Up For A Name Change?

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away………………

EEEEEKKKKKKK!!!!!

NO, wait a minute, this isn’t Star Wars!  This is my blog and I needed an update.   A blogland blogger name update that is.

Way back when I first started blogging, I was primarily hooked on dolls of any shape or size, as long as they were teenagers or older.  I’m not fond of baby or toddler dolls.  So, I gave myself the name of The Lone Dollier.  Being one of the very few people left within a 200 mile radius of me that was creating/costuming dolls (not counting reborns-ugh-sorry personal preference type thing I guess), I felt very alone.  Also, I was new to the blogging community and didn’t realize it helps to have uniformity.

Now, I have expanded my horizons and I not only costume miniature dolls, I also go junkin’, collect paper ephemera, love anything vintage, create altered tags, and work with miniatures of all types.  If you’ve noticed, I’ve even added a little tag line under the main name of my blog to reflect my expanding vision.

So, I’m thinking about a name change.  In two other arenas, I go by Tarnished Rose.  That’s my “professional” name if you will.  I’m just kind of melding my Etsy shop name, my Twitter name, and possibly my Facebook page all together with my blogger name.   I am now Tarnished Rose in blogland.  I now have a name that better fits my likes; things that are tarnished, not new, but still have that beauty to it, things like dolls that I make that may not be your typical “pretty” dolls, but have their own beauty, altered tags that are slightly grungy, you get my drift.

For now, I’ll keep the name of my blog the same.  Dolls, Etc., covers a LOT of ground and I do hope to get back to focusing more on dolls.  Now that I have a NEW AIR CONDITIONER in my studio!!! YIPPEEE! 

Now my studio is nice and cool once more!

 

 

 

Until Later……………………………

Smiles~

And The Winner of the Cavallini Stamps Is:

Okay, so I read through each entry (yep, sure did and thank you all!), printed them out, and assigned a number to each one.  In all, there were 79 entries (some people forgot to post a separate comment for posting on their blog).  I checked, double-checked, TRIPLE-CHECKED (as I wanted to be fair and correct) entered the numbers Into Random.Org and DRUM ROLL PLEASE
True Random Number Generator Min: 1 Max: 79 Result: 48 Powered by RANDOM.ORG
The winner is:  LIZ – all the way in Indonesia!  WOW, don’t think I’ve ever mailed anything there.  Cool!  LIZ, I will be emailing you privately to get your mailing address.
You can visit LIZ at her blog, http://www.pintaliztiirene.blogspot.com/.  If I’m understanding her correctly, she just passed a big test and deserves a round of applause. 
THANK YOU all for entering this giveaway.  I had an awesome turnout, acquired a bunch of new followers, and got even closer to the next giveaway, which I will hold when I hit 200 Followers!  I’m sorry the drawing took so long, I have been so busy with my son’s All Star team that I finally had to take a break at work and do this before you all rioted on me!
Stay tuned, I have a TON of great finds from some estate sales and on-line auctions share with you.  Also, don’t forget, I have a second blog where I offer items for sale before I list them on my Etsy sites (which are also on a page of the blog).  The name of the blog is Epoch Junktique and I have some old toys and board games up for sale right now along with some of my altered tags.
Until Later…………
Smiles~

Bloggerette Sorority

Okay, I’m a baddddd Rusher.  I didn’t post my creation (thank you Zandra for reminding me)!  Sorry, life (aka son’s baseball team) got in the way.  BUT!!!!  I did get my project done.  I completed an altered tag.

 

I used a combination of Distress Inks, Vintage lace, Gauze, a “dirtied” silk rose, a Transfer of the photo we were to use (I have a secret potion that work great), and a Resin rectangle with “Dream”.  

Oh!  A picture of me.  AHHHH, ahem, cough cough,

I had to take one with the camera on my laptop.  AHEM, ummmm, I kept getting a glare on my glasses so they are on my nose. LOL 

Enjoy (tee hee)

Until Later………………………

Have a Look-See!

Okay, one of the web’s most awesome stores has contacted me to do a review.

Many of you know of this store and that they have some of the greatest products at the best prices, tons which come with free shipping.  So, let’s take a look at the VANITY Site from CSN.com and see what's available. 

Here are a few that I could see in my bathroom, which BTW, will be getting a full makeover HOPEFULLY in the next year or so & guess who I will go to.  YEP! CSN’s JUST VANITIES store.
I have a small bathroom, but Virtu Maybell Double 55.1" Bathroom Vanity would fit just right!

Or maybe the Belle Foret 60" Double Basin
 
Or this one with a single sink:  Vintage Stone 60" American Collection – talk about classing up the old bathroom!  Plus, it has all the drawer space that I definitely need.

So, now, for an upcoming review, brought to you by CSN!  I will be reviewing these items for you.


Now, why you may ask, did I decide to review such mundane kitchen/house wares?  Well, here’s why.  I’m a crafter.  I create a LOT of different things.  And most of you that read my blog are like me.  And there is a lot on CSN’s website that might be of use to you.  In fact, their crafting storage items are super cool.  And guess what else is on the drawing board for me???? YEP!  A new studio (about a year or so away too – have to renovate the house).  I’ve already perused their site for desks and shelving options.  Their free shipping would save me a BUNDLE.

The PASTA MACHINE will be used to condition clay for my art dolls, jewelry, and miniatures.  The TILT STORAGE BINS can hold the results of said creations from the use of the pasta machine.  Sounds like a plan to me!

Once I’ve given both of these a work-out (& let me tell you, I will take them through their paces!), I’ll do a review right here and let you know how things came out.  I’ll show the results!

Thank you CSN!  You are so awesome to deal with.

Until Later………………………………
Smiles~

Recent Wins

Okay, I’ve been very remiss.  I’ve won several blog prizes lately and haven’t posted about them.  They’ve all been wonderful and the ladies that gave them away should have their hard work acknowledged.

First

I won this AWESOME necklace from LULU Kellogg – wore it to work yesterday and got all kinds of compliments.

Cool Scarab necklace from Barb’s Botanical Gardens – will be wearing this one real soon!

 

Beautiful Journal, plaque and the sweetest birds from Fairfield House – Journal is going to be for my dream studio.  I’m going to start planning it & THEN convince hubby that I NEED one inside so he doesn’t feel so “neglected”  HEHE. HE ASKED FOR IT (look at yesterday’s post).

Awesome handmade stationary set from Hope Filled Living – now I can send all kinds of letters.

Plates, napkins, recipe cards and TWO Rachel Ray DVDs from North Dakota Kitchen – WOO HOO! Recipes galore.

 

Beautiful necklace from Dara through The Creative Connection – won’t fit around my head, but will hang in a prominent location in my studio so I can drool over it.

FOUR Collage Sheets from Create with Joy – great for my ATCs
A $25 Gift Card to Michaels from The Graphics Fairy – got my list ready!
AND a wonderful Gardening Kit from Vintage Linen Treasures (see sidebar) – now I can get the rest of my containers potted.

So, I’ve been doing the HAPPY DANCE a LOT lately.  I want to publicly say THANK YOU to all of these awesome ladies for hosting some wonderful giveaways!

I will be drawing the winner of the Cavallini butterfly stamps shortly.

Until Later………………………

He Said, She Said

My husband and I are arguing.  I never spend any time with him.  I say, he never spends any time with me.  I have my studio, my blog, my likes, my junkin.  He has fishing, hunting, and football.  We like NOTHING the other likes!  Okay, we can’t even agree on what type of hot dog to eat!  Yep, talk about night and day.

He wants ME to spend time with HIM. NOT the other way around.  I hate hunting, can’t stand going to football games, think shows about hunting and fishing on TV are stupid AND I can’t fish because of my health (allergies & riding in the boat would literally kill me right now).  Would it kill him to take me to the antique malls around where I live every now and then (I’m agoraphobic to a certain degree and going places is always anxiety-attack inducing) or go to some yard sales?  Take me to Michaels or Hobby Lobby?  Hmmmmm?????

Have any of you ever experienced this?  I  read so much about how husbands are so supportive of their wives’ hobbies.  Well mine isn’t.  Insecurity?  Jealousy?   Probably both.  But, it’s a two-way street.  I tried the one-way street for over 18 years…….our marriage almost didn’t last.  So it’s no more of that now that I wrestled an identity back (which he FULLY supported me doing!).

Sorry for the venting, normally I try to keep this blog upbeat, but it’s reaching critical mass.

So, chime in!  Does your spouse think you’re ignoring him when you are in your studio?  Does he want you GLUED to him 24/7 after even 22 years of marriage (yep, just this May)?  Or does he go with you as much as you go with him?  Inquiring minds (well mine LOL) want to know!

Until Later……………………………

Smiles~

Surprise in the Mail Today

My Giveaway closes at Midnight, June 20th, CST - Go HERE to enter.

Okay, so I’ve discovered on-line, live auctions. AARRRGGHHH!!!  Not bad enough there is Ebay, Etsy, garage sales, estate sales, etc., nope I had to go and find out about ON-LINE LIVE BIDDING AUCTIONS!
You know, the kind that you can attend while sitting in the comfort of your own home on a Saturday night, 2,000+ miles away from where the action is.  Get your auction fix if you will (especially where I live where there are NO auctions to speak of).
So, I get a notice that Westsound Auctions up in Washington state of all places is having an auction.  I’m perusing their catalog and there it is!  A GOLD Dragonware cup and saucer in a lot of other “vintage” items.  Namely two alphabet ceramic blocks and a hammered aluminum basket.  Now, everyone that knows me KNOWS I’m “el cheapo”.  I don’t spend a lot on any one item & I didn’t want the other three things in the lot. Okay, no chance to win this for my mom, who collects this wonderful stuff (dragonware that is), and who has a birthday next month, and who deserves a gift from a very grateful daughter. 
But, I bid.  Then, I go to bed.  Heck, we are two hours ahead of Washington and this was one of the last lots.  The auction didn’t start until late my time as it was.  No way was I staying up until after midnight to see myself lose.
I wake up the next day, check my messages while at the ballpark (son was pitching) and surprise of surprises, I WON!!!!!!
Yep, this little jewel just arrived
  
If almost MINT condition!  Now, I paid out the wahzoo for shipping, that’s the drawback of having something shipped halfway across the country, but my mom will soon be the proud owner of something she loves.  PRICELESS.
Oh, and did I mention a little SURPRISE!  Yes, the nice folks at Westsound included this little jewel in my package and she’s all mine!

A vintage postcard!  I think the folks over there deserve a Thank You note from me, because I’m very appreciative.  And I just sent them one.
Oh, and the other items,  they’ll be up on my Etsy store soon.
Until Later……………………………

Experiments with Envirotex Lite

I’ve been doing experiments lately (insert evil laugh).  I purchased some of this 

so I could make some of these

and these

(camera flashed)

and these!

I would say it’s ALIVE a SUCCESS!

Since my light box hasn’t arrived yet (expected date, June 15th), you really can’t see how CLEAR these are.  They are crystal clear and hard and very glossy.  Well, except for the rectangular ones.  Those were part of the first batch and were too near the surface of the container I was using.  Some of the roughness I attribute to the paper.  But, I’m looking for a deeper rectangular holder.  I’ve got my eye on some candy molds on Amazon right now!  I see more experimenting in the near future.

Now, these aren’t perfect, but I think with a little tweaking, I can get them exactly like I want.  Plus, I’m going to try using different media.  For these, I used laser printed images on the rectangular pieces and silk flowers on the others.  Think next I’ll try beads, dried flowers, ANYTHING I can get my hands on (& you saw pictures of the inside of my shop in a previous post, there’s LOTS for me to use).

So, I have to decide what to do with these.  Maybe include them in with some orders from my Etsy store (I did send out two today in separate orders), or put mini magnets on them and use them. HHMMMMM.  I REALLY want your feedback, good OR bad. 

Also, I’m looking at being out of commission AGAIN!  I found out yesterday that I’m having surgery next week.  My knee specialist has to scope my right knee and see why I have such a huge knot on it and lots of pain.  Looks like someone inserted an egg under my skin at my knee cap.   So, surgery and then crutches for three or four days.  What do you want to bet I hobble out to my studio, prop my knee up, and play?????  But shhhhh, don’t tell hubby or he’ll blow a gasket. LOL  I’m supposed to keep it propped up and not do much (therefore I won’t be at work next week) so by extension I’m not supposed to play in my shop.  BUT………….

Until Later…………………………………

The Bloggerette Sorority

If you are looking for my Giveaway, please go HERE

 

Okay, so I never was in a sorority.  At 19, I was married, working full-time, and going to college at night.  That didn’t leave a lot of time for joining anything, not to mention I just wasn’t the college sorority type (I was really, really, PAINFULLY shy). 

 

So, when I saw there was a blog Sorority starting up, I was intrigued.  Was it for me?  Could I finally, possibly qualify?  HMMMM, it’s for people with my likes…..HMMMM, I’m not shy anymore can basically carry a convo if I need to…..HMMMM, I think it’s for me! 

 

So, if you would like to join the Bloggerette Sorority, click on the link below and check it out!  But hurry, Rush is approaching and you don’t want to miss this!

   Won't you join us?

Until Later…………………………………………..

 

 

I’ve Been Busy Today

If you are looking for my 100+ Follower Giveaway, please click HERE.

So, inquiring minds want to know, what has she been up to today?  Well, maybe you don’t wonder what I’ve been doing on an overcast, rainy, south Louisiana Sunday afternoon, other than watching the LSU Tigers play baseball (GEAUX TIGERS!  LSU!!!)

Well, I’ve been getting my fingers inky and sticky.  Yep, I’ve been playing in my studio.  Couldn’t yesterday since the back and neck were really acting up after two hours sitting in an uncomfortable chair at my son’s baseball game, trying to stay dry (yep, it was raining off and on), and keeping score (I’m the scorekeeper for the team).  So, I had a LOT to make up for today.

So, here’s my current studio – the storage area.  It takes up half my studio which is a built-out 10 x 20 portable building.  Yes, it’s as packed as it looks!

One desk Another supposed computer/video desk center except my computer can’t get a signal there.

Gratuitous shot of the dollhouse I’ve been working on FOREVER and my other desk that looks out over the backyard toward my house. I have another worksurface that sits perpendicular to this one and separates the working half of my studio from the storage half.

Oh, would you like to see a picture of my little friend that kept me company all day?  Sure you would.

  HEHEHE, bet you weren’t expecting that!  Yep, this little fellow ran all over my worktop today while I was playing working.  No, I’m not particularly bothered by spiders.  They eat bugs and as long as they stay off of me, I leave them alone.  Considering it was smaller than the diamond in my wedding band (tiny) he wasn’t any danger to me.  He kept scurrying all over the place trying to avoid my fingers as I reached for things.

Okay, so first, I played around with some High Gloss stuff by Envirotex.   Lisa at Tarnished and Tattered makes the most awesome Resin Bobbles using it (& now I just read she found some stuff that’s even clearer-gotta get me some).  Since you have to work fairly fast, I didn’t take pictures, but this is what I am waiting on:

 
I’ve approached it somewhat differently than she does since I don’t want to copy her, but learn from her.  So, I read her tutorial, ask a question or two, then went out and decided to experiment.  Once these dry, I’ll show you the results & give you a review of the product.  Nope, Envirotex isn’t a sponsor or anything, they don’t know I exist!

Then, it was time to get inky!

Some worked (love this one)  Some didn’t Some are okay These crosses are some of my favorites.
Some women-themed Love the chandelier

As you can see, I love Tim Holtz Distressed Inks.  They work so wonderfully!  I’m also in love with some wonderful Lampblack black ink (can’t remember the maker).  Makes the most wonderful image.  No, Tim Holtz doesn’t know I exist either, so I wasn’t paid to say wonderful stuff about his ink LOL.  It is marvelous though.  I also use a combination of his felt pads for blending and baby wipes.  Yep, baby wipes give you a wonderful blended, softer look.  Does make the tags a bit damp (though I try to use wipes that have been setting out for a bit and have dried some).  I may have to iron a few to get them back flat.  I also LOVE baby wipes for cleaning my stamps.  I just get the unscented cheap ones, blot the stamp (both rubber and acrylic) then blot on a paper towel.  I’ve even cleaned USED stamps that I bought and had all the ink just magically come off.

Okay, I’m also participating in an ATC swap that happens every two months. As you may be able to tell, the theme was CATS.   These aren’t due until July, but since I’m ALWAYS turning them in at the LAST minute, I decided to get July’s theme out of the way.  The only one I’m not sure about is the Photo Op one.  I think I need something in the lower left corner, just not sure what. 

Oh, and in case any of you are interested, I listed a bunch of tags I made a few weeks ago over on EPOCH JUNKTIQUE.  Please let me know what you think about them.  The ones you see above will also be listed there soon.  Prices are listed on my selling blog linked above. 

Whew!  That’s a long blog post for me.  Now, I need a break and some food.  Except for two tiny pancakes this morning, I’ve not eaten all day. 

Sorry I haven’t been able to show any dolls or miniatures that I’ve worked on.  I just haven’t been in the mood to do them, but sooner or later, the mini bug will bite and I’ll be off working on them.  I can feel it nibbling at my toes right now.

Until Later………………………………….