Saturday, January 14, 2012

Ballerina Cottage Dollhouse

I'm now concentrating on Ballerina Cottage.
The interior is plastered and painted. All the decorative accents like the roses you see here are from Artistic Supplies.
 I finished the chandelier with clear and teal Swarovski crystals.
The aged mirror was pretty  hard to do. The first 4 mirrors had a red painted back. I was able to strip the paint off of those easily. But I wanted one big piece of glass. So I went to Lowe's and bought some mirror tiles. They have a gray backing. I had to apply the paint stripping 3 times to get it off. This mirror in the above picture has some striped marks. I like them for this space, but they are not the traditional old mirror aging.
I actually thought it was wong until I went to a shabby chic store and saw a table with that same look. So I'm using it. The spots are made by leaving Clorox drops on the exposed silver back for about 5 minutes. You can then paint the back of the mirror with a black and silver mix. 
For the ballet bar I used 3 picture hangers and 2 bamboo strips I got from an old placemat. I had used the placemats as matchstick blinds in the 1920s dollhouse.
Pretty convincing right?
The mirror will get a framing next.
I'm also working on another little project.
This is a tiny little workshop. You know the kind we all dream of having. Just a weeny place where you can create at your hearts content.
My inspiration was one piece of furniture I picked up at Hobby Lobby.
It started it's life all brown. I stripped the paint off since I had the stuff out! And painted it blue outside, cream inside. I'm going to fill it with crafting stuff.
See this place is tiny. I'm going to squeeze in some sort of table/desk and shelves. This place will be all filled up when I'm done with it. The last time I did that was for the Artist's Cottage.

19 comments:

  1. The mirror looks great! I have old mirrors in all states of distress, no two look the same. Can't wait to see the wee crafting workshop, the cupboard is awesome :)

    Hugs,
    Victoria

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  2. This is fantastic! I love the Swarovski crystals in the chandelier! Your little crafting workshop looks like it is going to be so much fun, and I also enjoyed looking back at your 1920s cottage and the artist's studio--so many fun projects! You've got amazing talent, Caroline! :-) Jennifer

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  3. La barra de las bailarinas es una idea fantástica.
    Agradezco la aclaración sobre el concreto de tus casas.
    Un abrazo

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  4. Le miroir est bluffant!!!!et le lustre plus que réussi. Bravo!!!!
    Isabelle

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  5. This is going to be gorgeous! My little sisters just taken up ballet so shes going to love this too! :) x

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  6. The mirror looks beautiful and realistic. A perfect place for a ballerina.
    Bye Faby

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  7. Me encanta esa lampara, el espejo es una gran idea.
    Me encanta como esta quedando la casa de la bailarina.
    besit5os ascension

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  8. Love the mirror. You constantly amaze me with how quickly you work. After seeing your work I wanted to stick with smaller projects but I can't stay away from the big ones!

    I was reading Rachel Ashwell's new book and thinking the rooms were right up your alley. Then I came across the streamside studio in the book! I'm sure you've looked at the book. But if you haven't check it out.

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  9. I can't keep up with you, sis! Slow down with your creations!! LOL! Man, your mind must be BURSTING with ideas, considering how quickly you put these adorable houses together! Well, at least I'm up-to-date for your latest home. I'll have to scroll down to see what I've missed. At least I am keeping up with you on Pinterest! ;)
    Oh, by the way, I LOVE that little blue cupboard!!!!!!!!!!!
    Best,
    Gloria xxoo

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  10. Hi Again,
    this ballerina cottages is coming out so cute, love the aged mirrors and how you did the ballerina stretching bar............very clever indeed.

    Another winner for sure...........
    can't wait to see the finished product.

    Hope you are doing well hon,
    Have a lovely week ahead,
    Blessings, Nellie

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  11. This one is fantastic! I love the mirror and ballet bar. You do good work!

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  12. Wow, Caroline! The ballet studio is going great! I'm always inspired when I look at your creations. The illusion of a dream is recurrent but always true.
    * Soon will fail me compliments to your work.
    If your new workshop looks like the Artist's House, will surely be another success!
    xo

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  13. Me encantan tus lámparas y queda genial reflejada en el espejo.

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  14. Looking so so good, as usual: :) The mirror is fantastic. A little workshop would really be a dream come true! I´m sure that is going to look stunning too. I love that chandelier too. :)

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  15. Wow the ballerina cottage is amazing. I love the mirror. I love visiting your wonderful blog. Cant wait to see your new project.
    Hugs Maria

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  16. I love the idea of the Swarovski chandelier reflected in the mirror. It sets the tone for what you have in mind. I'm looking forward to seeing the little workshop come to life.

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  17. Oh Caroline, it's so adorable! I love how the chandelier is reflected in the mirror. I have the same cabinet and specifically bought it to do what you've done to yours....lol. I had planned on painting mine a shabby looking blue or blue/green-ish color. I bought it during one of their 50%off sales on minis and regret not buying more. Hobby Lobby isn't nearby for me so those trips don't come frequently.

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