TP roll houses...

I saw some toilet paper roll bird houses recently, and thought I would give it a go! They are meant to be Christmas ornaments, but would look cute any time of year......

Although the one I originally saw was covered in felt....... http://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com.au/2016/01/handmade-gifts-2015-make-little.html 

.......it was based on this version : http://kiflieslevendula.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/baglyos-papirgurigas-mobil.html

So, this is my first attempt.... I was going to put all sorts of fancy stuff on the outside, but decided to go with a simple tree.

 

I didn't shorten my roll, but these are just experiments, right?

Second one, I used the rest of my circle to make the roof, and it ended up like a tiki hut, so I used markers to make it look like reeds. The tops of plastic bottles fit exactly into the TP roll, so I used a matching blue one to fill in the gap! Handy!!

I have not embellished this at all, yet, just seeing where it is going to take me....

The last one is an experiment with doors, not Windows. I cut these from the base, and experimented with manipulating the top. I just cut strips down to the same depth, and twisted them to form the spiral. Not too hard, but LOTS of glue required! I also added the bell, but felt like you needed to see another angle, so I cut a window into the reverse side. Still deciding if the lid is too much, but it's there for now. The top is a button....

Something else I discovered, is that LED tealight candles fit perfectly inside the lid, which fits perfectly into the roll! What happens if I put one inside my little houses??

Cute, huh? More experiments required, methinks.....

I wonder if I can make some cutout covers for some tealights? Pass me the scissors!! ;)

By the way, all have a topcoat of Mod Podge, some matte, some gloss. Note, though, I used textas to embellish the roof and (originally) the tree after the colour coat, and the Mod Podge took it right off, like paint stripper! I had to redo the tree in paint, but have not yet sealed it. Not sure if it was the fault of the pens or the Mod Podge, but it's good to know on a project like this, than with something I paid good money for... Gotta love a free, recycled project!!

Cushion finished - kinda.....

I bought an invisible zip, as a test, and it worked ok. 

I still think it's a bit dull, but for now it's staying at is, until I can think of something to brighten it up a bit...

More cushions - in progress

I bought a bunch of linen serviettes before Christmas - I think 6 for $1.25. Since they are already hemmed, I think I can make flanged cushions, with just a motif and a zip. Let's see how that turns out!

So far, I have attached an old doily to one with invisible thread. It's looking a little bland at the moment, so may try and spruce it up a bit - beads maybe, or some buttons?? 

I want to try using an invisible zip, but need to buy one to try it out. It may be a complete failure, but you never know until you try ;)

First finish of the year!

Started in May, she is now done! 

For display only, as all the clothes are tied, painted, glued or stitched on. No pattern, just trial and error. 

Hair is tucked up on her head, and the roses are hot glued in place.

Back bow and ties are all glued, also....

Plus some fancy pants for underneath...

Shoes are painted with acrylics, and coated in gloss Mod Podge. "Buttons" are glued on...

Progress pics at http://danaspageofstuff.blogspot.com.au/2015/05/free-doll-done.html