Happy Friday !
Mood:  a-ok
Now Playing: Launch.com - 'Too Sweet', Morello.

Got to go to Dollar Tree today. Dearest Son hit the jackpot ! For some reason, they had an entire endcap display of Cars stationery-type stuff. Pens, pencils, markers. He selected a Tow Mater-themed ink pen with a tiny Tow on top that pivoted on a ball joint. I snagged a pack of non-glittery pencils for his back-to-school days. There were mechanical pencils, regular pencils with huge character erasers, iridescent pencils, and the stuff we bought. Son had Tow opened and 'writing' in the car. He waited to open his second playset choice at home. So he was happy.

They also had a set of flip-flop shaped erasers that would probably work for Crissy. But I can make those myself, and these were rather heavy. So they stayed there.

I did score a three-strand necklace, from their 'Tropical Treasures' by Sassy and Chic (tm) line. The largest strand was plastic solid color beads, another was white with a bit of color glass 'straw' beads, and the third was pearl-like seed beads. It was topped by a clunky faceted 'gem' to match, but it was made of plastic. Of all the colors, I selected a pale lavender, but when I go back for more Cars school supplies, I'll probably snag the green one.

Once home, I had it stripped and ready for repurposing in minutes. Had to take 'em all apart, they were strung on thick fishing line, and I wanted a better 'flow'. Ordinarily, I would have used regular white thread, but I actually have stringing thread, part of a craft lot from a long-ago yard sale.

Made a three-strand 'waterfall' necklace from the white 'straw' beads, using the necklace's clasp. The pearl-like seed beads made a single long necklace that loops around four times and can be arranged into different shapes. The plastic beads just look too...big and plastic-y, if you know what I mean. They're saved into a baggie for later, in case I decide to use 'em later. Part of the 'chain' clasp and a jump ring I didn't use also got stored for future experiments.

While I used Elphie to model, the necklaces can fit any number of my dolls. The long strand can fit the sixth scale girls, Crissy, the Disney Princesses. The 'waterfall' one can fit Crissy and Barbie size dolls, too, but it's a snug fit on Crissy !

Now I know why there are so many doll jewelers around. It's lots of fun ! Both necklaces took less than an hour, and I love 'em. I know my simple efforts aren't as elaborate as what's for sale on eBay and nice websites, and I used second hand/Dollar Tree supplies, but if I have $10. to spend, I'd rather make my own doll stuff and save up for a lucky find at a yard sale or Hobby Lobby !

Since I had to drag out the 'jewelry kit' (a leftover plastic 'school box') and root around a bit. On second thought, I don't have to get a green set - I got acres of green already !

And Beloved Hubby's on his way home. What a nice day !

Happy surreal summer !
Mood:  a-ok
Now Playing: "Three Musketeers" - Disney DVD, played so frequently, it barely loads anymore.

Updated the home page a bit, added the photo of Elphie's car and, at the very bottom, a Random Surreal Generator. It's fun ! If you like, click on it to add to your own site.

Not much today. Rain and more rain. I'm thinking about finding the pattern for the Disney Princess doll shorts and making a blue pair. For one, I wanna practice more with inseams, and for two, I altered a teddy bear shirt last month to fit them, and it needs shorts to match. Can make a few dozen pairs of shorts and pants, but they look better in dresses.

I may have overcome the 'more' bug. I truly don't want anything, but I do enjoy looking. I just need to limit myself. Maybe to an hour or so. There's too much else I need to be doing to indulge for longer than that. I was worried that, once I felt a bit better about being in my own skin, I'd be more demanding, but the reverse is actually true. Happer I am with me, the less I want.

Unfortunately, I've left a sink fulla dishes go for too long, and the kitchen's beyond wrecked. So hopefully tomorrow, there'll be something new to write about. In the meanwhile, enjoy the surreal on the home page ! It's at the very bottom here.

Capri fun...and one more 'I hate DSD !' rant.
Mood:  d'oh
Now Playing: "Lion King 2" again - don't kids ever get bored with the same movie ?

Not much going on - Elphie has two new pictures on her page. I still love her lingerie chest. Posted the same image on Prego, and got the usual shrug. But I'm not doing it for that anymore. I just want to show others that they don't need to feel bad for not having the latest and greatest. That not buying custom-made stuff that has to be pre-ordered and secured with a three-figure deposit. There's lots of stuff all around to enhance doll play. And gosh it all, you can make some of it yerself !

Sorted through the Ken doll clothes and selected apparel for the 'My Scene' guys who are going to new homes whenever the next charity calls. I already have a drawer full of Dearest Son's outgrowns and some redressed dolls I forgot about for the last pick-up. I don't like to donate nude dolls. They don't sell as well, and it's bad enough I bought a doll just to strip him. Least I can do is let him or her salvage some pride and find a new home dressed.

Made the capris I wanted from the green-dot fabric. And a simple pair of pants took over two hours. I could *not* get the crotch to match. Now, I understand that it's common in garment construction to shape the crotch curve by cutting the front differently from the back. But this was just beyond. By the time I got them to mostly match, I was sick of the whole thing, convinced I couldn't sew inseams, and the crotch in question bagged like it was made for a much larger doll. If the capri crotch matched Elphie's, she'd have a green dotted bra ! The fabric was worn from sew, rip, sew, rip, repeat, and I just wanted it done. To say it's half-azzed is overstating matters.

So, for giggles and worries, I printed out the 'Pantalettes' pattern from the Traveler in Thyme pattern CD Beloved Hubby and Dearest Son got me for Mother's Day. Boom ! Less than an hour, start to finish. Fits great, looks great, easy and fast, and the inseam wasn't a big pain.

I want to sew more of her stuff before I write a review, but if you're curious, here's her site, with photos - Traveler in Thyme patterns. Elphie's Christmas Candy swimsuit and the white capris came from her patterns.

In other news, I'm still wrestling with the 'more' bug. Having Son home for the Summer has helped, but I think I need to turn off the computer during the day. Too much eBay, too many things for sale on Prego.

And there's too much for me to sew and write without looking to buy more doll stuff ! Darn it, why can't I get that through my head ?! Garrrrghh !

Rethink...
Mood:  quizzical
Now Playing: XM 150 - Uncensored Comedy

Looks like Leia-chan's gonna hang in there. She's misfiring due to an oil leak somewhere, and Beloved Hubby has a theory or three. He cleaned her up last night, and she ran like a dream. Poor Leia-chan, hardly anyone takes care of her at any stage of her vehicular life.

I have a theory that states, 'Things that are cherished, even though they're just things, show it.' Leia-chan tries so hard, and has not once left me stranded. I may not take the best care of her, but she is cherished.

Told Beloved Hubby that I was having a serious rethink about 'Room With a View' - it's so expensive, and darn it, I have enough. I can always just buy a blank foamcore triptych...they sell 'em at Hobby Lobby for school science project displays. Paint or decorate it myself, have him find me a nice wood floor. But he won't hear of it. He said that he'd like me to have the best available, without settling or going for the cheapest option. Said he was proud of how I always managed to find a different way to get what I want as creatively (and cheaply !) as possible, but just once, he'd like for me to not shift and make do.

It's very sweet of him, but I still feel vaguely guilty, although I should just relax and let it go, since it's something he truly wants to do for me.

It just reminds me of my life, you know ? When I was a teenager, my folks went on a tropical week's vacation without me one winter. When they returned, they presented me with a very tight choker necklace boasting a large stone. I admired it, asked if the glittery piece was a real diamond, was told, "It had better be." That's all that was ever said about it.

I could never wear it, it was too tight. Even with a bracelet spacing it, it itched after five minutes, so it resided in the jewelry box, where I told myself that it was proof they loved me. Years later, I had reason to have it appraised. Not even a zirconia. Glass. And it was a child's necklace, not a choker, on electroplated base metal. If it had been worn for more than ten minutes, the 'gold' would have worn away, and at least it explained why it itched. Jeweler looked at me with pity, said if anyone paid more than $10. for it, they got rooked, and whoever told me it was real was either beyond stupid or viciously malicious.

I could have been more understanding about the whole thing if it wasn't just one more example of my younger years. Trying so hard to believe that pig iron is gold, because I want so much to believe that I'm worth it...

Whoo. Sorry. Got a bit personal there. Maybe I should delete it, but I'm not going to. It happened. Worse things happen every day. But we go on.

Because we want to believe, so much...

Remembering day...
Mood:  quizzical
Now Playing: MP3 player - 'Calling America', Electric Light Orchestra

While it's now more of a 'here's the 'official' start of summer' day, Memorial Day started out as something greater. If you haven't already, consider taking a moment to remember those who have already gone, especially the veterans, and those who are going through h#ll, like survivors of New Orleans and Java, Indonesia. Sometimes I think about relationships that have died in my life, too.

But the moment passes, and I'm back to my selfish self. Why does a minor car repair never end that way ? Three hours and too many bucks later, it's done, and may we never have to do that again. Grrrr...

Dearest Son wasn't nearly as entranced with the repair bays as he was the last time he went with his Granddad for his vehicle service. He was bored, and wasn't even interested in the book he brought. While I made sure everyone else ate this morning, I didn't, so I was roaringly tired and very hungry.

Afterwards, we got his much-needed and great-lookin' Cars shoes, and even a 'slammer' Tow Mater. Even I like that toy. It's soft, and when ya hit it, it yells 'Ow ! Dad Gum ! That wuddn't very nice !' in the character's voice. Tow is currently garaged in the colorfully decorated box Son's shoes came in...which is nice, since the sides feature Tow, too. He has the cereal-box premium cars in there, too - we got Luigi this week !

Grabbed a soda for Beloved Hubby - he worked today, and we were going from Target to his work site - and a cherry Icee for Son. I was holding off in favor of the great iced tea from that chicken place down the street. Hubby came home for lunch and took Connie-truck back with him. I'll whine about the repair cost, but I do have to say this much, she's smooth as oiled silk now !

Poor Leia-chan may be on her last set of tires. Radiator leak has slowed, but it's still there, and she's misfiring, even though we replaced the plugs less than a year ago. Urgh. I do not want to look at cars again !

Haven't had much time for dolls yet today. Didn't get time yesterday, either, so I think I'll break out some of that fuzzy-dot fabric I got from Saturday's yard sale and make something sleek, cool, and elegant. Maybe some kicky capri pants and a loose shirt...

Sunday, Sunday...
Mood:  chatty
Now Playing: Can you believe we're watching "Lion King 2" again ?

Quiet day. Haven't done much but clean house some. Dearest Son's train tracks were everywhere ! It's amazing how elaborate he makes those. And how much it hurts when I stumble over 'em. Darn sharp Tidmouth Station !

So much to do, and I can't seem to get started. Beloved Hubby's been bugging me for birthday ideas, but what do you get the woman who has everything ? Well, he saw me looking at 'Room With A View', a Clea Bella set that I've loved for a while. It's lovely, but rather expensive, that's why I just look.

Guess what I'm getting for my birthday ? I can't believe it, but he says it's worth it, and he knows I'll love it. Here's the specs : Room With A View. Hope they'll have it in stock when we order it in a few weeks !

Got to do the grocery shopping early. Dearest Son's now sporting a new Cars t-shirt, the only one I could find with Tow Mater, his favorite character, on it. We'll also get shoes to match this week - his poor, but beloved, Thomas light-up ones have about had it. He even said they were too tight and weren't fun anymore. Yeah, I think the lights bought it about two weeks ago. Just about when he outgrew them. Amazing how stuff like that works out.

Tomorrow's gonna be busy. Connie-truck needs a minor repair, so Hubby and I are gonna switch vehicles so I can get it done. But you know how repairs go on holiday weekends - we've gotta be there early. Wish us luck ! Son is gonna be thrilled if the service bay is visible from the waiting area, but I need to take something to do. Maybe get that Leia reroot started...

Maybe I'll have time to sew tonight - or clean the kitchen. Hopefully sew !

Fun with props - will it ever end ?
Mood:  lucky
Now Playing: "Lion King 2" again - as many cast members as fall off cliffs, you'd think they'd abandon Pride Rock...

Busy day. Went to work with Beloved Hubby, mostly to keep him company, last night. Was nice to have a quiet moment together, watch stars and share a soda while we waited for things to dry.

 

He had to work again today, so I had some 'me' time. Lately, I've been beating off a sudden yen to buy an Elphie-shaped dress form. I have no idea why I want one so urgently. Possibly because I have everything else. While Tonner makes one, it tends to run $30. - $40., rather high for my pocket. I have a Gene-size pattern, and I can buy a Tonner-specific one for just $8., but you know me, I love to explore my options. And, hey, I bought the popcorn cart I'd wanted second-hand, just by waiting a bit. Maybe I could luck into a deal if I explored first. So, I was off to Hobby Lobby after memorizing Elphie's vital measurements and making sure my trusty tape measure was in the purse. I'm sure the staff and other shoppers were wondering what in the world I was doing, but it was for naught. They had about twelve different versions, but they were either an inch too big in the waist, or an inch too small in the bust and waist...and hips ! Just not gonna work out.

 

But it wasn't a total loss ! I found this : Elphie's new lingerie chest ! It's a great size for her, and the drawers work. Not a lot of space, but it's not like she owns a ton of underwear ! It was even on sale - only $7. ! Globe came from a yard sale, and the wine glasses will soon appear on the 'Tonner Taste, Barbie Budget' page. If you like it and want one, check 'em out in the "Paris" housewares display. Not sure if it's still on sale or not. It's polyresin, and has a tendency to chip. First one I saw had a corner of the top drawer gone, and the one I nearly bought was missing a bit of the black figuring on the drawer facing. So inspect carefully !

 

I also scored some silver clips - they'll be part of her jeep's seat belts by week's end ! - a miniature red portfolio and a yellow backpack on markdown, a package of markdown scrapbook 'page pebbles' (may become watches !), and a felt eraser for Dearest Son's easel, all for less than $12. Not bad at all.

 

And experience was right about the yard sales. Found three. Stopped at one. Snagged some vintage dotted fabric - cream with fuzzy pinhead size-dots. It was a dress in progress that was never completed. It's now cheap-serged and in the wash as doll fabric. She had lots more, but not much I could use.

 

The two other sales were mostly baby clothes, and I'm done with that. At one point, believe it or not, I had three large boxes full of baby clothes bought cheap. And that was years before Baby Chrissy ! Nope, I got 'em cheap intending to reuse them to make doll clothes. But it's surprisingly difficult to take apart something fully functional to make something else. Especially when that commodity is always in demand during disasters and in charities. Ended up donating the lot when we moved. And I've only bought a few outfits for Chrissy since.

 

Had to redo the thread storage, after I knocked it over yesterday. That'll teach me to leave it out and open ! But it needed doing. For some reason, I have about five dozen tiny thread spools that only have 10 or 20 yards of thread on 'em. They were really cheap, and at the time, a Barbie dress didn't take much more than that. Now they're just sitting around, taking up space. So I tossed 'em all in a clear jar, and they're next to the button jar. Might as well have some color on the sewing table ! And now I can see what I have in full-size spools...besides 'too many' !

Growly day.
Mood:  d'oh
Now Playing: 'Lion King 2' - Dearest Son's newest favorite, driving his momma crazy...
I'm about done altering the 'My Scene' clothes that almost fit Elphie...most are altered but still are just a hair or two off from fitting. It's OK, I still have Barbie dolls who can use the clothes - Ken doll clothes fit my 1978 Kenner Princess Leia very well ! - or they'll go back on the dolls they came from when I donate them. No loss. Was just kinda hoping they'd all fit.

Really, about the only thing that doesn't is the rolled-up red-striped shirt that came with River. I moved the snaps and added side-slits, but it's still too tight. It always sucks when you put time in on something that doesn't work out, though. You'd think I'd be used to it.

Guess I'm just tired. Holiday weekend, Dearest Son's out of school, but Beloved Hubby's already working all weekend. He's also experimenting with screen-printing. It's so cool to see him learning something new. Rare for him to get the chance, he's always busy.

Never any good yard sales this weekend, either. Maybe I just need a nap !

I did get to go to Hancock Fabrics today - and the tube turner I wanted was in stock and half price ! It works great ! Now I kinda wish I'd waited to sew 'Summer Breeze', as the straps on that one aren't very good. Sale goes on 'til Monday, I think. Half off all notions, and the nice young lady who helped me said if it's on the notions wall, it counts. I scored the 'Turn It All', three tubes and sticks. Kind of a budget FastTurn set. Can't beat it for $4. !

Fighting the 'Let's Go Shopping Some More !' urge...
Mood:  a-ok
Now Playing: XM 80s - "The Way You Make Me Feel", Michael Jackson

Ya know, after a day like yesterday, it's hard to not go out to all the other local thrifts, seeking more goodies. I really want to ! The popcorn popper even works, even though air-popped is usually rather bland. Anyway, I've spent all the cash I want to this week, so it's best if I stay home and sew this afternoon.

I'm just not sure what to sew. A sweet sundress with straps, to use the fabric I bought yesterday ? Another attempt at that shirt from the new pattern CD, now that I know how it should work ? Or try that swimsuit again, since I have new ideas for it, too ? What about that dress form I've been wanting - already have a Gene-sized pattern for that. And, hey, Elphie and Fiyero are far from the only dolls 'round here that I can sew for ! And there's the site and photos and new pages to put up...

When Dearest Son and I were at Dollar Tree yesterday - oh, I've gotta tell you what happened at school ! I surprised him by picking him up, he normally rides the bus. But he didn't want to go ! He was having fun playing with his friends. I calmed him down, and then his friend/enemy (depending on the afternoon snack, time, barometric pressure, gnat quotient, etc.) saw us. "Jimmy" immediately sent up a howl, saying he wanted *his* mommy. My dearest little bratling son whipped around and told him, 'No, you have to ride the bus now !'. Jeez, Son, rub it in ! I've gotta work on his tact and diplomacy skills...'cause right now, he ain't got neither !

Anyway, Dollar Tree had a package of fun foam sheets, 5.5" by 8.5", 20 pieces in eight colors. I have some fun craft ideas for that stuff, including shoe ideas for numerous dolls, including our tiptoe girls.

Don't ask me why I'm so obsessed with doll shoes. The finger shoes from Birthday Express arrived Monday, and I have to do that page yet. They all fit, but some look a bit large. One quick note - I ordered the eight-pair pack. They sent me two pairs of four styles. So if you decide to order for yourself, you may just wanna order four, unless you like to customize. Good news is, they included the silver variation of those black bow-toe pumps. Everyone loves those classic pumps.

I'm thinking of stripping a pair of 'em, and trying the Fusion paint again. It could be my last attempt failed because the Fusion couldn't penetrate the paint already there.

And, for some reason, I keep looking at doll clothes and patterns on eBay. Um, there's darn little I don't already have a pattern for already. And I can make quite a bit already. I can look at most clothes and piece it together from the patterns I already own, so I don't even know why I'm looking. Maybe the $12. still in my pocket is burning holes. I've gotta shake it off, though. After all, I have new stuff to play with already (mental post-it - make seat belts for the Jeep) and tons of projects. Why do I need to go *anywhere* and spend ? Or waste time online looking at more stuff ? It's just ridiculous.

So why am I having such a hard time NOT lookin' ?

Another wonderful day at the thrift store !
Mood:  celebratory
Now Playing: XM 150 - Uncensored Comedy
Whoo-hoo ! Beloved Hubby fixed the small leak in my radiator and filled my car's coolant tank with fresh green sludge. She drove beautifully today, and I finished all my errands with enough time to play with my new acquisitions ! In fact, here's one now ! 

I usually hit the GoodWill down the street once a week. Rarely more than that. Tuesday's my normal day, so I was right on time today. Got a large spool of still-wrapped Coats & Clark white thread, 50c. I figured that'd be about it. But I toured around - nothing in Housewares, even less in Toys - and checked the back Appliance Wall. It couldn't be ! A few weeks ago, I found a popcorn popper that looked like a pushcart, and seemed to be just about Elphie's size. But I couldn't find it for less than $30. with shipping. Here it is on Amazon. While I love popcorn, I'd as soon use the microwave or a stovetop pot, so justifying the cash was kind of hard. But there it was. $3.75 ! MINE !

 

I poked around a bit more, and found a fabric display. It'd been there last week, but another shopper had clearly claimed the entire table as hers first. Fine, it's not like I don't have enough to slipcover the entire house, inside and out, already. But today I got to check through it. Found a lovely green piece with white flowers in a sort of 'ribbon' design. I'm sure you'll see it soon !

 

I was about ready to go when I spied a large blue toy Jeep under the table. From the size of it, it probably went with those popular 18-inch American Girl dolls. I knew 'Our Generation', Target's clones, made all sorts of props that neither Pleasant Company nor Mattel ever would, and sure enough, it had an 'Our Generation' license plate. Doors were held on by twist ties, and the daisy decorations were scratched, but it had potential. Would it fit Elphie ? I looked for the tag. $12.50 ? Um, no. But I decided to measure it anyway, so I pulled it out from under the table and my tape measure from my purse. Oh ! $2.50 ! Well, that's different ! It'd be a bit big, but doable. I've always hated how Barbie cars, if they actually had roofs, would shear Babs off right at the torso, anyway.

 

By now, getting thread, fabric, popcorn popper, and plastic Jeep to the counter took coordination. Less than $8. later, I was on my way home, hoping I had enough nail polish remover to eliminate those daisies. Elphie did look really small in it, but with the addition of a quick custom pillow, she sat up high and easily reached the steering wheel. When your Beloved Hubby paints, there's always chemicals to remove paint, so it was only moments before the scratched daisies were off the hood, doors, and 'spare tire'. Made sure to wipe it down well with water and a soft cloth.

 

Boy, is Fiyero gonna be ticked. Elphie's not one to let others drive her car, and they only made it in two colors, blue and purple. We don't have room for another car, either. So he'd best learn to like the passenger side if he wants a ride ! And it reminded me. I have a few other 'Our Generation' things in the house, bought on deep discount. They might make a good addition to the 'Tonner Taste, Barbie Budget' page. While the 'My Generation Adventure Jeep' is difficult to find new, finding it used in various venues will probably get easier. The only one I found on eBay evidently has the same problem with the doors, as it had none at all.

 

I'm thinking Elphie and Fiyero might go camping soon. Found a great little 'fire stand' that's a candle holder. Could also possibly be a stool, once the candle holder platform is removed and a seat is stretched across. It's in the photo, the black metal and wooden thing. Designed to hold a votive candle. Dollar Tree has many Asian-themed decor items in lately. Even statues, though they seemed large unless your dolls live in a temple. Anyway, that was my fantastic day. Tried to take some outdoor photos yesterday, but our poor slammed camera went wonky. So the camping shoot may take a while. Found out 6 megapixel cameras, by Olympus, are only about $150., so I may yet get a new one for my birthday. We'll see !