MrMartha went to a Hundredth Birthday Party the other week....but it wasn't what you might think.
Two of MrMartha's dearest friends since 7th grade are twins -- and they both just turned Fifty!
They had requested no gifts at their party, but MrMartha had to do something cute and unexpected to commemorate the event....so the thinking cap went on....and the answer was PAPER DOLLS!
Not just any paper dolls, mind you, but a snapshot in time of the twins. Circa 1971-72 when MrMartha first met them. Both of the dolls are wearing McMurray Jr High PE uniforms, and their extra outfits, while not specific replicas of the twins clothing of the time (MrMartha's memory is not THAT exact), captured the spirit of the era. MrMartha was actually channeling Jan and Marsha's Brady Bunch outfits.
Lesa and Heidi have been wonderful friends for nearly 38 years, and it was really fun to figure out a little project that would remind them of our shared history, as well as allow others at their party who may not have known them for as long -- or may not really know them together as sisters -- to learn a bit more about them and their history.
MrMartha framed one copy of the paper dolls to have on display at the party, put personalized copies for the birthday girls into commemorative folios, and then printed enough extra copies so that other party guests could take one as a souvenir of the occasion.
This is a super idea that is easily replicated, and could be a marvelous and unexpected gift for just about anyone celebrating a milestone birthday, graduation, wedding shower, etc....by taking a specific point in their life and history and turning it into a fun vignette.
The essence of paper dolls is their charm. Simplified shapes, and cute caricatures are much more fun than exact portraits or excessive detail.
There are lots of resources online for templates and ideas.....One that MrMartha investigated before starting this project is a wonderful archive of vintage Betsy McCall paper dolls which have that same fun 'snapshot of a moment in time' aspect that MrMartha was trying to capture. (really worth a look even if you aren't contemplating this project)
Read More to find out how (relatively) simple it is to create your own version of this idea.
The simplest way to achieve a great result, if you are not an awesome freehand artist (and MrMartha is certainly not!) is a combination of scanning and tracing (and rescanning and retracing), combined with a simple graphics program like Microsoft Paint. Find some templates or ideas you like online, or scan some vintage photos of your subject, and print them out. Then, trace the outlines and simplify, while you adjust and add aspects specific to the one you are aiming to evoke. This process takes a little time, and probably a few trys, but you will soon come up with something you like. Use tracing paper, a light board, or just tape the paper layers to a window. Scan your initial design, print it out, and then continue to adjust and retrace as needed until you are happy with it.
The completed original doll and costumes can be colored with markers, watercolors, etc, before your final scan, or you can rescan it in black and white and then use your graphics program to add color. Use the graphics program as well to add headlines and additional text. A short paragraph about the honoree describing some history, or bit of triva that may not generally be known, is a nice addition.
Keep in mind, the doll isn't meant to be a perfect portrait of the one it commemorates, but it should capture a sense of them, and have some whimsey. Do an image search for "vintage paper dolls" and also for "Betty and Veronica" or other comic book type drawings, and look at how those artists simplify facial features. Try to capture the general shape of the persons face, and things like upturned or long nose, etc -- but the overall love put into the project is a lot more important than an exact likeness!
Showing posts with label MrMartha. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MrMartha. Show all posts
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Celebrating a Centennial Birthday...with Paper Dolls
Thursday, July 9, 2009
MrMartha Welcomes you to MidCentury Manor
Greetings after a bit of a hiatus during the move....
MrMartha has not actually fallen off the face of the earth, it has just felt like it.
Rocky the dog is getting used to his new home -- he is probably adapting a bit better than MrMartha at this point -- but things will continue to come together.....and none too soon, as this is starting to feel like an unsettling dream that one cannot quite awaken from.
The furniture and box moving portion of this adventure is complete, and MrMartha is surrounded by stacks of belongings yet to be unpacked, and furniture pushed helter skelter into the center of the rooms. But, this too shall pass!
A fresh coat of paint in the main rooms will be happening over the weekend and next week, and then the actual settling in can start.
The bones of the new house are great, the vintage details, and even the quirky aspects being discovered, are all going to make this a fantastic place to live -- MrMartha will be sharing the process and transformation with you as it unfolds.
MrMartha also brought many plants and starts from the old garden, and those will get transplanted into the landscape here this weekend as well.
It will probably be a couple weeks before MrMartha's kitchen's are back up and functioning...but lots of great posts with recipes, food, and entertaining ideas will return to the blog soon....
MrMartha thanks you for your patience!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Dessert of the Week....Boston Creme Pie
This American Classic is often overlooked these days. It's a wonderful way to end a company meal, but simple enough to make just for an indulgent Saturday treat.
Using the basic construction steps, you can make it very simply with everything from mixes, or with more complexity doing everything from scratch. The best is a combination that uses both aspects. Classic yellow cake, French pastry creme filling, and Chocolate glaze (MrMartha uses a simple Ganache).
Traditional Boston Creme does not use fruit, but this version uses some lovely spring strawberries to make it extra special. If using fresh fruit in the cake, don't do your final assembly of the dessert until as close to serving time as possible. You can, however, make all the components ahead of time. This cake does not store well. When preparing your cake, bake in two different size pans...one sized for the dessert you will be making immediately, and the other to wrap and freeze for future use.
How to do it:
Prepare a white or yellow cake mix according to package directions. Add a teaspoon of additional vanilla extract to freshen the flavor. Bake in desired pan sizes. 
Prepare French pastry creme (recipe) and cover surface to cool and keep skin from forming (or make a packaged vanilla pudding mix -- 'cook and serve' is preferable to instant).
Make a simple Chocolate Ganache:
Heat 1/3 cup cream just to boiling with 1 tablespoon of butter.
Stir in 4-6 oz semi sweet chocolate - chopped or in chips.
Allow the chocolate to melt from the heat of the cream, and then stir or whisk till smooth.
Allow to cool briefly while you assemble the cake.
If you are going to use Strawberries or other fruit, prepare it -- in thin slices for the filling, and larger pieces for top garnish. 
Split the cake layer in half evenly with a large serrated knife. Spread with the cooled pastry cream and top with the fruit slices. Replace Top layer carefully, and then pour on the Ganache glaze. Allow the glaze to set and harden for a few minutes, then garnish cake top with additional fruit.
Keep at room temperature till serving time.
This is perfect for dessert, with afternoon coffee, a wonderful surprise for a neighbor, or a great treat for a friend you owe a favor!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Indulgent Easter Eggs
Ready for a little creativity and craftiness? Easter is a great occasion to embellish -- by adding some frivolous little fancies. Eggs have been traditional for centuries in springtime celebrations, and there are so many wonderful ways to incorporate them into your holiday decor.
Take a little break from the world, get out your 'craft box' and see what treasured scraps of ribbon and lace, pearls and trim, and little bits and pieces can be crafted into exquisite blown egg fantasies.
Read More has Lots of different ideas and HOW TO -- from quick to complex......
If you cant find time to have some crafty fun before this coming Easter, save the idea for next year, and get them made in advance on a dreary February afternoon!
The HOW TO:
To blow Eggshells: 
Warm to room temperature, poke a small ring of punctures, using the tip of a corsage pin or sharp needle, at top and bottom of shell. Carefully open 1/8" hole at each end of the egg. Use a small skewer to puncture the yolk inside, and blow carefully to expel the contents (Then make scrambled eggs or a Quiche!) Submerge the blown eggs in soapy water, shake to clean the interior, and then blow the liquid back out and allow to dry for a couple of days.
If you have any breakage, crush the shells into fine uniform pieces, set aside and save.
For the "Shadow box" decorated eggs:
To open a window to the interior of the egg, mark a basic guideline onto the shell with pencil, prick around the perimeter with the pin, and carefully cut out with manicure scissors. Patience and care are your greatest allies in this process. 
Then using hot or craft glue (or a combination depending on what material you are affixing) attach laces, trims, sequins, beads, and tiny flowers to the exterior. Add miniature items in the interior of the egg shell (themed sets are easily found at the craft store).
If you would like a textured exterior on the shell, coat the shell with thinned white glue, roll in the crushed eggshells, and allow to dry overnight before you start trimming.
Even easier....purchase plastic, plaster, or bisque eggs at the craft store and just trim the exteriors.
Or, do some simple Decoupage on the egg exterior:
Use small images, drawings, or clip art on lightweight paper, cut out and test fit. Make some small clips into the image as required to allow it to fit smoothly to the eggs contour. Paint thinned glue onto the shell, affix the artwork, and coat with more glue, allow to dry, Add a coat of spray varnish if desired. Trim with ribbons, small silk flowers, or whatever looks cute.
Or, get out the paints: 
Use watercolor or acrylic paints and tiny brushes to paint simple floral or other spring designs on the exterior of the egg. Spray with matte varnish or shiny lacquer to protect the painting. Tie the perimeter of the egg with narrow satin ribbon and a bow, to cover the holes in the egg.
Even easier....use assorted felt tip colored markers to put the design on the eggs, spray varnish not required, but still gives them a more finished look.
It doesn't take a lot of artistic ability, just trust your intuition, and do things as simply or as elaborately as you desire, and your time allows. Then display your creations (napkin rings work wonderfully as stands), tuck into a special Easter basket, or take along to surprise a hostess!
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