First of all, thank you SO much for the wonderful compliments and comments and very kind words you shared about my blog Saturday! It meant the world to me and I am humbled that so many of you love to start your day off reading my posts! I intended to thank every one of you but my day was filled from beginning to end with things and I didn’t get to them.
One of my projects I wanted to get completed was finishing what I was making to hold all my doll props. Remember this cabinet I used before? It was crammed full of chairs and tables and beds and dressers…and lots more.
At one time it was tucked way back in the “slanted” corner but very hard to get to… sometimes it was just easier to have a plain picture than to find something to use.
Well, I had this brainy idea that I could hang it on the wall, so I had my hubby hold it up there so I could see if I liked it…
Poor, poor guy…he has put up with more than any husband should have where my dolls are concerned.
Anyway, I liked the idea of having it up off the floor, but opening up that oak door was WAY too heavy so I just decided to use the box part of the piece…
I painted it white and filled in the holes and sprayed the inside with the blue I had left in my can…
My hubby took a wooden slat and leveled it about where I wanted to bottom of the box to be… then he screwed that slat to the wall, as a kind of resting spot for the heavy box. Then He screwed it to the wall SECURELY…
I think I’m going to like it up off the floor, but utilizing that space up high and out of the way… I can still get to my bookshelves and it doesn’t feel crowded at all…
Now it’s time to get all my props put in there, but I’m waiting on some touch up painted spots to dry… maybe I’ll show it completed tomorrow…
I couldn’t wait…I put everything up in there…and might need to weed out my props. I have more upstairs! EEK!
Do you like it??? :o)
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
I would Never have thought to do that with that cabinet! When it comes to decorating, I truly have little imagination, so I would probably have just kept it as it was, and tried it in different places in the room, to see where it fit/looked best, and that would have been it. Ho hum….
I do have to add, however, that I am Short, so hanging it on the wall might not have crossed my mind anyway–it would be just one more thing I could not reach! LOL (2/3 of my kitchen storage is out of my reach unless I use a stool or a small ladder. I don’t know what I’d do if I could suddenly reach those top shelves!)
You are right, though, in that putting it up there doesn’t make that area feel crowded at all I might not have put it up Quite so high, but I don’t know how high your ceiling is there, so maybe it’s not that it’s so high as that it’s a lower ceiling and the shelf is at a good height for you.
As to the colors, did you see how it picks up the colors in that wonderful dress form picture? That was really the first thing I noticed. How nice, that all the pieces are pulling together and blending so nicely!
Hi Charlotte,
Just standing in my shoes, I can reach up and get anything I need from the shelf…the ceiling is kind of low in that corner. My hand can reach all the way to the top of the box. But I would need a stool to get something off the top.
Yes I wanted the inside to blend with everything and now that picture does go wonderfully with it!
Thanks Charlotte
Blessings, Jeanne
Great solution and you saved floor space! Vertical storage is a great option.. the key was removing the door.. ingenuous:) Props are always a “problem “ when it comes to storage.. I find I have a few trusty ones . Lucky you to have such a large room! Of course, we use up every square inch no matter how big or small an area We have to work with.💕
Thanks Shara,
I need to figure out which props are my absolute favorites and maybe thin down the shelf some….trouble is…I like them all…
Blessings, Jeanne
Love how you painted the inside of the cabinet blue. It is lovely. Definitely more of a display cabinet now that can showcase some of your lovely props. It is very pretty. Good job.
I’ve already cut the tent legs once to lower that crazy thing a bit. But, might need to do that again. It is still looking like Snoopy’s dog house. But, I have the cover construction figured out, and I think I have some wooden dowels that I can cut to size so the tent sides will roll up. But, I need to make one more trip to Joann’s to pick up some netting for the windows, which aren’t cut out yet. Maybe some brown ribbon too to tie open the window flaps. 🙂
How’s that one drawer at a time painting coming along in the kitchen?? Mine is at zero. 🙂
Thanks Joy
I think its going to be nice hanging there…I can always use it for something else if I ever decide to put my props somewhere else.
I can’t wait to see your tent…how big is it going to be?
Cabinets???? What are cabinets??? :o(((
One of these days….
Blessings, Jeanne
What an ingenious idea for your prop cabinet! I would have never thought of it. I like the way you’ve painted it. Props are a problem. I just started collecting them not long ago and already they are out of control. Still trying to figure out a solution, but I’ve had other things on my mind lately and haven’t given too much thought to it.
I did not get to comment Saturday. It was my grandson’s 10th birthday party so I was gone all day. My son and daughter-in-law rented one of those blow up water slides and the kids were out there all day. They were pretty exhausted when I saw them yesterday, but they had a really great time with it.
So here are my comments on your Blogaversary. Congratulations! You have amazing dedication and I love your readers. They are like family. I can’t remember exactly when I joined, but I wish I had been here from the beginning. It’s been fun. I loved the comment about some comments are like the first chapter of a novel. Guilty as charged. People joke that they need a bookmark to read my e-mails. I love to write and the words come easily. Typing is no problem because I was a secretary for many years. I actually have a novel nearly finished, I just can’t decide if I want to end it as a single book or maybe a series. After I write a comment and I post it, I’m amazed myself at how long it is. Did I say all that?! I often wonder if it’s too long for anyone to really read, and then someone will comment on something I wrote or answer a question for me. And you say “speak your mind”, but you never say in so many words or less. When I comment on articles I read, I always get cut off and have to go back and edit out some of what I said. Thank you for not doing that to me. lol
Per Charlotte’s comment, I’m a bit vertically challenged myself. I have a step stool in my kitchen and one in my sewing room to reach the top shelves of my hubby-made cabinets.
Unfortunately I get lazy sometimes and don’t take the time to pull out the stools so things sit around rather than being put up. Really can’t wait to see Joy’s tent.
Hi Barbara,
Props can take over a space pretty quickly….I just added a new little puppy to my stash this morning…couldn’t get out of the goodwill without her… :o)
It is kind of like a family here…and I’m glad everyone treats each other with respect and kindness. I too, have seen some real squabbles on a few blog sites….not pretty…
I don’t care if someone writes 2 lines or 20 lines…you are always welcome to comment to your hearts content here..
Thanks Barbara
Blessings. Jeanne
Dear Barbara, a novel? How wonderful. We all want to know, are there dolls in the story (chuckle)? I can’t wait to read it when it’s published. You must come back to PA or your book signing tour, then we can go for Afternoon Tea.
Actually it’s a book about an Orphan Train. A few years ago I bought a movie about the Orphan Trains. It was a pretty amazing concept. There were some not so good outcomes at times but the people in the movie were real and at the end it told how their lives were changed by the Orphan Train. My story is of a woman social worker and the minister of a church. They collaborate to get an orphan train together and then they go west with it. Really do need to finish it. My problem is whether to end the story when the train reaches its final destination or follow through with the story of the minister and the social worker. Of course you know they end up falling in love. How could they not. They are both adorable characters.
I want to read it, too, Barbara! It sounds wonderful!
Maybe you could end it when the train reaches its final destination, but pick it up “a month/few months” later when you are ready to write a sequel?!
I, like you, enjoy writing, so my posts often get lengthy, too!
Quick! Call Cindy. I am confident that she could create a decorative arrangement that would allow you to add 5 more items and access everything without having to move anything to reach the desired object.
Charlotte is right — the colors are perfect. Your sewing room is becoming a masterpiece.
Have you considered keeping the dress-spencer-bonnet outfit? Alternately, have you considered framing pictures of favorite outfits for a seasonal display? It would be nice to have something in the sewing room that displayed the room’s use.
Hi Marilyn
Well. I don’t know about a masterpiece, but I sure amovjng my new space…my hubby even said we’d try to get my sewing table done this week since it’s supposed to be cooler!!! Yay!!
No, Elizabeth’s set wi be listed asap and so will Nora’s dress and bonnet. She’s had it on so long she thinks it’s hers to keep…
I like the idea of using some of my favorite pictures… :o)
Thanks Marilyn
Blessings Jeanne
What a great idea to store your props, Jeanne! Well, George would probably kill me if he heard me say to lower the cabinet, and then you could also use the top of it to have a little scene or something, so that things were spaced out farther and you could easily get to whatever you want to get. Now, that’s just an idea, and maybe there is a reason you have placed it where it is. I would have preferred a little “ room setting” on top with maybe a doll or two, or even inside. However, it is your sewing room, and I don’t know everything about it, so you just have to go with what works for you. I will say you know how to make a good use of the things and space you have! I love the colors you have used too!
Come to think of it, you don’t have to dust the top as it is, so maybe you can scrap my idea!
😊
Back to the yard, what refreshing weather today, and yesterday!
Hi Linda,
Yes, with all those cute props I would also be tempted to set up a little scene with a doll or two. If I had collected for myself earlier I probably would have gotten a few furniture pieces, but being late to the game I had to concentrate on the clothing and accessories. I am glad I have Samantha’s PC desk though, so pretty.
You may not have even thought of this, but remember Jeanne doesn’t have doll clothes to dress them in. She sews the gorgeous things and then the dolls have to give them up. They would be standing up with nothing on. How about a tea party in the buff? LOL
Hi Linda,
That corner is actually lower than it looks…if I reach my arm straight up I can touch the top of the box. I wanted it up high enough so I wouldn’t hit my head on it but easy enough to reach things off the shelf.
I’ll find something to store up on top…maybe my long rulers. who knows?
George is out mowing our grass today! It is wonderful outside!!!
Thanks Linda
Blessings. Jeanne
You have made me make changes to my sewing/doll repair room and now putting all my doll props together makes so much sense. Right now they are in 3 places. Your shelf is a great place for your cute props… and yes the blue inside is perfect.
Marilyns idea of framing pics of your favorite outfits is genius ! A collage of similar frames and you could change the pics now and then
Hi Kathie,
I’m glad to hear you are working on things in your sewing room too! Isn’t it fun to have a space big or small, devoted to the things we love??
Thank you Kathie
Blessings, Jeanne
Goerge is certainly a trooper when it comes to getting things done. Super idea to have it on the wall. I love it blue and white to go with your other things. Marilyn is right, Cindy will be able to help you make everything fit, and probably room for more.
You do have some lovely props that enhance your beautiful clothing creations. I’ll enjoy seeing how you finally get it all arranged.
Thanks Laura,
They might just be stacked in there right now, but I’ll get them sorted one of these days. I’m just glad to have them out of the tub that’s been sitting on the floor for 2 months!!
Thank you Laura and I loved your idea of a “tea party in the buff!” Made me laugh…
Blessings, Jeanne
What a lovely idea. you are so good at thinking outside the square! The shelf looks great.
Barbara, I am a great reader and my favourite kind of books are series. I get quite frustrated ate the end of a novel and realise I have to say goodbye to the characters!
Thanks Jeanne for your prayers for my family. Apparently my son in law hasn’t been such a hypochondriac after all. The doctor said this will have been there for a long time but because the symptoms, such as high triglycerides, tiredness and constant headaches, are so much a part of other problems the symptoms tend to get treated instead of the problem. It wasn’t until he had blood in his urine and vomit and his liver was distended that the doctor realised there was something seriously wrong and that came on incredibly quickly.
I don’t very often look at Etsy, the cost of postage to the ‘other side of the world’ means I really can’t afford to buy anything but will look for your stuff on there, your props intrigue me. I bought another doll off our auction site yesterday, I had bought from this seller before and she gave me the hairdressing chair because I was a repeat customer so I guess that is the start of my ‘props’ lol. Will George be glad when you finally declare your room ‘finished’?
Looking forward to seeing your new sewing, I bet you are looking forward to getting your sewing table back.
Oh Silly Miss Anne,
Don’t you know my sewing room will NEVER be finished!! :o) that way I can always buy things I need. Not really… I am pretty close to being finished…at least for this decade… my hubby even mentioned this morning that he wants to do my table this week since it’s supposed to be cooler. Yippee!!
Oh my goodness…your poor son in law. He must have been in really bad shape. I hope they figure out what is wrong…and he gets better real soon.
That’s how it starts…one prop at a time!!!
Thank you Anne
Blessings. Jeanne
Jeanne,
I love seeing all your props, and your room. So nice! The shelf idea is really great. Maybe a bookcase under it and you won’t have to give up any props…:-)
Hi Judi Kaye,
I do have that bookshelf close by. So I might just display my “Favorite” pieces on the shelf and set the others on the bookshelf.
Thank you
Blessings, Jeanne
Dear Jeanne, I like what you have done with the cabinet. I think that you might need another one to store all of your item, however. Maybe you can just keep the other items in closed storage.
I cannot believe we are in August. The year is quickly moving along.
thanks Dorothy,
I just told Judi Kaye I need to decide which props are my favorites…then tuck the leftovers somewhere else. I need to see which pieces can do “double duty” with more than one doll…
Yes, it was just July and NOW it’s August… :o)
Thanks Dorothy,
Blessings, Jeanne