From a Simple Frame to a Treasured Shadow Box

My dad has been checking out things I've made recently. The shadow boxes, in particular, were a favorite. At 35 years old, I'm still learning things about my dad - like the fact that he loves shadow boxes! Like me, he thinks they are magical. Which is why he has requested that I make one for him to display a part that he made. He is a machinist and takes pride in the parts he designs and/or makes. He didn't just ask for any kind of shadow box though. He wanted a Steampunk one! My specialty! 

Step One

I had to go get a frame. The one I originally planned on using fell apart. So off to WallyWorld to get this one. I chose a 4x6 oak wood photo frame. This was $2.76. I wanted something that would be pretty sturdy. After all, it will have to withstand some changes while also display something. 

Step Two

Time to dismantle the frame! After removing the back, I trace the outline onto foam board piece. This is the back that I will reattach the frame backing to so that my dad can hang it up. 

Then I measure out the sides that will give me a 1 1/2 inch depth for the box. 

This will give me enough room to decorate the box and then still have an open space in the middle for him to add his part to it.

As you can see, I'm not able to make perfect lines. I struggle hard with that! But I make it as straight as I can and do as best I can to secure them. 

Step Three

Next part was to paint the inside orange. I had to go buy some because mixing my own did NOT work at all. I almost ended up with a purple color after mixing yellow and red with a touch of black. My husband said I defied logic on that one. I then covered the 'box' with some brown felt material. This helped to hide the unsightly edges as well as give it a bit more character. 

Now, for the finale! 

On my part at least. I can't complete the project 100% as my dad has the part that will be the crowning glory for this project. I added in some gears that my husband cut for me just for this.

I had picked up these packs of gear decorations from Hobby Lobby. See the missing place in the pack? It was a half gear. My husband cut that one into half, giving me corner pieces.

Now that I have finished it, to the best of my ability, it is time to mail it out. I'm sending this and the instructions that once he has installed the part he made, he can then attach the glass cover permanently to the box.

And now, you can see it in use! I think it was spectacular and so much fun building this for my dad.

A Mermaid Crown Fit for the Queen of the Sea

Do you love mermaids? Or the idea of them? I do. And for as long as I can remember, always have. Swimming in the oceans, unbound by the need for oxygen. A tail powerful enough to cover vast distances or fight strong currents. And of course, the best part may be the crowns and tiaras you imagine one would wear. I mean, let's face it, they live in the ocean! You know how much gold, pearls, and gemstones has been lost at sea? Oh and the clams that make amazing pearls down there?? So yeah... they would probably look fabulous all the time. 

My daughters and I love cosplay. Creating characters or becoming a favorite character. It is all fun for us. I had the idea to create a mermaid crown when I noticed a couple things in my crafting bin. 

1. A plain headband. Nothing special about it. Just your average, plastic headband. 

2. A bag of spiral shells. These were from my mom. And I had been meaning to make something with them... well, since I got them! But time and ideas have been short with me until now. 

So, I went online and looked at various creations that others have done and thought.... Why not? 

My first course of action is...

Create a Pinterest board. This is where I store my ideas when working on a project. And there are SOOOO many ideas! So click HERE and check out mine if you like, or create your own. Crowns and tiaras aren't the only things you will find on my board. I'm planning to test out makeup and costuming tricks as I come across them too. They will be added to the board as I continue down this path.

I found a video and also some great creations that helped me get an idea of how to even manage this task. I decided to go with the foam idea from a video. I don't have regular crafting foam or eva foam, so I went with packing foam I happened to have on hand. I created a brace along the top of the headband that I would attach my decorations to. I couldn't find a better, or cleaner, way to attach the spiral shells I had.

Not too fancy, but I already feel like a princess! This is the beginning of a great cosplay. I hope. As also seen in the video, I added material that had that mermaid vibe to it onto the back. This way, no matter which side you are looking at me from, you won't be seeing my foam base.

I'm not too worried about perfection. My hair will help hide that. Besides, I don't think folks around me are going to be concerned with how perfect it is. I mean how often have I worn my elf ears and shocked those in this small town? And yes, I have a feeling I'll be wearing this publicly at some point. Not just for a cosplay event. 

Checking my inspiration... 

So originally, the crown that caught my attention first was this one. And I have to say, this is a lofty goal at best. I know my skills are no where near this good, but I thought it would make a good reference towards making my own. I loved the way the spirals are given an ombre look. And that they incorporated such beautiful jewels. 

I decided to start with the shell painting and slowly build the look. For the pink ones you see in between the spirals, I actually 3D printed those! They are light and flatter than a real shell. I painted the fronts with a mermaid nail polish. I also painted the spirals with the same, but they didn't come out as pink. Then I added a dark blue shiny nail polish to the bottom of the shells. Once I complete the crown, I plan to spray the whole thing with a clear coat that will seal the colors as well as add strength. I hope. 

Now to fill in with some pearls. I started this while trying to think of what other shells I wanted to use and how. I quickly came to decide that just pearls on the rest is enough. I tried to randomly sprinkle seed pearls on the printed shells after I painted them. As you see, my OCD kicked in on both in different patterns. Random and my OCD do NOT get along. 

See that big gaping hole in the middle shell? So... learned something about these shells. They are super pokey! I didn't glue it high enough, so it poked my scalp when I would put it on. I had the brilliant idea to then cut the point off. It was easier said than done. So I then had this hole to contend with. I filled it in with hot glue. And added a bunch of pearls into it. 

What do you think? Have I made this well enough? Now that I have done this one, I have the desire to make two more. So that the girls and I can all be mermaids together.

Mayberry Miniature Coffee Shop Building

I've been given 2 more 1/24 scale buildings to put together. At first, my daughter wanted to help. But then it became all my own project. At least for the first building, which is an over-crowded coffee shop. Check out the progress and completed project! 

This was a miniature kit bought at Hobby Lobby. It is the DIY Dollhouse Miniature Coffee House set from Mayberry Street. This particular one was clearanced, so you might not find it on the shelf at your local store anymore. However, I found the exact same one on Temu. Actually, there was more than one listing for it. Not having a Temu experience, I'm not sure if they list multiple times when one is on a temporary sale maybe? So HERE is the other listing I saw.

I'm not usually a huge fan of sets with such tiny proportions, but they can have some fun aspects to them. And of course, my daughter likes having them displayed on a shelf in her room. It is starting to look like a mini city scene in there. 

The Mayberry kits are unique and beautiful if you like miniatures. However, they are also difficult to put together. Not just for the tiny features, though that certainly plays a roll. They are also difficult because of the instructions. Which are in picture form. Pictures with the item numbers near to show you what piece is where. Each kit comes with paper items that have to be cut and shaped into the details for the building. They have scissors included to help you. There are the glues for paper and for the plastics, a ruler, maybe an exacto knife, the solid wood pieces and usually some beads. There is a page with all the included parts and an instruction manual that is supposed to walk you through step-by-step.

My husband had to help me with some of the more confusing pieces. He likes to make jokes while we work. Like here, when pretending to use some of the pieces like chopsticks! 

I had to do this construction in segments. Some of the walls needed to fully dry so they wouldn't move around while I was adding other things. I think this also works to slow your pace and prolong your crafting time.

This kit grew on me as I progressed through it. Though I think some of it was too 'busy' and knew that if I kept it for myself, I was going to have to give it a twist to save my own sanity.

This little pastry cabinet was adorable. While I was putting together the main shelves, my husband helped me put together the donuts that went in it. I ended up gluing it into its corner to prevent it from falling out during movement.

Helpful hint: Don't be afraid to start several pieces and let the glue dry while doing other things. As Mom, I have plenty of other tasks to work on while this process is happening in the background.

My daughter asked me not to glue everything as I was working through it. She said she wanted to be able to move things and play with it. Here is where I must note that this is NOT meant to be played with. It is something to put together and then put on a shelf. Like a collectible that you build yourself. But when you have kids, they want everything to be a toy that can be enjoyed beyond visually.

There were times I was afraid I would have to hold a piece in place while the glue dried. But my husband would come by with this neat idea that never occurred to me. Voila! Hands free, time free. I love his engineering mind.

I was quite happy to have finally gotten the second floor in place. This one I did have to hold for a few minutes to let the glue set enough. I suppose I could have laid it on its back to set better, but I had a bunch of stuff that I had no where to put... so... yeah. The doors were awkward. I get that they are supposed to be the fold open kind, but attaching them took some finesse.

Now, we can see the final details. I decided that I would build the last piece of furniture and install the sign. My husband hung the lights. But any more plants or paper details will fall on my daughter to decide if she wants them or not. And if she does, she has to make them herself. 

And the finished project is...

Well, here we are! What do you think? Is this the kind of coffee shop you want to stop in and grab a cup from? Maybe even take your friend with you?

Well, I'll soon begin the next one. It has more rooms! I'll let you know how it goes.

Expanding My MiniVerse

For those of you who know doll speak, you know that my miniverse is growing. For those of you who don't understand that, it simply means that I'm creating more realistic items for the dolls to live out my life in miniature. Or something like that.

The kids have been gone for what feels like absolutely FOREVER! I can't tell you how much I have missed them. After all, this house is way too quiet. Something I don't particularly enjoy. So I do one of a few things to pass the time. I nap. Yes, I find that I sleep better in small increments than I do overnight. Or I read. I managed to keep up with my kids in the summer reading program, hitting the 200% benchmark which was 3,000 logged minutes of reading in just over a months time. So there is that! 

But then there is one more thing I have been doing while they were away. And that is crafting. I still have things in the works, but this is just what has been completed since they left. Enjoy!

Vending machine for Barbie

My son received a couple of these toys from the Fortnite line. They came in packaging that looked very much like a vending machine. I kept them thinking that eventually I'd put them to use and make them look like doll vending machines. And now I have! I cut out the back and one side. They were too damaged to stand up. I then cut cardboard in the same shapes they were to fill in the holes. I covered both of those with scrapbook paper. I chose to make them colorful and fun. Then I found a picture online of a vending machines products, resized it, printed it and glued it onto the back board. I covered up some of the box front that had wording on it to make it look more like buttons of a sort. Once all the pieces were taped together, you have a cool vending machine that is perfect for Barbie! 

Barbie needs movies

Barbie is real popular right now with her new movie in theaters. While that isn't the kind of Barbie I'm into, my dolls are still getting some attention from me. I love making things that mimic something in my real life for the dolls. Both mine, and for my daughters. So while I'm trying to figure out the doll room I'm working on, I had the thought of needing some movies. I have 2 media shelves that are nearly completely full in real life. And actually... I need a third! But the dolls had none. Didn't seem right. So I created a sheet of DVD covers for lots of movies that we have and love.

Yes, I used actual DVD covers to create my page with. I'm a fan of realistic looking things in miniature! After getting them to the size I wanted, I printed and cut them out. I found that leaving a slight flap on one side helped hold them in place better. 

Then I cut a piece of sheet foam in the correct size to fit inside. This gave it a better shape like a real DVD case. Once that is in place, I took a permanent marker to the top, side and bottom to black them out like a real case would be. The last part is to cover it with a piece of tape to give it that shiny look. 

Voila! Dolls with DVD's to watch. Best way to pass time in this summer heat.

               Baby crib - or Grogu bassinet? 

I have a baby for the Barbie family. Because why not? And I came to realize that it had no crib. No bassinet. No bed. Well, that wouldn't do. So I went to Thingiverse.com and did some searching. That is where I found the cutest idea for a baby bed. My dolls are nerds like me. I mean, did you not see the Mario dress she was wearing in the above photos?! So it stands to reason that so will the baby room be. I printed the Baby Yoda bassinet for my little one. And I think it came out adorable!

The overhanging piece is actually glow-in-the-dark blue. So a bonus there. If you attempt the same, you need to resize the original. I printed at 75% by resizing in Cura. I suppose making it a little bigger wouldn't hurt though. I even made the pillow from a sock with the bounty hunter mask all over it! I love it! Now I just need a blanket...

Crafting Mom - Making An Ice Cave For Elsa!

My youngest loves Elsa from the Disney Frozen movies. She had so many of the Elsa doll variations and almost every other character that she could practically reenact the movies. So keep that in mind for a moment...

I like to watch crafting videos while working out on the elliptical. One of my favorites that I follow is MyFroggyStuff. Toya comes up with some of the most amazing doll ideas ever. She also has lots of free printables to use. One of her videos that I happened to watch recently was making a shoe box room. Great for those with less storage space, or even if you want to switch up quick photo ops. I had shelved that video on my Barbie list on YouTube for future reference. 

Now, let's get back to why I mention these two topics. I had decided to create an ice cave for Elsa in a shoe box! What prompted it? I 3D printed a light cover for our kitchen that is pineapple shaped and printed in glow-in-the-dark PLA. When I removed the printed piece, it had a really cool support that I also had to remove. I didn't want to throw it out though. Looked too cool! As I continued working on it, I noticed that it looked like a giant icicle chandelier. Light bulb!

As often as we have to buy shoes for someone in this house, I typically have at least one shoe box laying around here somewhere. And since we are all pretty tall (except the girls, they are kinda runts), we have big feet and get big boxes. They are actually perfect for 11.5 inch dolls. 

I chose the largest box we had. Then I pulled out some blue colored craft paper. That was used as the main background. I chose a light green with white polka dot print for the ceiling. The blue tiles from My Froggy Stuff printables for the floor. Why blue tiles? They look like ice blocks which make great bricks for the ice queen. 

I hot glued the chandelier to the ceiling on the one side. After creating the sides, I also hot glued the loose icicle pieces I had. I chose to glue them against the side walls so that her dolls wouldn't be knocking them out while they played.

All the paper I used on this was from scrapbook, crafting or a printable papers. On the side that opens, I use stationary that looked like a frozen branch and snow drifts.

It seemed like the perfect cave entrance! Above that, I put up an image of an ice cave opening. This was my oldest daughters favorite part. And finally, I added windows to the main 'room'. These were also from My Froggy Stuff printables. They reminded me of ice crystal ones. 

I thought of adding a throne later. Or maybe a bed. My Megabits says this is Elsa's private hang out. And yes, this Elsa is getting a makeover. I've given her new hair from yarn. Just need to get her outfit together.

Miniature Room Building for the Inexperienced

My mom sent me 2 miniature room sets. My younger sister has been doing them, and mom thought my daughter and I would enjoy trying them out too. They were quite the experience!

1:24 scale is harder than I figured...

I typically do 18" doll scale or 1:6 scale (Barbie size). Since that is what my daughters would most often play with. Anything smaller than that just seemed like work for nothing. However, these rooms were pretty interesting. And gave me some ideas. 

I helped my daughter do her set first. She was so excited to get to work on it. It was the Positively Pink house from Hobby Lobby. There is a tiny kitchen, living room, and stairs going up to the bathroom and bedroom. So many tiny details to make it as realistic as can be.

I have to admit that I didn't enjoy putting it together as much as I had hoped. For one thing, I can't do projects like this with my 10 year old daughter. I'm too much of a perfectionist. So when she hacks up the cutouts, I am left with the gluing job and a headache. She was also a little too gung-ho on the hanging chair. Which as I started putting it together, the stand snapped. Took some fine tuning to get it fixed. Then she decided to hang the chair to the stand herself, and that is why it is a wired mess. But in the end, she was in love with it. And I suppose that is all that really matters, right? 

I really did not like the paper items. Tiny milk cartons and plates that had to be delicately folded into shape. I have decided that origami isn't my specialty. The tweezers that were included were not helpful for these tasks as they didn't even align correctly. She immediately gave up on doing these pieces and wanted me to. After the first one, I told her it was her kit. (Yes, Mama gave up too!) So she pulled out the tape.

If you look on the table and counter in the above photo, there are 2 milk cartons. Those are not the paper ones that came with the set. I had 3D printed something and those two were little support pieces. I painted them to look like milk cartons instead. 

I got to see more ingenuity from my husband when it came to putting the last piece on the piano though! I couldn't get the lid to glue on correctly. So he did it for me.

Now for my set! 

Then I finally started working on mine. It was a single room. I knew right from the start that it needed a makeover. I decided to make the tiny furniture for my daughter to use in her set instead. My room was going to be a Steampunk theme. Even better was that I thought I'd give it a science lab twist. 

I swapped out the photo with one of my own choice. I chose to save the photo for a future add to my daughters dollhouses. I printed a scaled picture and painted the frame a golden color. Turns out, this one I chose was swapped yet again with a Victorian couple to make it more authentic to Steampunk.

I had thought to keep the original flooring and walls. They were too light, however, so I went back and changed them. 

I really like the guitar, but decided it couldn't stay. It doesn't really suit the Steampunk look. Maybe if it were a violin...

Getting started was harder than I thought. There are so many styles, so many options. I had thought to just start with a desk and work from there. However, I ended up asking for tips from those on the miniatures group and Steampunk group on Facebook. And they sure delivered! Some things I would suggest to those wanting to do something similar: 

Before you start anything, have a true plan. Design it. Maybe even on paper. Get tips from others if that is your thing. Write down your ideas. But don't start throwing things in until you are 100% sure. And definitely DON'T glue anything unless you are completely sure. Save yourself from my own mistakes. 

Know your style. One person noticed I had a doll already. So they suggested that I know their hobbies or occupation to design the room. Make it functional by adding a story to it. I loved this! My chick is an explorer. Your everyday kind that may find herself in trouble more than once. Yep. Much like I would be if I was more outgoing! hahaha Anyways... So now I know that she needs certain things included in this room to make it more like my own style. Binoculars? Check! Globe? Check! But what else does one need? 

I had thought that before I could do anything, I needed to design the focal point of the room. For me, that was the desk. You can't do anything until you know what the main piece is.I had created one, but had to take it out later and redo the walls.

I started with printed paper, some small pieces of wood, and cube wood that I had been sent from my mom. She got them at the Dollar Tree in their craft section.

My husband helped me come up with the perfect design to have a corner desk set up. The doll is the size reference I decided to go with. With the printed paper, I covered the two desktop pieces. I glued the cubes together to make the legs. With the style I decided on, I was thinking I'd only need 3 legs. I attempted to use some deco putty that my daughter had from a craft set.

In hindsight, I didn't need to. Having the cracks where the cubes met would have been just fine. But whatever, right? I painted the legs brown, glued them to the covered pieces in the areas I needed them and flipped everything into place.This desk is nothing like a true Steampunk one, though. It should have been more like a Victorian one. More curves and class. I couldn't find things around my crafting supplies to make it more like that. Maybe later down the road.

I hung my custom picture and used a clock sticker from a Victorian styled sticker book my mom had sent me. Here's another thing I forgot to do... there was a great sticker of an Oriental rug in that book. However, I was supposed to put that down first, before the desk! So, note for the wise. Make sure you have everything planned out. Including stickers! Maybe even draw a rough sketch of where you want everything to go. Yes, I'm repeating this because it is VERY important for you to remember.

That entertainment center got a little gold paint in the front, but otherwise was just fine. Okay, wait... I added gears later on. After all, nothing says Steampunk like lots of gears and cogs! I hung it high as a storage cabinet. The little globe is actually a charm that my mom found at a craft store. It even spins like a real globe! I glued it down on the corner of the desk. Up in the shelf, there is a pair of binoculars that had come with the globe. What Steampunk fan doesn't include exploration into their lives?? And that time piece on the floor? I had originally glued that onto the wall as an art piece next to the clock, but then someone suggested that I turn it into a artistic table! So I did just that! 

So this is where I got stuck. I asked on groups on Facebook for some ideas. I could see so many possibilities in my head, but nothing was coming out how I wanted. The 'rug' was from the original set. I had forgotten to lay down the Oriental one from the sticker book BEFORE securing in the desk. Always try the look out before you glue anything down. Now, I'm looking to print out another one to glue in. The teacup was given a golden paint job before I glued it down. The plant, glass top table, guitar and the Transformers headpiece are likely going to be put into another project. I'm attempting to add a Telsa-style device too. The doll has begun transformation through a makeover by painting her golden locks a more brown-colored sheen. Then I have to make her torso into a corset top. 

Reverse! Back it up! 

Yep, I redid so much of what I had originally thought. This is what happens when you don't thoroughly plan through your process. Or have enough creativity to just do it as you go...

Let's call this Take Two. I added dark wood floors. Then brick walls. See my photo on the wall? Aren't they so cute?! Those pipes on the walls? Made from a drinking straw. Sanded it a little to make it rough, painted it, added hot glue drops and painted them to be rivets, and finally a gear that looks like that turnable pressure gauge thing. Nope, can't remember what they are called and really don't care. You get what I mean! The grate above the pipes? That was a support part from a 3D print job I had done. I saved it because it looked useful. Turned out it was! Just a little paint made it the perfect addition. Under the cabinet, I attached a tiny hook to hand this old Chinese coin piece I had.

I printed the photo and painted the window frame to give my explorer a look into her Steampunk town. Of course it had to have a flying machine!

The tiny jar on the shelf holds a tiny crystal that she found during her travels. The dragon tile on the same shelf was a mahjong game tile that we found on a shelf in our new home. I gave it an aged paint job and thought it was perfect in this set up. The seashell is painted a brassy color and reminds me of a unicorn horn. I just need to touch up the paint job. I had the idea to paint it after I glued it the shelf. See the little LEGO guy on the desk? He is a golden statue she found. Her skirt is made from the tip of a glove finger. She has blueprints to her latest build - her own flying machine! On the floor is a random part she is saving to add to her build. Came from our 3D printer when we replaced it with a new one. 

I also printed tiny Victorian styled papers for her to read the latest news and updates on scientific studies!

It was suggested that she needed a world map, so I gave her one with a frame for reference. And another piping system underneath. The shelf is held up with gear-shaped brackets.

And for the finish she needed a rug on the floor to help keep out the cold. Like a dork, I printed one instead of adding the sticker one. Ah well. Next time right?? I actually loved this. And while trying to build it, I had ideas for others that would be cool to make. Like a Wonder Woman or Star Wars themed room? Or even a mermaids secret grotto. But that will be a long while down the road. For now, this beauty adorns a shelf in our game room for me to enjoy.

I took an orange juice bottle lid and gave it a paint job. It had the right shape like a gear. I added that time piece from the wall and it looks like a fabulous table! My husband then suggested I add the round, clear bubble piece. Looks like a device or a tunnel to somewhere. 

There is one final thing that I just had to have for this build. After all, what Steampunk explorer doesn't have a hat?! I decided she couldn't go without one. And thus, I present to you, her magnificent top hat! Okay, I admit it isn't as spectacular as I had hoped. But for my first try, I'm not too disappointed.

What I enjoyed about these

I love miniature, or mini, things. I have them all over the place. My favorite collection has been the Minecraft figures. But has spread to other things. I like anything I can pair up in my doll photos. These house and room dioramas may be too small for Barbie, but they were the perfect size for her smaller companions - like her dolls. Which is what my daughter wanted her house to be used for.

Everything was included that you would need to complete them. Maybe not the most efficiently or neatly, but they did provide each part. 

The best part was that tools were included in hers. Great crafting scissors, a ruler and the screwdriver. Those were the most useful. The tweezers were okay for holding things in place or for placing the tiny items in their rooms. That was about it. Eventually I may have to invest in real crafting tweezers. 

Everything was pre-designed. Instructions were included, although they were not the easiest to understand. They were in pictures. But when items were white with a white background, it was hard to tell if I was lining it up correctly. 

There were some pretty cool accessories. Things you'd expect to see in a modern home. The tiny baskets and books were fun to build. A good bit of these are going to the girls to add to their little house. 

This is everything mostly put together as the set came. I didn't hang the photo or leaf art. Or the window. And the plant on the far right side of the photo is actually one of my own design using green paper, wire twine, a pink lid from an old spray bottle and some of the planter material that was extra from the set.

My daughter wanted more plants in their dollhouse. I decided to go ahead and make the TV too for the girls. My Steampunk room wouldn't be needing it.

What do you think? What would you do with a set like this?? Love to hear in the comments below!