What did I make today? J&J Puppet Theater

Just a quick little post in between painting and caulking. I made this cute little puppet theater set for my niece's two little boys (Justin and Josh) after buying this little irresistible package of finger puppets at Ikea. This was so much fun because I used to make things like this all the time for my two kids who now only want video games and ipods.

I just love all the little characters in this collection, especially the little scuba diver and the chef.

Happy 2011! I will post pictures of my renovation project very soon. Lots of "before" pictures but not enough "afters" right now.

Construction Break

I will be taking a break for a while so I can work on a big home improvement project. I will post photos when I can.....

I've got my work cut out for me. Happy Holidays to you all!

Turning the Tables

It's deer hunting season in New Hampshire and although I am not a vegetarian by any means, I love to pull out this old postcard. It always gives me a laugh to imagine the deer in the driver's seat!

Inspiration

Have you seen this wonderful e-zine from Amy Powers at Inspire Co? It is packed full of great ideas for the holidays and is totally free! I like that. Here is my version of Charlotte Lyons' beautiful wreath which going nicely with my white theme for Christmas. This is a great way to use up those bits of lace, wool, paper and twigs that are lying around your studio.

Out of Practice

It's been awhile since I've made any kind of a garment for myself and I am really out of practice! I made this seemingly easy little swim cover-up recently and it was amazing how many mistakes I made and had to correct on this thing. Here is a little detail I added to try and give it some personality.

Just a little linen caftan-y thing with funny sleeves. I sewed in one section backwards and had to take the whole top apart and start over. Guess I better start sewing something other than doll clothes to keep up my skills. In the end, it turned out okay but good thing I had extra fabric!

Guess Who's Coming to Town?

It's getting to be that time of year. I finally made a couple of Santa dolls that please me. I actually used a Brenda Gervais pattern as a starting point and then added my own touches. These were fun and much more my style than others I have tried in the past which turned out too weird or primitive looking. I think it's all the facial hair that threw me off but I was able to get this wonderful wool locally from Maple Frost Farm in Langdon, NH. It is from Leicester Longwool sheep and nicely curly.

This is Santa with the Green Velvet Coat

And this is Santa with the White Woolen Coat which I embroidered with a light green chain stitch. I found the most perfect woolen blanket at a thrift sale this year. It is just the perfect shade of white and the perfect thickness and texture. I almost couldn't bear to cut it up but then that is why I got it!

Details....

Little Princesses and Fabric Reincarnation

The taffeta, lace and jeweled trim have been flying around my studio this week as I just finished up two princess dolls for a special order. I was asked to make them extra fancy with plenty of "bling". These are a definite departure from my usual style of doll making as I now almost exclusively use vintage fabrics. However, it sure was fun to go digging around in my old costume fabrics. It brought back some memories of Halloweens past.

Recognize this pink sparkly number? It helped to dress the most glamorous movie star in the neighborhood quite a few years ago.

And the gold trim I used for this little swashbuckler sure came in handy too! The purple sparkle dot taffeta was left over from a wizard cape but I couldn't find a photo for that. It really reminds me how grown up my kids are now. I do miss doing it up big for Halloween.

So it was so much fun to create these little princesses and it proves once again.... hang on to that fabric! You never know when you will need taffeta and gold braid.

What did I make today? Autumn Vignettes

Pumpkin Moonshine

Autumn Joy

Mariposa

Introducing my latest doll which was a special order: Mariposa, a ladye of quality. She is a painted cloth doll with a beautiful vintage silk and organza gown.

Mariposa is spanish for "butterfly" so this was the perfect hair fascinator. I made it from an old jewelry finding and painted crepe paper.

Sometimes they turn out a little pigeon-toed!

Overskirt detail

My new business cards!

Remember that old Steve Martin movie where he runs around yelling "the new phone books are here!" ? Well, I was excited to get my new business cards today although I didn't run around waving them. I designed them using a scanned image of vintage fabric that came from an old worn apron. There is something lovely and faded about this old print and it scanned in nicely. I then layered the text right over...easy.

The best part is I found just the right little holder in an antiques store today for 2 bucks. It is old and the bottom says it was "made in Germany". I love it when I find just the right thing.

Spooky Mirror Before and After

Here is a little mirror that I got at the Saxton's River Auction for $5.00. It was in pretty bad shape but look at that crazy spidery crazing. It is real and NOT a faux finish. I had a vision.

A bit of sanding with a medium grit sandpaper.

Some repair work was needed to glue down some veneer that had lifted.

One of the block pedestals was missing a chunk so I removed them both and glued these dowel caps on for new feet. These can be found in the wood craft section at Micheals.

I used Rustoleum satin black spray paint. A few thin coats was sufficient.

Next I sanded away some of the edges to give it a lightly distressed look.

I also added a coat of Bri-Wax to smooth out the finish and replaced the mirror back in the frame.

To finish off the back, I covered it with some vintage wallpaper.

Voila! Spooky mirror all set up on the mantle ready for Halloween. I'm way ahead of the game this year. Last year I think I was rushing around decorating the house on the 31st.

Prims

I am very excited to announce that my dolly Charlotte and her Velvet Shoes was recently featured in the new issue of Prims.

I have to be honest and say that somehow the shoes were lost and were not returned with the doll. I am still hoping they will turn up but at least I have some good photos to remember them by! Looks like when I have the time, Charlotte will have to be fitted for some new shoes. Can't have her barefoot with her new found fame :)

White on White

My daughter likes to kid me that I can't move beyond white when choosing colors. I have to admit I love all shades of white and usually revert to them without even thinking about it. I was thrilled when I saw this wonderful wreath on this lovely blog and knew I had to try making my own. It is very labor intensive tearing all those sheets and tying endlessly but the results are so worth it. I just love the way this turned out and will use it for all seasons!

I had this old millinery flower which I have been saving for something special.

More Mouse Gathering

This is Sylvester. He likes to sleep.

And meet Ramona. She always thought quite highly of herself.

I am having way too much fun making these little guys. When I am finished, their personalities just shine through!