Eenie Q

Antique Studio Desk

February 27, 2016

DIY Dresser or desk with inspiration board

This studio desk with inspiration board is one of my favorite pieces of furniture in my creative space. Originally, is was a ladies vanity and part of an antique bedroom set that my mom purchased at an auction many years ago. Thanks Mom! The inspiration board fabric is ready for a revamp but first let me show you how it looks now and the steps along the way.

When my daughter lived at home she used this desk without the mirror and it was painted a hot pink. Since the mirror frame wasn't used it was still in the original finish. I removed the mirrors and the dresser and mirror frame were painted a soft aqua. The ornate pieces that help to secure the mirrors in place were painted pink. I used a melamine paint which adhered well to the previous finishes. I have since found working with chalk paints to be far superior in both ease and the final result and it is all I use now for furniture and knickknacks.

I love the shape of these mirrors! I decided to use foam core board because of it being rigid as well as performing as a cork board when using pins. It is also thin enough to fit within the grooves. The mirrors were placed on the foam core and the shape traced. Next placed on a hard surface and cut using an X-Acto knife. I love my old chrome table for this purpose!

Next the mirror shapes were placed over the fabric pieces and traced using a chalk pencil. I cut a generous one inch beyond this line. My ribbon and lace hoard was being put to good use ...finally! I experimented with the placement and spacing. Once satisfied the ribbons were pinned in place and I used my sewing machine to forward/back-stitch where the ribbons crisscrossed.

The fabric pieces were sewn to a lining, right sides together, leaving the straight side open, and sewing about 1/8" beyond the tracing line to allow for the thickness of the foam core board. Next, the foam core was slipped inside and the open edge pinned closed and hand-stitched. The buttons were then sewn through all layers of fabric and foam core board.

The reverse side of the mirror pieces are stamped July 6, 1934.

Taking advantage of a photo opportunity with some of my blythe dolls posed in front of the inspiration board. This printed fabric is cute but I'm finding it a bit busy especially in photos. I am now leaning towards a solid pale pink.

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Sew Sweet Dispenser

February 12, 2016

This gumball machine is part of my studio decor. It sits upon my sewing table and makes for a pretty backdrop whenever I want to share a quick WIP pic or shop update. I feel happy whenever I look over at it.

Originally it was red and purchased from a thrift store. Dismantling was easy by unscrewing the top bolt and then everything just lifted apart. The glass dome was washed and set aside and everything that I didn't want painted was taped off. I used chalk paint so no prep was needed.

Two shades of pink where used and then I distressed it slightly being careful not to allow any of the original paint to show through. A subtle shimmer was added to finish it off.

Next came the reassembling. I taped a piece of card stock inside the bottom to prevent any buttons from falling through the dispenser opening. The fun part was filling it with vintage spools of thread and some buttons on hand. I topped it up with a package of pink buttons from the dollar store.

Is it better than candy? I think so! Maybe not as good as chocolate but who puts chocolate in these things anyway. ;)

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Diorama Creation

February 3, 2016

Each diorama construction is a learning process because often different types of materials are used. The materials, props and wall art give this kitchen a bit of a retro look.

These are the steps that correspond with the photo grid below:

Duck tape is wrapped around the ends of two foam core boards of what will be the corners. Repeated for other end. The door/window placements are marked.
Place flat on cutting surface. Use utility knife to cut door/window openings.
Test by placing around wood base.
The window fits in the opening!
Door fits but needs some filling in.
Wrong side of corner seam, brought closer together with tape strips. Will be removed after papering the right side. This allows the wallpaper to adhere flush in the corner.
Cutting wallpaper. This time I used scrapbook paper although I prefer larger sheets or rolls.
Finished papering.
I used ~~adhesive spray~~ because sometimes wet glue will warp the foam core board when used in larger areas. The paper sometimes lifts with the spray adhesive so I will be using a different method on future dioramas.
Before pic of when placing wallpaper pieces.
Using books to hold walls against wood floor base after gluing. I used Aleene’s craft glue.
Placed on side when gluing window trim in place.
Exterior also papered. Will add detachable step, window flower box and landscaping later.
Door painted white. I think I used brush on chalk paint. Spray paints for plastics usually give a better result.
Shimmied fronts of kitchen units to allow for uneven floor base. How did that happen?!!! Cause unknown to me! ;)
Trimmed pile of this fake fur fabric for a more realistic dollhouse carpet look.
Magnetic adhesive sheets to hold kitchen pieces in place or easily detach for accessing the battery and on/off switch.
Painted front edge of flooring and around placement of carpet. Right wall has magnetic closure for additional photography angles. These magnetic self-adhesive sheets can be found at the Dollar Tree.
The miniature clock is from West Germany. I decided to put it on a painted kitchen stand that will be filled with pots, bowls.
The clock actually works with a wind up key and the pendulum swings. The hands can also be manually moved. So cute ...and important when the dolls are planning a punctual dinner party!

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Cute Rompers

November 1, 2015

A cute romper style that was retired. I may revive this design in the future with a view changes. I feel that the arm opening should be cut deeper to accommodate wearing a top underneath. Maybe buckles instead of a snap/mock button closure would be more interesting.