GSOLFOT MINI NEWS
| June 2009 |
| Welcome to our visitors and congratulations on finding your way here. Hello again to all our members. |
| Welcome to our 7th venture of sharing news and skills. It has been a while since the last newsletter as your web editor (Noni) went to bed a while back and forget to get up again! (Thank you by the way for all the kind thoughts) |
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| Don't forget to bookmark this page and visit often, Noni The Oz GSOLFOT |
| We hope you have enjoyed this month’s edition of GSOLFOT MINI NEWS. If you have an article to submit for future editions please contact the editor: spwatson@ntlworld.com |
| This month we have for you tutorials on..... a pretty dress and hat and some suggestions for the use of brick compound and a quiz with a prize! |
| Spreading the word! Since the last issue many of our talented members have been in publications in USA, UK and Australia. Shelley Hawley-Yan, Marianne Colijn, Kathy Brindle, Roz Walters, Lidi Stroud and Margie Paruszkiewicz have all been featured in or written articles for specialist magazines: American Miniaturist; Dolls House World, Dolls house Magazine and Australian Country Craft and Decorating. In future issues I would like to feature members’ new work as well as projects. Please contact me (Sally) off list if you are happy to show your photos |
| Good news: Noni has come through her chemo and radiation and is recovering well. However there are a few members struggling with health issues both personally and in the family – we wish them well. |
| Here today are 2 projects for you – a pretty dress and hat from Roz Walters and some suggestions for the use of realistic brick compound. There are also some notes on the Sockee tour of 2009! |
| We also have a quiz for all readers, members and visitors alike. The prize is a pot of Kathy Brindle’s lovely 12th scale cream poinsettias |
| Details and questions are at the end of this news letter. Entries close on July 17th 2009 |
| REALISTIC BRICK COMPOUND AND STENCILS Using on a foundation other than wood by Sally Watson |
| These products from Bromley Crafts have clear instructions and good website support but I would like to share some ideas with you for usage on different surfaces. |
| I have used it on MDF, wood and foamcore for vignettes and room boxes. 5mm foam core is a useful base for lightweight pieces but can have an alarming tendency to warp. |
Whatever the surface, undercoat it with a colour you want for the grout/mortar – this should be a couple of
shades darker than the brick/stone you want to end up with. I use slightly watered down household emulsion or
acrylic. The ready mixed colours of the brick powders are quite pale but you can colourwash them - see later note.
shades darker than the brick/stone you want to end up with. I use slightly watered down household emulsion or
acrylic. The ready mixed colours of the brick powders are quite pale but you can colourwash them - see later note.
| On foam core undercoat one side - it will warp - don't panic! Turn it over when dry and warped; dampen the reverse with a moistened cloth. Cover in plastic wrap/cling film/saran or whatever you call it over the pond and weight it with books or something hefty. It will dry flat. |
| I have not found this necessary with MDF but use a spray of Krylon or similar sealant for caution |
| Now that you have a flat piece of foam core it is time to use the stencil. The same suggestions apply for the slab or brick effect. I use stencil positioning adhesive to keep the stencil in place - it remains re-usable for several applications. Repositionable adhesive will work but take care to use a good brand – some are just awful. Spray the back of the stencil and apply firmly to your base. Mix the formula according to the directions on the packet. If you are using an alternative mix such as Polyfilla or plaster take care to have a spreadable consistency |
| The instructions recommend a palette knife but I find a stiff brush better for when a rougher stone effect is needed such as on a patio. There is no need to allow the compound to dry before removing and re- applying the stencil. Just make sure to line up the over lap in the stencil design. |
| When the wall or whatever is completely covered and dry it is ready to seal. At this stage, before sealing, you can sort out mistakes with a moistened q-tip/cotton bud and reapply the compound |
| Now seal it - I use Krylon spray to seal. If you don't seal any subsequent colour wash will remove your hard done bricking. When the seal is dry - minutes - it is ready to colourwash if you want to. You can add a slightly mouldy effect, weathering or smoked look with various colours. You may need to repeat the damping and weighting process on the back only of foamcore. |
| Apply another coat of sealant when you have the effect you want. |
GREEN SPICE - DRESS & HAT for 5 1/2" DOLL
By Roz Walters
By Roz Walters
Materials: 2 x 5 gram balls of DMC Fil á Dentelles No 80 or
Coats 80 crochet cotton.
0.75 steel crochet hook.
Coats 80 crochet cotton.
0.75 steel crochet hook.
Abbreviations – US terms in parentheses: ch = chain; sc = single
crochet; dc = double crochet; tr = treble crochet; sl st = slip stitch.
crochet; dc = double crochet; tr = treble crochet; sl st = slip stitch.
Work sts in square parentheses (brackets] the number of times
indicated after the parentheses.
indicated after the parentheses.
| DRESS |
Bodice:
Work 16 ch, 1 dc(sc) in second ch from hook, 1 dc(sc) in each ch to end, 1 ch,
turn (15 dc(sc) + turning ch)
Work 6 rows in dc(sc).
Increase Row: Miss the first dc(sc), * 1 dc(sc) in next dc(sc), 2 dc(sc), in next
dc(sc), rep from * to end ending with 1 dc(sc), in turning ch, 1 ch, turn (22
dc(sc), + turning ch).
Work 2 more rows in dc(sc).
Next Row: Miss first st, sl st into next 2 sts, 1 ch, dc(sc), into next 18 dc(sc), 1
ch turn.
Work 4 more rows in dc(sc).
Next Row: Miss first dc(sc), 1 dc(sc), in next 2 dc(sc), 1 ch, turn.
Work 16 ch, 1 dc(sc) in second ch from hook, 1 dc(sc) in each ch to end, 1 ch,
turn (15 dc(sc) + turning ch)
Work 6 rows in dc(sc).
Increase Row: Miss the first dc(sc), * 1 dc(sc) in next dc(sc), 2 dc(sc), in next
dc(sc), rep from * to end ending with 1 dc(sc), in turning ch, 1 ch, turn (22
dc(sc), + turning ch).
Work 2 more rows in dc(sc).
Next Row: Miss first st, sl st into next 2 sts, 1 ch, dc(sc), into next 18 dc(sc), 1
ch turn.
Work 4 more rows in dc(sc).
Next Row: Miss first dc(sc), 1 dc(sc), in next 2 dc(sc), 1 ch, turn.
Work 10 rows in dc(sc), on these sts, working 3 dc(sc), at the end of the last row.
** Next Row: Work 1 dc(sc), in second ch from hook, 1 dc(sc) in ch, dc(sc) to end, (5 dc(sc)) work 3 ch at the end of row, turn.
Next Row: Work 1 dc(sc), in second ch from hook, 1 dc(sc) in ch, dc(sc) to end, 1 ch, turn (8 dc(sc)+ turning ch.).
Work 9 rows more in dc(sc).
Fasten off.
Rejoin yarn to the top of the front 3 sts from the end. Work 1 ch, 1 dc(sc), in next dc(sc), 1 dc(sc) in turning ch, 1 ch turn.
Work 9 rows in dc(sc), working 3 ch at the end of the last row.
Rep from ** to end.
Sew up the side seams.
** Next Row: Work 1 dc(sc), in second ch from hook, 1 dc(sc) in ch, dc(sc) to end, (5 dc(sc)) work 3 ch at the end of row, turn.
Next Row: Work 1 dc(sc), in second ch from hook, 1 dc(sc) in ch, dc(sc) to end, 1 ch, turn (8 dc(sc)+ turning ch.).
Work 9 rows more in dc(sc).
Fasten off.
Rejoin yarn to the top of the front 3 sts from the end. Work 1 ch, 1 dc(sc), in next dc(sc), 1 dc(sc) in turning ch, 1 ch turn.
Work 9 rows in dc(sc), working 3 ch at the end of the last row.
Rep from ** to end.
Sew up the side seams.
Skirt:
Rejoin yarn at the waist edge with a sl st, 3 ch, 1 tr(dc) in same place as ch, * 2 tr(dc) in next st, rep from * to end, 4 ch, turn.
First pattern Row: [1 tr(dc), 2 ch, 1 tr(dc)] in the first tr(dc), * miss 1 tr(dc), [1 tr(dc), 2 ch 1 tr(dc)] in next tr(dc), rep from *
ending with 3 ch, turn.
Second Pattern Row: * 4 tr(dc) in 2 ch space, rep from * ending with 1 tr(dc) in turning ch, 4 ch, turn.
Third Pattern Row: * [1 tr(dc), 2 ch. 1 tr(dc)] in centre of 4 tr(dc) group, rep from * ending with 1 tr(dc) in turning ch, 3 ch,
turn.
Rep rows 2 and 3 eight times more.
Increase Row: * 4 tr(dc) in 2 ch space, 2 tr(dc) in space between tr(dc), rep from * ending with 4 tr(dc) in 2 ch space, 1 tr(dc)
in turning ch, 4 ch, turn.
Next Row: * [1 tr(dc), 2 ch. 1 tr(dc)] in centre of 4 tr(dc) group, [1 tr(dc), 2 ch, 1 tr(dc)] in centre of 2 tr(sc), rep from * ending
with [1 tr(dc), 2 ch, 1 tr(dc)] in centre of 4 tr(dc) group, 1 tr(dc) in turning ch., 3 ch, turn.
Rep. rows 2 and 3 of pattern twice more. Fasten off.
Rejoin yarn at the waist edge with a sl st, 3 ch, 1 tr(dc) in same place as ch, * 2 tr(dc) in next st, rep from * to end, 4 ch, turn.
First pattern Row: [1 tr(dc), 2 ch, 1 tr(dc)] in the first tr(dc), * miss 1 tr(dc), [1 tr(dc), 2 ch 1 tr(dc)] in next tr(dc), rep from *
ending with 3 ch, turn.
Second Pattern Row: * 4 tr(dc) in 2 ch space, rep from * ending with 1 tr(dc) in turning ch, 4 ch, turn.
Third Pattern Row: * [1 tr(dc), 2 ch. 1 tr(dc)] in centre of 4 tr(dc) group, rep from * ending with 1 tr(dc) in turning ch, 3 ch,
turn.
Rep rows 2 and 3 eight times more.
Increase Row: * 4 tr(dc) in 2 ch space, 2 tr(dc) in space between tr(dc), rep from * ending with 4 tr(dc) in 2 ch space, 1 tr(dc)
in turning ch, 4 ch, turn.
Next Row: * [1 tr(dc), 2 ch. 1 tr(dc)] in centre of 4 tr(dc) group, [1 tr(dc), 2 ch, 1 tr(dc)] in centre of 2 tr(sc), rep from * ending
with [1 tr(dc), 2 ch, 1 tr(dc)] in centre of 4 tr(dc) group, 1 tr(dc) in turning ch., 3 ch, turn.
Rep. rows 2 and 3 of pattern twice more. Fasten off.
Collar:
Rejoin yarn at the back neck edge with a sl st, 1 ch, work 74 dc(sc) across neck edge, 4 ch, turn.
Next Row: Miss the first st. * [1 tr(dc) 2 ch. 1 tr(dc)] in next st, miss 1 st, rep from * ending with 1 tr(dc) in last st, 4 ch, turn.
Next Row: * [1 tr(dc), 2 ch, 1 tr(dc)] in next 2 ch space, rep from * ending with 1 tr(dc) in turning ch, 4 ch, turn.
Rep the last row twice more.
Fasten off.
Sew up back seam to within half an inch of the waist, fit on doll and sew up the rest of the back seam.
Rejoin yarn at the back neck edge with a sl st, 1 ch, work 74 dc(sc) across neck edge, 4 ch, turn.
Next Row: Miss the first st. * [1 tr(dc) 2 ch. 1 tr(dc)] in next st, miss 1 st, rep from * ending with 1 tr(dc) in last st, 4 ch, turn.
Next Row: * [1 tr(dc), 2 ch, 1 tr(dc)] in next 2 ch space, rep from * ending with 1 tr(dc) in turning ch, 4 ch, turn.
Rep the last row twice more.
Fasten off.
Sew up back seam to within half an inch of the waist, fit on doll and sew up the rest of the back seam.
| HAT |
Work 4 ch, join with a sl st, work 3 ch, 11 tr(dc) into ring, join.
Next Row: 3 ch, 1 tr(dc) in same st., 2 tr(dc) in every st to end, join.
Next Row: 3 ch, 1 tr(dc) in same st, 1 tr(dc) in next st, * 2 tr(dc) in next st, 1 tr(dc) in next st, rep from * to end, join.
Next Row: 3 ch, 1 tr(dc)in each st to end, join.
Rep the last row 3 times more.
Next Row: 3 ch, * [1 tr(dc), 2 ch, 1 tr(dc) in next and every st, join.
Next Row: 3 ch, * [1 tr(dc), 2 ch, 1 tr(tr)] in each 2 ch space, rep from * to end, join.
Rep the last row twice more. Fasten off. Sew in all ends, glue on ribbon roses, feathers, etc.
Next Row: 3 ch, 1 tr(dc) in same st., 2 tr(dc) in every st to end, join.
Next Row: 3 ch, 1 tr(dc) in same st, 1 tr(dc) in next st, * 2 tr(dc) in next st, 1 tr(dc) in next st, rep from * to end, join.
Next Row: 3 ch, 1 tr(dc)in each st to end, join.
Rep the last row 3 times more.
Next Row: 3 ch, * [1 tr(dc), 2 ch, 1 tr(dc) in next and every st, join.
Next Row: 3 ch, * [1 tr(dc), 2 ch, 1 tr(tr)] in each 2 ch space, rep from * to end, join.
Rep the last row twice more. Fasten off. Sew in all ends, glue on ribbon roses, feathers, etc.
© Roz Walters 2009
http://www.rozminiatures.co.uk
http://www.rozminiatures.co.uk
| KATHYB and SALLY’S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE! |
A long awaited trip took place in May when KathyB travelled across the planet from Western Australia to South East England
to visit Sally. This trip became a round of meetings with other UK members and many visits to places inspirational for
miniaturists.
First stop after a week of non-stop natter and laughter was Accrington in Lancashire to visit Alison and Alan and their
wonderful collection of dolls houses, dolls and cats. She had very thoughtfully arranged a workshop for us and it was lovely
that Anji was able to join us.
A riotous bunch for sure! We were making shoes – mine were hastily hidden in my pocket before the cameras came out!
Two days later we set off across England to North Yorkshire where we had rented a tiny farm cottage near the town of Selby.
This was a mini in itself! Small but perfectly formed! From there we went to the beautiful city of York where Ann met us and
was a brilliant guide.
Top of the shops list was the Miniature Scene of York where tried not to scare too many people. The owner was charming and
is going to be selling Kathy’s flowers very soon. We took Ann back to see our tiny hideaway and reluctantly had to drink her
wine as she was driving!
The following day we went to Castle Howard –stunning!
Photography is permitted inside – unusual for UK tourist places – so we were able to gather plenty of ideas. I was particularly
keen to collect ideas for wall coverings.
Our, by now, very good friend the GPS saw us safely on the long haul south. Of course, for Kathy being accustomed to huge
distances, this was like a trip to the shops. We were back in time for the Kensington Dolls House Festival the following day.
This was a great experience and – yes – money did exchange hands! It was lovely to have yet more sockmeets – Em2 had
travelled up from Cornwall and Bea was running her Petite Properties table. More chatter and photo opportunities!
to visit Sally. This trip became a round of meetings with other UK members and many visits to places inspirational for
miniaturists.
First stop after a week of non-stop natter and laughter was Accrington in Lancashire to visit Alison and Alan and their
wonderful collection of dolls houses, dolls and cats. She had very thoughtfully arranged a workshop for us and it was lovely
that Anji was able to join us.
A riotous bunch for sure! We were making shoes – mine were hastily hidden in my pocket before the cameras came out!
Two days later we set off across England to North Yorkshire where we had rented a tiny farm cottage near the town of Selby.
This was a mini in itself! Small but perfectly formed! From there we went to the beautiful city of York where Ann met us and
was a brilliant guide.
Top of the shops list was the Miniature Scene of York where tried not to scare too many people. The owner was charming and
is going to be selling Kathy’s flowers very soon. We took Ann back to see our tiny hideaway and reluctantly had to drink her
wine as she was driving!
The following day we went to Castle Howard –stunning!
Photography is permitted inside – unusual for UK tourist places – so we were able to gather plenty of ideas. I was particularly
keen to collect ideas for wall coverings.
Our, by now, very good friend the GPS saw us safely on the long haul south. Of course, for Kathy being accustomed to huge
distances, this was like a trip to the shops. We were back in time for the Kensington Dolls House Festival the following day.
This was a great experience and – yes – money did exchange hands! It was lovely to have yet more sockmeets – Em2 had
travelled up from Cornwall and Bea was running her Petite Properties table. More chatter and photo opportunities!
We needed a week end to recover before going to Kristin Baybar’s curious and enchanting shop in north London. Yes – more
money exchanged hands and she, too, will be selling Kathy’s flowers! We completed our London “fix” with a visit to the
delightful performance of “Calendar Girls” at the Noel Coward theatre.
A visit to Down House, the home of Charles Darwin, completed our cultural input. There was also a craft show at which we
sold our work and felt rather good! I will not go into the wine tasting and cocktail sampling as I can’t afford a lawyer........!
My house is very quiet now. But – be warned all Sockees Down Under! I have plans!
money exchanged hands and she, too, will be selling Kathy’s flowers! We completed our London “fix” with a visit to the
delightful performance of “Calendar Girls” at the Noel Coward theatre.
A visit to Down House, the home of Charles Darwin, completed our cultural input. There was also a craft show at which we
sold our work and felt rather good! I will not go into the wine tasting and cocktail sampling as I can’t afford a lawyer........!
My house is very quiet now. But – be warned all Sockees Down Under! I have plans!
It would be lovely to receive news of other Sockmeets for future issues.
AND NOW FOR OUR 1ST EVER QUIZ!
Prize is a 12th scale floral piece kindly donated by KathyB
of http://miniatureartistry.net
of http://miniatureartistry.net
| Closes on July 17th 2009 |
| To enter answer all the questions and email your answers to sallypenny33@googlemail.com with Sockee Quiz in the subject line. Some questions have more than one correct answer. All with highest scoring correct answers will be entered into a draw on July 17th. The winner will be drawn, notified and the prize posted as soon as mail details have been provided. Good luck! |
1. List 3 popular scales for miniaturists. (3)
2. Who is the miniaturist daughter of a Hollywood actor (1)
3. Name 3 mini exhibits open to the public; 1 each in US, UK and EU. (3)
2. Who is the miniaturist daughter of a Hollywood actor (1)
3. Name 3 mini exhibits open to the public; 1 each in US, UK and EU. (3)
4. How long has the Kensington dolls house festival been running? Name one of the founders.(2)
5. What is the crafter’s name for a mixture of PVA and water? (1)
6. Who is the American organizer of mini related tours to Europe? (1)
7. Name the duo renowned for their construction of famous buildings who published a book last year, now available
across continents. (2)
8. Who is renowned for his finishes of miniature buildings and runs sought after workshops? (1)
9. What is a qualification many miniaturists aim for? (1)
10. Name the covering favoured by miniature book makers. (1)
11. Who is the owner of the quirky, world renowned miniatures shop in London? (1)
12. Name a German porcelain maker of miniatures. (1)
13. Name a Swiss doll maker and an Antipodean doll maker. (2)
14. GOWs, GORs, pea and LEDs are all types of what? (1)
15. Name a mini power tool with variable attachments. (1)
16. What would you make up at a workshop? (1)
17. Name a TV series involving miniatures. (1)
18. Name 3 magazines for miniaturists. (3)
19. Give the titles of 2 books involving small scale challenges and/or adventures! (2)
20. What would you do with bug juice? (1)
5. What is the crafter’s name for a mixture of PVA and water? (1)
6. Who is the American organizer of mini related tours to Europe? (1)
7. Name the duo renowned for their construction of famous buildings who published a book last year, now available
across continents. (2)
8. Who is renowned for his finishes of miniature buildings and runs sought after workshops? (1)
9. What is a qualification many miniaturists aim for? (1)
10. Name the covering favoured by miniature book makers. (1)
11. Who is the owner of the quirky, world renowned miniatures shop in London? (1)
12. Name a German porcelain maker of miniatures. (1)
13. Name a Swiss doll maker and an Antipodean doll maker. (2)
14. GOWs, GORs, pea and LEDs are all types of what? (1)
15. Name a mini power tool with variable attachments. (1)
16. What would you make up at a workshop? (1)
17. Name a TV series involving miniatures. (1)
18. Name 3 magazines for miniaturists. (3)
19. Give the titles of 2 books involving small scale challenges and/or adventures! (2)
20. What would you do with bug juice? (1)
| COMING UP Personal profiles and galleries of GSOLFOT members – see introduction; a 12th scale quilt making project and maybe another quiz! There will be more! |
