So guys, this is the update post for the piano. It's still not 100% complete. It still needs the foot pedals and a couple more coats of gloss sealer. When I told my husband that I was going to start teaching piano classes, he suggested we put the piano in a room in the back. So I'm looking forward to decorating my little music room. I threw a few pieces in to get a feel for the room. I'll pan back so you can see the whole room.
I painted my bookshelf with some of my new favorite spray paint from Home Depot and Lowes, shown in this post. The color is satin strawflower. This is where I will keep the music books. We also just adopted one of the cute little puppies Monica had. Let me introduce you.
We of course named him Bruce. He and Alicia have been inseparable.
"Mommy, is it time to walk Brucey?" (Alicia)
"Pretty soon. He's still a puppy, so we have to walk him a lot." (Vanessa)
I decided to take a few days off and try to potty train Bruce. He seems like a pretty smart dog, so I don't think it will take long. Now let's get to the piano.
So the last time you saw the piano, it had just white keys. It now has black keys, too, and a piece covering the back of the keys. The black keys are made out of clay. My husband tried wood for the black keys, too, but he abandoned that idea. He said next time he will get the black keys more uniform. As you can see, no piano bench, yet. He said it's coming.
"Honey? Can you bring me a chair, please?" (Vanessa)
"Brucey? Brucey.?" (Alicia)
"Here you go." (Keith)
"Thanks. Any idea when my piano bench is going to be finished?" (Vanessa)
"I just finished the cradle for the Burkes, and I have an order for a Victorian crib." (Keith)
"In other words, it's going to be awhile. Shouldn't my piano bench come first? Never mind." (Vanessa)
"Come back, Brucey." (Alicia)
"Have a seat. I want to play you a song." (Vanessa)
Vanessa starts playing one of Keith's favorite songs, If Only For One Night, by Luther Vandross.
"Hold me, Daddy." (Alicia)
Keith and Alicia listen intently as Vanessa finishes playing
"That was nice. I miss hearing you play." (Keith)
"Thanks. I'll have to play more for you, soon. Right now, I need to do a few things on the computer." (Vanessa)
"Is that you asking me to watch Alicia?" (Keith)
"Do you mind? I only need about an hour." (Vanessa)
"I'll take her and Bruce to the park." (Keith)
"Awww, you sweet man. Come to me." (Vanessa)
Vanessa pulls Keith closer and gives him a big kiss.
"Where's the dog leash?" (Keith)
"It should be hanging up near the back door." (Vanessa)
"We will see you in an hour." (Keith)
"Come on Bruce." (Keith)
Alone at last. First things, first. I need to look up those pole classes.
As Vanessa stated, the black keys are not as uniform as I would like. I will more than likely redo the entire keyboard when I get time. This keyboard is not permanently attached to the piano. If you were expecting Debbie, sorry. The piano room trumped the sewing studio.
Hello from Spain: I love the elegance and classicism of this room to enjoy the piano. I like the piano, the armchair, the carpet and shelving. I like everything. It is a very inspiring. I love this Barbie that represents you. Keep in touch
ReplyDeleteMarta - Thanks! I'm sure Vanessa will add a lot more to make the room more comfy.
DeleteEven if it's unfinished and no bench, it still looks super awesome. This is something I would expect to find in the store or the antique market.
ReplyDeleteThe room itself is perfect also!
Muff - Thanks! I've been looking all over for an upright piano. Glad to finally have one.
DeleteLove the piano even if it's not finished! I'd never attempt making something that complicated myself. :D The keys look good from here, but if you figure out a better way please tell us.
ReplyDeleteAnderson's AP - Thanks. I'm going to redo the keys the same way. I just need to cut the black keys better. The black clay was a good choice.
DeleteWow!! Your piano looks just fab! I don't find any mistake on the black keys, they all look perfect in the pictures. You did an awesome job, and the music room is starting to look so nice! I love the rug and the cozy armchair, and I cannot wait till it's finished with all the details you will provide for sure!!
ReplyDeleteRossetti - Thanks. Some of the black keys are too thin and others are a little short. But I'm happy with how it's turning out. This is a permanent display, so I will be able to add lots and leave it in place.
DeleteThat lovely family scene! so real that I was imagining the song she's playing ... I love how you have done the piano! good job!
ReplyDeleteFarbield - Thanks! My doll family hasn't gotten a lot of camera time on my blog. I am trying to change that.
DeleteThe piano looks awesome and I like the room so far. It should be a nice little spot for lessons.
ReplyDeleteAlura - Thanks. Vanessa will probably use this room as a little getaway from the family, too.
DeleteBeautiful piano! The room gives off a very relaxed feel, perfect for teaching. Lovely family, Keith is a sweetheart. And I see Vanessa's serious about those pole classes. :)
ReplyDeleteAdrian - Thanks! Keith knows his wife after all these years. He knows what's on her mind. Yes, she is serious about those pole classes. It will be a nice surprise for Keith.
DeleteI like the Piano and great room to play the piano in.
ReplyDeleteMale Doll World - Thanks. This will be her own special getaway room.
DeleteOMG, the piano is gorgeous! That Cabernet stain is awesome, isn't it? I can't see anything wrong with the black keys. It all looks great to me. The music room looks comfy and very relaxing. Looks great as always! :-)
ReplyDeleteCindi - Thanks! Yes the stain is great. Thanks again for the recommendation. My stain, varnishes, and danish oil collections are growing fast.
DeleteLove the piano! Amazing uses of clay. The entire room is amazing. Great job.
ReplyDeleteChynadoll - Thanks! You know us creative people will find a way to make things work.
DeleteThe sounds coming from a piano are much better than a sewing machine, so the sewing room can wait. Awesome job on the piano. Oh, and I love your alter ego too!
ReplyDeleteDebbie - Thanks. You may be saying that, but your alter ego is saying, "hey, I thought I was the next post". LOL! It's a shame that my alter ego and my family hasn't gotten more time. This blog is all about them.
DeleteGood to see Vanessa making use of her new, articulated wrists. When you get the design perfected I hope you will make more upright pianos for your Etsy store.
ReplyDeletelimbe dolls - Yes, she didn't waste any time putting those wrists to good use. I feel good about the design and think I can replicate it with ease, so it's looking promising for the store.
DeleteHola Vanessa t escribo desde Mexico, cuantas fotos y q bonita historia, yo solo tengo una barbie morenita, por aca es muy dificil encontrarlas, desde hoy t sigo, si gustas puedes visitar mi blog. Saludos.
ReplyDeletemasqueunabarbie.blogspot.com y unabarbieencasa
lindaivette - Gracias por visitar mi blog. Me alegra que hayas disfrutado la historia. Estoy deseando ver su blog.
DeleteLooking great!
ReplyDeleteVita Plastica - Thanks!
DeleteYou did an excellent job! It's beautiful. Love the whole scene - with the shadow under Bruce's tail, it gives it a wag effect.
ReplyDeleteKenya - Thanks! I had to go back and look at the shadow. I didn't even notice it before.
DeleteThat piano is nice and so it the room love the puppy too. Hope Vanessa gets her bench before she gets any piano students LOL
ReplyDeleteMustiwait - Thanks. She will have her bench very soon.
DeleteYou did a very good job with the piano. You are so creative. Vanessa looks gorgeous and her tee-shirt reminds me that she loves Paris !!!
ReplyDeleteThe puppy is cute.
Claude - Thanks. Yes, the Paris shirt is for you. LOL. Vanessa has always loved Paris and puppies.
DeleteThe piano is really great! I love this room, I need one similar for reading :)
ReplyDeleteRosemary Hill - Thanks. Yes with all the new books Jane has, she will need a comfy reading space.
DeleteVanessa
ReplyDeleteI love your work epically the dog it is so freakin cute!
Taylor - Thanks! Isn't the little dog a cutie? I bought him at Walmart for $2.
DeleteOohhh so sweet! I like the piano but I really loved the bookshelf and the couch :)
ReplyDeleteV - Thanks! I found that bookshelf at a thrift store and just spray painted it. I made the chair.
DeleteGreat Job. You are right, it is very hard to find a upright doll size piano! It is great that you could make one. From your pictures, the color of piano picks up the deep color from the chair. Every thing in the room feels warm. I like the rug too. Is is printed or did you make that. where did you get the dog bed from? Too cute!
ReplyDeleteMs. Leo - Thanks. I found out that HSM has an upright piano in one of their sets. It's kind of small, though. The rug is printed. That dog bed was sent to me in a box full of goodies from a blogger fan.
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