Kentucky Derby

Each year, my Grandson's elementary school's PTA has a single Fashion Show Fundraiser.  It is much more than just a fashion show, there is Lunch in a hotel ballroom, Chinese Auctions, Silent Auctions, 50/50 and more.  It is the only fundraiser, and has earned over $15,000 per year. Over 350 people attend.  This year's Fundraiser  had a Kentucky Derby theme, " Run for the Roses."  I created 35 Centerpieces. I only have about $10.00 for each centerpiece, so "cheap" it is.  

I created two types of centerpieces:  1)  A foam board and paper-mache vase/urn, with a giant tissue-paper rose on top;  and 2)  foam board mannequins (big paper dolls) with hats collected from yard sales.

The 'dolls' clothes, glasses, and earrings (I have loved paper dolls since I was 4 years old) were all designed in "Corel Draw" and printed on large paper.  If any one is interested in how to make any of these, please send a "comment" with your request.  I kept the costs under $10 per Centerpiece.  I think I got a 'big bang' for my bucks.

I have posted links to the "png" file pattern for the mannequin.  It has been reduced to 50 percent of the original size.  I printed the pattern on 8.5 x 11 paper and taped it together for a large pattern.  You can do this  by going to "properties" on your printer and select "page layout" and then "poster" printing.  I used foam board and an Xacto knife for this.  The slots will fit one into the other into the other, and stand alone.

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Been there, done that!

I am 64 years old, a little worn out by life, and have been "crafting" for 45 years.   My Mom was a widow (37) with four children to raise, and little money.  She was an independent woman long before it was fashionable.  She worked, cooked, sewed, decorated, painted, wallpapered, and did repairs around the house.  Even though it was in the Fifties, I thought Women could do anything.  So, I followed in her footsteps. I am going to post pictures of some of the things I make, and if you are interested, I will tell you how I did it.  There is no one craft or skill, because I have tried just about everything and anything. My first post is my faux painted marble floor.  Big project (21 x 20 feet), huge savings, beautiful results. 

You can view the steps at www.instructables.com.  The title is "Faux Marble Flooring" by Pat Gordon.  I would love to here yout comments.