I was trying to figure out what to talk about today and in preparation was going through some of my photos. There’s a lot of diversity in many of my settings, but in others, I notice the same props showing up in different ways. Today, I thought I’d just show a “gallery” of different dioramas. In some that I’ve photographed, I will discuss how the same props can be used in different ways to create new looks. Other photos simply show how to put together odds and ends to create a scene. Some info I've covered before, but for any newbies, I've covered it again. Hope you enjoy browsing through these pics. Well, since these three topics may still be fresh in everyone’s mind, I will start off with The Oscars, The Final Cut Isha gift set and some office desk accessories from Audrey’s discussion a few weeks ago.

First we see Age of Opulence dressed in the Cannes gift set gown. She’s on Mattel’s Red Carpet Runway flanked by two rolls of red poster board. The checkered floor is contact paper. The black curtains came with the Room with a View by Bella Productions that I am always talking about (these curtains are on forms that stand by themselves -- and could use a good pressing!). I displayed the movie poster that came with the gift set on an easel. The two “Oscar” statues I found at a flea market for 50 cents each (always keep your eyes open for cheap props!). FYI - the tasseled wrap is from a Yue sai wawa gown.

Now, I know not all of us are lucky enough to have the Silkstone Display Case, but many of you have created elegant rooms for your dolls. The next few photos show how the same setting can be used for entirely different displays. First, we have the Display Case serving as a ballroom for a wedding reception. I’ve added some columns (My Scene Party Pad) a grand piano, the bottom portion of the Silkstone Vanity and some appropriate wedding props. It works perfectly.

Next we use the same room to hold a fashion show. Add a lectern, some chairs, maybe an easel with a sign and, my infamous doll-box top as a small elevated stage and it fits the bill.

What about a luncheon? Add a meal cart, a table and chairs and a few potted plants and the gals are having lunch at the club! The table/chairs are from a Barbie kitchen set. I recovered the seats with a pale blue fabric to match the Silkstone colors.

Note: that photo is also my "something's off" theme photo for the day. If you notice Haute Lux's necklace is hung up on her lapel. She had fallen off her chair during set -up - ouch!- and I didn't notice her necklace was mangled when I snapped the photo.

This same room can transform into a spa complete with tub, pampering chair and other luxurious items. Just add the appropriate props. Notice the lunch cart from our photo above is now a spa cart displaying bath products, etc. (it came from the MaryKate and Ashley dressing room set. The spa chair also came with a MK&A doll). The tub and ottoman are My Scene furnishings... and there’s that doll-box top again under the tub!

Like that gold piece of plastic I scavenged from the top of a doll box, I find uses for items that would otherwise be designated as trash. In the photo below of a posh apartment that I created, I used a piece of white Styrofoam that came as packing material as a backing for the fireplace to give it some dimension since the photo of the fireplace is just printed on card stock. With the marble floors (scrapbook paper) and spiral staircase (My Scene Party Pad) it really works out.