Contest Entry Complete...now moving on...

Well, I am happy to say I have completed my HBS Creatin' Contest entry, and that I can move on to something else. I enjoyed doing it, though there were so many things I wanted to add to it, but didn't have the time. It's okay, though. I like how it turned out and I am very pleased I could participate in my first miniatures contest! I can't wait to see what next year's contest is!

Here's a picture:

Or two, lol:

 

 

It's a meditation temple, and I designed it to go with my herb shop. I imagine that when visiting the shop, one could find a well-worn path into the woods leading to the temple where they could meditate and enjoy nature.

I look forward to seeing all the winners of this contest! This was a tricky kit to play with (not in the building, but in the creativity department!) and it will be fun to see what others have done.

My partner made an awesome tiki bar with his entry....you can see it on his blog.

Happy December!

Hey everyone! Sorry it's been so long. My dissertation and post-school job search have been taking over my life, so my time for minis has been short. Unfortunately! However, I plan on making time tomorrow to complete my entry for the HBS Creatin' Contest. I am not set on winning, but the piece I am making fits perfectly in with another of my mini creations. :) I promise pictures after it's finished.

There's not much new in the mini world over here, unless you count that I just bought myself a little something on eBay last night: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?VISuperSize&item=300376276394
I am not sure where it's going to go, but I think it may be a nice chest of drawers for my Glencroft bedroom.

Anywho, hmmm, what else has happened recently? Oh yeah....I very recently turned 30. And so my wonderful partner has been bestowing me with many a lovely gift, one of which was Doll's House Inspirations by Jean Nisbett. Love that little book! So many great ideas and tips!

I am planning on a total renovation of the Glencroft bathroom again, I am going to keep the Japanese style but it will be very simplified...hopefully, I will make time to work on that during the Winter Break from school. I am also looking for ideas for the "Wine Country" kitchen in the Glencroft. I found a few possible appliance sets I like, and a few dining tables and chairs I thought I liked. Then I found this: Harvest Table. If anyone has experience with Daisy House kits, I would be happy to hear it. I was thinking of having the table pushed against a wall, with a bench and two chairs. What's cool is I can paint the table and bench to match my decor!

Well, I believe that is all for now, but I am really looking forward to finishing up some projects soon! After the Glencroft I am going to tackle that General Store! I have a great idea for it!

Shop updates.

First, here are two of the three statues I got from MiniKitz as mentioned in my previous post.

Zooming farther back, you can see a new OM sign I added to the right of the statues, made simply with a design I found online and cut out, then glued to a painted wooden circle. Simple enough.

Next, I made a display for gemstones that one could use for a collection or for more mystical purposes. I also clipped out a handy chart of stone properties and pasted it behind the display. The display itself was made from a Michael's cabinet door that I glued to a thin piece of balsa wood. I painted them then glued the tiny gem chips in each section made by the door's panes.

 Lastly, as part of my ancestry is Pennsylvania Dutch, I decided to add a cute hex sign to the outside of the store. It livens up that bare wall nicely.

I just wanted to drop in and mention how pleased I am with Minikitz! I ordered a few things over the weekend and my package came today - so quick! The following were part of my order: Hindu God #12 (Tara), Hindu God #18 (another Tara), and Hindu God #20 (Buddha), and the Medieval Book kit. The little statues were very detailed and look very realistic. One Tara is going in my meditation temple, and the other two statues will be in the shop. The Medieval Book (which comes with a free herbal) will also go in the shop.

I plan on ordering from this shop again - I am attracted to one of the dolls, which are inexpensive but very pretty. :) I just need to learn how to make an outfit for it when I do purchase it. I am thinking crunchy, earthy shopkeeper, so I would go with a long skirt, tank top, and long sweater (that's what I typically wear anyway). The doll I like has boots painted on, but I could cover them in material to look like little Uggs. Hehe. And she'd also probably have dreads, too. Gotta have dreads. :)

Anyway, going to go through my fabric as I am working on the temple...I am trying to find something that will look acceptable as an altar cloth. :)

New items in the Herb Shop

Well, we have some new stock in the herb shop for the discerning seeker of rare and mystical goods. ;)

First, we have some new gazing balls, for those looking to the future for answers.

Next we have some lovely table-top stands, which one may use for small altars or for display tables for one of the gazing balls, or perhaps some statuary.

 Last, we have some pottery carved with mysterious and possibly ancient symbols.

 

Where I found everything:

The bases of the crystal balls (marbles) and the pottery are beads found at Michael's. They actually said "Ancient Beads" on the package and they were inexpensive. I still have quite a few more to use for other items - I see potential for lamp bases, candles, and vases.

The altar tables are some mozaic tiles I found (also at Michael's) with runelike carvings on them, and I attached some findings from my stash as a base. I did put one of the gazing balls on top and the tables proved to be pretty stable. :) I will probably make more. I can see these used for all kinds of purposes. :)

Better late than never! Blog award!

I am a little embarassed it took me so long to do this, but in reviewing some of my old posts on this blog, I've realized that I had received an award a while ago from Ruth at Sweetbutnotsour's Creations! (This was way back in March! yikes!) Thank you, Ruth! I love your cool Halloween finds! It's one of my very favorite times of year!!

Better late than never right?

Well, let's see. I have to list seven things I love and then pass it on to seven Kreativ Bloggers. Here are just a few of what I love:

1. Jay - my partner and my best friend. I am ever thankful for having found such an amazing man!!!

2. My family - I miss them very much; they live a few states away. I can't wait to go visit them!

3. The ocean and its inhabitants - this is not only one of my joys but also how I pay the bills - to do research in this mysterious and wonderful world. I am living my dream!

4. Hiking and nature - Just as I love to explore below the sea, I love to explore the forests and mountains. New Hampshire is great for that! The White Mountains is a very special place to me.

5. Traveling - I have been fortunate to live and to visit many places in my lifetime, and I am always ready to see more new places. I love meeting new people, seeing new wonders, and experiencing cultures unlike those of my own.

6. Music - I LOVE to listen to music, and my tastes vary widely. My favorite group is the Dave Matthews Band, but I'll listen to everything from AC/DC to Ladysmith Black Mambazo to Mozart, too. I also play the guitar on occasion. ;)

7. Miniatures - You think I'd leave this out, especially on this blog? It's becoming one of my favorite hobbies! I get to use my talents with designing, drawing, painting, and fabric arts - shrunk down to 1/12 scale. :) It's a great break from doing science all day. :-D

Now for the awardees:

1. Jay at Non-sequitur groove - Okay, I am biased. But it'll be his first award, too. ;) He's working alongside me while we do our respective projects, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

2. Susan at Susan's Mini Homes - I love looking at the stories behind Susan's amazing vintage finds. And her writing style is super-fun to read!

3. Doreen and Doreen's Miniatures and Memoires - I love Doreen's beautiful green and white house, which she decorates for the seasons.

4. Christel at Christel Jensen - I imagine she's received several of these already, with her talent in making inviting desserts with polymer clay. I love watching her videos and learning the techniques she uses to create cute teapots!

5. Kathi at Beautiful Mini Blessings - I can't wait to see how those bookcases look when she's done! And all of the pictures of inspiring home decor is always a treat, and inspires me, too!

6. Dale at Dale's Dreams - I still love the pretty orange pillow I won from Dale in a drawing! :) And all of the other pillows and pretty things on her etsy page are such wonderful eye candy. Do check it out!

7. Sumaiya at Exotic Dolls - The dolls she makes are amazing and so very lifelike! I am in love with every single one!!!

Well, that's seven, but I enjoy reading all of your blogs and getting inspired every day! Thank you, all of you!

TREES!

I started to make a tree for one of my projects. So far, I have finished the skeleton. I wanted to share this method, as I am pretty much making it up as I go.

I used a wire hanger, masking tape and wire. I shaped the hanger into a trunk and roots. I wrapped it in masking tape. Then, I took wire, cut lengths, taped them to the wire the trunk and covered those in tape. Lather, rinse, repeat. :)

This is the result:

A closeup, you can see the masking tape. I added secondary branches with the same method.


Here's an idea of scale: it's next to my herb shop and my Alison.
Next steps include: covering it with paperclay, painting it, finding/making leaves, and attaching those leaves.

Shop update!

I wanted to share my updated shop. As I mentioned in my last post, I bought hat stands and I got the witch hats set up on them.


I put the drum in the little room which already had a guitar in it. I am eventually going to turn this into an herb drying room (makes sense with the stove there, now that I think of it), but for now it remains the sitting room.

The other side of the shop. Mexican tapestries are now on special on the bottom shelves. :)

I added a flower to the orange plaid hat - I think it made a difference. :)

Remember those acorn bowls I posted about a while back? I found they make great soap display bowls!

All ready for our fall customers!

New tub and some new things...

Okay, so I didn't really care too much for the bathtub before...the foamcore was too crumbly, the trim wasn't perfect, and it bowed up in the middle too much. So I went back to the drawing board, so to speak, and tried something else. See?

I used illustration board (instead of foamcore), and then covered it with pieces of masking tape after cutting out the proper shape of the board. Next, I stained the whole thing, let it dry (mostly), and then inserted the tub. Now, it is taking forever to dry, so I am going to let it sit overnight again and hopefully it will be completely ready for installation. :)

It looks as if it would be more appropriate for my Japanese-style bath. :)

And look what I got in the mail today:

They are bamboo shades for my Glencroft bathroom. I can't wait to see them in place, but I have the window trim (and other trim too) to put into place first!

I received other goodies in the mail, too. I ordered some hat stands from Manor House Minis for my shop, but I also had to get a grab bag! They pack a lot of stuff in those bags.

This time, I got some interesting stuff...

First, there is a bear dressed like a doctor (I have no idea what I am going to do with it!), some pink flowers that I might use as trim for hats or to fill flower boxes or for landscaping, a little straw hat, two shopping bags, a plate with mini food (Brie, tomatoes, and cukes?), and a little plate.

I also received a really nice bed set, which I might use for the bed I have intended for the Glencroft.

And last, some random wood pieces, a marble, a flower pot, a box of cat food, a plate stand, a little perfume set (cute!), mirrors, a creamer set, a tiny basket, books and bookends, a little plate (this is the second one I have like this), a little cake, a tiny tray, and a little dog.

And the little perfume/bath set looks right at home on the tub!

Bathroom...

Well, I have been working on the Glencroft bathroom, and I decided to go for more of a Japanese bath effect. I am concentrating on just having a bath and accessories and leaving out a toilet and sink (one could imagine those exist elsewhere in the house, but they are just not shown). When I went to A.C. Moore, I found my perfect bathtub:

I cut out the rest from foam core and fit it inside. I am still playing with the materials and fit, but this is what I came up with tonight. Obviously I have gaps to fill (I'll use strip wood as trim), but not too bad. I might try illustration board for a better fit as this looks as if it's bowing up in the middle.
I used a bent paperclip and bulletin board tacks for the faucet and knobs, respectively. I may or not stick with these. I am open to ideas of what might work better.

Chaise Lounge a la Linda

So, when I bought a copy of the May 2009 American Miniaturist at my local miniature shop (an hour is local?!), I found a project I have been meaning to try: the chaise lounge.

So, here is the result of that venture (not too bad for the first time!):




The pillow is made by Dale's Dreams. Dale's Etsy shop, where you can find ADORABLE pillows like that one can be found here. I had some super cute, perfectly matching, tiny orange plaid fabric that came in a grab bag of scraps that I bought at a local fabric store a while back when I was into quilting. I think the chaise lounge might end up in either the living room or in the front yard of the Glencroft.

Meanwhile, I have been making big plans for the Glencroft's bathroom. I decided to go with a Japanese style bath room with just a shower area and the deep bath. I am foregoing the toilet and sink as one could imagine that it is in another room not represented. So I've been putting together materials for it, including two bamboo shades I found on eBay. I picked up a box from AC Moore last night that would be perfect for the bath and I am going to build a platform and a step that I will sink the tub into; this will be built out of foamcore. I hope to get started on this project this weekend, so we shall see...

More hats and some acorn bowls

I made more hats!


Also, I picked up some acorn caps on a hiking trip last weekend. I sanded down the tops, and turned them upside down to make bowls. I also stained them.

I haven't decided what to fill them with, but I was thinking apples or a fall bouquet.

Trying something new!

So I tried my luck at making witch hats today. :) I used the tutorial and patterns found here.

Here they are, made out of scrap fabric lying around.

Our resident hat model shows off the new styles. ;)




And here they are in the shop. :) I think I might make some more. I should invest in some hat stands.

New finds in NH

I went to Mt. Washington today with Jay and his family, who is visiting from PA. On the way up to the White Mountains, on Route 16, is a great Southwestern shop called Kokopelli Inc. It has all kinds of jewelry, art, and western wear, and of course, lots of Kokopellis. It was an unlikely place to find minis, but, with imagination, and the happy realization that I need more Native American items in my shop, I sought out the perfect pieces while everyone else shopped around.

This is what I found: a woven trivet made by a native Mexican tribe, a tiny drum, and a wooden Kokopelli. The trivet is PERFECT as a rug in my shop. And I need more instruments, too.

Here is the result: the drum is placed on the counter, and you can see the rug fitting perfectly in the space.

And Kokopelli has been placed by the door.
I love finding stuff like this. I was talking to one of the salesladies at the shop about my hobby and she was very excited about my finds and what I plan to use them for. She also told me about a possible dollhouse miniatures shop on NH 28 on the way to Wolfeboro from 16. I have to check that out!

Meanwhile, on the second floor of the Alison, Ayuka waits for me to finish renovating the house so she can move in...well, she'll be waiting a long time, and I haven't promised her anything. lol
She's unaware that just above her head, there seems to be a small matter with giant lizards colonizing the house...we'll need to address that issue.

Another new addition!

So, it seems as if when I post lately, I have an awesome new addition to my dollhouse collection. Well, I wouldn't want to disappoint, so I will share with you my brand new Alison/Petite Dreams. I don't know which it is. It is the reverse of the RGT Alison, but is identical to the Petite Dreams house, and I suppose it could be either. Perhaps I can solve this mystery with your help - if not today, then maybe when I post more pics in the future when I begin to rehab it.

Here she is:

Oh, and guess how much I paid for her? Go ahead, guess!

You done guessing?

She was F-R-E-E!!! That's right! My labmate and friend, Helen, saw the dollhouse at a yard sale, where it was being given away (for what reason, I have no idea!) and thought of me and picked it up! I swear that I did ask if she wanted to keep it, but she gave it to me! :-D I am a lucky friend!

The dollhouse is BIG! I am going to keep her the same color, but there are many changes I will make to her inside and out. As you can see right away, there are shutters missing, but I do not care that much for the shutters anyway, so I may order brand new ones from HBS or pick some up at Earth and Tree (I need a reason to go there anyway!)

The roof doesn't match up perfectly with the exterior left wall, so I will do something about that. Most likely, I will just paint it to match the shingles as I don't want to crack anything.

When wiping down the inside of the house, I ended up tearing off the felt used for carpet. I am going to either paper or repaint the walls and put down some real floorboards and tile.

I may also replace the front door, and I am definitely going to install stairs (there are none, but holes where there should be.
And I thought the Glencroft dwarfed my shop!!

Speaking of the Glencroft, you might be wondering where she is. Well, Jay and I did some cleaning and decluttering this week and got rid of the old futon in the spare room. Turns out, that freed up a lot of space. We have an old massage table we never use (but should! lol) and I put the Glencroft and the general store on that. :) It's basically my workshop area now (minus the stuffed animals, which really make this look like a little kid's playroom - LOL).


The area beneath the table provides a lot of room for storage. Below are the boxes for what remains of the Glencroft pieces, and for the Canterbury House (which I am putting off on building til I get my other projects done!)