Meet Gert!

Anatomy of a doll

Well, I thought it might be fun if you could watch me create a doll from scratch.  So, meet the birth of Gert the baby witch.

First of all, the trip down cellar was successful.  Jake led me down the stairs with my crutches to make sure I didn't fall.  I can be pretty klutzy so he gave me strict orders not to go down alone.  While down there, I saw a large doll body I had previously made and thought "why not revamp that".  Jake carried up paints, vintage curtains, valances, fabric, buttons, a vintage flat head nail and some vintage lace and trimmings.

 First, I took the body and reshaped it by cutting down the arms and legs.  Then I mixed up a batch of grunge which is instant coffee, water and vanilla.  I painted this goo onto the doll a couple of times till it got to the proper hue.  During this time, the name Gert came to me.  I let Gert dry in the sun so that the stain really took and dried nicely.

Yesterday, Jake was pooped as he'd gotten called out to work at 2:00 am so when he was laying out on the front deck nestled nicely in the chaise, I began sewing Gert's face.  I sewed the nail on as a nose, and used embroidery thread for the eyes.  I sewed a mixed array of buttons onto the prepainted boots (the feet were previously painted green...I think from a snowman I was creating). 

Since I wanted Gert to look like a little kid, I thought Id make bloomers and a slip.  I cut up a sheet valance that had gathers, turned the two pieces upside down to make her bloomers, sewed the legs on the machine then stitched them onto her body.  For a slip...I stewed a bit on this then I just folder over the matching cafe curtain sheer (very vintage), staggered the hem lines and stitched them onto her at about the empire waist level.  

I am currently contemplating what her dress will look like.....

Trip to the cellar

BTW, Jake took me down cellar yesterday so I was able to have him carry up some crafting supplies.  Thank goodness.  Now I can have a few more items to create/experiment with.

Finally, week two is over

Well, after hanging with my bff, the couch for two weeks, I am ready to do something different.  I've been behaving and am hopeful that this repair will last for awhile. I felt like I had to stay on the couch as the moment I was in other rooms, I thought of things that needed to be done but shouldn't do...

I've been grateful for the website Pinterest and have been pinning the days away!  I have hooked Chrissy and am wondering who else will get addicted!

I finished Cody and Chrissy's hobo bags, sew a couple of rice bags and am currently working on a baby witch.

I missed filming the funniest scene yesterday.  Indy was running back and forth on the deck and Dexter was taunting him by running along the railing then every so often, hopping down and darting past Indy and back up onto the railing again.  This went on for about 40 minutes then they both took a long nap!

Week two almost at an end

Okay, after tomorrow ends, it'll be two weeks on crutches.  Some things I can do with my crutches; carry coffee in a travel mug from the kitchen to the couch (balance on handle in middle of crutch, nest carefully), turn the lights and ceiling fan on and off from the couch, rub a paper towel on the floor to wipe a spill (without bending at the waist), gently push a pet out of the way (no need to bend, just nudge), shut a door without being next to it.  I also can pick up a piece of paper or small object with my toes with out bending at the waist - cool, God gave me nimble toes for a reason. Things I can't do; pick up the travel mug tht fell out of my hand, pick up the paper towel that I wiped up a spill with, walk forward when my beloved pet is blocking the way, open a door with ease, get out a new roll of tissue paper.

I have a new appreciation for the isolation that house bound folks must endure.  The tv and stereo, no matter  what is on, just don't provide the interaction that is needed.   Indy has been a blessing, walking with me when ever I get up from the couch.  I feel like he is watching to ensure I don't fall!  The kitten, Dexter, sleeps on my lap in the am and afternoon for about 20 minutes.  I think he is trying to tell me what to do as well.

I did ride to Plattsburgh with Cody yesterday afternoon to watch her try on the dress she ordered.  She said "Yes, to the dress", so that is off our to do list.  Cody will be a beautiful bride. I am exhausted today I think due to such an outing as simple as it was.  I guess what I find unbelievable is how fast we do tend to go...constantly running from here to there.  It takes having the brakes put on to realize how fast (too fast) we are constantly going and how much running around we do.

Speaking of that, I am contemplating going down cellar to get out some craft supplies.  I need to make a list, figure out how to get down the stairs. FIrst I need to go look at them. How many steps and figure out if it will be worth such a work out....then again,  would it be possible for me to sit and go down. I think I can get down on the floor but may need to crawl to the couch to get back up.  Hmmm I need to think for a bit.  If I do go downstairs, I can make a pile for Jake to bring up then I can at least keep my fingers busy while on the couch.

Waiting for the rain to arrive

Well, I've had two cups of coffee and I think I am almost ready to go sew.  I am making a kindle cover and two cell phone covers.

Venison roast in the oven.  Jake ran down cellar and pulled out a nice size roast and the pan for me. He put about 1 inch of water in the pan and I topped the venison with tomatoes that I simmered with onions and garlic.  In the oven since 6:15 ish and will slowly cook all day.  I expect I'll begin to get a waft of the simmering smells within the hour.

Day 8

Well, for the first time since my surgery, I am sore.  I am guessing it's from the physical therapy exercises and stretches.  PT therapist was great.  I have exercises and stretches to do and strict advice to slow down so that I don't undo the great work the surgeon did.  I have a new appreciation and concern for what was done inside my hip.  Laying low and icing and trying to figure out how be go slow and chill for a few weeks.

Finally it's Friday!

Okay, week one of couch duty is done and one more week to go before I can hopefully go to work at least part time.  I'm trying to be good!  


I went to PT today and I was told to "behave" and don't undo what the surgeon did.   I understand that but it's hard when you don't hurt!  I do admit though that I was sore when I got home from PT.  


I did sew for about a half hour today and I finished my hobo bag.  My bag was made with a 70's bedspread that I cut up for fabric and lined it with shabby chic floral pattern in the same extact color tones.  Wicked cute.  I have two others cut out for Chrissy (bohemian/folk art style) and Cody (shabby chic).  I figure they are great bags to be hands free when junking and buying small items.  I can't finish them yet as I don't have any fabric to line the bags with.  After PT I thought I'd run "ha" into Wallyworld but I forgot my handicap window tag so when I went to the store, I had to park in a regular spot.  I crutched into the store and there were no go carts so I turned around and crutched back to the truck.  Needless to say, I broke a sweat. Dang, I know there is fabric down cellar but I figure that is off limits for at least another week or two....


I'll post photos of the bags when I finish them.  I am also sketching ideas for Halloween crafts as I found a great baby carriage at the Greenwich antique show.