It all really started after Christmas when my daughter’s teacher announced they were going to work on dollhouses around historical themes and fairy tales. We got so caught up by her projects that my husband and I extended this idea to help her make tiny houses for her hamster stuffies...
As some of you already know, I LOVE dolls and dollhouses ( if you recall the post and review I did on this here). So, I just had to get this book:
What a wonderful book- filled with new ways of exploring mixed-media! The book teaches you how to get started from materials, to assembling, collaging, to making paper dolls, rooms and so many other fun things. The best part is that the experience is not limited to doll houses; once you get the hang of cutting, gluing, and collecting..the possibilities are endless. I’ve learned so many new techniques- oh yes, and my daughter loves it too (actually bought the book for her...wink, wink;)
Now, after years of collecting dolls, I can actually plan on making homes for them! This book is incredibly well done and the techniques extremely helpful. Love it!
While on the subject of art and materials..The other day, as I was buying a foreign magazine at my neighbourhood tabagie, I learned that the owner throws out his cigar boxes – gasp! I told him I’d gladly take them to use them for art purposes. He gave them to me for free! He also said that from now on he’d save them for me. Check these out:
They’re already so pretty just as they are- but I can absolutely picture them transformed...
I will definitely be making more doll houses for my sweetie (and for my doll collection!)
But- more than that, I can totally see myself painting and glittering these up and turning them into some sort of historical art journal- that’s really me. Hmmm...can’t wait to see what I come up with:)
But- more than that, I can totally see myself painting and glittering these up and turning them into some sort of historical art journal- that’s really me. Hmmm...can’t wait to see what I come up with:)
Do you have any other artsy ideas for these boxes that you’d like to share?
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7 comments:
What kinds of dolls do you collect? I have a collection of over 20 dolls, mostly porcelain dolls 12 inches high or taller. I also have a couple of Barbies from around the world (Russian Princess and Renaissance Princess) and a couple of vinyl dolls from one of those doll-making companies. I LOVE dolls, but have slowed down on the collecting of them because of space constraints. Anyway, I would love to see some pics of your dolls some time.
We have a couple of cigar shops in the suburb which I live here in Nashville. I need to check in and see if he throws out his cigar boxes. I would love to get my hands on some!
Hey Michelle! I love cigar boxes- they're so versatile, and I'm so lucky that I'll be getting them for free. You really need to check out the cigar shops by you:)
As for my dolls- I also have porcelain dolls and Barbies. At my mom's I left my miniature dolls from different countries- they're so cute. It's been awhile since I've collected those-primarily because I can't seem to find them anymore.. I also have 2 antique ones from my granny (they have a whole wardrobe due to her crocheting outfits for them!) We should definitely do a post on this sometime:) Thanks!
Oh my...save some for me ;) I love cigar boxes and have a really hard time altering them as well...so instead them become homes for my art journals and mini-albums. My Dad made a dollhouse one year for his (then) only grandaughter. We cut up popsicle sticks and made shingles and wood floors with them. Then we used stencils to "wall paper" the walls. Sounds like you've found the perfect creative venue for you and your daughter...love it ;)
Hey Roberta, it really is fun to do:) I'll probably turn my cigar boxes into portrait books of some sort..I mean the idea is great in my head- now I'll just have to produce it! Thanks:)
wow, how wonderful for you that you can get those wonderful boxes for free! i'm trying to think of whether there's a cigar shop anywhere near where i live! i've seen some wonderful cigar box handbags and memory boxes you might want to try making.
Oh you are so lucky.... If you ever have an extra cigar box or two, let me know and I'll drive over to pick it up! I once saw a fab purse made out of cigar boxes.
And that book looks like something I need in my library! I have fond memories of making doll houses out of boxes and bits of old wallpaper when I was a girl.
Wow!! they are great! i love them, are you selling them?...Lovely blog, i follow you now! ADY
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