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The Gloria Fireplace - by DeeinNJ
(2005)Today’s Diorama Discussion is going to be more of a Diorama Comment. You see, the daughter of the Diorama Diva writing this article has had a stomach bug for the last few days -- hence -- poopy diapers to the 10th power and not much dolly time. So, I’m going to focus on something quick... and easy: the infamous Gloria Fireplace.
The “Gloria” fireplace is a cheap little set available on ebay for a few bucks (of course, the shipping will cost you your first born, but that’s another story). It’s a “marble” looking fireplace that comes with some neat accessories like a crystal mantel clock, candleabra and picture frame. It also comes with a rather shocking hot pink rocking chair. I don’t know about you, but I have never seen a hot pink antique-style rocking chair, but I guess in the world of fashion dolls, this is a color of choice. The rocker is actually pretty nicely designed, but it definately needs some repainting if you are going for that realistic look.
Now we’ve seen this little gem in so many photos posted on this and other boards, and for sure, every single one has had some kind of a facelift, although it’s not really bad “as is.” Some have been painted, some stuccoed, some tiled, and some faced with gold.
Despite what some may think, I’m not as crafty as I appear and I surely don’t have a lot of time to get too elaborate with things. A can of spray paint or some paper and I’m fine... cutting mini mosaics is something others are much better at than me.
So, when I looked at my Gloria fireplace after snapping a few pics, I decided it looked a bit “blah.” See this “before” photo on the front of the box:
However, not being so crafty, and also starved for hobby time, I needed a quick way to jazz it up without lots of muss and fuss. I found this awesome marble-print card stock in the scrapbook aisle at JoAnn Fabric & Crafts. The card stock is coated and glossy, so it looks just like real marble. I made a paper template and then cut the shapes from the marble cardstock to attach to the front. I just used Xyron, but you could use spray adhesive or hot glue. Now, I could still jazz this fireplace up a bit more, but for those like me who just want a quick fix, this will do it. I left the rest of the fireplace as is. I suppose you could also use marble-print contact paper and just stick it to card stock before trimming it out and gluing it on.
I would recommend making a template from scrap paper before you cut your final paper/card stock. Since my marble was black, I used a black sharpy to fill in any areas of the fireplace that the paper was cut a smidge too short and you can’t even tell (OK, the secret’s out).
At left is a photo with the fireplace “in action,” and then below is one with just the fireplace by itself (yawn).
Please, everyone who has ever done something to a Gloria fireplace, post your photos! Let’s see your craftiness and creativity. Let’s see those grand room settings. Let’s share those ideas, and be sure to post pics of your masterpiece!
Hope this was helpful, have a great week!
