A biologist learns to make tiny worlds.
I’ve spent my holiday weekend working on my castle project. I decided the castle needed some hand embroidery. I started with a bell pull. One must be able to summon the help. A first step to any project is to assemble one’s equipment: When you are planning to make several small pieces on one pieceContinue reading “For whom the bell tolls…”
Tonight I am making banners and tapestries for the castle project. I have printed several possibilities onto my trusty printable fabric. When they are done, I will be able to use toothpicks and beads as hangers. So here’s the first one, cut out. Notice I have left a border around the image. This is soContinue reading “Stop, banner time.”
Today I completely lost my mind. Over a piece of cardboard. Yes, you read that correctly. I found a totally awesome piece of cardboard at work today. I described it as hugely exciting. That’s how much I love this piece of cardboard. Look, here it is: It’s an inch thick and solid as tile. IContinue reading “I totally geek out.”
I’ve begun work on the interior of the castle, as I cannot decide what do do with the exterior. I would like to do the outside in some kind of stonework, but I haven’t chosen what I wish to use. I’m starting with the stairwells. They each have been given two coats of white acrylicContinue reading “Inside the castle.”
I have to tell you, I was not feeling inspired by the shop so I decided to set that project aside and switch to this castle I bought at Michael’s. The first step will be to sand off the rough edges and decide what I want the exterior surface to look like. I’ve got myContinue reading “Bye-bye boys. Have fun Storming the castle…”
Tonight I am working on some items for the lingerie shop. I’ve chosen some fabric in a color family I like and plan to use it to cover some baskets for the counter. I’ve also chosen some patterns for corsets and a design for a simple display mannequin. I think some ecru lace would lookContinue reading “Setting up Shop.”
Johnny and I are not leaving the air conditioning tonight, I thought I would give an expanded discussion of working with silk thread. Here’s Johnny, ready to assist: Silk thread, REAL silk thread, can not be purchased at your local Michael’s or Joann’s. It also can’t be mentioned at that other craft store, whose nameContinue reading “Silver thread and golden needles…”
Since the lab is essentially done, it just needs the lights now and I’m waiting for a shipment, I started working on the storefront. I’ve decided to make it a lingerie shop and have completed my first pieces for it. The miniature knitting is getting a little easier and here is the first completed set:Continue reading “Off to a slowish start.”
Today, I got my supply of syringes and needles that I was waiting for so I could finish the titration vessel. Just a warning, unless you want your friends and family to think you have developed a sudden addiction to heroin, buy the blunt needles. They can’t be used to puncture skin. Even with theContinue reading “Surface tension can be a bitch.”
Tonight I am practicing my miniature knitting. At full size, I am a fairly accomplished knitter, if I do say so myself. However, miniature knitting offers unique challenges, and I am far from proficient. First, let’s talk about materials. These are my needles. They are 0.7mm in diameter or size 000000. In place of yarn,Continue reading “Making big things small.”
My Microcosms 