Re-exploring Key West

Monday, October 31, 2011

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 31

I love doing these daily posts during October.   Some times I don't have a clue what I will post, but it generally comes together.   I try to learn something in the process.   My first try at doing a video for YouTube is following.   I'd love to hear your comments about my first attempt.    The video is of my mini creations during this year to date.   Enjoy

Sunday, October 30, 2011

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 30 - Upstairs Work Room

Another quarter scale project is in the finished column.   Some of these little projects have been taunting me and finally I am knocking some out.   This is a cute little project, easily built by Luci Hanson.   http://www.cascademiniatures.com/





I really loved the shelf space at the top so I could display a lot of items.   I added the little tool kit.     However, I had a work bench that didn't get to be used.   I could have left out some of the cabinets, but decided against that.   What to do?  
Build another little scene.


This little frame is about 4 inch square.   Gives me a chance to use the workbench and display some little doll houses.   

Saturday, October 29, 2011

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 29 - Diner in Quarter Scale

I have to say, this little project has been stalled for while.   I got the diner food kit and made some 'jumbo' cheeseburgers.    I've still not gotten the whole routine of quarter scale food down, but I am trying.   Anyway, after finally getting some workable cheeseburgers and fries and drinks, I decided it was time to do the diner.  Got started and make the counter and then the project stalled again.   The booths seems to stall me.   After doing the NAME Day project, I figured I was dragging my feet and I just need to DO IT NOW.   Last weekend, I finished my little diner.    My husband says it's going to go broke because it only has two customers.   I will need to rectify that.  



Since these pictures were taken I decided it needed a door to a kitchen and I've added it in the far left corner with a sign that says 'staff only' and I did the ketchup and mustard containers.   One won't be displayed because it is hiding on my floor.   That's the way with quarter scale; when it hits the floor, it generally is gone forever.     The food kit and the diner kit are by Janet Smith from http://desert-minis.com/.   The little dolls are by Janet Stockwell.

Friday, October 28, 2011

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 28 - Candy Container.

I'm sure you've seen or purchased those Ferrero Rocher candy containers.  They are great candy.   When I see something like that my first thought is 'what can I do with the container'.   Well this is one example.   It holds a picnic scene.   




Potato Chips, potato salad, hot dogs, candy make for a great picnic.  Then a little kite flying.   Sounds like fun for the little bears.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 27 - Gift Bags

I love gift bags.   They are great for giving gifts, of course, but they also make very nice miniature settings.   You don't have to paint the exterior.   I line my bags with foam core on the inside and make a Plexiglas insert or the front.     I've featured these items before, but they are worth repeating.   My next big scene in a gift bag will be a child's birthday party.   Stay tuned for that.

Candle Shop


You can see the whole post Here.

Halloween Scene


You can see the whole post Here


Dinner at 8
This one is a bit different.   The gift bag was cut up and put inside the clear plastic paint can.   I loved the scene and it turned out really cute.


You can see the whole post Here

Toy Shop



Apparently I haven't posted this site before and if I did, I can't find it.   The pictures are terrible because of back flash from the plastic.   Anyway, it was  a gift bag that I used as the interior wall.

I love using gift bags - I hope you like my use of them.  

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 26 - Cigar Boxes

The first cigar box I used was done many years ago (at least 20).   I had this great little table and chairs and some ice cream parlor signs that my husband had gotten me one year for Christmas.   Way too many expenses to allow me to buy a wooden box.   Added a sheet of Plexiglas to keep it dust proof.     Added some writing on the Plexiglas.



Don't these little girls look happy.   I know I would be too.

In case you missed my toy shop in cigar box.   I am featuring it again.  You can see the total post Here.


Cigar boxes are your friend! 

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 25, Laundry Container

This week I am going to point out interesting containers for  miniatures.   We all have those laundry containers in our laundry area.   Just taking one and not throwing in the trash will net you a very neat container.   Might even make you think pleasant thoughts about laundry.



Oh no - I don't think this will make me think happy thoughts about laundry - just laundry rooms done in miniature. 

Monday, October 24, 2011

National Dollhouse Miniature Month- Day 24 - Funky Containers

Not all miniature are used in room boxes or dollhouses.   Some are used in 'funky containers'.   The next few days I will highlight the funky containers that I've used. 

The first to highlight is a cocoa container.   I looked and looked for the container after seeing discussions in several of my miniature groups.   After not finding one in our local stores I had to search eBay.   Found them - bought two.  One is below, the other is waiting for a project.  








Sunday, October 23, 2011

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 23, More Crossovers


More examples of miniatures in mixed media art.   I found these lemons at a yard sale and knew something was going to happen to them other than just a fruit arrangement.     Here they are part of a scene for a party.   The sign - used on a shutter in 1 inch scale - says "when life hands you lemons - have a party".  




 Lemonade and Cookies. 
 The following piece was inspired by a sign on a houseboat on Houseboat Row when we arrived in Key West.   It says "chance to dance in France.".   Lots of dreams about that and it eventually worked it's way into a mixed media piece.   The little musician, the street lights are both 1/2 scale minis and the perfume tray is my homage to the French Perfume Industry.  


I'd love for you to visit my sister blog www.junkandjewels.blogspot.com    It's dedicated to the things I make.  

Saturday, October 22, 2011

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 22 - More Crossovers

These posts are more mixed media art than miniatures, but you will note the use of miniatures.   In the piece of Faded Memories, you will find two dolls, particularly the one on the top that could be dressed and she would fit right in with a one-inch scale miniature scene.  



The spotted piece on the lower right is a piece of rusted metal.   Loved the shape.  

 This little teaparty is one of my favorite creations.   It's on top of a French cookbook and the little doll, rocking horse, and bear are items from my stash of miniatures.  
If you didn't catch it in an earlier post, I have a sister blog that is dedicated to things I make.   I'd love it if you'd take a look.   www.junkandjewels.blogspot.com

Friday, October 21, 2011

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 21 - More Crossover

I most collectors, I collect lots of different things.    I love Peddler Dolls.   This is certainly one of my favorites.    It is about 8 inches tall.   Take a look at all the little miniatures used to enhance all the items she is peddling.


Look at the little rocking horse, the bird cage, the doll, the iron, pin cushion, and thread.   These are the same things and same scale one would use in one inch scale.  Lots of other little trinkets that would work in one inch scale as well.    




Yesterday I noted I had made it to 70 followers.   Thanks to each and every one of you who follow my blog.   I appreciate the time you spend and certainly the comments you leave.  

Thursday, October 20, 2011

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 20 - Cross-over uses for miniatures!

Some of you know that I have a sister blog http://www.junkandjewels.blogspot.com/  and on that blog I feature some things that I make or modify. There are dolls, ceramics, altered art, assemblage art and just a few other hodgepodge items. However, some of these items reflect things that use miniatures in them. Many artists have started using miniatures in their pieces and I would be one of those.


This lovely lady is Super Mom.   She is made from found objects.   There is a collage of pictures in her heart showing those things that are important to her.   Along with those pictures you will find little miniatures.    This was done for a Mixed Media class at the Florida Keys Community College.  



 


Super Mom




Super Mom is a
Mom
Wife
Sister
Daughter
Employee
Chauffeur
Scrap Booker
Miss Manners
Photographer
Boo Boo Healer
Cook
Artist
Laundress
Miniaturist
Jewelry Maker
Ceramist
Lover
Gardener
Decorator
Reader
Tutor
Graduate
Financial Planner
Nutritionist
Travel Planner
Coach
Housekeeper
Neighbor
Sorority Sister
Church Member
Crime Watch Member

Super Mom is
Tired
Thrilled
Frazzled
Rewarded
In Love
Loved
Respected
Proud
Dreamer
Realist

Super Mom is

Happy with her Life

And

Her Life Makes her Happy!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 19 - A little long-running project



 This little house was started years and years ago. I got it through mail order and it was really cheap. It is made of foam core and the instructions had several variations of how it could be assembled. I bought the house decades, yes decades, ago. It was partially furnished about 5 years ago and then about 18 months ago, I met a great quarter scale miniatures, Melody, in Marathon, Florida. She gave me all sorts of ideas to make the house look a bit more lived in. Accessories !!! A house needs a lot of them. It probably could use more, but so far it is coming right along. When will it be finished? Haven't got a clue. Stay tuned