Instructables: How to make a Prop 'Glass' Cinderella Slipper

I was just recently introduced to the Instructables website and had to explore briefly. My first discovery was this How to make a Prop 'Glass' Cinderella Slipper from a pretzel tub DIY by Jay. I won't copy the steps and it requires a level of patience and skill but this shoe can be yours with a glue gun, scissors and a plastic tub if your fairy godmother isn't scheduled to arrive anytime soon. It's not wearable, but it's fun to see how someone answers the challenge of making a glass slipper.

So for Gangshow this year... I was asked to beg borrow steal or make some very... INTERESTING items... one of which is a 'Glass Slipper'... So I knew no-one that I could beg one off... I knew no-where I could borrow or steal one from... So It looked like I would have to make one... I had looked round the shops for some cheep jelly shoes or maybe a seethrough welly boot... but to no avail... so I sat to thinking... and looking at me in my pit of a room.. was an empty (CLEAN!) Pretzel tub that I had been saving to make a sand water filter with my scouts (uh-oh.... It's ok I bought another barrel of Pretzels!)

So well here is my I'ble I hope it inspires... If it does, and you make one I would love to see what you come up with

Cheerio

Jay

The Maiden in the Tower by Bewilder and Pine

Here's a recent Etsy find, this one from Bewilder and Pine which also has some adorable fairy houses on stars which I learned about first.

This one The Maiden in the Tower. Here's a description:

Bewilder and Pine presents "The Maiden in the Tower", a handmade and hand-painted polymer clay tower that is styled after the traditional Folly towers of European gardens and with regard to the tower in the Grimm Fairy Tale, Rapunzel.


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Fashioned after the old stone follies of Europe this little tower is formed, textured and finished by hand. Then painted in traditional stone colors and it sits upon a landscaped surrounding of grass, stone and brush. Details such as the ivy clinging up the walls are also added by hand. . The HO figure on the balcony of the tower is included. She is not attached so some gluing will be required. Also, the toweris not permanently affixed to the base. It can be if so desired before shipping though I know some model and miniature enthusiasts prefer to landscape their own. Just let us know!

It can be used as a personal reminder upon an altar or a mantle or it can be used in modeling of HO scale railroads and scenes.

We can also customize a tower scene for you if you have a special tower you are drawn to in the world. Any custom order may take a bit of time to complete and to work out a price.

The Maiden in the Tower stands just under 5 inches tall and the base is 3 1/2 inches at it's widest point.

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There are many fairy tales similar to rapunzel and featuring the Maiden in the Tower theme.

Below is just a partial list of these that I am aware of.


Anthousa the Fair with Golden Hair
The Fair Angiola *
The Fated Marriage
The Garden Witch
The Girl on the Island
The Godchild of the Fairy in the Tower
The Lady of Shalott *
Louliyya, Daughter of Morgan
The Maiden in the Tower
Petrosinella *
The Princess; or, Fair One of the World
Prunella *
Rapunzel *
Uzembeni; or, Usikulumi’s Courtship
The White Cat *

* - indicates full text is available online just google it!

And guessing from that description, SurLaLune was referenced for that list! Just see my Tales Similar to Rapunzel page. And find more Rapunzel and Maiden in the Tower tales in Rapunzel and Other Maiden in the Tower Tales From Around the World: Fairy Tales, Myths, Legends and Other Tales About Maidens in Towers.

Here are some more images. The maiden isn't very fairy talesque, but the tower is pretty much perfect. Love!

Etsy Find: Cinderella Cake Topper

Another Etsy find, this one is a Cinderella cake topper from livingwithart. Here's a little more about it.

Beautiful little Cinderella waving from her carriage. Perfect for any little girl's birthday cake. Completely sculpted by hand in fondant. An additive can be added to the sugar to make it very hard as to protect it during shipping.

The topper could be made in permanent materials as well. Either clay or sugar the price is the same.

Etsy Find: Greeting Cards by LittleBeeHive

Cinderella Greeting Card

More Etsy finds, this time greeting cards by littlebeehive. I like the Retro/Japanese influenced style.

Little Red Riding Hood Greeting Card

Puss in Boots Greeting Card

Etsy Find: Riding Hood and Wolf Rings

Okay, these are totally impractical for wearing but they would make a great conversation piece. Here is today's clever find on Etsy by LicketyCut: Little Red Riding Hood Rings:

And these aren't named for Three Little Pigs--they are Pig with Piglets--but that's what they are so I will share these, too:

There are other items in LicketyCut's store which are not at all fairy tale related, but I really like the bonsai tree, whales, and fishbowl best even if a part of me is drawn to the Star Wars for sentimental value.

Little Red Riding Hood Paper Sculpture by Papernoodle

Love this.  It has been featured on Etsy where you can buy giclee prints of the image by papernoodle. I would love to see the original paper sculpture in person.  About the piece from papernoodle:

This is an open edition print of my original paper sculpture illustration called "Distraction." I constructed a paper sculpture of my own drawing based on the story "Little Red Riding Hood." I photographed it, and digitally manipulated it.

I always liked the idea of printing photographs of paper sculptures on paper. Once, the paper image is printed, it gives a sense of that the paper itself is telling a story.

The image is printed on Somerset Velvet paper with archival inks. Paper measures 8"x10", with a white border for framing. My signature is in the illustration as it was photographed and printed after signed on the original sculpture.

She also has a stunning print of her Alice in Wonderland sculpture which I might like even better despite not being an Alice fan.

Fairy Tales Hidden Pictures

Found these earlier this week and thought they made nice distractions for any kids (or their grown-ups) suffering from January weekend doldrums, the first not connected to a holiday in a while. These are available for downloading and printing for free at Printables for Kids.

First the one I liked since I have a weakness for Princess and the Pea themed items: Princess and the Pea Hidden Picture Activity. I admit I really liked the illustration, hidden activity or not. I still say all those mattresses are a dream bed for me, forget the pea.

And for those who prefer Goldilocks: Goldilocks & The 3 Bears Hidden Picture Activity.

More Fairy Tale Oriented Activity Books

This was originally supposed to post on Friday, but many of the book image files were corrupted and have resulted in technical difficulties for me all weekend. A simple, easy entry turned into a nightmare, so here is what I've accomplished without much elaboration because I am ready to move on to something else. So here this is, better late than never:

I have given Dover Publications a lot of press this week since they offer so many fairy tale themed books. However, another favorite publisher is Usborne. They also offer many activity themed books great for kids and many use fairy tale tropes even if they aren't specifically themed to fairy tales. Here are some to explore:


Fairytale Things to Make And Do


50 Fairy Things to Make and Do


Fairy Things to Stitch and Sew

Enter the wonderful world of fairytales in this enchanting book. Follow the simple steps to created a cast of fairytale characters such as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and even your very own Frog Prince. You can also discover how to make a magic fairy wand and a fairytale princess tiara.

Princess Things to Make and Do


Sparkly Things to Make and Do


Mermaid Things To Make And Do


Wizard Things to Make And Do


Wizard, Pirate And Princess Things to Make And Do

Knights and Castles Things to Make and Do

Charge into a world of fighting knights and towering castles in this exciting activity book. Follow the simple steps to make a model castle with a wind-drawbridge jousting knights a fire-breathing dragon picture and lots more. There are over 250 shiny silver sticker for you to decorate the things youve made. 6 years and up.

More Fairy Tale Origami

This is a follow-up post to the Fairy Tale Origami from this past Saturday.

I vaguely remembered some other fairy tale origami books from a few years ago and after some quick research, I found them again. They are out of print, but still available used and perhaps through your favorite library. The books are available individually or in a gift pack of all four with origami paper. I admit I ordered a gift pack for myself before they disappeared forever. I had wanted these and then forgot about them and am thrilled I was able to find a set. So perhaps I will have an origami themed week in the future after I've had fun folding.

Here are the individual titles:


Fairy Tale Origami #1-Goldilocks (Heian's Fairy Tale Series) by Ken Kuroi


Fairy Tale Origami #2-Hansel And Gretel (Heian's Fairy Tale Series) by Mitsuo Shinozaki


Fairy Tale Origami #3-Little Red Riding Hood (Heian's Fairy Tale Series) by Kuniro Fukazawa


Fairy Tale Origami #4-Snow White (Heian's Fairy Tale Series) by Hiroaki Ikeda


Origami Fairy Tales Gift Pack

Heian's origami fairy tale series is now in a beautifully designed gift pack, including four books and 60 sheets of colorful, non-toxic origami paper. Each book tells a story and demonstrates how to create six origami figures from the featured fairy tale: * Goldilocks & the Three Bears * Hansel & Gretel * Little Red Riding Hood * Snow White. This is a classic book collection and origami craft kit all in one, for hours of creative storytime play, and making reading fun even for the youngest readers.

Is anyone else surprised that Cinderella was neglected in this series? I know tales with animals are easier, but we did get Snow White and Hansel and Gretel. A pumpkin carriage would be quite a challenge though.

Fairy Tale Origami

Storytime Origami by John Montroll came out earlier this year and delights me no end.

Publisher's description:

Beginning to advanced folders can bring four classic children's stories to life with the origami models in this delightful new book from Dover's bestselling origami author. Thirty-seven different models re-create characters and scenes from "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," "The Three Little Pigs," "Humpty-Dumpty," and "Cinderella."

I love this concept, especially since I love origami. My one sure-fire stand by, "always know it origami", is a swan which I have made hundreds of times over the years. Sometimes I have told a condensed version of The Ugly Duckling as I have folded it for an audience of one or more. This has saved many a melt-down moment for the children in my life since only a piece of paper is needed, nothing else. If I have a regular sheet of paper (8.5 x 11), I can make an entire swan family with the many squares I can derive from it.

Now this expands the concept for more fairy tales and is just fun by itself.

Another wonderful application would be an inexpensive display of the origami figures, especially in a school or library display case. I considered doing one long ago when I was in charge of a few displays...

And most of the kids I know are fascinated with paper folding so they should enjoy it, too. I haven't seen the book in person yet--just learned about it--but Dover site's sample pages show that the diagrams look easy enough to follow, unlike some other origami books I've used.

Fairy Tales in Stitches Week: Random Stuff

This is the last entry for Fairy Tales in Stitches Week. I saved these random patterns for last. They are offered by companies that have produced just one or two fairy tale patterns and don't necessarily specialize in fantasy designs.


Most of these are aimed more for hanging in children's rooms, but they are fun all the same.


The Jack and the Beanstalk pattern makes me giggle because it reminds me of the countless illuminated manuscripts and paintings I have seen of the Ascension where only feet are seen dangling from the clouds above wondering apostles. These have always tickled me for some reason. Perhaps because my dance training makes me want to say, "Point your toes!" It's a common device if you see enough of them (and being my mother's daughter, I have) and it was the first thing I thought of when I saw this pattern. But I have digressed...


And here's two booklets, both available through sellers on Amazon for less than anywhere I've seen them. Do you spy Rumpelstiltskin, Little Red Riding Hood, and the Shoemaker's elves? It has been rather surprising that Little Red Riding Hood has been very absent this week relative to her popularity--no samplers or other designs--just the pattern based on Scott Gustafson's illustration. Someone really should get on that...


Fairy Tales in Cross Stitch by Christina Marsh


Fairy Tales in Cross Stitch by Dorothea Hall

I hope you've enjoyed this week. I had fun finding all of these designs over the past month, trying to decide on my winter project and then sharing them with you this past week.

Most of the patterns--and most of the images--I've shown this week are available through 123stitch.com. I am in no way affiliated with them or any of the designers I've discussed. However, I have ordered from 123 Stitch and been pleased as a customer.

Fairy Tales in Stitches Week: Dragon Dreams

Today I'm sharing patterns from Dragon Dreams. The above is my favorite from this company. I searched for photos of completed projects so you can read the entire text and see the details. There are more, but this was my favorite and conveniently has the credit for the stitcher already printed on it. Thank you for sharing, Junette Stitch.


It says:

“Once upon a time” is how
Most fairy tales first start,
Then add a questing maiden
Or a knight so pure of heart.
Sometimes there is a treasure
Princely frog or magic blade,
Dangers to be conquered
Or long journeys to be made.
Yet strength and courage triumph,
To the enemy’s chagrin,
The questing soul discovers
That the hero lies within.

There are some nice castles and several dragon patterns--my favorite is a dragon alphabet. But I also like this Kingdom Sampler.


And here's a Frog Prince, the first for this week:


Most of the patterns--and most of the images--I've shown this week are available through 123stitch.com. I am in no way affiliated with them or any of the designers I've discussed. However, I have ordered from 123 Stitch and am a satisfied customer.

Fairy Tales in Stitches Week: Illustrators

These days with pattern making software and skilled rendering by knowledgeable people, converting photos and illustrations into cross stitch patterns is easier and thus popular. Several illustrators of fairy tales have had their illustrations licensed and converted into patterns by Heaven and Earth Designs, including Scott Gustafson, Ruth Sanderson, and Kinuko Y. Craft. Fantasy illustrations by James Christensen and others are also available.

I always debate these patterns when I see them. They are beastly to sew with their tiny details and they can easily be bought as posters and framed, often offering greater detail in poster form. However, there is the lush appearance of the sewn patterns, the tapestry effect and the unique quality of each piece. So I'm not choosing any of these for my winter project, but I am tempted nevertheless. Of course, they are also recommended for 25ct fabric--which means 25 x's per inch. That's painstaking detail and the finished projects look quite lovely.

Of course, if I were to attempt one, I would choose Twelve Dancing Princesses. I'm just not sure if I would pick Sanderson or Craft's for I love both for various reasons. The one at the top of this post is Sanderson's, by the way, and the one below is by Craft.


Here are some of patterns based on Gustafson's illustrations:




Here is Faery Tales by Christensen. I plan to do a post on him sometime soon, but I can't omit this one which is really quite fun.


Most of the patterns--and most of the images--I've shown this week are available through 123stitch.com. I am in no way affiliated with them or any of the designers I've discussed. However, I have ordered from 123 Stitch and am a satisfied customer.

Fairy Tales in Stitches: Willow Hill Samplings

Today's stitches come from Willow Hill Samplings and are much less romantic and much less complex designs, charming in their old-fashioned simplicity. I just discovered this line during my research, so I haven't sewn or seen one in person, but I am tempted by them. I would have to brighten the colors for myself since I prefer bright jewel tones to the aged, antique look. So if these simpler designs are more your taste, but the colors are off-putting, remember they can be changed quite easily. And a white or cream fabric would make a big difference, too.

I will have to order one or two of these once I decide which are really my favorites. I think I prefer Rapunzel and Cinderella although I am tickled by them all. I like the storytelling design of Cinderella and Rapunzel's tower which has always been a tale close to my heart. However, I might change the words just a little if I sew that one. It's accurate, but I know too many versions to be willing to stick with just one...


I can imagine myself looking at the Cinderella sampler over and over if I had seen it is a child, telling myself the story with the little images. It also makes a great sampler for smaller hands learning to sew at the intermediate level. I remember well the unicorn that was my first attempts at sewing. Despite my weariness of the story, I am charmed by that pumpkin carriage and am tempted to pick this design as my favorite.


The Snow White is also fun, but once again, not my favorite fairy tale. I have to admit I am growing to enjoy it more as I work on my Sleeping Beauties collection which will include several Snow Whites and Sleeping Beauties.


I went ahead and included the Alice in Wonderland Sampler, too.


Most of the patterns--and most of the images--I've shown this week are available through 123stitch.com. I am in no way affiliated with them or any of the designers I've discussed. However, I have ordered from 123 Stitch and am a satisfied customer.