Sunday fun with the cast & crew...

I have been having some fun, more than I realized, with the new dolls that have arrived, and re-organizing items in the doll room. Ever had that project you just can't get out of your head??That has been what is up with me. I just can't get the One Sixth Scale dolls out of my head, I keep dreaming up more storylines and scenes, etc. than I can build. It didn't used to always be this way- I had strayed from the dollhouse for a few months. I still bought dolls- I'm addicted. But my passion had kind of fell flat. It is amazing what organizing what you have can do for your dolly play.  That said, I have been finding all sorts of cool items that can be used in the kitchen for McDonald's. I have also discovered that the restuarant is being built for the owner , my mini-me doll that hasn't arrived yet. Evidently she has investments in the One Sixth Scale world, you know...lol. Here are a few fun scenes I took today while sifting /sorting.

Barbie Basics Ken is trying on his blaze orange vest, and working on the jag. Just brought in his home depot bucket.

These little plastic containers are the bomb. I took pics of Becky with Ricky organizing them for the diorama. The ones Ricky is holding are the little containers that those gummi sandwich and burger & ice cream cone candies come in in the packages with several to a package. The candy is shaped like a hamburger, ice cream, sub sandwich, etc. I think I saved them all because of the long size of them- perfect for holding food items in 1:6 scale! The round container was purchased in the art department at Michael's for .99 cents - it is meant to hold paint.

Poppy came in with her crew of friends...turns out Mini-me Lisa wanted her assistant, Poppy to check upon the progress of the McDonald's and see what was holding up the building process. Poppy knew she was going to see Bryan Cooper (Coop) who was the current 'temporary' manager of setting up the restuarant. But her feelings got the better of her, and for the first time, Coop has figured out- it's just dawning on him, that Poppy REALLY likes him....especially when she leaves quickly without waiting for an answer to the prgress of the building questions she's asked.
So far, that is the beginning of the story as to how I've thought of it. Haven't given it much cohesion, but it is truly amazing what a few poses can bring on as far as a storyline goes. I'm looking forward to the McDonald's bringing together alot of the characters, especially the teenagers in the group. (I haven't dragged out my Buffy yet or made her a chicken hat like she wore in the series...) Instead of a faithful replica of 'McDonald's' I may go with a McDonald's Diner or McDonald's Grill....the ideas are still coming!
~Lisa

Making more progress with the doll room...

....and it is slow going. Today I made alot of progress. The tiny bjd's dollhouse was moved to what used to be my desk, so I could have room to work on the McDonald's diorama. I really cleaned up alot of useless items out of the doll room, and pushed the shelves on the right  together. Here are some pics so far...

Looks crowded, but it isn't as crowded as it was previously!. The plastic shelves that assemble are not the best, but I got them on sale a few years ago and work quite well. The shelf next to the Sindy kitchen (kitchen diorama is quite messy, I was putting stuff to the side to work on placement) The top shelves will be where the Fashion Royalty & Barbies reside on their stands until I need to use them in a scene. The shelf next to the Sindy kitchen will be a Japanese room- scene I am planning for the Girl's Festival or Doll Festival. I'm still getting ideas for that one.
Alot more will be cleaned off the shelves. Two shelves underneath the Sindy diorama will be for stray furniture props and plastic tubs with tiny items- such as accessories, etc.
But back to the McDonald's ....
I cut one piece of foamcore for the base to complete it- and played with placement a bit. The dining area will be done in yellow foamcore - where the serving area and back kitchen, and take out window will be will be done in white. I had black and cream checkerboard wallpaper- but it did not look right with the yellow and red, so back to the drawing board. I may be buying white and red tile pvc dollhouse sheeting to complete this, if I cannot find white and red- hubby is insisting that the floor be done in white and red when I asked his opinion...I'm thinking it will be somewhat 'too' busy. I will also need another crossbuck door. The door will need to have its frame painted silver, the crosspanes in the upper part of the door cut out, and the door painted red. I'm going for a late 70's early 80's feel for this room scene, since this is where the dolls will 'hang' out in the town of Pumpkin Hill.

As you can see above, the fry station counters will have to be raised as will the front cashier counters as well, I figure by about 1 1 /2 inch. The takeout window will be to the far left , with the kitchen to the side. I am wondering if I should put a back door in the kitchen, but it will take up space as well as be problematic. I can make a fake door, out of foamcore, wrapped in silver paper, to create the illusion. Since I have one of those recycle bins (pencil holder) coming, that may go next to the door. When the display room is moved to a bigger room in our home, I will be able to do a back door withoutside, and trash bins, etc. Right now, I will have to create the illusion with what space I have.

I still like the idea of the Fashion Royalty box wrapped in silver paper as a counter, but am now thinking that it will go on the back wall. The fake door might have to go all the way to the extreme left as the grill will be made on the back wall, where they fry the burgers, etc. I was going to use the extra fry frame as the hood of the grill, haven't yet figured that item how to out yet. I think it would be cool to have the raw burgers on the grill, and someone else assembling take out on another part of the counter, etc.

I inventoried my Rement and have enough to start with the other food items I have from vintage playsets. Items I will need more of are the tables, chairs, signage and the Barbie McDonald aprons, caps, uniform shirts.

So far, so good, this is a fun build!

McDonald's diorama collecting revisited...and some Barbie Basics...

I have re-visited my mania for the Barbie McDonald's restuarant I wish to do- finished bidding on this auction that had a take out window, the takeout window sign, an the food trays as well as one of the round tables with stools! The table will be wonderful for outside with the kids at the jungle gym- I have already figured that out- how to make it in the bright colors, etc. If you would like to see the set I won today click HERE
Oh, and made the mistake of going shopping at Wal-mart and Ross...and these are my goodies!

The One LIV doll came from Walmart for $6.90, the other is from Ross for 6.99...I went to Ross before Walmart, and she was the last one left at Ross- these dolls are fabulous for body swapping. I purchased two today - one body is for a doll that I am bidding on on Ebay- she will be made into a mini-me! I have always wanted a mini-me Barbie look alike to travel with. Ever had the wish to shrink yourself down? I have, and I found her so hopefully in a few days I will win her. The other LIV doll will also be body swapped as well. I want to do a Hinamatsuri diorama for March, and one of the Barbie Basics I saw on sale today would be perfect in the kimono I have, with the Rement.
Barbie Basics were on sale at my Walmart as well- I picked up #14 & #16 . The guy will be made into a McDonald's soda jerk, and he looks quite cute in the apron and hat. I may just keep him in jeans and the shirt he is in, and maybe make another hat. Here is the McDonald's stuff I had on hand to see if he would be ok height wise...

I have two of the stations, and two counters...in all this sorting in the doll room I have misplaced- somehow! the two counters that matched these back stations. Luckily, I was able to find the shirts aprons and hat that I had. My McDonald's will probably be large and not quite like the McDonald's you see today...I have been drawing and trying to figure out how to create booths, as well. I was thinking of putting Ken into a yellow or white shirt with white pants, but I'm thinking the jeans and sneaks look like they did in highschool, when we took a job at McDonald's, so I might find him a yellow tee or a white tee shirt. I think a Fashionista Ken would also complete the McDonald's crew too. I have been thinking when I get the display room some what cleaned up and cleaned out, and there is more room, I will do a mockup with foamcore on the plastic shelves Ihave set up, so I can set up my items I have collected and see how large & wide I would need it to be. With what I have collected so far, I am thinking when the diorama room is moved is that it will eventually take up a table space and look quite real. So the McDonald's until then, will be a work of love in progress .
Hopefully, I won't go out looking for more dollies to do bodyswaps with!lol
~Lisa

Organizing Accessories...& The 'Wuss' has arrived!

Organizing dolly accessories...cleaning out the old, in with the new! I spent part of yesterday evening organizing and getting rid of some doll accessories and clothing - I just don't use them, they lay about, lazy dollys, and just will not work in the diorama I am planning. So check my Ebay auctions for rock bottom prices of lots of clothing and dolls. I simply must move them. They would be great to practice repaints on, dress up and give to less fortunate kids- my Barbie club does this- redresses old dolls, cleans them, etc and we give them to girls who cannot afford to buy dolls. Our hobby has a way of warming children's hearts, and it's all about the Kids!
Any how, this is an old tackle box of hubby's that I rescued for these shoes, boots and smaller purses and hats. I am starting out slow, and buying the containers I need, and not going all out nuts on buying the plastic bins- we've got enough so far!
And yesterday- 'The Wuss ' finally arrived!

He's really adorable. Degree antiperspirant made this doll and 'Mama's Boy' and another one, as an advertising gimmick. His body is somewhat yuck- the arms are a little long and he isn't very poseable, but he works. I love the detailing on his clothes- they are so 80's with the polo and sweater tied around his neck! The sweater even has tiny buttons and he wears socks. I also like his flip do to hide his baldness!
I have been doing some deciding and planning on my diorama goals....yes, I am a goal nut....and to build the dioramas I wish to, I will need to get the display room organized and go thru tons of 'stuff' - mostly junk, to make room. I have one diorama in mind for this doll, as well as the McDonald's restuarant I want to do. I had sketched out plans but really need to figure out what size it has to be..I was going to go with foamcore, but may be able to convince hubby to make it for meout of wood, IF I can get enough room to have it set up permanently.  I know what doors and windows I would use. My McDonald's would lean more towards a diner/fast food joint.  I would love to do a coke-cola diner with the Mattel Coke bar, but it goes for insane prices on Ebay right now, as do the dolls like the Soda Jerk. Hershey who created City Circlez had an incredible, simply incredible, huge diner display which I still lust over. I have collected so many McDonald's items, including the lazy teenagers to work in the cafe as well. One thing I thought of doing was doing a caricature of McDonald's- like 'Mel's McDonald's Cafe...' spin.  I would like it big enough to have the take out window- a back kitchen, front dining area with booths, and parking for the mini cars in front as well as a jungle gym in multicolors for the Kelly and Chelsea dolls. sigh...So this is my main set up idea. It remains to be seen if it will evolve into what I would like to do with it. While in Target today I looked at shelving to start with, since it has to be deep enough to have a dining area and a counter and kitchen, to start with and be believable. This morning I found one of those cool little pencil holders that look like a recycle bin-
CLICK HERE for the link- they still have about 9 of them left and it comes with free shipping. You cannot find them anymore in Office Max.
I am thinking the new Fashionista Kens will make great counter boys as well customers...I slipped into Target today to get a look at their bodies, as I like my dolls to be jointed in both knees and elbows as well as at the hips and shoulders. Straight arms and legs just do not cut it for me anymore, I am too spoiled with the WClub dolls. lol...I resisted temptation today in Target as if you buy a Fashionista item you get a free clothing item! Also heard there is a new Atelier AA Silkstone coming out too; she's lovely but I know she will be pricey.......
More pictures later after I do some cleaning/playing/ displaying!
~Lisa

Get those feet moving....

I was experimenting with angles on the 1:6 scale crowd today- something I very rarely get to do, just play with the dolls, posing, and the camera. I used my brick wall/alley backdrop I made last summer when I customized Bucky, the $1 flavva doll. I got some unusual shots today and just liked to mix the over the top with the regular guy, so to speak. Lots of fun.
I am steadily cleaning out those plastic tubs! So I was really looking for props that need to move- and they will be listed on my Ebay Auctions

I had long ago purchased the high school musical doll at Target when he went on sale- and after seeing him on the skateboard, I don't want to let him go. Patrick Dempsey in the suit is dreamey as well, I did not know I had so many cool male dolls....The only thing I dislike about the high school musical kid is his hat is molded to his head.
Daria is wearing : dress- dressmaker couture, coat, From Bewitching Lucia, shoes, Agnes Von Weiss gift set, purse- playline Barbie and the black tote, from one of the Homme's , scarf Barbie Basics shoe pack.
I am hoping to go thru these dolls and make up a really cool scene , I've missed doing this!
~Lisa

What room to start on next??

What room to start on next? I have been so busy cleaning and sorting ...and cute gasp- SELLING some of my dolls and props- simply have too many! That I have sadly neglected the dollhouse, or dollhouses and my 1:6 scale divas. Been paying too much attention to the American Girls. So Bucky decided to finish Barbie's kitchen and starting working on the door . Kelly joined in and decided to help. Toolbox is an ornament I found at Bed Bath and Beyond 2 years ago on sale... Crossbuck door is from Houseworks, I sell them in my Ebay store Pumpkin Hill Studios. I think I am out of stock right now, let me know if you need them, I can always order them for you.
Onto the doll room, or closet, since it is so very small. The big girls have taken over other areas of the house. Here are some photos of the chaos, leftover from Christmas pictures & diorama setups.

As you can see, many dolls just laying about in stacks waiting to go into their perspective dioramas, so many ideas, so little time and space to build!! Hopefully, cleaning out the doll room will help me to re=arrange and regroup, after I get rid of more stuff!
Meanwhile, 'Grandma' Barbie is having some pre Valentine fun with Barbie , Skipper, Chelsea, Kelly and Tiny Bjd Dixie, as well as showing off her new dress I purchased at a doll show. HOpe to get her some more clothes, this seller sells nice clothing for the Grandma Barbie. Still trying to think of a name for her- possibly Barbara??lol

The dress is covered in pink roses, and looks like the sort of thing an older lady would wear. I put some quick items of Rement out to give that pink/red Thing going on for Valentine's day, as well as the two Valentine Chelsea's one from last year and one from this year. Dixie is wearing a Valentine Chelsea's dress and shoes, really cute this year.

I need to finish this room but am unsatisfied with the walls, they move too much. So am thinking that I need to make a more permanent roombox like I did for the SKipper bedroom-

I love how this room turned out and I didn't have to repaint the vintage Skipper beds, but kept the cute vintage look with the same mod colors coordinated so it looked like a Bedroom from the 70's, similar to what my room looked like, only it was done in pink.

There are so many adorable diorama props out, especially the new mini cooper for Ken! sigh, as the dolls move out- more might move in!

When I have spare time might be working on the kitchen first. Skipper's room needs some doors, so trolling ebay soon.

UPDATE: I have a completely cool doll that I bought on Ebay coming soon- here is the link-

LINK

I found/saw this doll one day when checking a friend's pictures on Flicker, she has some cool diorama pics and thinks outside the box for her doll characters.

Known as Roville Dioramas, here is where I first saw the doll, who believe it or not, resembles a friend who passed away last year.

Roville Dioramas Flicker  I plan to do a little repaint on him, and hope to build a roombox after I get things more settled this year. I guess my way of healing/coping with his passing. And I have been itching to build like nobody's business!

Enjoy the pics! I haven't had time to do a Valentine's romantic diorama yet, still working on it!

~Lisa