I just added a new Barbie sewing pattern to my shop. And to make it even more fun, everything in my shop is on sale. But hurry! Because the sale ends April 30!
New sewing pattern, plus I’m having a sale!
Susy Goose Barbie piano
Susy Goose Barbie piano makeover
It’s becoming rather difficult to find Susy Goose Barbie pianos, so when I can, I snatch them up. Manufactured in Jonesville, Michigan, in the early 1960’s, these little gems have charming details. Often, however, the music box no longer works, the flocking inside has disintegrated, and accessory pieces like the photo frame, candelabra, and music stand are broken or missing. So I enjoy fixing them up and giving them new life.
I’m not exactly sure how many of these pianos I’ve repainted, but this is the definitely the most colorful. After a good soak and scrub in hot soapy water to remove the flocking, I started with a base coat of green chalk paint for primer. Chalk paint will stick to practically anything! Then I painted a couple coats of my base color of ocean green. The carvings are accented in gold, metallic emerald green, and metallic raspberry with a pearl white overcoat. I added green cameos in the oval frames on each side of the piano where the stickers were. I made a new music stand from wood and brass stampings, since the original was missing. Then I sealed the whole piece with Minwax polyacrylic sealer. I replaced the beat up mirror above the keyboard and the missing mirror inside the lid. Then I added a new silk cushion to the bench. Some sheet music, a picture frame, and candelabra complete the piece.
This beauty is available now in my Etsy shop.
Refurbished Susy Goose Barbie piano
It’s getting very difficult to find Susy Goose Barbie pianos to refurbish, but I managed to snag one from eBay a few weeks ago, although I had to spend more than I usually do. The Susy Goose Barbie pianos were manufactured in Jonesville, Michigan in the early 1960’s. Since Jonesville is only 90 minutes from my house, you’d think I’d be able to find these pianos in antique shops in the area, but alas, no. This rare vintage piano and matching bench seat have been completely repainted in castle gray and gold acrylic paint. I added cameos to the oval insets on the sides of the piano to replace the stickers that were there. After painting, pieces were sealed with poly acrylic matte finish sealer. Cushion on bench was upholstered from gold silk fabric. Includes candelabra.
The keys are reversed in color. The Susy Goose pianos came this way, as they are modeled on historical pianos. In Mozart’s day, most piano’s had ebony keys with ivory sharps because ebony wood was cheaper than ivory.
Note: The music box did not work, so it has been removed from the piano. Available now in my Etsy shop.
For the Barbie who has everything…
I saw an ad yesterday for a miniature Lego grand piano … that can really play! For around $350-$500, you can buy the kit to make this masterpiece. I’m guesstimating that it would be the right size for either a 12” or 16” doll. And from the looks of it, it would probably takes several weeks to build (looks like it comes with an instruction book that’s a couple hundred pages). Anyone game? I think I’m sticking with my vintage Susy Goose piano …
Hankie Chic refurbished Susy Goose Barbie piano finds a new home
A couple weeks ago I sold my favorite furniture makeover – a vintage Susy Goose Barbie piano I repainted in verdigris and gold. Tonight I received photos of the piano in its new home — a gorgeous music room. The floor and wall are from the Etsy shop, RoomLotus. The adorable figurines are from the Etsy store dollhousesandmoreLLC. Great job putting it all together, Bethany!
Refurbished Susy Goose Barbie Piano
This rare vintage 1960’s Susy Goose Barbie piano and matching bench seat have been completely repainted in verdigris and gold acrylic paint. After painting, pieces were sealed with poly acrylic matte finish sealer. Cushion on bench was sewn from gold silk fabric. Includes candelabra, photo frame, and miniature sheet music for Oh, You Beautiful Doll.
The keys are reversed in color. The Susy Goose pianos came this way, as they are modeled on historical pianos. In Mozart’s day, most piano’s had ebony keys with ivory sharps because ebony wood was cheaper than ivory.
The Susy Goose Barbie pianos were manufactured in Jonesville, Michigan in the early 1960’s.
Painting day
I have a few Susy Goose furniture pieces I’m painting for a friend. The light was just right this morning, so I got an early start. First up, a Skipper vanity and wardrobe. We’re taking our cue from the amethyst jewel on the vanity mirror. I started with a few coats of wedding cake white, and then accented the carvings with amethyst, lavender, champagne, and gold metallic paint. After everything is thoroughly dried, I’ll put on a coat of poly acrylic sealer and make a cushion for the bench.
We’re in the market for the matching Susy Goose Skipper bed to refurbish. Anyone have one for sale at a reasonable price?
Next up, repainting a Susy Goose piano. Trying out a new color combo. Here’s a teaser …
Amethyst Dreams for Barbie, Poppy Parker, & Victoire Roux
Remember that vintage silk petit point trim I purchased from eBay? Well, here’s dress #3 from that trim. This time, instead of pairing it with matching green silk, I decided to contrast it with amethyst dupioni silk. It really makes the pansies pop. Truly one of a kind luxury!
I also finished up refurbishing the vintage Susy Goose Barbie piano. The photo of vintage Ken was missing, so I replaced it with a photo of Silkstone Gianfranco Ken. So much cuter!
All painted out
It’s 9pm, and my eyes are worn out. Painting and touch-ups are done on the Susy Goose Barbie piano and queen size bed. Tomorrow I’ll paint on the sealer and put the finishing touches on the piano. Then I need to make the mattress and bedding for the bed … but I may save that for another day.
I should mention, both of these pieces are spoken for. But if you have a piece of Susy Goose furniture that you’d like me to refurbish, let me know.
Painting day
I have the day off today and for once the sun is shining and it’s not raining. In other words, it’s a perfect day for painting. I’m working on a Susy Goose piano and queen size bed. Both are being painted in linen with antique gold accents.
