Eleanor

In the summer of 2009, I retrieved a collection of old barbie doll patterns. After making a few outfits, I began tampering with the basic design. Next I created my very own patterns. This blog post will be featuring one of the gowns which was designed and completely hand-sewn by me. The doll was purchased.

Each pattern that I create is given a name or title. This might sound strange to some, but it helps me to keep track of my various designs. Besides, it gives the outfit more depth to have an official title. Anyway, this pattern is called Eleanor. It is a very simple, one piece gown fit for springtime use. Half-sleeves are perfect for cool days. All in all, Eleanor is ideal for everyday use in mostly any circumstances.

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Of course, it's been quite some time since I have sewn any barbie dresses. I spent the majority of my summer days that year hidden in my bedroom, sewing and pricking my fingers. In total, I made approximately 30 outfits.

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I do intend to sew more dresses again sometime, but it's just a matter of when. Miniatures dominate my free time! :) Please enjoy Eleanor!

The bottom of the dress.

A close-up of one of the sleeves.

My Workspace

I have wanted to share a few pictures of my workspace for quite some time. So here is my station!

It is very basic, but it meets my needs. I won't deny that it is far from my dream workshop, but that is expected!

Anyway, I work on a foldable 6 x 3 foot table in our basement. It is typically frigid downstairs during the winter, but in the summer it is considerably cooler than the rest of the house!

I try to keep my station as neat and tidy as possible, but it often gets out of hand once I get into my projects. Most of the tools that I use on a daily basis remain out on my mat, while other tools are put away after a day's work.

The chair in the picture is a long-awaited addition to my workspace! Previously I had used an old, uncomfortable wooden chair, but now I have a cushioned office chair. The difference that the new chair has made is incredible!

Below are a few more close-up pictures of my work station, so enjoy the little tour.



This wonderful magnifying glass appeared on my table one day. It turns out that my dad bought it used for a good price. He offered if I wanted to borrow it, and of course I couldn't say no! It was originally intended for his projects, but he hasn't had a need for it yet. I use it for the extremely tiny details here and there.



Here is my collection of my brushes, utility blades, toothpicks, various sculpting tools, pliers, items for creating texture, and much, much more!

My dear pasta machine is a tool that I could never live without!

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This plastic drawer cart is tucked away under the table. I need another one of these-- I'm out of space in all of the drawers.

Ice Cream in the Winter

Many people keep reminding me of how much they are ready for summer. As for me, I am not ready for summer because there is too much to do before summer comes.

For those of you who can't wait for summer, here are some little ice cream cones in anticipation of the hot season. I made these cones into charms for bracelets or necklaces.

The cone in the picture above is "birthday cake" ice cream. I've never tasted this interesting flavor before, but I hear a lot about it. I researched pictures of it and did my best to imitate it.

Of course all of you probably already know the flavor in the second picture (below). Mint chocolate chip is always extremely popular around here. Personally I love chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry combined together!

Summer is right around the corner, and I am seeking to make more ice cream cones soon. Any suggestions on popular or tasty ice cream flavors?

A Little More Detail

Quite recently I was studying pictures of my original cherry pie prep board which I sculpted last July. I decided that I should revise my design a bit and add a little more detail. To see pictures of the original board click here.

There isn't too much of a difference, except I did coat the board with a complementary shade of paint, add a bag of flour, add a stick of butter, and make tiny alterations here and there.

What do you think of the improvements (if any)? Do you like this newest revision or the first design better?

The stick of butter came in handy for this corner of the board.

This is the pie. Unlike last time, I used various shades of red to sculpt the cherries. I think the different shades make it look more homemade and less artificial.

Basket of cherries-- same as the original.

Spider Web Cake

This spider web cake was the second part of my mom's Christmas present this past December.

You see, there was once a minute spider that spun his web on a two-layer orange cake. On the night of October 31st, a dainty white ghost appeared and gobbled the spider quite contentedly. After digesting his meal, the ghost attempted to exit from the scene of the crime. However he soon discovered that he was securely fastened and restrained by the sticky spider web.

Two Gingerbread Houses

For Christmas, I gave my mom a new little gingerbread house (1/12 scale). It is now located on her miniature shelf in the kitchen beside the very first gingerbread house that I ever made.

So, I have finally taken the time to upload and share some more pictures! I am positive that you will be able to recognize which gingerbread house was my very first one and which one is my most recent house. :)

Playing with Real Food

Yes, I admit... I sometimes do play with my real food! In this picture, I used little pieces of bread to make a rose.

Today I used my sister's scrap dough (she was baking sugar cookies) and made a few more roses. I had to make them larger because the dough is extremely gooey. In addition I made a pierogi which was almost life size.

I am sure today won't be the last time that I play with my food! It's quite a challenge.

I hope everyone had a wonderful start to the New Year! I know that I am really looking forward to 2011.