room.


I love these steins.  25 cents for 4.  And they are metal and quite  heavy.  Rowena likes to chug a beer once in awhile and these are perfect for entertaining!


So, that's my latest.

And there's more....

Until tomorrow...

Pat







Monday, July 15, 2013

First group of bargains

It is another 100 degree day.  I hope everyone who is experiencing this has A/C. 

On Sunday, we went to a doll show and they often have miniatures.  The majority of these items were 25 cents apiece.  Some were 5 for $1.00.  Had a blast.  Since I participate in a few mini swaps during the year, I like to accumulate little things.

So I'm giving you a look at the first group:

This bottle actually says Blue Nun wine.  25 cents.  Saw one at another table for $1.25.


A  besom broom for Halloween.  I have plans for this one and I'll show you as I get to it!


This is another dresser set of mirror, brush and comb.  I have seen these blinged up and plan to do the same.  Looking to put in a "mirror," too.


These candlesticks are just beautiful and also have quite a bit of weight to them.  There were 4 candles with them.  The entire group was 25 cents.


Two copper pots. Although I don't need pots for Rowena's house, they will be useful in a future project.  And how can you pass up a 25-cent bargain?


Blue splatterwear with lids!  25 cents.  They will be put away, too.





See the second group tomorrow!

Until then...

Pat

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Oops...maybe this is not a good one

Went to a doll show today and it had, as expected, quite a few dollhouse and minis.  Lots were only 25 cents.  I'll take pix tomorrow.  It was a terribly hot day.  This is to continue all week. 

We ate lunch at Cracker Barrel.  Anyone ever eat there?  They have the best food and the really great thing is you can get breakfast all day long.  Yum.

So, what a mess I made of the Twining tea box.  It was just something that isn't working well.  The original printie had no top so I added pieces paper to the box.  Now I don't know how to finish it.  I have to really think about it.  I didn't think of a flap to glue it in.  (sigh)  I'll keep you posted.



Anyway, here it is.  I don't know if I'll try to do the rest of them.  I worked on other boxes tonight so I hope to have a lot of pix tomorrow.


Until then...

Pat

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Milk carton is next

 
Today was a pretty good day.  I was able to put the bean labels on the "cans."  I'll take a picture tomorrow.  I have to cut them apart and paint the tops and bottoms silver.  They look great. 
 
This is the fiddly acting milk carton.  See the top?  It isn't cut correctly on the printie.  So I have to make a change so it actually folds in, like a real milk carton.

 
We are going to the dollhouse and minis show tomorrow.  Hope to be able to show you some great goodies! 
 
 

 
 
Oh, by the way, if anyone wants a copy of any of the printies I use, let me know. 
 
See you tomorrow night!
 
Until then....
 
Pat

Friday, July 12, 2013

Spaghetti

Hi there.  Sat outside this morning with my sewing.  Although it was overcast, it was the first day that the sun didn't bake you once you went outside.  Hubby cut the grass and I sewed snaps on doll clothes.  I like sewing snaps as much as I like watching glue dry.  Really.  That much.

Sunday is a doll show and I'm hoping to score more 25-cent items.  Sure would help when I do swaps. 

I bought and received a pair of shoes for one of my guys.  Fit will be great after socks are added.  They were only $8 with shipping and handling.  Getting another pair real soon. They were only $4 but only come in a light purple. My guys can handle purple. I'll wait and match the purple to make him a shirt that matches. I'll take a pic when they arrive.  If I don't like them, I can use dark chalk to change the color.

So here's another Barilla box.  Spaghetti this time.  I think the face on the front with spaghetti as whiskers is a hoot.  But the putting together of this printie also needs the little tabs removed. They aren't needed.  These boxes were relatively easy.

 
 
So this is my task for today.  As I'm hoping to finish the kitchen pantry swap by early next week, I'm already thinking of the sewing room swap items. 
 
So until then...
 
Pat

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Macaroni package

Today was another scorcher with rain and thunder.  There was probably lightning, too, but I don't look when I think it's out there.  Wimp, I know.

Did go to the gym.  I think it helps.  I consider it a waste of time, though, and away from my mini life.  LOL

So today I began on the macaroni boxes.  They almost look like a Barilla box.  I don't think they are.  And they are too small to read.

If you ever think you will make these boxes, I find it best to keep the large tabs for the closing of the box.  If they don't have tabs, make some.  The small tabs are more trouble than they are worth.

I can say my week will be these boxes.  However, I think I'll have to do something that is a little more creative.  I really began to shake as I finished 7 boxes. 

So here is the macaroni box.  All of the little things that appear to be wrong will be fixed.  For some reason, there's always white lines on these printies.  I will be taking a midnight blue marker to fix the edges.  And on the top, I need just a tad more glue.  That will be put in with a pin. 

See you later with my next printie.

Until then...

Pat








Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Second kitchen swap printie

Another hot and humid day.  Honestly, it is getting old.  When school was finished and I was anticipating a long nice summer, it was one in which I could have my coffee at the patio table every morning.  Ha!  I have to put the AC on by 8 a.m.  So I'm usually in all day.

I am doing another printie and will be doing at least 5 or 6 different ones for the kitchen pantry.  This is for Early Times Pancake Mix.  The box is quite small but it might be good to think of it as a one-time mix.  According to the box, it should be 1 cup of mix and yield five 6-in pancakes. 

Here's the printie piece.  It did come with tabs already.  Yay!



I had to glue it in sections, so I did it like an assembly line. And here is the finished box.  It's so cute.
 


Tomorrow morning is the gym. Ugh. How I hate to work out.  Am I the only one???

Talk to you tomorrow night.

Until then....

Pat

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Okay, I'm back...thanks for waiting

Hi there.  Well, I am back.  Hopefully for good. 

It is so hot here it's melting weather.  I am melting in this weather.  So mostly I just stay in.

I am still in the process of cataloguing my dolls.  What a job it turned out to be.  Each of the dolls have a specific name and for insurance purposes, it would be nice to have their names.  So I am doing research.  Some I bought from a private seller and not the original doll company.  But it will be done and done right.  I hope.  LOL

I am in three different swaps (9 people in each swap) for the summer months and into September.  The first is to make items to fill a kitchen pantry, the second is for sewing room items and the third is for Halloween.  I did a lot of printables yesterday. Had to wait for replacement toners.   They get more expensive by the year.

Anyway, the first one I'm doing is a tea canister.  I'm hoping to make teabags for it.  We'll see how my patience wears. 

Here is the pattern for the tea canister.  The ends are fiddly and I use white glue for the ends. 

On the first one, I cut it as it is shown.  Then I got smart.  I left a small white tabs on the end.  It was a bit easier.  When finished, I'll spray them with poly spray so they hold their shape and they'll have a slight shine.  This is one that I put the tabs on.


Here's the folded up canister.  Isn't it cute?


So tomorrow I have something else to cut and fold.  I think if I do them daily, they won't be so onerous.  I don't know if I will do one area at a time or not.

Also, going to a doll and mini show on Sunday.  Hope to get some things there.  25 cents or 50 cents apiece.

Must run.  Time to settle down.  See you tomorrow.

Until then...

Pat