Every year for the past three years, I've entered the HBS Halloween Miniature Challenge. I've won first and second places. My entry this year is http://wshe.es/sXecJmuo and you can vote on it from Oct. 26-30, 2020. This summer, I started work on my 2020 project. I decided it would be all recycled and handmade. Let me walk you through what I did... The house--It's a cereal box. (GrapeNuts) So the siding is cut from strips from the box. The … [Read more...] about There’s an Alien in the Trash Can–My Halloween Project
miniatures
How I Became a Knotty Girl
After my surgery, I decided to take up miniature rug making. But I had a few problems, so I decided to email the "Queen of French Knots" herself, Teresa Layman. Check out her Etsy page here: Teresa Layman And this is Teresa's response to my many questions: Woohoo -- another Knotty girl! First, I would suggest that you tighten the fabric in the hoop. Taut fabric makes easier stitching when it comes to French knots. Also, … [Read more...] about How I Became a Knotty Girl
Sweethearts–A Miniature Shop for Lovers
Around Valentine's Day I felt absolutely compelled to create a miniature shop of all things heart-shaped. But I didn't want to spend a lot of money. Here's what I wound up with... The shell of the shop was a paper mache "hatbox." I cut out the front door, covered it in black and white Contact paper, trimmed it with black Duck Tape, and added a patio. I also bought a cheap Styrofoam heart wreath and took it apart to put the hearts on the top … [Read more...] about Sweethearts–A Miniature Shop for Lovers
A Year of Daring Greatly Starts Now!
I've been reading Daring Greatly by Brene Brown and as a result, I've decided to dedicate this year to reaching out to other people. That means putting myself in a vulnerable position, because they might "shut me down" or reject me. It involves taking a risk, doesn't it? That's exactly what Brown means by "daring greatly." Well, so far, the venture has been worthwhile. On a whim, I emailed Alice Zinn, a renowned miniature artist, who lives just … [Read more...] about A Year of Daring Greatly Starts Now!
Ten Things I've Learned about Glue and Making Miniatures
The glue gun is not my friend. When it comes to miniatures, the glue is too thick and too lumpy. It can make a real mess. A glue stick is perfect for gluing down fabric. I would have never guessed this! You can use superglue on wood. Who knew? I always thought it was for gluing plastic and metal. Okay, it can soak in quickly, so you might have to put on more than you'd expect, but it works pretty well. By adding a little water to superglue, it … [Read more...] about Ten Things I've Learned about Glue and Making Miniatures
Love, Crafts, and the Fine Art of Dumpster Diving
Two days ago, I noticed a big red Dumpster behind our apartment complex. It looked to be empty. That's interesting, I thought. Yesterday evening, my husband and I were walking Jax when I noticed the Dumpster had been filled to the brim. Looks to me like the apartment management evicted someone, sending their furniture packing as well. A red sofa extended above pieces of wood, paper, and articles you'd have to examine closely to identify. That … [Read more...] about Love, Crafts, and the Fine Art of Dumpster Diving
