Storage Box Makeover (Part 2)

This morning was perfect for painting, warm but not too hot, with just a wisp of breeze. That was of course until I actually started spraying!!

Nevertheless, I was determined to paint and post progress shots today.

So after carefully setting up everything in the back garden, I began by sanding the box and drawers using a fine grit sandpaper (P600).

After everything was sanded smooth, I wiped them over with a damp rag to remove any dust.

When dry, I gave all the pieces a coat of primer, followed by a single coat of enamel.

I wasn't overly pleased with the Dy-Mark paint (had never used this brand before) it felt a little grainy when it was touch dry. However, I did like the trigger design of the can, it felt good in my hand and made it much easier to use. Maybe when it's had a second coat it will look and feel better.

Should the weather be a as nice tomorrow, as it was first thing this morning, I will probably give it the second much needed coat.

Me being my usual self, I was curious and impatient to see what it may look like finished, so I loosely attached the knobs.

Now I really need those brass card holders to hurry up and get here, so I can finish the draw fronts and begin using it for the purpose I have in mind (don't worry, you'll all find out soon enough).

Anyone else have any projects happening? They don't have to be dolly related . . . whether they are or not I'd love to see them if you do.

Comparing Bodies

My new gals arrived yesterday and I was quite surprised to see the actual difference in the sizes of these two darling little dolls. The D'Nenes Marieta is much chubbier than I expected her to be, but that face is so cute and I am looking forward to styling this little girl.

The quality of the doll is as I expected, but I didn't think much of the clothes she was dressed in . . . certainly not as well finished as the Paola Reina Dolls clothes. Considering I won't be using them anyway it's no great loss if I toss them!

The measurements shown above were the best I could take using a piece of string to wrap the body and then placing the string along my metal ruler . . . they will certainly do to make her clothes. :)

Storage Box Makeover (Part 1)

Firstly, using my ruler and pencil, I carefully measured and marked where I wanted the little brass knobs to go . . . first the centre and then 35mm up from the bottom of each drawer, which left enough room above the handles for the brass name card holders to be placed.

You may be wondering why I placed the knobs so low. For two reasons, (a) this would be a better position to hold the drawer once it had items inside, and (b) to allow ease of placing the name cards into the holders.

Next I drilled the holes in each drawer, making sure I held the drill perfectly vertical . . . I didn't want my knobs being attached crooked. After all there is nothing so terrible as a crooked knob!!

The drill I am using is a single speed cordless screwdriver/drill for general screw driving or simple drilling work, available from IKEA. It's called FIXA and comes in a neat little pack with a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, 10 screwdriver bits, 2 drills of dia. 3 and 5 mm and 1 bit holder included for $39.99.

The testing stage . . . I had to make sure they were all aligned nicely before I begin to paint.

I actually surprised myself, they were all where they were meant to be . . . and this was all without any help from hubby!!

(She takes a bow and pats herself on the back.)

I shan't be painting today, it's too darn hot! So until the next stage, I'm gonna sit in my armchair, with my feet up and do a little knitting.