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In 2013 I went to the IT convention The Premiere in Los Angeles and participated in the Red Carpet diorama competition. It won the People's Choice award, a nice silver doll statuette. Part of the diorama (just not the first part in front of the stairs) sits on top of the doll house permanently. For the holidays I switch out dolls, but the rest of the year my activist dolls stand there.
In 2012 I went to the Barbie convention The Grand Tour in Orange County (not really my thing, I rather go to IT conventions but it was nice to experience it). We participated in three diorama categories and all three entries won first prize, which was a ribbon (as opposed to previous years where there were doll prizes - you win some, you don't win some).
In the category 'SoCal We Love You' we remade the AV CA Poppy Reserve. Brian built the base and bench, and I made all those flowers one at a time by hand. Yeah, that was pretty crazy. But the diorama still is displayed in our living room and I see it every day, so I get enough enjoyment out of it to justify the work. At that time we worked with Guide Dogs of America as puppy raisers and one doll was a sort of a mini-me with our puppy in training. I made the little bib for the dog, a friend made the T shirt and I did the logo.
Another diorama category was 'We Are The World' ("Combine identifiable cultures/landmarks/environments to create a perfect world"). Brian built this diorama and I got to use some Dolls of the World and redress guys in action figure work clothes.
'Barbie Doll's Dream Destinations' was another category, for which we made a Bazaar like I had visited in Egypt. A nice way to showcase all that Re-Ment, and at least the dolls didn't get sick traveling. Brian does most of the construction work for almost everything we make, he should get most of the credit. I come up with ideas and do the little work, like obsessively carving out those pavers to be the same size. I have a bit of a perfectionist issue.
Before The Dollhouse there was a doll house. Smaller, repainted factory-made furniture (Barbie, Gloria, and Sindy from my childhood) instead of handmade items. It was more a pretty way to showcase period-dressed dolls than an effort to make the best doll house. Here it is in its entirety, and below are some pictures of each room.
In the Wedgwood Room you'll find two Wedgwood Barbies and Mint Memories Barbie. On the right is a Sindy sideboard, one of my favorite pieces of furniture from my childhood, with Re-Ment resembling Wedgwood china.
In the Victorian Spring Room are two Barbies as Mrs. P.F.E. Albee and another doll that fits in nicely with them. The furniture is Gloria's, Re-Ment on the table and some ceramic tea sets in the hutch.
In the Victorian Winter Room the Barbies are in darker colors, so I figured that would be better for Winter. I never aimed for historical accuracy with these rooms, it is just for fun. Couches are Gloria's, fireplace is Barbie's.
The Victorian Bedroom has some of my favorite pieces. The bed, nightstands and chair are Sindy's from my childhood. It was pretty messed up (discolored, broken, fabric torn) so I painted it, upholstered it and made new bedding. On the right side is a small display with tiny ducks. My father collected ducks and when he died I got the little ones, Brian built the shelf for it.
The Piano Room is more of a 1920's era. Just an excuse to put pretty dolls and dogs together. Most furniture is repainted Gloria's.
The Oriental Room holds a different type of dolls. These are Susie dolls, back in the day made by R&D Dolls. Assorted painted Barbie furniture, Re-Ment accessories and various Buddhas and other finds.
One last thing to share is the Fashion Royalty Refresh & Renew Trunk. An instant diorama! All purses here are handmade by La Boutique (except for the green Chanel purse). I also love the authentic Chanel perfume bottles.