Inside The Barbie Craft Room

Romantic Tablescape

noreply@blogger.com (Stephiejo@Inside the Barbie Craft Room) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:35:00 +0000

A little eye candy to tide you over...it is almost Valentines Day after all.

Happy Crafting!

Stephiejo

New Store Open for Business

noreply@blogger.com (Stephiejo@Inside the Barbie Craft Room) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 20:00:00 +0000

Announcing the Grand Opening of SS-Designs Doll Interiors. New items added every week. You will find a variety of unique and hard to find furnishings and accessories for fashion dolls. We also carry a variety of other items, including vintage toys, dolls, doll clothing, puzzles, games, plush, and many more. You never know what you may find when you visit! Add me to your favorite seller's list to be the first to see my latest inventory.

Check us out at: www.ss-designsdollinteriors.com

I will continue to create tutorials and vignettes for this blog so stay tuned for lots of fabulous fun in 2012!

Happy New Year Everyone!

Are you ready for some football?

noreply@blogger.com (Stephiejo@Inside the Barbie Craft Room) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:52:00 +0000

In honor of football season winding down I thought I'd share a favorite diorama I created in 2009.

Da Bears Den

(yes, that's how we refer to the Chicago Bears around here!)

Want to know how I did it? Well...that back wall there..it is a large piece of cardboard covered in scrapbook paper. The bar is from the Bratz London Pub playset, I just covered the beverage dispenser with beer labels printed from the internet.

Barbie says hello..and welcome!

The wooden shelf was a thrift store find. Bears helmet from a gumball machine. Liquor bottles courtesy of the Gloria bar playset found on the auction site.

These fabulous little chairs were from the My Scene Mall playset. They were in the food court. Love the style and shape of these. Bistro table is a candle holder with a wooden coaster on top. Sandwich and soda are from a Barbie set.

There is an abundance of artwork to be found on-line. If you are planning on using these in your own dioramas you may print for personal use but I do not recommend printing art images and selling them. That would be copyright infringement.

This stone wall I created using a foam core base and hand cutting "stone" out of egg cartons! (the paper kind-not foam) I applied with regular old white glue, used spackle for grout, white washed then sealed with three coats of poly.

Scrapbook embellishments make great decorative frames. (see picture at top)

My middle son loves football and collects mini figurines. This is one of his treasures that I borrowed for my photo shoot. You can get a better look at the beer labels in this photo.

That's it! Cheers..and thank you for visiting. What are some of your clever recycling tips for creating fun and fabulous dioramas? Do share! I'd love to hear from you.

Happy Crafting!

Stephiejo

noreply@blogger.com (Stephiejo@Inside the Barbie Craft Room) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:03:00 +0000

Featured Fan:

You have to check out this amazing Barbie dollhouse makeover by one of Inside the Barbie Craft Room readers. Amy from PA has transformed a High School Musical playset into a fantastic rendition of Monster High.

Amy designed all the graphics herself. I love how this is so unique, colorful and ties in so well with the running on-line episodes of this popular new doll line. Aren't the wooden doors such a fun touch? Oh, and you have to look closely at the coffin-bean vending machine! Too cute! This lovely playset is currently on auction. Hop over & take a peek!

Auction: http://www.ebay.com/itm/250947012000?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Amy also sells her graphics in wallpaper form so that you can transform an ordinary bookcase into a OOAK Monster High playset of your own. Check out her other items while you are there.

If you would like to be a featured fan on Inside the Barbie Craft Room drop me a line! I love to hear from my readers.

ssdesignsdollinteriors at hotmail.com

Happy Crafting!

Stephiejo

Happy Halloween...Trick or Treat 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Stephiejo@Inside the Barbie Craft Room) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 03:17:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Stephiejo@Inside the Barbie Craft Room) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 20:20:00 +0000

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"

New Dollhouse Project: Barbie's Dream Mansion

noreply@blogger.com (Stephiejo@Inside the Barbie Craft Room) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 01:06:00 +0000

I'm so excited, I can hardly contain myself. My birthday gift came early this year.

My hubby bought me this A.M.A.Z.I.N.G custom built Barbie mansion. It is HUGE! Roughly five feet tall by four feet wide by two feet deep.

It is solid and constructed with 1/4 inch plywood.

Traditional victorian style with bay windows on either side of a main entryway.

This was a previously loved home that has seen a lot of play time over the past ten years. A completely blank slate for me to finish and customize in whatever way I choose!

The doorway is 12 inches tall so even in heels Barbie clears the opening. I may make the opening just a little bit bigger so I can install an operational door..which I will have to build from scratch since there are no ready-made doors in the 1:6 market large enough to work.

The stairs are built just like in real life with stringers, risers and treads. Need to build window frames too.

Testing out a dry fit of the kitchen layout. The entire Kenmore Kitchen fits along the outside wall but it makes the eating area a little cramped. With the fridge on the other side there is room to move around the breakfast nook. I can just imagine this kitchen filled with all kinds of re-ment! The ceiling height is 16 inches.

One optional layout for the bedroom. The room is large enough not only to house a full canopy bed but a sitting area as well.

**This is a new custom bed I've been working on which will be available for purchase soon! Just need to finish the mattress and sheet.

And a full view of the left side of the dollhouse just because it makes me happy. :-) I have the MOST amazing husband!

Follow along with me as I finish this house! Can't say for sure how long it will take. I have never finished a wooden dollhouse before.

I would love to hear from anyone who has finished a proper dollhouse for advice! Suggestions? Opinions? I love comments! Don't be shy.

Thanks for stopping by.

Happy Crafting!

Stephiejo

Tablescape: Sushi and Seafood Smorgasbord

noreply@blogger.com (Stephiejo@Inside the Barbie Craft Room) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 16:50:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Stephiejo@Inside the Barbie Craft Room) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 03:42:00 +0000

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 ♥

Barbie Craft Project: Tile

noreply@blogger.com (Stephiejo@Inside the Barbie Craft Room) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 20:39:00 +0000

Quick and easy project that has a multitude of possible applications. There are a variety of ways to create scale tile, this is one method that I use frequently.

Supplies:

Thin cardboard (scrap from a notebook, cereal box, or scrapbook tablet)

Xacto knife or scissors

Ruler

Mod Podge

Paint Brush

Pencil

Scrapbook paper, contact paper or wallpaper in suitable pattern (example: granite, marble, solid, wood, stone)

Step #1: Lay your scrap of cardboard on top of your piece of patterned paper. Trim paper just slightly larger than the cardboard.

Step #2: Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the cardboard. **Note-Mod Podge is waterbased and will cause the cardboard to warp slightly. This is ok.

Step #3: Lay your patterned paper face down on your work surface. Place the cardboard on top of the paper-glue side down. Press down firmly with your hands. Start in the center and work your way to the edges to remove most of the air bubbles.

Step #4: Place a stack of magazines or heavy books on top until the glue dries. This will flatten out the cardboard.

Step #5: Trim the excess paper to the edge of the cardboard using a straight edge & sharp xacto knife or scissors if you can cut really straight.

Step #6: Draw a grid on the back side of the cardboard the size you want your tiles. I made mine 2 inches by 2 inches. This will equal a real life 12 inch square tile. **Hint-look at websites that sell tile for size & design ideas. 1" x 1" = 6" RL tile, 2.5" x 2.5" = 18" RL tile

Step #7: Cut along your grid lines. Voila you have tiles!

This will make a fantastic backsplash for a kitchen, a great floor or fabulous surround for a fireplace.

Here is one example of this tile used in a Barbie sized setting. I customized a vintage Sears kitchen fashion doll playset and added my own backsplash:

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Crafting!

Stephiejo

Barbie Craft Project: Toilet Paper Holder and Towel Holder

noreply@blogger.com (Stephiejo@Inside the Barbie Craft Room) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 20:55:00 +0000

Super fast-super easy-craft project for the crafting impaired. Scouts honor. Actually I am sharing TWO. You will be done with both in less than 30 minutes.

Project #1: Toilet paper holder

Supplies- small paper clips- bead caps or rounded earring backs, super glue, wire cutter and real toilet paper (can you spare a square?)

Step 1: Open your paperclip into a U shape

Step 2: Trim the paper clip so that it is the appropriate depth (about half inch)

Step 3: Glue small end of bead caps or earring backs to each end of the paperclip - let dry

**(I do this step on top of wax paper to avoid gluing my tp holder to my work surface)

Step 4: After the glue dries cut a strip of toilet paper just slightly narrower than the width of the holder and wrap around to create a miniature roll.

Step 5: Glue the tp holder to the wall

Now for the big question..does your roll fall over or under? That is such a hotly debated issue in my house...for realz...like it's serious or something...but inquiring minds want to know!

Project #2: Towel Bar

Supplies: Wooden skewer, variety of plastic beads, 2 cup hooks or similar product for hanging, craft knife, craft paint, spray paint or paint pens, matte sealer (optional)

Step 1: Determine the length of your towel holder and trim skewer (mine is 3 inches)

Step 2: Glue beads to each end of the skewer. It doesn't matter what color they are as you will paint the entire piece.

Step 3: When beads are thoroughly dry-paint with craft paints, spray paint or paint pens in desired finish.

Step 4: Seal paint (optional)

Step 5: Hang in your space with appropriate sized cup hooks. (paint to match if necessary)

Step 6: Add towel-finished! (I use felt trimmed with coordinating ribbon. Fold felt in half & iron so it hangs flat on rod)

A few more pics of my Silkstone bathroom...

If you are going for a more realistic approach you could just crumple up the towel and leave it on the floor underneath the towel bar...but that's only if you have men in the house....just saying....

Sweet and simple! Enjoy your handiwork~

Stephiejo ♥

Freedom Isn't Free

noreply@blogger.com (Stephiejo@Inside the Barbie Craft Room) — Mon, 30 May 2011 03:33:00 +0000

Happy Memorial Day everyone!

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

Until next time...

Happy Crafting!
Stephiejo

Celebrating Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Stephiejo@Inside the Barbie Craft Room) — Thu, 26 May 2011 14:11:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Stephiejo@Inside the Barbie Craft Room) — Tue, 17 May 2011 18:25:00 +0000

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

I'm still here!

noreply@blogger.com (Stephiejo@Inside the Barbie Craft Room) — Sun, 01 May 2011 17:15:00 +0000

Recuperating from some recent health issues & surgery but should be back in craft & blogging mode very soon. Thank you for checking in!!

Happy Crafting!
Stephiejo

Happy St. Patricks Day

noreply@blogger.com (Stephiejo@Inside the Barbie Craft Room) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 21:39:00 +0000

I will be Irish for the day...

May your home always be too small to hold your friends...

In Barbie's world that isn't too difficult. Have a Safe & Cheerful St. Paddy's Day everyone!!

Dreaming of Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Stephiejo@Inside the Barbie Craft Room) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:35:00 +0000

Soon flowers will be in full bloom...

Children will be playing in the garden...

with their little furry friends...

having elaborate tea parties...

enjoying the sunshine and the great outdoors...

it cannot come soon enough...

It's almost Spring!

Happy Crafting!
Stephiejo

Country Kitchen Still Life's

noreply@blogger.com (Stephiejo@Inside the Barbie Craft Room) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:38:00 +0000

A little patriotic inspired art for this President's Day.

And all together...

Happy Crafting!
Stephiejo

Sweet Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Stephiejo@Inside the Barbie Craft Room) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 19:13:00 +0000

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

Time for Tea

noreply@blogger.com (Stephiejo@Inside the Barbie Craft Room) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 22:10:00 +0000

Trying out a new wallpaper/carpet combination...

Oh look...Grandma has stopped by for some tea...

Can teddy join us?

Of course...bring both your teddy bears...

hmmm...thinking that green lampshade doesn't quite go with the color scheme...

where were we?? oh yes...
the tea sets look lovely on the bookshelf...

Thank you grandma for playing with me today...

Anything for you...

Happy Crafting!!

Stephiejo

Creative Barbie Furniture

noreply@blogger.com (Stephiejo@Inside the Barbie Craft Room) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 15:41:00 +0000

Furnishing a Barbie sized dollhouse does not require a small fortune if you are patient and willing to do a little leg work. I have found the most incredible and unique furnishings and accessories from a variety of resale shops and big box stores. Now don't automatically head to the toy aisle for these treasures. Instead take a little jaunt to the home decor aisle and you'll be amazed at what you can find. You may have to think outside the box a bit for some items but if you do it enough, I promise, you'll start to look at everything in 1:6 scale. Some items will be great as is and will require only a cleaning or repainting. Other items I use as a jumping off point to transform into something more suitable.

One of my favorite pieces to use in a Barbie room are candle holders. They are so versatile. Sometimes on their own they can make a fantastic little table. I look for ornate pieces that resemble table legs then pair them with a decorative coaster for a top.

Here's an some example of a table transformation:

Originally brass this lion head piece received a coat of silver spray paint. Super glued an ornately carved real silver coaster from a thrift store, to the top and voila.

This one isn't a candle holder but a toothbrush holder. Cut a piece of basswood to fit the top and faux finished to match the base.

Fabric stores are another great place to shop for Barbie sized furniture. In recent years I have picked up several collectible pin cushion chairs which are perfect for my dollhouse. The fabric selection varies from year to year and if not available in your local store you can always check eBay.

Around the holidays manufacturers put together great little bath or candle themed gift sets that revolve around a novelty item. I have found some great Barbie sized bathtubs filled with bottles of bath oil, soaps, and lotions. Some are ceramic-others plastic but the size is much better for Barbie to actually sit in then the ones sold by Mattel.

I painted the legs gold with a paint pen. The faucet piece is from an actual Barbie bathtub. Towel bar is made from wooden bamboo skewers embellished with beads and spray painted to match.

Don't forget the picture frame aisle. A recent trend in decorating has also provided some trendy mini furnishings. Decorative chests, dressers and chair frames are popping up everywhere.

Ok..I have MANY more ideas but will save them for a future post.

Happy Crafting!
Stephiejo

Retro Diner Love

noreply@blogger.com (Stephiejo@Inside the Barbie Craft Room) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:50:00 +0000

When I first started collecting furniture and props in Barbie size I happened upon a fantastic deal at Big Lots on fabulous Bratz playsets. Since I have all boys in my house I had not seen any of these gems when they were available via regular retail establishments. I have to thank my fellow collectors for turning me onto these detailed pieces. They have so many components and are versatile enough for many different scenes. I particularly love the Retro Diner Cafe. It is a great foundation for displaying my Rement and Orcara restaurant themed miniatures.

This is the cutie patootie playset-

One word of warning..the playset is NOT red..it's more of a deep pink color. Something to keep in mind if you are looking to acquire this set for photos.

The coffee pot is to. die. for. I used it in a coffee themed grouping a few years ago:

I LOVE the Mickey Mouse Cafe series by rement. So far I've only purchased the burger set and can't wait to get the remaining pieces. Of course I had to purchase in pairs. How does that saying go...double the pleasure...double the fun? LOL...or something like that. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

In the background you can catch a glimpse of the Orcara Caca Food Shop series. Also known as Popcorn Sweet Snacks (or at least I've seen it listed for sale that way).
This set is a smidge too small for 1:6 scale but the details are amazing and I HAD to have it. Fortunately the rear counter of the Diner is extra short so these pieces fit in just right!

Yes, that says Cara Orla...and it looks like it is really dispensing soda!

The hotdog set is super cute too. The hotdogs look like they are cooked!

The blender is part of a fruit smoothie set but I thought of it for milkshakes in this diner. Now if I could only get my hands on an old fashioned mini milkshake machine I'd really be happy...add to the list of "wants".

I had a few visitors during my little photo shoot. My Silkstone waitress stopped by to check the place out. I promptly put her to work filling orders.

One of my brown eyed girls made herself at home perched on the counter no less.

She couldn't stop eyeing the milkshake so I relented and let her have it. I'm a sucker for those baby brown's. :-)

Until next time..

Happy Crafting!
Stephiejo

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Stephiejo@Inside the Barbie Craft Room) — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 22:39:00 +0000

Finally recovered from New Year's festivities.

Had a little too much of this:

Looking ahead to a fun filled 2011.

Goals for this year:

1. Take more photos. I have so many scenes floating around in my head and in my handy dandy notebook. I need to capture them digitally and share with all of you.

2. Second dollhouse project. This time using a second hand armoire as the base instead of a plastic version. I have grand plans! Look for progress soon.

3. Blog more. If I accomplish one and two I will have material to succeed at 3.

I think I'll leave it at that.

Happy Crafting!
Stephiejo

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Stephiejo@Inside the Barbie Craft Room) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:47:00 +0000

The table has been set for the arrival of guests.

On the eve of Christmas...

May your hearts be filled with gladness...

Peace on earth...goodwill toward man...

embrace the love in your heart this season...

May all your Christmas wishes come true...

Happy Crafting!
Stephiejo

Flashback: Fall Tablescape

noreply@blogger.com (Stephiejo@Inside the Barbie Craft Room) — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 16:52:00 +0000

Let's take a walk down memory lane and revisit last year's Fall Tablescape shall we?

An intimate table for two. There is nothing I enjoy more than an enchanting dinner with my husband. Cozy and warm inside by the fire while taking in the views of the crisp autumn scenery outdoors.

This meal offers a very simplistic set up. Enjoying the fantastic view of the patio.

An ornate silver charger grounds each place setting. The second layer is an elegant white plate with black and gold filagree detail.

Next is a salad plate with gold ivy border.
On top is a ceramic pumpkin bowl with stemmed lid.
A small soup toureen, clear goblets, and fine silverware complete each seat.

The centerpiece is a simple pumpkin perched atop an antique urn set on a bronze pediment. The gold candelabra offers a romantic touch.

Thank you for letting me reminisce.

Credits:
Chargers- Imperial Silver circa 1970
Plates, bowls, silverware, goblets, candelabra- Re-Ment Japan
Pediment: Clock parts
Urn: repainted Barbie piece
Lg pumpkin: Hobby Lobby floral craft
Table/chairs: Barbie
Windows: Barbie cottage
View: my patio

Happy Crafting!

Stephiejo