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May 3, 2011

Where to Buy Dress Forms and How To Alter Them


While you wait for the day to score yourself a vintage dress form at an estate sale you can make a new one look old and save a ton of money in the process



This started out as a new $20.95 white form.  The back of the form is open and has a knob for adjusting the height.  It has a heavy solid acrylic base.


I Mod Podged on vintage sheet music 
(I have a love hate with Mod Podge...what a mess!)


I printed graphics from Graphics Fairy onto sheet music by putting sheet music in my printer instead of plain paper.  Then tore the sheet music and strategically placed the graphics.

  To age it I used walnut ink stand back and spray of fine mist over the the form and then pat with a dry cloth if there is any large blobs of ink


I hot glued vintage lace on the bottom and I have myself a vintage looking form



A form could be covered with wrapping paper, pattern paper, Or the artists out there could paint them..... Oohh I can see a form painted with some fabulous roses.   I covered this one with fabric dipped in starch.


You are all so creative the skies the limit on how you will transform a dress form 


OK, now where to purchase them.
  If you live in Orlando or Baltimore you are lucky enough to have a Barr Display store in town, but if not you can order online.

They have an online catalog, but it is difficult to use.  Even though I knew what I wanted I could not find it.  You might want to book mark this.


This is two parts, the form and the base.
  The form can be used alone and has a swivel hanger.
The form is $8.98 
The base is $12.00
The form and base are #8020 and come in black and white. Put #8020 into search
The shipping is actual cost and should be around $8-$10 (Shipping stays the same through Fed Ex if you order multiple forms)
Barr Display is the store. 

If you are interested in a full form with a swivel hanger
 it is #8030 and costs $9.95 

They also sell full dress forms with bases, look in the online catalog


Just so you know, Barr Display has no idea I exist.  I am just letting you know where I purchase my forms at a reasonable price.  If you would like to share your source we would love to know!


  I love the way they look in my booth and use them to display jewelry and vintage clothes.

As always I just love to throw out ideas to get your creative minds spinning and I see imitation as the best form of flattery.



Happy Creating!

Carol


Linking up with
Remodelaholics
Graphics Fairy
 Savvy Southern Style
 Shabby Chic Cottage
The Pink Postcard
Freckled Laundry
Between Naps on The Porch
at

87 comments:

  1. AnonymousMay 3, 2011 at 11:11 PM

    Oh my gosh this is wonderful,, I love this,,thankyou for sharing,,

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage DesignsMay 3, 2011 at 11:22 PM

    Carol ~
    I love your dress forms ~
    Thank you for sharing your ideas and also where you got them ~

    xoxo
    Lori

    ReplyDelete
  3. Gypsea NurseMay 3, 2011 at 11:29 PM

    Girl~ you need to start selling these beauties you create!
    GORGEOUS I say!!!
    Smiles~
    Cat

    ReplyDelete
  4. Libby@LightoftheHomeMay 3, 2011 at 11:43 PM

    Wow, I didn't know you could purchase those. I love the way you transform them! Thanks for the post! Found you through Wow Us Wednesdays!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Linda @ Itsy Bits And PiecesMay 3, 2011 at 11:57 PM

    Carol, these are SO fun! Thanks for the info and tutorial, too!

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  6. EMay 4, 2011 at 12:12 AM

    This is a great idea! Thanks for sharing all the info, I like your idea of printing those great graphics onto the sheet music. The whole thing is just wonderful. E in TN

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  7. SherrieMay 4, 2011 at 12:45 AM

    Gorgeousness! oh! ah! Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  8. MaryMay 4, 2011 at 2:45 AM

    Oh my gosh Carol, I have been wanting one of these which seems like forever.....Thank you so much for sharing! I am heading over there now! I love your idea with the sheet music and graphics...I so enjoy coming to your blog, you have the most wonderful creations!!! Have a wonderful week and thank you for sharing! Mary

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  9. UnknownMay 4, 2011 at 5:04 AM

    I'm going for sure! I love the printing graphics on the old music.
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Ricki TreleavenMay 4, 2011 at 7:06 AM

    These are so cool, Carol. I think it would be fun to have one to display costume jewelry. :D

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  11. Ruffles n RaspberriesMay 4, 2011 at 7:07 AM

    Good morning Carol, thanks so much for sharing your little secret! I'll have to check it out. I've only seen the wire ones at Hobby Lobby.. and I refuse to pay $50+. Thanks again, Sherri

    ReplyDelete
  12. PAINTORDIG.blogspot.comMay 4, 2011 at 7:18 AM

    What a great idea, yours are so pretty. I like the ones with the sheetmusic.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sissie's Shabby CottageMay 4, 2011 at 7:30 AM

    Hi Carol!
    Were you reading my mind?? I have been wanting to buy one of these forms forever and couldn't find one at a reasonable price. I love how you've embellished yours, especially the sheet music paper. Oh, you are so talented girl!

    I'm gettin on it right now.

    hugs
    Sissie

    ReplyDelete
  14. Marguerite (Tina) Smith HartMay 4, 2011 at 8:45 AM

    Wow Carol you just keep out-doing yourself with wonderful ideas! I love to visit here and see what you are devising, your creativity knows no bounds. Thanks for another fabulous idea!
    Tina xo

    ReplyDelete
  15. laxsupermomMay 4, 2011 at 9:29 AM

    Love your dress forms! Thanks for the step by step. Love the idea of printing out vintage style graphics on the sheet music! I had no idea dress forms could be so affordable. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  16. GARAGE SALE GALMay 4, 2011 at 9:29 AM

    Hi Carol,
    You are just a wealth of creativeness...she is darling!
    Got your comment about the trip up here and looking forward to it!!
    Warmly,
    deb

    ReplyDelete
  17. UnknownMay 4, 2011 at 9:49 AM

    Carol, how terrific that looks. I would be the one to paint the roses on it, although I don't think it would look as good as yours. thanks for the source information.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Jacalyn @ rmebathproducts.comMay 4, 2011 at 10:01 AM

    Ah Carol I have been looking for a reasonably priced dress form forever!!!!!! You are just full of tips and tricks! Love what you've done with the dressforms too.

    Hugs,
    Jacalyn

    ReplyDelete
  19. LisaluluMay 4, 2011 at 12:19 PM

    thank you, you are Miss Popular aren't you, as well you should be with all your fun creations!!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. UnknownMay 4, 2011 at 5:04 PM

    These are gorgeous! I love them!

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  21. StevieMay 4, 2011 at 5:16 PM

    These are beautiful!!! I have some mini ones I want to alter. They're so fun. Have a lovely day! xo

    ReplyDelete
  22. KimMalkMay 4, 2011 at 5:46 PM

    You come up with the most original ideas, Carol. I wouldn't have thought to order a new dress form nor would I thought of printing Graphics Fairy images right on the music. Nice!

    ReplyDelete
  23. UnknownMay 4, 2011 at 7:52 PM

    I love all of them. TU soooo much for giving away another tip. I am heading to that online catalog tonite!
    I am like you...love but mostly hate mod podge. Ugh!
    xo
    Roselle

    ReplyDelete
  24. MJMay 4, 2011 at 10:05 PM

    Carol....great minds think alike! Im still waiting to score my vintage one. But because Im doing a launch party for my jewelry line I need forms for my necklaces. I bought forms for $6...they dont have stands but hooks on the back and I covered it in dictionary pages. She is now loving known as my Book Worm Muse.

    I love the different ways you altered them, I hope you will stop by and check out mine as well.

    MJ
    Lucky 7 Design

    ReplyDelete
  25. Bring Pretty BackMay 4, 2011 at 10:34 PM

    Carol, Are you sick of me telling me how incredibally ... spelled right?? hmmm...
    talented you are!!!
    I hope not!
    Have a pretty day!
    Kristin

    ReplyDelete
  26. Glenda @ Magnolia Bend DriveMay 4, 2011 at 10:55 PM

    I want one! She is a beauty!

    ReplyDelete
  27. StampindamourMay 4, 2011 at 11:20 PM

    Carol-

    You must had read my mind! I had recently bought a plastic dress form with the plans of doing this for my booth! I think I saw a photo in Mary Jane's Farm magazine? Love it! :)

    -pamela

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  28. d e l i g h tMay 4, 2011 at 11:35 PM

    These are just wonderful! Love the one with sheet music! Thanks for sharing where to purchase them. Found you at Savvy Southern Style. I am a new follower. I invite you to visit my blog.

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  29. ArtfullyJuneMay 5, 2011 at 12:47 AM

    Very nice. I love the tip about the walnut ink while wet to avoid beading.

    I found a shirt form that I'm going to be working on soon. Since it is clear I think I'll use kraft paper and maybe pattern on top of the paper.

    ReplyDelete
  30. JacqueMay 5, 2011 at 7:36 AM

    Thanks for sharing this info! I have plans for a full dress form and I'm over to their store to check them out.

    Have a great productive week!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Rosemary@villabarnesMay 5, 2011 at 8:21 AM

    Hi Carol,
    Love what you did with the dress form. Your blog is adorable. Thanks for visiting me and becoming a follower. Thanks for all the compliments. I am about to join you as well.
    Rosemary

    ReplyDelete
  32. the old white houseMay 5, 2011 at 8:57 AM

    This is brilliant!! You are so sweet to pass on all of the info. about the store... I bet they look great in your booth Carol, I love the one with the music paper. Thank you for sharing all of the inside scoop! xoxoxo

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  33. EtcetorizeMay 5, 2011 at 9:58 AM

    Sooooo pretty! I love the idea of printing graphics onto sheet music, just adds that extra touch of character to the form. Great project~

    ReplyDelete
  34. Rebecca NelsonMay 5, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    Fabulous girlyfriend...FABULOUS! I have a weakness for dress forms and mannequins. I almost can't pass one up. It's starting to feel like a department store in my home...EEEK!

    xoRebecca

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  35. Our Hopeful HomeMay 5, 2011 at 11:32 AM

    I can't wait to do this! Thanks for such detailed instructions!

    ReplyDelete
  36. TaraMay 5, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    Oh my gosh Carol, these are so beautiful! Especially the sheet music form. I am definitely going to have to follow the link and check this out. They would be fun my booth too, probably to sell or possibly use to display scarves. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Stephanie ~ Angelic AccentsMay 5, 2011 at 8:27 PM

    Your dressforms are gorgeous! I didn't see how it could get any better than the music sheeted one, but then you went and showed the starched roses one....sigh....DOUBLE Sigh....

    I fabric-ed a full size dressform using spray adhesive for my mother a few Christmases ago and it was TONS of work, but she loves it. I have never tackled doing another one for myself but I do have a small collection of premade ones. You should look on my Past Blog Party tab under my blog header picture to go to the DressForm Party that I participated in to see mine!

    Big TX Hugs,
    Stephanie
    Angelic Accents

    ReplyDelete
  38. VickiMay 5, 2011 at 8:44 PM

    Carol this is AMAZING. Great job and thank you so much for sharing with all of us.

    ReplyDelete
  39. JaninaCakesMay 5, 2011 at 10:55 PM

    This is awesome, and is on my "wish list". Thank you for sharing your transformation.

    ReplyDelete
  40. DebbieMay 6, 2011 at 6:51 AM

    I don't even have nice things to display on it, and I would still want one just for me. I have to send this link to a lady I know who sells jewelry. Fabulous.

    ReplyDelete
  41. JaneMay 6, 2011 at 8:46 AM

    Hi Carol,
    Great post!! Barr Display won't know what hit them :)
    The dress form turned out awesome, I love the old sheet music. Thanks for all of the tips and for the information about where to purchase.
    Have a great weekend.
    Jane

    ReplyDelete
  42. Susan @ Second Chances by SusanMay 6, 2011 at 2:36 PM

    You did a beautiful job! So many possibilities! I was in the market for a dress form a while ago and couldn't find one. I ended up making one from a floor lamp and various metal baskets. You can check it out if you want.
    http://secondchancesbysusan.blogspot.com/2011/01/homemade-dress-form.html

    ReplyDelete
  43. DebbiedoosMay 6, 2011 at 3:21 PM

    Those are so cool Carol. I missed this the other day. Lucy and I have been busy visiting pets and newbies this week. I really love this idea...I wonder if the hubs would mind this in our bedroom LOL...I think my boys would freak!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Sara's Sweet SurpriseMay 6, 2011 at 6:47 PM

    Hello Carol~It's soo nice catching up with you. Looks like I've timed it perfectly to get a peek at your latest creations. what an amazing transformation...both beautiful with their own personalities. I would love one with the acrylic base, but didn't find that style at the website. I just purchased a small muslin jewelery form from ETSY...it was $60. This is definitely a more frugal option with a lovely outcome.

    Sweet wishes,
    Sara

    ReplyDelete
  45. AnonymousMay 6, 2011 at 9:56 PM

    Hey Carol, Yep...planning a wedding party on top of everything else and will be making and using vintage for a lot of the party decor. Love this form with that base! Thanks for sharing where you get them. How tall are they. I covered an old shelf mannequin with very vintage pattern pieces and put it in my booth. Thought it would sell right away but it hasn't yet. Funny about what you think will sell but doesn't. Happy Mother's Day.

    ReplyDelete
  46. AnonymousMay 8, 2011 at 10:26 PM

    Love what you did to both dress forms - really look vintage-y! Wish I was in Orlando, I would visit your booth instead of going to Disney World ;) priorities, right?! Thanks for sharing with us at Between Naps -

    Mary
    Redo 101

    ReplyDelete
  47. PhyllisMay 8, 2011 at 11:35 PM

    You have just given me the inspiration that I need to climb into my attic this week and bring down my husband's grandmother's dress form. It is ancient but not in the best of shape and really needs a makeover. The iron stand it is on has claw feet on rollers. THANK you for showing me how gorgeous it can be, hopefully!! I adore yours!!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Terry @ La Bella VieMay 9, 2011 at 1:19 AM

    Oh my goodness I just love, love,love these...I wish they were in my house!!
    I am now a Follower, I love this blog too:)
    Terry

    ReplyDelete
  49. ScarlettMay 9, 2011 at 8:29 AM

    These are just fabulous!! You're so clever! Scarlett x

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  50. AnonymousMay 10, 2011 at 8:08 AM

    Simply beautiful - I love this idea : D

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  51. AnonymousMay 10, 2011 at 8:41 AM

    Carol would you mind if I snagged one of your photos for the dress form to show it off to my readers at WynnieBee.com? I started a new category called Check IT Out to give my readers links to new ideas on the web. Here's my email - thanks : D

    wynniebee (at) gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. abeachcottageMay 11, 2011 at 7:17 AM

    That is such a great idea. Love that you used sheet music, looks really nice. Thanks for sharing

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  53. AnonymousMay 11, 2011 at 3:57 PM

    I LOVE these, I went on the site you suggested and put in the number, but nothing came up. Any suggestions?
    Thanks

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  54. Daniele ValoisMay 11, 2011 at 5:05 PM

    Wow, this is just sooo sooo sooo beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  55. AnonymousMay 11, 2011 at 5:56 PM

    MsJoyceG AKA sassyb95atyahoodotcom
    Thought your price was reasonable .. until I looked around on the net .. Yikes $!29 was the cheapest and not as desireable as yours. Gonna think IF I HAVE SPACE for one. Yours are both WONDERFUL. Thanks for sharing with us.
    MsJoyceG

    ReplyDelete
  56. PEACHESMay 11, 2011 at 6:17 PM

    It never would have occurred to me to print on top of vintage paper. Genius!! And what is your source for $20 busts? That's crazy cheap. I need to look into that!
    Great project :)

    ReplyDelete
  57. AngieMay 17, 2011 at 12:03 PM

    I just found your stunning dress form on the Graphics Fairy site. I love the flowered one and the beautiful dress (wedding dress?). I wish I lived close so I could buy one without the shipping.

    Thanks so much for sharing. I had to become a Follower!

    Angie

    ReplyDelete
  58. AnitaMay 17, 2011 at 12:33 PM

    This is amazing! And yes I am always on the lookout for vintage dress forms...(they go for a small fortune on Ebay) THank-you I am going to dress a few up because I know people are going to want to buy my display!

    ReplyDelete
  59. MeadowlarkMay 17, 2011 at 12:34 PM

    Done. Mine will look nowhere NEAR as wonderful as yours, but I'm trying it anyway. Plus, I told them they could thank you and sent the link.

    Peace out

    ReplyDelete
  60. AnonymousMay 17, 2011 at 10:59 PM

    How very generous of you to share your info on this dress form. You mention your love/hate relationship with ModPodge. I have a suggestion--try Liquitex Gloss/Varnish. Here's how you use it: 1. wet paper in a saucer/flat bowl of water 'til it relaxes 2. Remove to gluing area and paint back of paper with Liquitex 3. apply to object being decoupaged 4. coat outside of image with Liquitex 4. smooth out air bubbles 5. Let dry. If you want to darken the paper being used, add walnut dye or antiquing medium to the Liquitex. (Your hands will get coated with the Liquitex, but it peels off. If dirty hands really distress you, work with close fitting latex gloves.) I don't like ModPodge because of it's consistency. This technique takes some practice, but the results are far superior. Another glue you can use is Elmer's school glue. The Elmer's has the advantage of being water soluble and being easy to clean off of your hands. However, it must then be coated with polyurethane.

    ReplyDelete
  61. smokeysmomMay 18, 2011 at 12:24 AM

    I LOVE the dress form with the vintage sheet music! And, thanks for sharing your source for the dress forms and stand (great prices!) - you are such a talented lady!

    ReplyDelete
  62. The Beach LadyJune 7, 2011 at 1:57 AM

    Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful idea! Love it and can't wait to give it a try! Your blog is amazing and my head is spinning with ideas.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Shabby JenJuly 4, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    I love it. Gonna do it. Wait until you see what comes out of my head!! oh la la!! But I can't find the base on their site, do you have a part number for it?

    ReplyDelete
  64. Judy (Distressed, But Not Forsaken)August 31, 2011 at 10:18 AM

    I showed your altered dress form to a friend last night (she makes jewelry) so we are going to make several for her jewelry displays. We shared a booth at an arts/crafts fair last fall and she mentioned needing something to hang necklaces on. This is perfect! I'm a pianist so have lots of sheet music lying around. And I love Graphics Fairy. What a great idea! Thanks again.

    ReplyDelete
  65. joannSeptember 1, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    Enjoyed your blog.Thanks for sharing.I will stop in when I come down.

    ReplyDelete
  66. AnonymousOctober 22, 2011 at 10:07 PM

    Thank you SO much for this article!! I've been looking for hours to find an affordable dress form for a display and I do NOT want to pay $100-$200 that I've been finding. This is PERFECT!!! Also, thanks for providing the part number, you were right, I couldn't find it the traditional way. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  67. Leslie ToddDecember 4, 2011 at 8:21 PM

    Really cool way to make a dress form! Thanks for the tutorial.

    ReplyDelete
  68. AnonymousJanuary 7, 2012 at 11:58 AM

    Carol,
    I just received my dress form and am curious as to whether or not you did any prep work on the form before applying papers. I am anxious to get stared on it, but must get Christmas put away first! Now there's a goal to get crackin' for.

    ReplyDelete
  69. The Polka Dot ClosetJanuary 7, 2012 at 12:06 PM

    Anonymous, Nope no prep work, just get crackin, slap the mod podge onto the form and then lay the sheet music on and give another coat of mod podge on top, good luck!

    Carol

    ReplyDelete
  70. VINTAGE & COUNTRYJanuary 12, 2012 at 11:14 AM

    Carol,
    I love your dress forms, and better yet the awesome price! I'm glad you were generous and shared your step by step tut on how to create it. You're so talented, these are GORGEOUS!!!! I don't know how you could think that no one would show up to your link party??? You have sooo many followers who love your work and creativity! Too bad I don't even know how to blog/link or else I'd join the link party! :(

    ReplyDelete
  71. DonnaJanuary 18, 2012 at 5:09 PM

    Hello -

    This is my first visit and I love your site! I have been looking for dress forms for forever! Thank you for giving us a site to purchase one and how inexpensive it really is! Many I know have spent a lot more, much more than I was willing to pay for them!

    I can't wait to come back when I have more time to come back again!

    Blessings,
    Donna

    ReplyDelete
  72. AnonymousFebruary 7, 2012 at 1:14 PM

    One word....


    S T U N N I N G


    ciao bella
    Creative Carmelina

    ReplyDelete
  73. Old Time CindyFebruary 7, 2012 at 1:58 PM

    All your work is fantabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  74. Toni Elaine TuckFebruary 7, 2012 at 5:01 PM

    I just love these....

    ReplyDelete
  75. Tire Swing MomFebruary 7, 2012 at 11:38 PM

    I LOVE this sheet music form. Love it, love it, love it.

    ReplyDelete
  76. debFebruary 9, 2012 at 3:49 PM

    Beautiful! Love the trim around the bottom
    *hugs*deb

    ReplyDelete
  77. debiFebruary 10, 2012 at 1:06 AM

    Carol, your dressforms are gorgeous! I love the sheet music, AND the roses. Both are beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  78. BoseMarch 16, 2012 at 6:16 AM

    Wonderful and wobbly! this is called creative excellence!Purchase Forms

    ReplyDelete
  79. Baubles by PamApril 2, 2012 at 11:50 PM

    thanks for the groovy idea. love it.
    pam searles
    www.baublesbypam.com

    ReplyDelete
  80. AnonymousDecember 29, 2012 at 4:34 PM

    wowza Carol! This is awesome! You even gave us the links... you rock!
    Hugs and Happy New Year!
    Beth P

    ReplyDelete
  81. PallasDecember 31, 2012 at 3:36 AM

    I found you through Pinterest, and just love the dress form you antiqued. It is beautiful! Thank you for posting your source, and part #. I am going to order one and see what I can do with it. I sure hope I can make one as beautiful as yours.

    ReplyDelete
  82. PJH DesignsApril 22, 2013 at 10:59 PM

    Carol you are just the sweetest thing to share your source for these wonderful dress forms. Yours are totally gorgeous.

    Hugs,
    Peggy~PJH Designs

    ReplyDelete
  83. PJH DesignsApril 22, 2013 at 11:22 PM

    Carol,

    Do you have a stock number for these. The cheapest one I see is like $65. Have they discontinued the ones you bought?

    Thanks so much.

    Peggy~PJH Designs

    ReplyDelete
  84. UnknownDecember 22, 2013 at 11:26 PM

    Thank you for the tip on where to buy the reasonably priced form and stand.
    I appreciate the generosity!

    ReplyDelete
  85. AnonymousSeptember 1, 2014 at 11:42 PM

    Very nice! How did you finish the back? Is it still open?

    ReplyDelete
  86. UnknownOctober 29, 2014 at 8:58 PM

    Hello! This is beautiful! Thank you for this tutorial. I have a question, How many layers of modge pog do you have to applied for got that finished? I'm doing a dress form with the tape technique, but I can't get this finished look yet. Thank for your answer

    ReplyDelete
  87. Gypsea NurseDecember 19, 2021 at 6:17 AM

    This is absolutely fabulous!!!!

    ReplyDelete