Contest The Great Triathlon Challenge #2: Chop Shop Props!

Oh my. You guys. I have the best family. Ever.
When my husband learned of the "new" shorter deadline (new to me), he immediately offered to take the little guys on their vacation by himself (one of them is only 18 months).

I refused, I mean, it seemed pretty pathetic to ditch our only vacation for a pile of yesterday's trash.

He said I'd worked too hard in the last round to bow out now; he wanted me to still have a chance.

No, no, not I. We started loading the car.

My little 6 year old only knew that I was stopping my project to come on the vacation (and that I was crying about it--big baby that I am). Little Milton pulled Daddy aside and said they needed to make a new vacation plan--a plan for me to stay home and build stuff for my dolls while all the boys went on vacation.

Gargh, I could hug them all to bits--except they're on the road. Back to work!Time to clean up all the hasty departure mess and get back to work!

 

AWWWhhhwa....maybe it is because I went off my anti-depressant but that brought tears to my eyes MissEmily -- I'm praying they have a vacation with dearest memories that your guys will never forget. And all the best on your charge to win!

It's not hard to confuse me. That being said, I don't know what parameters to use for the recycle definition. In the broadest terms, anything that can be cleaned and reused -- to tightest definition of a local curbside pick-up service. #5plastic might be no in one place, but at many Whole Foods locations accepted. I only know that because I have been searching on line to know what can be used, other than plastic bottles [and I just learned about the number designation on those], glass and discarded paper. This is a good contest though, because I've wondered if I was throwing away other things that could go in my little recycle tub. Just never got to the top of my to-do list to get an answer.

edit: happy tears I mean. -- I'm very emotional when I'm not numbed by some rx of modern day man.

 

Honestly, I AM slow. Now I get the purpose of this one and realize that is the specific list. I thought it was also about thinking up odd things to choose to use. You want us to all use the same stuff. That is really cool.

Thanks for specific answers to me. So, my secrecy name doesn't have to be already "registered" somewhere.

Is there a calendar anywhere that shows the deadlines for the different running contests? Would help me a lot if there is. Or, I can read and sift to make my own. Sorry if I am being lazy to want an official one.


P.S. Would you believe! I am a packrat - borderline hoarder and in the last month I have been FORCING myself to throw out my treasures. I had stashes of every kind of little box and recycle type thing you could imagine. Every time I do this, I need the stuff I saved, sometimes been saving for years, right after. BUT, ^^ I would not have been able to even find a needle for the first round if I hadn't been already knee deep [almost literal] in my reorganizing project on-going at my house. You know that needle in the haystack thing? har, har

 

My question was about using things like wrapping paper, napkins and paper bags, they are paper and do go with my recycling, but it was the part were it said commercial products which confused me.

 

"Ask the Mods" is always a good idea! The 25% maximum refers to amount of the material used, so I would consider the area of each of the materials you are using.

Wrapping paper, paper bags and napkins are all commercial, so they meet the rule. But a clean paper napkin is unlikely to end up in a recycling bin, isn't it? And a dirty one isn't recyclable (as I tell my hubby every time he wants to recycle the pizza box. And he's an ecologist!!!) As for the wrapping paper, it needs to have been found in a recycling bin, not purchased at the store. I would expect it to be wrinkled and torn, not pristine.

 

Sure that makes sense, the napkins are less likely to be used any way, it was the other things I was more worried about. Thanks for clearing that up for me. The wrapping paper has been used and I actually only have a small amount.

 

Planned out my idea and gathered materials yesterday, now it's time for the fun part

 

I'm not entering AGAIN. I mean a second time -- guess the context becomes clear... I didn't get to use the form on the first challenge, it was gone by the time I had been able to get all my pictures in hidden form, ready to submit. I hope to get in way early this time, but just in case. I don't want to fail to join the group because of another technical difficulty. Was there a pre-registration step that I still need to complete -- for the anonymous name thing? Or is it simply a matter of typing in a name I will remember is me.

This is the BEST way for me learn. I can't wait to see all the ingenuity that shows up on this round!!

 

MissEmily, your family is the best! I'm blown away by your 6-year-old's reaction. Imagine a little guy of so few years understanding that there was a way for the vacation to go on and still make mom happy! Just wonderful. I hope that they have a great trip and that YOU have so much fun with your project.

DaughterofEden, I'm pretty sure that the form will accept your competition alias no matter whether you've typed it in before or not. Just make sure to write it down someplace. =)

And I'm excited to see what the results of this competition will be. It will be beyond great if someone actually DOES make a mechanical minion for their dolly.

 

i got a question... i have an old cage which is out of steel can i use it?

Sent from my LG-LG855 using Tapatalk 2

 

What is the ruling on twist ties? Since they're paper outside and metal inside I wasn't sure if they count. (Also I've been washing all.my.garbage so it doesn't look used anymore. Is that okay or should I splash some dirt on it? Lol)

 

No. Please use things you'd normally find in your household recycling, like steel cans, etc., not stuff you'd normally haul to an iron recycler.

Twist ties are not recyclable. And clean is a good thing!

 

Is block Styrofoam legal? I believe it is recylclable. Packing peanuts? Bubble wrap?

 

Oh, I am sure it was all my fault. I wasn't in at the beginning of round 1, so I didn't know it wasn't exactly 2 weeks. So when the main instructions said 2 weeks, 1 week, 1 week, I didn't even think to check to be sure the deadlines were all full weeks. I mean, the deadline was right there on the main page. All I had to do was check a calendar. Meh. Live and learn....and make lots of stuff! (And yes...more time for the last challenge is always a good thing!)

And I second the hope that someone makes a mechanical minion I tried to convince my crew we needed one, but they had other opinions on the matter.

 

Styrofoam is technically recyclable but most recyclers don't accept it. So it is not something found in most recycling bins and is out for this contest. Same for styrofoam packing peanuts.

Edit: After further research, bubble wrap is not being accepted by most recyclers. So it's out, too. The same is true for other plastic films, like plastic wrap/cling film, mylar balloons, etc.

While we are on the topic, for your own safety, please don't cut into aerosol cans for this contest. It can be dangerous, and there are better sources of steel in your recycling bin. You can use the plastic tops that come on the cans, however!

 

When you say that the fabric from the last chellenge should not comprise more than 25% of the completed design, do you mean it shouldn't cover more than 25% or that it shouldn't make up more than 25% of it? For example, would you be able to cover your design with the fabric, as long as it's only used for that, or can it only cover 25% of it? Or if you were to use it to stuff something else, like a cushion or an animal prop, would that allowed as long as it isn't seen?

 

Use area. So this would meet the rules if used in your creation: 10 x 10 inch piece of cardboard, a 10 x 10 inch piece of steel from a can, a 10 x 10 inch piece of newsprint and a 10 x 10 inch piece of leftover fabric. So if your prop were small you might be able to cover it completely, depending on what you put inside. And you might be able to use it to stuff something, again depending on the size of the prop. Hope this helps!

 

I'm kind of comforted to see this tendency for creative people to keep searching for the unusual to repurpose for an artistic use. I usually keep looking for more and more options until a dead line forces me to plop down and get to it. I've always known I was unclear about what to put in my recycle bin. I might have to take the same approach I take to that bin which goes to the street each week, and stick to the glass, paper, and traditional plastic containers. I just learned a couple of weeks ago that, at least in my area, a number will tell you which plastics are OK -- but I forgot what the number is >_<

That sleepless marathon I pulled for challenge one taught me something. It is time for me stop doing that. I've been pretty much a wipe out last couple of days. I tend to ramble after one of those. Have you noticed. ... for this first time, ever, I don't have any ideas. So weird!

If this should be deleted I will completely understand. It is my garment creation that for some reason has me stumped.

But this is also making me all that much more excited to see what all those great ideas are, popping up in comments ~

 

Ah! I finally understand this! =) and now I'm positively sure my design is good. Oh, this is a relief. Thanks sakuraharu!

 

Your community may have a website they use to remind people of what plastics they accept. It differs from community to community, but most accept #1 plastic containers (soda bottles, peanut butter jars) and #2 plastic (milk jugs, bleach bottles). This website is pretty helpful.

I'm glad!

Don't forget to vote for the entries from part one, as the form is up! http://www.denofangels.com/forums/s...riathalon-Challenge-1-Retread-Threads-VOTING!

And please remember that although you have a vote for three different categories, you cannot vote for the same entry more than once! So even if you love entry #201 to death, you can only vote for it in one category.

 

question.... can i use broken electronics? old brushes (the plastic ones)? used old wires?

 

No to all three of those, as they would not be accepted by most curbside recycling programs. Sorry!

 

I'm relieved to finally get a handle on this one, for awhile I thought I might not make it. I started and discarded (back to the recycling bin) two projects before I hit on one that worked for me. Plus I developed a pinched nerve in my upper back which makes everything so much more fun!

 

Oh, phanuel, I hope you start feeling better! I understand...my hands are starting to hurt so bad from all this intense work!

An important tool just broke mid-project...taking a bit of my project with it. Blargh. Need to put on some motivating music.

 

MissEmily, oh no D: I hope you're able to replace whatever it was.

My iPod has decided to stop playing two of my favorite tunes in the playlist that I've been working to. After wasting some time trying to fix that I think it's time to give up and work without them. Oh well...

 

So, last night at like 5am when I couldn't sleep I suddenly had an awesome idea of what I want to make. This pleases me greatly! Although I will probably have to do all the work on the last day possible - today I have to write an assignment which is due tomorrow, and tomorrow my partner's step-dad is visiting from another city and staying with us so I'll have to play host, but I think even with that I will be fine! Super excited about my idea, just have to remember that I need to dig through the recycling bin before it goes out for collection tonight!

 

Yay MissCarrion! So glad you got your inspiration!
BabySnow, I haven't figured out how to replace it yet, but I'm sure I will.

You know my favorite thing about this triathalon? Knowing that there are other crazy people out there--people who will stay up all hours of the night, getting hot glue burns and cardboard cuts and pinched nerves, just so they can turn a pile of garbage into something beautiful for their dollies. Makes me feel....at home somehow.
[waves]
Hi, all! Happy crafting tonight!

 

MissEmily: *waving back 'atcha!*

This is a community of eccentrics! ...as I head back to the recycle bin looking for inspiration... garbage = inspiration???
Everyone keep at it!

 

XD I love watching everyone feverishly working away at their entries. Keep it up guys! You can do it!

 

After a demoralizing failure on my first idea, I think I've managed to figure out what I'm going to do. Time to keep my head down and get to work.

Congrats to everyone who's got their ducks in a row, cause I sure dont!

 

I've been exiled to outside the house as I work on this part of the triathlon. And I have no complaints about that.

 

Question for further clarification with styrofoam materials. I wanted to make sure that they were recyclable before I started the project, and everything that I looked at online said that they were, provided that it was put into the right sort of bin, or in the case of loose plastic fill, in a plastic bag. At the time I had done my research Shulamite had not asked the question. Is it alright for me to continue making my project if it is made of those materials? I got a good start with them, and it was something that was used, and what I had planned with those materials was a way of returning it to a plastic form. If I'm doing this just for fun is alright for me to continue?

And by recycle are things that are capable of being re-used allowed? After all, plastic soda/water bottles are reusable/recyclable. Also I saw that you said that pizza boxes wouldn't be allowed, but they are recyclable here. Would I be allowed to use them?

 

I just had the best realisation. Originally, I wanted to make a *censored* but couldn't think of a way that I could without using *censored*. Then, last night I came up with a really good idea using *censored*, but realised the *censored* I had wouldn't work. My partner reminded me today that we have a different sort of *censored* due to go out into the recycling bin today, which means I can make my *censored*, not as originally planned, but still a *censored*! I am so excited about this! Finishing an essay now, and then I might start on it! If another of the anniversary challenges doesn't get priority haha!

 

Please note that the rules say:

If you are not sure whether or not a material is allowed after looking at this list, please ask. As styrofoam isn't on the list, it's not allowed. Our reason for not including it is that most recycling programs don't allow it-- we wanted to make sure people were using materials known as recyclable to everyone. Keeping the playing field level is important to us.

There is a difference between recycling and reusing: Recycling means taking an item and breaking it down so that something new can be made. For instance, soda bottles are shredded and melted into pellets then used to create different plastic items. Paper is shredded and used to make lower quality paper or cardboard.
Reusing means taking an item and using it again, perhaps for a slightly different purpose. Using a milk jug to hold water is an example of reusing. Many non-recyclable materials can be reused. However, since those materials can't be put in a curbside bin, they were not considered for this contest.

As for pizza boxes: Clean pizza boxes are recyclable, as they are made of corrugated cardboard. So if you have a clean one, go for it! My earlier comment was a joke about my hubby wanting to recycle greasy pizza boxes. That is a no-no for most recycling programs as it contaminates the product.

 

Would I still be allowed to finish it for fun if I'm breaking it down in a manner similar to your soda bottle example?

 

It's dangerous to melt down styrofoam, if that's what you're considering. It's an industrial process, not one you would do at home.

Of course you can play along for fun, however. Your project won't be judged, though.

 

Well not so much melting as dissolving. Thank you sakuraharu for letting me continue to play along.

 

A stench is forthcoming into the night...maybe chemicals...strong baking soda bath is standing by, the respirators and face shields are busted out. Some things might be a bit hot. Aw yeahs!

 

Should these pictures be taken with no other doll props included besides the one we've made as with the first challenge?

 

I am actually really worried about running out of time on this one! I hope I can get it done in time!

 

You and me both, Karla-chan&#8203;! Faster! Faster!

 

The problem I am having is long drying times, the actual thing is rather simple! I would feel kind of pathetic if I didn't finish it in time!

Good luck to us both then!

 

Wow, some of you guys are doing some heavy alchemy here, sounds like. I'm happily puttering along with my little old-school processes on this side. So much fun! Good luck with your efforts, intrepid crafters!

 

What I am doing is pretty simple and old school! It could be why it is taking so long. I am having fun with it though and it is something my dolls are going to use afterwards.

Good luck with your efforts also, I hope we can all finish in time because I really love to see what people create!

 

Your pictures should contain only the doll and the prop.

 

And just to verify: "A full-length picture of your doll with the prop. This must be shown using the same doll from Challenge #1." This does have to be a full-length picture of your doll, head to foot, even if your prop is very small or handheld, etc., correct?

 

^u^ Absolutely correct, gashly ~

 

DaughterofEden, there's no formal process for setting up a competition alias, you just choose a name (which you haven't used before) when you submit your entry. And it's already been stated that your doll does NOT have to be wearing the outfit you made in part 1 - it just has to be the same doll. So I think your doll will be anonymous enough for part 2 if you just dress her differently.

 

anyone not yest started? LOL
I've collected my materials but wont get a start until tomorrow.... I may have to bail on this, waaay too much going on with the renos

 

I'm just starting mine today - I don't have anything insanely complicated planned, but with GISHWHES finishing thismorning and all the other anniversary contests I'm entering, I'm running out of time haha! Had to wait for the weather to clear up too, cause my partner gets a touch frustrated with me dragging recycling through the house XD

 

XD...goodness, I hope that you can make an entry! Remember, it doesn't have to be complicated to be a quality entry

^u^ Hahahaha Perhaps in hindsight it was a bit sadistic to have so many contests on at once XDDD;;;;; We just wanted everyone to have fun and be able to enter something, no matter what their talent ! I hope you're managing to get some sleep at least XD...and that you're having fun!

 

Glue question--I know that paper mache is allowed, but would it be permissible to coat my cardboard/paper prop completely with glue to reinforce it? I ask because it might make the finished product slightly shiny.

PS...thank you mods for answering all of our questions so quickly!

 

Well, glue is not supposed to be used as a design element [which might be the added result of a shiny coating!]. If you can get by without coating your prop in glue, it would be best! Construction is a key aspect ;D so we're hoping you won't need the extra reinforcement. Remember, if glue isn't working out, you may also use clear tape to hold your prop together, it might be stronger than glue, depending on the situation.

 

I know that they aren't a container, but would paper towel tubes be allowed? They're made of cardboard. Just want to know since my rats have given me an overabundance of them.

 

^^ Yes, the tube inside of a paper towel roll is allowed!

 

I had to re-start mine because I messed up too much with my first idea! So I am a little bit worried about not having enough time! My first idea was so stupidly simple too! On the plus side I did have a brain wave! Good luck to is both and I hope we both finish on time!

 

Quick question, if I would like to show a feature of the prop that requires the doll to interact it with it, can I add that photo of the doll/prop interaction into the collage portion of the photo submission?
Thanks Bunches!!

 

I was up until past midnight working on this project, which wasn't really a good idea considering my 5:30 AM rise time for work, but I was just having so much fun! It's actually starting to look good I hope you all are having good luck with your ideas as we make our mad gallop to the finish line!