tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40993739921058901262024-03-14T01:16:10.183-05:00All Things CraftyProjects made from recycled materials including soda and beer can pull tabs & bottle caps.mieljoliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758426419108501188noreply@blogger.comBlogger231125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099373992105890126.post-27242222229617740252018-06-19T22:22:00.001-05:002018-06-19T22:22:21.198-05:00Muggle Magic Swap Unboxing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEise9I3QfH9azJZK6i3G1VOLh0qC2v0iOCf8PQ-4li6cIoddDarevGRBxnyRiXQm-94kjONTYH3J4lykevXDR6qG0Q85aQHc5v9gKHePv-uyOy2qIgCXn7oVyUVckVMIpLNNFtgh9VuVAU/s1600/P1030223b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEise9I3QfH9azJZK6i3G1VOLh0qC2v0iOCf8PQ-4li6cIoddDarevGRBxnyRiXQm-94kjONTYH3J4lykevXDR6qG0Q85aQHc5v9gKHePv-uyOy2qIgCXn7oVyUVckVMIpLNNFtgh9VuVAU/s320/P1030223b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
I've been following an amazing youtube channel called <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/DannyMcMurray" target="_blank">Muggle Magic</a> hosted by Danny. He shares Harry Potter themed tutorials/DIY's mainly focused on replica papercrafts, though he has shared other projects as well. The best part is he shares most of his stunning files for all to print and enjoy! (WB has restricted his sharing, but he still has some alterable files and does regular give-a-ways of what he makes.)<br /><br />I found I just had to contacted him to inquire about doing a craft swap with my mom and I, and...I just received my box from him! Prepare to be amazed! (Sorry, it's a bit pic heavy.) <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91kOv7XXr7s7e-Q41HIr09TGrbn1eGzsiEjqsoAswaSwgwOilEeszejyghJwPFINOPyjjNWVvVxBddGvqDZny9IpHkdobheoVQDM42xizHMwVx9EUIIEzkcF7cdK7JcmV-L0wxrA8LtE/s1600/P1030290b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91kOv7XXr7s7e-Q41HIr09TGrbn1eGzsiEjqsoAswaSwgwOilEeszejyghJwPFINOPyjjNWVvVxBddGvqDZny9IpHkdobheoVQDM42xizHMwVx9EUIIEzkcF7cdK7JcmV-L0wxrA8LtE/s400/P1030290b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The project that really struck me was his version of the Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes Playing Cards. His attention to detail on this deck showed not only his love of Rowling's magical world, but also his knowledge of muggle card tricks and of proper poker decks construction. :) (I have found memories of my granddad teaching me a couple card tricks when I was young, so I appreciate the art.) His version of the deck not only fixed many of the mistakes made in the licensed version, but even included optional trick cards, which is something the Weasley Twins would of course had to have in theirs. He does a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lx9Od0MRagU&t=52s" target="_blank">side-by-side comparison</a>, if you want to see all the ways that the licensed version was goofed up. Then, Danny went and had his version professionally printed! I have collected card decks for years, and this one is my absolute favorite now. The deck shown here is the professional version we received in the swap.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluqOBzN_Jo5MMlbqQJPVy4wvRxURsXbMOaExNbY2J0Pq7wxOhMrz3HZL8Nt3rjJIjSsv5XDw5dh9mIOmC1tZSL_ivssnPGDbTJdNSHF6mM5EEJFg_MJUS_2PU1f6s5GM2Mf6bgI87h1U/s1600/P1030241b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1198" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluqOBzN_Jo5MMlbqQJPVy4wvRxURsXbMOaExNbY2J0Pq7wxOhMrz3HZL8Nt3rjJIjSsv5XDw5dh9mIOmC1tZSL_ivssnPGDbTJdNSHF6mM5EEJFg_MJUS_2PU1f6s5GM2Mf6bgI87h1U/s200/P1030241b.jpg" width="148" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKckNrkbH5-IjZvFWVNEhTAs1rNPkNqZKVitzux-WF1mRYuItgLOv_UwE7lNrHYnIwNIKrzJoqQ4ch_stWCTl9vyXLJ-5kny6vWrODUy1RoDMieIe8DEJCg7wN7-tC1TFf_srWeA-htjs/s1600/P1030242b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKckNrkbH5-IjZvFWVNEhTAs1rNPkNqZKVitzux-WF1mRYuItgLOv_UwE7lNrHYnIwNIKrzJoqQ4ch_stWCTl9vyXLJ-5kny6vWrODUy1RoDMieIe8DEJCg7wN7-tC1TFf_srWeA-htjs/s200/P1030242b.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
Also included was a colorful copy of the replica Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes Product Catalog. Here is a pic of the cover and another inside page spread. I believe there are 12 pages including the covers. You can see the rest at his channel.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPmeS_z_WXRNjU1ftOSXpml6q8MZHCJBP6A3lcjLRy_bMgyfHKxD_7cO28QHSaZ7DEv29ENZPPsH9P6fNSdqbjkdPmPx061J8xkaXcvG1N7f5Mvm2DFmHgBck4pqlDJI9EjP_liup4M8/s1600/P1030291b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPmeS_z_WXRNjU1ftOSXpml6q8MZHCJBP6A3lcjLRy_bMgyfHKxD_7cO28QHSaZ7DEv29ENZPPsH9P6fNSdqbjkdPmPx061J8xkaXcvG1N7f5Mvm2DFmHgBck4pqlDJI9EjP_liup4M8/s400/P1030291b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Here is a close up of the details. Believe me, they look even better in person!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafpjvv3aDnFkHQBOO4yc8hXrYu-FAMKj_kc2Vs_wfT631MEjYYG-Jh2_az6ZsBWsr3C_gxefdIs5qF6-Tj_bOnDc6K6S76F5NQQJmmhzrptPX5CRN0fTXBB4r3pqR1ih6KRM2vfEzgB0/s1600/P1030275b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1317" data-original-width="1600" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafpjvv3aDnFkHQBOO4yc8hXrYu-FAMKj_kc2Vs_wfT631MEjYYG-Jh2_az6ZsBWsr3C_gxefdIs5qF6-Tj_bOnDc6K6S76F5NQQJmmhzrptPX5CRN0fTXBB4r3pqR1ih6KRM2vfEzgB0/s320/P1030275b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Another simple astounding project he shared was a full-size replica Marauder's Map! THis is a huge undertaking! This one is also more accurate to the movie version, than the licensed Noble version which also seem to have minor errors. Frankly, this is the best version I have seen. He also did a mod of the Noble version to fix some of the issues and add to it.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqRxCOXjfxQrM2lOdMp6rLpAAtsxy-fuUFtl3owRmDPnraG6JuIg0t6j76fsu1ltmrAXvhxDbCTrA5J2S1Sf3OPAOK18qlPIJ8qnfmkkHOVI4-7ZHlsTWCTbMfaU3TRPJBvzGshF6MD4/s1600/P1030261b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="985" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqRxCOXjfxQrM2lOdMp6rLpAAtsxy-fuUFtl3owRmDPnraG6JuIg0t6j76fsu1ltmrAXvhxDbCTrA5J2S1Sf3OPAOK18qlPIJ8qnfmkkHOVI4-7ZHlsTWCTbMfaU3TRPJBvzGshF6MD4/s200/P1030261b.jpg" width="122" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojbTvnyW4tJexZwB8pz9YakOf66SYsbevJ2zqa9PnE7IMYdKURueZBaEjWOMLOBoPAlqGIHXY32E0UAOBIXtHacxJ5vltLfxhp46Zf98V2BPSVxbRf3EYk_xKiiqLsZBJMpCVvt-kQes/s1600/P1030262b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="925" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojbTvnyW4tJexZwB8pz9YakOf66SYsbevJ2zqa9PnE7IMYdKURueZBaEjWOMLOBoPAlqGIHXY32E0UAOBIXtHacxJ5vltLfxhp46Zf98V2BPSVxbRf3EYk_xKiiqLsZBJMpCVvt-kQes/s200/P1030262b.jpg" width="115" /></a><br />
<br />
I really love Danny's alternate cover hidden behind the other. This 2nd image is what Snape saw when he tried to read the map. Such a nice addition! It also includes lots of flaps hiding footprints of some of the more prominent characters and even show them in appropriate locations. He plans to add more features in the future, like pop-up staircases, etc...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJfRaqeVAxvZ-QholJ4EuXpRlLyknVILGWR-TcO2H0MSx2iqUrFdjCArOo4eLDab4wyBGdnz4oYB3I0c_Gcn4tkYxI1GZbYixsPmwa-w68kDuOMhEk2-9Iu6rakD585IpMdVjyqUC8wk/s1600/P1030277b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="1600" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJfRaqeVAxvZ-QholJ4EuXpRlLyknVILGWR-TcO2H0MSx2iqUrFdjCArOo4eLDab4wyBGdnz4oYB3I0c_Gcn4tkYxI1GZbYixsPmwa-w68kDuOMhEk2-9Iu6rakD585IpMdVjyqUC8wk/s400/P1030277b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
If that wasn't enough for our swap box, he also included a fully readable Quibbler! The illustrations in this are amazing! So much to look at! You should definitely go check it out!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCvYwVDXjh3zmnAtYMl_hBd3g190sjFQJPhrGND9_JFvQdiEtbLYfrlv11jya1tY_ag-kNB7O12O5kwIuCTsbjlzWNCadrvV5POxGc69f_WEn3J14ERTa1JAtA-KLZhLt6wRhS8-pQ6s/s1600/P1030259b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1308" data-original-width="1600" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCvYwVDXjh3zmnAtYMl_hBd3g190sjFQJPhrGND9_JFvQdiEtbLYfrlv11jya1tY_ag-kNB7O12O5kwIuCTsbjlzWNCadrvV5POxGc69f_WEn3J14ERTa1JAtA-KLZhLt6wRhS8-pQ6s/s320/P1030259b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Even includes the Spectre Specs inside. :) Though, for display I may replace the glasses included with the modded version I created with ChromaDepth lenses. Will be fun to see what the glasses do to the colorful images in there. :)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUarV9UQk65l5V2IdZc4Vid4Z4LGUiX62BeNl4ybnLPu0qiRJEfGQ4mmZpxxU5_T2lJVfENBNudNGF5gnvc6_Lm3bBuVQG08esU9qIdAKu3r-NC23kgytOokYwzx53ZiL7RNpU2F5Bsc/s1600/P1030324b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1230" data-original-width="1600" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUarV9UQk65l5V2IdZc4Vid4Z4LGUiX62BeNl4ybnLPu0qiRJEfGQ4mmZpxxU5_T2lJVfENBNudNGF5gnvc6_Lm3bBuVQG08esU9qIdAKu3r-NC23kgytOokYwzx53ZiL7RNpU2F5Bsc/s400/P1030324b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Here is another surprise item we received. A Borgin and Burkes Product Catalog with all the creepy items they have available for your Dark Arts needs. :) I still can't get over the detail in these items. Again, you can see the full version on his channel.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72nz4hoFM07mhHzujUuD4zytPH9CfS5nGXNci-P3DQJTH212trP9DbV52SJ7RP81zNwnzhDv58SGz2ivAmGuHTOoS93ff6uFruvku5gFq3JXNcPPAYzNlqvgYLvQaOhlaw7T9OH8oy4Q/s1600/P1030237b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="965" data-original-width="1600" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72nz4hoFM07mhHzujUuD4zytPH9CfS5nGXNci-P3DQJTH212trP9DbV52SJ7RP81zNwnzhDv58SGz2ivAmGuHTOoS93ff6uFruvku5gFq3JXNcPPAYzNlqvgYLvQaOhlaw7T9OH8oy4Q/s320/P1030237b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
To me, the hand of glory has always been the most fascinating item in their shop. Wonder how much one of those would set me back? :)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrGZ0Nkbr6_OpiYE-mS8CUlkgdU3gbHZDE4fKrWN2kk_2PMgkxyEWGTLOHTeu4a70ZZuGsb1J_4bZBs1qqT1LrhdDsTSIDuCUxEpHgiS4VEEqxLnN5Qf6k4f3OmeEQcdJKYpjNaaj0VI/s1600/P1030311b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1313" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrGZ0Nkbr6_OpiYE-mS8CUlkgdU3gbHZDE4fKrWN2kk_2PMgkxyEWGTLOHTeu4a70ZZuGsb1J_4bZBs1qqT1LrhdDsTSIDuCUxEpHgiS4VEEqxLnN5Qf6k4f3OmeEQcdJKYpjNaaj0VI/s400/P1030311b.jpg" width="327" /></a><br />
<br />
And, being a Ravenclaw, I just adore this Hogwarts composition book alteration. Just have to keep it away from the daughter and rest of our family! LOL (I borrowed the quill and bird from the daughter for the pic.) :)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxd_FOEtu5mVcngki43QJkfFwQcPsJYa52GkFFqAJA6NhpUfxtvCQrMhhP0q67RaH8UyXKmIt5pcDnZnzooUGnXRbJ1AJ2kbcNQ9poaOR3koHG-Z5iYzxqO-l0cp201fEt_GBzq4XXFcA/s1600/P1030253b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1389" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxd_FOEtu5mVcngki43QJkfFwQcPsJYa52GkFFqAJA6NhpUfxtvCQrMhhP0q67RaH8UyXKmIt5pcDnZnzooUGnXRbJ1AJ2kbcNQ9poaOR3koHG-Z5iYzxqO-l0cp201fEt_GBzq4XXFcA/s200/P1030253b.jpg" width="173" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtM0X96XZMAZPPjgxFzf8eTUWbSDj_ybLZC7uNMJ2IivkjkcunM1M-hT7d4ogPnGIlbOfhttkG14vi-aH6nXljOua_roWqQ1ODImW0DEPHyvbkRSXLe3qivjXlWyUV5S32keSKqb00xX4/s1600/P1030254b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1388" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtM0X96XZMAZPPjgxFzf8eTUWbSDj_ybLZC7uNMJ2IivkjkcunM1M-hT7d4ogPnGIlbOfhttkG14vi-aH6nXljOua_roWqQ1ODImW0DEPHyvbkRSXLe3qivjXlWyUV5S32keSKqb00xX4/s200/P1030254b.jpg" width="173" /></a><br />
<br />
The book even includes replacement end sheets in front and back. Better get my name in there quick before someone claims it!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVOJJFNt1U131_K1HbXpY6OdTE7FBrWoHSBHL8E2LvHAuEtNpkF5ibJ8T7-kqW50pITH5WDDg7EDddh-X-GKfwFy4BOgWSsZy-v9ZJCoJPnacwx_eucbS_iEfN_MqOpJoy0NU294ZKFM/s1600/P1030234b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1182" data-original-width="1600" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVOJJFNt1U131_K1HbXpY6OdTE7FBrWoHSBHL8E2LvHAuEtNpkF5ibJ8T7-kqW50pITH5WDDg7EDddh-X-GKfwFy4BOgWSsZy-v9ZJCoJPnacwx_eucbS_iEfN_MqOpJoy0NU294ZKFM/s400/P1030234b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Just when I though I had reached the end, I also found some smaller items like a SPEW flyer, Detention Notice for Harry, Time Table, and a teeny tiny Marauder's Map hidden in the book! That Map! It's so cute!! :)<br />
<br />
I'm so pleased with all of it. I hope Danny is equally pleased with what we sent. Can't wait to display everything proudly in our HP shelves! We sent some plush house elves and a few bits and bobs. You can view the unboxing of what I sent to him on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoZzYZs97r8&t=381s" target="_blank">Youtube</a>. Or, you can check out his pics on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/MuggleMagicDIY/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.mieljoliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758426419108501188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099373992105890126.post-9503507127969195012018-06-12T13:09:00.002-05:002018-06-12T13:09:40.112-05:00Hogwart's Letter and Sealing Wax Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For 6 years I have been meaning to revisit Hogwart's Acceptance Letters. I wanted to improve on the old design I had created <a href="http://mieljolie.blogspot.com/2008/12/hogwarts-letter.html" target="_blank">here</a>. It would involve making my own envelopes as well as improving my wax seal.</div>
<br />
It's strange that the version of the letter MinaLima sells as a replica print is different than the one pictured in the film. It is suppose to be handwritten script, which is even different from the writing in the book. :/ I went with the MinaLima version, since it was easiest to replicate when they use mostly existing graphic elements for their work. I found a free font online that someone had made, but it is a bit pixelated looking, and missing some characters, like the hyphen. So I attempted to trace and replace the letters and add in the missing ones. I was also able to find a decent picture of the envelope front and back to get the logo and some of the address letters from. I will try to get some pics of the letter soon. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But, for now, I wanted to share the envelope and sealing wax.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOz2OGNgRT8O66B0VOosyPoV06BEyoAI6IfAJlDYPQUl-KChoD7NNqu4PUHQaVbO95_1WrBgOQD4RP7uyIF7Kp-iQWCpeMeWPOx7oRe07IuweW_ffaHz36vKI6Po6C1i-xWPFmJXq_gE/s1600/P1030104b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOz2OGNgRT8O66B0VOosyPoV06BEyoAI6IfAJlDYPQUl-KChoD7NNqu4PUHQaVbO95_1WrBgOQD4RP7uyIF7Kp-iQWCpeMeWPOx7oRe07IuweW_ffaHz36vKI6Po6C1i-xWPFmJXq_gE/s400/P1030104b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I found a recipe for making DIY sealing wax melting together crayons and hot glue. That's it. Just these two in the right quantities works great! I then use a little gold Rub n' Buff to highlight it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Tv5-cNmmLKrZQeN5oR1xiEBmT2Mw6E8noInueJb4Zty6FtxJ5qpV7YWyTKbwYN6tO992W7YPG8W8xGKv_WdqKhnddZdldIRmpXYUhU6fhi4wiSJ6P0NZ0KcRnNTnQRy2G6GlPbaMyts/s1600/P1030107b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1600" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Tv5-cNmmLKrZQeN5oR1xiEBmT2Mw6E8noInueJb4Zty6FtxJ5qpV7YWyTKbwYN6tO992W7YPG8W8xGKv_WdqKhnddZdldIRmpXYUhU6fhi4wiSJ6P0NZ0KcRnNTnQRy2G6GlPbaMyts/s400/P1030107b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
So, I made myself a sealing station using some things I found 2nd hand. Found an cast iron candle holder (I think). The tea light sitting in it puts off just the right amount of heat to melt, but not overcook the wax in the pots. The pots were something I already had, but never found a use for til now. The seals themselves are made from polymer clay, for now. I glued them to champagne corks with E-6000 to make it easier to hold. It helps to rub with a little cooking oil or water before pressing in the wax, to prevent it from sticking.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTXIhR9du4D-7IRvcYq5-e2sq6yDtUF-R2kS0sANeN9or3Jm033u12742WaRK9UA25Xvpz4TJtOjNgk5Rv-zjJhrH3Lfsb-r-xOmDMd36U27m_3nSsxCbr1vpUPptoZ3rt0olljZXW-A/s1600/P1030105b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTXIhR9du4D-7IRvcYq5-e2sq6yDtUF-R2kS0sANeN9or3Jm033u12742WaRK9UA25Xvpz4TJtOjNgk5Rv-zjJhrH3Lfsb-r-xOmDMd36U27m_3nSsxCbr1vpUPptoZ3rt0olljZXW-A/s400/P1030105b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I melted the wax/glue into pots and poured that into tiny molds to make small melts that measure about a teaspoon, which is more than enough to make a seal. This makes it much easier to use than the stick I originally made using tin foil as a mold. The stick tended to catch fire and fall on the paper, singeing it. To seal an envelope, I remelt the wax melts in a spoon over the candle (takes about 2-4 minutes) and pour onto the envelope. I can also dip small bottles into the jars to seal the bottles. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is such a great use for all the old broken crayons the daughter brings home at the end of the school year. And also use up the large gluesticks I have accumulated, but don't have a gun for.</div>
mieljoliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758426419108501188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099373992105890126.post-24488885756092880812018-05-29T12:58:00.002-05:002018-05-29T12:58:41.726-05:00Plates, Proclamations and Prophecies - Fifth Year Harry Potter Party DecorSorry, I never posted pics of our 5th year Harry Potter party decor from back in Nov. It was all about Umbridge, the Ministry of Magic and OWL's. Among our many existing Hogwart's decorations, we made kitty plates!:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6C_l8iVM7Nai1wuiQNqFJn9ogRch198D7slL0x7qeSKLsY4kBmv93zH-s9uEXQMBNPrwWYzJVCVnhjcTQCPrnJ7z6u-7XZp7-LInVo2GfPm6_3oIFEDAVCfOzw7K8sncm52wwMkS418/s1600/P1010913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1176" data-original-width="1600" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6C_l8iVM7Nai1wuiQNqFJn9ogRch198D7slL0x7qeSKLsY4kBmv93zH-s9uEXQMBNPrwWYzJVCVnhjcTQCPrnJ7z6u-7XZp7-LInVo2GfPm6_3oIFEDAVCfOzw7K8sncm52wwMkS418/s400/P1010913.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
LOTS of kitty plates! :D<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtB4rGp36LlNGu9fjhNdK6fV1NwRV3gPWMpv2x5I_06ggsXhZ_-hecfbzDt2-FVkADQ4Kp6b2rFORnv5_v7h0ZjlVnVOxbtxOk0q30V4hiMxfL4bKz4YtouF6B9eS0CYI5xzkwhOSrd1o/s1600/P1010918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1326" data-original-width="1600" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtB4rGp36LlNGu9fjhNdK6fV1NwRV3gPWMpv2x5I_06ggsXhZ_-hecfbzDt2-FVkADQ4Kp6b2rFORnv5_v7h0ZjlVnVOxbtxOk0q30V4hiMxfL4bKz4YtouF6B9eS0CYI5xzkwhOSrd1o/s400/P1010918.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Just took a little Mod Podging kitten images onto various 2nd cake plates we found for 25-50 cents each.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0X0NBbsVDXyrv27wFvSFbrV5BF84fSskwg2aZp3aNfPsrl4ckpxGA-Q3yAk1WBzgiAZGtA6W3h02GYzjZsUQHm3vMHDkhsa4jf9TvdPf_VBUHsn0VAHIhliHC5CXzwyDiMrVq7YKHMjQ/s1600/P1010914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1253" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0X0NBbsVDXyrv27wFvSFbrV5BF84fSskwg2aZp3aNfPsrl4ckpxGA-Q3yAk1WBzgiAZGtA6W3h02GYzjZsUQHm3vMHDkhsa4jf9TvdPf_VBUHsn0VAHIhliHC5CXzwyDiMrVq7YKHMjQ/s200/P1010914.JPG" width="156" /></a><br />
<br />
We had purchased the licensed ones but they were so tiny! And cheap plastic. :/ The largest was barely bigger than a saucer: So, we hung them on a door.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUaHzMZWHdzBFsHb41NyZxujvZz381QateV7FXQ9nAzBpQiK4dOCt4B1ZAyW49ohqYUJdisJ-d3tLRKKVuf_qjEtFmAXs5k8zuo3l5SZBd6y_lrCN2pFnZxPq2AdIK_YLlPqZ86sRnPM/s1600/P1010928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUaHzMZWHdzBFsHb41NyZxujvZz381QateV7FXQ9nAzBpQiK4dOCt4B1ZAyW49ohqYUJdisJ-d3tLRKKVuf_qjEtFmAXs5k8zuo3l5SZBd6y_lrCN2pFnZxPq2AdIK_YLlPqZ86sRnPM/s400/P1010928.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
My mom and sis found this pink jar that we added a knob with a MoM logo to. We also colored some sugar pink with food coloring.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aXPuvk_0XLMy7UT7-08RacWj2GNDOIHyz_A6O7-OyT8KbC05bfI5P536zdTSt01j_gcmJaAK2V2saOk4snTbj_oWnnYsI5SJpChwOPgAUGfISo0pICdFpN5VPwSAOatSTjng68liGEw/s1600/P1010916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="1600" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aXPuvk_0XLMy7UT7-08RacWj2GNDOIHyz_A6O7-OyT8KbC05bfI5P536zdTSt01j_gcmJaAK2V2saOk4snTbj_oWnnYsI5SJpChwOPgAUGfISo0pICdFpN5VPwSAOatSTjng68liGEw/s400/P1010916.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
We also had to have some of Umbridge's Educational Decree Proclamations on the walls. The frames are made of lightweight foam board we picked up for $1 a sheet at a dollar store painted with Acrylic Craft Paint. They were large sheets, so didn't take much. Ran out of time for the locks and would like to have put the box behind them to set them away from the wall like in the movie. (I made up a template for cutting these. If you would like to make some, I'm happy to send it to you. Just message me by email or on Facebook.)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXB-9BZ1dt8JSNtMVTn79hpZHybMHy-tmqJPusp_SlfnFs6lrBqgayoxJAqql3uNEluj4v3FAt8WFdbRGbucM5Mok3mqAclwoDpKdZclaR2tV-Q_J2aGkpK2iLa-2q52PEDfgtn_ETPk/s1600/P1010919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXB-9BZ1dt8JSNtMVTn79hpZHybMHy-tmqJPusp_SlfnFs6lrBqgayoxJAqql3uNEluj4v3FAt8WFdbRGbucM5Mok3mqAclwoDpKdZclaR2tV-Q_J2aGkpK2iLa-2q52PEDfgtn_ETPk/s400/P1010919.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
One of my favorite easy projects was making the prophecy balls from he Ministry of Magic. We used plastic ornaments, battery LED light and angel hair from old styrofoam ornaments we had. The based were various things from metal candle stands to plastic bottle parts spray-painted black. Looked really cool lit up on our mantle. (We reused our MoM logo poster from 4th Triwizard Tournament behind them.)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqNZ-vx7D6uWbbG0NcBfOJQifRYDel3b1YVLf6z_Et0SksaYy9xFDCEDVA-WraRtKuuLdO9Yrg7nMQKZhOVNSyLLd_1V8Z9_IkN910quLwLKvTMTSERs5arQXrp76EUwharDKLJTINk4/s1600/P1010926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqNZ-vx7D6uWbbG0NcBfOJQifRYDel3b1YVLf6z_Et0SksaYy9xFDCEDVA-WraRtKuuLdO9Yrg7nMQKZhOVNSyLLd_1V8Z9_IkN910quLwLKvTMTSERs5arQXrp76EUwharDKLJTINk4/s400/P1010926.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
For our OWL's, we made test papers (not pictured) for each class. And we handed out Dark Arts Defence blank journals to our students. (I figure blank is just as useful as what was probably in them to begin with.) ;) We just printed the covers and wrapped them around dollar store journals.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDptYOTximPY7gCN7rR0CEOf-XyBTdDpEsFwODROJ4P6s_Gr2QhTeOS2WKag6oYo69W-lERxVVZmGrQo9tKb9d3e-7xHfOwu4TNz1aLr9g6XN3N4uq4ivgi8vgm-v-MFF6BlCTywpfnPk/s1600/P1010927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDptYOTximPY7gCN7rR0CEOf-XyBTdDpEsFwODROJ4P6s_Gr2QhTeOS2WKag6oYo69W-lERxVVZmGrQo9tKb9d3e-7xHfOwu4TNz1aLr9g6XN3N4uq4ivgi8vgm-v-MFF6BlCTywpfnPk/s400/P1010927.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
My sis made us some really cool extendable ears! Love them! Plan to make them a box for next years Weasleys' shop. She also made us some neat proclamation ornaments for the tree. (Not pictured)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8zl4MdTARoh7mO5_y8XlHbBxk4ENRJckdeLWB69guHu6Z86Ve6cLByv9PtZ9VD6SMscI_-AQ6Sy5fSTWuAyr2o04s8GL8Yb7XLZ3jeXUTHLXNqSx6NsPHo_tvmHtqP5kyF-Rd1L6k5M/s1600/P1010933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1208" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8zl4MdTARoh7mO5_y8XlHbBxk4ENRJckdeLWB69guHu6Z86Ve6cLByv9PtZ9VD6SMscI_-AQ6Sy5fSTWuAyr2o04s8GL8Yb7XLZ3jeXUTHLXNqSx6NsPHo_tvmHtqP5kyF-Rd1L6k5M/s400/P1010933.JPG" width="302" /></a><br />
<br />
Last and definitely least was our cake. LOL We kept putting it off to the last minute, so ended up having the kids help make it. If you can't tell, we were going for Mimbulus Mimbletonia, Neville's plant. Ran out of frosting. Kids may have been eating it while working. :/ We skewered cupcakes of different sizes onto wire and frosted. :D It may not look great, but kids enjoyed making and eating it. It was rather fun just pulling off what you wanted. :)mieljoliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758426419108501188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099373992105890126.post-42206792898454040912017-07-07T13:23:00.002-05:002017-07-07T13:23:35.270-05:00Crafting Update - Yes, I'm still alive!It's been a while since I've posted some of my crafts on here. Been busy working on new things, just finding it difficult to get pics and share them before we are off creating something else. It really has been easier to just share WIP pics on Facebook. THough I may contininue to post the WIP's on Facebook, I do plan to still share more elaborate posts and tutorials here. They don't get lost as easily. <br />
<br />
Most of what you will see on our craft tables is Harry Potter related at the moment. (Sorry to those here for other crafting. I will get back to other things, eventually.) Been helping my mom make her magical creatures and also decorations for our annual parties. Here are a few things we've been working on that I will hopefully be elaborating on more in later posts:<br />
<br />
<b>Improved Kreacher House Elf</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vLzsbFhX4d_nBcbk2_YT-Ml7SVI6ecynFcYHxXp1FxvBuKS8JkZHaPo5mDwIJzt6gxgx9IKl3B30u_ieB_yCHelH82qWH00gedmZDThejNz0iTi68wJfR0HVA_OPBd_CNc6MpNQoIgc/s1600/P1010615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1114" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vLzsbFhX4d_nBcbk2_YT-Ml7SVI6ecynFcYHxXp1FxvBuKS8JkZHaPo5mDwIJzt6gxgx9IKl3B30u_ieB_yCHelH82qWH00gedmZDThejNz0iTi68wJfR0HVA_OPBd_CNc6MpNQoIgc/s400/P1010615.JPG" width="277" /></a></div>
<br />
We've been making improvements to the houses elves, especially Kreacher. Really liking the expression we can get from them. :) We are currently working on custom eyes for them. It is so hard to find the right eye and they can be crazy expensive. (like $20 a pair!) The tutorial that I've been promising for so long is still just nearly finished. The eyes, and face in general, are what is keeping it from being available. I hate to share it and then change what we do. This not only confuses user, it makes it frustrating for me to have to keep track of the versions. But, when we are satisfied with them, we will be sharing our techniques.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Fantastic Beast Planner/Journal/Coloring Book...and other items</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7KuK5KtjgGvDBM5NF6uUG5_QAmqDSxHmNqWucNZnq6FfIQ4F9o2UWk0gLPbDivfA1rqhXOerkJwO4fIey7HRzVyLQdxg1q8fUxDPyfpTlxtgxg5G_p0JE9-cJMZp3x7S-tea7ucMEN8/s1600/17_all_swap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1600" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7KuK5KtjgGvDBM5NF6uUG5_QAmqDSxHmNqWucNZnq6FfIQ4F9o2UWk0gLPbDivfA1rqhXOerkJwO4fIey7HRzVyLQdxg1q8fUxDPyfpTlxtgxg5G_p0JE9-cJMZp3x7S-tea7ucMEN8/s400/17_all_swap.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
This was a huge undertaking for a craft swap. I decided to try it because my mom and sis also wanted one to use. It was a lot of fun researching planner. I still would like to make some changes and add more things. We are thinking of making an HP themed one, too. I'm sharing the pages I created for those who would like them. Just ask. I will add a link to the post coming up.<br />
<br />
<b>Various Papercrafts</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmqr0xKZQnzMjDiVQfqj2jE-EjQJb1DWCLWmLKtxBtoZYx0ppflinib9ZmA0srd-j9rP6xQDr4jlRr566cgkBA0ShDqvhTUuZPhARDskAcJ9qXezHOe1n1kjkOb1wAW15uIDuh_IcgfA/s1600/P1010295b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmqr0xKZQnzMjDiVQfqj2jE-EjQJb1DWCLWmLKtxBtoZYx0ppflinib9ZmA0srd-j9rP6xQDr4jlRr566cgkBA0ShDqvhTUuZPhARDskAcJ9qXezHOe1n1kjkOb1wAW15uIDuh_IcgfA/s400/P1010295b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Like the MACUSA Wand Permit bookmark included in the pic of the FB Journal Swap, I've been making some random printed props. Improved our Chocolate Frog box and Wizard Card Template as well as redesigning the bottom of our Bertie Box and a new Eyelops Owl Treat box for our tiny macrame Hedwigs. These are great for our parties as well as to add to swaps and along with purchases of our creatures. We never know what little extra tidbit we will throw in on a whim. :)<br />
<br />
Future plans include more magical creatures. First up will most likely be a Murtlap and a revisit on our Doxies to look more like the FB movie version. Somewhere in there I will also be trying to make new costuming for faire and add some new improvements to our Yurt. Wish me time and luck! :)mieljoliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758426419108501188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099373992105890126.post-1779919782821280242017-02-03T16:22:00.004-06:002017-02-03T16:22:58.549-06:00Pixie Kits Are Available Again...and with Fabric Choices!With the positive response we've had to the Pixie Kits, we've decided to add options for different fabric choices! <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDywvTB-htuvtM6GL-EgtlRQBjA1M-zfooOg3G775iuZuJKjyTMcZ5pVVcAg3zYpKXzYTU7OqiiGodt_4Dv-NpQSYZRV3AujAnF4ux1TacXJYlm69h4CiXd2-9xPIbkIdOmw_320Pch0/s1600/pixies_fabric_colors_3000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDywvTB-htuvtM6GL-EgtlRQBjA1M-zfooOg3G775iuZuJKjyTMcZ5pVVcAg3zYpKXzYTU7OqiiGodt_4Dv-NpQSYZRV3AujAnF4ux1TacXJYlm69h4CiXd2-9xPIbkIdOmw_320Pch0/s400/pixies_fabric_colors_3000.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Recently we had some difficulty locating our preferred fabric, Alova Suede Cloth, in the proper colors for pixies. Our supply got so low we ended up having to take down our kit listing to keep enough in stock for orders. But alas, I have good news! We managed to locate a new source. And, with all the different fabrics we've been experimenting with as alternatives, we thought we would offer up some of our favorites to you.<br />
<br />
We really like how adorable these guys look in Minky Cuddle. It's a super soft and fuzzy fabric that comes in many colors that is pretty easy to sew with. Kids will love to hug and squeeze stuffed creatures made from this stuff. It can be a bit pricey for the Shannon brand compared to others and cheaper options like polar fleece, but it is worth the extra cost. It will hold its shape better then fleece. We are still searching for a slightly darker blue between the two pictured here. <br />
<br />
We also tried a few other types of suede cloth with varying results. There are so many types of suede cloth out there. Be sure you are getting one that is fairly sturdy and doesn't fray. We also tried a knit velour. We really like this fabrics very subtle stretch. It holds its shape well and keeps the legs and arms slim on the pixies, while still not wrinkling around curves. However, it is a little frustrating to sew with. It has a tendency to crawl a bit. We also weren't as thrilled with it's faded blue color. Hoping to find this in a slightly brighter blue.<br />
<br />
Would love to hear what you think of the new color combos. Still having delays on the House Elf Tutorial. Thank you all for the patience.mieljoliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758426419108501188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099373992105890126.post-34250309652531034692017-01-17T14:56:00.002-06:002017-03-12T17:00:10.036-05:00More Magical Creatures Inspired by Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find ThemSince the Fantastic Beasts movie and our 4th year party, my mom and I have been working on a bunch of new Harry Potter creatures including nifflers, bowtruckles and grindylows. If you've been following my facebook craft page (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/crafty.mieljolie/">https://www.facebook.com/crafty.mieljolie/</a>), you may have seen a few of these. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJNmstXCg2chnjZUG1Lw-LV-qkHgFYiP_MNX5iiyEgje9sUdWhFJRtJ4PqhkPuYlbN0jKulGgXoWpQgzzMQIvE1MmRr20bL_B4Q97cVk-2VGTYno9Yb4VW2Aghh9rjo0ZopfhnbIfRvU/s1600/15799847_1241238692635341_3626325512447217409_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJNmstXCg2chnjZUG1Lw-LV-qkHgFYiP_MNX5iiyEgje9sUdWhFJRtJ4PqhkPuYlbN0jKulGgXoWpQgzzMQIvE1MmRr20bL_B4Q97cVk-2VGTYno9Yb4VW2Aghh9rjo0ZopfhnbIfRvU/s400/15799847_1241238692635341_3626325512447217409_o.jpg" width="348" /></a><br />
<br />
Here is the latest bendy posable Pickett the Bowtruckle and a test Niffler. Still working on a 2nd attempt at a Grindylow. We found a neat fabric for him. Just waiting for mom to sew the head and arms on. But, we've really been enjoying making a new simpler kid friendlier version of our house elves and pixies.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmohKkugGJSJSeVoOb5h3xzu6RJ9NKhBoWWCEisyVxHzF0PFF4x3MIuLps7VTpUYENJZjmQTX9eHyflTxcqif2LdfV8x_qjcIiwRWkdStpSrk6HKkQwuhZwumfXLDJUARAwTYQ_fKs8bU/s1600/P1000967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmohKkugGJSJSeVoOb5h3xzu6RJ9NKhBoWWCEisyVxHzF0PFF4x3MIuLps7VTpUYENJZjmQTX9eHyflTxcqif2LdfV8x_qjcIiwRWkdStpSrk6HKkQwuhZwumfXLDJUARAwTYQ_fKs8bU/s400/P1000967.JPG" width="392" /></a><br />
<br />
Mom has been wanting to make an attempt a knee hugging "house elf on a shelf" dolls for quite a while now. So, this past holiday we finally made one. He turned out so cute, we are planning to offer them in our Etsy store year round, soon.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFr_RjR-HLq-9mkAaVYAbh-IbUDEGuHXSgKZuiv8kg0dblhG-_EbMOoXOw1qgqgo2h3FoNBNPoLMGs-Z8tiLHPf_Vz2FyRfylyyec3FkW-m-Eo1ls40nPFVoP5UFi1jXVwRWqklzAQms/s1600/P1000959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFr_RjR-HLq-9mkAaVYAbh-IbUDEGuHXSgKZuiv8kg0dblhG-_EbMOoXOw1qgqgo2h3FoNBNPoLMGs-Z8tiLHPf_Vz2FyRfylyyec3FkW-m-Eo1ls40nPFVoP5UFi1jXVwRWqklzAQms/s400/P1000959.JPG" width="322" /></a><br />
<br />
We are calling them Teacup House Elves due to this photoshoot we did with one.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUKdwRlafuiXdC2gEhVijpgCL8GTu2NNoUpnTaIRAzri9MUZLcJeHwyFMXXbn0_C3uW9AMKmXB7-7GhOO9KnD2ND-Bu0BLJJndQFSwsd8MygqGSK0dSv2LcKFl7kbwyMnNFf9M3hQUTo/s1600/P1000991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUKdwRlafuiXdC2gEhVijpgCL8GTu2NNoUpnTaIRAzri9MUZLcJeHwyFMXXbn0_C3uW9AMKmXB7-7GhOO9KnD2ND-Bu0BLJJndQFSwsd8MygqGSK0dSv2LcKFl7kbwyMnNFf9M3hQUTo/s400/P1000991.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
They are much smaller and simpler in construction and stand a mere 10" compared to the 14-18" jointed elves.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1M3uC3ez1cpefjt9GQSpEpOTpI-dODmv0bmjDoGynqiV8W8jJ3pWKcbjREH7yZUHSfzcNhC8tc_XxTzFQ95bE0mEpzCbwaeeOvR4HoonaJzA_bqYwAWpJ24g0gNUhJJS3VeIsDvvw7Zo/s1600/15443267_1220848541341023_6735948470983590754_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1M3uC3ez1cpefjt9GQSpEpOTpI-dODmv0bmjDoGynqiV8W8jJ3pWKcbjREH7yZUHSfzcNhC8tc_XxTzFQ95bE0mEpzCbwaeeOvR4HoonaJzA_bqYwAWpJ24g0gNUhJJS3VeIsDvvw7Zo/s200/15443267_1220848541341023_6735948470983590754_o.jpg" width="146" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUsrzXeur4oWXTEeoKIpqXRKddN9myMXmvtU2bjCr4g-8HJdzDc6RMoicSVJQKt2X5J8eENa2VyMOxMg76k-mwhuc-PwoVrNaUHNCUfWBI8GvwHzlBif-nbpum7tSlhexL6nv7EGTUPQ/s1600/15896346_1254288751330335_3191737040783887580_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUsrzXeur4oWXTEeoKIpqXRKddN9myMXmvtU2bjCr4g-8HJdzDc6RMoicSVJQKt2X5J8eENa2VyMOxMg76k-mwhuc-PwoVrNaUHNCUfWBI8GvwHzlBif-nbpum7tSlhexL6nv7EGTUPQ/s200/15896346_1254288751330335_3191737040783887580_o.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
We were having fun and tried a Winky and Kreacher, too.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EV8kXLIrRJpgZOsfllvaIrvf0mECLpJpJQv-7ZK-3K_a5Ab03BXTipltbck-huNnoKEkaFmi9GfR7Y4VRDn_0JzVbPtvYt5aiVXcLpIBjBBimagNn2R88l-xkPKoSTk4OJzH2D_nUrI/s1600/P1010107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EV8kXLIrRJpgZOsfllvaIrvf0mECLpJpJQv-7ZK-3K_a5Ab03BXTipltbck-huNnoKEkaFmi9GfR7Y4VRDn_0JzVbPtvYt5aiVXcLpIBjBBimagNn2R88l-xkPKoSTk4OJzH2D_nUrI/s400/P1010107.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
We got to thinking this might be a good kid option for pixies, too. We're calling these Pocket Pixies because they are smaller than the jointed or mobile ones. (Even managed to alter the removable wings to attach with velcro instead of pinbacks.)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJCu3VldhEh0vbJ-1mK9Ukp4A6NaSu73A5Irm3fvoLmjdbisNrYbJBDEPiGqpF4A5N5zD0N3NPKS8YLmVPDynXIm_q9MrU63IBRiKmFFzskPZ8Kf7Ybzb7IdLnBUYIAL9ubdc_RjGJmE/s1600/P1010194b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJCu3VldhEh0vbJ-1mK9Ukp4A6NaSu73A5Irm3fvoLmjdbisNrYbJBDEPiGqpF4A5N5zD0N3NPKS8YLmVPDynXIm_q9MrU63IBRiKmFFzskPZ8Kf7Ybzb7IdLnBUYIAL9ubdc_RjGJmE/s400/P1010194b.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Then, to test her improving skills, mom had to try to make them as small as possible!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvGQtmQMBRFNFRJ8eIkkNiy6h1devLtBFavS2144yFWV0fWPfTVEPoGD-KjfnPhyOwTF8eGQqaEs2r8fm1cSg5gKi5OaA10xaIGbnDX6mal54Acq7_KerXM9DgZsWACXrB3oGR3AWXtrU/s1600/P1010190b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvGQtmQMBRFNFRJ8eIkkNiy6h1devLtBFavS2144yFWV0fWPfTVEPoGD-KjfnPhyOwTF8eGQqaEs2r8fm1cSg5gKi5OaA10xaIGbnDX6mal54Acq7_KerXM9DgZsWACXrB3oGR3AWXtrU/s400/P1010190b.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
And, man were they tiny. As frustrating as they were, I don't think she will make these again anytime soon, but it is adorable. :)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThEPrlbRsoq13Tr_fjNM7X9VgMBfy2krQPY0HD-swO2dFAMjrGOzF9sX6NXteQHWuS3dXR-t180cY9ieyOyxuLo8uhQF-uhXNK1og7ZKq_xOZi-QnmoSysjrxcpfU5BrgDtJnmpMlNOk/s1600/P1010192b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThEPrlbRsoq13Tr_fjNM7X9VgMBfy2krQPY0HD-swO2dFAMjrGOzF9sX6NXteQHWuS3dXR-t180cY9ieyOyxuLo8uhQF-uhXNK1og7ZKq_xOZi-QnmoSysjrxcpfU5BrgDtJnmpMlNOk/s400/P1010192b.JPG" width="367" /></a><br />
<br />
At less than 4" tall, it is the smallest doll we have successfully attempted. She may try another small two-toned jointed one later.<br />
<br />
That's it for this post. Hope to have many more new crafts the next go round. Until then, keep on being crafty!<br />
<span id="goog_1173268501"></span>mieljoliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758426419108501188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099373992105890126.post-42036224426752122282016-11-21T19:47:00.003-06:002016-12-06T18:11:17.155-06:00Our Yule Ball - 4th Year Hogwart's Party<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlq8g5cMHr3CzMoPqcOZYKJbpnerwQgFyyJZi0_JVGND-F7-E8WHFAZomAiKdPLFCRH3utmhE7WDl3NskxoLYX7el6PYCPlpgNnQrzXGTHQt5s0hSFyF652BjE4lWeK_IptCJCb1RaadI/s1600/P1000852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlq8g5cMHr3CzMoPqcOZYKJbpnerwQgFyyJZi0_JVGND-F7-E8WHFAZomAiKdPLFCRH3utmhE7WDl3NskxoLYX7el6PYCPlpgNnQrzXGTHQt5s0hSFyF652BjE4lWeK_IptCJCb1RaadI/s400/P1000852.JPG" width="392" /></a><br />
<br />
Had a FANTASTIC weekend! Just wrapped up our 4th annual Harry Potter themed party. We hosted a Yule Ball to celebrate two of our family members b-days. Also got to go see the new "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" movie! Thought I would give a quick preview of all the stuff we made and received at the party. My sis and her daughter overwhelmed us with some of their awe-inspiring creativity!!! (I'll probably post some more better pics when the dust settles.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcJcum64KON5wfFABQ5wT3x9sDSlmT6OdrjzArPCxStSs-cjKhdAi7NAKDTSRGGm-vybX-t_UYA1Kmnprn1_ZTSuiBOiThq_A4UaeST4yu_OF4h5UUg3elsfTuzfkv6rcULE3_GQ5OlU/s1600/P1000886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcJcum64KON5wfFABQ5wT3x9sDSlmT6OdrjzArPCxStSs-cjKhdAi7NAKDTSRGGm-vybX-t_UYA1Kmnprn1_ZTSuiBOiThq_A4UaeST4yu_OF4h5UUg3elsfTuzfkv6rcULE3_GQ5OlU/s400/P1000886.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
As we have done for the past three years, we decorated the whole house Hogwart's style. And, each year the theme and activities of the party match the corresponding book. This year was all about the Tri-wizard cup, Yule Ball and Mad Eye Moody. :) We had a DADA earthworm fountain, foe-glass dark detector, goblet of fire for choosing champions, and much more!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FpBW3rSMeFjK-cem5LELabRLXzFuIqNWomIoxmWykqH0f37nb1L6bXq528SpV6uIoPEO-ex1kEk5BqzV8foVmR7kg8fAFCbbv7pK1FTf4ZIm8mbrTt-rZ_ezJN4naOd3cPgMAvUgdJ8/s1600/P1000828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FpBW3rSMeFjK-cem5LELabRLXzFuIqNWomIoxmWykqH0f37nb1L6bXq528SpV6uIoPEO-ex1kEk5BqzV8foVmR7kg8fAFCbbv7pK1FTf4ZIm8mbrTt-rZ_ezJN4naOd3cPgMAvUgdJ8/s400/P1000828.JPG" width="262" /></a><br />
<br />
We made a couple golden dragon eggs. I used paper mache over an 8 inch tall plastic egg. The top clasp is polymer clay. I wanted to make it open, but found it to be too complicated for the time I had to make it. But, I may go back and cut one of them open at a later date.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6B2aea-haICK8uKfksDXxvN1rbyIepPk62T5RgGUhvIh2879treP1vjB7aluH_7hdZNMgMpDjOCaYWZ8Si-d9WgZPsU77WMj4R_nYugtPWv_agxduJ89_3JSrsUE4MFOC4cQyiJynA5Q/s1600/P1000830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6B2aea-haICK8uKfksDXxvN1rbyIepPk62T5RgGUhvIh2879treP1vjB7aluH_7hdZNMgMpDjOCaYWZ8Si-d9WgZPsU77WMj4R_nYugtPWv_agxduJ89_3JSrsUE4MFOC4cQyiJynA5Q/s400/P1000830.JPG" width="338" /></a><br />
<br />
My mom and I also worked on our first attempt at a Grindylow. He was a mixture of a couple of our patterns for the gnome head and the house elf's jointed arms. The tentacles were a big challenge. We plan to go back and make another slightly larger version with larger tentacles and head.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfGjUeCbbsf1wYbBOWpQKwFGKyuCnb_VRIa8vRBTE5eG_nbw7dfC81QTf9nhQorvSn8REXJKVuEqIZffc5Cv9oVbuUkC54cMgCqmLGQQSVAeXCONQ2D0NCqH2qWknUiDXs9BV2fCbZR4/s1600/P1000873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfGjUeCbbsf1wYbBOWpQKwFGKyuCnb_VRIa8vRBTE5eG_nbw7dfC81QTf9nhQorvSn8REXJKVuEqIZffc5Cv9oVbuUkC54cMgCqmLGQQSVAeXCONQ2D0NCqH2qWknUiDXs9BV2fCbZR4/s400/P1000873.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
Since this was first and foremost a Yule Ball, we spent a great deal of time turning our Great Hall into silver dance hall with decorations and lighting. :) We taped silver wrapping paper to the walls and made faux ice castle sculptures out of plastic beverage containers and icicle lights. We also had an extensive wizard rock and HP parody playlist for the evening. (If you'd like to hear some of the songs: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5bioASvRaQqMoQGlhpkkf6ne3L2xv3ZL)<br />
<br />
Since Harry receive b-day cakes from all his friends while Dudley was on a diet, we asked the guest to bring 3 cup cake each for a competition. One for each birthday person and one for a "cake walk" or exchange where they could receive a different cake. We had some really clever submissions. (I will get the pics soon.)<br />
<br />
One of the last tasks we planned was a "Pin the Nose on Voldemort" or "You Nose Who". We had guests stick it to Voldemort by hanging two laminated Voldy Faces on the wall with a selection of noses to pin him with. (Will get pics.)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Y8gIkwI7-tJTKG6IcftMvT70WhH_Ge-Ists9I8dAjlGOMDgDtouOQqgYdAm9mPhZqK7etAiwA0dgMvo7xttnovswS3-z1fWoQBzhwosyKVWh2jskiTblgoEk8Tw-WGLAinrJqhCc_6A/s1600/P1000874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Y8gIkwI7-tJTKG6IcftMvT70WhH_Ge-Ists9I8dAjlGOMDgDtouOQqgYdAm9mPhZqK7etAiwA0dgMvo7xttnovswS3-z1fWoQBzhwosyKVWh2jskiTblgoEk8Tw-WGLAinrJqhCc_6A/s400/P1000874.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
For the last task, I drew up a quick Ministry banner on brown paper for above our cemetery laden mantle. (This awesome instant cemetery is the work of Crafterella. I received it in a craft swap a few years ago, and I just love it.) <br />
<br />
And, speaking of craft swap, we received the craziest, coolest, most amazing items from my sis and her daughter this year! <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzw1icJQMjs0_kM4_ZQ3aEfyPUKt5ewCGiAxWNfuytYEmf0WR7wnOZIY1YxaxFzbJnQ3_qbYFwe8bZYO9IiqyfX5UdAay71umvDx6-lJ1DPNlJbQiLWs8v2lYGofBpqUOoD6d8rJVyJyA/s1600/P1000875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzw1icJQMjs0_kM4_ZQ3aEfyPUKt5ewCGiAxWNfuytYEmf0WR7wnOZIY1YxaxFzbJnQ3_qbYFwe8bZYO9IiqyfX5UdAay71umvDx6-lJ1DPNlJbQiLWs8v2lYGofBpqUOoD6d8rJVyJyA/s400/P1000875.JPG" width="243" /></a><br />
<br />
They made us a faux stain glass mermaid window like the one in the Prefects' Bathroom. It is so cool! They used Gallery Glass on a textured plexiglass.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDiSGeSrKupEI2upBUkyYDxy61xetII_Ix-P2JcncXTMjfIibVP5XiFnCXbgZyM-6ZcxRroadUmgEl2oHukaKZ_yA0Lim4sfRVYxxo8oF8rEwxGRVpHUpEtRi0CLuJxPxRvciYb1c5zk/s1600/P1000888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDiSGeSrKupEI2upBUkyYDxy61xetII_Ix-P2JcncXTMjfIibVP5XiFnCXbgZyM-6ZcxRroadUmgEl2oHukaKZ_yA0Lim4sfRVYxxo8oF8rEwxGRVpHUpEtRi0CLuJxPxRvciYb1c5zk/s400/P1000888.JPG" width="278" /></a><br />
<br />
And this amazing piece! I'm still reeling from this one! I've wanted the hog-headed pumpkin juice pitcher since I saw it in the first movie! She did an unbelievable job on the head details!! :O<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24WDa5ksGml-cv73vKAQYPsPXUA4sahFziT0j9ZJQVJV3wnJ5P-0ZGviIIrYvgkJM8YVr3mQ2pwE62q9zRoMrSHLoMBNwR26Ivf-RRp_Mhn4l1tmlX_gwp-0kqMGmfBbMkEWhYnfeiAA/s1600/P1000934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24WDa5ksGml-cv73vKAQYPsPXUA4sahFziT0j9ZJQVJV3wnJ5P-0ZGviIIrYvgkJM8YVr3mQ2pwE62q9zRoMrSHLoMBNwR26Ivf-RRp_Mhn4l1tmlX_gwp-0kqMGmfBbMkEWhYnfeiAA/s400/P1000934.JPG" width="276" /></a><br />
<br />
She even had the time to make us a textbook cd box which is perfect for our growing Wizard Rock and Audiobook collections! We were so spoiled this year! <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpf50UW1YYMFiNwWHiwy4gkJgwEyGY6UVYV1CFgB5X-QU4JfHWWbQ1bIkTc0fTMidKrGjvC1cwqrQVnMYZWm2uEUjPOx1I4MxIltVrciXgwIgMf9IRfEbNZeicgU648i-awx3-zZgMzY/s1600/P1000884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpf50UW1YYMFiNwWHiwy4gkJgwEyGY6UVYV1CFgB5X-QU4JfHWWbQ1bIkTc0fTMidKrGjvC1cwqrQVnMYZWm2uEUjPOx1I4MxIltVrciXgwIgMf9IRfEbNZeicgU648i-awx3-zZgMzY/s400/P1000884.JPG" width="263" /></a><br />
<br />
My sis also made some Mad Eye Moody Eyes! She even had the thought to make a spare one removable so we can put it on the door for year seven. <br />
<br />
So many wonderful creations. My niece even made us another baby dragon to go with the other I posted before. (I will get pics up when I get a chance.) I loved everything so much. We definitely had Xmas early this year! (Notice the bowtruckle in there? See below.)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1D4GVMJMVIZCf66DL2JJbX7xVr6at9tGu-AWClN6heRk8Xj7Ppy3YQiiiDbdZoNLlpKHzS_iDg5dvvOJv6jCUp2X5Q-p1PGuI3rZZ0POximCBn60OW2gRmMnj-lHP_Wk41mMJFz1XmOE/s1600/P1000925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1D4GVMJMVIZCf66DL2JJbX7xVr6at9tGu-AWClN6heRk8Xj7Ppy3YQiiiDbdZoNLlpKHzS_iDg5dvvOJv6jCUp2X5Q-p1PGuI3rZZ0POximCBn60OW2gRmMnj-lHP_Wk41mMJFz1XmOE/s400/P1000925.JPG" width="315" /></a><br />
<br />
If you saw the bowtruckle in the book pic above, it was my first attempt at Pickett as soon as we got back from the movie. LOL He is simply made by cutting/wrapping a couple flower stems I had in my craft stash. We call him "Stick-ett" (Pickett's cousin). I did make a more detailed one for my sis later that day using wire, tape and fabric paint. I will hopefully get some pics of that one soon. Until then, have a Harry Holiday!<br />
<br />
If you want to see more cool stuff, please go check out my sis's facebook page, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Creepy-Creations-by-Jamie-Moore-207715169255709" target="_blank">Creepy Creations</a>. Jamie makes some really awesome Halloween themed stuff, too!mieljoliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758426419108501188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099373992105890126.post-18127266536780487332016-09-26T12:28:00.000-05:002016-09-26T12:28:00.940-05:00Monk Robe Pattern with Hooded Cowl<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVyHNE_WdwmbLgUtDaccEy6IvHurRZb3sJncWi5DD2eenk3v1xiRQyq61JOgSCZ6Fs0RkD7k2kbGykuux_Jk2gg4P8ZMqWZmFudU8bkx8H3HZE66zjxjVZyHO0xgpY4Om21l8R-gRPn8/s1600/P1000769b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVyHNE_WdwmbLgUtDaccEy6IvHurRZb3sJncWi5DD2eenk3v1xiRQyq61JOgSCZ6Fs0RkD7k2kbGykuux_Jk2gg4P8ZMqWZmFudU8bkx8H3HZE66zjxjVZyHO0xgpY4Om21l8R-gRPn8/s400/P1000769b.jpg" width="265" /></a><br />
<br />
This robe was a quick project we came up with after finding some great knitted fabric on clearance. We thought we'd do something different for first weekend of the Texas Renaissance Festival this year. So, we're hosting a Monty Python Invasion. (I'm amazed how the interest in our event took off! Already have 80+ people listed as going and many more interested! ) Should be a blast. You can join our event here:<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1276898178"><br /></a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1641099259548673">https://www.facebook.com/events/1641099259548673</a><br />
<br />
If anyone is interested in making these quick and easy robes, here is the pattern layout I used:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREt5KFRSFBcN6Q4GXj6LMDGKFPOPucKWRfyfvHU5MW3Ia3eHM-JzqQrbyLh16sQCafiVPIo5XeDu6QBlDFGFzTZbK2vD8YrF0kA8OI0Abv_MfXnTbQTlq9dM4Z0Hm-OPPHzoJtOmdMYA/s1600/monk_robe_pattern_layout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREt5KFRSFBcN6Q4GXj6LMDGKFPOPucKWRfyfvHU5MW3Ia3eHM-JzqQrbyLh16sQCafiVPIo5XeDu6QBlDFGFzTZbK2vD8YrF0kA8OI0Abv_MfXnTbQTlq9dM4Z0Hm-OPPHzoJtOmdMYA/s400/monk_robe_pattern_layout.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The robes took a total of 105" of 60-inch wide fabric. I set it up so that we could take advantage of the unique ratty looking selvage edges to avoid having to hem. If you're unsure how it goes together, feel free to ask questions in the comments.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sLTgYpo4R7AgTQZn_q_aHJIe0FevGuemPcTD8clMyPNKoPE6C9x2r4RfEdLO9eM8tlX6PBtC7Onu2f9o1OznvjHzBajVMKbWZ3MuM74PV7kgqe0IE9JbTyjZ3tobZD3QBFN2Kgjcd3A/s1600/P1000775b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sLTgYpo4R7AgTQZn_q_aHJIe0FevGuemPcTD8clMyPNKoPE6C9x2r4RfEdLO9eM8tlX6PBtC7Onu2f9o1OznvjHzBajVMKbWZ3MuM74PV7kgqe0IE9JbTyjZ3tobZD3QBFN2Kgjcd3A/s400/P1000775b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Also working on a prototype for our fake wooden planks. They're made of layers of corrugated cardboard. Still need to be painted, but I made them open up to a silly walk sign inside. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHuEmySBRAV2MaHw_gMXIFFkDaRs6Ye74SKfXHNJjQw-zrtevfzt2LsQ1K7yl5J0nhN0_LPBW4G1c0sw8x6TMU3dAiOAMXQno_sAbYuDUcrvl2kvdTVy5wT1aBbgZ4HFoi7Hj2Use_thk/s1600/P1000776b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHuEmySBRAV2MaHw_gMXIFFkDaRs6Ye74SKfXHNJjQw-zrtevfzt2LsQ1K7yl5J0nhN0_LPBW4G1c0sw8x6TMU3dAiOAMXQno_sAbYuDUcrvl2kvdTVy5wT1aBbgZ4HFoi7Hj2Use_thk/s400/P1000776b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
We also put together some reversible silly walk signs made with knights that we will have posted around camp. I designed the sign in Adobe Illustrator before printing on cardstock and affixing them to paintsticks with staples and spray adhesive. (If you'd like the digital files to print your own, just message me.)<br />
<br />
Still hoping to get some knight's surcoats made, too. Wish me luck and time! :)mieljoliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758426419108501188noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099373992105890126.post-48142167135942156882016-08-31T18:44:00.001-05:002016-08-31T19:01:15.946-05:00House Elves and Pixies are AvailableJust listed a couple of smaller house elves and some more pixies. Here is the listing for the elves:<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/462440268/plush-jointed-house-elf-inspired-by-the">https://www.etsy.com/listing/462440268/plush-jointed-house-elf-inspired-by-the</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2awHizeV8RZSr6mY-j4M2NI8iIuOSqCFNVRkzPYe_SUu6xHPwKgEH0eIPOqz4TGMp9Fif3_muKr_zVaMn_wIwX77y2AWzs4v4itZEBYJD2Bev0yy9M9uLrPodcS3xpc24jvqauSJ5oHI/s1600/P1000744b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2awHizeV8RZSr6mY-j4M2NI8iIuOSqCFNVRkzPYe_SUu6xHPwKgEH0eIPOqz4TGMp9Fif3_muKr_zVaMn_wIwX77y2AWzs4v4itZEBYJD2Bev0yy9M9uLrPodcS3xpc24jvqauSJ5oHI/s320/P1000744b.jpg" width="244" /></a><br />
<br />
We've been finalizing the house elf tutorial. Now that the head/face are pretty much settled on, I just need to get some better pics of the construction process.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hOItt2jRyr_jBgKTFiu2keRpZTWxOdArL-r7Q9bNqB4j-ven_DmmivQaCK5jmGLZQadcXv_zOWbjwQiWhnMdLjumKA8jn4KGrzYdZ8pOu3AGoCxBI1X_G0k8bys6aQgEkzxRw6k2Ep8/s1600/morty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hOItt2jRyr_jBgKTFiu2keRpZTWxOdArL-r7Q9bNqB4j-ven_DmmivQaCK5jmGLZQadcXv_zOWbjwQiWhnMdLjumKA8jn4KGrzYdZ8pOu3AGoCxBI1X_G0k8bys6aQgEkzxRw6k2Ep8/s320/morty.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
The one is being dubbed "Morty".<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJosOWdTkwWYvurHGFT5y78y1xKqPZ2mEFcqFK-3DmNlqGVRZ6_u9cMb_MGbrY3C53OJ3EOW-QBYsUoI4ikbbUbMjIWm8YNTCaYJyrTeIzAvEYDaB1uqaiLWppqO89WbvKJ8VrKCc4k4/s1600/wally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJosOWdTkwWYvurHGFT5y78y1xKqPZ2mEFcqFK-3DmNlqGVRZ6_u9cMb_MGbrY3C53OJ3EOW-QBYsUoI4ikbbUbMjIWm8YNTCaYJyrTeIzAvEYDaB1uqaiLWppqO89WbvKJ8VrKCc4k4/s320/wally.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
And this one is "Wally". They are both the smaller 13-14" tall.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIfAJ4LQByTNo4nx2P1K0cRtse2LbkkxsM-SufV82miPAzJHSKigwYq10DPFRtqFEH7BYwPsIoksFUjbcd5ZfhHFevnVh3vElIstVu7STWT3aSvYdnDdyB9r-_OM_EZVAHTf6153oLNE/s1600/P1000702b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIfAJ4LQByTNo4nx2P1K0cRtse2LbkkxsM-SufV82miPAzJHSKigwYq10DPFRtqFEH7BYwPsIoksFUjbcd5ZfhHFevnVh3vElIstVu7STWT3aSvYdnDdyB9r-_OM_EZVAHTf6153oLNE/s320/P1000702b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
And, the new set of plusher pixies. These are much safer for kids. The arms and legs are sewn in. So happy to have found the plush pixie fabric again. My sis found it in Kansas. Our stores do not seem to sell it, and I can't find it online, either. :/<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHEVtJ6m6JJMaaNze4F2EdZcSbw17bta5fUovqnSKYGYZY4z1272pbLcObmWiXRrDuHUI3KkDBKi667S3pCAX1Uf7cedrfPT2bMPEMxUrYpfPZoBW9GBvOlC9C3JdXUAu4UOxFkQ41go/s1600/P1000743b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHEVtJ6m6JJMaaNze4F2EdZcSbw17bta5fUovqnSKYGYZY4z1272pbLcObmWiXRrDuHUI3KkDBKi667S3pCAX1Uf7cedrfPT2bMPEMxUrYpfPZoBW9GBvOlC9C3JdXUAu4UOxFkQ41go/s320/P1000743b.jpg" width="257" /></a><br />
<br />
That's it for now. The tutorial should be available soon! (I really do mean this. I seem to say this, and then something will come up to delay things. But I am honestly trying my hardest to get it ready.)mieljoliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758426419108501188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099373992105890126.post-9604765132392387972016-08-02T12:55:00.003-05:002016-08-02T13:01:06.877-05:00More House Elf Progress<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4o-oEFqesQUy8rAfEoEbrTyrAqUkUTR1pE-rTdivceXimYnAEwPRrMfmkj0v7Jlxq6v4g7zS6Xn6UXaruym2wdOOZQqMQWA3NHt1m9NTDLP4ByKBu2whw7p4eVNwxIqvLBcDtthUYO8/s1600/P1000695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4o-oEFqesQUy8rAfEoEbrTyrAqUkUTR1pE-rTdivceXimYnAEwPRrMfmkj0v7Jlxq6v4g7zS6Xn6UXaruym2wdOOZQqMQWA3NHt1m9NTDLP4ByKBu2whw7p4eVNwxIqvLBcDtthUYO8/s400/P1000695.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
Took this guy to the Midnight Release Party for "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" Book. He's the latest house elf finished after all the pattern alterations I've been playing with. We've been calling him "Gummy" due to his toothless grin. I'm so sad that I already finished reading the book in only two sittings. It went way too fast.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NCz2u80SMPeOBgENXqxSqucmaRal8ii4aVKK9mcnCTQ6BZCxbkzJjXuyWXNXdz35TYa6tPuTH_07NWD_eeG3kwfMkxbRfqHDuApd426Tijk0ItmTlGZiWg_b5354wj0vZ4RwaCCHxqo/s1600/P1000640b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NCz2u80SMPeOBgENXqxSqucmaRal8ii4aVKK9mcnCTQ6BZCxbkzJjXuyWXNXdz35TYa6tPuTH_07NWD_eeG3kwfMkxbRfqHDuApd426Tijk0ItmTlGZiWg_b5354wj0vZ4RwaCCHxqo/s400/P1000640b.jpg" width="308" /></a><br />
<br />
This is Gummy before fixing his mouth into a smile. If you've been following me on Facebook, you've probably seen me posting quick progress pics to get opinions as I attempt to perfect the heads. I'm pretty happy with the bodies. The shoulders are a little broad, but this is due to changing from the button joints to doll joints. Without the thread running between them, there is no tension holding them together. I may reduce this at a later date. Especially if we make another Kreacher with his slumped posture.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WnDlGXPhwoG-sRZaO3J8ueBeMSqS2kJNMVL3urrd3e0ELA8f5D9ElLxWaPtSpp09MaDLbMUaUIumJ07gq5xdiZr-Hcv62fBHIOw2I_kG4X-lb6BRVaulr-hyXfWbS890ai0j4YkN4Ss/s1600/18in_before_n_after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WnDlGXPhwoG-sRZaO3J8ueBeMSqS2kJNMVL3urrd3e0ELA8f5D9ElLxWaPtSpp09MaDLbMUaUIumJ07gq5xdiZr-Hcv62fBHIOw2I_kG4X-lb6BRVaulr-hyXfWbS890ai0j4YkN4Ss/s400/18in_before_n_after.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
This is a before/after shot of the shoulders, ears, eye, and head shape changes. I'm really pleased with the new ear shape and placement. But, I've really been struggling with those eyes. I'll show that more in just a bit. I think the top of the head could be a wee bit wider, but I'm not going to fuss with that this go round.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvn9NB7sydOeVHMsgb4sKz4mOQZPnlawZoFdA72SxcLpFIAg7OzeREMrpg36Z8fnv6ihfeErGMReMB3rtyMkFqRTwGAHDF7wzMiJfvwC_UY0zvmTi3fOyjfMWcDaI5yO6eIzE4sk0P24/s1600/house_elf_before_n_after_smile_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvn9NB7sydOeVHMsgb4sKz4mOQZPnlawZoFdA72SxcLpFIAg7OzeREMrpg36Z8fnv6ihfeErGMReMB3rtyMkFqRTwGAHDF7wzMiJfvwC_UY0zvmTi3fOyjfMWcDaI5yO6eIzE4sk0P24/s400/house_elf_before_n_after_smile_small.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I was having a lot of difficulty getting the elves to not be either grumpy or sad looking. I thought it was mostly because of the eyes, but with the help from someone's helpful suggestions in a Harry Potter group, I've discovered I can make their expressions more happy and less mad/sad by creating tension in the cheeks. The image above is Gummy before and after running thread from his outer eye corners to the corners of his mouth. So happy! And, I am too! :)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmi6gEWuie9HWlOWjVorgRItw0lCMXEyxjbN2I2Ves9M1wcbcj4uzWHwPpRxnUA5d6ilnw5o3XAXqZm88MePXN9zN3FyHKCHq06RU9tMV6CP38aVZ1ReARkK4Hi5VpG996KBc3ZD-Krg0/s1600/100_2348b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmi6gEWuie9HWlOWjVorgRItw0lCMXEyxjbN2I2Ves9M1wcbcj4uzWHwPpRxnUA5d6ilnw5o3XAXqZm88MePXN9zN3FyHKCHq06RU9tMV6CP38aVZ1ReARkK4Hi5VpG996KBc3ZD-Krg0/s320/100_2348b.jpg" width="262" /></a><br />
<br />
The eyes are really bugging me. At first, we went back and forth with using just plain doll eyes with no lids. But, this makes the elves look spaced out like the two on top in the pic above. I did find a way to line the back of the eyes to create eyelids. I like this, but it's just not right just yet. And, I'm just not happy with eyes with no scleras (white parts) and huge pupils. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQtS-QTNbkfFH7Ac6jaSp3LWZNXQKWi2vZxgZlfuYjsyjI6UkawY6c-fcRfGW1tjioSGZectox0HFnNyvt1B-YesaFMZ1QbJtTPVADb5MlA0Z_Ss72AjlhBydmXandLQrY46MZMS4Vzs/s1600/P1000659b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQtS-QTNbkfFH7Ac6jaSp3LWZNXQKWi2vZxgZlfuYjsyjI6UkawY6c-fcRfGW1tjioSGZectox0HFnNyvt1B-YesaFMZ1QbJtTPVADb5MlA0Z_Ss72AjlhBydmXandLQrY46MZMS4Vzs/s320/P1000659b.jpg" width="263" /></a><br />
<br />
So, I tried painting some ping pong balls just to see what it would look like. I really think it looks more like Dobby, but still a bit creepy.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIyodZrvPgQYL47oVFOuaO_RsdGUNB3p5aEtLbCLK0buUV41iQuef1FduFUzvB7Xf3r5UOaWWEtRGLX2HkGxD-WRiSGvobXU0XS82ahzRQTzm6ikehywrcd0UJr2JsmUeVOl1pJlG_za0/s1600/eye_compare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIyodZrvPgQYL47oVFOuaO_RsdGUNB3p5aEtLbCLK0buUV41iQuef1FduFUzvB7Xf3r5UOaWWEtRGLX2HkGxD-WRiSGvobXU0XS82ahzRQTzm6ikehywrcd0UJr2JsmUeVOl1pJlG_za0/s400/eye_compare.jpg" width="316" /></a><br />
<br />
The above image is of the same elf head (with over-sized eye sockets) with different eyes. I've been trying different sizes as well as different materials. Besides looking weird, it is sometimes difficult to find the safety doll eyes large enough for the elves at the larger sizes. And, they can cost a good deal more when I do find them. I was also hoping to find materials anyone can find locally for the tutorial. At first I tried painting and got the iris too big and the pupil too small. The last two sets in the pic above show a new solution that is promising. It's a ping pong ball with the safety doll eye poked into a hole in the ball. The green iris is smaller and centered, and looks scared. The larger brown eye is off centered and can be rotated for different expressions. These are great because they are less work, and have the safety back to secure them. However, the down fall of these is that the eyelid gets caught behind the iris. Perhaps I need to find a way to glue the iris to the sclera with no ridge between. I'm also looking into resin as an option t cast my own eyes from scratch. I'm also wanting to try to transfer printed irises to the white plastic ball. But, I really need the safety back to secure the eyes in, so they can't be popped out easily.<br />
<br />
That's where I am, so far. I'm hoping to get this figured out so I can wrap up the tutorial. with the best options. Wish me luck, again!mieljoliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758426419108501188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099373992105890126.post-69907224220005516632016-07-15T12:56:00.001-05:002016-07-15T13:08:18.454-05:00House Elf Head Progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4uqNJRfR5QopcM43M8BpRBXfbnghvT5EnlkkeadcQgjY1BI-x8Ymvyp5GLhRx8GctL7E-BoWXJk0fFbORBWZpjbPiaucIiCsc26S3DHs1Ff_kfmfT4BlMbcWERP253_qX7Ur3j85wTs/s1600/P1000585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4uqNJRfR5QopcM43M8BpRBXfbnghvT5EnlkkeadcQgjY1BI-x8Ymvyp5GLhRx8GctL7E-BoWXJk0fFbORBWZpjbPiaucIiCsc26S3DHs1Ff_kfmfT4BlMbcWERP253_qX7Ur3j85wTs/s400/P1000585.JPG" width="376" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Been busy working on the House Elf tutorial. I've got the body portion pretty much finished. But, as the pics show, we're making some changes to the heads at this point. I'll need to wait for the pattern changes to be settled on before I can get the pictures in place. </div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPHOvTWx5TYflL4cBvzA8Tb1qM7ziSVoa97HnCGXcLeqJJxrPH-XgySY8Ouk8f-e3vAWqv1v4Q6yzpVSzrq4IqfF9bbL1MNIpwa6t5EX_cpUs48w9v-xvKwLyFxKkZl0tKb7-fyEL4q4/s1600/P1000584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPHOvTWx5TYflL4cBvzA8Tb1qM7ziSVoa97HnCGXcLeqJJxrPH-XgySY8Ouk8f-e3vAWqv1v4Q6yzpVSzrq4IqfF9bbL1MNIpwa6t5EX_cpUs48w9v-xvKwLyFxKkZl0tKb7-fyEL4q4/s400/P1000584.JPG" width="371" /></a><br />
<br />
So far I've gone back and forth on the size of the eyes, changed the shape of the ears a few times, and played with the angle of the nose/forehead a bit. Still debating to move the eyes closer together and curve the ears even more. I would also like to make my own eyes. These have no whites around them and the pupils are too large. I think I may have figured out a solution using resin, but I still need to get the supplies to try it. I think I may wait until after the tutorial is finished using these, since they are less work (though somewhat hard to find).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfFnGfZG3rUBaEE5Gm8V8nNqBjFX2MyqPUkLkhsifJSDV20EhkMsXqK6iom3LUJ0wP_ytsAGmZrcBP3PW9T8kKER3GXh02AQvZsa0rTlNGIiMq9GOYToUjzansPRqvb9fnWJV_CGDFQw/s1600/P1000587_crop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfFnGfZG3rUBaEE5Gm8V8nNqBjFX2MyqPUkLkhsifJSDV20EhkMsXqK6iom3LUJ0wP_ytsAGmZrcBP3PW9T8kKER3GXh02AQvZsa0rTlNGIiMq9GOYToUjzansPRqvb9fnWJV_CGDFQw/s400/P1000587_crop.JPG" width="346" /></a><br />
<br />
We are amassing quite a few heads, so we thought we'd use some of the less successful ones to make plaques like the Black family house had on the walls. :) I'll share our results on that when I'm finished with them. In the meantime the tutorial should be available within a month or two, I hope.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKRk5La06I2er1HmfDJ2ITHFxZODk_VLC_v_uu71DWxXnZXC9Oqblon8rpJC-P9WSdQ1vRjHiFN7tn8UDPRxl63orYWbbpAOLkhirip_t2SdflxWqbkHzIwsNB0frE5kE5aRO567BGiQ/s1600/P1000578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKRk5La06I2er1HmfDJ2ITHFxZODk_VLC_v_uu71DWxXnZXC9Oqblon8rpJC-P9WSdQ1vRjHiFN7tn8UDPRxl63orYWbbpAOLkhirip_t2SdflxWqbkHzIwsNB0frE5kE5aRO567BGiQ/s400/P1000578.JPG" width="298" /></a><br />
<br />
Oh! Btw, here are three body sizes that we've tried so far: A small 12", a medium 18", and a large 24" (The large is made with a thicker furry-ish fabric. They will also have heads, soon. :)mieljoliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758426419108501188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099373992105890126.post-27077734003944066892016-04-27T22:51:00.000-05:002016-07-03T10:57:19.587-05:00Gnome Tutorial is finished and available on Etsy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR54siNWuHNqUxVwqPecGJ5MeBaYVFRQ_JYQDnz1Y4FkeUFTj1B9bGIEbIUlPDuuoo7m_N0PScxJlEDzc8RtmGgd2U6PWXHdc450437NdQwkbCtSnnhKyXErJgiQ623WnSidqLIk6NfJQ/s1600/gnome_collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR54siNWuHNqUxVwqPecGJ5MeBaYVFRQ_JYQDnz1Y4FkeUFTj1B9bGIEbIUlPDuuoo7m_N0PScxJlEDzc8RtmGgd2U6PWXHdc450437NdQwkbCtSnnhKyXErJgiQ623WnSidqLIk6NfJQ/s400/gnome_collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Gnome tutorial is finished! You can find it here: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/291683093/how-to-make-garden-gnomes-pdf-tutorial">https://www.etsy.com/listing/291683093/how-to-make-garden-gnomes-pdf-tutorial</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLaGzDekQngmihCbVeUkBFnMtc9IZVZypXiJfdGcrrdqwwGYe-OrmDPQ5RUMMX8cdXvRfcGschtae-5xeVzxNQczldLHxEudlUD5x0tLXaS0gt6etHYgtSQ9kmSgzjIrFmGWC3nfA7Zo/s1600/gnome_tutorial_v1_page1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLaGzDekQngmihCbVeUkBFnMtc9IZVZypXiJfdGcrrdqwwGYe-OrmDPQ5RUMMX8cdXvRfcGschtae-5xeVzxNQczldLHxEudlUD5x0tLXaS0gt6etHYgtSQ9kmSgzjIrFmGWC3nfA7Zo/s320/gnome_tutorial_v1_page1.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<div>
It contains step by step instructions for making our garden gnomes inspired by the Harry Potter series. We used the Chamber of Secrets and Fantastic Beasts references as well as the Pottermore website and video games.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdip8KTt2gSCPaDNs3IGlWAK6mmMVoHJ3nbJ4lWitm16eFMVk-qUnICf19uSaTiGJ9gggR6xbtbeX_eUmkWjt9-3Bd1etRfzHhFYgvEI4k4WFcnaKSVaMCe1u_qwT_7OJ31n_JxutYqA/s1600/gnome_tutorial_v1_tools_n_supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdip8KTt2gSCPaDNs3IGlWAK6mmMVoHJ3nbJ4lWitm16eFMVk-qUnICf19uSaTiGJ9gggR6xbtbeX_eUmkWjt9-3Bd1etRfzHhFYgvEI4k4WFcnaKSVaMCe1u_qwT_7OJ31n_JxutYqA/s320/gnome_tutorial_v1_tools_n_supplies.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Tools and Supplies list looks daunting, but I tried to describe each item so they would be easier to find.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnE_kCotH2ZLXM6SDZubfTJapMpNir_lovzQ0OwSSuSquzQ_v9xekRk09F7qz8l0RT51TA28nLjuSjOS6kpPnxHg_w3rV7P7WRjvJXi8HuQhmrgHJkXDYLLCagRyOv-ClfkC0GIgiNgY/s1600/100_6429b_wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnE_kCotH2ZLXM6SDZubfTJapMpNir_lovzQ0OwSSuSquzQ_v9xekRk09F7qz8l0RT51TA28nLjuSjOS6kpPnxHg_w3rV7P7WRjvJXi8HuQhmrgHJkXDYLLCagRyOv-ClfkC0GIgiNgY/s320/100_6429b_wm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There are options to make them into bean bags or plain dolls. And, they can be made with or without eyes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7F6Z-aiWbVD3GtTiYmSJxflGzJaHWwhU-N6j4-GG8Vap8nUraRIMFFvytZH79uEg6evWddHWZP2wuG9rLlx8aQQ832GAOP2HKRZVIYevjptm6nh8f1TjXC5cKMYggJmhsBy1J_DqFKw/s1600/100_6382_wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7F6Z-aiWbVD3GtTiYmSJxflGzJaHWwhU-N6j4-GG8Vap8nUraRIMFFvytZH79uEg6evWddHWZP2wuG9rLlx8aQQ832GAOP2HKRZVIYevjptm6nh8f1TjXC5cKMYggJmhsBy1J_DqFKw/s320/100_6382_wm.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div>
<br />
Hope you like the tutorial. If you try it, I would love to know how it goes!<br />
<br />
NOTE: <span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">If anyone has interest in a kit including all fabric/supplies for one of my tutorials, please message me. I'm curious if this would be of use to anyone, especially in doll making. I can buy eyes/joints in bulk that could save you money and time hunting down supplies. I also have surplus supplies for my other crafting projects.</span></div>
</div>
mieljoliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758426419108501188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099373992105890126.post-62856017360862781092016-01-20T15:57:00.001-06:002016-04-24T22:16:19.829-05:00DIY Makeup Organizer Upcycled for Zero Money<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85IVlWCyj3dHvhKuNpDpEHm9xWun7SJ8Og6A3wVOz5uOEIkKjS8EI9H6yyCC_mUmveMg2R-Lo8puhK685Ny51-mYrLQ-Q0DkKrF-92ePHxWALIv4XX3fpZZV4fPa3NCL2lyOJlndPQFc/s1600/100_8466b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85IVlWCyj3dHvhKuNpDpEHm9xWun7SJ8Og6A3wVOz5uOEIkKjS8EI9H6yyCC_mUmveMg2R-Lo8puhK685Ny51-mYrLQ-Q0DkKrF-92ePHxWALIv4XX3fpZZV4fPa3NCL2lyOJlndPQFc/s400/100_8466b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
For some time now I've been considering solutions for organizing random makeup. I've accumulated so much over the years for costuming that my bag/basket is out of control! I'm constantly digging for hard to find things in the bottom. Well, not long ago someone posted a product on Facebook that was actually pretty clever and totally DIY-able. It inspired me to try constructing my own upcycled version. (However, at $10-13 each velcro palette, the "Beauty Butler" (<a href="http://getbeautybutler.com/">http://getbeautybutler.com</a>) product is reasonable enough for the more lazy non-Do-It-Yourself-ers.) But, this post is not about how to make those. I have another idea that would work really well in conjunction with a "Beauty Butler" type system.<br />
<br />
The one thing I don't like about this velcro method, is that I still have to lug around all those plastic cases for each color of eyeshadow, blush, powder, lipstick, etc... I usually end up with many multi-color sets that I only like one color in, anyway. Don't get me started on the almost empty containers of colors I can no longer find. So, I got to thinking, and came up with a fairly easy down and dirty and absolutely FREE version using stuff I had around, of course. I used clear acrylic DVD cases and sheet magnets.<br />
<br />
I turned all of these:<br />
<div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjjQTUhP7fMRt0oLb7-cKXo8JLj577Aj8gzj_AQU4febxo6SFN6HWszY4RzY1SnrpQianUVl5eUHJMwjHLiko9nYpndXC8VnsqGBiluGgNDALChxXHgobsySvUNgTbj2GNCTStQHYQiA/s1600/100_8448b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjjQTUhP7fMRt0oLb7-cKXo8JLj577Aj8gzj_AQU4febxo6SFN6HWszY4RzY1SnrpQianUVl5eUHJMwjHLiko9nYpndXC8VnsqGBiluGgNDALChxXHgobsySvUNgTbj2GNCTStQHYQiA/s400/100_8448b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Into these two cases:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEOP2LGyDmpkgumINnbYoG4mAjKGAF7QnIKtDjtmJztHZuwwkyNRkJN71D4vl-IMkeUrRco1sKaU0Dwr8wdn0dCVdD35t0Q9HBETEpY4pQhgz0tBYsqOAXXU0RjfV-fhuQq91YlGNTgQ/s1600/100_8456b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEOP2LGyDmpkgumINnbYoG4mAjKGAF7QnIKtDjtmJztHZuwwkyNRkJN71D4vl-IMkeUrRco1sKaU0Dwr8wdn0dCVdD35t0Q9HBETEpY4pQhgz0tBYsqOAXXU0RjfV-fhuQq91YlGNTgQ/s400/100_8456b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Concealer, powder, blush and lipstick in one, while eyeshadows are in the other. How I did it was pretty easy, though I won't lie, it is not for all makeup. Some brands do not use the same metal pots as most do. And, some can be near impossible to remove from the cases. It did work well with about 98% of my compressed cake makeups. I chose to try this with my older used makeup (Hence the half empty pots and worn out cases in the pics.)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4R9VWRiqQJPLjNCpWpShxsYQlWV4GR0kC9VM18QCJbSzPCWEBU1i-YQ2tApopZvujlehg3QKFCMA8ldVevDRM8v6Zxei-ApkTA-dW3K3smW4hM3yI4K1Mkf9EwZ9AHkwat0d0UHwVf9c/s1600/100_8451b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4R9VWRiqQJPLjNCpWpShxsYQlWV4GR0kC9VM18QCJbSzPCWEBU1i-YQ2tApopZvujlehg3QKFCMA8ldVevDRM8v6Zxei-ApkTA-dW3K3smW4hM3yI4K1Mkf9EwZ9AHkwat0d0UHwVf9c/s400/100_8451b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I started by removing the metal pots from the containers. This is probably the trickiest part. Some are glued in better than others. Cover Girl, Maybeline, MaxFactor, Almay, Clinique and Este Lauder all seemed fairly easy to pry out with a razorblade or thin palette knife. But, they could change their packaging at any time. Please be careful if you try this, especially with expensive makeup. Be patient. The glue will need time to release slowly in some. (If you crack or crumble some of the powder content, it is easy enough to fix them. I use the lid on a chapstick or any clean flat object I could find to tamp the powder back into the pot., But, it really only happens when the powder is almost gone or in a flimsy pot.) Don't forget to remove the mirrors, too. You can stick those right in with the pots, or glue them to the case lid.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjk7vm6tIeALknewtNy83Ckk1IEO0tsxinMYL76U_AfEwa0N6C2lfcu1mjODwzorIkRtxwxRTC8bQhw9MBKoNfA1Q0hxg6g3GcTHdVdJPfoRHUpZjY2AGo6ilCo6KRXdiP4stDLsmdz4/s1600/100_8460b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjk7vm6tIeALknewtNy83Ckk1IEO0tsxinMYL76U_AfEwa0N6C2lfcu1mjODwzorIkRtxwxRTC8bQhw9MBKoNfA1Q0hxg6g3GcTHdVdJPfoRHUpZjY2AGo6ilCo6KRXdiP4stDLsmdz4/s400/100_8460b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I removed the disc holder liner from a DVD case and cut the part with the hinge off and put it back in the case to use as a brush holder (I cut it using my trusty jeweler's saw. I can't stress how handy these saws are for crafters and DIYers.). If you cut it just after the hinge, the narrow compartment should open up when the case is open.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgcEVuo8_anKfAq3E3V1CPkGEXC33ftjigCXDzJdYCmWu6BNc6iUFtiNv91VrAzwmEHt4q_AU9ytG_bPPOuxGJA2lKTGj1VH_CuzMg-EqJYabICjg5P789dvId4Yg3H5Rd-7UmYwLICk/s1600/100_8457b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgcEVuo8_anKfAq3E3V1CPkGEXC33ftjigCXDzJdYCmWu6BNc6iUFtiNv91VrAzwmEHt4q_AU9ytG_bPPOuxGJA2lKTGj1VH_CuzMg-EqJYabICjg5P789dvId4Yg3H5Rd-7UmYwLICk/s400/100_8457b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I lined the flat side of the case with a large magnet sheet I happened to have. You can also tile the smaller business size magnets. A little spray adhesive should hold them in place. You can cover the back with some paper or other material to hide the back of the magnet in the clear acrylic case.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRF7nEJOpMB3QmucvGpVVPAlXZiSbQafGsOhevdiqTT-oYkLah3nIKpFTsYLqjOsi4eINIqC3GNym1fP3oK4XvVO_Qehycrpdf5_AUzCRK27dlqIbxuH9HxuPMaCdHafAExVQBRnQTw-E/s1600/100_8464b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRF7nEJOpMB3QmucvGpVVPAlXZiSbQafGsOhevdiqTT-oYkLah3nIKpFTsYLqjOsi4eINIqC3GNym1fP3oK4XvVO_Qehycrpdf5_AUzCRK27dlqIbxuH9HxuPMaCdHafAExVQBRnQTw-E/s400/100_8464b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Now, I arranged all the various makeup onto the magnets. The little tin pots normally contain iron and will stick to magnets with no need to alter. However, you can use another piece of magnet and some adhesive to back the pots that won't stick. (I only had one off brand set that was aluminum.) The great part is that being magnetic, you can rearrange them endlessly. I also had a couple almost empty lipsticks, so I scooped out what was left in the tube and squished it into a clean empty pot using a palette knife. (Waste not, want not! Hehe )<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqS6PTAjOruYAlq7FkcNJaPqHayqQZMhDj_yQ-ZVZvPXFKYO2kE5ET_90tpgJZC1QRNExkrFfDgQObUdchmMEfJHYzILqBbG2CiaX0Ly-HPcnXQpHSeXMzxogtDNK_RXaZLk4ubzFUWOU/s1600/compact.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqS6PTAjOruYAlq7FkcNJaPqHayqQZMhDj_yQ-ZVZvPXFKYO2kE5ET_90tpgJZC1QRNExkrFfDgQObUdchmMEfJHYzILqBbG2CiaX0Ly-HPcnXQpHSeXMzxogtDNK_RXaZLk4ubzFUWOU/s320/compact.jpg" width="146" /></a><br />
<br />
I even added some magnet sheet to one of the larger blush containers, so I could travel lighter when needed. This whole thing also works with the smaller CD cases. <br />
<br />
TIP: If you remove the fronts of another DVD/CD cases, you can use them lined with magnet sheets or velcro compatible fabric for a DIY Beauty Butler to hold your brushes, tube lipstick, mascara, eyeliners, etc... (The black protector cover pictured in the 1st pic is actually an old Samsung tablet cover. They make some really nice cover s these days that could work really well for this.) <br />
<br />
Hope you find these tips useful! Until next time be craftabulous!</div>
mieljoliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758426419108501188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099373992105890126.post-30530615290063417742015-12-07T18:05:00.002-06:002015-12-19T13:54:27.310-06:00Doxies!!Another new magical creature to add to the magical menagerie. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuoorZridU5ZqQxG9GQzRuCe_KkU9AQUT-ZsmrTSoxk361FZpp2AKA6wE_fQfdSZqTum7WfU5mE0SrEE9gHoQmBzoZ-vZWUioWKY3gr-TGyuM7o1Wn0HEGJVzgcFsDoHWPMzOmeiDk7o/s1600/100_8364b_wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuoorZridU5ZqQxG9GQzRuCe_KkU9AQUT-ZsmrTSoxk361FZpp2AKA6wE_fQfdSZqTum7WfU5mE0SrEE9gHoQmBzoZ-vZWUioWKY3gr-TGyuM7o1Wn0HEGJVzgcFsDoHWPMzOmeiDk7o/s400/100_8364b_wm.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
These are doxies, or at least our interpretation of what one should look like, since they haven't made an appearance in the Harry Potter movies, yet. They are described in "Fantastic Beast & Where to Find Them" as:<br />
<br />
"...often mistaken for a fairy though it is a quite separate species. Like the fairy, it has a minute human form, though in the Doxy's case this is covered in thick black hair and has an extra pair of arms and legs. The Doxy's wings are thick, curved, and shiny, much like a beetle's..."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOAD7EUVt1k2WizNhNBHohZocv1mQaJyoSJM4VUQl1vruM5LJrZQKnEfvqDFl5ro1ZgUZcoONVCmw-RzAjLmrV7ZlxrxddGoI7LGrQWOv6DrBOB4ZBHcRcVv-1ETEzhvphcd9ewepJ6E/s1600/100_8338b_wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOAD7EUVt1k2WizNhNBHohZocv1mQaJyoSJM4VUQl1vruM5LJrZQKnEfvqDFl5ro1ZgUZcoONVCmw-RzAjLmrV7ZlxrxddGoI7LGrQWOv6DrBOB4ZBHcRcVv-1ETEzhvphcd9ewepJ6E/s200/100_8338b_wm.jpg" width="123" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioopg_TggS4XVdHB_vOGZAQNWakPoCdISxXVa6vYPfdSXhp955onmoi6P6DhLk9kalPjMnBHwEPIoY2Gw8sOz2Se98-RkPqEC5W2RTRKTHzqRg4Bv99uCr-phTGRaRWbvWSrJtWv_YSn4/s1600/100_8357b_wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioopg_TggS4XVdHB_vOGZAQNWakPoCdISxXVa6vYPfdSXhp955onmoi6P6DhLk9kalPjMnBHwEPIoY2Gw8sOz2Se98-RkPqEC5W2RTRKTHzqRg4Bv99uCr-phTGRaRWbvWSrJtWv_YSn4/s200/100_8357b_wm.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />
<br />
We made two attempts so far. The first is more human-like in the face. With the 2nd one we played on the Doxy name, which is what dachshund dogs have been nicknamed. The more dog-headed version is our favorite. We think it is the cutest.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDri16VZkOkzSwqN1wcaT21tqYn4sK6ieHUPJmDObrXM0EoVo029saapxYX-4keRPWlApHqCpgSjEIKd2SJ3bENbCN2TMh7yY7mGh4AjiL6gaJF3p2_fOwE76LA8sbTIRRNtHTatkE9c/s1600/100_8343b_wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDri16VZkOkzSwqN1wcaT21tqYn4sK6ieHUPJmDObrXM0EoVo029saapxYX-4keRPWlApHqCpgSjEIKd2SJ3bENbCN2TMh7yY7mGh4AjiL6gaJF3p2_fOwE76LA8sbTIRRNtHTatkE9c/s200/100_8343b_wm.jpg" width="127" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Tgb-9969uv68F0MKnYNaR9REtdx026-ykOiU1cnngltLRQiW2cJzI03hFyLWW63csVfhis3tXhj4kCSASpa4BybB46V0eL4uFhrB69B3_DZlYukJQZ-oIXC_2Hv1uOGEDYo0VIh363k/s1600/100_8348b_wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Tgb-9969uv68F0MKnYNaR9REtdx026-ykOiU1cnngltLRQiW2cJzI03hFyLWW63csVfhis3tXhj4kCSASpa4BybB46V0eL4uFhrB69B3_DZlYukJQZ-oIXC_2Hv1uOGEDYo0VIh363k/s200/100_8348b_wm.jpg" width="148" /></a><br />
<br />
They are about 7" tall with four arms and four legs. This is smaller than the pixies, which made it really tough to get all those arms and legs to fit on! <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EFSzhDNHZp3oV5cpfJLjdQDImveh-Zj6H4UJCA6oh821GZ2JEVN4Hzda2dzhyphenhyphenORybQDxKaR4_n5cKPf_C-C_tmupm-Q9bPPHo4YpbGL-LOvzWrJPZOLa9pnJmMogSFlmG-R5awrlWXc/s1600/100_8370b_wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EFSzhDNHZp3oV5cpfJLjdQDImveh-Zj6H4UJCA6oh821GZ2JEVN4Hzda2dzhyphenhyphenORybQDxKaR4_n5cKPf_C-C_tmupm-Q9bPPHo4YpbGL-LOvzWrJPZOLa9pnJmMogSFlmG-R5awrlWXc/s200/100_8370b_wm.jpg" width="137" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6caXmX6M1NKKStY7UoSqvonN8ixZcqazHQ81mWHMBzD94IHwBGADYP8Tfj-LFJTYKf_YPf4pH424C8bUXqsTlgIx2_a0Tqp0kRbgzzdma7N3CqFNBOy27FWULFEQARjR50gKlp7-3csQ/s1600/100_8353b_wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6caXmX6M1NKKStY7UoSqvonN8ixZcqazHQ81mWHMBzD94IHwBGADYP8Tfj-LFJTYKf_YPf4pH424C8bUXqsTlgIx2_a0Tqp0kRbgzzdma7N3CqFNBOy27FWULFEQARjR50gKlp7-3csQ/s200/100_8353b_wm.jpg" width="136" /></a><br />
<br />
The wings are cut from plastic root beer bottle painted underneath with nail polish. I want to add another transparent set of wings under these in the future. We've since found some hairier fabric we want to try, too. So, you may see a new attempt at these at some point. Not sure how that will go at this size, but we'll give it a try.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWR4QEmEud42sW-S55oqqvOAOMScjgJoBEZeVEyHgiyLTWvEQudi6a5oYGomvNHprjMSVgZAqAUcyYxU6cs7GxEwCP5zIzn32gdNo4vC1L-LbOt7ZRIaB2nJ_fMvu97uD29JkgFO3QL4/s1600/100_8374b_wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWR4QEmEud42sW-S55oqqvOAOMScjgJoBEZeVEyHgiyLTWvEQudi6a5oYGomvNHprjMSVgZAqAUcyYxU6cs7GxEwCP5zIzn32gdNo4vC1L-LbOt7ZRIaB2nJ_fMvu97uD29JkgFO3QL4/s200/100_8374b_wm.jpg" width="156" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDReHNnsmPJN_sadR-AMbT7mMWKwUHHkUrwlNRc9Z8QawMx2gaV7wmFcnEelyfEbfE4Ycgk7R4wtEgZKHP-XQeXBFqVADczM5tcegUj5mAlvYJ6iXSziIDbs7qtUtYYlVA7jiLN9nIGU/s1600/100_8377b_wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDReHNnsmPJN_sadR-AMbT7mMWKwUHHkUrwlNRc9Z8QawMx2gaV7wmFcnEelyfEbfE4Ycgk7R4wtEgZKHP-XQeXBFqVADczM5tcegUj5mAlvYJ6iXSziIDbs7qtUtYYlVA7jiLN9nIGU/s200/100_8377b_wm.jpg" width="143" /></a><br />
<br />
These are based off of a fairy pattern we've been working on. I'll post the tiny fairies once we finish some details and maybe put some clothes on them.mieljoliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758426419108501188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099373992105890126.post-45013997227650682482015-12-01T19:29:00.001-06:002016-07-03T10:58:20.681-05:00Cornish Pixie Tutorial is Available<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUTSy9n_9Zhb_VoQedj0LlfngUDcRLGN_jNIt4_YEgcFrY0nQ65irhJpafbtOAz3YJeJcOUAt6P0LFfLBfPB5JTeDOLbDrQxhGjC_AveeqUBOf3Zkf0a0PD2P53c8Ep_xNEhOStIdB-I/s1600/pixie_collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUTSy9n_9Zhb_VoQedj0LlfngUDcRLGN_jNIt4_YEgcFrY0nQ65irhJpafbtOAz3YJeJcOUAt6P0LFfLBfPB5JTeDOLbDrQxhGjC_AveeqUBOf3Zkf0a0PD2P53c8Ep_xNEhOStIdB-I/s400/pixie_collage.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Just listed the tutorial/pattern for the Cornish Pixies. Whew! It's a long one! I didn't realize how much my mom and I put into these little guys! But, I wanted to offer this to those who have expressed the desire to make their own. The instruction include everything we do on ours, and all the things we have learned in the process.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9V9Y3EdNOflA3lw4uLGF_dhLWz0H_xgPfUYsV-aGJ0BJ5TxVVrXFIR4liKmOwyXbhRd1BtxSKwZqgx2uqoSj33vgRlW2VxFGlqUJwMNeNyJgejTzZOFl1it48kBg4fRqt3p7yKXouJ_Q/s1600/pixie_listing_pg1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9V9Y3EdNOflA3lw4uLGF_dhLWz0H_xgPfUYsV-aGJ0BJ5TxVVrXFIR4liKmOwyXbhRd1BtxSKwZqgx2uqoSj33vgRlW2VxFGlqUJwMNeNyJgejTzZOFl1it48kBg4fRqt3p7yKXouJ_Q/s320/pixie_listing_pg1.jpg" width="248" /></a><br />
<br />
At 22 pages long, I'm still kinda leery of how complicated it might seem with all the steps. I'll admit it is a lot to remember. I'm thinking of offering a simplified version without joints, wired antennae, etc...at some point if necessary. So, I'd really like to hear how those who try the pattern and tutorial find it to be at different skill levels.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZD2nDD-fsHt9vC4NwAXLo3WeTfAFeqbOdt5LGzBtcPoalZNo6q858MMqoDxz0LCqDPosHPU9pxsCbFtonVic4wcEMwieMBzNV8KEccQA5h9BECG6Xsohc10mgsfETSnpmaAaSMnEdB1s/s1600/pixie_listing_pg3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZD2nDD-fsHt9vC4NwAXLo3WeTfAFeqbOdt5LGzBtcPoalZNo6q858MMqoDxz0LCqDPosHPU9pxsCbFtonVic4wcEMwieMBzNV8KEccQA5h9BECG6Xsohc10mgsfETSnpmaAaSMnEdB1s/s320/pixie_listing_pg3.jpg" width="248" /></a><br />
<br />
The supply list is even pretty long because I included explanations on each item, and a good portion of it is optional.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_rClPaSrCAu0MooLLedYfHZkqXJ1lyAnQy8wmoEEY5jEQGGB-aTIlNwNFs9jg3jRuddgPbMq4r2AzkSrHmCJbGK7S5qjvYpqo1Cn78Tk4lIuPFOKKvh4Mj-OTh5sYB5jjegn_AgXgxc/s1600/100_7735b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_rClPaSrCAu0MooLLedYfHZkqXJ1lyAnQy8wmoEEY5jEQGGB-aTIlNwNFs9jg3jRuddgPbMq4r2AzkSrHmCJbGK7S5qjvYpqo1Cn78Tk4lIuPFOKKvh4Mj-OTh5sYB5jjegn_AgXgxc/s320/100_7735b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
I've started a tutorial for gnomes. I don't think it will be near as long with their simpler construction. Also plan to work on one for the house elves, but we are still working on a few changes to the pattern. One of these changes is the size. We want to work out a life-sized version. We're up to an 18" one at this point. I hope to post about him in the near future. Got a few other projects to post before then. <br />
<br />
NOTE: <span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">If anyone has interest in a kit including all fabric/supplies for one of my tutorials, please message me. I'm curious if this would be of use to anyone, especially in doll making. I can buy eyes/joints in bulk that could save you money and time hunting down supplies. I also have surplus supplies for my other crafting projects.</span>mieljoliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758426419108501188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099373992105890126.post-33379278128199904632015-11-28T14:06:00.002-06:002015-11-28T14:06:52.841-06:00Let's Give This Dementor a Hand<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Vibvx4PqOXCU7eP_hd8572WQraUiDv5SRVjB3HrW45k02aGJgbmH7wFPpB23fy2MFnMBUDsubBRj1Na_ysCZxrONYgFSTeVdXfMiOo1kNlWbccCzb2Yu5kLoPFOJYJvYu4G1fgTalR0/s1600/100_8299b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Vibvx4PqOXCU7eP_hd8572WQraUiDv5SRVjB3HrW45k02aGJgbmH7wFPpB23fy2MFnMBUDsubBRj1Na_ysCZxrONYgFSTeVdXfMiOo1kNlWbccCzb2Yu5kLoPFOJYJvYu4G1fgTalR0/s320/100_8299b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
We just recently hosted our daughter's 3rd Harry Potter themed birthday party. She's now a teenager?! :O How time flies! We had lots of fun with the party. Even after two previous years of Harry Potter parties, we still managed to create a few new things for year number three's Prisoner of Azkaban theme. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAW_1ARYK8KkA6-l60g6HX5P85a-BpELOJ6qFvcGA_1TN1oXjEV_b6Jd8loVoi8KhubGg6fPCrM8o1MJA4o3xG5o3okSvngqn84dh7Zgvq-vDi1pje29aKRkUdPz67RPPm5U9ID2SaP0/s1600/100_8189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAW_1ARYK8KkA6-l60g6HX5P85a-BpELOJ6qFvcGA_1TN1oXjEV_b6Jd8loVoi8KhubGg6fPCrM8o1MJA4o3xG5o3okSvngqn84dh7Zgvq-vDi1pje29aKRkUdPz67RPPm5U9ID2SaP0/s320/100_8189.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
The first one I'll share is for our WIP dementor, Pete (His name is inspired by the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4ae_QriGKY" target="_blank">Moosebutter song</a>. We love all the clever Wizard Rock songs out there). Our dementor never quite got fully assembled, but we may get him finished before year Five when dementors show up near Privet Drive and the Ministry. But, I managed a pair of hands and a quick mask. Here is a brief tutorial of how I made the hands:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhDXVHr6MXWVnIk3Ikhl41_393xpo9YO6cS7xlvJC_4gKc7w251uMaw-STKYs23VY3wkabXSQkUZfSku5_hFw6pWSeVSgKk7HnqWuz2RyQJgyN2ddepi1b6brPhY2cdoyTU2EzGkZ0BY/s1600/100_8165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhDXVHr6MXWVnIk3Ikhl41_393xpo9YO6cS7xlvJC_4gKc7w251uMaw-STKYs23VY3wkabXSQkUZfSku5_hFw6pWSeVSgKk7HnqWuz2RyQJgyN2ddepi1b6brPhY2cdoyTU2EzGkZ0BY/s320/100_8165.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
This process is very similar to how I made my <a href="http://mieljolie.blogspot.com/2012/10/here-be-dragons.html" target="_blank">dragon wings</a>. I started with a wire hanger, some wooden beads (from a Christmas cranberry garland I found on the clearance table years ago. I've used these beads in many projects.) and lots of masking tape. I like the masking tape because it was already the color I wanted, it stays flexible and easy to use.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi300uLDWu6xTbvr30ztzgicPJ5qYmZp8LtBGW2VJtJI5AGEeu4hzUWOhXybb9JulTYFrTBNyTA8DxUHx_x05V-_7hgRnc3Jl8QHNrIHdyVsIPVzVx19BB4SfjKBXXy1OzqjZCPWfaVIV0/s1600/100_8171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi300uLDWu6xTbvr30ztzgicPJ5qYmZp8LtBGW2VJtJI5AGEeu4hzUWOhXybb9JulTYFrTBNyTA8DxUHx_x05V-_7hgRnc3Jl8QHNrIHdyVsIPVzVx19BB4SfjKBXXy1OzqjZCPWfaVIV0/s320/100_8171.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
I straightened the hanger and cut the wire to lengths and placed the beads where I wanted them for the joints in the fingers and taped them in place.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgboPqQIDmrtKx4MeXUVZ3po91kwzwfcQon_hF9tPU9n-7Qcps9780yYZ9u7RrKyGsnsIsa7qqnlMGg9avu49Xar9Jpi_1K7ZWIZlLRtpXzCWsT35eE4O_Bc4CmIOBC7IwGGnPANo9gvTs/s1600/100_8174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgboPqQIDmrtKx4MeXUVZ3po91kwzwfcQon_hF9tPU9n-7Qcps9780yYZ9u7RrKyGsnsIsa7qqnlMGg9avu49Xar9Jpi_1K7ZWIZlLRtpXzCWsT35eE4O_Bc4CmIOBC7IwGGnPANo9gvTs/s320/100_8174.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Then, I taped the fingers from tip to bottom leaving extra tape off both ends to make a pointy tip.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFznoeO39GqMvt4WDlvhMeAzJRTAb6TnbYXpGVNVAz-lmngd-LzgKR2-iVz2lRJ89cKLHdq5D7hC9kGeYsEkvygXcx34M0V3QkF4TjFEVybpjrMwwynhxBAzMVOHbeVXxBO4uuWmG8PA/s1600/100_8178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFznoeO39GqMvt4WDlvhMeAzJRTAb6TnbYXpGVNVAz-lmngd-LzgKR2-iVz2lRJ89cKLHdq5D7hC9kGeYsEkvygXcx34M0V3QkF4TjFEVybpjrMwwynhxBAzMVOHbeVXxBO4uuWmG8PA/s320/100_8178.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Next, I taped the fingers together one at a time adding them to the hand. Then wrapped more tape around to secure them in place. Some tape was wrapped between the fingers until they wouldn't move around too much. At this point I bent the fingers to resemble a more natural hand shape. This isn't really necessary, yet. They will still be posable once finished.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXJpadrOVqZfHmYX3LdG7_VGLklQsOXnh4-J8WFRC1mmS_WimrV7Btz6y6T60SBfqSkVNDxdQQpyUJYl_1II-nMLWUXrUYZfxyfBZXbSrH7-d9hHetarQRowGwvg9FvygU5sp6EGyRBM/s1600/100_8199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXJpadrOVqZfHmYX3LdG7_VGLklQsOXnh4-J8WFRC1mmS_WimrV7Btz6y6T60SBfqSkVNDxdQQpyUJYl_1II-nMLWUXrUYZfxyfBZXbSrH7-d9hHetarQRowGwvg9FvygU5sp6EGyRBM/s320/100_8199.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
I painted the taped covered wire with lots of fabric paint. The mixture of translucent Glow-In-The-Dark and Black slick paint makes a good slimy gray flesh of the dementor. One good squirt of black directly into the GITD paint bottle should be enough. (The applicator tip should pop off to make it easier to squirt the black in.) Shake it really well, and then shake it some more. You can test it and clear the tip of unmixed paint. Let it dry to determine the actual color.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34exEmsC5eoTV2m4QOUX_71ZMJxg86rLIeZ75f9zW8T-QZUnplqL8aILCHWWgqy7FQKPVrDppE8keKJB4rwiXVdYh8XPEnDTuP57iTfAWfJrY1IuLuK8XQ5mMdOksWOu-Cv26feDtPYw/s1600/100_8202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34exEmsC5eoTV2m4QOUX_71ZMJxg86rLIeZ75f9zW8T-QZUnplqL8aILCHWWgqy7FQKPVrDppE8keKJB4rwiXVdYh8XPEnDTuP57iTfAWfJrY1IuLuK8XQ5mMdOksWOu-Cv26feDtPYw/s320/100_8202.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Once the whole hand is covered, I added more paint as a webbing between the fingers. I found the fabric paint bottles were convenient to spread the fingers.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFHKd5ImRlUK9XGPUmD0XMk3y1f6aFY0OilCUew_9FNwCz3leCZTDdqePu359eDrUgpNg6n__FX09Ua2zOOMj3REbdiA9g00QKpVtBcLr6kPncNAJ666WoPlmBnwirAw30zG5p_v5804/s1600/100_8184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFHKd5ImRlUK9XGPUmD0XMk3y1f6aFY0OilCUew_9FNwCz3leCZTDdqePu359eDrUgpNg6n__FX09Ua2zOOMj3REbdiA9g00QKpVtBcLr6kPncNAJ666WoPlmBnwirAw30zG5p_v5804/s320/100_8184.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Once completely dry you can pose the hand however you like. Be sure to not lay it on anything it will stick to. If it is tacky, rub it with a little corn starch to prevent it from sticking. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5IMJIBXD7mQ1s5Oequk-5zYPpVm-9A43cw1kOHaQIMmv1-BZw9E-Jo3ecifhb9sgrWEvzfiDgDlDAxPZ_WYE1sNTCyQaTAOljHj9HvPP5CaFuKVjwI4GKUB7zMj1bIQ5Z-bPQsEZ_6xA/s1600/100_8290b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5IMJIBXD7mQ1s5Oequk-5zYPpVm-9A43cw1kOHaQIMmv1-BZw9E-Jo3ecifhb9sgrWEvzfiDgDlDAxPZ_WYE1sNTCyQaTAOljHj9HvPP5CaFuKVjwI4GKUB7zMj1bIQ5Z-bPQsEZ_6xA/s320/100_8290b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
This is what I ended up with. They were fun to pose around the house. I want to make a second pair with attached arm to hang them on Pete easier. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzArmJZdNpLXegv5Oss7cII8TybXFdCwV_whMF6zwONwp4KUWQaV7akh_w1kMgO9xmEp8qEJxL41F94xzcyBPspdANyoczlbK6TEtx5eWSOiq6yQSp5mJ0hBdxaEigfehBuCK25rKjJs/s1600/100_8192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzArmJZdNpLXegv5Oss7cII8TybXFdCwV_whMF6zwONwp4KUWQaV7akh_w1kMgO9xmEp8qEJxL41F94xzcyBPspdANyoczlbK6TEtx5eWSOiq6yQSp5mJ0hBdxaEigfehBuCK25rKjJs/s320/100_8192.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
Here is Pete's face. I used a plastic skull with it's mouth open to mold a piece of foil over before taping the foil and painting it the same way I did the hands. It looks lighter, but it is the same color as the hands. I'm still on the lookout for a suitable fabric for the dementor's robes. I see that the cheaper decorations this year are using black interfacing-like fabric. It may be too stiff for my purposes, though.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsV5GWy4kZSwXDuBkpL1kQpY1hO3TiyaOMMYQ3XeKJ1DwAdXIsAPJ7lCKc3oozm2doT9g2WvrZdRauUDNDmE-nrW3siNDF4reqPO0HEOiQs9BMgOAPAxKakPGSihsxM3aeYMC4JquQ5g/s1600/100_8284b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsV5GWy4kZSwXDuBkpL1kQpY1hO3TiyaOMMYQ3XeKJ1DwAdXIsAPJ7lCKc3oozm2doT9g2WvrZdRauUDNDmE-nrW3siNDF4reqPO0HEOiQs9BMgOAPAxKakPGSihsxM3aeYMC4JquQ5g/s320/100_8284b.jpg" width="224" /></a><br />
<br />
Our hands ended up guarding the entertainment system cabinet, so older students wouldn't try to skip class and watch football. :/<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGWTaipA6W8tNys5xuU8pC5I0pLfTYfr96M6Q56HNARo92PTw7B9bF2wf1_Ye4mqZZnptbqZQCs6G2Ptd6OAH08SQpfDX1mfD4wS-jJ2YSen_FcsVmWqoDJdqAC8Kvq8OXO79-DThkTs/s1600/100_8306b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGWTaipA6W8tNys5xuU8pC5I0pLfTYfr96M6Q56HNARo92PTw7B9bF2wf1_Ye4mqZZnptbqZQCs6G2Ptd6OAH08SQpfDX1mfD4wS-jJ2YSen_FcsVmWqoDJdqAC8Kvq8OXO79-DThkTs/s320/100_8306b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
But, I think they look just as creepy hanging out in the quidditch trunk my sister made for us. :) Next, I hope to post about some shrunken heads my mom and I made and the inexpensive upcycled bell jars we put them into.mieljoliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758426419108501188noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099373992105890126.post-84134134475554263472015-10-16T10:26:00.002-05:002015-10-16T14:46:17.922-05:00Gilded Cage Corset <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBsFbfG7R3l6rwPUgH5d1vdO9Ig-64Ra7FvyAImpVeWErSF0pMljg_fXdkRnCxFwXCYXPV8FA_StKT8V4qH5WWEcFsMsPLfQ2ASIOd96lRGiaRslyRCTB5mpIVHp7xeLVepIjXriq5ac/s1600/100_8034b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBsFbfG7R3l6rwPUgH5d1vdO9Ig-64Ra7FvyAImpVeWErSF0pMljg_fXdkRnCxFwXCYXPV8FA_StKT8V4qH5WWEcFsMsPLfQ2ASIOd96lRGiaRslyRCTB5mpIVHp7xeLVepIjXriq5ac/s400/100_8034b2.jpg" width="340" /></a><br />
<br />
If you follow my craft page on Facebook, you might have seen that I recently entered a corset decorating contest held by Orchard Corset. The challenge was to embellish one of their corset styles using whatever material we wanted to. Well, the results are in, and though I didn't place I consider my results a win for me. I'm happy with my new corset, which probably wouldn't have been finished without the motivation of the contest. There were some really nice entries you can see in OC's <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/orchardcorset/so-you-think-you-can-decorate/" target="_blank">Pinterest board</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVx5RC1oDhek0gTTmev-ZU21hqNwJ9ueDVpp9RJidAncwIfwhaWkNMz73b5DT6RmDuT7dgxtnRkdTfwRv30VH4yIgMxSTmQA-dJ48q2PD-fl8VcaOxEm6VcBb5uEKDZi6CGanVVSEfhI/s1600/100_8056b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVx5RC1oDhek0gTTmev-ZU21hqNwJ9ueDVpp9RJidAncwIfwhaWkNMz73b5DT6RmDuT7dgxtnRkdTfwRv30VH4yIgMxSTmQA-dJ48q2PD-fl8VcaOxEm6VcBb5uEKDZi6CGanVVSEfhI/s400/100_8056b.jpg" width="310" /></a><br />
<br />
It was slightly frustrating and labor intensive, but also an enjoyable learning experience that I managed to squeeze in between my other projects. (...and the main reason I didn't get a new witch BOO't available for this year.)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFoutO19jiLixQ0Ql-3h-qUF8W80-bWdvIKuB3QMhahIya476G0fWztxX-WoCKytoxmyiksLhV9a225JPmlRcYbGbb6UV9hiCRGejLt1XIlQW1UShU9QppMGn-cvPmJTdVvf98uUFCjA/s1600/orchard_corset_2c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFoutO19jiLixQ0Ql-3h-qUF8W80-bWdvIKuB3QMhahIya476G0fWztxX-WoCKytoxmyiksLhV9a225JPmlRcYbGbb6UV9hiCRGejLt1XIlQW1UShU9QppMGn-cvPmJTdVvf98uUFCjA/s400/orchard_corset_2c.jpg" width="342" /></a><br />
<br />
For my concept I wanted to do something with spooky trees similar to some of my witch boo'ts, but I stumbled across a raven in an image on Pinterest called "The Doorman" by Katya Horner that sparked my creativity. I liked the idea of an illusion of a gilded cage where it looks as if you are looking in at a raven in a cage or out from behind a gate/cage at the raven in the woods.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIm-Wymibh1THhnzLg6zTqNPYI2VA8u9UDFh2kPuIu6KYilK-VsiBziL7n32LuQ9JaO6hEquXXkFcYrNu1NDqGNLoQgvB-czg8f4MpHgzcUn8DcMIh5PGykJXaDsY84RTwvi-HzOfE6c/s1600/100_7971b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIm-Wymibh1THhnzLg6zTqNPYI2VA8u9UDFh2kPuIu6KYilK-VsiBziL7n32LuQ9JaO6hEquXXkFcYrNu1NDqGNLoQgvB-czg8f4MpHgzcUn8DcMIh5PGykJXaDsY84RTwvi-HzOfE6c/s400/100_7971b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I chose to use their 345 corset. I purchased one that was slightly uneven at the bottom edge, so I wanted to try my hand removing the binding to correct it, anyway. I figured the single boning channels would work well as part of the cage bars. While I had it apart to trim the lower edge I removed the boning and labeling the pieces to put them back in order. Removing the boning would prevent it from rusting when I dyed the beige/tan color with RIT's Aquamarine and Denim liquid fabric dye. I diluted just a little before applying it with a sponge brush. I avoided dying the boning channels only because I was going to paint them anyway, and they are thick and would take longer to dry. It is hard to see the two-tone color variation in the pics, but I was sorta going for a blurry shadow look for depth behind my imagery. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OYDGdwlU1mOtgiBy4log4-vzRHCESFBYYBlpNTSS7DDJFz9766Dk8_zeaztzYIdgp18jKvXOYV179Z9W3RH1BX5Ekby2jG2biwIQ58rA4o3ygPofGI42yDfjM0MlnvlEruH34imFIpg/s1600/100_7995b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OYDGdwlU1mOtgiBy4log4-vzRHCESFBYYBlpNTSS7DDJFz9766Dk8_zeaztzYIdgp18jKvXOYV179Z9W3RH1BX5Ekby2jG2biwIQ58rA4o3ygPofGI42yDfjM0MlnvlEruH34imFIpg/s400/100_7995b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Once I had it dried, I wanted to try a few different mediums on my wearable cotton twill art canvas. ;) I drew the raven and branches in place with pencil before going over it with permanent marker. I know marker isn't the best choice, but I really didn't want to make the panels on the corset too stiff with paint. This corset has not been broken in, and I imagine it still needs to do a bit of stretching to conform to me. Once I had the design on I started painting the boning channels black with craft paint.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtW93radoXAf7zOG6-wTWQRrEPSnDM8VdKerHJImGJucXOevuavIBeLt6IxZXd7I3sDzmoYufF1zuqNRF3ROZFilrKneRDTnFmb1LmtA31OTgHhEtpY8eV3H5jaVYLlWV6We3M-Mvk7s/s1600/100_8002b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtW93radoXAf7zOG6-wTWQRrEPSnDM8VdKerHJImGJucXOevuavIBeLt6IxZXd7I3sDzmoYufF1zuqNRF3ROZFilrKneRDTnFmb1LmtA31OTgHhEtpY8eV3H5jaVYLlWV6We3M-Mvk7s/s400/100_8002b2.jpg" width="348" /></a><br />
<br />
Next, I brushed a thin coat of bronze craft paint over the black channels. I also traced over the spiral designs with a mix of slick fabric paint in black and metallic gold that made a darker antique gold before adding some painted faux rivets to the channels. In hind sight I find it just a little too dark to contrast with the black silhouette branches in some lighting. I would like add a little more gold and go back over them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38DIMyLBIC4hVQ2BQEqZs6o7diutozhJPCFvqU9F49Q8Fk1kd6NK6u9IqT6-ZhKqw_7WP5nYWd9-Cenbif-0jnyf29tLaN6IBSNBuOAZwWqHsemrj-cYYWtIMKnrAOpiCHgqOtVRXBQw/s1600/100_8025b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38DIMyLBIC4hVQ2BQEqZs6o7diutozhJPCFvqU9F49Q8Fk1kd6NK6u9IqT6-ZhKqw_7WP5nYWd9-Cenbif-0jnyf29tLaN6IBSNBuOAZwWqHsemrj-cYYWtIMKnrAOpiCHgqOtVRXBQw/s400/100_8025b2.jpg" width="391" /></a><br />
<br />
After I was done decorating the corset, I found some brown bias tape to replace the bulkier double-layer tan twill binding that came on the corset. The brown actually matches with the bronze paint pretty well. Originally, I was thinking about using black binding and painting it like the boning channels, but opted not to thinking it would make the binding stiff and rough at the edges.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2J1EwlvMgkMd-aZ9Gu3mhfAFL3wKTnJTSR3E8qTpkuLe29fA0pIS4DtUH2Mqj5YJDh31VqPOahrwfN5T9HZUf1-N93WolYTTCsr0qOk3Dp2jPp3v9VFyXbU_Ay8GuqRm91SkQMqCAsNY/s1600/100_8040b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2J1EwlvMgkMd-aZ9Gu3mhfAFL3wKTnJTSR3E8qTpkuLe29fA0pIS4DtUH2Mqj5YJDh31VqPOahrwfN5T9HZUf1-N93WolYTTCsr0qOk3Dp2jPp3v9VFyXbU_Ay8GuqRm91SkQMqCAsNY/s400/100_8040b2.jpg" width="256" /></a><br />
<br />
That's pretty much everything. You can see more of the progress pics and supplies in the Pinterest board created for the contest here: <br />
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/mieljolie/so-you-think-you-can-decorate/">https://www.pinterest.com/mieljolie/so-you-think-you-can-decorate/</a><br />
<br />
Though I really love painting my witch boo'ts and other decorative projects, it's kinda cool to be able to wear your creations. I had a lot of fun on this. I really want to try another. I found an irregular 426 long line Orchard Corset in tan, but it will need way more correction before I can decorate it. Should have some costuming and props to show in the meantime.mieljoliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758426419108501188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099373992105890126.post-77987898583849694802015-10-13T12:41:00.000-05:002015-10-13T12:41:26.113-05:00Hogwart's Birthday 2nd Year - The Food and ClassesIt's been taking me forever to post all the things we did for our 2nd year Harry Potter themed party. I think I'll wrap it up with this post about the food.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkIqljmoe9yfRtOeNcktkHcfbbFGFyq0qGEuniDNIzFvAM3wvcPFU3i6o_Wn8dMRb4uglGHw56J937OiABxwBokOmoh2cbXjRHn368uTyo392i2i98AuGPe5bNH8RyVYqDi7UsyLNewY0/s1600/100_6671b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkIqljmoe9yfRtOeNcktkHcfbbFGFyq0qGEuniDNIzFvAM3wvcPFU3i6o_Wn8dMRb4uglGHw56J937OiABxwBokOmoh2cbXjRHn368uTyo392i2i98AuGPe5bNH8RyVYqDi7UsyLNewY0/s1600/100_6671b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Since our 2nd year party was first and foremost a birthday party, we served a cake for dessert, of course. This year's cake was inspired by Aunt Petunia's Pudding. We used a packaged cake mix for a two layer chocolate cake. Since the pudding looked like it would end up being a lot of frosting, which we're not too fond of, we experimented with ways to make it lighter. So, I added whipped cream to the frosting. I may have gotten carried away and used too much whipped cream. It began to get soft really fast, but there were no complaints about the taste. :)<br />
<br />
We served students the feast dinner of Turkey and all the trimming, including Pumpkin Pasties.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnX5xwDaqgYgaR4Jm2HFdA9gCmLUd8FhnHXkxNbWpLQjrC2WttzetSq5Fty7l01kjA-bwF5PYzRVsOlQrNaMg_g16sU_wk8H_PGsRn1KsFAto5M_KA9ZoBfpGpxCWOBkm8-JLWwMrd2A/s1600/100_6685b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnX5xwDaqgYgaR4Jm2HFdA9gCmLUd8FhnHXkxNbWpLQjrC2WttzetSq5Fty7l01kjA-bwF5PYzRVsOlQrNaMg_g16sU_wk8H_PGsRn1KsFAto5M_KA9ZoBfpGpxCWOBkm8-JLWwMrd2A/s1600/100_6685b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
We used the same recipe for pumpkin pasties from last year. But, we opted for leftover green frosting stems instead of green gumdrops pictured below. Though, the spearmint ones weren't too bad.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmIIp8ooMWG4JY9KiaTfDntNgAQJLecV1aeax6gJwSH2C4rm2nBHcro8eyvlBnyVfMmMfJH73nItK0STCnMt7QVepvLAa6kkrKSdpq7zHZ6CXZ8fHHLhig5pNfjcx6QMsNcULCS1BmkY/s1600/100_6694b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmIIp8ooMWG4JY9KiaTfDntNgAQJLecV1aeax6gJwSH2C4rm2nBHcro8eyvlBnyVfMmMfJH73nItK0STCnMt7QVepvLAa6kkrKSdpq7zHZ6CXZ8fHHLhig5pNfjcx6QMsNcULCS1BmkY/s1600/100_6694b.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiv4zBrHqIx8NQqRZo7I-buh_OBb6p0HAjM5GsE_yhz27m8U8czM7y58DgFkq91QkwQRjyJk8G4xNvOlIVQy-paZqEj-2M-GwvIz1b_FPBrgCzFZIesqslZ2iszNNPKMLO9iY2nCyxno/s1600/100_6678b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiv4zBrHqIx8NQqRZo7I-buh_OBb6p0HAjM5GsE_yhz27m8U8czM7y58DgFkq91QkwQRjyJk8G4xNvOlIVQy-paZqEj-2M-GwvIz1b_FPBrgCzFZIesqslZ2iszNNPKMLO9iY2nCyxno/s1600/100_6678b.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
As I have mentioned in last years party planning, the pasty is made with packaged biscuit dough. We pulled the biscuit layers apart in the middle. Set one half in our mini bundt cake pan for the shape and filled them with pumpkin pie filling that was strained for the juice. We placed the top half on and punched the sides a little to seal. Once bakes and cooled, we added the frosting stems. I didn't have a tip large enough for the stem, but found that a sport bottle top pulled off and cut worked quite well. (This is our whipped cream frosting, so that is why it looks rather runny.)<br />
<br />
After dinner and games it was late, so we dismissed the students. We held a showing of the Chamber of Secrets movie in our makeshift home theatre with popcorn, last years pumpkin juice recipe and butter beer. This year we acquired a projector and surround sound speakers from family members, so we had a really neat setup in our DADA classroom (aka: living room).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://33.media.tumblr.com/ed65924e4ae7339acd71522780d27510/tumblr_mt50oaKSki1rho40yo5_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://33.media.tumblr.com/ed65924e4ae7339acd71522780d27510/tumblr_mt50oaKSki1rho40yo5_250.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
The next morning the plan was breakfast and start classes at 9am. There was a surprise waiting for our Slytherins (that I failed to get a pic of before they were gone.) It was in the form of two floating cupcakes suspended in front of their door when the came out of their common room. They were suspicious but ate them anyway. ("How thick can you get?!") They were yellow cupcakes with chocolate frosting and sprinkles just like Hermione made in the movie. We used large flat buttons tied to fishing line that was poked up through the cupcake to suspend. We used an "S" hooks to hang them from the door frame.<br />
<br />
We had a busy schedule this year, so were light on the classes. Besides DADA and Potions, which I've already mentioned, we also had Herbology - Re-potting Mandrakes.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rmkWHm-t72B1zq0JGbolT4pqT_a4_lEI87z4xRBx7oMumcdtVkH0Jss9QFWrBfbgmjzJUJNUWZ1qxBZRICYB92Cl3U6dTsxjer6_-y07H2OCJED3TY5IgiAMKlqQz0QyhgdgF7yi0B8/s1600/100_6663b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rmkWHm-t72B1zq0JGbolT4pqT_a4_lEI87z4xRBx7oMumcdtVkH0Jss9QFWrBfbgmjzJUJNUWZ1qxBZRICYB92Cl3U6dTsxjer6_-y07H2OCJED3TY5IgiAMKlqQz0QyhgdgF7yi0B8/s1600/100_6663b.jpg" width="287" /></a><br />
<br />
We wanted to make mandrakes that were edible. We decided on some graham cracker bears and artificial leaf stems glued in the center with homemade cookie icing (this stuff is super easy to make and holds extremely well when set). I cut apart and washed the artificial stems. (I think it might have been nice to use mint or other edible greens.) We potted them in mini ice cream cone pots. Then, students would repot them into larger cones with some crumbled chocolate cake and then some Oreo cookie crumbs mixed with graham cracker crumbs to resemble dirt. While no one was looking, we thought about replacing the repotted cookie bears with larger mandrake cookies. These could be part of another game where students would have to revive their classmates with mandrake restorative drafts when they lost our Basilisk game in the evening.<br />
<br />
Charms - We came up with charmed pancakes for breakfast. If you've seen the Youtube video where the guy draws with pancake batter, then you get the idea. Basically we'd let each student charm the batter into a recognizable image in our magical, or electric, skillet This is actually really simple and fun. Just need a squirt bottle, like those used for ketchup or other condiments. The daughter and I made a Hogwart's crest and some other simpler things like bats and faces.<br />
<br />
We had some other ideas for classes that didn't end up happening.<br />
<br />
Potions - We want to up the difficulty of the potions class by changing the ingredient game from last year by making students identify the ingredients in a mixture instead of individual ingredients. For example: Kool-aid, Sugar and Water could be one potion.<br />
<br />
Transfiguration - We thought about making a puzzle game using shapes. Students would transfigure a rat into a water goblet or teacup by reordering the pieces.<br />
<br />
If you've noticed, we've been busy working on pixies, house elves and gnomes and the tutorial for each of them. I think we've got the pixies and gnomes perfected, and there are some pixies listed in my Etsy store with gnomes to follow. But, there are still some changes we'd like to make the the house elves. Hope to have them available soon.mieljoliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758426419108501188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099373992105890126.post-3200980927145954462015-09-20T22:27:00.002-05:002015-12-07T14:37:01.649-06:00Pixies have infested Etsy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdcLILLPzz3iu5e24zz3yZm4FDHS4CY4wpR4v6Wz8m3qUd6BJj-Z0MngFJNtyMuJ6NuQ5AB0HQ_5Tpc2SH2hpnLQGt10VAm1IShfCSxMCMsIAFiqj1VFjg53Xnel8B90PN_-LeTcdM_Q/s1600/100_7733b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdcLILLPzz3iu5e24zz3yZm4FDHS4CY4wpR4v6Wz8m3qUd6BJj-Z0MngFJNtyMuJ6NuQ5AB0HQ_5Tpc2SH2hpnLQGt10VAm1IShfCSxMCMsIAFiqj1VFjg53Xnel8B90PN_-LeTcdM_Q/s400/100_7733b.jpg" width="261" /></a><br />
<br />
Cornish Pixies have infested my Etsy store! We've rounded them up into two listing options. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVh88vWYtyPvpRHyQDpY-MIsGbmjvs6NkVuPLSJFiGm_depsPJETQw2Omjgojz_fo20Uz_J-BgaucfJ_rgNyHxcGx5pClHOtOHFeUiu2ngpdNufD5wxe9JQPPKZTsVlDsZMBc2VERTxg4/s1600/100_7779b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVh88vWYtyPvpRHyQDpY-MIsGbmjvs6NkVuPLSJFiGm_depsPJETQw2Omjgojz_fo20Uz_J-BgaucfJ_rgNyHxcGx5pClHOtOHFeUiu2ngpdNufD5wxe9JQPPKZTsVlDsZMBc2VERTxg4/s400/100_7779b2.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
One listing is for the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/246017870/plush-jointed-cornish-pixie-1-or-3" target="_blank">newer pixies</a> like these with the option for purchasing one of choice or a set of three.<br />
(https://www.etsy.com/listing/246017870/plush-jointed-cornish-pixie-1-or-3)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56aYF_u6qbKP2HmT6Pxw5OtOVakj4BFT5puaU9VEG9i5YYVPHZMd946lbUIep0xqv81XIPFs0g0sZ_WgjNJcTVy7KJ_J28vEA-1BIIR9gYyE8Up4-7xwTG30iu3VDumlLewz8W1KJ8IY/s1600/100_7831b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56aYF_u6qbKP2HmT6Pxw5OtOVakj4BFT5puaU9VEG9i5YYVPHZMd946lbUIep0xqv81XIPFs0g0sZ_WgjNJcTVy7KJ_J28vEA-1BIIR9gYyE8Up4-7xwTG30iu3VDumlLewz8W1KJ8IY/s400/100_7831b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
There is also another listing for a set of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/247326989/set-of-3-plush-jointed-cornish-pixies" target="_blank">three of the older version</a> with the blue eyes. Once these guys are gone, it will only be the newer solid blacked ones available, unless otherwise requested.<br />
(https://www.etsy.com/listing/247326989/set-of-3-plush-jointed-cornish-pixies)<br />
<br />
We're hoping to keep these in the Etsy store at least until the end of the year. The tutorial will also be available shortly. And, due to the popularity of the idea of using them on a nursery mobile, we are working on adding some simpler ones more suitable for younger children with loops on their backs for hanging on mobiles. Look for those to be available in around a month.<br />
<br />
UPDATE: Now you can make your own pixies using our Cornish Pixie Pattern/Tutorial available in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/mieljolie" target="_blank">my Etsy store</a> (mieljolie).<br />
<br />mieljoliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758426419108501188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099373992105890126.post-24767819567990691072015-08-26T19:38:00.001-05:002015-12-07T14:38:01.831-06:00It's a Pixie Evolution!I know I've been promising for some time to have pixies, elves and gnomes finished for this fall. Don't fear. We've got four pixies ready to go, a few more at various stages, and possibly some of the older experimental ones. Should have some listed by September along with the tutorial. But, before I get them finished up I thought I'd share some comparisons of all the things we've changed since we made our first pixies over the years. Though I'm finally working up an actual pattern/tutorial for these that includes all the revised pattern pieces at the correct size with tips and solutions we discovered for various problems we faced, I wanted to take this time to go through our experience for those who would rather alter <a href="https://ghilie.wordpress.com/tutorials/" target="_blank">Ghillie's Poppet pattern/tutorial</a> to make their own. Hopefully some useful information can be gleamed from all this. I'd love to hear any opinions on them, too. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSp-D1DGYu4TU_pn7iJdHfuiM6uKAFZZyd-Cn5uRye314mNR9NSOVNT7D6jm3sayxVNdH5_Y4ZQWnSMjnsqNLcUg2DPA8hPxWTChvWFYux_rK7bT_Fh1hhBQp9eE6aXcUiei2OzDbaYTA/s1600/100_7394b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSp-D1DGYu4TU_pn7iJdHfuiM6uKAFZZyd-Cn5uRye314mNR9NSOVNT7D6jm3sayxVNdH5_Y4ZQWnSMjnsqNLcUg2DPA8hPxWTChvWFYux_rK7bT_Fh1hhBQp9eE6aXcUiei2OzDbaYTA/s400/100_7394b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
We tried to make them as close to the CoS movie version as possible, at first. However, we wanted to go with the books description over anything else. If you've read my previous posted on pixies (<a href="http://mieljolie.blogspot.com/2008/12/moms-1st-poppet-cornish-pixie.html" target="_blank">1st</a>, <a href="http://mieljolie.blogspot.com/2011/07/peskipiksi-pesternomi.html" target="_blank">2nd</a>, <a href="http://mieljolie.blogspot.com/2011/12/sew-many-have-slipped-by.html" target="_blank">3rd and 4th</a>, <a href="http://mieljolie.blogspot.com/2012/09/immobulus-pesky-pixie-problems-solved.html" target="_blank">more</a>, and <a href="http://mieljolie.blogspot.com/2015/05/lockharts-dada-pop-quiz-and-pixie-hunt.html" target="_blank">more</a>) you can see the learning process at work. Though her tutorial and pattern are wonderful, no pattern piece in Ghillie's original pattern, nor even instructions, were safe from our tweaking. Every part was adjusted or completely changed for some reason or another. I won't even go into the wing experiments we went through again, which in her book "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" Rowling decided they don't even have (This explains why they are removable.). She, or should I say Newt describes:<br />
<br />
"The pixie is...Electric blue in colour, up to eight inches in height and very mischievous...Although wingless, it can fly and has been known to seize unwary humans by the ears and deposit them at the top of tall trees and buildings..."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdJG8Dn0fAHJHM1m8bKG8v9Ov9tCZ5SxhvhtnzgPTq4vX_skRQCAzEbha4PvIpKga7WEM_QLBCuravKuJZA57_iX7ub_YrcNPVN8_-6ICBUrrSBsVl_laTegJV8MTj8qX0dVFaHktbDs/s1600/100_7395b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdJG8Dn0fAHJHM1m8bKG8v9Ov9tCZ5SxhvhtnzgPTq4vX_skRQCAzEbha4PvIpKga7WEM_QLBCuravKuJZA57_iX7ub_YrcNPVN8_-6ICBUrrSBsVl_laTegJV8MTj8qX0dVFaHktbDs/s400/100_7395b2.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
So, our versions have been a mashup of the different sources into an ever morphing creature as we learn new skills. In the beginning, we experimented most with was the fabric choice. We've tried a few different fabrics but really prefer the Alova Suede Cloth, which can be difficult to find in the right colors, especially in the wrong season. There are similar faux suedes, velours and other fabrics, but again, to make the two tone version, it is tough to find a good combo. Steer clear of anything woven that can fray! As an inexpensive choice I'd say Polar Fleece (Georgie and Lewdvig in the center of the above pic) was okay, and it comes in all sorts of colors. Only problem with it is that it tends to stretch out and loses the sculpted details. We've also tried some vinyl fabric on the house elves, but don't recommend it at a small size. The suede cloth is easy to work with and doesn't rip or fray too easily and is thin enough to work well for tiny parts. We had our best luck finding it in the fall. The main portion of the body is a bright almost royal blue while the tummy and ears are a lighter shade of blue or dark lavender leaning toward the violet side.<br />
<br />
As you can see above, we've also tried different face and eye treatments. We tried some eyelids on a couple (Lewdvig and Marvin above) and even a nose from the gnomes. The doll eyes have varied in size, too. At the moment, we are preferring the solid black over the blue irises which tends to make them look a little spaced out.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIstzSpEzsCJ4vMZZvDXM-32LXSC-UxvIXUIbE8CQVSsIpTAuf2p5fJXDaXPN6_bPGAZz5h5JmSk5AOahs3MDgBwVNDK3WiuiLupthMSgyi_Pg8oExoEFuVEnBYgI_jNrtmTw3JvAPjcA/s1600/100_7398b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIstzSpEzsCJ4vMZZvDXM-32LXSC-UxvIXUIbE8CQVSsIpTAuf2p5fJXDaXPN6_bPGAZz5h5JmSk5AOahs3MDgBwVNDK3WiuiLupthMSgyi_Pg8oExoEFuVEnBYgI_jNrtmTw3JvAPjcA/s400/100_7398b2.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The size was something we were back and forth on. We shrank the original poppet pattern down, guessing at the size and proportions in the movies, but it was too large based on the description in the Rowling's books, which is "up to eight inches". The originals we made ended up about 11-12" tall from antenna tip to toe. As our skills improved, we were able to work with smaller parts. But, when resizing the pattern, we couldn't just shrink it. The seam allowances also shrinks and isn't wide enough to be adequate. We had to widen each seam at the smaller size. The tiny 7" size on the far right was WAY too frustrating. The legs and arms get skinnier and harder to turn, so you loose the fingers and toes and wind up with clubs for hands and feet. We didn't even want to try the covered antennae. We used wire covered in metallic blue fabric paint, instead. After various attempts, we settled on an 8-9.5" range. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRR9Q_5mIXK-CfY-OA3FB5OD78UXt_R4ZOiyXTUiD9VvF_0Cq_TIcn7D0ZegtNxsYmUhNoNSceFgEbqFnE9AJjmROebldUt6qdfGEDcIX4Pam3oLec6kknHCYMg7s4P7xMGMM8FTz23A/s1600/100_7389b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRR9Q_5mIXK-CfY-OA3FB5OD78UXt_R4ZOiyXTUiD9VvF_0Cq_TIcn7D0ZegtNxsYmUhNoNSceFgEbqFnE9AJjmROebldUt6qdfGEDcIX4Pam3oLec6kknHCYMg7s4P7xMGMM8FTz23A/s400/100_7389b2.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The joints have always given us grief at the smaller size. It was hard to find affordable shank buttons and in a size that fit in the arm without showing a bulge. We tried a few different solutions that each had good and bad effects. We even tried removing the buttons all together as in the 1st pixie on the left, but I don't think this is practical if the dolls will be played with much or posed frequently. Next, we tried just sewing the arms and legs into the body seams like the gnomes. This is easier and sturdier, but eliminates the ability to pose them, which we liked. Then, we got the idea to try small snap on doll eyes as joints with washers. This works good, but is more costly and still a wee bulky...not to mention hard to find around here in tiny sizes. We reluctantly went back to shank buttons, but have now found a way of making common inexpensive flat buttons work by changing the way we put them in.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5EYPmNYi6qJRV0kzwyStVLuNy2IAMv9eysQ2bYrhqATyXrsDVw9FB7xn3jYRZJoniSLkT1m9KdliULjqHYh8vnaf_08ZAsvkpkGdcq5BZJ138zktKHPmVx7obbx5EZOeZH-u1tTNVC_c/s1600/new_compare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5EYPmNYi6qJRV0kzwyStVLuNy2IAMv9eysQ2bYrhqATyXrsDVw9FB7xn3jYRZJoniSLkT1m9KdliULjqHYh8vnaf_08ZAsvkpkGdcq5BZJ138zktKHPmVx7obbx5EZOeZH-u1tTNVC_c/s640/new_compare.jpg" width="353" /></a><br />
<br />
Here are two later phase pixie side by side. For the new and improved pixies we found a way to make the antennae slightly narrower and finally added the tail nub in back. We overlooked the tail in the first ones due to the lack of good reference photos of the back of the pixie. We've also arched the back, widened the ears and head, and cleaned up the toes. Not pictured, we also came up with a wired ear that can be posed that you may notice on a couple when I post them on Etsy. We plan to use this new wired ear feature in some house elves.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj29iFkXyoA39FDYsDk9YqjofzM3kWcZxhC-zQplaPaddChFwqT50Qdc1ymCNyA57jqllA45TwVJOzSgzJHlWCJfCGE7SAxr4VTggo653r26XD5g-G437HSFZQIMfTBVnpUZqfHvL5_fs/s1600/100_7400b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj29iFkXyoA39FDYsDk9YqjofzM3kWcZxhC-zQplaPaddChFwqT50Qdc1ymCNyA57jqllA45TwVJOzSgzJHlWCJfCGE7SAxr4VTggo653r26XD5g-G437HSFZQIMfTBVnpUZqfHvL5_fs/s400/100_7400b.jpg" width="292" /></a><br />
<br />
This is where we are at this point. There are so many other things we've learned. I'd say we've come a long way since the beginning. With all the changes, I'd decided it is probably kinda confusing to just keep sending people to Ghillie's Poppet pattern with a long list of changes to make. So, as I've mentioned, I have spent a good deal of time lately working on an indepth tutorial, which is coming together pretty well. Hope to have it up with the pixies this fall. Thank you for the patience. And, big THANK YOU to all who have left comments and contacted me about these. As much as we have enjoyed making them and having them around our house, it is nice to know others appreciate them, too. The daughter has even told me she thinks these new ones are way cuter and more like the movies. She even likes them more than the licensed ones we've seen for sale with the creepy grins. I think I have to agree that grin is creepy! But, I don't know if ours is in the same league. It was sweet of her to say that, though.<br />
<br />
UPDATE: Now you can own one of our pixies or make your own using our Cornish Pixie Pattern/Tutorial available in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/mieljolie" target="_blank">my Etsy store</a> (mieljolie).mieljoliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758426419108501188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099373992105890126.post-78884961757474532532015-05-05T15:00:00.000-05:002015-05-05T15:00:51.518-05:00Lockhart's DADA Pop Quiz and Pixie Hunt<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4hhxz1AlAaa4tjBhbyn0ZowVRPhI6M4Z3Jj7Ejz__rHYbbpyjiShThijZ-a4xtNX9Zx-WxOsP5HuueOYFgSRIEgGAifSfpSlKs4vq4hoim4Mkm9ZPoVAmeP0JJqY07Hi6EIg6anEo5U/s1600/100_6851b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4hhxz1AlAaa4tjBhbyn0ZowVRPhI6M4Z3Jj7Ejz__rHYbbpyjiShThijZ-a4xtNX9Zx-WxOsP5HuueOYFgSRIEgGAifSfpSlKs4vq4hoim4Mkm9ZPoVAmeP0JJqY07Hi6EIg6anEo5U/s1600/100_6851b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
This post is a continuation of the projects we attempted for the 2nd Annual Harry Potter themed birthday party we held back in November. To keep student busy while we prepared the House Cup Award Ceremony and End of Term Feast, we sent them to the DADA classroom where they took a 54 question Gilderoy Lockhart pop quiz and helped return escape pixies to their cage. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpT5XBQNfzGRyARBlFq_d7MOnBOszdCiQncJ2evIjS3SfVKGeKDc8xg6e-Rqd5JIJN4aSxykaaAUnbdSakxKeO234IkvZJIw-Rcg1sr739rbeSyl5Lh0TRJy1qQ7Kk7AQtkf7DsMj-97I/s1600/100_7166b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpT5XBQNfzGRyARBlFq_d7MOnBOszdCiQncJ2evIjS3SfVKGeKDc8xg6e-Rqd5JIJN4aSxykaaAUnbdSakxKeO234IkvZJIw-Rcg1sr739rbeSyl5Lh0TRJy1qQ7Kk7AQtkf7DsMj-97I/s320/100_7166b2.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Pop Quiz</b><br />
The quiz was, of course, essay questions all about the professor with all facts taken from the books, movies and even the Pottermore website. It was pretty tough coming up with 54 questions about this supporting character. I printed the 3 page quiz on longer legal-size paper, which I planned to stain like parchment with watercolor as pictured. We expected students to fail miserably in answering most of the obscure questions, but we were surprised by their knowledge of everything Lockhart. Two student just about had full marks and there were many humorously clever answers that we read aloud. Students all got a signed glossy photo for their effort.<br />
<br />
- Would you like a copy of the quiz? Find a PDF <a href="https://app.box.com/s/h2zfenf3u81ezg5o02y9pv448shjmx3z" target="_blank">here</a>. And, you can find the answer key <a href="https://app.box.com/s/s2trr13hcfpqjx0uojqnlaaocnkkquwn" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
- Or, why not try taking the <a href="https://www.playbuzz.com/mieljolie10/professor-lockharts-dada-pop-quiz" target="_blank">playbuzz version</a> to see how well can you do?<br />
<br />
We wanted to give the DADA classroom some elements specific to 2nd year. So we came up with the following simple projects:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CsQtJ1qwAnbA338n4muYWdbp_inofumjLp53EdnMV7EHws5gm25KuBrSNq8Kir-WSf1jgE81ZuqBXCjDFGNXFIyp2JXoBeRogq1lQ-VjuVHNWbM8vL_0a8bEA3k69XP2EC9cuaBOlJ4/s1600/100_7074b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CsQtJ1qwAnbA338n4muYWdbp_inofumjLp53EdnMV7EHws5gm25KuBrSNq8Kir-WSf1jgE81ZuqBXCjDFGNXFIyp2JXoBeRogq1lQ-VjuVHNWbM8vL_0a8bEA3k69XP2EC9cuaBOlJ4/s1600/100_7074b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Framed Pictures</b><br />
In the Chamber of Secrets movie, Lockhart's office was littered with framed pictures and paintings of himself, so I scoured the internet to print as many pics of Lockhart that I could find. I trimmed the printouts and covered all the framed photos we had in our house gathering them into our DADA room. (We must look like obsessed fans of the actor, Kevin Branagh. Hahaha) I tried my darnedest to find a decent pic of the large oil painting of him painting himself, but alas, I did not succeed on that one.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhIU6m2e-jbWs_E2tJ8vpVk4TWagNNuwSh-Cniw1XqyBxeQk2SRauP2eKoH5X0NeAqxpbrtbLrM_432EAlLjjDt_4Msj7c_ImNLa6XetOTyXp_45C-tTk4rkmcnJFT2vchFm2-XKUACE/s1600/100_7081b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhIU6m2e-jbWs_E2tJ8vpVk4TWagNNuwSh-Cniw1XqyBxeQk2SRauP2eKoH5X0NeAqxpbrtbLrM_432EAlLjjDt_4Msj7c_ImNLa6XetOTyXp_45C-tTk4rkmcnJFT2vchFm2-XKUACE/s1600/100_7081b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Signed Photos and S</b><b>imple Peacock Quill </b><br />
The desk in the classroom was littered with some of the professor's things. Some of the images I found of Lockhart were actually signed already. So, I printed up some of these in 5x7 glossies to pass out to students. ( you may notice the one on the right is actually signed as Branagh. Oops. Hehe) And, of course we had to have a peacock quill to sign them with. We made one at the last minute by floral taping a tail feather to a pen with the barrel removed. Then, I wrapped the stem with green string.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiImjXZbDmtUPbS6gXg4x229VMpdBo7svrTh8_OahcHptrIWVJUO5Kz2Uldvf6mFlzWa1CzBtJAqhHmvZUu5sAvYXmKs8UIBDobO4e6JklCcBHOzZjdyenAly9PF_NH0gzCcxcg3fLECME/s1600/100_7071b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiImjXZbDmtUPbS6gXg4x229VMpdBo7svrTh8_OahcHptrIWVJUO5Kz2Uldvf6mFlzWa1CzBtJAqhHmvZUu5sAvYXmKs8UIBDobO4e6JklCcBHOzZjdyenAly9PF_NH0gzCcxcg3fLECME/s1600/100_7071b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Textbook Covers</b><br />
I didn't managed to find many decent pics online to use as book covers for the 1st and 2nd year textbooks used in the Harry Potter movies. I did find a few lower resolution ones, even a couple from the obnoxiously long list required by Lockhart. Some needed a little photoshopping to clean them up, but they looked convincing enough wrapped around random books. I made one complete set off of the textbooks reworking the tiny thumbnail images on Pottermore to fill in the missing covers I couldn't find.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Magical Theory</li>
<li>Standard Book of Spells - Grade 1 and 2</li>
<li>History of Magic</li>
<li>The Dark Forces</li>
<li>Magical Drafts and Potions</li>
<li>A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration</li>
<li>1000 Magical Herbs and Fungi</li>
<li>(We already had "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them")</li>
</ul>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUid4avZgzhtWnenPO2H5hyphenhyphenUKMqiOz1i00_6GWcf9FWz6m-BmKM9hC7FMVxcpZGAdkRFO8XpJrWdRydhdfAp-0xOoaTGf7AxHGwsW91M74T6ePJzXOUDd0qC1VDyiW05hwYC1E1bTSpRA/s1600/100_7055b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUid4avZgzhtWnenPO2H5hyphenhyphenUKMqiOz1i00_6GWcf9FWz6m-BmKM9hC7FMVxcpZGAdkRFO8XpJrWdRydhdfAp-0xOoaTGf7AxHGwsW91M74T6ePJzXOUDd0qC1VDyiW05hwYC1E1bTSpRA/s1600/100_7055b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I only managed to find three of Lockhart's books. I'm amazed at the attention to detail on these books used in the movie. They are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Guide to Household Pests</li>
<li>Break with a Banshee</li>
<li>Year with the Yetti</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisxWjXoum29VslyB_22j6V2iOKf17-HCA8dh2gqSz1sNNwO3RweAuTLMQoiglDDokEZClDtaMV5D2rebBuTGjXSMOg1WHI1oe9w7Yub5n-mHuHqjfoywlBq4B4pdGsD-Qal3GSe4BIo0/s1600/100_7062b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisxWjXoum29VslyB_22j6V2iOKf17-HCA8dh2gqSz1sNNwO3RweAuTLMQoiglDDokEZClDtaMV5D2rebBuTGjXSMOg1WHI1oe9w7Yub5n-mHuHqjfoywlBq4B4pdGsD-Qal3GSe4BIo0/s1600/100_7062b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
So, the Pottermore images had to due to complete the Lockhart set, as well.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LipaQi1hSgFxaXaHovK2ZkdIzAb9edjqvw7gsp5NOPBlFTyd7_RQDrfEpxD8IjeixiZD3nfz54ev62WVqYXTeCQFrw6cEIShf-YPDV3_XX_dGeVPSunShxu8eMlI1Z4Xn76ep7zjNiM/s1600/100_7077b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LipaQi1hSgFxaXaHovK2ZkdIzAb9edjqvw7gsp5NOPBlFTyd7_RQDrfEpxD8IjeixiZD3nfz54ev62WVqYXTeCQFrw6cEIShf-YPDV3_XX_dGeVPSunShxu8eMlI1Z4Xn76ep7zjNiM/s1600/100_7077b.jpg" width="287" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Pixie Hunt</b><br />
We've sewn quite a few pixies in the past. And, now my mom is making smaller ones to infest our house. We decided to make another game with them. We created a cover for our pixie cage like the red one in the movie (Sorry, not pictured). Then when we lifted off the cover, the cage was wide open and empty. We asked the students to perform a quick hunt to round them up in the class room. House points were award to those who found them. (You may have notice Harry hanging out in the back of this photo. Daughter made me my very own Potter Pal Puppet for Christmas! She's getting so crafty on her own. Best present ever! )<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedP1FYOMGQJut9IpSgcVu3ALiY7jeKmN2u8qahyphenhyphenblvsiHVC5T8AsvgpkQbg-Dg7UhaVR5qzmfwPsLD5Xiss8PryoOG4aB7RtU8zoXtGoVPM2Ij64JkDDu5jNxP3_s5obplzsH-XQvwGA/s1600/100_7181b3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedP1FYOMGQJut9IpSgcVu3ALiY7jeKmN2u8qahyphenhyphenblvsiHVC5T8AsvgpkQbg-Dg7UhaVR5qzmfwPsLD5Xiss8PryoOG4aB7RtU8zoXtGoVPM2Ij64JkDDu5jNxP3_s5obplzsH-XQvwGA/s320/100_7181b3.jpg" width="289" /></a><br />
<br />
With the quiz, framed pictures, signed photos and book covers, there was a great deal of printing in this portion of our party decoration. But, we lucked out when our local friendly printer, Minuteman Press (who were super friendly and helpful), was having a special on color copies for half price! Perfect timing! Yay! It ended up costing well under the $20 I had budgeted for all the book covers and photos. I was even able to print some more candy boxes and labels (not pictured). I tried a couple new versions that I made changes to. Also, worked on some designs for wizard cards, but they are far from usable, yet. Maybe this year.<br />
<br />
After classes we tallied the house points and met in the Great Hall for the Awards Ceremony. The daughter says the Lockhart Quiz and the Degnoming were her favorite things. The winners of the house cup, Slytherin (boo, I think they cheated.), received boxes of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans and a bottle of Butter Beer. Some high scoring students also got gobstones marble sets in their house colors. I still have a few random things left to share like our birthday cake. Stay tuned!mieljoliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758426419108501188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099373992105890126.post-76087601407598007842015-03-13T14:03:00.002-05:002015-03-13T14:03:45.532-05:00Hogwart's Birthday Party 2nd year - Aragog's Cobweb MazeThis past November's 2nd annual Hogwart's Party had many more games this year. After opening ceremonies and the <a href="http://mieljolie.blogspot.com/2015/02/hogwarts-birthday-2nd-year-degnoming.html" target="_blank">de-gnoming detention</a>, it began to get dark outside. It was a perfect time to encouraged students to wander around the Forbidden Forest at night, right? Here are some details of one of the scarier after dark events, Aragog's Cobweb Maze!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ndhIFZe8Dw0SDtvPBqQpdaX1JS7tw4MF60BYrD02iOXQ8luQn_xNcubAKuHJF_cs1rYIsQv1CK6Vr6VM1ckbXrtVaANcbqCd-L0lEiYXzWxeab3W0vcnX95s68frqiRtjlZYCi8gM5w/s1600/100_6630b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ndhIFZe8Dw0SDtvPBqQpdaX1JS7tw4MF60BYrD02iOXQ8luQn_xNcubAKuHJF_cs1rYIsQv1CK6Vr6VM1ckbXrtVaANcbqCd-L0lEiYXzWxeab3W0vcnX95s68frqiRtjlZYCi8gM5w/s1600/100_6630b.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The weather forecasted rain for pretty much all of Saturday, so we knew we'd have to do any outdoor activities on Friday (even through the dark of night). When student came back inside from the degnoming, we drew attention to the line of spiders heading from our main bathroom out through the Great Hall window.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdBq-sPSSqdcrRKvU6Jrv4mQ8VolS-4YxbLeUGDnCFtsqrUJw_gLyHg39IguUVFvJBfUmjFKgHWbQlcJDppxegW7DUpNxex26QvXsacVZb51dUwMfan-BIewoKwxFz1yeKbdlYQK6xCw/s1600/100_7009b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdBq-sPSSqdcrRKvU6Jrv4mQ8VolS-4YxbLeUGDnCFtsqrUJw_gLyHg39IguUVFvJBfUmjFKgHWbQlcJDppxegW7DUpNxex26QvXsacVZb51dUwMfan-BIewoKwxFz1yeKbdlYQK6xCw/s1600/100_7009b.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
We hinted that following the spiders out to the forbidden forest they might see what was up. The line of spiders actually started appearing from the bathroom shower drain meandering all the way out through the great hall passed the fireplace to the window.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVyvFYki4Jzq2fNzOqWy78fT5eTeyND_ZmsdK4zioQOj5VrUEuk5Yr_4Qpxw-EnlKQ2E7xNY1ZPHhzk7ddzerP9sGBSHq9z5PPvF2CyVW3MZBwTyhEJag1JLsQ-UUZNSqrxBebmog3ko/s1600/100_6993b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVyvFYki4Jzq2fNzOqWy78fT5eTeyND_ZmsdK4zioQOj5VrUEuk5Yr_4Qpxw-EnlKQ2E7xNY1ZPHhzk7ddzerP9sGBSHq9z5PPvF2CyVW3MZBwTyhEJag1JLsQ-UUZNSqrxBebmog3ko/s1600/100_6993b.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
(Our party being just after Halloween, we found tiny plastic spiders for the floor and the perfect vinyl window clings for the shower wall and mirrors for up to 80% off in the clearance bins around town. Yay!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfl5PFY-JMMjaV6X0lN57vTqN8PXR_MslNOW1g6-oJDLnD9PqKZ0DZ3XkzARXhW9Ra3K-RNoje7Exe7zsXp0-gelAZEBakITILOMktjrptPXFYvJZt5x9L6RX_YwnxiWM3P0qmUWSECU/s1600/100_6639b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfl5PFY-JMMjaV6X0lN57vTqN8PXR_MslNOW1g6-oJDLnD9PqKZ0DZ3XkzARXhW9Ra3K-RNoje7Exe7zsXp0-gelAZEBakITILOMktjrptPXFYvJZt5x9L6RX_YwnxiWM3P0qmUWSECU/s1600/100_6639b.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
With about 25 acres of land out here growing wild, we had the perfect location between a couple of small hills for our Forbidden Forest. And, there were just enough trees to hang the giant cobweb maze that would outdo our measly porch from years ago. (The kids had requested this cobweb maze. I may have mentioned the one I made back in my youth a few times. We had transformed our closed in porch into a cobweb maze for Halloween where Trick-or-Treaters had to wind their way through the webs under the glow of an eerie green porch light to get to the front door for treats.) So, I found a few bags of artificial webbing and some plastic/rubber spiders here and there, and we had our maze. But, this time we used both white and black webs. The white webs were pretty easy to spot in the dark and kept the students on the path, however closer toward Aragog some black webs were mixed in that are nearly impossible to see..and easy to walk into. (Hehehe) The webs also got lower and harder to pass by. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGsxPoKBcSjMpn8JiOSUmvKuynfsNSPIkhWQrf9fr9DrnigXLWds6t8dTF_OteAdGHtAuLhdr2h1qlRLotrEn6r_LmXvwiTVCkBEbhJd0U6p7gQpobGM1opIQFjkgKTLYtSAR15RRlmc/s1600/100_6646b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGsxPoKBcSjMpn8JiOSUmvKuynfsNSPIkhWQrf9fr9DrnigXLWds6t8dTF_OteAdGHtAuLhdr2h1qlRLotrEn6r_LmXvwiTVCkBEbhJd0U6p7gQpobGM1opIQFjkgKTLYtSAR15RRlmc/s1600/100_6646b.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
At the end of our maze was Aragog (or, as we say, one of his smaller relative) protecting what the students were supposed to retrieve. We would award house points for retrieving three rare acid green glow-in-the-dark spiders (not pictured) from Aragog's web for Professor Snape as potion ingredients.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWeRNqiTcwXyujUkgEHiLKUjlC-V_ucOWWwejr4d1LxT179TfqRGm4R72Pr1CWVQ_bacQDUez6tGPzMW2vtyneTbp0vR-RYbuHuE12AUKhlm64c7Va0I_4BNi7UcpL323oBFqsIYzsNY/s1600/100_6634b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWeRNqiTcwXyujUkgEHiLKUjlC-V_ucOWWwejr4d1LxT179TfqRGm4R72Pr1CWVQ_bacQDUez6tGPzMW2vtyneTbp0vR-RYbuHuE12AUKhlm64c7Va0I_4BNi7UcpL323oBFqsIYzsNY/s1600/100_6634b.jpg" height="386" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
For scale, here Aragog is on our Jeep at about 4-5ft across from toe to toe. That is pretty small for a full grown Acromantula, who is supposed to be the size of a small elephant. But, we had our limits. This size was creepy enough for the kids. :)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvaxv5OxEUCwCqm5YsAyhM12GbHAcAMPHkfhC_ji0IZ7oC5S6bDKai0rzUu0lwzy2dsl_U0ZLm_JnWvNvPuIfThlwLySuf7TW8Rl6NgXdrw15NFYMQO1U8gfmmXFeBSfF8VjdNMt9rHXM/s1600/100_6626b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvaxv5OxEUCwCqm5YsAyhM12GbHAcAMPHkfhC_ji0IZ7oC5S6bDKai0rzUu0lwzy2dsl_U0ZLm_JnWvNvPuIfThlwLySuf7TW8Rl6NgXdrw15NFYMQO1U8gfmmXFeBSfF8VjdNMt9rHXM/s1600/100_6626b.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
As I've mentioned before, we were on a strict low budget. This event, including spiders and webs cost us no more than $10 total. We used mostly stuff we already had. Aragog is made of masking tape, wire hanger, paper towel tubes, cardboard, plastic bags, newspaper and is wrapped in two rolls of black duct tape. His eyes were made from plastic bottle caps. I hot glues tacks into them and just stabbed them into the head. We had two sizes of paper towel tube and even used the wider tube leftover from one of the duct tape rolls to create the removable joints. Yes, you read that right. He comes apart for storage. Each leg/arm, eyes, his fangs and even his trash bag bum are all removable. His legs, being all wire wrapped in paper and plastic bags covered in tape, are easily posed, too. We planned to use him again for the six year when Aragog is supposed to pass on. Since his legs are bendable, we can put him on his back with the legs all crunched up. And the fangs may be used in a future challenge. But, I'm afraid the kids want him to hang around each year...alive. :(<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4ma6hXazTyyL9FiAOOFYY4kVFbTn_4lGDLOZZqoJqAiCGWrg7qfTLCqZVgjua9rO1OszIfjTQ2wA6P7KR45IvQKYCxG7VaQPQrTzLUbxVxNtAmXK-yZNUW4I4eQz8yRLqUPjiw5s7pw/s1600/100_6654b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4ma6hXazTyyL9FiAOOFYY4kVFbTn_4lGDLOZZqoJqAiCGWrg7qfTLCqZVgjua9rO1OszIfjTQ2wA6P7KR45IvQKYCxG7VaQPQrTzLUbxVxNtAmXK-yZNUW4I4eQz8yRLqUPjiw5s7pw/s1600/100_6654b.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Also, in the distance near the entrance to the cobweb maze, students could see the lit up headlights of our cardboard flying car stuck in a tree. The holes in front were for flashlight headlights. My mom and my daughter helped make the car out of a cardboard box with paper plate tires painted with acrylic paints. I think I had more fun running around the house with the car over my head. Vroom...vroom... (Yes, that did happen!) Due to it's puny size, this tree in our yard has now become known as the "Wimpy Willow". :( <br />
<br />
That's all for this project. I hope to share some more things soon!mieljoliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758426419108501188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099373992105890126.post-89668278811018719382015-02-22T15:55:00.001-06:002015-12-07T16:35:35.317-06:00Hogwart's Birthday 2nd Year - Degnoming the Garden GameOne of our first and probably most popular games at this year's 2nd year Hogwart's party back in November was the Gnome Toss loosely based off the mini game in the Chamber of Secrets video game for Playstation 2. I posted about the creation of <a href="http://mieljolie.blogspot.com/2014/10/de-gnoming-garden-bean-bag-toss-game.html" target="_blank">these creatures</a> awhile back, but here is the details of the game:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKWVdns-yeeupXOVowhyXeSy5Vf29dLKwy9MTfwNIvFvkdHIC_Nd1lwvtVCrFyW4xgyF0qr4rmlWzAWLR3RvvEuGqhaQ9aaTpiog6JVG4aPKx6drElzo5B3pq5TPCczBvEnsbhhwWihU/s1600/100_6429b_wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKWVdns-yeeupXOVowhyXeSy5Vf29dLKwy9MTfwNIvFvkdHIC_Nd1lwvtVCrFyW4xgyF0qr4rmlWzAWLR3RvvEuGqhaQ9aaTpiog6JVG4aPKx6drElzo5B3pq5TPCczBvEnsbhhwWihU/s1600/100_6429b_wm.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
After dinner in the Great Hall, we told the students they would have to immediately serve a detention degnoming the gardens for being late to the start of term. They would serve their detention with Mrs. Sprout near the Quidditch Pitch (still under construction). Basically, it was a bean bag hunt and toss game that scored house points. Students had to find gnomes hiding throughout the grounds (our backyard). Then, they had to tag them and toss them over the fence off grounds. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yjwnbbHd1Q1OMO27gQD4fUmesKKLKVaf1fmZYbrxnXjVGHja01GqkVL_WfzPOw-bVGUTIQN2hBxrbedzDMrxEGUpKralyrVypsR18HyDvGHQw_h6O6WiceNfY7ASPgZIOQjmhJ87o_4/s1600/100_6378b_wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yjwnbbHd1Q1OMO27gQD4fUmesKKLKVaf1fmZYbrxnXjVGHja01GqkVL_WfzPOw-bVGUTIQN2hBxrbedzDMrxEGUpKralyrVypsR18HyDvGHQw_h6O6WiceNfY7ASPgZIOQjmhJ87o_4/s1600/100_6378b_wm.jpg" width="338" /></a><br />
<br />
Each student had to find one of 8 gnome hidden throughout the back yard. Since we had about two students in each house, everyone could find a gnome to toss. One gnome was slightly larger than the rest, and another somehow ended up smaller. Those that found the Largest and Smallest gnomes received 25 house points. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgoz_DSGXRm5H-mukbTjvT5fcdr5qrfgUbPxEWalEpA_pEUKkCbZzYO6nZHrnKtiW4bJx7lJc1Gv-ZAb7NIRm-N0YKwsYC0p1adt5zvy-455b6WE0Eucm6v_dMEQp8BiX3cibv95WSpzg/s1600/100_6699b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgoz_DSGXRm5H-mukbTjvT5fcdr5qrfgUbPxEWalEpA_pEUKkCbZzYO6nZHrnKtiW4bJx7lJc1Gv-ZAb7NIRm-N0YKwsYC0p1adt5zvy-455b6WE0Eucm6v_dMEQp8BiX3cibv95WSpzg/s1600/100_6699b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Once they had a gnome in hand, they had to tag its leg with a house color scrunchy for identificaation. To toss it, they had to hold the gnome with either a leg or arm in each hand. (Since it was wet and muddy out, we made a last minute decision to bag them to keep them clean while tossing.)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihb-88ZLVokrdv8RPDn7rMOVG_Vi9ab7Et_DkSMPJ_Mu7ETS5m4dN0fVPTTB_Cn4wV1QlXlCpOd-o84MF1lzBqMQt0HUScc3APsVPuN54q7Kvs5D7zfpDBemrTXOAc2AnejWMyjESXH5U/s1600/100_6696b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihb-88ZLVokrdv8RPDn7rMOVG_Vi9ab7Et_DkSMPJ_Mu7ETS5m4dN0fVPTTB_Cn4wV1QlXlCpOd-o84MF1lzBqMQt0HUScc3APsVPuN54q7Kvs5D7zfpDBemrTXOAc2AnejWMyjESXH5U/s1600/100_6696b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
While holding their gnome properly, students had to spin around 3 times and toss it over the fence barrier into a clearing with three different sized colored hoops just outside the Hogwart's grounds. We gave bonus house points for making it in a hoop as follows:<br />
<br />
Orange (small, farthest away) = 150 pts<br />
Green (medium, middle) = 100 pts<br />
Pink (Largest, closest) = 50 pts<br />
<br />
And the person who threw their gnome the farthest without landing in a hoop also received 10 pts. <br />
<br />
The hoops were various sized neon hula-hoops from the dollar store. To make the game a little easier, the larger green and pink hoops were enlarged to two hoops joined together into one larger hoop. I simply removed the staples and label that hold them together and poured out the beads inside to avoid a mess. (Conveniently they tear down for easier storage.)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCw6FjnQajpk9ojXH4fInVPsiqJfZTHK2M9B59gYIGgmbQLvD75WrZa8FNh35B80xC82ejOyNeky2qCYvhvzCvl3pwj_MWJDE_pTx0kqtRjduQBOeptEoQys_HT5n2YLNLeVDv8IgAEw/s1600/100_6703b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCw6FjnQajpk9ojXH4fInVPsiqJfZTHK2M9B59gYIGgmbQLvD75WrZa8FNh35B80xC82ejOyNeky2qCYvhvzCvl3pwj_MWJDE_pTx0kqtRjduQBOeptEoQys_HT5n2YLNLeVDv8IgAEw/s1600/100_6703b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
We had wanted to do the game tournament style, where houses would compete in multiple rounds throwing three gnomes each, but we feared it would be too cold/wet to stay outside that long. So, we opted for a quicker game where each student only threw one gnome. If we had time or weather had permitted, we also had a notice board challenge planned to attend Fred and Georges Gnome Tossing Tournament. Here students would compete individually on various skills. It will definitely be on the list for next years games. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTOaxmgMxoj42qz7CpemHi6j9vkJVGvmMagKPF9-cUywq9lNx-xQWsGCCxNfXbi5_DSAZfzaOObS0TCbL6Iw4r2mngeIBCGDkE9YVy3ofFtbg54ibEZ8eNN67b0h8E1LuO2_sOhj-yxw/s1600/100_6701b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTOaxmgMxoj42qz7CpemHi6j9vkJVGvmMagKPF9-cUywq9lNx-xQWsGCCxNfXbi5_DSAZfzaOObS0TCbL6Iw4r2mngeIBCGDkE9YVy3ofFtbg54ibEZ8eNN67b0h8E1LuO2_sOhj-yxw/s1600/100_6701b2.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
All in all, it was a lot of fun. Slytherin and Hufflepuff earned the most house points during the event.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatJ_kULVMujWMEXNrbpFfO6_4hj-JX2RGdGeadPt2-Iau_BuoZwztGdkaOV0spxMlRiw5MbxIHXTI-ISLFd7-q4zHQjNkptqLkvWxyTqcz7AKY7qcCr7Jg2UrtsIDLPM2BfmE-_zx5Pg/s1600/100_6420b_wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatJ_kULVMujWMEXNrbpFfO6_4hj-JX2RGdGeadPt2-Iau_BuoZwztGdkaOV0spxMlRiw5MbxIHXTI-ISLFd7-q4zHQjNkptqLkvWxyTqcz7AKY7qcCr7Jg2UrtsIDLPM2BfmE-_zx5Pg/s1600/100_6420b_wm.jpg" width="327" /></a><br />
<br />
Next, I plan to share a creepy game held just after the De-gnoming. Stay tuned!...if you want to. :)<br />
<br />
UPDATE: Now you can have gnomes of your very own from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/mieljolie" target="_blank">my Etsy store</a>.mieljoliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758426419108501188noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099373992105890126.post-24505097140501769892015-02-17T15:39:00.001-06:002015-07-20T14:41:43.558-05:00Hogwart's Birthday 2nd Year - Chamber of Secrets ReopenedWe hosted our 2nd year Hogwart's Birthday Party weekend for my daughter this past November. Since the theme this year was "Chamber of Secrets", which is the daughter's favorite book/movie, most of the new projects were inspired by events that happened in the story. (But, luckily much of our decorations could be reused from last year, too.)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4ma6hXazTyyL9FiAOOFYY4kVFbTn_4lGDLOZZqoJqAiCGWrg7qfTLCqZVgjua9rO1OszIfjTQ2wA6P7KR45IvQKYCxG7VaQPQrTzLUbxVxNtAmXK-yZNUW4I4eQz8yRLqUPjiw5s7pw/s1600/100_6654b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4ma6hXazTyyL9FiAOOFYY4kVFbTn_4lGDLOZZqoJqAiCGWrg7qfTLCqZVgjua9rO1OszIfjTQ2wA6P7KR45IvQKYCxG7VaQPQrTzLUbxVxNtAmXK-yZNUW4I4eQz8yRLqUPjiw5s7pw/s1600/100_6654b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
When our guest arrived around 3pm on Fri, a flying car was stuck in a tree just in view from the driveway. (Guess some of the students are at it again.) Once inside, we took their bags and ushered them into the Great Hall to start the festivities. <br />
<br />
Over the next few months I hope to share some of our new projects related to the decorations, games and food. You can read the posts on our first year party starting with <a href="http://mieljolie.blogspot.com/2013/12/hogwarts-party-part-one-master-plan.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a> of 4. I'll start this years party in order of how it went. Projects will include:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://mieljolie.blogspot.com/2015/02/hogwarts-birthday-2nd-year-degnoming.html" target="_blank">De-Gnoming the Garden Gnome Hunt & Toss Game</a></li>
<li><a href="http://mieljolie.blogspot.com/2015/03/hogwarts-birthday-party-2nd-year.html" target="_blank">Aragog's Cobweb Maze</a></li>
<li><a href="http://mieljolie.blogspot.com/2015/05/lockharts-dada-pop-quiz-and-pixie-hunt.html" target="_blank">DADA Lockhart's Pop Quiz & Pixie Challenge</a></li>
<li>Repotting Mandrakes</li>
<li>Aunt Petunia's Pudding Cake</li>
</ul>
It was a LOT of fun...and work! So, look for more Harry Potter posts to come.mieljoliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758426419108501188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099373992105890126.post-2411614625928683142015-01-05T21:27:00.000-06:002015-01-05T21:28:17.624-06:00The Etsy Store is Open Once MoreI still haven't been able to resolve the issue with Etsy, so unfortunately no more Direct Checkout, or basically no Credit Cards though their site until they change things. Don't fret, though. There is still Paypal, which seems to be the better route all around this year. There is also another issue with international "digital download" purchases from the EU. Etsy hasn't given us details how it will address new laws. But my store will remain there until I find a better solution.<br />
<br />
Here's to a tentative and confusing start to 2015! Hope your New Year has been better than mine.mieljoliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758426419108501188noreply@blogger.com0