And progress on a paper mache ship.
News:
* I’m way behind on email ( that’s not exactly news..) Getting a couple projects out the door and then I can devote some serious time to responding.
* I’m working towards a shop update sometime next week ( the week beginning 2/1) as well as a couple ebay auctions to benefit Haiti. You can get updates here or through my mailing list or twitter.
This cupcake of a girl’s party dress is from 1910 – it’s falling apart but the lining of almost transparent and tissue thin silk chiffon is in excellent condition, most of the lace is usable too. I tried it on. That was something.
And disturbing looking progress on something new made from this antique bodice:
And instructions. Epic instructions. They just go on and on. I hope to add more concise printer friendly instructions later but my Christmas brain just isn’t capable of it. We are making Mediterranean inspired little sail boats with lateen rigging – a single triangular sail on a relatively short mast.
large cereal box
scissors
scotch tape
ruler
exacto knife
newspaper- 2 colors
wall paper paste
paint brushes
paint
skewers. dowels or twigs
string
heavy duty thread
needles – various sizes
fabric
buttons
glue
(click thumbnails for larger images)
Download the pattern here and cut it out on the dotted line – the solid lines are for scoring – there are little triangles on one end – you can fold those back to trace the line onto your cardboard and poke your pencil through the tip of the V on the pattern to mark your cardboard.
Use a ruler to draw the lines as shown on the pattern. I’ve highlighted the lines to score in red. Use the BACK of your exacto knife to score the lines in red and then gently bend the boat into shape…… Read More
DIY gift tags! Bundled up little birds – you can click here to download.
(I added some glitter to his acorn cap after I cut them out).
The fleet here is growing rapidly. I’m working on all sorts of new boats and ships and the little lateen rigged sailboats inspired by van gogh’s fishing boats are for you to make, I’m going to share the pattern and instructions next week. It takes me forever to work out the “how to” stuff but I think it’s pretty much there and I just need to test it on a couple people and photograph the steps. They are simple and relatively quick, I think you’re going to have fun making them.
Cardboard castle news:
Cardbaord Castle #2 is in the current issue of Elle Decor – Japanese edition. I get excited about any celebration of cardboard castle making and the entire magazine is lovely so I’m pleased and flattered to be included.
I get wonderful shadows here, they change day to day. Yesterday and today they were especially lovely.
The incredibly generous Stephen Szczepanek of Sri sent over another package of marvelous bits of kimono and other amazing and inspiring Japanese textiles.
Check out the ” trans generational ” boro futon cover on his blog.
I took a new photo of the willet ( made from an edwardian lawn gown) for a project I’ll tell you about later. She’s examining a painted detail on a beautiful little table I got at the flea market a couple weeks ago.
A merry wobbler tucked into a little wool nest.
Part of tree costume for someone little.
And an owl costume made of old sweaters for another little fellow.
They were such fun to make.
I’m working on lots of new paper mache and thinking about little bits of paper I’ve found and saved.
I’m also working on a small gray owl. My plan was to make him entirely gray but he won’t have it.
