Burn-out

 Over the pandemic when absolutely everything was closed my studio became my shelter. I could shut everything going on in the world down and happily work on creating new props. I made tiny furniture because I was sick of looking at all of my same-old stuff. I made a sleigh for christmas, I'd always wanted to work on a vehicle! But now, everything is open, I've had all the shots and as I want to go back out into the world I find myself feeling tired. Spending every weekend packing up orders. The non-stop hum of my 3d printer. The never ending lists of prints on my to-do board. Every new order would put a smile on my face, I enjoyed boxing them up for their new home and making my packaging look fancy. Now while I am extremely grateful, I find that the burn-out is catching up. I don't think I'm the only person in the hobby experiencing this, I think it's pretty common for anyone doing one thing for a long time to need a break. So I'm going to be taking one. Because burn-out and mental health are important. Recognizing that something is not making you happy even if it once did. I'm going to work on a few me projects. I'm going to crochet a bit. I'm going to relax without to-do lists or due-dates. This is not me saying I will be radio silent, I'll probably still update this blog (as infrequently as ever) and post on my instagram. As my favorite soap maker on youtube would say, "Do something fun for yourself today." Like setting up your doll in a comfy chair with a cat. Or figuring out how to make a fireplace to make it even cozier.

DIY Arm Chair

 If you follow my Instagram, you may notice I'm on a bit of a furniture kick. I don't ask why, I just go with it. So I found this really great tutorial for making armchairs. I figured why not try it for my 1:9 dolls?

So here's the link to the youtube: https://youtu.be/R7EAc9g5NSE . The creator kindly has a link to here pattern in the description. You'll need to rescale it to 1:9 if you want it for breyer dolls.

I cut my pattern out. The print was kinda wonky, cutting some parts of the chair in half but I'm sure it will be fine. Also I only have reallllly thick foam. So here we go!

Funny story so before Anthony and I started dating, my roommate was trying to wing-woman. He asked her what he could get to woo me... He brought me glue sticks 😂. Totally worked too! Anyway, I glued my template down on the foam then cut out the pieces. From my saddle making, I cut the C piece then cut B from it so they would match. 

Then assemble it. The cat approves.

It looked a little big... 

So I had to disassemble and cut it down. (I'll have to redo my pattern scaling if I make another one.) It definitely looks much better! 

I didn't have batting so I used fleece for this one. It's not as good at smoothing out but this part was done during the ice storm so I wasn't going anywhere to get some.

I did my back a bit differently. I traced out the back of the chair, then flipped it to either side so that I could cut out 1 continuous piece for the entire back. Just make sure to give yourself 1/2 inch for folding over.

I actually just paneled the insides too. 

I made the bottom cushion by making a piece of foam that fits onto the seat, then putting a little bit of fiber fill. I covered the fiber fill with fleece and then fabric. 

I glued the cushion on and I've ordered some nice legs to complete the chair. Until then, I guess it's just going to be a bit short!

Corner not Included

 So, as I was busy daydreaming about that barn I still haven't started yet, I thought of another great addition to any stall: a corner feeder! 

Of course I had to test it out, yup it fits in a corner!

This will be available on my Etsy which reopens January 10th! Of course, the horse and corner are not include!

Sleigh Ride

 

Dashing Through the Snow,

In a Bright Orange open Sleigh,

Don't actually have a harness,

That's a project for IMTM, Hey!

My sleigh is a bit too big for the dolls. I plan on revising this. And using a color other than orange, that's just what I had to use up for prototypes. After much messing around, I have got it so the shaft portion bolts onto the sleigh so it can be removed to store/ transport! Once I get a nice realistic model I'll add it to the etsy, hopefully when I reopen in January.

I didn't sign up for the barn raising. Last year this time I was rushing to get the last of my orders out. This year I was more prepared so I probably had enough down time... I started today but it will probably take a while to get everything done. At least I got supplies and sketched where my two stalls and tack room will go.

Originally I considered getting a nice deluxe breyer barn to make into it but the loft wasn't big enough for my plans of putting in a small doll apartment. My dream would be to live above my beautiful horses. My mom actually has this except the house part is in front then the barn just comes off the back with a viewing room of the barn on the second floor. 

Restock Notice!

 Tonight so basically tomorrow, the shop is getting restocked as I've finally caught up on orders. Since there were some issues with the coupon, I've started an equivalent sale. I'm working on some Christmas themed items but no promises, I've got a lot of sticks in the fire. Gosh this is truly the busiest time of the year and I am so thankful that folks like my work. That's it, that's my update.

Black Friday

 

I'm starting my Black Friday sale early, just use the promo code "Blackfriday". Hopefully this helps folks who want to start their holiday shopping early! As always orders over $35 ship for free (within USA) and I'm also adding a fun gift from me! 

Happy Halloween

 

Happy Halloween! I hope everyone has a spooky good time and all of the good horses get treats (not tricks). 

It's super weird to be thinking about Halloween when most of my Christmas shopping is done and I'm working on making the rest of my gifts... Plus shop-wise I've been super busy pre-printing things in as many colors and scales as possible to handle everyone's Xmas orders. There's still some Christmas themed prop sets listed but I'm working on making a bunch more.