Dolls, Etc.

Veteran's Day - Thank You

2009-11-11T17:36:00.000-08:00

On this day, I want to take the opportunity to say THANK YOU MEMBERS, ACTIVE & RETIRED, OF OUR MILITARY. Because of you, we are The Land of the Free, The Home of the Brave.

Finally some Crafting Supplies Arrived for my Etsy Shop

2009-11-11T12:43:00.000-08:00

Finally, after a good wait, some supplies I've been wanting for my Etsy shop arrived. I never knew trying to run a successful webstore could be so nerve-wracking.

So, just in case any of you are interested, here's what I just got listed:

Monoject Curved Tip Glue Syringes - I LOVE these things. Personally, I try to keep about 6 on hand at all times. Great for all types of glues.

Pointed Rubber Tipped Sculpting Tools (gum stimulators anyone?) These can be hard to find - let me tell you!

and the extra Tips for them! Great for all kinds of sculpting - add lines, wrinkles, detail, etc.

If you like Stampington Mags, I have some for about 1/2 off cover or less:

I also have the below magazines for sale:

My mom also has some great stuff on there too. The items listed above I can combine shipping on since they ship from my house. The rest of the items my mom ships from her home 5 hours away, though she also combines shipping. We just can't combine our stuff together.

We try to keep things reasonably priced so everyone can afford them. Just because they are cheaply priced doesn't mean they are junk. Our goal was to offer unique vintage and antique items that everyone can afford.

Well, we gotta clear out her house someway!!!!! LOL I can't move around when I visit. It's like having my own personal flea market when I go home. Really, it's kinda neat. I'll post pictures in the next few days that I took there this weekend. Mom knows they are going up on my blog.

Well, that's it for the day. Until Later.
Smiles!

Ebay Finds

2009-11-09T13:09:00.000-08:00

Here as promised are some of my recent Ebay finds. Now, I'm not fond of Ebay in the least, but sometimes, you just gotta give in. Especially when they are artisan made by some of my favorites!

Here is a barrel of Dragon Scales, by Patricia Paul
This HAS to go in my planned roombox.

A nice table for what I hope will be a wizard's/witch's lab, from Patricia Paul

Look at the cute little jointed bear - just couldn't resist. Every witch has to have a teddy! :)

Scrolls for my planned roombox

My prized win! A tiny setting by Rosie Duck!!!!
I have SO been wanting something created by them.

In the coming days, there will be more finds to share with you both from Ebay and from a favorite, MOA (MiniaturesOnly.com). A good friend runs that auction site and the miniatures on their are EXCELLENT. Wait until you see the cute little bad dragons I won.

Also, while visiting my parents this weekend, I took a bunch of pictures with my cell phone camera - I promise this is their house, NOT a stall at a flea market. My mom finds such neat stuff. I have GOT to get a good, small camera I can carry with me where ever I go as mine is too large. So, if any of you out there in blogger land know of a good, inexpensive, small digital camera I can just pop in my purse or pocket, let me know.

Well, since I'm at work, guess I'd better work.
Later!

Happy VBF Everyone

2009-11-06T13:34:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe, but another Vintage Black Friday is again here. Of course, me being me, I forgot until not long ago. Let's see what I can find in my picture files.

First, a beautiful 1910 Titanic Hat, Black and Cream, Made in Paris

A wonderful Black Lorman clock with a red face

This Vintage Vermouth poster (from Dover ClipArt)

Don't you just love Erte'? Well, I do. So elegant. (Courtesy of Dover also)

I want to create several doll costumes based on Erte'. All on the drawing board with a MILLION other ideas.

Please check out all the other WONDERFUL blogs participating in Vintage Black Fridays (click over to Gypsy Brocante for a list and link to all participants). Hopefully this weekend, I can get a camera or at least MAYBE a charger that fits will come in for my current camera, and I can take some COOL pictures of my own, instead of just looking through all my JPGs I've collected over the years that I use for inspiration.

Have a Great Weekend everyone.

Look What I WON!!!!

2009-11-03T10:28:00.000-08:00

Okay, I am still pinching myself. A couple of months ago, I entered a contest from DOLLS magazine. Well, last week, I received an email from Jones Publishing that said that I had won a Delilah Noir doll, but all that they (DOLLS) had for me was a PO Box. Could I please send them my mailing address.

Well, after looking up the editor's info online, verifying that this looked to be a legitimate email, & vaguely remembering entering something, I sent them my physical mailing address.

Look what arrived yesterday!!!!!

Yes, my very own, ball-jointed, Delilah Noir doll!!!! Happy Happy Joy Joy!

My SON was so happy for me (I had told him last week I won a doll) that he wanted to open her for me and have her posed before I got home - he's a great kid. But, I said, nope, I wanted to. So as soon as I got home, he said Mom, there she is.

As you can tell, I haven't taken her out of the box yet. She did come with a blond wig, extra feet, the schoolgirl clothes, etc. A ball-jointed doll and she's all mine!

Would you believe, I didn't even play with dolls much as a child?

Promise, in the next day or so, I will post my Ebay mini finds, including one of my wish list items, a Rosie Duck miniature!

Until Next Time - Smiles!

Vintage Black Friday

2009-10-30T06:56:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been under the weather, so I'm a little behind with posting - I was shooting for one post a day, and I still have some mini finds on Ebay to share with everyone.

But in honor of Vintage Black Friday, I'm popping up out of my hole and sharing some vintage black and white photos that I've found on the web. Now, I collect tintypes & cabinet photos as I feel the need to preserve a little bit of history so wish these were mine.

Can you imagine having to wear something like this in the summer time? I think I would positively melt in the heat of the South.

This looks to have been taken in the winter time, or at least in the North.

Look at all the layers!

Don't let these drab black and white photos fool you. Most of the clothing was very colorful, just color photography had yet to be invented.

I like to use photos such as these for inspiration. I really wish I had time to take a few photos of some of the pictures (tin types & cabinet photos) that I have. I collect cute or quicky ones.

Oh. here is something of mine. It's a vintage thermometer - in black of course!Definitely seen better days.

Well, please check out Gypsy Brocante , 52 Flea , & the other sites (linked on Gypsy Brocante) participating in Vintage Black Friday.

Until later!

Lots of Giveaways Out There

2009-10-28T07:44:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm a poor little broke blogger, so I don't have anything to give but advice!

Check out these cool Halloween/October Giveaways:

Fiona & Twig have an awesome one, Six in One Hand has a great one, Garden Antqs Vintage does as well. Not only are their prizes great, their sites rock!

Well, I better get back to RL and get some work done if I want to have a job!

Have fun reading these blogs. And also enjoy all the great inspiration available.

Until later.

Cleaning the Little Studio

2009-10-27T07:14:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm trying to post somethign every day, in an effort to get into the habit of blogging. I love the format of bouncing ideas off of people and as you can tell from the Etc. part of my blog header, this can be about dolls or anything that side-tracks me.

Well, this weekend, I spent cleaning up my inside studio. I went to WalMart, Big Lots, and Dollar Tree looking for things to help me organize a very small 5' x 6' room. Yep, 30 square feet. To top it off, we have to be careful putting anything on the walls because the main breaker is located in the room - before we added on to the house, it was the washroom. Just large enough for a washer and dryer placed side by side.

So, I removed the cabinet doors (four total) allowing me to "open" up the space. Then, I hauled in a shoe organizer - one of those stackable things - that had been sitting on my front porch for months. I have two, both free finds from a yard sale. After I cleaned them up with Clorox Clean-Up, one went on top of the 5' dept of the table, another went under it.

Before the clean-up - See the mess.

See how dark it is? Only one 40 Watt bulb. To the right of this picture you can see the shoe shelf. Junk everywhere.

Boxes stacked here and there.

Here are two of the doors from the overhead cabinets. They made the room seem even smaller. Not conducive to creative thinking. I could barely get in the door! It's hard to even turn around in on a good day.

Now here are after pictures. Two days of working, lights installed under the cabinets (Big Lots, 3 flourescent mini lights, ganged together, installed with heavy duty mounting tape - $23.00)

As you can see, I also cleaned the worktop off - which is the old dining room table (yep, tiny house before we added on). Notice how nice and bright it is now.

Look!No more boxes!!!!!!

Now, I still have a VERY long way to go, as I have a three drawer unit (see above-this is the top of it) to organize, but between WalMart and Dollar Tree (note: WalMart has the plastic drawer organizers 3 for $1 and Dollar Tree has the plastic-coated metal ones for $1 each) I think I have enough organizers to get the drawers straightened out where I can find things. Once this is done, I have to tackle getting my different projects organized, but I've purchased plastic bins that slide under the bed just for this purpose. Also, copy paper boxes are just about the right size for one roombox project. Just label the outside!

Before I go, heres a quirky little find. He'll probably be lounging on my desk at work shortly. Just got to remember to get him off the top of the refrigerator where he currently resides.

And every Southerner SHOULD have this in their refrigerator....wonder how hard it would be to make in miniature:

Now, this is NOT whiskey, but pepper sauce. I'm not sure where the corked bottle came from as my taste runs more to Cosmopolitans & Bombay Gin & not whiskey, but it made a WONDERFUL pepper sauce holder.

Well, until later! I've got some REALLY neat finds from Ebay for my roomboxes that I'll share soon. Also, my hunt for miniature glass labware at an affordable price continues......I hope to have an update on that later this week.

Remember, some days your the windshield, some days your the bug!

Need Your Opinion

2009-10-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

Okay, I need everyone's opinion here. I have always had trouble finding items such as syringes to use for glue, scapels, and even manzanita wood for my miniatures. Now, I've got suppliers for all of the above and I'm thinking about offering them for sale on my Etsy store.

I'm not looking to make a mint mind you, as I'm SO tired of paying exhorbant amounts for what should be inexpensive items. I just want to make enough to cover the cost of the items with a little left over for me so I can support my hobby.

As I do not have the overhead that most places do (since I'm not a business per se, just a hobbyist with an Etsy store) my costs aren't as high. I reuse shipping containers and items as long as they are clean and get my packing supplies from work (why have all that styrofoam popcorn go into the landfill when I can use it!),

What is everyone's general opinion? Do you think there is a market out there for this? Do YOU have trouble finding items such as these? Should I just announce this on my blog instead? YOU tell ME.

Please leave a comment, I would like input from not only miniaturists, but artists and crafters in general. These are items that can be used in almost any artistic arena.

Thank you and have a WONDERFUL Saturday.

** October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - click daily at the Breast Cancer site to give women in need free mammograms. It costs you NOTHING. Breast Cancer hit close to my home - My mother is a breast cancer survivor. I clicked, will you?

Vintage Black Friday

2009-10-23T14:02:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it's my first blog post as a participant in Vintage Black Friday. Let's see what vintage black goodies I have - oh, these are RL size, sorry....

First, a real pretty black dress with a highly decorated bodice.

Next, a very fancy black hat with gold trim

And my favorite.

Of course, I love these, especially the two hats, for their ability to be miniaturized. Can't you see your doll in one of these hats? The dress would be great too, maybe made longer, say ankle length - the picture doesn't do it justice, it's a lot prettier in person!

Have a Happy Black Vintage Friday!

FINALLY & Latest Project

2009-10-22T08:46:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally like the look of my blog, at least for the time being. Quite, serene, not at ALL like me. I'm pretty spastic most of the time and have two speeds - stop & go.

Here is my latest project. Not much as been accomplished other than I have redone the walls since this picture was taken. It's to be a sunroom/conservatory/quiet nook. As you see, right now, it could be anything.

The pretty rose paper is actually scrapbooking paper. I found the part of the design I liked and then trimmed around it. The detail in the front (black and gold) are from a placement I got at the Dollar Tree. The floor is a piece of scrapbook paper that looked marblized but I'm not sure it's staying there. It looks kinda fake right now, so I'm working out what I want to do with it. I purchased some mosaic tile at Michaels and may use them.

As you can see here, the wall is currently painted. I didn't like the way it looked, so I have printed off a pretty rose colored paper that I made in Microsoft Word. I have sprayed it with Matte Acrylic Sealer, but need to do so again. The problem with Ink Jets is the ink has a tendancy to run horribly when wet. Ask me how I know!

The back piece of wood was slightly warped, so this little roombox isn't square. Therefore, I can't put the top on it that was meant for it, so I'm fiddling around with how to add a top without showing how badly this thing is out of square. I can also tell in the above picture there is a place that need a good gluing and clamping. It doesn't look that bad in RL, but in pictures, man is it noticeable.

And yes, I realize that I need to give the illusion of a door. Working that out too. There will be plexiglass in the three openings; it will be placed there after I put molding around the windows. This is the first roombox I have attempted in 5 or 6 years, so please don't laugh. Well, okay, laugh! I DID.

I have found a wonderful piece of pottery that would be perfect to put a tree in. Now, just to find instructions on how to make a tree! I know the basics of paper flower making, but havent' made put one little funky tree way back. So, if anyone knows how I could make a WONDERFUL tree, please let me know.

My goal (everyone needs one) right now is to get this finished and up in my Etsy store. Also, I need to get back to work on my sculpting. Would you believe I actually have ideas for those horrors that came out of my clay?

Back to work as I hear the boss coming. Later Ya'll

Under Construction

2009-10-21T18:42:00.000-07:00

Please forgive me while I try and get my blog to look halfway decent. Considering I can't write in HTML, this is taking a while. In fact, it's enough to drive a sane person nuts & no one has ever called me sane!

Anyway, I found this neat piece of clip art on the same site I found the new background of my blog. Now if I could just get the little "Free Background" link to move where it needs to be, I'll be okay!

I thought this would really be a neat Halloween theme. Some of these old etchings were positively creepy.

Well, I'm going to go back to reliving my youth. Beetlejuice is on the satellite right now and I had forgotten exactly how much I loved it. Michael Keaton was excellent as Beetlejuice.

Patricia Rose Workshop

2009-10-20T10:46:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed a great weekend in Tampa. Patricia Rose (http://www.patriciarosestudio.com/) held a sculpting workshop for ten people at the Doubletree Suites located right on Tampa Bay. Ten really lucky people got a chance to learn from one of the immiment doll artists around (to my way of thinking).

It was a very informative and very intense. Of course, always being the "odd one out" I was the ONLY person that had never worked with clay - we don't count my Play-do days as a youngster.

Here are some of her dolls

Beautiful, right?

Gorgeous, right?

Now, here are mine:

ACK-Needs help

What alien life forms are these!

As you can see, I need major practice! But, everyone was nice, I now have new friends, and it was a really wonderful experience. And for once, I didn't need medicinal help in order to board a plane!

Today's Trials in Miniatures

2009-10-14T19:02:00.000-07:00

What a day! Okay, I work a full-time job and have been trying to get a report completed all week. I'm leaving for Tampa on Friday morning for a two-day workshop with Patricia Rose (Yippee, Happy Dance) and won't be back home until Monday. Then back to work Tuesday.

Anyway....I'm supposed to be working. BUT I really, really, really need some miniature glass laboratory/potion/alchemist containers at wholesale prices! I'm trying to make some items and no way can I pay retail prices and still be able to sell these things reasonably (once they are good enough).

So, I'm emailing anybody and everybody that might possibly, remotely, be able to do it. Well so far, I have TWO people (both glass blowers) interested.

One is a master glass blower and in charge of a university glass blowing facility that also does work on the side (these days, who doesn't?) and the other man is the boss of a laboratory glass blowing facility right up the road from where I live. I didn't even know that place existed! They don't have a sign on the road and don't advertise.

So, next week, I have to meet with both of them, preferably with samples, so they can see what I want. Thought I might have someone over the internet interstested, but once I sent him picture of what I wanted, I heard not another word!

Also, there have been some really superb people on Etsy and The Camp that have been helping me out along the way. Carol at SP Miniatures and Nikki Rowe at Nikki Rowe Miniatures couldn't help, but they were oh so nice!

Well, it's bedtime. Tomorrow is work, doctor, then packing for the trip. Going to see exactly how much one person can cram into a rolling carryone duffel bag!

Smiles!

Inspirational

2009-10-14T18:50:00.000-07:00

I saw this on MiniMadWoman & Friends Blog (http://minimadwoman-friends.blogspot.com/) and just had to put it here. Very inspirational and oh so true!

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not shouting, "I've been saved!"

I'm whispering, "I get lost! That's why I chose this way."

When I say, "I am a Christian," I don't speak with human pride,

I'm confessing that I stumble — needing God to be my guide.

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not trying to be strong,

I'm professing that I'm weak and pray for strength to carry on.

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not bragging of success,

I'm admitting that I've failed and cannot ever pay the debt.

When I say, "I am a Christian," I don't think I know it all,

I submit to my confusion asking humbly to be taught.

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not claiming to be perfect,

My flaws are far too visible but God believes I'm worth it.

When I say, "I am a Christian," I still feel the sting of pain,

I have my share of heartache which is why I seek His name.

When I say, "I am a Christian," I do not wish to judge,

I have no authority — I only know I'm loved.

~ Carol Wimmer ~

Blogging

2009-10-10T19:16:00.000-07:00

Wow, talk about hard to blog! I cannot figure out how to get a different template up and going. I mean, all I know how to do is choose one of Google's pre-done templates.

Maybe I'm technologically challenged. At least that's what my teenager thinks. Maybe I just am better at miniatures than at blogging. Well, designing to blog, since I sure can talk. At least I figured out how to add a "FOLLOWERS" button and I see that I do have a follower! Thank you very much DOLLMUM!

Okay, so what did I get done today? I got one wall of my roombox (hopefully pictures coming soon as soon as I get a new charger for my camera's battery) redone, the second wall started on, and the third wall is ready to be prepped. I'm also getting a few other things in the works and will hopefully have time to work on them around hunting season (it's deer season here) and trips up to where their camp is (my parents' house and land LOL).

So, what's a person to do when she can't work on her minis at home? She makes sure she has a mini where she's going to work on! I have a dollhouse shell in horrible shape that I hope to rehab and turn each floor into a "roombox" of sorts. Maybe shops or a different theme on each floor. Who knows? I'm kinda letting it sit in my mind and simmer. Considering what's up there simmering, I think there's more of a "stew" up there now!

Well, back to the roombox. I've also got the football game on and am trying to divide my time between it and my roombox. I've been out of the house most of the day, so that's why I don't have anything else done!

Have a great weekend! Oh, and maybe I'll just go by that magazine Creative Blogging that I've been eyeing at Borders.

Smiles!

WOW It's been a while!

2009-10-08T18:19:00.001-07:00

Well, I haven't posted anything in over a year. It's been a wild year. No new dolls due to health issues, but I have started on a new roombox.

The Conservatory is a roombox that my mini group has been working on and which I hope to have ready soon, then I will begin on two more. I'm creating a Pumpkin roombox (made from a craft pumpkin) and a Birdhouse roombox (to be filled with birdhouses). After that, I still need to finish The Storefront, a shallow roombox that I started at the Mobile Fun Day last month in Gulf Shores, AL. Those girls in that club sure do know how to put on a Fun Day!

But first, I head out to Tampa, FL to attend a Patricia Rose two-day sculpting class. Can I tell you I'm doing the Happy Dance! Two days, 10 people, and Patricia Rose. WOW. Thanks all to my mom who was wonderful enough to foot the bill for the trip & who is going with me as my traveling companion. Such a great mom to have (who also footed the Mobile Fun Day bill & travelled there with me).

Well, if you happen to visit this blog, please pop on over to Darkling Woods Studio and check out her contest, but do it quick! Only one more day before she draws the lucky winner. Then check out Christine V at the Candid Canine blog. She's been running some wonderful contests and is an excellent writer and miniaturist.

When your done with those, then check out Sassy Marsha at Sassy Mini Dolls. Such a wonderful gal.

Well, gotta run as RL calls.
Til next time.

Two More Dolls Done (& for sale)

2008-08-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

I finished two more dolls today. One I call Ceres, Goddess of the Earth and the other one is titled Back from the Bakery. Both are for sale on MiniaturesOnly.com

I hope you like them.

Watching & Waiting

2008-08-28T16:04:00.001-07:00

Well as some of you know, I live in South Louisiana. Currently, everyone here is watching what is currently Tropical Storm Gustov, soon to be Hurricane Gustov again. Will it hit the central coast of Louisiana or more toward the east toward New Orleans or maybe farther west toward Lake Charles? That is the million dollar question.

I for one am not all that enthused to see another hurricane. I was happy to live here 12 years without ever seeing one. Then there was Katrina. Amazing to watch come through - especially if you were to the west of it - but nerve racking to say the least. And three days without electricity? No thank you. Things like water and toilets don't work around here without electricity. There is no city water or sewer and we are all on wells and septic systems, both of which require electricity to function!

So, we will watch and wait. I've been on leave and am supposed to return to work Tuesday, but with this storm coming in, they may shut us down and I'll get another day or so of paid time off, no leave necessary.

On a brighter note, the LSU Tigers (2007 National Champions) have their season football opener Saturday night. While I personally do not like to attend the games, my husband and son do. Tailgating, partying, and hopefully a total romping of the opponents will have all of Baton Rouge in a good mood.

Well, back to costuming my dolls. I am working on a Roman Goddess that is giving me fits! What should have been an easy doll to do has now taken two days. I've broken one needle stand and almost glued my fingers together a couple of times. Let's hope the end result is worth the effort.

What a Day

2008-08-26T19:55:00.000-07:00

WOW. I was on a roll today! I have not completed a doll in months. So today, I fully completed Angelica! A beautiful, modern doll.

I took the Sadie kit from Dana at MiniatureArt and modified it somewhat. I had trouble with the top, so when I was able to get it cut out and it was a little short, well, that just showed off her tiny waist. When the lame' skirt was too see-through, I gave her pants under the skirt. I applied her blonde hair and flipped it over and back.

Her shoes are painted on with black silk straps for accents. She looks as if she is ready for a night out on the town.

Her purse is my creation and really very very easy. Just take a slightly rectangular piece of fabric - in this case with the lame' I backed it with a stiffer silk piece - and fold it not quite half-way up. I also used the back of the lame' to give it a little more contrast. Then, take the top part, fold downward to make little triangles on each side and glue. Then, fold down the top and glue. Add a silver bead on each side of the flap to simulate a closure. Walla, a clutch!

All in all I was very pleased with her. I was able to overcome all problems without them overcoming me and ended up with a beautiful doll. Alas, she will hopefully be finding a new home. She currently is up for auction at MiniaturesOnly.com.

I have one more doll in the works, I just need to apply the finishing touch. While the doll herself is completed, I like to give them something of their own, whether it be a clutch or a bowl with a spoon. They need to look as if they are doing something for me to be happy with them and to me it's my "signature". The doll I am currently finishing up is totally from my imagination. Maybe in a day or so I can show her!

As a side note, if you are interested in any of the dolls that you see, please feel free to contact me about their availability.

Thanks for looking!!

Wonderful Upcoming Auction To Look At

2008-08-16T11:30:00.000-07:00

I usually just focus in on 1/12th scale dolls, but I am also interested in larger dolls, specifically fashion dolls from the late 1800's. I just received a postcard from Skinner Auctions. They will be holding a Toy and Doll auction in MA later this month. While there is no way I could attend, much less afford anything, there is some wonderful "eye candy" for doll lovers. The link is www.skinnerinc.com. You need to click on the Dolls & Toys auction for 8/24 and then near the bottom of the next page, there are two PDFs you can download. Or you can just tell the site you want to view all and then search by dolls. Beautiful antique dolls, most in wonderful shape. Oh, to be rich!!!! LOL.

'Til later.
Smiles!

Couple of Dolls I've Done

2008-08-13T10:55:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are a few more of my dolls, these created from kits by Dana Burton (Dana@MiniatureArt.com). She has wonderful kits and classes that she offers throughout the year. Check out the MiniDollList website link to the left of this entry. There you can find out all about our MiniDollList group and the fun we have.

This first one is a chic grandma headed for a night out on the town.

Then here is a Venetian Courtesan - she's one of my favorites and one of my more recent dolls to be completed (the first part of this year).

And finally, a proper Victorian miss, out of a stroll - I haven't finished her parasol just yet.

I currently have a grandmotherly doll that I just need to finish up and many more in mind to do - some kits, some from my imagination, and some from Dana's wonderful pattern list that I subscribe to. Also, I am waiting on delivery of a wonderful kit from Nancy Cronin; Miss Havisham. I will continue to post pictures of dolls that I have completed in the past along with new dolls as I finish them.

To the left, you will find a growing list of my favorite miniature doll websites, suppliers, and blogs. Also, please check out miniaturesonly.com , a wonderful auction website devoted specifically to miniatures. Enjoy!

Well, back to the daily grind.

New Dolls

2008-08-06T09:59:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a LONG time since I posted to this blog - real life (in the way of my job) interfered. No matter, it's not currently being read anyway LOL.

Here are two dolls from classes I took in Chicago. The biddy in the leopard print was a Nancy Cronin class and the bride was an Anna Hardman class. Both wonderful teachers and both wonderful classes. There will be another blog entry that showcases dolls I made from Dana Burton's kits and one or two that I created on my own.

Also, there is so much I want to do. I have just TONS of ideas for dresses for dolls, along with all the accessories that go with them. Alas, my studio has been put on hold. Due to fuel prices, there is just no way to afford a new storage building and then convert it into a studio. So, I'm just slightly stymied as I can't get to most of my doll supplies. Things are piled in a small room in the house and also shoved into two attics, under the bed, a spare bedroom, and various closets - wherever I could find room. So, keep your fingers crossed for me.

Chicago International Miniature Show April 2008

2008-04-11T12:49:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally did it! I was able to attend the miniature show of shows. The Chicago International produced by Tom Bishop.

I had heard that I would be overwhelmed, maybe go into miniature overload. But no, I felt right at home. I wish, however, that I would have had more money. There were so many nice things but a budget is a budget.

Most of the dealers were great, whether you spent a little or a lot. At one table, I spent as little as $3.00. At another one, I spent a total (2 day combined) of over $250. Some just wouldn't give you the time of day, even if you told them their items were great and wished you could afford them. Others, even knowing you couldn't buy, would take time to show you the little special details that made their items so great. Landscape Magic from Texas, WONDERFUL. Cindy of Miniature Luxeries in Georgia, WONDERFUL.

I finally got to meet Nancy Cronin and Anna Hardman, two wonderful dollmakers. I had the luxery of attending workshops from both of them. With Anna, I learned how to sew using a machine (without the fabric getting eaten) along with hand sewing (not my forte') and from Nancy I learned how to use a wonderful glue product (got to find some) and how to make nylons!

By the time I arrived home early in the morning on Monday, I was exhausted. I still haven't gotten completely rested up, and my little miniature purchases are still waiting for me to go through them, sorting and recording as I go. Probably 95% of my purchases were supplies, so I need to keep an accurate accounting of what I purchased.

I was able to meet several members of The Camp, an online miniature group, including our beloved DM (Den Mother). Another highlight was meeting Alice Zinn. Oh, the stories she can tell. The one dark spot was that I was unable to meet Dana Burton of MiniatureArt, the owner of another online group, MiniDollList. She is a wonderful person and has helped me so much in the realm of miniature dolls. But, alas, our meeting wasn't to be.

Well, I guess I better run for now. Lots of work to do and minis/dolls to make. And sometime, I have got to figure out how to create a website to showcase my dolls AND a database so I can stop recording purchases by hand and embed pictures with the information so everything is at my fingertips.

Until Later!

Museum Donation Piece

2008-03-26T07:00:00.001-07:00

Finally finished! Well, she's not the greatest in the world, but she's my contribution/donation to the National Miniature Trust Museum. It was an honor just to be chosen to create a doll with a toy to be donated to this great museum.

Her name is Cammi, she would be 4" tall if standing (that's right, 4"). She is resting against some barrels as she has been playing with her hoop and stick, a popular toy in the late 1800's/early 1900's and needs a break. Cheap and easy to come by, children -especially those from poorer or lower middle class families- had a toy that could keep them entertained for hours.

Some where made from wooden barrel bands (like this example) and some were metal (possibly from different types of barrels). Girls and boys alike played with these.

Cammi represents a child from a western "boomtown" family where her father is a metalsmith. Her father must be doing okay money-wise as she is dressed fairly well with lace accents on her petticoat, the skirt of her dress, and around the hem of her pinafore though she is currently barefooted!

The doll was fairly hard for me to costume as I had never worked with this tiny of a doll before. My ladies are 5-1/2" to around 5-3/4", a big difference from this little 4" girl. She also represents my first paint job (horrible), the first time I altered a pattern, and except for a corset, my first original design straight from my mind and not a kit!

I hope the docents at the museum like her and that the patrons do too.