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!