Bride progress

It's taken a while, but I finally made some progress on my tin can bride. 

So, her legs are done, stockings are on, but not sure how to deal with shoes yet. I experimented with some stryrofoam, but it doesn't carve very well, plus I made them too small so back to the drawing board. I made bigger feet and took the corners off, so will have to sand and shape them and see how they look. I only have basic tools, so it was hard to hold the wood while I cut at this angle. I may have to rethink this and make some sort of jig.....

Her dress is together and attached. She has borrowed the Grooms legs for now, but you get the idea...

I have some beads and stuff for the dress, which will come later...

Also trying to do some hair. I saw a tutorial on YouTube on using Mod Podge on a plastic bag/cling wrap base which makes a cap, of sorts, that you glue the hair onto. First attempt was not so great, since I didn't have Mod Podge, only PVA. This is too rubbery to work properly, so I have started again with some decoupage medium and we will see how that goes... If I have to get Mod Podge, then I will, but that stuff ain't cheap!! ;)

I also upgraded my Groom's trousers as they seemed too black, so they now have a white trim on the side....

Hopefully, I will get motivated over the rest of the Easter weekend, and we will see some more progress... I have been a little low on motivation lately - I need to clean up my space to refresh myself. I have a doll I want to make, but I need to make some space to cut out the pieces out without glue and tools in the way. I have already cleaned out the shed and bought some new tubs as the clear ones went all brittle, filled them up, now just to put them back in the shed. Hopefully the weather will hold out an I can get some stuff done.... ;)

Groom progress...

Starting to get an idea of how this is working. Quite pleased with the results, so far ;)

Arms are on, hair is on... Still waiting for the glue to set, hence the pins, and he's looking a little scruffy, but I can trim that up later. The hat I already had, but I think it's a perfect size. 

This is the first time I have used the ball for a hand, and it works great! Bought more this morning :)

Still deciding on how to do the face. I don't think I will be able to paint directly on the head, as it is so glossy. I may have to try the painted vilene that I used for Dorothy....

Top hats and tails...

Been toying with the idea of making a Bride and Groom couple based on the toy soldiers, so since I was all on my own today, I cranked up the radio and off I went!

The groom is going to be in full formal with tails, and I hope I can reuse the coat pattern for future soldiers ;)

 

Still waiting for the paint to dry on the tin, but you get the idea......

I hope this will work.... The bride is going to be more complex, but I think it will be fun. Maybe...

More mini Supers!

After a few hours without power, I managed to finish up a few things for Santas. 

I had a leopard dress-up that needed a change of zip and a new tail. Done!

I also still had 4 Superman capes to be done from the previous lot I took from mum.  However after some feedback on the last couple, I removed all the armholes. Apparently, the "shirt" style was a little difficult for the kids to get on and off, so the bib style I used for Batman was a better option. I have to say, though, I did not cut these out. I only sewed them up and put the logos on. All the construction is based on the sample (below) and from my experience in sewing stuff. It is no way the ONLY way, but I think the finish is better than the sample, in my opinion. ;)

I also had a couple cut with a front only and a tie up for the back (like the purchased one, above...)

On the left, the "tie up" versions, the right, the "bib" versions. They appear bigger because I had to trim the bib ones down to take off the armholes. Maybe they will be better for smaller kiddies? :)

To get a better idea of how they work, since I don't have a child to try it on, the chair has to substitute...... 

The tie up version has a front only attached to the Cape at the shoulder, with a tie attached to both sides. The child will need adult assistance to tie it for them.

The bib version has elastic sides, like a netball bib, with the Cape attached at the shoulders and the neck. A child can easily put this on by themselves.

You know, once you get started, you just can't stop! Even though each one is slightly different, the general process is the same, so you can kinda get into a rhythm. ;)

Another Nutcracker!

This time in blue. He is more like a soldier than the first, but he wears a crown ;)

This one was done with a lighter "skin", so he doesn't look quite so sunburnt. His nose is half the dowell, glued and painted with the head. 

What a profile, hey?

I like how freeing it is doing the moustache, mouth and eyebrows freehand. No two will ever be the same! BTW, the eyes are made using a standard hole punch...

 I really want to try one of these with a bent elbow. Maybe next time?

I have found a local wood supply shop that sells small balls that will work better for hands, as they don't have the hole on the end like the beads do, plus they are actually round. They are a little more expensive, but I think it will give a better result. I am going to use up the beads I already have first, and move on to the new ones after. Still have 2x pairs to go, I think. I also found a packet of "cover buttons", which are a half ball on a little base. Not sure if I can use these for anything, but you never know ;) (sorry, it's a little out of focus...)

I have been using the Boy's drill to make these, but it is a bit big and clunky, so he bought me my own. And it's a cutie, too! It comes in a box, with a drawer to store all the bits and bobs, and stores away like a makeup case. Who needs flowers, eh? ;) 

I really should get started on my Snow White set, but these Nutcrackers are so much fun! :)