Unimax dolls.... what about a wardrobe for them? Any interest in patterns? I took Chelly Wood's class...

I signed up for a pants drafting class for doll clothes. I figured I would use the Unimax girls for the project because I have no patterns for them. They are unique. Dresses from Fashion Friends fit them, although they are very long. Not a big problem, really. I haven't found any pants from other dolls that fit, however, although Paola Reina is pretty close. So I am hoping by the end of February to have a pattern drafted, and pants made. *** EDIT well I finished the class in April. Too many crazies in February and March. I'm excited to make pants for the Unimax girls from the pattern I made. I also made a slope for a top, so I will also draft a top and/or a dress. I took a drafting class many years ago, and I am remembering... ***

I think my biggest problem with everything, is lack of self esteem. I never feel like I can do anything right. BUT. I've made plenty of doll clothes, my own clothes, quilts, wall hangings... I just need to zoom in and borrow some of the confidence I had then and apply it to the future. 

So this is just a little post, of hopeful.

What I HAVE been doing is painting rocks. I started the 14th so there are love ones, although I didn't get them hidden anywhere. I did one in memory of a friend that died of fentanyl poisoning; yesterday was her birthday. Her family planted a tree in her honor in a park near me, so I left it there.

Not sure where these are going. Hopefully within the next few days.

I did three tonight, no pictures. One says "Keep Dancing" and the other is a little bird above the word "Sing". The third just says "Don't give up". 

One foot in front of the other.

painting with nail polish??

Lately, I've been doing whatever comes in to my mind when I walk in the craft room. I consolidate for awhile, throw some things out, look in boxes I haven't seen in awhile and then reward myself by letting myself create. Today I was in the bedroom when I saw a bottle of nail polish sitting there. Now, I hardly ever paint my nails, more often my toenails. But the reason I bought this particular nail polish was to paint something or other since it is such lovely colors, and I thought maybe rocks would like a coat of polish. I've never tried it, it may just peel off, I don't know, but it's worth a try. 

I used three colors, a teal, a purple, and copper.  All are from the Dollar Tree. I've been intrigued by paint pouring, and I've seen it done on rocks, so thought I would try. This looks a bit busy, but it is amazing. It is so satisfying to just watch the colors swirl. A little later I thought about putting it on a turntable and spinning while it drips. I have to be wearing an apron and OUTSIDE to do that though. I've learned the hard way doing some other stuff that it is not all appropriate for Inside. Sometimes it is the smell, and sometimes it is the mess, and sometimes it is both. I remember a project to melt pony beads in the toaster oven. Fortunately I listened to someone who tried it, and told me NOT to use my normal toaster oven, because it would forever smell like melting pony beads. If I ever get to go to a thrift store, and I find a cheap toaster oven, it might get tried. Otherwise, no.

 

Mr. Rock posing with the Polish Girls. POL ish not PO lish. Just to be clear. Well, they aren't clear, they are kind of metallic. The pictures don't do it justice. It's a good start, I think I used too many layers. And I think if I painted the whole thing with polish first then added other colors it might flow better.

It's all about experiments at the moment, and it's about the PROCESS and not the PRODUCT. I don't really care if the results aren't perfect or gorgeous, I'm just doing. 

** so far, I'd say this idea is a fail. Hours later, it isn't dry at all. Still dripping. We will see tomorrow. 

I don't regret it at all. I love the doing and the experimenting. Maybe I'll marble my fingernails LOL

 

rock collection

This picture isn't all of the rocks, by any means... my mom says I used to pick up rocks wherever I went and I kept all I could get away with keeping. I had many boxes of rocks hidden away.

 In seventh grade, I did a science project with my rocks. The grandfather of my across-the-street neighbors was a rock hound, and I had the privilege of spending time with him, learning about the rocks he had gathered and identifying the ones I had. He even gave me samples! I still have the petrified fish, some agate pieces, and a couple of geodes he gave me, and even a few tiny industrial diamonds as well as the beautiful specimen of pahoehoe!

Before Camanche Reservoir was there, a different neighbor took us gold panning and I still have a teesy tube with flakes of gold. Not worth much, I'm afraid!

I'm still at the rock collecting. Usually though I buy them where I go, since you cannot now legally collect rocks in national parks. I'm always fascinated with those pretty dyed pebbles, even though I know they are not naturally those colors.

My daughter in law added to my collection with a beautiful piece of jasper.

I have a display on the top of the bookcase, and a case of them as well... and some scattered around here somewhere, either in boxes or on display. That's another collection that doesn't get downsized.

Hmm.

This was from Bryce Canyon gift shop. You can't see the glorious
orange color very well.

a river rock with someone
in the hole.

this one is a beautiful green.

This isn't as pretty as most geodes, but
it just split without cutting
from Mr. Isbill