Happy (birthday) Hat

That song keeps playing inside my head (Happy).... I've decided to "celebrate" each one of my new dolls by having their delivery date be their birthday -- I figure the day the arrived into my world.

I bought some supplies and will make a birthday hat for each one.  I've been thinking about this for a while. (making party hats)...  I've been looking for the perfect material -- they no longer carry it at the craft stores, I'm hoping I will happen across it in my travels.  (It is like a laminated card stock that has an iridescent layer to it) -- luckily I have some cellophane that is iridescent left over from a project one of my daughters did (years back).

I've got glitter cardstock.  A polkadot card stock and my cellophane

I've made the band that goes around...

It's a "fluffy" band of the iridescent cellophane.  (Looks much better IRL)

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Pink.... Pink.... Pink

My dying has continued....

This is the color so far (before a final wash).

I'm looking for something a bit lighter so hopefully after washing I'll get the desired color.

Ok...

As an added precaution, I put it in a VERY hot vinegar bath (to make sure there's no bleed).

The white pan/water was clear after removal...  Good sign.

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If you don't have any failures, your successes wouldn't be celebrated as much

I was very disappointed.

After going to bed with my cotton fabric looking like it was going to be perfect; I woke up washed it out and disaster -- the dye did NOT take...Ugggghh.  Well better than it bled on a doll so I chalked it up to learning.

I used a different dye and started over.  Starting slow.

 well... maybe after rinsing it will be ok

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The first thing I'm going to make from recycled fabric

My daughter had a favorite top that will become a dress....

I'm terrible at photos (I'll have to get better) -- It's just a simple black cotton top with machine embroidery in varying sizes.  I think it will make a lovely dress....

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Late post, but I found some time

I decided to experiment with some fabric.  I'm thinking pastels (think Easter bunny) -- Ombre --

(Remember to wear gloves next time) ;)

white cotton fabric

Mixed dye reminded me of robin's egg blue

Dip, dip, dip

This is the look I was going for... So far, so good... I'm thinking distressed (not sure what I'm thinking)

Now to translate this into a dress......

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Anxiously awaiting my new doll(s)

New doll(s) are a surprise.  A departure from the dolls I normally would purchase.

I was on Den of Angels -- at the time I was thinking about an Enyo (Looking for a small, less expensive doll that I could carry with me when I travel) -- I contacted Enyo's maker, but she is not really doing that mold any more.  I guess I missed the doll boat -- I'm always a day late..  Here's her website: http://www.lauragarijo.com/enyo.html  -- this was my "gateway drug" -- Enyo started it.

I was so disheartened to not be able to get Enyo -- I went on a doll binge -- One thing (doll) -- lead to another (doll) -- now I'm expecting several.   First another bjd appealed to me due to size, so I ordered that one.  Then, when I started seeing all the clothes and "stuff" for another doll -- she grew on me...  so I ordered that one (also).  Then another... Can't wait to have doll --in hand -- it seems only the clothes and accessories keep arriving (ordered from separate makers). -- Anxiously awaiting a doll (any doll at this point) -- please get here soon...... Saw yet another doll (on Flickr) I ordered a body once I see it -- I'll decide if I'll order a head (heads are $100 without wig or faceup)..... ahhhhhhhhhh!!!!

As soon as any dolls arrive -- I'll post here ;).

On another note -- Popovy Sisters have new dolls they are releasing -- this is killing me -- after spending all this "dolly money" -- NEW dolls.  Glass eyed beauties -- although I think I'm a painted eye kind of gal for the small dolls.  I can't wait to see these new dolls... there is a teaser on their blog.
http://popovysisters.blogspot.com/

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Upcycling....

Recycling and making something even better (even if it is only in my opinion) ;)

My Mom is with me (for the day) -- So I'm going to see how she feels about going through some of the things (I have to recycle) -- and maybe help me with cutting -- or at least sorting --

I probably have a garbage bag's worth.  I'm not sure where to begin.  Maybe I'll start with simple light vs dark fabric....  Then I can do cottons vs fancy fabrics.

My favorite item is one of my girl's smocked silk dresses that was ruined with a stain -- maybe I can dye it....

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