Staying Warm...With A Teddy Bear Winter Tea Party

The weather outside is certainly frightful. We have had sub zero temperatures for a few days along with plenty of fluffy white snow! It is cozy warm inside and I am thankful for blessings. 

While I wait for the weather to improve, I'm so glad you stopped in. Please pull up a chair and join me & teddy for some tea and sweets. Hope you are staying warm!

Diorama Prop Alert

With winter holiday season just around the corner, check the Christmas ornament aisle at your local retail stores.  Craft, big box, hardware, home decor and even grocery stores sell tree ornaments.  You can find many items suitable for Barbie in amongst the holiday decor. 

 Wally world is selling these adorable faux chandeliers. I found black & blue. They are covered with glitter and have the most charming sparkly beads. You can make these even more charming by stringing beads between the arms. Even though they do not light up, they still add a layer of glamour to your dollhouse or diorama scene.

They also have these delightful trees that look like they are made out of peppermint candy ribbons. Look for this tree to make an appearance in an upcoming holiday diorama. 

Picture frame ornaments are fantastic too. These black ones are from Wally world. I love the ornate details. Made out of resin, they are meant to hold a photograph. You could put in a craft mirror, printable artwork, images from cards or old books, and even your own photo to create custom art for Barbie & friends.

What great treasures have you found lately? Any tips for using non-doll items in a doll setting? I'd love to hear your comments!

Thanks for stopping by~

Happy Crafting!

Stephiejo

Happy Halloween...Trick or Treat 2011

Welcome to the Black Widow's lair. She is ready to celebrate all Hallows Eve.

Dressed in her finest gown and ready to hand treats to the little ones who dare to venture to her door.

We have our first visitors..pardon me while I tend to their treats.

"Please help yourself to your favorite chocolate bar"

"Thank you"

Won't you have a chilling cocktail or tasty arachnid cookie?

Don't mind Norbert...he had an unfortunate accident

I have some tasty arsenic tea for the end of our evening.

Why leave in such a hurry? Was it something I said?

Please come visit again soon!

Happy Halloween to my faithful readers..now that fall sports are winding down and my running six days a week are coming to an end I will again have time for more frequent blog posts & most importantly more tutorials!

Thank you for sticking with me!

Happy Crafting

Stephiejo

Back to School

Mom: "Sally, are you packing your lunch like I asked?"
Sally: "Yes, momma..I have everything right here"
Mom: "Do you have healthy snacks?"
Sally: "Ummm...yes...I think so"
Mom: "You think? Do I need to come help you?"
Sally: "NO!! Stay there momma..I can do it myself!"
Thump..thump..thump...thump...
Mom: "What the what?"
Sally: "BUT MOMMY..they are my favorites!"
*shakes head in disbelief
Mom: "Nevermind. I think we will take hot lunch this year"

Tablescape: Sushi and Seafood Smorgasbord

Welcome...please come in and have a seat.

All kinds of delectable treats await you...

My master chef was busy all afternoon preparing this feast for my guests.

I hope you brought an appetite...

We have sushi...and seafood...tropical fruit...a veritable smorgasbord feast!

Perhaps I can interest you in a glass of white wine?

I so enjoyed our visit.

Thank you for stopping by!

Happy Crafting!!

Stephiejo

Barbie Craft Project: Farmhouse Table

Super simple craft project. Inspired by a recent trip to a fabulous little craft store where I found some fun little 3-D letters made out of MDF. This cute little table popped into my head and I knew I had to have them. 


A little nod to Pottery Barn farmhouse style.

Supplies:

3-D Letter X (2 of them)

Wooden Dowel

Pine Craft Wood

Wood Glue

Paint

Stain

Wood sealer

Craft knife

Drill / Drill bits

Step 1: Find the center of the X.

Step 2: Drill a hole in the center of the X large enough to allow the dowel to pass through.

Step 3: Determine the length your dowel needs to be to support the two x's. To figure the length out I set up the x's and set the pine board on top. I left about a quarter inch overhang on each side, marked the dowel and cut to length.

Step 4: {Optional} I wanted my table top to look like boards rather than a solid piece of wood. I divided my wood into three sections with a pencil. Then score over the pencil lines with a craft knife be careful not to cut all the way through.

Step 5: Stain the tabletop (both sides so it doesn't warp). Or if you prefer you can paint it or leave it natural.

Step 6: Glue the dowel in place. Allow to dry thoroughly and paint the entire table base.

Step 7: Seal the tabletop.

I left my tabletop separate from the table base for ease of storage. You could attach yours if you wish. This particular table is just a smidge taller than an actual Barbie table so if you do not have any chairs that fit it you could use it as a kitchen island.

Here's my new Barbie kitchen. A tutorial on that project in the near future.

Linking to Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Chic Cottage


Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Crafting!

Stephiejo ♥

Freedom Isn't Free

Happy Memorial Day everyone!

Remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice serving in our armed forces.




Until next time...

Happy Crafting!
Stephiejo

Celebrating Summer

Welcome to the cottage.

Summer is just around the corner. Won't you join me for a quick snack in the garden?

Just a light snack on such a warm spring day.

I spent the entire morning weeding the garden and picking some fresh strawberries.

The roses are in full bloom already. Don't they smell divine?

So sorry you have to leave so soon. Thanks for the visit. You'll have to come back and I will make you a wonderful treat with all the lovely strawberries from my garden.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Stephiejo

A little equestrian fun

What little girl doesn't wish for her very own pony??



One that she promises she will look after and care for...



A pet of her very own...



How could I say no?

Happy Crafting!
Stephiejo

Sweet Dreams

Who doesn't appreciate slipping into a luxurious bed at the end of the day?

The linens are clean and pressed.

Fresh coffee and pastries make mornings more welcoming.

You'll find adequate reading material under the night stand.

Don't be alarmed if you are greeted by a furry visitor or two.

Use caution when leaving slippers on the floor.

He may look innocent enough...but your footwear may pay the price.

Sweet Dreams!

Happy Crafting!
Stephiejo