The process of making a mini doll can be a long one. Often there's long periods of just waiting for stuff to dry. My trim arrived, so I was able to go on to the shaping part of the skirt.

Thought you might like to see the process. Involves lots of pins and cheap hairspray.

Yes, go ahead and make jokes about voodoo, dolls, and pins. That's why I posted this particular photo.

You're welcome.

No, I didn't forget. Yes, I know it's been a while. I just didn't feel like I had the right fabric. I found an interesting piece at G Street fabrics yesterday, and settled down to try and finish this doll before Halloween.

No, it's not done. I still have to do the sleeves and add some details. (trim and accessories. Need to find some chenille trim.) I will admit I'm slightly stuck on the sleeves and shoulders, but I can always give her a cloak if I don't figure it out. Every time I look at the original dress I notice new things. Today I noticed it looks as though she's wearing a robe. That would be FOUR layers of fabric. I don't know that I can get away with that. I can barely get away with three. And I have some shaping to do so the fabric will lay properly.

The eyes. I need to paint the eyes.

The Dog Cage Running Gag

A few posts down, I told how I put a dog beanie baby in the cage. Well, they thought it was funny. When I went down for dinner yesterday, the cage as open, and the dog was perched with his paws up on the lower lip of the cage, looking forlorn and like he was begging. Dad solemnly informed me that he was waiting for the Great Pumpkin.

Last night, I snuck downstairs and placed one of mom's stuffed pumpkins in the cage. I also remembered that I had stuffed Woodstock toy, and placed THAT in the cage as well.

Mom pokes her head in the door this morning and says excitedly, "Guess what! The Great Pumpkin arrived last night!" and starts laughing.

Now I'm just waiting to see what they do next. I rather wish I had a miniature typewriter.

They took my subtle hint. Snoopy will be joining us Monday afternoon, when they go to somewhere in Southern Virginia to pick him up.

Here's a pic of things to come . . . He had better be one mellow puppy.

A small dog cage has appeared in the family room. They have YET to say anything to me about an actual dog coming to live here, when, or any details. HELLLLLOOOO! I'm sitting right here! Almost all the time! Can you not take five minutes and come discuss family additions with me? I know if I approach you, you'll get all defensive, and I'm really not in any sort of mood for fighting. You really want a dog? Fine. That's great. But I have to live with it too, and you could at least show a little respect for my opinions about major household changes. Or at least warn me. Yes, I see all the subtle changes, the printed out photos, and the Daschunds for Dummies book. I would still like a word or two.

Because I'm still in an evil mood, I dug out a bassett hound beanie baby from a box in the basement and stuck it in the cage. Too bad I couldn't find the chihuahua.

Because I feel evil: http://www.leekspin.com


And, because I'm curious, an explanation.

That Fairygothmother site inspired me. I'd been planning to change the pirate girl on my web site into something more Halloweeny for October, so I grabbed the inspiration and ran. Turned out a little on the odd side, perhaps, but I like it. (although, I'm still worried about the FUN link being on a tombstone.)

Turned out to be very easy to change, although a little more difficult to set up. I saved the body without any clothes (I love photoshop layers!) and just made some minor alterations.

Now to figure out what to do for the next major holiday.

There's a small war going on . . . in the kitchen.

Dad went to a lot of money and effort to have a microwave installed - above the kitchen stove. This turned out to be an all day ordeal, including having the power cut off two times in unexpected places. Like the upstairs bathroom. (thanks a LOT.)

Mom is still using the other microwave. She says she'll use it until it dies, and claims it shouldn't be too much longer. Or, move it to the basement whenever it gets finished.

In the end, the whole thing is a height issue. Dad can't see the numbers down low, Mom can't heft the heavy bowls she uses or stir things up high. They're both nuts, they don't communicate with each other, and they don't listen to me. (The person who does the most cooking should have the microwave at the best level for them.)

Fine. Whatever. Have separate microwaves.

I can't wait to get out of here.

FairyGothMother authentic corsets, designer gowns, romantic prom wear and exquisite lingerie

Releasing my inner goth here. Otherwise she glowers at me. She wants to try these things on!

CBS.com | CSI: Crime Scene Replica

My miniatures group is all excited about this roombox that appeared on one of their favorite shows - CSI. (I for one find it hysterical that all these passive middle aged women are into criminal investigations and murder, but I digress.)

When one of them found the roombox online and posted a link, I went to check it out, and was impressed by the quality. So, enjoy if you're into this sort of thing!

On Saturday, in the wee sma's of the morning, a butterfly landed on my nose. I brushed my hand at it, but it wouldn't go away. I tried batting at it again, but it was determined to hold its position. I sat up, annoyed, determined to do battle.

Finally, beating frantically at my nose and lower face, I managed to wake myself up from a really weird dream. Obviously, there was no butterfly in my room in the middle of the night. There, was, however one of those breathe right nasal strips across my nose. (they work beautifully when they're not pretending to be butterflies!) I pulled it off and went back to sleep. When I got up the next morning and looked in the mirror, there, along one side of my nose, was a nice heavy red scratch.

Beautiful. I battered my face battling a bogus butterfly!

Erin and Andrew arrived later on to take me to Calvert for the weekend. It was fun, as usual. We visited Flag Ponds park again and collected shark teeth. We also went to historic St Mary's City and Sotterley Plantation.

There were monarch butterflies everywhere.