Today we took a stroll in the garden ✿ Well, not my garden, because I don't have one, but the garden in my complex. I can not wait to have a garden of my own. hopefully I will have one soon.

The Short Ride.

New Project.

I've always wanted the Sylvanian Cake Shop, but I absolutely do not have the money to buy it. Last night I was brain storming, and I started to look up "shoe box dollhouses" on Google. Some of them looked really nice, and since I am artistic, I knew I could make one just as good, if not better. So this morning when I woke up, I pulled out this box from under my bed. I've had it for a few years. I used to store cards in it, but at some point I threw away all of the cards. I kept the box because I was sure I'd use it again at some point or another. This is not a regular shoe box. It is a very heavy cardboard box. It's one of those boxes you buy at a Crafts store. I think they're usually used for scrapbooking. I knew this would be the perfect box to use since it is so thick and sturdy. First I used a box cutter and cut out the window and door. It was a little tough to get it just perfect, but it turned out really good. Now, I knew I wanted some type of covering over the window, to make it look more realistic; so I used clear flimsy plastic. The kind thatcomes on the front boxes of Sylvanians when you buy a complete family. that worked perfect. I cut it a little bit bigger than the window, and then glued iton. Next, I chose some wallpaper. I didn't use dollhouse wallpaper, just some pretty scrapbooking paper that I had in my art supplies I was careful to make the openings for the door and window the same size with an exacto knife before using Mod Podge to glue it on. The Mod Podge was perfect for this because it was just like using wallpaper glue when you hang up wallpaper. and it also doesn't leave those pesky moist bumps in the paper. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Mod Podge is the shit. For the hardwood floor, I simply cut the rounded edges off of popsicle sticks and glued them down with quick dry Tacky Glue. I had toyed with the idea of painting the floor white when Ifirst started, but after seeing it complete, the wood really looked pretty with the the wallpaper, so I decided to leave it as is. Last, I started to decorate. I made a little menu out of some old gift tags I had left over from my little sister baby shower two years ago. I save everything art related, because you can always eventually use it for something. I wrote prices for the cakes, pies, cupcakes, ect. I tried to write it an fancy as I could in such tiny writing, I think it turned out pretty cute. I also made a picture frame and hung it on the opposite wall, and a magenta shelf between the door and window. Tomorrow I may look around and see if I have anything to make some curtains. I am not a great sewer, so I'm sceptical about that, but we'll see. Maybe for once my sewing will look somewhat acceptable. I also was thinking of adding a small little patio in the front for some outdoor tables. and I'd like to make some decor for the front of the shop. It also needs a "Bakery" sign, and window sills. I haven't done anything to the outside of the shop yet, but the inside looks really cute so far.

Today some wonderful Sylvanian items came in the mail. My Captain Horatio Seadog and My Mother & Brother Seadog. I was so thrilled! They are more adorable in person then I could have ever imagined. I immediately pulled them from their boxes, and snapped some photos. Now all I need is the Seadog sister, and I'll have an (almost) complete family. I've been eying one on ebay for some time, but she is quite expensive. I haven't decided wether to spend the money on her or not. She is very pretty, and I'd be so happy to complete this family, but there are other sets I have my eye on as well. I have a few more Sylvanians that are in the process of being shipped to me, Including the Limited Edition "Ready for School" set with Chocolate Rabbit sister and baby, and the Limited Edition JP Halloween set from 2009. and also some other things but I don't feel like getting into all of that.

I am currently creating a log book of all of my figures, sets, ect. so I can keep track of my collection. In the log I have included photos of each figure, release dates, purchase dates, and some other details. It's just a little something to keep me busy so I don't wind up draining my bank account on more Sylvanians *as much as I'd LOVE to, hehe*. My husband would KILL me if I bought anymore this month. I have a set limit on how much to spend every month, and I usually wind up going a *little* over. I try not to though, because we are in the process of looking for a house. Apartment living is rough when you've got two rowdy boys, two rowdy cats, a tired husband, and an ever growing collection of Sylvanians. We somehow make it work, and things run smoothly, but a house with much more room would be ideal for us. Well, we're trying to get there.

The other day I was really bored and since I have just learned how to crochet, I thought I'd make a little something for this sweet baby of mine who didn't really have anything to wear. Previously I had her wrapped up in a little piece of cloth with ribbon wrapped around it. But this is much better. She is so much happier with something pretty to wear. I first tried to sew a dress (not for her) but it didn't come out very well. I just can't seem to sew very well. I mean, I can sew...but I feel like my patterns aren't accurate and they turn out looking...not so good. Well, at least I was happy with one of the things I had made. And I'm glad too, because this little baby really needed something to wear. She wasn't too happy with the other babies looking better than her :)

The Very Hungry Sylvanian.

Yesterday I FINALLY received my Sweets Buffet in the mail. I say "finally" because I ordered it over a month ago, and the seller took their good 'ole time shipping it. I didn't think it would ever come, but to my surprise it actually came. I was so thrilled, I opened it right away and started to set it up. I am absolutely amazing at the quality and detail of this set. The fondue fountain is simply exquisite, and the cute little coffee cups with foam and bunny designs on it have just got to be my favorite part! It certainly is going to add so much to my Sylvanian Village. I paid quite a bit for the set, but I do not regret it. it was totally worth every penny. I am probably going to make this the Charcoal Cats business. Since they are dressed so fancy, they deffinately fit this set to a T. I can not wait to really get into it and play with this set.