I Stenciled A Doll Trunk!
Style & Stuff | Posted by Jannie on 30 December 2009 @ 7:54 AM 59 Comments
Yes, I recently tried my hand for the first time at stenciling — a bit of “friggy-work” as Mom would call it, but once I got the hang of it, it was fun. And rewarding!
I bought the raw wood trunk at Hobby Lobby for $16.00 — had a coupon for 40% off any one item. Check online — they run specials!
Kelly just loves the trunk, so great to keep Kirsten’s accessories in. (Kirsten is The Doll, for newcomers to this site. Kelly is The Human Child who lives with her father and me.)
The trunk measures 12″ wide x 10″ deep x 10″ tall — perfect size for a six-pack of beer — wouldn’t I be the fancy one all the ball games, toting my beer in that! 
Might stencil another for my donuts!
But back to serious-land… I noticed the “real” American Girl Doll Kirsten trunks were recently selling for an average of $250 each, for those lucky enough to snag them off eBay — they are no longer available from the maker.
Jim (The Father of our Human Child,) says I should paint more of these and sell them on eBay! Maybe next Christmas, if I refine my skills — this was just my first attempt.
I also painted and stenciled a matching table, chairs, bed, and a little shelf for Kirsten for Christmas, which I’ll be showing you in near-future posts. So stay tuned!!
And God bless!!
And yes, all these pictures were taken with my trusty iPhone 3GS. (The yellow stencil sheet is kinda fuzzy because I cropped it considerably.)
Boo-boop-be-doop!
On 30 December 2009 at 8:08 am Lynn said,
Blue Bunny just makes me laugh every time.
The trunk is a work of art, my friend. Good job, you! I am in awe.
(From your non-crafty friend, Lynn.)
.-= Lynn´s last blog ..Monticello, new barn and Moby (one more time) =-.
On 30 December 2009 at 8:31 am Hilary said,
Hi Jannie .. good to know Kelly has her Kirsten friend too. The trunk looks great – what a good idea. Once upon a time I’d have been like that – but now .. fortunately no kids!
Hardwick enjoys his new decorations – but didn’t think I could stencil the wall! I remember years ago making Christmas decorations in my adult days! and in South Africa I spray painted an aloe to turn it into an African Christmas tree – that was successful.
Aren’t the iphones great? .. I must get to learn all the tricks of the trade with it – note making, video making etc ..
Glad the trunk is such a success .. does Blue Bunny have one for his toys in his burrow?
Love from us for a very happy NY & successful 2010 (put 2020) .. really don’t want the years to disappear that quickly!! .. me, Mum and Hardwick to you all & BB & your Squirrel Hardwick … woof woofs from here … & a hug or two …
.-= Hilary´s last blog ..Pantomime – Lord of Misrule – Grand Dame … =-.
On 30 December 2009 at 8:35 am Jannie said,
…
Lynn!! How wonderful that you are first commenter on this post, as you were the first human I divulged my then-future stenciling quest to, when it was still a mere dream in my life-realm. Oh wait til you see the bed!! It’s sooo sweet, my favorite component of the set, but I just may save it for the third and final post in this series. Hee-hee.
Toodles
xoxo
Oh Lynn, I’m totally non-crafty — this was just a detour, but a sweet one indeed.
On 30 December 2009 at 8:45 am Jannie said,
…
And there was Dear Hilary typing away as I was typing to Lynn. Thank you my dear, I do like the way it turned out, even if I’m still a learner. I’m not sure if I had the optimal brush for the project and sometimes I got the paint a little too thick thereon, but one thing I know is the trunk is a one-of-a-kind. Kelly just loves her Kirsten I recently procured (the doll – not Kelly) off eBay. The Kirsten character came from Sweden to American in 1854, I love how the whole American Girl Dolls have such history, and a whole series of books to go with each doll.
Ooo, an aloe tree, we have those here!! Did you paint it golden?? Never been to Africa at all. I’ve been to Buda, Texas, tho – about 30 miles from here, they have 2 beer halls there. Yes, loving my iPhone!! In so many ways, I have Internet anywhere I go — whoo hoo, feed the addiction.
As to Blue Bunny, in his lair he stores all his things in solid oak cabinets he made himself out of reclaimed coffee tables he bought from traveling vegetable salesmen, long story… but his cabinets are very very nice — all mortise and tendon, you know — not a nail in the lot. that BB — clever clever guy.
Toodles!!
xoxo
Oh, and Hilary I BET you COULD stencil a wall, the hardest part is getting started!!
On 30 December 2009 at 9:05 am Carol | Stress Eating said,
I love this – it reminds me of a lot of antiques that we had around the house when I was a kid. Stenciling was very popular. Too bad I didn’t pick up the knack for crafts! Oh well, I still enjoyed seeing your work!
.-= Carol | Stress Eating´s last blog ..Stress Eating: Is It An Addiction? =-.
On 30 December 2009 at 10:08 am jingle said,
I believe your iphone photos are better than formal ones,
quality crafts,
classical patterns,
creative minds,
extraordinary success!
I admire your work!
.-= jingle´s last blog ..The Infinite Sequences on Knitting and Writing =-.
On 30 December 2009 at 10:11 am jan said,
Beautiful work, my friend. I bet Kelly just loves this! Something handmade by mom or dad will be remembered always. My daughter (who is now 19) had an Addy doll. Even though T is white as the driven snow the only AG girl she wanted was dark as night. So many people stared at her and gave her stern looks when we traveled, especially on the train back from Chicago where Addy was purchased at the AG store there….(sadly sighing here….) Anyway, my dad (now deceased) was a fabulous woodworker and he made an exact replica of Addy’s trunk from scratch! It is such a treasure, especially now that he is gone. And mom made handsewn clothes for Addy. She is now 81 and not able to do so any more so the clothes are treasured keepsakes too. Now my granddaughter gets to play with Addy and all her family heirlooms. May there be many days of joyful playing ahead!
On 30 December 2009 at 10:54 am Paige said,
you did well grasshopper.
it was nice to hear from ya. so did ya hear me moan when he took the stiches out? omg, i said OMG!
i think i need a hug from bb
.-= Paige´s last blog ..French Toast & Bras =-.
On 30 December 2009 at 11:33 am Cookie said,
Wow! Very nice. you are talented and your daughter is very lucky. I know these doll trunks are popular… am I the only one who gets images of a coffin?
On 30 December 2009 at 11:43 am Ana Goncalves said,
Dear Jannie,
It is wonderful to be back. (on your blog+and back in general. If you notice am still lurking and posting)
How are you?
I am doing well.
I love what you did with that box, that is amazingly beautiful. It’s fun too! I’m happy that your going with the flow and getting involved in such creativity. The stenceling looks great.
That’s a very pretty doll. Is she made out of porcelain?
Hope you and your daughter have a fantastic New Year! :O)
.-= Ana Goncalves´s last blog ..Love is truth guided by you =-.
On 30 December 2009 at 11:53 am Ana Goncalves said,
P.S-Jim has a good eye, and is right about you designing some more and putting them on Ebay to sell, and a very Happy New Year to him too!
.-= Ana Goncalves´s last blog ..Love is truth guided by you =-.
On 30 December 2009 at 11:55 am Caroline said,
Wow…this is so cool! I love projects like this (just wish I made more time for them…lol). Thanks for dropping by my blog. So nice to meet you! Hope you have a beautiful New Year!
.-= Caroline´s last blog ..I am blooming in 2010 =-.
On 30 December 2009 at 1:22 pm Jannie said,
…
Oh such lovely comments!! Thank you all.
I will return later to answer each and every one.
Kelly is having a little party here today, so I will be concentrating on keeping 6 young girls alive for the next 4 hours!! I’m sure their parents will appreciate that!
On 30 December 2009 at 2:39 pm Mama Zen said,
Wow, Jannie! I sense a money making opportunity here!
.-= Mama Zen´s last blog ..Review: Rosarita Salsa =-.
On 30 December 2009 at 3:18 pm Megan "JoyGirl!" Bord said,
Now THAT is one good looking trunk! I’ve never stenciled, but heard it’s tricky. Looks like you nailed it on the first attempt. Wow!
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s last blog ..Funny Cookies =-.
On 30 December 2009 at 3:38 pm Natalia Burleson said,
Looks like a nice fun project! Looks great!
.-= Natalia Burleson´s last blog ..Still feeling kinda groovy! =-.
On 30 December 2009 at 4:19 pm Lance said,
Dear Jannie,
Could you stencil me in to your calendar? I could use one of them beer coolers. Except, can you make it more “manly”? Well, you know, because I’ll probably carry it on one shoulder and all. Maybe if you could stencil a pirate or two…
And wow!!! So, Kelly is the human child! (learn something every day!) How about blue bunny – is the human rabbit? You know my kids (well, you don’t “know” them I guess) have been transformed into alien children. Like ET, they keep phoning home (looking for a ride I guess).
Happy End of 2009 (I’ll be write back I’m counting on my toes what comes next).{two hours later} whew! And happy happy 2010 just around the corner! Well, not the “real” corner. I guess it’s some sort of hypothetical corner…
.-= Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day =-.
On 30 December 2009 at 7:03 pm Jannie said,
…
All children alive! Only Kelly and 1 friend here now.
Heading for ye olde wine.
xoxo
On 30 December 2009 at 8:00 pm Liara Covert said,
Always sense that you are multi-talented and the only thing to do is prove how well you know the real you.
.-= Liara Covert´s last blog ..Impart the insight you gather =-.
On 30 December 2009 at 8:22 pm Tammy said,
Jannie
I love to read your posts. No matter what you write about it is always funny and light hearted. Anyway what ever you do don’t start writing funeral eulogies because I doubt you could stop yourself from saying something humorous and you would probably offend someone…..not meaning to of course. That is just how you are. It’s great!
On 30 December 2009 at 8:34 pm Talon said,
Kirsten sure found a lovely home! Lucky dollie – she has Kelly as her Mama and Ms. Funster as her grandmama and provider of all things bright and beautiful.
You did a lovely job on the trunk. The blue is such a wonderful shade. Good taste, Jannie!
.-= Talon´s last blog ..Pet Peeve No. 185 =-.
On 30 December 2009 at 9:00 pm Davina said,
Hi Jannie. This is a beautiful trunk. My stepmom does something similar to this. She paints storybook images on toy boxes and rocking chairs. She transfers images from books onto the box using a grid method. I don’t know how she has the patience for it, but as you say, it was fun and rewarding.
.-= Davina´s last blog ..Put the Message in the Box =-.
On 30 December 2009 at 10:20 pm Chris Edgar said,
Wow, did you do that orange tile with the floral pattern? Maybe it’s not orange, actually — it may just be a result of my graphics card’s weirdness — but you get the idea. Quite a lot of attention to detail, it looks like. You’re surely a master craftsperson.
On 30 December 2009 at 10:51 pm Jannie said,
…
Now I’m eating cheezie poofs imported from Oklahoma.
Carol!! Yes, antique-y! I never picked up the knack for crafts either, but it appears it’s never too late to try. There is a craft for every human. A ship for every sailor. A song for every voice.
jingle!! Ahhh, the iPhone informality is well received on this and every shore of love. Thank you so much for all your words. I admire YOUR commenting je ne sais quois. Could one call it an extraordinarily classically high quality successful commenting style to admire? I think so!
Jan!! I wonder if perhaps I am more in love with the doll set than Kelly? And why not? Oh, I would so love to see Addy’s trunk your dad made, and the clothes your mom sewed for Addy by hand!! Addy is lovely yes, and some of her things quite interchangeable with Kirsten for the time period, as you may well know. Funny — American Dolls are so new to me, within the last few months, but actually been around for quite some time. New layers of love and life!! Oh, and Jan, I think there will be many many days of great playing ahead — maybe I’ll even let Kelly play with the doll furniture some times.
Paige!! But can I snatch the pebbles from your hand yet? I’m not sure on that, but I’ll keep working at it, you Mistress of Love and Light. It was great talking to YOU! Funny how I was right there with you for a while as you awaited the doctor. How many stitches were there? BB has packed his rucksack, hitched a train and is no doubt at this very minute near your door or perhaps already there hugging you?? Tell him to brush his teeth!! He does try to skip that. Make sure he flosses too — thanks!
Cookie!! Yes, Kirsten arose from her coffin! You silly-billy, I had not thought of that, but it was quite the imaginative scene you painted for me!! The real trunk is so sweet and fancy. I did also buy some paint in “sand” color but need to read a book first to see how to add the highlights. And thinking a light pink dot in the middle of the flower centers might be nice.
Ana!! It is WONDERFUL to have you back!! With a most delightful re-entrance with all your great comments, thanks – of which I shall answer all. I’m great, thanks!! So glad you are too. You look as lovely as ever! The doll has a cloth body, but vinyl legs, arms and head — so very play-able indeed. Just so great to see you!!! Thanks so much for all. I’ll be over to your blog as soon as I can.
Caroline!! Hi, I remember you from Mama Zen’s blog! Thanks a big big bunch for popping by Funster Land. Please come any time, we are always having a great time here. All-told the trunk took me 4 hours from stem-to-stern to paint and stencil. 2 coats of blue. Not bad. Have a beautiful beautiful New Year yourself!!
Mama Zen! Yes, seems to be, but I might not want it to keep me from my highly profitable hobby of blogging of $7 in Adsense weekly!
Megan!! Well, I think the next trunk will be a lot better. I was not working in the best light or workroom, as I was trying to hide the project from Kelly in her bedroom which I am currently remodeling, a bedroom in which zero of the 4 wall electrical outlets work — long story. So I ran an extension cord from the dining room to the one sad lamp. Bla, bla, bla. Woe was me. Yada yada yada. But yes, it turned out kinda cute!!
Natalia!! I did enjoy the process a lot. I sang a lot of showtunes as I worked on it. And some David Bowie.
LANCE!! You will have to wait for my morning coffee for your proper comment response. It’s almost 11:00 and I’ve got a couple of sleeping-over human children to coax towards some modicum of sleep. Oy.
Sleep, my child and peace attend thee.
All through the night.
Guardian angels God will send thee.
All through the night…
On 30 December 2009 at 11:25 pm J.D. Meier said,
Nice work flexing your skills!
Every time I see a trunk, I remember the Brady Bunch episode where they pretended a ghost was trying to get out.
.-= J.D. Meier´s last blog ..10 Ways to Know Thyself =-.
On 30 December 2009 at 11:40 pm Jeanne said,
Jannie,
Wow! Oh Jannie! That is beautiful! When you told me you were working on a stenciling project, I had no idea what it was specifically. That is just gorgeous!!!
I totally, totally agree with Jim that you should make a whole pile of these and sell them online!! I’m sure they’d be popular!
The amount that is charged for American Girl accessories and furniture is outrageously expensive. I know in our house it was only because grandparents bought a doll 2 years ago that Molly entered our lives. We sure couldn’t afford it.
We have staunchly refused to buy any of those items in the AG catalog such as the wardrobes, beds, sleighs, etc. The same grandparents who bought Molly have bought (and made) doll clothes (including ones that match their owner).
(I hid an AG catalog the other day before it was spotted).
Now, 12/2009, Ruthie has joined our lives. Again, we got the doll (and book and purse) but none of the extra accessories that AG would love us to buy for Ruthie.
That box is just beautiful. Not only did you save a TON of money over that preposterous $250 you referenced, but the box will be all the more special and meaningful for Kelly knowing that YOU made it!!!
Bravo! Job well done! I think you’re going to be busy making more of these to be sold online. Seriously, if you market that side by side with a $250 box, how many people do you think will opt for your box and feel like they made a fantastic deal?
Go for it, Jannie!!
Jeanne
P.S. No refining of skills needed… It is perfect! It’s hard to believe that was your 1st box! You painted the inside too? Amazing & gorgeous!
.-= Jeanne´s last blog ..Winterize Your Body (VIDEO) =-.
On 31 December 2009 at 2:32 am Zeenat{Positive Provocations} said,
See I knew you were funny..i knew you were a great singer..and i also knew you were an awesome person…but now youre even a gorgeous artist
Come on gal…leave something for us little people 
But seriously…they are just too beautiful…If i was living close by i would’ve surely asked you to make one for me…but sigh
Happy New Year to you and your gorgeous family….
Lots of love and big hugs,
Zeenat.
.-= Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s last blog ..Love, Kindness and Happiness =-.
On 31 December 2009 at 3:28 am SnaggleTooth said,
Congrats on your completed treasured trunk project.
The first is always the most difficult. Check out the handmade toys my old friend sells (in the ESR sidebar). A fortune can be made, keep up the production!
.-= SnaggleTooth´s last blog ..Fade ‘09 =-.
On 31 December 2009 at 7:49 am sheila said,
OMG! That’s BEAUTIFUL Jannie! You should do a bread box! And a Funster CD holder! OR SELL them! Oh, the possibilities!!!!
Hey, did you get ‘the stuff’?
.-= sheila´s last blog ..Shiny happy fixtures everywhere….Shiny happy fixtures everywhere! =-.
On 31 December 2009 at 7:49 am tammy said,
Cute! I love Hobby Lobby and their sales and coupons.
.-= tammy´s last blog ..happy new year =-.
On 31 December 2009 at 10:06 am TheWeyrd1 said,
That’s very cool! Now if only I lived in a place with a garage or a basement…then I, too, could make small children (and grown people) happy with useful crafts!
.-= TheWeyrd1´s last blog ..Tuesday’s Time Waster – How Addicted to Blogging Are You? =-.
On 31 December 2009 at 10:21 am Jannie said,
…
So where was I, oh yes — that LANCE! Character…
Lance! Character! I just bought some stencils for YOUR trunk, couldn’t find any pirates so I got bunnies, very manly looking with mustaches on. Blue might be a nice kolor, I mean color for them! The store also had giraffes and elephants, also with mustaches, — some with beards. Let me know and after I get Dot’s 7000 kelp bikinis knitted, I’ll get right on your trunk, and I’ll line in in rubber so your beers will never mar the tender basswood, nor leak. BB is a touch (and touchy,) human, yes. He wants his drivers license, you know! Yep.
Liara!! Prove I know the real me. Prove I know the real me… Prove it to me, right? Do I know myself? Some. Getting to know me, getting to know all abooooout me. And boy — I’m a lot nicer than I’d ever imagined!! I think I’ll stick with me, we’re in for mighty good times ahead together.
Talon!! You give me a great idea — I can build and stencil a house for Kirsten. Or maybe not.
She can share our vast expanse of roofly abode here. “All things bright and beautiful…” I’ve always loved that… “All creatures great and small. All things wise and wonderful — the Lord God made them all.” Now sing it with a rap beat, Sistahs! Talon, the shade is “Pool Party,” the blue, just caught my eye and I said holey-moley, this is it!! The flowers are actually dark blue but look more purple. Maybe a hint of light pink at teh flowers’ centers?
Davina!! Thanks. I’ve been sleeping with the trunk under my pillow, and having very interesting dreams, ones about palm-treed snowbanks and Swedes in ice castles roasting wienies over open pits. Friendly folk, all. Ah, the grid method, Kelly has a book on that, which is supplementing her natural art penchant, like your stepmom. Does she sell the rocking chairs and boxes?
Chris!! Orange tile with floral pattern? Orange tile with floral pattern? Maybe you have your computer set on one of those settings to help the visually impaired, according to their rod cone “deficiency?” Or is there just a wee tad of leg-pulling here on your end? You are ever the enigma, Chris. Tho I feel I know you inside out from your Inner Productivity book, you do have a lot of surprises up your sleeve — love it! (Yes, your sleeve do I love, you have a wonderful one. Well, BOTH your sleeves, of course. )
I’m so sleeeepy. Must nap, and return.
On 31 December 2009 at 12:04 pm Chris Edgar said,
Hi Jannie — I mean the fourth picture from the top. Now I’m on a different machine and it still looks orange to me. But maybe that’s all my peculiar rod and cone deficiency.
On 31 December 2009 at 12:38 pm Nadia - Happy Lotus said,
Hi Jannie,
Very cool. I did not know you can buy a raw trunk and then paint it the way that you want. I will have to check that out.
You are definitely one very talented lady!
Happy New Year’s!!!!!!!
.-= Nadia – Happy Lotus´s last blog ..The Power of Re-Invention =-.
On 31 December 2009 at 12:56 pm Patricia said,
Jannie,
Nice work and you get a “MOM REWARD” for a great and thoughtful Gift.
My new Librarian daughter saved and saved all her money and bought 4 of the American Girl Dolls and then she assisted her Dad in making and stenciling a wardrobe cabinet for all the accessories. She bought Molly’s desk too as that was too hard to make…
She and her best friend decided to be matching Kirsten’s for the book parade event at school and Halloween. Both mom’s found the fabric, ordered the pattern, and set sail on making this dream come true.
I will confess right here and now….Chaela’s Mother was able to make a lovely dress for her daughter. I ruined the fabric and made a mess of it…and so borrowed the money from a good friend and had it “drop shipped” over night to our house from the original company….I just kept it a secret for many years….now it is revealed…I am making full confession….I am so uncrafty (and my kiddos are so artistic and crafty – they must have gotten the genes from the other side of the family?) although I certainly tried.
My oldest daughter made Librarian kiddo the Molly Green Velvet Christmas Dress for her piano recital performance!
I think my best homemade for kids, were the nightshirts and PJs I made…and the best humor was when a flannel pair of PJs came out of the box with the cuff of the sleeve sewn into the collar, which I did not notice…we laughed all day about that error and my oldest fixed the mistake so her sister could wear them to bed…they still guess that wrapped in one box under the tree, that I made them PJs and we laugh…
good to have a sense of humor and talent…
.-= Patricia´s last blog ..Sparkling Tour with Bubbly Celebrations in Mind =-.
On 31 December 2009 at 1:09 pm K said,
It’s very cute.
Excellent work, especially for a first time attempt at a new craft.
.-= K´s last blog ..Random Thoughts: Xmas Edition =-.
On 31 December 2009 at 1:09 pm Miladysa said,
Happy New Year x
On 31 December 2009 at 2:21 pm Caity said,
Wow that looks fantastic! I love it! The colors are great. I think it is absolutely awesome for a first try at something new. I hope you have a wonderful New Year, Jannie!
On 31 December 2009 at 3:37 pm cordieb said,
Wow, what a beautiful job you did with the trunk. “I also painted and stenciled a matching table, chairs, bed, and a little shelf for Kirsten for Christmas” (Wow!) I bet all of them were adorable! Such beautiful, personal gifts, so full of LOVE.
Wishing YOU and YOURS a LOVE-FILLED New Year, and every day throughout the year!
Peace, Light and Love, C.
On 31 December 2009 at 6:22 pm Thomma Lyn said,
Wow, Jannie! That’s gorgeous. I bet Kelly loves it, and it looks like it was so much fun to do, too. I enjoy all things artsy. I still think you and I are twins who were separated at birth.
Happy New Year, my dear friend, and Happy New Decade! You are such a lovely, treasure of a person, and I’m so glad that we are friends.
.-= Thomma Lyn´s last blog ..New Year’s Resolutions =-.
On 31 December 2009 at 9:36 pm Tammy said,
Jannie Jannie
Where forth art thou Jannie? Is it for or forth?………you get the point. I am no Shakespeare. Anyway, I wanted to testify to your Hobby Lobby deal. Is that place cool or what? I think I had a Hobby Lobby habit. I said “had” because a friend of mine put the smack down on me and said, “no more paintings til you get your teeth taken care of.” I had to have a wisdom tooth pulled and some new fillings and a crown. I’m still ticked because I could have bought 5 paintings from an art collection I am working on with that money. Guess i will get over it. My friend said he did not want to see me toothless with a house full of paintings. I did buy a really cool painting at Hobby Lobby with one of those on-line coupons- 40% off is really good on a purchase like that.
So we are Hobby Lobby soul sistas.
.-= Tammy´s last blog ..A spinoff of Christianne’s blogpost =-.
On 31 December 2009 at 10:21 pm SnaggleTooth said,
Happy New Year!
.-= SnaggleTooth´s last blog ..Fade ‘09 =-.
On 31 December 2009 at 10:52 pm Jannie said,
…
HAPPY.
On 1 January 2010 at 7:58 am Tess The Bold Life said,
The colors are the best! Blue is my favorite. I’ll meet you at the ball game and can get you get the tickets with all the dough you’ll be making on e-bay.
$250 is insane. Didn’t anyone tell these people frugal is in!
.-= Tess The Bold Life´s last blog ..Love Yourself: Be The Underdog =-.
On 1 January 2010 at 10:52 am Jannie said,
…
Coffee!! What a wonderful thing indeed. I like mine with lettuce and tomatoes, Heinz 57 and french fried potatoes — no, wait, that’s my cheeseburgers. Jannie!
J.D.! Thanks a kit and a caboodle! That’s so funny about your Brady Bunch trunk memory. I don’t recall that episode at all, but every time I see an egg on a traffic cone I remember Marcia and Greg’s grand driving rivalry when they were both getting their licenses. Remember that one?
Jeanne!! oh, thanks so much for your lovely words, so glad you like it. The biggest thing I’d change is getting the leaves a bit better, had too much paint on my brush in parts. But I’m learning!! And yes, OMG on the amount charged for AG accessories — and the dolls do have EVERYTHING available for them, don’t they?? From all the furniture imaginable, to sports equipment to wheelchairs, you name it — they got it, as you know. But there are more than 47 ways to skin a cat, which your comment demonstrates. Make by hand. Molly and now Ruthie. I bet your girl and mine would have soooooo much fun playing dolls and piano together!!! Oh yes, painted the inside 2, but just one coat of blue there, the outside has 2 coats.
Dear Zeenat — one of the “little people” your comment soooo cracked me up when you said that! Hey, plenty of “talent” to go around for all of us on this planet. I never even knew I could stencil a soup can — let alone a freaking doll trunk and other yummy things. You could do it too! And those stencil sheets are so cheap to buy, all is inexpensive really. come over and we’ll have a stenciling party! Big BIG gorgeous hugs to you all too!!!
Snaggle! Whoo-hoo!! I did it, I did it, I did it, oh yeah, (dances to little sing-song, shakes booty.) I think I’ll put the table and chairs up next, but I still have to tweak the stencil on those today – Christmas Eve with our power out for so long put a crimp in my plans. I will check out your sidebar widjit – for sure!! Thanks.
Sheila!! Thank you so much. I guess I could branch out to all sorts of things, but I’d have to make and sell on spec, else I might feel all hemmed-in if I had to fill orders and stuff. Now, speaking of nice stuff — your soaps!! I’m even using the soap on my face, it’s so gentle. Kelly loves the “designs” in the soaps and wants to know if you planned them to look like that? I love how they are all cool and bumpy like a washboard on both sides. Aventine Hill soooooo ricks!! I’ll be getting more, of course. AWESOME!!!!!
Tammy! My “other” Tammy, actually there are 3 but Tammy in Tennessee does not come around too much anymore. You are all such AWESOME Tammys!! HOBBY LOBBY!!!!! I freaking love love love that place wiht a deep-seated undying affection. And I only discovered it recently, had seen them for years but a Michael’s is closer to home, so I’d pop on there, but HOBBY LOBBY, I might just have a cot installed for me there. I probably will do a whole post on the super wonders that are HOBBY LOBBY!!
Dear Weyrd1!! Or you could make your dining room or a corner of a bedroom into a studio as I’ve seen done a lot! Do you do crafts and such? Or have a desire to??
JANNIE!! Whoo-hoo, Happy New Year, New Decade actually — you don’t look a day older than you did in ‘09!
Chris!! Duh, Jannie, yes the 4th photo down, showing the stencils!
That is the sheet of stencils I bought for $2.99. And if I were a “real” artiste I’d draw all free-hand, thus stenciling, a nice safe place for moi. Yes, indeed an orange-ish yellow emanation from them. Your cones and rods are working just fine — probably better than mine, Chris. At least your brain is better engaged, it seems. 
Nadia!! I’ve seen the raw trunks, benches, shelves, little boxes, etc. for years at the craft stores — like blank canvasses sitting there beckoning me from the shelves with their “Jannie, Jannie, we want YOU…Jannie, Jannie…” but I never ever dreamed I could actually do what I have accomplished. My Human Child ever opens my realm to amazing new wonders. Ahhh, thanks. I’d love to know if you ever paint or stencil any projects — would you post them on your blog?
Patricia!! I gave myself an extra cup of coffee as a reward today!! Wow, 4 AG dolls saved for an bought — a very enterprising young lady. Kelly would now love to have Kit Kittridge, she is so sweet, little Kit, from the 1940s I think. Oh an sweet on the matching Kirsten dresses — I saw on eBay how much the Human Children dresses go for — wow!! And your drop-ship confessions, I think all great mothers have little secrets like that up their sleeves, making it happen is what matters. Maybe I could make a whole post on “Confessions To Jannie,” a super-safe place every one could get things like that off their chests!! Yeah — what do you think??? Loved the collar sewn into the sleeve image. YOU have talent and humor too, obviously. Ain’t life grand!?!?
K!! Oh my goodness, K, I have been thinking about you so much and dang, you shame me by beating me over here, you with your sweet newborn, instead of me going to your blog. But I’ll get over there soon!!! Ahhh, thanks for the compliment. I think it turned out fine, made with plenty of love too.
Miladysa!! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU TOO!!!
Caity!! Well, thanks a bunch,young lady. I do kind of like the trunk too. It really was not that hard with the stencils, and all. The biggest thing was getting the pattern correct for the available space, making it a good proportion. Well, that and just Starting It!! I hope YOU have a wonderful new Year, too Caity, my sweet sweet Super-Awesome Caity!!!
Dear Cordie B!! Is your first name Cordelia? Just wondering. Cordie is a lovely name. Jannie is a variation on my given name and no, I’m not a Janet, not a Janis, not a Jan, nor a Janis on my birth certificate. I think tomorrow I’ll put up the table and chairs!! Whoo-hoo!! Will you ever be able to eat and / or sleep and /or even breathe until then, Cordie???? back at ya on the love and good wishes and all that Happy New Year stuff!!!
Tammy!! Funny, we know a guy who has about only 3 teeth left in his head but he has an amazing amazing art project he did in his own basement, indeed has 2200 square feet devoted to it, he even gouged out his hill to expand his basement. But, I think one can have both teeth and ART, it just takes time and balance. Do you paint? What? What have I not been paying attention to about you? I know you have lovely tall windows in your place where you’ve been sighted naked by the neighbors on occasion, but not of your choosing of course — accidents happen, like me and the postman. Wait, no, you were in your undies, as I recall. HOBBY LOBBY, I give thee my undying love and affection until death do us part — and beyond.
Snaggle!! And to you — my precious lovely friend who art in Massachusetts, my friend for life and beyond into the eternal reward stage we are headed for. But enough with the death and stuff — HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Whoo-hoo, bring on a 3rd cup of coffee! Jannie!! You little devil, 2 were more than enough for this fine morning .
JANNIE!!! yes, Happy indeed it were last night. And now.
Tess! Yes, I LOVE those colors too. As I said above, the blue is called “Pool Party.” I well know that you are a painter of furniture, reclaimer of yard sales and general all ’round ass-kicking soul-flying human entity. I know!!! And the Kirsten beds were going for about $100, the table and chair sets for about $150. So, mine are not the Official Bona Fide American Girl Stock — but they serve the exact same purpose for the doll. And relay, Tess, The Doll has not complained in the least. Not so far, anyway.
xoxoxoxo
On 1 January 2010 at 3:01 pm Tammy said,
Hey Jannie
You have been talking to Tammy from Tn a lot these days. I wonder if you knew that? I see you have 3 Tammy’s? I will start letting you know it is me. By the way, I may withdraw soon…….and be sporadic again because school has been out and I have been blogging a lot more lately. But it starts back Jan. 12. I am glad and no so glad at the same time, mostly because I am taking a statistics class and a public speaking class this spring and i detest both. Hobby Lobby Rocks! Oh, no I don’t paint. I love to buy them……that’s the problem. Maybe I should take up painting.
.-= Tammy´s last blog ..A spinoff of Christianne’s blogpost =-.
On 1 January 2010 at 3:23 pm Jannie said,
…
Deere tammie, this is yor blue bunny answiring.
were yoo borned in tenessee?
iz yoo too peeples in one? liek my jannie? my jannie has a persing named angelore living inside she.
i sporadics too.
and dont werry — me an my jannie wil be rite here bloging for the lumpie prolitareeits, on mundaes, wensdays and frydays. (speeking witch, my jannie is soons to posting, in minits frum now, i thinks.)
and mebbee yoo cood do yor public speech on statistics and all the wunders thereins of stasticits?
and tammie, yoo dont happin to lieks lobby hobby, yoo do? my jannie — she reel do lieks it.
i wil tell my jannie yoo byes paintings. do yoo hang them on yor walls?
xoxo
tootils.
bb
On 1 January 2010 at 3:49 pm suzen said,
Hi Jannie! Oh that is adorable!!! You surely COULD sell these! I bet you would do really well with Donna Dewberry’s books on handpainting things! Me thinks I detect an artist here? Go for it! It’s fun – the worst that can happen is you paint over it and try again! I’ve done that for 40 years! ha!
The absolute BEST of joyous times for your new year!
Hugs
SuZen
.-= suzen´s last blog ..Carrots, Eggs & Coffee Beans – A Recipe for Thought =-.
On 1 January 2010 at 6:43 pm Tammy said,
Hi Blue Bunny
Yes I am the Tn. Tam, but I was not born in Tn. I was born in Ga. But all my exes don’t live in Texas they live in Tn. Get it? That was a corny joke Blue Bunny. Do like country music?
I would say that perhaps you are spelling challenged, but I see it is the rest of us who are really spelling challenged. You have an interesting system there. You call it the way your little bunny ears hear it. You are special blue bunny.
Yeah I am two people. I don’t know exactly what to call my alter ego though. And I absolutely love lobby hobby too!
Thanks for that speech advice. I just might take it. You are pretty sharp there bb.
Tell your Jannie and your little friend Kelly Happy New Year for me.
T
.-= Tammy´s last blog ..A spinoff of Christianne’s blogpost =-.
On 1 January 2010 at 9:08 pm Jannie said,
…
Suzen, thanks s extra much about the book tip — and I just love what you say about painting over “mistakes,” and making a fresh start of it. I was rushing to get this done for Christmas morning in a less-than – ideal workspace to keep it hidden from Kelly, then the power outage for almost 5 hours on Christmas Eve put a spanner in the works, and I’ve yet to touch this up, as I will. Thanks!! Will you be posting some of your art?? I’d love so much to see it.
Tammy, I am pretty sure Tammy 2 lives in TN too. Anyhoo, bb has gone to bed but he does LOVE that exes / Texas song, I’ve certainly heard him singing it when he’s hanging out his laundry. He does sing most kinds of music, but I’ve also heard him singing Lucille, Crazy, the Gambler, Achey Breaky Heart, and Coal Miner’s Daughter. The song he sings most tho, is the Bee Gees, More Than A Woman. And yah, I thought his idea of your speech on statistics might work. You are doing a speech in the public speaking class, I assume.
On 1 January 2010 at 9:34 pm Dot said,
I think you could sell those trunks now. Your stenciling is very nice and the trunk is great!
PS – Thanks for all the linky love in your “bed” post! ;D
.-= Dot´s last blog ..Comment on Snowstorm! by Dot =-.
On 1 January 2010 at 10:04 pm Jannie said,
…
Dot! Thanks, I am looking forward to making more to sell. Hey – why not!? I may even be able to get the raw trunks cheaper if I find a bulk supplier!
On 2 January 2010 at 8:57 pm Lance said,
Jannie,
Elephants and pirates with mustaches…that stencil will work just fine. Plus…padding for the beer! What is this, like I’m in dreamland…and I’m winning the bestest prize package in the world!
I’m dancing right now!! And juggling bananas! And wiggling my fingers!
Happy 2010 to you! And to your wonderful family…
.-= Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day =-.
On 3 January 2010 at 5:53 pm Tammy said,
Blue bunny singing more than a woman- HA HA!
.-= Tammy´s last blog ..Just call me the ADD guinea pig =-.
On 4 January 2010 at 11:58 am Jannie said,
…
Lance, yes, I’ll get right on that beer trunk for you. Padded extra, yes!! With state-of-the art insulation. And maybe a matching pirate-elephant mustashioed doilie. And just a hint of Budweiser potpourri. But wait, what’s your favorite beer? I had a Sam Adam’s lager the other night — nice!
Tammy!! Yes, he sings that divinely! And this morning as he was drying dishes he belted out a more than lovely “We Are The World.”
xo
On 5 January 2010 at 7:15 am MiaHysteria said,
Very nice. Like that shade too. For me, I’m really, really bad at stencils. I ooze paint everywhere!
.-= MiaHysteria´s last blog ..Tips for Running Your Home Solo~New Examiner Article =-.
On 6 January 2010 at 11:21 am Jannie said,
…
Hi Mia!! Thank you. I found that there is a front and back to the stencil and it does produce better results when you keep the very flattest side next to the area to be stenciled. And I also learned to go lightly on the paint and do a few brush-overs. It is finicky, tho, yes.
On 10 January 2010 at 10:13 pm Jeanne said,
Jannie,
Oh no! I am apparently slipping!! I have now found yet ANOTHER lovely oldish comment you made to me that I had not yet responded to. Oops! Sorry about that!
BTW, I wasn’t entirely clear in a previous comment. When I was talking about doll clothes that “match their owner”, I was referring to the fact that my daughter has matching dresses (her dress matches with her doll’s).
Yes, the AG dolls do have EVERYTHING available as far as accessories and furniture. If I were good at crafts like you, I’d make doll clothes. I can’t even sew on a button, I swear. (As I said elsewhere, I wouldn’t be able to handle the paint fumes for doing furniture).
Yes, Molly and Ruthie. My daughter’s face lit up when she saw that Kelly has the Kirsten doll. Yes, I am certain our girls would have soooooo much fun playing dolls and piano together too!!!
You did a beautiful job! I’ll try to stop slacking off on the commenting.
Whew! Trying to catch up to you is not easy! Must be that phone of yours. If I could moderate comments in doctor’s office waiting rooms, just think where I could be!
Jeanne
.-= Jeanne´s last blog ..Blogging Bug =-.
On 11 January 2010 at 7:10 am Jannie said,
…
Jeanne!! Ahhhhhh, that matching makes sense indeed! Duh, Jannie. I will NEVER be making doll clothes, and all I did here was slap on some paint.
Yes, I know what you mean about commenting, the thread probably has to end some time right? Else it goes on for infinity!!!
xoxo