Crafting for Christmas: More Clothes and a House

This post is probably a bit late, but so were the crafts.  The last of my Christmas crafts were finished the night before Christmas Eve, just in time.

First up…

The Fabric House

I made a similar fabric house for Christmas several years ago, in fact I made several of them to give to some lucky kids (see Christmas Operation: Complete and Then Some).  I made them all based on this tutorial.  For this new one I wanted to go a different route.

I made it all using felt because it’s nice and thick and comes in great colors, plus I had a ton of it lying around.

The new owner of the house needed an easy way to close it, so this house was made with Velcro instead of elastic loops like the others.  Plus, it was made slightly wider to accommodate his favorite stuff toys.

Notice the lace added to the roof and along the door and window.  I thought it would add a nice touch, plus the new owner actually likes lace and other interesting textures.

The next and final craft project involves the lovely poinsettia fabric I used for my dress (see Crafting for Christmas: Ornaments, Dresses, and a Printable?).

The Poinsettia Skirt

A simple rectangle skirt with a comfortable elastic waistband.  It’s easy to make and wear, but still has impact thanks to the pretty poinsettia print.  It was made as a gift for a good friend, she absolutely loved it.

In case anyone wants to make one themselves, it’s just made of two pieces. 

The main part is a rectangle.  Length is about twice your hip measurement or a few inches less for a less full skirt.  The width is how long you want the skirt plus a couple of inches.The second piece is the waistband that is as long as your hip measurement plus about four inches and about 2-4 inches wide to fit your elastic through.

Here’s a tutorial I found for a rectangle skirt that should help.  Note that the length measurement in the tutorial is different because it’s a much fuller skirt.

Now that we’re finished with Christmas and the year, it’s time for a little break to catch our breath. 

See you all next year!

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Wordless Wednesday: Favorite Non-exhibit

Taken at the Arizona Museum of Natural History.  I wish they would put it on display.

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Finally Complete

So despite looking everywhere around my house, I still have not found my lost camera.  However, after weeks of being unable to post the last two projects on my list due to this problem I realized something.  My netbook has a built in web camera.  It has been there this entire time and I just forgot.  So they may look a little fuzzy, but here are the last two projects, finally.

First, the scarf.  I have tons of different kinds of lace thanks to a certain friend of mine and my lace hoarding habit.  I especially have ton of this particular lace.  One day while thinking about what I could do to use a bunch of it up I just happen to glance at my Knifty Knitter.  I hadn’t used it in a while I thought a lace scarf would be really pretty.  And I was right.  It wasn’t exactly the easiest knit project for me, I had to start over twice.  But considering I am still such a beginner and I haven’t touched the loom for such a long time, that is to be expected.

Next, the doll house.  I took the old doll house kit I bought (see Good Day for a (Yard) Sale) and turned it into this cute blue cottage.  Not bad for my first one.  There were a few problem of course.  When the instructions say to read them all before starting, they really mean all.  I didn’t and missed a very important step, one that effects the alignment of all the parts.  Meaning if you look really closely at my house, there are just a few pieces that are a little skewed looking.  Another problem I had was the door.  It would not fit.  I’m not sure if it was due to anything on my part or possibly to the age of the wood.  This was an old kit, the company isn’t around anymore.  Anyway, with a little help from some sandpaper (more like a lot of help), I got it to work.
Here’s the updated list:

• Pens
• Binder
• Lunch bag
• Backpack
• Button
• Scarf
• Doll house 

Seven down and out.  I won’t be posting the next list until October.  I technically only have a couple of things I need to make for this month.  It would seem kind of strange to make list for them.

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Good Day for a (Yard) Sale

So this morning I got up literally at the crack of dawn (not on purpose) and went for a walk around the area (actually on purpose) and spotted a sign for a nearby yard sale.

Five yard sales later, I came home with this haul:

• 1 pair of angel wings with matching halo, good for next Halloween?
• 2 pairs of cropped pants, I will probably alter them.
• 1 shallow basket full of clip-on roses and similar items.
• 1 power strip (not pictured)
• 1 wooden doll house kit

Total cost: $8.25.  Lugging it home on foot on an Arizona summer day: priceless.

I am particularly excited about the doll house, it’s the first real one I have ever had except for the cardboard one I sort of made.  I say sort of because I still haven’t finished all the rooms and I actually can’t remember when was the last time I worked on it.  I guess I sort of lost interest in cardboard, at least for that purpose.  I am actually thinking of passing the house on to someone else.  It doesn’t seem fair to let it sit there collecting dust and waiting until I “feel” like actually working on it.  I just need to find someone who is interested in working and repairing (it got damaged in the move) a doll house of cardboard. 

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Home Sweet Drawer

Ever had a dresser with only two decent drawers that you wanted to salvage somehow.  Here’s a totally cute solution, make a doll house.  Here’s a tutorial from Nice Girl Notes showing a truly brilliant way to make a doll house from castoff drawers.  And I thought the only use for old drawers was as under-bed storage. 

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List and Library: Completed

I said I would take my time on my list, and spending two days to finish everything on it is sort of taking my time. 
 
First up, here are the head bands before I redid them.  The one on the right looks exactly like one I already had, boring.  The other one isn’t very flattering on me.  Midnight seemed interested in them though.

Here’s the after, much better.  For the one on the left, I made a tube of fabric scraps and attached lace to it.  I slid the head band through it and glued the ends of the fabric to the head band.  Then I wrapped the ends of the fabric with lace and glued it down.  It makes for a pretty ruffled effect.  For the other head band, I weaved fabric strips through the teeth very tightly while gluing it down as I went across them.  The finished them up with a couple of bows on the sides.

The rest of the list was more miniatures for the the doll house library.  Here’s a nice soft chair made from a toilet paper tube, fabric scraps and batting.  The end table is made nearly the same way as the one for the bedroom (see Night Necessities) except it has a small shelf instead of a drawer.  I thought it would be a great place to stash a couple of books.

This is one I am particularly proud of, a small globe.  The base and stand are made of cardboard while the globe itself is made from a ball of paper mache.  They are held together with straight pins to allow the globe to freely move.  I just wished the continents were a little more realistic, nobody’s perfect.

You need plenty of good lighting for good reading, meaning a couple of decent lamps are a necessity.  The bases are made from some old hair accessories that broke years ago.  The shades are scraps of fabric glued to cardboard circles.
The last one is this simple rug.  A while back I heard about an old technique that involved pulling threading out of woven fabric and stitching for a decorative effect.  I decided to try my hand at a simple version of it.  I’m afraid the effect doesn’t show up very well in the photo, maybe I didn’t do it right.  Oh well, it still makes a nifty rug.
Now here’s the complete library in all its glory.  Oh to be doll size.
Here’s the updated list:

• Bag
• Cuffs
• Bookshelves
• Books
• Magazines
• Poncho
• Table
• Desk chair
• Chair
• End table
• Lamps
• Capelet
• Headbands
• Globe
• Rug
• Curtains

All complete and not a moment too soon.  The next list will probably have things for Fall and Winter, that is what has been stuck in my head for the longest time now.

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Study Hard and Don’t Fall Over

A library needs a quiet place to sit and study, so of course the doll house library needed one too.  A simple “wooden” table and a sturdy chair does the trick.  They seem fine, but I think I got the proportions slightly skewed.  The chair looks too short even though its a perfect fit.  I kind of like it like that though, it is amusing to look at to say the least.  Makes me want to paint the walls a really bright color and write messages on them or something like that.  Or would that be too much?
Here’s the updated list:

• Bag
• Cuffs
• Bookshelves
• Books
• Magazines
• Poncho
• Table
• Desk chair
• Chair
• End table
• Lamps
• Capelet
• Headbands
• Globe
• Rug
• Curtains

Nine down, seven to go.  Next up is more tiny furnishings.

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Bring on the Books

It took a few days to do it, but I finally got the books for the doll house library done.  I had a little trouble finding the supplies I needed.

As you can see, I made a ton of books and some magazines too.  I made the books with strips of folded paper glued together.  I cut out pictures of book covers from ads for book clubs, it makes them look so real.   I did the same thing for the magazines and used magazine pages for the inside to give that glossy look and feel.  I also stapled them instead of using glue,  it helps them to lie flat.  So now the basic items are done, I just need to work on the handy extra stuff.

Here’s the updated list:

• Bag
• Cuffs
• Bookshelves
• Books
• Magazines
• Poncho
• Table
• Desk chair
• Chair
• End table
• Lamps
• Capelet
• Headbands
• Globe
• Rug
• Curtains

Seven down, nine to go.  More minis are up next.

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Before the Books

When working on a library for a doll house, the first thing to start on is probably shelves for all the books.

Here I whipped up three in various sizes, and of course like all the other furnishings, I made them with corrugated cardboard.  What a surprise.  I started to paint them dark brown, but inspiration struck.  I made the insides of each shelf sky blue because I thought it would look more interesting that way and easier to see too.  I’m actually thinking of doing the same thing to some real bookshelves.  It would definitely perk them up a bit.
Here’s the updated list:

• Bag
• Cuffs
• Bookshelves
• Books
• Magazines
• Poncho
• Table
• Desk chair
• Chair
• End table
• Lamps
• Capelet
• Headbands
• Globe
• Rug
• Curtains

Four down, twelve to go.  Of course since I’ve got the shelves I had better start cracking at the books.

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Kitchen: Check

The list is completed and so it the kitchen for the doll house.

As I mentioned before, it is an unbelievably tiny little kitchen, but it has all the necessities.  I made the curtains the same way as the other rooms because I like the way they look from the outside of the house.  Instead of “papering” the walls like I did with the bathroom and bedroom, I painted them to match the ceiling.  The floor is a little different, I cut squares from cardboard for tiles and glued them down.  I painted them and sealed them too.  The color matches the cabinets and doesn’t show dirt, a great quality for a kitchen :)
In the middle of setting this up, I noticed something.  I forgot to add the stove to my project list, so it wasn’t made until the last minute.  It was fairly easy to whip up.  It kind of reminds me of a washing machine though.  That would be kind of cute, maybe I should make a mini Laundromat after I finish the house.  Would that be too weird? 
Here’s the updated list:

• Rosettes
• Doll aprons
• Zipper charms
• Refrigerator
• Heart purse
• Doll
• Kitchen sink
• Cupboards
• Clothes
• Vase
• Dishes
• Curtains

Twelve down and out.  Another completed list.  Yay!

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Main Dish

The cardboard doll house kitchen needed some dishware, but how do you make cardboard dishes?

You don’t, these are made from paper.  I used a used envelope to make these plates and mugs.  The plates were made by cutting two circles from paper and gluing them together.  I folded up the edges little by little and coated them with Mod Podge.  Then came the paint and more Mod Podge.  For the mugs, I rolled strips of paper in little tubes for the cup shape.  I glued them leaving a little bit of the end of the strips loose, that part was cut in the shape of the handle.  I glued them to another piece of paper that I cut into a round shape for the base.  Multiple layers of paint and Mod Podge later, and they are surprisingly durable mugs with matching plates.  I chose to paint them pink on a whim.  They kind of remind me of some plastic toy dishes I used to have when I was little.  I don’t know what happened to those.  Oh well.
 
While I was at it with the dishes, I whipped up a little vase for the doll house too.  I twisted paper to make the top of the vase and used two different beads for the bottom part.  I painted it pink to match the dishes and coated it with Mod Podge.  It will really brighten up the little kitchen, if it doesn’t totally clash with the other pieces.  I can always repaint them if that happens.
Here’s the updated list:

• Rosettes
• Doll aprons
• Zipper charms
• Refrigerator
• Heart purse
• Doll
• Kitchen sink
• Cupboards
• Clothes
• Vase
• Dishes
• Curtains

Eleven down, just one to go.  The end will come tomorrow.

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Kitchen Storage

Even a doll house kitchen needs places to store away stuff.  So I made some cabinets in the same chocolate colors as the sink to match.  You may be thinking “that’s all the cabinets and counter space?”  Well the kitchen in my cardboard doll house is unbelievable small, even for a doll house.  So it will be a very humble kitchen, but at least there will be plenty of room for food still.  You did see the refrigerator right? (See A Frig to Raid)
Here’s the updated list:

• Rosettes
• Doll aprons
• Zipper charms
• Refrigerator
• Heart purse
• Doll
• Kitchen sink
• Cupboards
• Clothes
• Vase
• Dishes
• Curtains

Eight down, four to go.  Next is a break from the kitchen interiors.

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Everything and The Kitchen Sink

I got the sink for the cardboard kitchen all together.  It kind of resembles the the bathroom sink for an apartment I used to live in though.  Whatever, it’s for the kitchen.  Of course, it’s made from cardboard too, just like the rest of the house.  I mixed brown and white paint to form the various colors used, they remind me of chocolate which I think is perfect for a kitchen.  I used plastic beads for the knobs that look like the ones at my house, the facet is made from aluminum foil.  I decided not to make the cabinet doors open up, who in their right mind would actually want to go under the sink?  Nothing good goes on down there.  I’m already working on making the rest of the kitchen, also in chocolate colors.  Yum.
Here’s the updated list:

• Rosettes
• Doll aprons
• Zipper charms
• Refrigerator
• Heart purse
• Doll
• Kitchen sink
• Cupboards
• Clothes
• Vase
• Dishes
• Curtains

Seven down, five to go.  Pretty far along on the list.

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A Frig to Raid

Dollhouse or real, the heart of the home is in the kitchen.  And the pit of the kitchen is the refrigerator.
So, of course I started the cardboard doll house kitchen with the refrigerator, also from cardboard.  I could have just glued on the doors and left them at that, but I decided to make them so they can open.  I love miniature food and really what to fill this sucker up.

On the inside, I carefully placed little shelves, mostly on the doors though it was a little tricky.  I had to carefully line them up so the door wouldn’t get stuck.  It was easier with the freezer since it only has the one shelf on the door.  It’s now all set for stocking of tiny little foods and beverages, as soon as I get some made.
Here’s the updated list:

• Rosettes
• Doll aprons
• Zipper charms
• Refrigerator
• Heart purse
• Doll
• Kitchen sink
• Cupboards
• Clothes
• Vase
• Dishes
• Curtains

Four down, eight to go.  The next two projects are so cute, you just have to check them out.

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Bedroom: Check

I finished the curtains, and the whole doll house bedroom to boot.  Take a look, they came out great.

You can see that I made the curtains the same way as the the ones in the bathroom (see Bathroom: Check).  I think the view from the outside of the house looks better when all the curtains match.  I will show you what I mean when I finish the other rooms, or at least a couple more.

I used this bluish gray scrapbook paper for the walls, I thought it would look good with the blanket and rug.  I cut a small, long strip and flipped it over for the border at the ceiling, it’s actually there to hide some mistakes I made with the paper.  You can see I decided to used the small free standing art pieces instead of some of the larger pieces I made, it keeps the look simple yet pleasant.

On this side you can see I hung another piece on the wall next to the wardrobe.  I thought it was too bare without something, plus the running children are adorable.  I should also mention that the floor is painted instead of covered like the bathroom was, I used brown painted mixed with white to hopefully give it the look of hard wood flooring.  I love wooden floors, I just wish we had some here.

Here’s the complete room in all it’s splendor,  it does look lovely and very tidy.  Just wait until it gets used, it probably won’t stay so clean. :)
Here’s the updated list:

• hangers
• bed
• mirror
• dresser
• skirt
• pocket
• lamp
• night stand
• wardrobe
• rug
• framed art
• curtains

Twelve down and we’re finished.  I will probably have the next list up by Thursday, although it maybe a little shorter or at least simpler.  I start my externship in less than 2 weeks, plus I might be a little scare sooner than that for another reason.  I’ll keep you posted.

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The Walls are Covered

Most rooms aren’t complete without a something for the walls, that includes doll house rooms.

These are simply pictures cut out from various magazines and glued onto cardboard from a notepad, then Mod Podge was applied to seal them.  The two smaller ones were made to stand on their own, perfect for side tables and dressers.  I love the cut little Cat Women poster, I wonder if it will match the decor?  Actually I haven’t yet decided which ones will be used for the little bedroom, I could always save some for the other rooms or for current ones.  I think the heart clock would look cute in the bathroom.  I will have to decide on that later.  For now, I can enjoy how cute they all are.
Here’s the updated list:

• hangers
• bed
• mirror
• dresser
• skirt
• pocket
• lamp
• night stand
• wardrobe
• rug
• framed art
• curtains

Eleven down, just one more to go.  Going right on schedule.

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Snug as a Bug

For a rug for the bedroom, I wanted something homey and cozy.  In other words, a rag rug.  I used scraps from the shirt I made the skirt with for this rug (See Shirt to ....).   It was surprisingly quick to make.  I have heard that miniatures can take just as long or even longer to make as compared to life sized items.  So when it took me just barely 30 minutes to finish, I was a little shocked.  I just ripped the fabric into long strips, braided them into two stranded braids, coiled and pinned them, then zig-zag stitch to finish.  Maybe I should have made more, I know several little girls who would love a few for their doll houses, and possibly a few older girls.
Here’s the updated list:

• hangers
• bed
• mirror
• dresser
• skirt
• pocket
• lamp
• night stand
• wardrobe
• rug
• framed art
• curtains

Ten down, two to go.  I am sure I will have the last two done before the end of the weekend.  That’s assuming something doesn’t go wrong with my glue gun.  Knock on wood.

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The Lion, the Witch and the…..

I finished the wardrobe today, although I think it might be a little large for the room.  Not in scale, just in size, the room is a little small for a bedroom.  I will just have to make up for it by cramming it full of cute doll clothes and stuff.  Made from cardboard and paint and glue just like the rest of the furniture, the difference is that unlike the drawers for all the other pieces I made, the doors on this are real.   Because although tiny little drawers are nearly impossible to make, tiny little doors are a major cinch to do.  I peeled back a layer of cardboard on the doors to give them a decorative touch too.  I wonder how that would look in a life size piece?

Here you can see the roomy interior.  Yep, I can definitely fill this up with tons of little clothes.  Can’t wait for that.  I used a bamboo skewer for the clothing rod.  I just jabbed it through and applied a dab of glue to keep it in place.  Of course the skewer had to be cut down to size to fit, and now I have to figure out want to do with the rest of it.  Don’t want to waste it, I know I can use a bit for the curtains on my list, but what else?  Hmmm.
Here’s the updated list:

• hangers
• bed
• mirror
• dresser
• skirt
• pocket
• lamp
• night stand
• wardrobe
• rug
• framed art
• curtains

Nine down, three to go.  I will probably have the next up really early tomorrow, look forward to it.  Oh, and I mentioned yesterday that I had a test today.  I got a B on it. :)

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Night Necessities

I meant to get these finished sooner, but studying for tests has higher priority.  And if you’re wondering, I got 91% on it. :)
I made the night stand in a similar manner to the dresser, cardboard pieces glued together then painted and sealed, etc.  Again the drawer is fake, it is extremely difficult to make a working drawer that small.  The lamp is something I am quite proud of.  The base is made from a piece of cardboard and three different beads glued together.  I mixed some blue and brown paint for the color and painted and sealed it before gluing on the shade.  The shade is made from a piece of recycled paper from a note pad I won in a drawing at the library.  The paper was just the right color and weight for this purpose.  Just think, with these the bedroom is more than halfway finished.  Can’t wait to see it finally all done.
Here’s the updated list:

• hangers
• bed
• mirror
• dresser
• skirt
• pocket
• lamp
• night stand
• wardrobe
• rug
• framed art
• curtains

Eight down, four to go.  I’ll have the next up tomorrow, although I do have another test tomorrow as well.

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A Mirror to Check, A Drawer to Fill

I finished the dresser and mirror just now.  I said I would have it done by Wednesday and I just barely made it.  I used pieces of cardboard glued together and painted them a lovely dark brown.  I used the same color as the bed too, nothing like matching wood furniture.  I do like how the streaks from my paintbrush give it a “woody” look.  I whipped up the matching mirror with cardboard and aluminum foil, the foil is a little rough though.  I finished them both with a coat of sealer and some small beads for drawer pulls.  The drawers aren’t real, I cut pieces of cardboard and glued them on to look like drawers.  Maybe someday I’ll make working drawers, if I work on a house in a larger scale than this one.
Here’s the updated list:

• hangers
• bed
• mirror
• dresser
• skirt
• pocket
• lamp
• night stand
• wardrobe
• rug
• framed art
• curtains

Four down, eight to go.  Now for something completely different.

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