Up to Thirty-Six

My new craft project list is ready, although this one is a little different.  It’s less about making crafts and more about dealing with them. 

I plan on tackling my New Year’s resolutions this month (see 2016 Resolutions Update, Round 2), specifically the one about reducing my craft supply stash.  So most of the projects are dealing with that.

There are still a couple of things I will be making this month, the last one will be especially interesting.

So here it is:

Project List #36

• lining
• patterns
• lace
• pins
• scraps
• fabric
• supplies
• uniform

I plan on finishing everything by the end of the month.  Wish me luck!

Update: You see the finished list here.

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It’s Back!

That’s right, the list has returned.  I realized it has been literally years since the last time I had an actually craft list (see Up to Thirty Two).  I miss having a list to go by, it’s more fun to check each one off.  So I now present:
Project List #33

• Purse
• Bag
• Mini-bag
• Dress
• Vest
• Fleece

Just six items to get myself back in the habit, and I probably won’t finish it within this month like with previous craft lists.  School is about to start and that makes things crazy around here.  It’s what happens when you work at a store located across the street from an University.  But I will finish it one way or another.  Look forward to it!

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A Little Bit Country

So I finished the dress from the list, and of course yesterday I wore it to church.  I think people are starting to expect me to show up in dresses that make me look like “Little Bo Peep”. 

This one I thought had a sort of country flair to it, maybe that explains why someone called me Dorothy again.  Guess I shouldn’t have paired with that woven straw purse.  I use a floral print I got at Goodwill, it was only a dollar, so cool.  The print seems a little busy to me, at least from a distance.  To balance that, I kept the embellishments simple with tiny bows and eyelet lace on the hems and such.

I added some shirring on the back for ease, I think I am getting better at doing it.  In fact, I think I have greatly improved in dressmaking since my first one.  I finished this one super quick, maybe it is about time to make more elaborate dresses.  The problem is that if I made a more elaborate (i.e. Frilly) dress, would I still wear it? 
Here’s the updated list:

• Skirt
• Lamp shade cover
• Sewing machine cover
• doll makeover
• dress
• scrunchies
• head bands
• costume
• bag
• vest recon

Five down, five to go.  The next one should be up in the next couple of days.  It’s going to be really fun.

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Dressed Up Appliances

I finally got around to finishing the next two projects.  I first must apologize for the lousy photo quality.  I had some camera trouble, as in my mom wouldn’t let me use her nice one, something about not putting it away when I was finished.

Anyway, here’s my lovely new lamp shade, after I improved it.  I forgot to take a before photo, but you probably wouldn’t have wanted to see it anyway.  It looked so awful before, the ugliest lamp shade ever.  It just took some scraps of fabric and tulle, some lace, and a glue gun to give it a new lease on life.  The fabric I used came from a dress I cut up for last year’s Halloween costume, I am still finding plenty of uses for it.

Moving on, I had this t-shirt that I thought was really cool but not good for me color-wise.   I also had a major need for a cover for my sewing machine.  Put two and two together and we have… a t-shirt for my sewing machine.  It is made sort of like a pillow cover, except instead of cutting the bottom hem to size, I folded it up and stitched it for pockets.  It’s a great spot the stash the cord when not in use and various other supplies.

Here’s the updated list:

• Skirt
• Lamp shade cover
• Sewing machine cover
• doll makeover
• dress
• scrunchies
• head bands
• costume
• bag
• vest recon

Three down, seven to go.  The next one should be up tomorrow, either that or some shopping scores.  I am going to Goodwill tomorrow, hope I find something good.

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Like Sunshine

Of course I finished the skirt from my list already, the amazing part is that I put it on the list before making it.  It’s a gathered rectangle skirt with a partially elasticized waist band and waist ties to make it fit better.  The focus is is the strands of lace running down the front and about 2 inches from the bottom hem.  The spots where they intersect have little rosettes made from lace.  A cute idea, I just can’t remember how I thought of it, maybe I saw something similar in a magazine. 
As with all those “interesting” dresses of mine, I wore this to church today and everyone loved it.  They were also amazed by the little bonus project, the top I wore with it.  I made it an old t-shirt that was way too big for me.  All it took was a little cutting, sewing, some elastic, a some lace a ribbon.  Perfectly compliments the sunny yellow skirt.
Here’s the updated list:

• Skirt
• Lamp shade cover
• Sewing machine cover
• doll makeover
• dress
• scrunchies
• head bands
• costume
• bag
• vest recon

One down, nine to go.  Next two are things I desperately need.  Look forward to them.

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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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Big to Small

As the title says, I took something huge and made it into something small and cute.

Before it was this rather large sized t-shirt I had gotten at a thrift store.  It came with several other items for a grand total of $1.  I liked the flower stitching on the front, but the stain at the shoulder was a problem and it was too big for anyone in my family.  That’s what scissors are for, right?
After some major cutting up and some stitching on the edges, I turned it into this lovely little poncho for my niece.  She absolutely loves it, she very carefully hung it up on a hanger and put it in her closet in a place of honor.  She really is adorable isn’t she?
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.  I’m going to try to finish  rest of the list in the exact order now, but I can’t promise anything.

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1, 2, 3….

I said I was going to take my time getting through the list, but that doesn’t seem to be possible for me.  I have finished three projects and I’m still going.

First up, I had some leftover fabric from the dresses I have been making lately, so I thought I would make a pretty bag to match.  It is lined with a fabric in a lighter shade of pink, and I used batting to give it some shape. It came out with a sort of plush quilted look to it that I thought was cute.  It is suppose to be shaped like a heart, does it look like it?

Next up, I had plenty of smaller scraps of fabric left and the only thing to do with them is make accessories.  These cuffs were made to take advantage of the edge of the material.  It also allowed me to practice doing button holes, and I really do need the practice.  At least they stay buttoned.

I had planned to make this capelet much later seeing as it is much too warm here in Arizona still to wear it.  I’d be lucky if I can wear next month.  Still, I was too excited to wait on it to finally cool down.  I got the fabric for it at Goodwill for 50 cents, it reminds me of fallen snow.  I used a fitted t-shirt to help get the shape of the shoulders and I sort of winged it to get the neck of it.
The brilliant part is the bow.  I made it from part of a vintage skirt that had to be shortened, now they coordinate.  Plus, it is removable so I can switch it with another one to match any number of outfits.  Makes it cute and versatile, my favorite combination. 
Here’s the updated list:

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

Three down, thirteen to go.  I need to hunt down some cardboard before I start the next few, unless I go ahead again.

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Back to Our Regular Programming

It’s been a nice break the last few weeks, but I can’t stand it any longer.  I have to have a list for my projects in order to function correctly, I see that very well now.  So to make up for the long absence, I prepared a very long list of fun.  Here it is:

Craft Project List #11

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

What makes it so long is that I decided it was about time to work a little more on the cardboard dollhouse.  I will be starting on the library, also known as the “other” room.  If I take my time, I should have this list finished half way through October.  But if I do what I normally do, sacrificing sleep and whatnot, then it will be finished in about three weeks.  That is why I need to take my time on it.

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Eyes, Ears, Mouth and Nose

The last project on my list is done, face magnets.  I made them by covering bottle caps with fabric and drawing on them, then gluing on disc magnets.  Each magnet is a different part of the face, so they can be moved around anywhere you please.  I haven’t showed them to my niece and nephew yet, but I’m sure they will get a kick out of them.  Especially my nephew, he loves funny faces.
Here’s the updated list:

• doll headbands
• halters
• camera
• stamps
• painting supplies
• knitting supplies
• video
• face magnets

Eight down and out.  I think I’ll take a break from the lists for a bit.  There are a few things I should be focusing on right now.  Of course, odds are that I will start procrastinating on them by working on crafts.  I know myself too well.

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Mountain Climbing or Knitting?

Well I finished the video, ran a little late with it too.  That’s because of some technical problems.  

First my webcam was on the fritz, it’s only a year old and it’s having so much trouble.  Then I had problems with my editing software, some little problem that should have been simple to solve if only the help file was a little more detailed in it’s explanation.

Anyway, it’s done.  In this episode, the focus is mostly on Kailey finding a suitable hobby.  Of course the ever loyal, and apparently talented Boris steps in to help in his own way.  This video happens to feature some great clipart from Graphics Fairy, lovely photos from various artists at FreeDigitalPhotos.net, and some not so lovely photos from me.

Here it is for your enjoyment:

Here’s the updated list:

• doll headbands
• halters
• camera
• stamps
• painting supplies
• knitting supplies
• video
• face magnets

Seven down, just one more to go.  The last one should be up later today.

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Mini Arts and Crafts

I finished a couple more from the list, and like the camera, they are also miniature props for the video I will be making.

First we have some painting supplies: a little easel, two canvases, a small paint brush, and an artist’s palette loaded with paint.  The easel is based on a design I made when I was little.  I was really into My Little Pony and troll dolls and I used to make all kinds of things for them, like houses and stuff.  Once I made little easels for the ponies to show off their artistic abilities, strange I know.  Anyway, this a more sophisticated model, meaning it doesn’t fall over as much.  The palette was interesting to make due to the paint, they are drops of crayon waxed heated from a burning candle and dripped onto the cardboard palette.  Gives a more realistic look to it.  The canvasses are simply cardboard frames covered with white paper, they already have pictures “painted” on them, wait for the video to see them.

I also whipped up some basic materials for knitting.  A ball of yarn made from embroidery floss, and a set of bamboo knitting needles made from a skewer cut down to sized and split.  I wonder if they would really work for knitting, I wouldn’t know since I never learned how to knit.
Here’s the updated list:

• doll headbands
• halters
• camera
• stamps
• painting supplies
• knitting supplies
• video
• face magnets

Six down, just two more to go.  The video should be up in a few days, and I should finish the list off this weekend.  Assuming I don’t come up with another surprise project like last weekend.

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Another Use for Pencils

I believe I have mentioned at least once my thing for rubber stamps, I collect them but I hardly ever use them.  I think the next step could possibly be to start making some of my own.

So when I came across this tutorial for making stamps with pencil erasers from Creature Comforts, I jumped on board.  Simple to do, plus I had plenty of pencils leftover from a Back to School sale at Wal-Mart years ago.  Just have to draw a shape on the eraser and carve it out with a craft knife.
I even actually tried them out on paper, just to test how well I carved them.  From the upper left is the star shape, heart, bubbles, and at the bottom is the basic triangle shape.  My favorite is the bubbles, they look so cute.  Also the hearts came out really well, I can’t say the same about the stars. 
Here’s the updated list:

• doll headbands
• halters
• camera
• stamps
• painting supplies
• knitting supplies
• video
• face magnets

Four down, four to go.  The next will be up in a couple of days, don’t miss it.

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Smile!

For those who have been here for awhile, it isn’t too much of a surprise that the video on my project list is going to be another Kailey and Boris video.  If you’re totally clueless, you can check out the last video here.  I need some mini props before I can start on the new one. 
One of the things I need is a tiny digital camera.  I made this one using my usual material of choice, cardboard.  I used sequins for all the little bits and I decided to paint it pink like my camera, the one I never use because it stinks.  It doesn’t look too bad, but I think I used too much Mod Podge, it looks like it’s melting.
Here’s the updated list:

• doll headbands
• halters
• camera
• stamps
• painting supplies
• knitting supplies
• video
• face magnets

Three down, five to go.  The next one should be up by Wednesday, and I may have an announcement tomorrow.  Depends on a few things.

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Loading Up

Yesterday was a 1/2 off sale at Goodwill so I picked up some supplies.

I got a baggie full of all this stuff.  A zipper, a set of wooden purse handles, several buttons including doll size ones, strap guards(?), flower appliqués, fabric roses, some unidentifiable stuff, and four different kinds of lace.  It was the lace I really wanted, the other stuff are bonuses, assuming I can find something to do with it all.

I also got a bunch of fabric.  I have something special planned to do with it, and not something on my project list either.  Still, I can’t even start on it without doing a little more research.  I guess it is a little strange to be starting a big thing when I only just started something else.
Speaking of that something else, here’s a little something from the list.  On my last list I made some doll aprons from a tutorial I found online (see Fun-sized Aprons).  While making them I thought it would be neat to use the same idea to make a doll halter top too.  I used the same pattern, but shortened it and made it wider.  It makes for an easy little summer top for this Barbie doll.  Of course it would fit her a little better if the elastic straps were a tad shorter, something I need to work on.
Here’s the updated list:

• doll headbands
• halters
• camera
• stamps
• painting supplies
• knitting supplies
• video
• face magnets

Two down, six to go.  The next one should be up by tomorrow, hopefully a littler earlier too.

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Bring on the Glitz

I found this quick tutorial for making headbands for a Barbie doll and thought it was just perfect.  The tutorial uses soda or water bottle cap rings, but I was fresh out.  I did have some for gallon size jugs though, they were larger and I thought maybe they would work on a slightly large head.
So I made them for my Bratz dolls.  Their heads are noticeable larger than most fashion dolls.  This one was made using a purple ring from a 2% milk carton.  It’s smothered with glitter, and I decided to use my glue gun to attach all that glitter which was odd at first but seems to be working well.
This one was made with the ring from a gallon size water bottle.  I think the blue color looks great with the glitter.  While I was putting it on this doll, I noticed something that made me think that they are over doing it with the makeup on these dolls.  At a certain angle she kind of looks like a drag queen, but that’s just me. 
Here’s the updated list:

• doll headbands
• halters
• camera
• stamps
• painting supplies
• knitting supplies
• video
• face magnets

One down, seven to go.  More doll stuff to come.

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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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