It's HOT Outside

Well, we went from an extremely rainy Spring, to chilly May evenings, where I could get nothing done in my yard.  Now... it's TOO HOT!  It's time for a studio makeover.

Switching Gears

Now that Mardi Gras is taken care of, I'm moving on to a bigger project. What I thought might be a log cabin, will turn into a princess cottage. I'm trying to decide which house I'll build for my granddaughter who arrives in August.  All I know it will be filled with sugar and spice and everything nice.  Anyone can chime in here.

Check out Real Good Toys' Blog here:  http://blog.realgoodtoys.com/2010/04/15/having-fun-with-dollhouse-paint-colors/

Mardi Gras Float Construction

So as the mind of a creative person would go, I change my mind once I get going on any  project, not just this one.  (This should be a lesson to everyone to JUST GET STARTED).

I first attached the painted wooden discs to the wooden CD holder, using Elmer's wood glue.

Then I covered a piece of foam core with green satin fabric using fabric glue.  

I wanted the float to have a layer look of materials so I used the light purple fabric as the foundation of the float and attached it to the wooden crate using fabric glue.  

Next I glued the top layer of fabric over the purple fabric.  NOTE:  Both pieces of fabric were turned under and using fabric glue created a hem.  Glued the suede paper black butterflies to the gold ribbon and glued those to the top layer of fabric.

I then went into a trance trying to figure out how I would make the BACK of the float.  It was too thin and flat with just the covered foam core.  So I put a contrasting turquoise crinkle velour and glued more black butterflies to the fabric.  Still, it wasn't what I really wanted. I attached this back board to the box with strips of glued velcro. 

The float was STILL lacking some dimension... so after adding the holders for the rider's beads (all floats have riders and all riders have beads) I decided to make something to attract the butterflies.

Here's a close up of the float with with the beads ready for riders.

Now for the beads - I nearly lost my vision, but I did manage to make 16 dozen of 2 1/2 inch and 3 inch Mardi Gras beads. THROW ME SUMPTIN' MISTA!

Creating a Mardi Gras Float

It's all about scale, or is it?  In order for me to create a scale model Mardi Gras float the foundation would  be approximately 13" by 40" - the size of a flat bed tractor trailer.  So I did some thinking and since this will be part of a display and not for purchase, I have to make it eye-catching.

You will need the following:

wooden CD crate

4 wooden discs for wheels I painted black

assorted fabrics colors and textures to cover crate

You'll need to have a theme to accessorize the float.  I picked my aunt's miniature shop, located on Royal Street in the heart of the French Quarter, The Black Butterfly.  I had to think about butterflies - they started off as caterpillars, so I will attempt to make a caterpillar from the green taffeta and place on the front of the float.  Here are other items I will add to the float:

stick on flowers found in the kids craft section of JoAnn's

black suede scrapbooking paper and a butterfly punch

The project items cost about $35. Let's see how long it will take me to get creative!

This proves that anyone can make a "scale" building.  A 14 year old created this replica of the Shakespeare Theatre, including a stage.  Remember it doesn't have to be exactly like the building.  Don't stress for perfection, stress for ENJOYMENT.

Last week I attended the Cottage Industry Miniaturists Trade Association convention in Las Vegas.  Lots of new accessories to add to my houses.  Attending was successful in getting my inspiration going.  I've started a miniature Mardi Gras float for The Black Butterfly miniature shop in New Orleans.  I'll be posting pictures this week as it goes through it's stages.