Everyone Needs Playtime

In our hectic, modern lives, many of us focus so heavily on work and family commitments that we never seem to have time for pure fun. Somewhere between childhood and adulthood, we stopped playing.

When we carve out some leisure time, we’re more likely to zone out in front of the TV or computer than engage in fun, rejuvenating play like we did as children. But play is not just essential for kids; it can be an important source of relaxation and stimulation for adults as well.

There doesn’t need to be any point to the activity beyond having fun and enjoying yourself. By giving yourself permission to play with the joyful abandon of childhood, you can reap oodles of health benefits throughout life.
Showing posts with label The Tailor's Shop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Tailor's Shop. Show all posts

Sunday

Project: The Tailor's Shop (Pt.5)

Never finished it . . . took up too much space and I was depressed!

Friday

Project: The Tailor's Shop (Pt.4)

Well things haven't progressed very fast since I was distracted with my recent doll arrival. However, I did draft a list of what's needed.


I can tick two items which I purchased from Fairy Meadow Miniatures for the inside of the Tailor's Shop.


The dresser will be used to store bolts of fabric, the little hangers will eventually have clothes made to hang on them, the table will act as a cutting table and when I finally find the right size sewing machine (the one I purchased is a little small) the chair will sit at it. You may also notice the little clipboard on the table, that's for the Tailor to take down his client's details.

I haven't decided what colour to paint the furniture yet, so any suggestions you may have, will be noted and taken into consideration. :) And finally there is the sign to hang outside the shop . . . I thought this one was perfect.


Once I have finished painting these pieces, the fifth stage of my Tailor's Shop project will begin. The next step is very messy and I will need to wear gloves (which I must purchase today). I have this thing about sticky fingers, it's almost a phobia and besides who in their right mind wants to get PVA glue stuck to a very pretty nail job? :)

Well I have a busy weekend ahead of me, so until next time, have a wonderful weekend!

Project: The Tailor's Shop (Pt.3)

Yesterday, I purchased another couple rolls of alfoil, but only used one, as well as a large of packet of long glue sticks for the glue gun. After adding more alfoil to the sides and some roots at the bottom of the tree, I got stuck into covering the whole thing with masking tape. I used a full 50 meter roll and it took me about three hours to complete . . . this is what it looks like now.


It's almost cave like to look at, but there's still another rather messy stage to complete before I can begin painting.


I added one of these LED lights (above). These are fairly cheap and you can find them in Bunnings and on line. For those in the USA, Home Depot also carry something similar, but it's round. I simply glued it to the ceiling with the hot glue gun, but I did cut a hole so I have access to the battery.


You can see in this photos, just how bright the light is, and there's no wires to worry about. I'll be back when I've completed the next stage.

P.S. 16th Nov. This morning I noticed some of my masking tape had lifted, so I suggest, if you choose to do a similar project, you purchase a good quality masking tape ( Scotch, 3M, Gorilla or Duck) rather than a cheap one like I did from the Reject Shop . . . a lesson learnt today!

Wednesday

Project: The Tailor's Shop (Pt.2)

Last Sunday I had a parcel delivered. The parcel contained my new Parlux hairdryer. Now normally, I would write about or show photos of what was inside, however, that is not what I'm going to share with you today. Instead I'm showing you the box it came in . . .


The box measures 38cm wide x 30.5cm high x 20cm deep (approx. 15x12.5x8 inches), the perfect size for my Tailor's Shop. As you can see above, I have already cut the holes out for the door and window. Don't think for one minute it's going to stay like this though, by the time I'm finished you won't recognise this as ever being a simple cardboard box.

Supplies needed to complete the first stage of the transformation were:
Aluminum foil & lots of it; a hot glue gun with glue sticks; a roll of paper towel; PVA glue
Tools required: Stanley knife or scalpel; scissors; and pegs or something similar

After I marked the position of the doorway and drew around the inner and outer sides, I carefully cut out the entrance, using my Stanley knife. Then did the same with the window.


To make sure I had hade no ragged edges, I used the masking tape to seal them off (as shown above).


Then I used the PVA glue to stick the doorway and the window to the box and held them in place with pegs until it dried.


While it was drying, I began scrunching up my alfoil into strips ready to stick them on the box using my hot glue gun.


The roll of alfoil I purchased was 30 meters (approx. 98.5 feet) long . . .  it took all of it just to cover the front of the box and a little way around the corners.


I wanted the top to extend above the edge of the box, just to ensure any lighting I may add could not be seen.


Then the tree would need a root system of some sort, so I tried to form at least one.


I also wanted some sort of porch cover, so I add a little more alfoil above the door, creating a lip.


As some of you were not sure of the actual size of this door, I asked Mossy (Fairyland Real Puki) and Darjeeling (Fairyland Puki Fee) if they would model for you. :)

Well that's all for today my friends.

Saturday

Project: The Tailor's Shop (Pt.1)

I've been painting and assembling an Elvin door and window for my tailor's shop diorama. I purchased this as a flat pack from Alchemy Engraving and although I bought it to use with my Real Pukis, it's also a perfect size for my Puki Fees, which I see as a huge bonus.

The door actually opens, though if I had followed the instructions, it would not have done. I also had to make a small mod to the pieces used for the door hinges. They were made from the same MDF as the door itself and weren't very durable, so I used metal nuts which fitted into the hinge slot perfectly.


The door lock came with it, but there was nothing to actually use as a door handle. At first I thought I'd use a wooden bead, but then I found this brass thingamajig that goes inside a tap, amongst other brass bits in my little box of tricks. While looking for a handle, I also came across a bag of assorted keys, which I had completely forgotten I had in my stash, so I made a key ring from a jewellery finding and added three of the of the smaller keys. These will eventually hang on a hook inside the shop.

Next stage will involve making the actual diorama and coating the outside with something to make it look like tree bark, but that's down the track a bit, as I really need to do some sewing for Willowmenia before she arrives this coming week.

The IT dolls are desperate for appropriate 1920's clothing so they don't look out of place in The White Panther Jazz Club, like they do right now. I also need some garments to hang in Fleur & Ruben . . . my Paris boutique.

So many things to do, so little time . . . hope you all are having a wonderful weekend!