My first diorama... in a gallery?!

I have another recent photo to share!

As it so happens, last night Uncle John and I went to an art exhibit for the Hatch festival, a series of creative reuse-themed events. And as it so happens, we went to see my very first diorama, which was on display along with several other amazing pieces.

(Including, I kid you not, a necklace made out of tiny plastic hotdogs! As a jewelry maker who does not wear a lot of jewelry, I seldom think about buying it. But this piece spoke to me because it was just crazy enough to fit my personality, and I'm pretty sure it would speak to my dolls, too. But for different reasons, like growling little stomachs.)

It was an amazing night. When I put the piece together -- with plenty of help from Uncle John, as you will soon see -- I liked it. I thought it was a lot of fun. But it didn't occur to me that so many other people would like it... and that some would love it. One of the other artists even said it reminded her of her first sewing experience, since she learned to sew by making Barbie clothes. She looked very happy as she explained this.

So it looks like I'm not the only fan of dolls and miniatures in my town! A pleasant surprise. Anyway, without further ado, here is the box:

The diorama was actually Uncle John's idea. Seeing how crazy I was about decorating doll rooms and researching tutorials on Pinterest, and knowing that the Hatch show was coming up, he asked me... how would I feel about putting together a dolly craft room? And I answered in high-pitched squeals and immediately started collecting materials, choosing dolls and outfits, and looking up... yet more tutorials.

Uncle John made the box, since woodworking is one of his many talents. I painted it and put the wallpaper up -- which is Idea Store scrapbook paper -- and he installed the floor and the molding. He also did the lighting, which was added after these photos were taken.

The dolls are Lillian, Trisha, and Steve (also known as Schmidt). The girls are wearing dresses I made, and the dress on the mannequin is hand-beaded. Steve is wearing an Idea Store outfit and Goodwill shoes. He's an Idea Store doll, and Lillian is from Salvation Army. Even though they aren't from the same line, or even the same company, they were originally Prince Charming and Cinderella, respectively, which they find very funny. The mannequin was made from a doll with a broken neck, and I bought Trisha years ago when I first started customizing. 

The furniture came from Savers and the Idea Store. Just about everything else is from the Idea Store, including the mini sewing machine and pincushion, the rug, the glass jars, the fabric on the fabric bolts, the embroidery floss, and the flowers in the vase.

(Yes, I shop there a lot. Uncle John volunteers there, so I'm always popping in to visit him... and see if they have any new dolly things in.)

When the show is over, I hope to put the diorama in my doll room/bedroom, on the wall. I'd like to add a few things, like a ball of yarn and some knitting needles for Steve, and Trisha will probably let another gal, Tori, have her spot. Tori and Schmidt are dating, and they miss each other terribly -- a fact they let me know at every available opportunity.

Making the diorama was so much fun, and participating in the exhibit was so rewarding, that I'd love to make something else for next year. I have a lot of whims, and Uncle John has a lot of other projects going on at any given moment, so I can't be sure this will happen, but some thoughts are: a garden, a clothing boutique, a miniature jewelry store, or a miniature... Idea Store.

I've also been thinking... since someone entered a chicken (seriously!) in a tiny knitted sweater into the Trashion Show this year, it would be fun to enter some doll fashions next year. And unlike the poultry, the dolls wouldn't need to be on leashes! At least, not all of them....

Much love,

Sarah J Sequins

(And chicken)