Includes How-to's:
Mission accomplished!
Short Back and Tails Dog Grooming
I haven't got the photo's inside of the actual van, but the layout I installed is a replica. The bath is made from a pill container cut up. I made the grooming bench from some cardboard and covered it with blue non-slip matting (also used on the van wall as a backsplash). On the wall behind the table is a basket containing a comb, hairdryer (made from mobile phone ear plugs) and another bottle. On the table next to the pipe cleaner dog I fashioned is a pair of scissors and clippers.
You can't really see inside, but I have added some leashes on the grill gate behind the drivers seats and a basket of shampoo bottles etc.
I glued everything to a cardboard base cut to shape to fit the wheel arches inside the van. Another piece of non-slip matting is glued onto the floor. I slid the whole lot inside and this allows all the doors to still open
PP's brother is a digital printer so he kindly did the signwriting on the van. We got the original artwork from the owner and modified to fit the small van.
Hamish MacHairy's Dog Grooming
Using a clear plastic juice bottle was the final solution, cut to the best shape possible with a couple of darts (sewing term) cut into the front and glued together.
A local signwriter kindly let me sift through their stash of vinyl off-cuts and let me have the exact colour of the dog trailer.
I cut the vinyl to size 3 pieces - 2 side and back door pieces and the front. I laid them flat and sketched out the windows and doors, then cut the openings with a knife. I then outlined the window and door frames with a black permanent marker. With a lot of patience and my tongue held to the side of my mouth, I carefully peeled the backing off and wrapped the vinyl around the trailer. Phew - first step done! Now for that tricky shaped front bit. This took two attempts and a lot of um naughty words used. That damn curved front was determined to outwit me again - but patience prevailed - although not entirely happy with how I couldn't smooth the vinyl enough to prevent creases - grrr!
I glued the trailer body to the now modified base with one wheel axle and then using electrician's tape (in black) I edged the top and bottom to match the window and door frames.
The wheel arches are made from plastic containers from "Dippit Biscuits" from Aldi. These twin pack little biscuits not only taste great, but the the 2 tubs inside them are perfect for hand basins and shower bases.
I wrapped the wheel arches in the vinyl and glued them to the sides of the trailer after gluing the wheels to the base.
The trailer tow bar is from the original horse trailer. I added the "jockey wheel" made from a black jewelry plastic tube, a piece of wire slipped through and another black jewelry piece for the wheel. I bent the top piece of wire into a handle shape and glued another small black bead to this.
Inside the trailer, I made the grooming table from cardboard covered it in white vinyl wrap, topped with black non-slip matting, It also has a dog made from a pipe cleaner, a pair of scissors, dog clippers and a dog grooming book I made. I bought the shampoo bottles online that are sitting on the bath and table.
I made the stool from a plastic bottle, glued to a plastic wall plug then onto a plastic washer (found in PP's shed).
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The laundry bin is from the top off a gas canister and 2 jump-rings glued to the side, with a dirty towel shoved in (real dirt from the garden). I made the wire basket under the table, using a paper clip for the coloured handle. The dog bowl is made from air dry clay, painted pink. I added in the air dry clay ball and dog bone.
The bath is from another pill box chopped up. The hose is made from a silver chain and silver end piece inserted into a small drinking straw, secured to the floor with a press stud rivet on the floor.
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| A very happy Barb with her custom made trailer |
Yesterday I delivered the Dog Grooming Trailer and Van. I am done, finished, 90% pleased with the outcomes, but not enough to charge for the orders - no, they will be a gift to the ladies and a lesson to me to never again take on such a challenge!
Missed Doggone It! Part 1?
http://www.jazziminis.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/doggone-it-part-1.html
Welcome to Jazzi's Mini Link Party to increase awareness of Miniaturists talents and craft work. Many of us are trying to make a living out of our love for miniatures and a helping hand in marketing our crafts is always a bonus. It commences every Monday Morning (Australian Eastern Standard Time) and closes at Midnight the following Friday (USA Time). So, what is a Link Party? It is a great way to show-off your work, drive more followers to your blog or website, promote a giveaway or your Etsy shop. 
