Trash to Treasure Final Episode

And this is the end result, at least as far as the competition is concerned. Once it is over, the lamp will be electrified, and I will change out some of the items of the setting. We were given a list of 35 items, of which we were to use at least 25, with the option of one item not on the list, but it couldn't be furniture. We did not have to use all of every item!

1. Four feathers (in the floor vase)

2. Ten beads: the candles, lamp base, vase, silver box on shelf

3. Three cotton balls: one is the padding for the ottoman seat, "hair" on old man cactus

4. 10" square of wrapping paper - not used

5. Eraser -  not used

6. Five stir sticks, popsicle sticks or tongue depressors: frames for painting and zen garden, and a thin black plastic one as the pole of the table lamp

7. Small box, maximum of 3" (7.5 cm) a side - not used

8. Two stickers - not used

9. Four bottle caps any size: shade of table lamp, form for ottoman. wooden one for floor planter

10. Greeting card - not used

11. Six" square (15 cm) of fun foam - not used

12. Six" (15 cm) square felt: floor covering

13. Six toothpicks:  legs and back supports of chair

14. Two sheets standard size paper:  mirror support, book covers

15. One full sheet card stock: tables, shelves, books, mirror frame, ottoman

16. Five Q-tips or cotton buds: cactus plant on upper shelf

17. Three thumb or map tacks: candle holders on shelf

18. Six" (15 cm) length ribbon or lace - not used

19. Two toothpaste tube caps: white flower pots

20. Small mirror no more than 2" (5 cm) diameter: wall mirror

21. Tea or coffee grounds: dirt in the flower pots

22. Six" (15 cm) square fabric: upholstery of chair, ottoman

23. Two paper or binder clips: legs of corner table

24. Six straight pins: top of silver box, inside lamp shade support, shelf supports

25. Paper napkin or paper towel: padding for chair (not visible!)

26. Two drinking straws: legs of kidney table

27. Two pipe cleaners: tall cactus, old man cactus

28. One standard styrofoam cup: not used

29. One yoghurt or sour cream lid: not used

30. Two nut shells: not used

31. Two" (5cm) square aluminum foil: bowl on table*

32. 6" (15 cm) square sandpaper: inside of zen garden on shelf

33. One egg carton: soil base for plant pots. canvas for painting

34. Six" (15 cm) square foam core: inside shelves, tables, chair, and books, as well as a sliced in half piece as base for the zen garden

35. Five sequins: incorporated into painting

*(I misplaced this, but it is in the photo at the bottom of this blog entry)

It adds up that I used 25 of the 35 pieces allowed. My "as desired" was the scrapbook paper used for the wallpaper, which was indispensable for this project, and made it all come together. 

I will change out the vase with the feathers for a "suede" magazine/newspaper sling after the competition, and fill the silver bowl with moss balls and pine cones. It also needs some reinforcing, as it is quite flimsy. The little table will get a book, while the coffee table will get a coffee mug and some goodies on it, and perhaps another plant. The heavy legs of the kidney table will be replaced with the period-specific  V-shaped wire ones. As mentioned earlier, I intend to electrify the table lamp. I might add a little pillow to the chair, and perhaps a cozy afghan, for a little colour contrast.

This has been a fun challenge, and I enjoyed working on it. I believe it may show up in April on the Miniature Enthusiasts of Edmonton (MEE) virtual dollhouse show. As we aren't club members, we can't actually compete, but members of the group are pleased at others' participation.

The "hammered silver bowl" on the coffee table, missed in the previous photo....