Free dollhouse corset box printable

It's been some time since I have wanted to design stuff for printables again.  

Just a few weeks ago, my vampire tenant asked for a nice box to pack her corset, her garter belt and her garter.  I told her I would be delighted to make something for her, as soon as I was back from my holiday vacation (post about that coming soon!).  She was not very happy that I was postponing her request, but I told her that I needed time to think about the layout for the box.  She seemed satisfied with that, and accepted to wait.

After the first week of work, it has been wonderful to spend a bit of time doing miniatures!  Naturally, I have had the time to do the corset box for her.  

She is very happy about the design; even though she is not particularly fond of pink, she said that the box was something that it could have been in any lingerie shop at the turn of the 20th century.  Here is a pic of the corset inside the box:

I asked her if she would mind that I share the design with my readers, and she graciously accepted.  So here you go, a printable corset box for you:

The box is big enough to fit a commercial 1/12 scale corset inside, but you can play with sizes if you like.

I hope you enjoy it!

Review of the Steampunk corset and skirt

About time!  I know, I'm sorry, I should have done this a long time ago, but alas, better late than never.

Well, like I mentioned in this post, this ensemble comes from Corsets UK.  They have expanded a lot their Steampunk line (which I absolutely adore!), but as of today, I only have 3 of their pieces, two of which I am going to review today.  

So, we will begin with the corset, which you can find here:

Picture from the Corsets UK website

For technical details, I will refer you to their description.  These are some of my own observations:

The zipper.  The pull tab looks like a spring, which is a fun addition.  Even though the zipper goes up to the edge of the corset, it won't close that far, since the design of the corset won't allow it; you have one of the stays in the middle, as well as one of your breasts.  In my case, it won't go up more than an inch or two, and occasionally it goes down a little by itself, but you cannot tell looking from the outside that it is not in the correct place.

The pocket and leather part.  As it is advertised in the website, the corset DOES NOT come with a pocket watch.  I knew that when I bought it, and I keep on it my pocket compass.  The pocket slot measures 3 1/8 inches (8 cm), but you won't be able to fit something that big inside, as the fabric itself takes up some space.  My compass measures 1 3/4 inches (4.5 cm), and it fits inside perfectly well and with some extra room.  The inside of the pocket is faux leather too.

The faux leather is flexible, and I have had no tears, discoloration or scratches on it.

The side ornaments.  As you can see there are two snap buttons on the low edge of each side of the corset.  They are there mostly for decoration, because they cannot be used to adjust the corset to your size (they cannot be unbottoned, because there are no other snap buttons underneath to adjust the size).  There is a buckle-like thingy in each of the straps.  The commercial pic shows the watch chain over there to add visual interest.  Some time ago there used to be this pic in the corset listing; it is not there anymore, but it is still on the Amazon page for this corset:

Picture from the Amazon listing for the corset

The tab to which the chain is attached is NOT there, so I attached my compass chain to the buckle of the strap so there is no risk of me losing it if it comes out of the pocket (which has never happened).

The skirt, which you can find here:

Picture from the Corsets UK website

Once again, for technical details I will refer you to their description.  These are some of my own observations:

First and foremost, it is a thin skirt.  Very very thin.  The fabric does not have any weight, and if you are going to use it in Winter, you need leggins or a thick pantyhose underneath, or you will get cold.  On the other hand, is perfect to use in Summer.

It closes with a zipper on the left side, and it has a nice corset-style lacing in the back of the waistband, which is fully adjustable.  The belt straps on the waistband front are adjustable too, but they only have one extra hole.

That is all I can think about.  If there are any questions, I'll be happy to answer them.  I hope I can put up a review for the other steampunk corset I have very soon.

A new Steampunk corset

Steampunk craze is getting on to me!

The new corset is a gift from my mother, showing here:

Image from the Corsets UK website

I am breaking it in just as I type this.  I love the design, specially the buckles and the swivel closure.  I used to like very much this other Steampunk corset from Corsets UK, but since Lucy made a review stating that the closing swivels were not strong enough for tight lacing and the front opened, I have been hesitant to buying it.  When I saw this one I thought it was nice to have a proper busk with just a swivel detail to embellish it.

I will post a review when I had the chance to use it properly.  From what I can notice now, it is strong and it seems durable - at least, that is the first impression I have from all of Corsets UK pieces.

I have not forgotten about the review of the other ensemble I bought, and I promise it will be up soon.

In the meantime, here is a link to the corset, in case you want to order one for yourself.

Long live Steampunk!

Little could I suspect that I would fall for the Steampunk craze... I am not tech-savvy, and machines do not particularly interest me.  But I love the aesthetic, and since it is Victorian-inspired I guess it was just a matter of time.

In any case, my friend Esther is to blame for the ignition spark.  Last month was my birthday, and she said she had "an absolutely useless gift" for me.  Imagine my surprise when she gave me a beautiful pocket compass.  The exterior is aged brass, the compass is hidden under a bronze rib cage lid that can be opened and closed, and it hangs from a matching bronze chain.  Just gorgeous!  She was lying though: a compass is something very, very useful.

Thinking about what could I pair it with, I remembered I had seen a lovely Steampunk corset that had a little pocket to store a pocket watch in the Corsets UK website.  So I decided to purchase my first Steampunk ensemble.

Here are the links to the corset and the skirt I bought.

And here is my pic, wearing the ensemble (my mom took it):

The skirt was a bit wrinkled; this was taken a few minutes after unwrapping the clothes

A review of the corset and the skirt will be up in a few days.

A bit about corsets

I had thought about writing a series of posts about corsets for newbies, but after finding about the lovely Lucy, I think you better check out her YouTube channel, as well as her webpage to find out anything related to corsets.

Not only she provides thorough reviews on all kinds of corsets; she also offers tips on how to mend them, storage them, as well as videos about corsets and health.  If you can sew, you can also find information about how to make your own corsets and patterns.  If not, you can always ask her to make you your very own customized corset.  I am a big fan of hers :)

Also, if you are a Steampunk lover, you may want to check out the new 2012 collection of fantastic steampunk corsets.  You have them available at Corsets UK, if you live in Europe, and at Corset Story, if you live in the US.  You have available a review on one of these corsets by Lucy here.

A sample of the Steampunk Corset Collection

I have purchased from Corsets UK, and I am happy both with the service and the merchandise.  The corsets are great quality for off-the-rack garments, and very affordable, specially if you like variety in your wardrobe.

Trimester finished! And some other random things...

I am very, very happy. A couple of days ago I finished the second trimester of my lab tech course, and my grades are all very good! I have not studied for more than 15 years, and although it has been rough, I am satisfied with the results. Not only for the grades, but also for all the things that I am learning.

This past Halloween I went to class with my vampire fangs on, and I could not help but laugh at the thought that a lover of vampires is learning all there is to learn about blood: its composition, the way to storage it and preserve it, the intricacies of its formation... I joked with my teacher about the usefulness of all this info to write vampire stories. Did you know that blood can only be preserved a maximum of 40 days? And only after using a lot of anticoagulants and preservatives for it. So sorry, authors, a cellar of vintage blood is simply not possible. And if your vampires survive in blood from banks, they need to raid them at least once a month. I have always thought that living sources are easier if one does not finish them off...

If anyone is interested, please let me know and I will post a crash course on blood for the curious.

I have been lucky to have found three friends among my classmates. They are delightful and I love spending time with them, even after school.

More news. I have acquired two more corsets, and I love them. I am still breaking in one of them. One of my classes happens in a lab with tall chairs (like those in bars) and corsets are very helpful on those days to keep my back straight and without pain. My classmates envy them a little, but very few have expressed any interest in knowing about them, which I find quite strange.

Also, my lovely mom has gifted me a carafe. It is very similar to this one, although mine has a flower engraved in the carafe and the glass. I intend to use it for the ritual of my absinthe preparations - not the glass, maybe hubby can use it for his bourbon. I had been looking online for carafes with a vintage feeling for long, but although they were not very expensive, the shipping costs to Spain were killers (when they would ship internationally). Watching the English series "Sherlock Holmes" with Jeremy Brett, I saw Watson pouring water for a guest in one of the episodes, and he was using a carafe just like the one I wanted. I decided to tell my mom to keep an eye open for it, because she is always able to find any sort of thing in shops. And she did! Now I only have to go to buy me some more absinthe. My bottle of Obsello is near its end.

Also, on a less happy side, a recommendation for all of you that live in or near Madrid. Hubby and I have a favorite restaurant since we were teenagers. It is called "Rasputin", like the Russian monk. The people that work there own the restaurant themselves, and times are being hard on them. If you are curious about Russian food, it is very worthy a visit. Even if you are a picky eater, you are sure to find something that you would like. And who can say dinner (or lunch) for 22 euros plus drinks is expensive? And if 22 is too much for you, they have a menu for 17 euros plus drinks. Menus include a first course, a second course and dessert. If they like you they may even invite you to some vodka at the end of the meal. The service is very nice and attentive, and the decoration is overly dramatic, in red and gold (follow the link to see some pics on their website), with Russian accents everywhere - even a bust of Rasputin himself will greet you at your arrival. You are sure to impress your date if you bring him/her there.

We celebrated our wedding there, and we would hate to see the place forced to close. They are great people, and they deserve success.

I hope to be able to write more in the following days, since I am enjoying Spring break.

See you all around!

A new corset!

See this? Like it? It's my new corset!!

My dear mom gave it to me as a welcome gift. It arrived yesterday, and it is absolutely divine! It comes from Corsets UK, another fabulous and affordable place to get your corsets. I can not wait to wear it. I think it is going to become my favorite...

By the way, I made a video review of one of my corsets; if you want to take a look it is here.

Corsets for all occasions

Did you think that corsets existed only for tight lacing? Think again! Take a look at all these beauties:

Corset choker by ghostlovejewelry

Another style of corset choker, by 666Tristania666

Pinstripe corset choker by annaladymoon

Fingerless corset gloves by fellow Dark Sider ZenAndCoffee. I am warning you, if you visit her shop you will not be able to pick just one...

Corset display for jewelry by AustinJames

Corset bag by fellow Dark Sider beanbun. I need to get me one of these...

The original Coffee Corset by jenngee. I am the happy owner of one of her designs!

Corset cuff by JewelryliciousStyle

Sterling silver corset ring by WarpedMetals

Corset sachet filled with lavender for your drawers, by sherrilenett

And these... I want them. Right now! By lorisplace

The long absence and a new spending habit

It's been some time since my last entry. Apologies for that!

I'll be moving to my home country, Spain, at the end of February. I have been very, very busy cleaning up the basement, selling the car, preparing the move and a lot more things, so my time in front of the computer has suffered as a result. I hope I can have some moments to share my thoughts now that *almost* everything has been taking care of.

I have had no time to do new mini designs, but I have been collecting some vintage botanical images and converting them to mini prints, very useful for witch and wizard libraries; I hope I can share pics of them very soon. Obviously, my shop will remain closed for some time, until we have had time to set up in Spain. I hope I can continue crafting and sharing minis, but one never knows... Wish me luck with that!

Also, I am beginning a new journey. My dear hubby gifted me a corset for my birthday. A real corset! And I have fallen in love with it, to the point that I hope I can begin to have a nice collection of them.

As with any new hobby, I have spent some time perusing the net, trying to learn as much as I can about corsets. I have already found out many things that I did not know, and I am happy to share them. I hope you forgive my enthusiasm...

First, my very first corset was not a real corset. It is what is called a "fashion corset". It has the shape, and the construction, but it is not meant for tight lacing, and it is recommended for novices and people that want a fancy look for a short period of time, such as a prom or a wedding. This video is particularly helpful if you want to know more details.

Also, here are the instructions for you to learn how to put on a corset by yourself. Previous to this video, I always required help from my husband. Not anymore! I assure you it is easier than it looks :)

And finally, pics of my corsets. Sorry they are commercial pics. I hope I can have some taken soon...

My first corset, bought some years ago. Very comfy! From Medieval Collectibles.

My second corset and first underbust. Bought a couple of years ago, and never used until last week. I made a mistake at ordering, and it is a bit big for me, but I have decided I am going to use it anyway. This is a real corset. From Shaper Corset.

My birthday gift, and used today for the first time. I got 3 people complimenting my outfit, and that made me very happy! Also from Shaper Corset.

This one arrived today on the mail. I have tried it on and it is just gorgeous! It really gives you the hourglass figure. From Orchard Corset.

I have a lot of breaking to do with my corsets, but I am definitely looking forward to it!