Showing posts with label Downton Abbey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Downton Abbey. Show all posts

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Downton Abbey and a painting in progress

Downton Abbey Inspired
"Lady Mary"
This is the first time I've done a painting in black and white

below, the stages of the oil painting


I struggled yesterday with some areas,
but like how it came out, I will share the painting's progress
when I've applied some color glazes.

~ Violet ~

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Downton Inspired. and Felted Wool


Watched the season premier of Downton Abbey yesterday.
And fashioned a dolls outfit inspired by cousin Rose.

It is so fun to work with felted wool.
Find 100% wool sweaters at thrift stores.
Then shrink them as small as possible!
(my last batch took 5 hot washings and dryings)
{be sure to add a few drops of dish soap to the wash}
and watch large adult-sized sweaters become child-size!
When the fibers have shrunken together
the sweater can be cut and used like felt,
without any need to finish the edges.

The hat was made with the cuff end of a sweater,
the only stitching involved was gathering it at the top.
(you can also just use a rubberband on the inside)

There is something so calming and domestic
sitting inside while its raining outside,
handstitching wool.
I made some doll purses (or book bags) also,
and other doll clothes for a couple of darling girls.