Doll Divas - Diorama Portfolio

DIORAMA DISCUSSION: Open Forum Day featuring One-Prop Wonders

Posted by DeeinNJ on June 10, 2008, 10:46 am

Hi, All,

Today is a day to post anything you want regarding props, finds, sets, etc.

I wanted to specifically focus on one prop, supply or other item that you find you are using all the time when making your scenese or dioramas.

Is it a piece of furniture, a backdrop, a tool or supply? Is it a little accessory?

Share your insights and pics!

OR, ask questions or post pics about anything else you desire... 'cause it's open forum day!

My one-prop wonder is a pair of sheer white curtains threaded onto a small metal window rod. I use magnets to hold the rod to my Room with a View backdrop (another favorite prop) and I get so many looks. I can always switch the curtains, but somehow, I always use the sheer white ones. I use it to frame doorways, french doors, and windows, of course. They look great hanging straight or with a little tassled tie-back. They are great for filling in those dead spaces when you are trying to compose your photos.

Here are a few pics (I'll bet you never noticed how much these curtains show up):

OK, what's YOUR one-prop wonder!

Til next time
DeeinNJ

Here's my favorite prop...Dynamite Chairs!...>>

Posted by Gwenevere

I don't use much for props but love these fun chairs. They just kind of blend in.

I have three one prop wonders!

Posted by Amanda

First is this clock which became a . . .

. . . fireplace and then a . . .

. . . tv at grandma's house

Second is this balsa wood window I made which started in the bakery

then to the living room, twice

I pop in different background pics

and finally to the bedroom. I need to make more windows!

And third is the tables from the bakery are also the night tables in the bedroom.
Thanks for looking! Can't wait to see more ideas.

Since I don't do much photography except for my own enjoyment, my favorite prop is . . .

Posted by TheEvilKaren

FOAMCORE! I couldn't live without it! I shudder to think how much money I've spent on it (and Xacto knife blades!) over the years. I always have a stash of a few 20" x 30" pieces of it around, just in case I'm inspired to create a new scene. My most ambitious project to date is a 1/6 scale hotel room I made to take to Barbie convention in Dallas last year. It's enormous, but it breaks down and stores flat under a bed thanks to velcro and 2" flat fabric tape. (no picture)

Lovely props everyone! I don't really have a fav one but I found some minis yesterday...
Posted by Nilsa in CA

They come in this little boxes.

All from a Dollar Tree store.
Also, there is an iron but I didn't get that one.

I have a ton of props! But the one my dolls favor is.....
Posted by Saucy Suwi

Yes, you guessed it............Bed

I wasn´t sure what prop I use the most, untill I saw Suwi´s post!
Posted by Kerstin

Like Suwi I have a favorite background. It´s a piece of fleece fabric, only 40 X 150cm, that I bought for some project. Well, my cat loooves fleece, and she claimed it when I left it on my sewing table, but I do get to borrow it for photos. If I take some of her too.
I love the color, it makes such a good background, and I use it a lot!

Foam board is my absolute favorite

Posted by Stinker's Stuff

Every diorama I have has a different look because of the awesome foam board used for the walls and floor. It's extremely easy for assembly and take down, not to mention the looks are so versatile, and I've recently discovered covering it with nice gift wrap for fabulous wallpaper.

(photos not available)

I use sewing pins to connect 2 pieces of foam board together.
The floor is also foam board with wood contact paper attached to it.

And they come in so many colors now, Red on one side, white on the other. I have Red, Gold, Dark Blue, Gold, Silver and Black board, plus lots of gift wrap and wallpaper samples.

I've used and exacto knife to cut out windows and then used thin wood strips for the panes. I've also used semi-clear kitchen contact paper (for drawers) as window glass. I have clear plexiglass but I've found it's far too shiny and reflective of my lights as I photograph the room.

Sometimes I just tape a photograph to the outside of the window so it looks like a scene from the inside of the room being photographed.

Just using 2 different color foam board will give a room vibrancy of a 2-toned paint job.

Lastly if you can't cut out a great door or window. I just find a photo of one I like on the internet, stretch it out on a legal sized paper and print it on a color printer. Taping it on foam board looks just like the real thing at the correct angle.

I even made the steps out of foam board, covered each step with contact paper, then glued them together.

Thanks!

Johanna
Stinker's Stuff

Photos NOT AVAILABLE!!!! - Maybe email her?

Just finished my latest diorama! Take a peek!
Posted by Sheila in CA

Welcome! Your table is right this way!

Would you like to see the wine list?

Please excuse our dust, we've just recently remodeled...

Gee, I don't know what I want...everything on the menu looks good!

Thanks for looking...hope you enjoyed!

Love all the pics and ideas... here is a favorite prop of mine...and a printie for you...
Posted by trish@dollymall

I love dioramas so much and I do have the Room with a View but I do not have it set up.... so a fave is the doll cabinet and bear cabinet (I know that is two props, LOL... cannot help myself...)

Finally here is something for you to print for your dolls... if you need it smaller copy it into Paint or something and size it down... if you need help on that, post here and I will answer here. Remember ink can stain dolls so be careful...