From the files of "Just 'cause it's to Cute".....

I must admit I do not know were I got this...but its still so cute I have to share it.

What is Mica?

The mica group of sheet silicate (phyllosilicate) minerals includes several closely related materials having highly perfect basal cleavage. All are monoclinic with a tendency towards pseudo-hexagonal crystals and are similar in chemical composition. The highly perfect cleavage, which is the most prominent characteristic of mica, is explained by the hexagonal sheet-like arrangement of its atoms.The word "mica" is thought to be derived from the Latin word micare, meaning "to glitter", in reference to the brilliant appearance of this mineral (especially when in small scales).

How 'bout that for to technical??

Ok....so the fun facts. I use Mica for my fairy wings. The sheets that I sell on my website are transparent- Kind of light tan. There are many layers with in each sheet. They can be "delaminated" or split apart into several thinner sheets. Natural mica is heat resistant, acid free and lightfast. Each Tile is distinctly different from the other. They can be delaminated and relaminated making them perfect for preserving photos, pressed flowers and mementos. Uses include jewelry making, painting, embossing, collage art, card making and ornamentation. You can drill holes and add rivets. It is archival, lightfast, acid free, heat resistant. Tiles vary in shape and size. It can be easily with your sharp junk scissors. It can be stamped on, embossed, glued, painted, alcohol inked, decoupaged.....What else can you think of?

I have also used Mica in flake form. The come in numerous sizes and colors of flakes. Some of the larger pieces look like crystal shards. I really like the gold flake as it really does look like gold. Here are pics of the flakes glued to white and black:

There are also Mica powders available. They are ground very finely. Imagine the glimmery look of eye shadow. Mica power are metallic colored, non-tarnishing natural tiles of mica. They can be used with most any adhesive, acrylic medium, or transparent finish. The flakes adhere to most any surface and can also be applied dry to any tacky surface. Mica powders are great for collage, papermaking, rubberstamp embossing, and wherever a natural, shimmering, glittery effect is desired. The flakes are pigment coated, heat resistant, acid-free, and archival.
You can see the Mica products I carry by following this link: MICA
Michelle Mahler minidolls.com Doll Artist's Workshop

Corset Tutorial

Fabulous Miniature Doll Artist Anna Hardman and graciously lets us publish her corset tutorial on our Blog. Thnx Anna!
You can see more of her fabulous figures on her website AnnaHardmanDolls.com

The Corset
I have created a miniature hourglass corset to share with you today. It is for a curvy full figure. My dolls do not have Victorian thin waists. Their bodies are more anatomically correct, closer to modern day figure. I had to adjust the pattern I made for my doll, and tuck in extra material at the hips. Enjoy!

Step 1.
Select your fabric. You can work with silk or cotton. Most of old day corsets were made of heavy canvas. I chose pretty cotton fabric and added fine interfacing on the back for extra durability. Make extra copies of the pattern.

Step 2.
First transfer the pattern on the Freezer paper.

I used light and glass method of transferring. Iron your patterns on the fabric. Cut out your pieces. Carefully peel the paper off the fabric.
Step 3.
Run a tiny bead of glue on the seams, press with the iron. Your Corset starts looking like something now.
Step 4.
Now add fine laces or trim of your choice to the top and bottom of your miniature corset. I also glued tiny pearls to the front to imitate buttons. You can skip this step. To create sophisticated lacing on the back you need to practice. It takes some experience, and there are a couple of ways of doing it. Please refer to the photos below to see both ways.
Done!

The pattern(click to see full size and print):

Follow up post....Baby Dress

In late December I told you about the dress I made for my new cousin, Emma Jean. The baby shower was in January and Emma was born March 1st and we were so delighted. On March 9 she got all dressed up. My biggest worry was the dress was going to be too small for her by the time she could wear it. Not to worry, she can wear it a couple more times. She is swimming in it right now. But with mom's permission I can show her all dressed up.
Not shown is the slip I finally got around to making and a matching hat. Too cute.
Kathi

Memorial Day

Memorial day is a great way to remember our patriotic heroes who sacrificed their lives to help us breathe the air of freedom.This day is observed with families and friends visiting cemeteries and memorials to pay homage to their loved ones. Memorial day was first celebrated on May 30, 1868. It was observed by placing flowers on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers during the first national celebration. Gen. James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which around 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers who were buried there.
In 1915, inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” Moina Michael replied with her own poem.
We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.
She then came up with an idea of wearing red poppies on Memorial day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. She was the first to wear one, and sold poppies to her friends and co-workers with the money going to benefit servicemen in need.
Memorial Day Facts:
* Memorial Day is a day of remembrance of those who have died serving our country.
* On Memorial Day, the flag should be at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff.
* Red Poppies are recognized as the Memorial Day flower.
* “Taps” is often played at ceremonies on Memorial Day.
* Memorial Day was first called “Decoration Day” because of the practice of decorating soldier’s graves with flowers.
* New York was the 1st state to officially recognize Memorial Day.
* Flowers and flags are the two most popular items people use to remember soldiers.
* Memorial Day was declared a federal holiday in 1971.

Michelle minidolls.com