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.

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!

A Blessing in Disguise

Remember this post? Well I guess owning a red haired Poppy was never meant to be this month. There were none left after the convention, not one, but funnily enough, there are quite a few listed for ridiculous prices on eBay. However, this little chick won't be paying the prices they are asking for them! No matter how much I desire a red haired Poppy, I don't like being ripped off, and it really annoys me that so many convention attendees purchase dolls, when they have absolutely no intention of keeping them.

As I like to put a positive spin on negative outcomes, I looked on the bright side and figured this was a good result for my purse. Now I don't have to stress about a poorly depleted bank balance and will be able to bring home my Fairyland Pukifee earlier than expected and thanks to hubby I've made my final payment on my Liz Frost Willowmenia.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LIZ FROST

On the other hand, if I don't manage to find a red haired Poppy through Integrity Toys before my W Club subs run out, I have made up my mind not be join the W Club in 2020. To be honest, those who live outside of the USA are really at a disadvantage. Not only do we have to pay to be a member, we have to deal with exchange rates, cope with the extremely high price of shipping and many collectors on "foreign shores" also have unforgiving customs duties to pay as well.

And what's the positive spin on that? Well it means I'll have more spending money when my daughter and I arrive in Paris next September!!