Raggedy Kingdom

Raggedy Ann & Andy Bed

2012-01-26T08:32:00.000-08:00

Look at my newest acquisition. Isn't it wonderful.

With the name of Raggedy Kingdom you know I like anything to do with Raggedy Anns and Andys. I am in the process of doing a series of shops with one being dedicated to the adult collector of Raggedy Anns. I wanted a centerpiece and contacted Kelly Curtis about doing a bed for me. She has a website http://www.bedsbykelly.com/ for dressed beds. It's the 2nd one I've received from her so I knew the quality would be fantastic. She really outdid herself.

Classes in Sarasota

2012-01-19T08:03:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I went to Sarasta Florida to attend the Molly Cromwell Miniature Show. Before the show I attened two classes on Friday with Valerie Casson. The morning class was a corset on a mannequin and the afternoon class was a very small theatre. The theatre is about 2 inches tall.

Saturday morning I took a class from Janet Smith on making quarter scale dessert items. I will include her sample, and my results.

This is a chocolate fountain, with grapes, cherries, chunks of bananas, chunks of brownies and bread for dipping.
This picture shows a raspberry torte, a tray of brownies, a cheesecake and a piece of cheescake and a piece of brownie on the little plats.

Good News

2012-01-16T11:38:00.000-08:00

This blog is dedicated to collectibles. I have lots of them, but guess what? I am collecting a daughter-in-law. I have one son and many of you have followed some posts of him and his deployment to Afghanistan last year.

Her name is Emily and I couldn't be happier. I want to introduce her to you because I am sure you will see more of her here in the future. We (meaning the bride and her parents ) are racing towards an April wedding, because Aaron is being reassigned.

Virtual Convention

2012-01-10T06:17:00.000-08:00

In November I was privileged to participate in a virtual luncheon. I presented a program on kit bashing. This is a term that scares most people, but is essential to me to make projects my own. This is the presentation. Hope you enjoy it.

Kit Bashing for Beginners

Virtual Luncheon

Sheila Barker
Key West, FL
I am so very glad you can join me today for our virtual luncheon. We are going to have a great time
and enjoy some really good (non-caloric) food. Hopefully when you leave, you will have a better
understanding of and less fear of
I know, I know – that is way past your skill level. You follow kit instructions to the letter including the
colors and the accessories. You love you minis and see no reason to venture away from the
instruction. However, that means you are creating duplicates of others designs. You probably
wouldn’t want to show up to this V-luncheon wearing the same identical outfit that all the others are
wearing. You wouldn’t decorate your living room identical to your best friend’s living room – Would
you?
You generally don’t learn a new skill by jumping in with both feet. You dabble a toe in the water and
make sure the temperature is good and you get a little further in the water. Then you might wade in
waist deep – then take off for a great swim. That’s the way we begin with kit bashing.
Kit Bashing is basically – modifying a kit to suit your own tastes and/or purpose. Doesn’t sound too
scary, does it? I hope to get you into kit bashing with small steps.
I know this is quarter connection, but my first example is of 1 inch scale to show you some of the
things you can do.
Let’s start with the
furnishings.

K-I-T B-A-S-H-I-N-G. Does that send a scare through you?Tables
cutting off table legs to
make a coffee table.
Here is one that was
very easy. You can
lob off the legs with a
hand held cutter or
small saw – now see,
that is not too scary.

I hope you are still with me. You haven’t broken any rules,
you’ve just make a cheapie little table, much more useable for
a scene.
Let’s go where most of us start with quarter inch furniture.
That love-hate relationship we have with little plastic furniture.
You know the ones.
Are you one who uses those little plastic chairs and tables for your mini sites? Now let’s tackle
those. These little chairs can certainly be painted and upholstered, but they still look like plastic
chairs. How about making a secretarial chair and a square end table? Easy. Get out your cutter
and cut off the legs of the chair (all in one piece and cut off the feet of the table leaving about 1/8 inch
of the leg.

Okay, now you have four pieces. Let’s glue the table legs to the chair seat and cut a little piece of
wood and make a square end table.
The tabletop can be painted, decoupage or any finish
you’d like. The chair should be painted and seat
cushions put on the seat and then add little gold beads to
the feet and you have a great rolling secretarial chair or
craft room chair.
Still two pieces of furniture but vastly different from
the way they came out of the package.
Remember you still have a tabletop that can be
saved for other projects.
Do you buy furniture kits? I love them and generally if I find one I like, I buy several. Last year’s
name hutch was one of those that I bought several. The hutch is wonderful by itself.
Well, not wanting to
leave things at the status
quo, I made a buffet and
a double bookshelf.
Assemble the base per
kit instruction. Now you
will need one piece of
scrap wood. I used a
pop stickle stick and cut it
the size of the top of the
buffet and glued to the
bottom of the hutch.
Presto – here is the
finished two pieces out of
one kit.

Now I hope you aren’t scared of trying to modify your little kits. It really makes your projects yours
and not just like everyone else.
– Start by
Add sky light - A one-inch square filled with clear plastic (or thin Plexiglas), trimmed-out
with very thin wood makes a nice way to get a better view of your great room box without
adding lights.
I hate stairways inside houses. For my taste, they take up way too much room and destroy
a lot of display space that could be use. In those cases where it works, I add stairway to
outside of house (turns a residential house into a boarding house , an apt for the downstairs
shop owner or upstairs apt for adult child, etc) Construct stairs as normal and add to a little
platform attached to the side of the house. Add a printie door (both inside and outside) and
you have an upstairs entrance. Remember to make your platform an integral part of the
scene, add pet, plants, handing laundry – whatever fits your theme.
Add a door to a bedroom for an outside patio or outdoor shower. Here again, either cut a
door, or add a printie to both sides and you have a great entrance. Living in Florida, outside
showers are really popular and that is easy to construct or add a patio.
If you have a kit where the window openings are not precut for you, feel free about changing
out the windows. Add square top in lieu of rounded top windows, double in lieu of single
window. How about adding a picture window? That can also be added at that time.
I hope the ideas are flowing for you. Don’t hesitate to make a kit or a room box or a doll
house your own. Generally the design or a project is something you like or you would not
have purchased it, but it is nice to make it your own so it reflects your interests and
personality and not that of the designer of the project. The more you try the more
confidence you will gain and the more kit bashing you will do.
Happy Kit Bashing!
You can follow Sheila’s miniature projects at "http://www.Raggedykingdom.blogspot.com

Antiques by Gladys

2011-12-15T11:45:00.000-08:00

A few months ago I finished a project to display during an Online convention. I didn't want to post it here until after the convention. It is now over and I wanted to post pictures. My mother loved antiques and there were always antiques in our home. For may years she had an antique shop at Lake Lotawana in Missouri. After that, she did mall shows all over the country. She got to see a lot of the United States and had a good time doing those shows. This little shop (in quarter scale) is my tribute to her love of antiques. One love, of many, that I shared with her.

I hope you enjoy the little antique store.

Snowmen

2011-12-05T08:54:00.000-08:00

As you know, I love snowmen. I got this little framed box at a silent auction recently and it came on Friday. I loved it and thought it would make a cute room box ... someday. It sat on the dining room table for the weekend and yesterday I decided to put it in my workspace and then I would find a spot for it until I could work on it. Just sitting there, I thought I would try a few things. Wham-bam - it was nearly done. I still need another piece or two for the walls, but so far, so good. It is not on my unfinished project list - didn't even make it there. Enjoy.

Tea Shop

2011-12-04T12:03:00.000-08:00

Recently I participated in a tea shop swap and acquired so many lovely things for a tea shop. I could not, however, find a teapot that I wanted to use to make the shop. Finally after looking at this little yard sale find of a display case, I figured it would make a great shop. My little shop owner lives upstairs. She has just moved in and hasn't finished decorating the walls yet, but it coming along nicely.

I got so many lovely things in the swap that several will have to wait until my next project to find a home.

Does anyone like Snowmen????

2011-12-03T11:27:00.000-08:00

I love snowmen and always have. Being in Key West, you don't get any chance to build a real one, so my collection is the next best thing. I do hope you enjoy them.

Raggedy Tree

2011-11-30T08:55:00.000-08:00

Finally I got my raggedy tree set up. Last year I didn't set it up because my son was in Afghanistan and wasn't going to make it home until well after Christmas. The year before that I had a bigger tree and didn't like it too much. This year bought a new tree, 4 1/2 feet, and prelighted. It certainly fit the bill. It is certainly nice seeing my nice raggedy ornaments again.

Raggedies are getting ready for Christmas

2011-11-23T11:31:00.000-08:00

My poor little raggedies have had a tough fall. Our roof sprang a leak and many of them got wet from all the rain we've had this fall. That didn't help any of them and they were really dusty. This week they had their day of attention. They need to be ready for Christmas and they really like to look their best. Roof is fixed and they are ready for the company we are having during the Holidays.

Tomorrow's Thanksgiving and I'm very thankful for my life.

Quarter Connection On-line Convention

2011-11-14T11:54:00.000-08:00

A miniature group that I belong to is having their 7th Convention - Online. It is so much fun. One of their projects was the souvenir porch and I've finished mine in a 4th of July scene. The scene is 1/4 scale. Group is Quarter Connection

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 31

2011-10-31T01:00:00.000-07:00

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

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 30 - Upstairs Work Room

2011-10-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2011-10-29T01:00:00.000-07:00

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.

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 28 - Candy Container.

2011-10-28T01:00:00.000-07:00

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.

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 27 - Gift Bags

2011-10-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

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.

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 26 - Cigar Boxes

2011-10-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

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!

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 25, Laundry Container

2011-10-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

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.

National Dollhouse Miniature Month- Day 24 - Funky Containers

2011-10-24T01:00:00.000-07:00

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.

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 23, More Crossovers

2011-10-23T01:00:00.000-07:00

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.

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 22 - More Crossovers

2011-10-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

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

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 21 - More Crossover

2011-10-21T01:00:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2011-10-20T01:00:00.000-07:00

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!

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

2011-10-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

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

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 18 - My first quarter scale project

2011-10-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

In 1992, I quite my job at TWA and started my own business. My son Aaron was 7 and I was missing out on all the excitement in his life. I cute my hours WAY back and had a pretty good small business where I did accounting and bookkeeping services. Besides the joy of spending a lot more time with my son, one of the joys of being self employed was having the time to join a miniature group. It was a small group in Leavenworth Kansas, made up of Betty, Lois, Priscilla, Georgia and me! We met frequently and had a great time with miniatures. Up to this point in my life, I had only collected miniatures and put them in a type drawer. Loved them and thought I would eventually do a dollhouse. I made my first two room boxes with this group. They were both in 1 inch scale. I also got my first taste of quarter scale. This group always displayed miniatures at the annual show in Leavenworth with proceeds going to Charity.

They got ones of those little villages of card board and wanted me to do the house with garage. I said I would do it. Now there was an antique shop, a church and several other shops. All were furnished except mine. I did manage to get the house and garage done but didn't have a clue how to furnish it. I decided I would put a 'for sale' sign in front - solved the problem of not being furnished. I had - key word there is had - pictures of the whole village; but they got lost during Hurricane Wilma in 2005. The 'for sale sign', the paper boy and one of the trees are no longer there (who knows what happened to them). Someday I might try furnishing them, but doubtful. I actually like the history it represents.

Hope you enjoy!

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 17 - Let's talk Scale.

2011-10-17T01:00:00.000-07:00

I formerly worked only in 1 inch scale. Within the last 18 months or so, I've completed more projects in 1/4 scale and I thought I would show similar items in both scales to give you an idea of the vast difference.

I love both beds. The large bed is by Kelly's Beds. I don't know the artist on the smaller bed.

Little bed is on top of big bed along with a quarter.

Anyone ready for a picnic?

These are the hutches designed by NAME for NAME DAY, 2010.

Another perspective showing the scale

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 16 - Use your minis in decorating

2011-10-16T01:00:00.000-07:00

I love decorate my house for the holidays. Christmas was and is my favorite, but Halloween is becoming my second favorite. I like to do my house on Octobe 1st so I can enjoy it all month. My elephant table is the scene for my monthly display and it continues in that role. On this table this month are lots of my favorite Halloween items, along with two of my miniature scenes. The large one (1 inch scale) in a shopping bag was done in 2005 (then Hurricane Wilma Hit and had to be reworked a year later). The smaller one is 1/4 inch scale and was done last year (2010).

Use your minis to enhance your holiday celebrations!!!!

My table with my month-long Halloween Display.

Closer detail of large scene.

Look at all the little trick or treaters.

Mom and Dad are headed to the door with the candy.

Isn't Halloween fun!

Enjoy your minis and share them with all who come into your home!.

I will be linking this to http://houseinroses.blogspot.com/ for Show Off Your Cottage Monday. Take a look on Monday.

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 15 - cleaning complete

2011-10-15T01:00:00.000-07:00

On November 6 I posted about all the damage that had occurred to my little dollhouse. You can see that post Here . Most a lot of cleaning was needed. Also a lot of gluing.

Here's the cleaned and spruced up cottage.

The door has been reattached.

Front yard cleaned up - I added a bike. Have to have a bike at a cottage.

The upstairs bedroom. Added a different rug, laid out a sweater, added flip-flops to the rug.

Apparently I lost a chair, so I took two champagne chairs and added them. Can't decide if want to paint them or like the funky look. So far, I will leave them alone. Furniture is all upright. I still need a coffee table, but haven't found one I like.

Added more pictures. Filled the china cabinet. Added a birch shelf. Will need to fill it, but haven't figured out with what yet.

Close up of china cabinet.

I am thinking of putting Plexiglas on the back to ease in future maintenance - also thinking of wiring some lights in it. Those projects will await another day. Glad to have my cottage suitable for company.

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 14 - Spreading the Word

2011-10-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

Last year I found out one of my fellow sisters in Beta Sigma Phi was a collector. A kindred spirit. When she found out I did miniatures, she asked if she could come and see them. After finding a date that worked for both of us (allowing me time to clean off the dust), we had a great morning looking at my collection. It's always fun to share your passion.

She is in a different chapter of Beta Sigma Phi than I am and she asked if I would be interested in giving a program to her group. Absolutely. Last night I met with her group giving me a chance to share some of my favorite miniatures. Also talked a little about scale and process used to do miniature room boxes.

The best way to grow the hobby is to share it.

It was fun sharing my hobby.

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 13 - Venus & Martin Dodge

2011-10-13T03:30:00.000-07:00

Today you get two more books that I find very inspiring. Making Miniatures in 1/12 scale (ISBN 0-7153-9963-2) and The New Dolls' House Do-It-Yourself Book (ISBN 0-7153-0616-2) Both of these books by Venus and Martin Dodge. They are wonderful when it comes to miniatures.

Which book do I like the best? Like them both - don't think I could choose which one I like best.

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 12 Making Dresses

2011-10-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

I don't always put people in my room boxes, but some scenes just cry out for people. If you want to do you own, this is the book for you. It will tell you how to dress those little people. This book is by Sue Atkinson with a foreword by Venus A. Dodge. ISBN 0-7153-0788-6

The patterns are really detailed and ready for you to start dressing dolls.

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 11 - The Dollhouse Decorator

2011-10-11T01:00:00.000-07:00

Lots of books have pages and pages of details on building and finishing room boxes. Now that is great if you want to go that route. Many times I just get the box and want to decorate it. This is the book for you.

The Dollhouse Decorator by Vivienne Boulton (ISBN 1-54458-077-6)

I like my room boxes to be decorated like my real life house. I want them to have the things that a normal room would have. These pages remind you of what makes a home.

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 10 - The Doll House Book

2011-10-10T01:00:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite books on miniatures if The Doll House Book by Stephanie Finnegan (ISBN 1-57912-077-6) It explores lots of the favorite miniaturists, Kupjack, Tucker, Thorne, along with lots of favorite artists in miniature.

One of the most delightful sections to me is the store windows. If you have a few choice pieces, you can do a great roombox featuring just those pieces.

Another example of a store window. Really elevates the quality of the hats.

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 9 - Masterpieces in Miniature

2011-10-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

Early this month I talked a lot about inspiration and posted some of the things that inspired room boxes. Something that inspires the entire miniature process is books. I have several books on miniatures and they all bring some new inspiration to the process.

The first books is actually a set. It is Masterpieces in Miniature by Nick Forder. (ISBN 0-7641-7269-7) There are three little books one each on accessories, dolls and furniture. It is a delightful series of books with all sorts of nice pictures in each category.

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 8 - Name Day Events

2011-10-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

NAME is a very important group for miniaturists.   It stands for National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts.    I have know about them for years but last year they stared a national event.   NAME DAY.   It is celebrated on the 1st of October.   Last year I got the piece (a hutch) and finally found a box and assembled the name day kitchen.   Mine is slightly different than the project, but I was a bit late to the party.   This year, I ordered the whole kit. Both years, I was working in quarter scale.   That is 1/4 inch equal 1 foot.    This year, the piece was a work center.   Quarter Connection offered an entire kit.

Name groups do these projects in 3 sizes:   1 inch,
1/2 inch and 1/4 inch.   Something for everybody.

The above project was the 2010 project. Please take time to look for the food. A turkey dinner, gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans. Yum!

The following is my 2011 project.

I only have one picture of the 2011 project. (the rest kept bouncing off the light). This one has a great light over the sink. It is really fun. The work center was the Name Project.

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 7 - Inspired by a suit

2011-10-07T01:00:00.000-07:00

I purchased this suit years ago. I thought it was wonderful. I was too nice to just get lost in a room box, but when I found this great bed on-line and On Sale, I knew it was the start of the fancy bedroom for a very independent woman. This woman is very successful and decided a weekend in New York shopping was just what she needed. She has ordered room service and will probably wear her new ensemble to go out to dinner and a play. The painting is a copy of a collage I did in full size, made smaller for this scene. Scene is 1/12 scale.

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Oh! the House Maintenance - Day 6

2011-10-06T01:00:00.000-07:00

Little houses need maintenance from time to time - just like the real life sized houses. This little 1/12 scale house needs some help, because it went through several traumas.

Door knocked off hinges

Dining table ended up upside down in the front yard. I up righted it.

chair turned over

Pictures off the wall.

Serving pieces missing and leaning in cabinet.

Drawers all out of chest of drawers.

Unbelievable - I have maintenance to do to my dollhouse. First a little boy, visiting with his mother to my husband's in-home tax business, broke the door off . Then to add insult to injury to the house, my dogs (two Corgies and one Jack Russell) were a little too hyper before a walk and knocked it off it's table. I will give you a picture today to see the damage.

Stay tuned for the updates of all the changes.

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 5 - Inspiration

2011-10-05T01:00:00.000-07:00

I loved the granite pot with lobsters cooking in them. I have tried it in more places than I can count, but it was never working for me. I kept trying and finally decided this little kitchen scene worked. I added everything else that you might find on a seafood dinner table and I loved the little space. Glad to have the lobster pot out of my stash and into it's own space.

I did the chair rail and wooden wainscoting out of coffee stir sticks. Also made the pot rack out of the same sticks.

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 4 - Inspiration

2011-10-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

Isn't he cute. Ready for the big game to start.

The guests haven't showed up yet, but he doesn't care and neither does the Jack Russell.

The big screen TV shows a scene from a Chief's Game - our favorite team. The sale boat is actually a Christmas Decoration purchased in Maine on a vacation years ago.

Isn't this a great fish. My mother purchased it for me years and years and years ago. Finally found it's home in this box.

The second fish was a magnet. Pried the magnet off and put on a little board, presto - another mounted fish.

My inspiration for this box was all about a cake decoration. Several years ago I was spending a few days at my sister's home in Blue Spring, Mo. She had a box of things ready to take to a daughter-in-law's garage sale. Right there on top was this cute little guy. Perfect 1 inch scale. I took him right upstairs and told her I was taking him. I immediately saw GAME DAY. She was delighted with the results.

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 3 - Inspiration

2011-10-03T01:00:00.000-07:00

Have you ever gotten a card that you just loved. I did - it was this little toy shop. I really can't remember who sent it to us, but I loved it and probably had it in my stash for at least 10 years. Then one day, I got this great cigar box that had a wood sliding lid that I was able to cut a square out of in order to insert a thin sheet of clear plastic so you could see thru the card.
This was one of the first boxes that I wired. I hid the battery pack in the little gift box on top.

Sometimes inspiration isn't always the miniature, it's something else.

NDMM - Day 2 - Inspiration

2011-10-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

This little dress shop window was inspired by two small resin mannequins.

These little mannequins were purchased off a sale rack. I had them in my miniature stash for at least 5 years. Just knew that I wanted to use them. Then my husband and I received a gift of two bottles of wine with a wood sliding top. Replaced the top with Plexiglas and the store front was born.

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 1 - Inspiration

2011-10-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

What inspires a miniature room box??? I've put some together that are pretty nice and in the view of others are great boxes. Now the ones that I have a real passion for are those that start with one or two pieces that absolutely warms my heart. I love the item, I love the way the finished room box looks and most importantly - the box tells a story - although make believe - a real story in my small world.

This little statue is from a novelty catalog and my husband just loved it. It is solar activated and she does the 'queen wave' during daylight hours. I thought great - but it needs something else. That's when I decided it was time to get out all my England things and make a room box.

After getting the cabinet filled with tea items, I figured out a way to do the Royal Robe on a display piece.

Tea items, silver items and some books on English things.

Can you think of England without thinking of the Beatles? I don't think so.

I got this piece done and was so happy with it. The little waving queen looked lovely and wouldn't you know, I picked it up, dropped it; and it was broken and wouldn't wave.

My friend said "You have a house full of your stuff and you break your husband's ONE item?" - Had to order another one of them.

National Dollhouse Miniature month is the full month of October and I will try to posts something that you will find inspiring, enjoyable, and make you happy.

Sharing my cottage

2011-09-26T08:16:00.000-07:00

I've found a new blog that I just love and I am linking this post to http://houseinroses.blogspot.com/ for their Show Off your Cottage Monday feature.

This is the living room of my home in Key West. I love red and so far haven't gotten too much of it.

My Sister, Linda Thorpe, took this picture.

My dream craft room!!!

2011-09-12T08:47:00.000-07:00

I love to do crafts and I've never had a dedicated spot until recently. It's very Small. In my dreams, I'd have a large room to do it all in. It would have a view to the outside, a space to chill out and dream and a space to sew, paint, scrapbook, wrap gifts, etc. We all need a dream - this is one of mine. This .is in 1 inch scale. Oh to have one of these in real life.

I could scrapbook with a friend.

When I need to wrap packages, I'd just clear the sewing table a bit and wrap all my gifts.

Note the camera hanging on the hook - ready to take pics of all my projects.

The wrapping paper holder was one Carol Duvall did years ago on her craft show, in real life scale.

Future sewing projects above the sewing machine to keep me focused.

Paint Studio in a Paint Can

2011-08-23T07:26:00.000-07:00

I am working on a craft room and fully intended to do a paint section in it. Didn't work, no matter how I arranged it. The craft room is still a work in process, but once I gave up on the paint scene, I decided one of my clear paint cans would be a perfect setting for a paint studio. This scene is in 1/12 scale. It has copies of 3 of my original oil paintings, several blank canvasses ready to be turned into creations. The table is full of great paint supplies as is the box on the lower shelf. A little bit of paint splattered on the floor, but that's what happens in a paint studio. Stay tuned because the craft room is rapidly getting to a 'get it done' phase. I also lighted the can with a LED light. That's the little button on top. Makes it much easier to see everything.

Atrium in Quarter Scale

2011-08-23T06:44:00.000-07:00

In July, I attended the Lakeland Miniature Show and attended several workshops. Your've seen the pictures of the Fun Day Bedroom - here's the link if you can't remember that post.

http://raggedykingdom.blogspot.com/2011/07/lakeland-fun-day-2011-little-girls-room.html

I attended the workshop by Ron of Ron's Miniatures in Orlando Florida. It was this cute little atrium. I think it needs a wizard, but so far haven't found one in quarter scale that I think would work in it.

Garden Shed in Quarter Scale

2011-08-23T06:40:00.000-07:00

Recently I had the opportunity to purchase the Garden Shed from Abby Vukvich. It is a cute little shed. I fits on a 4x6 inch frame. Very small but lots of accessories. I had to add some separate things (a dog, duck, other printie accessories). It was a very easy kit to put together and still has rooms to add more things when I find them.

Vacations are great!

2011-08-22T07:51:00.000-07:00

I think I came back from vacation more tired than when I left home. However, I don't care because I had a great time. My husband has been wanting to go to Idaho for years. Why? Don't really know, but he has talked about it for years. I wasn't really thrilled with the choice, but decided I might as well get into it. Getting to Idaho from Key West is no small accomplishment. On August 5th we left Key west early in the morning and arrived at Salt Lake City Airport, late afternoon. Rented a car and proceeded to find our hotel (thank you Garmin). We spent from Friday afternoon until Sunday around noon in Salt Lake City. It is an incredibley clean town. We saw the Great Salt Lake and most of the down town area. We also saw all the down town area. Nice stop on the way to Idaho.

On our way to Ketchum Idaho

Another Mountain road.

A long way from the mountains, but they are beautiful to look at from quite a distance.

A bird in the Boise Airport - do you think he was waiting for a flight????

Too bad I'm not into white water rafting - lots of opportunities for that.

Water, Mountains and Pine Trees - who could ask for more.

On Sunday we went to Boise Idaho. A quick little flight. We also rented a car there. We saw all the downtown area (lots of nice eating establlishments), the zoo and spent two days driving around the mountains. One day we covered about 400 miles and the other nearly as much. Had a really great time and saw some absolutely incredible views.

Lakeland Fun Day 2011, Little Girl's Room

2011-07-28T06:02:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, I had the great fun of participat-ing in my first Fun Day. It won't be my last. The Lakeland Miniature Guild hosts a Miniature Show, workshops and fun day. I loved every minute of it. This was their Fun Day project and it took most of the day Saturday to get it completed. It was about 90% done when I left the class. Just a little work at home to assemble pieces and to finalize all the accessories. Sasha was our teacher at our table and she was responsible for all of us staying on on track. It was nice seeing old friends and meeting new ones. Scale of this project is 1:12.

Needlepoint - I love Needlepoint

2011-07-08T11:52:00.000-07:00

I love needlepoint.   I don't like to do it, I just love it.   The cat and the iris were needlepoint panels that I bought at a thrift shop - 2nd Hand Sam's.    This shop is run to aid battered women.    Each panel was $4.00.   I couldn't buy the material to make them for that price.   I backed them with a dark blue fabric and packed them with filling that was leftover from a previous project.

The two large pillows were originally small needlepoint pillows purchased from a very cheap supplier of decorative accessories.   The needlepoint was very well done - the pillow Not So Much.   The backing just fell apart.   Hating to waste the needlepoint I took the pillow apart and made large pillow cover (18 Inch Pillow Form)   The fabric is a heavy duty twill.

I have 4 needlepoint pillows for less than $50 (that includes the original price of the little pillows).     Generally you would pay double that for one.
Thanks to whomever did all the real work of doing the needlepoint.

I'll be linking to Susan's Metamorphosis Monday at http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

If you'd like to attend an on-line yard sale, check my sister blog www.junkandjewelsyardsale.blogspot.com

BNOTP 150th Tablescape Thursday

2011-07-07T06:12:00.000-07:00

I love snowmen and what better time to use them than for Christmas.

I love Apple Dishes. These remind me of my childhood.

You can't do any better than Black and white. (with a little red thrown in).

Happy Valentine's Day.

More Valentine's Day.

This little tablescape is done in 1 Inch Scale Miniature. I love Tablescaping - in all sizes.

Way to go Susan of http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ . 150 TABLESCAPES. Wow - what an accomplishment. In order to pay homage to that accomplishment, I will post some of my tablescapes. Thanks Susan for helping me enjoy setting the table for my family and friends.

I hope you enjoy my posting today. I've started a new blog and it is for an on-line yard sale. Please stop by for a visit. The price is the price. All shipping is included in the one price quoted.

www.junkandjewelsyardsale.blogspot.com

New Blog Launching on July 4th

2011-07-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

As you know if you have spent any time on this blog, I AM A COLLECTOR.  It has reached the point that I must purge some collections so I've started a new blog.

It is a good old fashioned yard sale - but on line.   Check out www.junkandjewelsyardsale.blogspot.com

It launches on July 4th.   Please list for the email notification so you will get notices when items are added.

Ruby Tuesday - Geraniums

2011-06-12T13:00:00.000-07:00

Geraniums . For more Ruby Tuesday postings - go to http://www.workofthepoet.blogspot.com/

Oops, I forgot to mention that this is one of my original oil paintings.

Romantic Bedroom or another room in red!

2011-05-28T10:42:00.001-07:00

Romantic Bedroom or Valentine Bedroom. I'm either late or very early for Valentine's Day. So let's just call it a romantic bedroom. I love red and with black accessories, I love it more. I also love checkerboard floors. If you've been following my blog, these admissions won't be a surprise at all.

This is one inch scale and displayed in a plastic case that is designed to display a basketball. Three sides are open for displayed and one side is wallpapered. Makes a great way to display a 'dust free' vignette.

Most everything in the setting is a result of swaps with fellow miniaturists. Some items I've had for years and knew they would go in a bedroom, just hadn't done one yet where they fit so nicely. Thanks to all my fellow miniaturists. I love your items and I love your friendship.

This being linked to Ruby Tuesday. For more Ruby Tuesday, check out http://www.workofthepoet.blogspot.com/

Ruby Tuesday - Peppers

2011-05-26T17:20:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite oil paintings. For more Ruby Tuesday inspiration, check out www.workofthepoet.blogspot.com

Metamorphis Monday - Saving Memories

2011-05-26T17:15:00.000-07:00

Do you have any gift tags, the kind that come with flowers or a special remembrance of some sort. I always think I will put them in a scrapbook, but that never happens. I've decided I would save them and laminate them and use them for bookmarks. Every time I pick up a book I'm reading, I am reminded of a great time or special well wishes from someone I consider very special.

If you want to see more great ideas check out Susan's www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com

Acorn Wood Cottage

2011-05-26T17:04:00.000-07:00

I've finished my latest project and that is the Acorn Wood Cottage by Jill Castoral and Pat Holstrom. Such a great kit. I haven't decided how I want it furnished just yet, so I put a For Sale and Open House signs out front. When the new owner moves in, it will be furnished and the signs will come down,. Such a great kit - east to put together. It is in a glass dome, but I photographed it before putting the dome on to keep the glare to a minimum. Scale is quarter scale - maybe a tad smaller.

Ruby Tuesday - Iris

2011-05-23T11:05:00.001-07:00

Check out http://www.workofthepoet.blogspot.com/ for other great Ruby Tuesday Inspiration.

I love it when you stop by my blog, I would love to have you listed as a follower.

Sunday Favorites - A love of Raggedies

2011-05-15T07:37:00.001-07:00

Today I am repeating one of my favorite posts - actually it is my FIRST post.

http://raggedykingdom.blogspot.com/2008/02/long-time-love-of-raggedy-ann.html

I am linking to http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/ where lots of other bloggers are referring back to a favorite post.

If you like my blog, I would delighted if you bacame a follower.

Have a great Sunday.

Ruby Tuesday - Red Flowers

2011-05-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

I don't know what kind of flowers these are, but they are red and very pretty. I'm so lucky!

Check out http://www.workofthepoet.blogspot.com/ for other great Ruby Tuesday Inspiration

I love Pineapples - Welcome to my mini Pineapple Farm

2011-05-13T10:52:00.000-07:00

I love pineapples and for years I've cut off the end and planted it in the dirt. Well in the Midwest, this was always nice greenery. Imagine my surprise a few years ago when out popped a pineapple. This is the first time I've had two at the same time and I am thrilled. Thought you might enjoy seeing my mini pineapple farm. They don't get quite a big as commercially grown pineapples, but they are certainly sweet and delicious.

Mother's Day Flowers from Aaron

2011-05-07T17:27:00.001-07:00

I thought there were just lovely and wanted to share them with you.

More Raggedy

2011-05-05T07:57:00.000-07:00

My Raggedies are in a traveling mode. Their little owner takes her Raggedies everywhere and when she has a minute she sets up their home (away from home) right in the trunk she caries with her. This is 1 inch scale.

Bookends - Sweet Dreams

2011-05-04T07:34:00.000-07:00

I ordered a kit to do these bookends from Cascade Miniatures. I wasn't sure what I would put in the 4 individual rooms but decided bedrooms would be great. Gives me a chance to furnish different types of rooms. Sweet dreams as you browse the rooms.

The scale is quarter inch scale. The rooms are wired.

Ruby Tuesday - Benny Just Hanging Out

2011-04-26T03:58:00.000-07:00

Benny!

Check out www.workofthepoet.blogspot.com for other great Ruby Tuesday Inspiration.

Metamorphosis Monday - Old Pillow Remade

2011-04-24T11:22:00.001-07:00

I had this old country pillow that was way past its prime. I had some small pieces of very pretty tropical fabrics and some painter's canvas. I decided they might make a pretty good pillow. The island living was done on tee shirt transfer paper.

I'm joining Susan at www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com for Metamorphosis Monday. Check out her site; it is very inspirational.

Flowers from Aaron

2011-04-20T07:18:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was my birthday and after a very full day, starting with a phone call from Aaron from Afghanistan and ending with dinner out at one of my favorite restaurants; I got home and found these waiting for me. What a great way to end the day. Thanks Aaron.

Swap Shop - Birthday Swap

2011-04-19T06:17:00.000-07:00

As most of you have gathered by now, I love miniatures. I participate in several (read many) miniature groups online. One does an annual birthday swap and this is the 2nd year that I have participated. You list your wants and mine were anything for shops (antique, ladies, fabric, etc. ) in either 1/4 scale or 1 inch scale or anything raggedy ann. Today is my birthday and I opened my box of goodies. Here is what I got.

Joanne - Books for Antique Shop

Carolyn - Antique Sign

Barb M - Bolts of fabric for ¼ scale

Diane - ¼ scale liquor bottles, ¼ scale book shelf, ¼ scale wicker shelf, and ¼ scale musical instruments

Betty - Framed Raggedy pictures, whole lot of candle holders, brass scales, Chinese lantern, and baby cradle

Crystal - Rustic Raggedy side table, ¼ scale bust and ¼ scale fabric shelf

Ann - assortment of gift boxes

Chris - dresser/trunk, cutlery box, photo album

Leslie - Vanity Tray, Raggedy Ann Doll box, cuckoo clock

Barb K - Raggedy rug, pillow, tea set and flower wall hanging

Fern - antique desk, antique toys, cuckoo clock, ¼ scale cakes, plates, catsup and mustard, and Raggedy toys

Wendy - Antique Clock

Audrey - blue plates, lamp, tea set, welcome sign, framed painting and organic star

Ruby Tuesday - A little red in the 'mini' restaurant

2011-04-18T17:14:00.001-07:00

This is rather a cross post. First I love miniatures and I love the color red. This is a miniature restaurant scene done in a clear plastic paint pail. It is lighted in the back. It is in 1 inch scale.

For more Ruby Tuesday thoughts - check out http://www.workofthepoet.blogspot.com/

Ruby Tuesday - Make your own "red pear" Giftwrap

2011-04-04T17:45:00.000-07:00

Pick a favorite photograph - prefereably one that has Ruby Tuesday written all over it and use your computer and photo software to create your own giftwrap.

For more Ruby Tuesday thoughts - check out http://www.workofthepoet.blogspot.com/

Ruby Tuesday, Redhead Beauties

2011-03-27T19:09:00.000-07:00

As you can probably tell by the name of the blog - I love Raggedy Anns and Andys. They always bring a smile to my face. Hope you find a smile on your face too.

Stop by http://www.workofthepoet.blogspot.com/ for more Red in your life.

Metamorphis Monday - jewelry

2011-03-23T06:46:00.000-07:00

I love jewelry, I love beads and am totally a junkie when it comes to getting old jewelry pieces and turning them into something else. I had these old pieces that had tons of jump rings, and other figure 8 pieces. Add a few gold beads, a black drop, and other miscellaneous things and in just a few minutes I had a new necklace.

Ruby Tuesday - Red Bicycles

2011-03-09T11:34:00.000-08:00

I don't know where I got this picture, can't see a signature on it, but I love it. Makes me think I should buy a bicycle. Note to self: Don't do it.

You can have more Red Experiences by stopping by the blog \http://workofthepoet.blogspot.com/

Ruby "Red Pear" Tuesday

2011-03-09T11:29:00.000-08:00

I love red and I love pears. Took inspiration and painted one.

You can have more Red Experiences by stopping by the blog \http://workofthepoet.blogspot.com/

Gingerbread Kitchen 1 inch scale

2011-03-03T11:20:00.000-08:00

I know it's not the time that most people are thinking of gingerbread houses and cookie exchanges or excessive baking, but I finally got my little kitchen scene done.. I'm looking for a great picture of a snowy outside and I will put in a faux window, but I can't find just the right one. This little box is one I made and covered it with a 8x10 inch frame. I feel very clever when I can do something like that. Not to the stage that I could build a house, but little rooms are fun and so much cheaper than buying kits.

The back cabinet is the NAME Day Hutch filled (rather haphazardly) with stuff. You know the kind of hutch that grandma would have had. Grandma has made several gingerbread houses, a tray of gingerbread men, cookies and has lots of candy to decorate more houses. She also has several bowls ready to mix up more cookies. You can almost smell the aroma of the little corner of the kitchen. Enjoy.

Ruby Tuesday - I love Red

2011-02-27T08:33:00.001-08:00

I just love Red and have been following Ruby Tuesday for quite a while, although this will be my first link to that site. This is my living room and I view Red as a neutral in my life.
You can have more Red Experiences by stopping by the blog \http://workofthepoet.blogspot.com/

Picture was taken by my sister, Linda Thorpe.

Enjoy.

Inspiring Words

2011-02-26T06:51:00.000-08:00

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

This was on one of my favorite blogs. I'd urge you to check it out. http://www.rockcandy56.blogspot.com/

French Country Dutch Baby House

2011-02-14T06:25:00.000-08:00

I have never done a mini in such a small scale. This is French Country Dutch Baby House. It was a kit by Cynthia Howe Miniatures. It has 9 rooms of furniture. It has a kitchen, dining room, bedroom, guest room, parlor, music room, bath, and two hallways. It is very small. It is smaller than quarter scale. I can't find anywhere in the kit the size listed, but trust me - it's really small. All the furniture had to be assembled, painted, and placed in the house. Take a look at the quarters in the pictures. As you can see, the rooms are about the height of a quarter. I would like to tell you that it went together without a hitch - but that would be a lie. I must confess, I broke several frames, two chairs, one table. Some were glueable and thus salvaged; a couple just bit the dust. I've always maintained that when a quarter scale item hit the floor, it was gone. I really think I must have inhaled a piece of one chair. GONE!!!! This was worse than quarter scale in keeping the items from flying off my work surface Yes, I know about double sided tape but that didn't seem to be a total help. After all is said and done, I am really happy with this little Baby House. Now I think I will go back to bigger scale before I go totally blind.

This was really a challenge and I loved doing it; but going back to slightly bigger items now.

Lake Cabin - quarter inch scale

2011-02-09T07:53:00.000-08:00

When I was little (about 3 years old) my parents bought a lake house at Lake Lotawana in Jackson County, Missouri. It had a cabin that extended out over the water. It had bunk beds, a little kitchen area, a big table and a couch. It was always filled with people. The kids would sleep just anywhere (pallets on the floor were popular) and the adults would be out on the porch or out in the yard enjoying the nice evenings of summer. At a later date, they built a proper house up on the hillside. I never enjoyed it like I enjoyed that little cabin. Close to the water and lots of togetherness.

The actual cabin had a much bigger yard, but the water was the high point of the cabin.

I need to add a little fence around the porch (don't want the kids to fall in), but I put my fencing in a safe place and can't find it.

I loved the lake and some of my best memories of my childhood were from this little cabin. I learned to cook out, swim, ski, fish and drive a fishing boat. It was great fun.

NAME Day Project / Thanksgiving WAY TOO LATE - BUT DONE.

2011-02-04T12:02:00.000-08:00

During all the conversation about doing the NAME (National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts) project, I wanted to participate. I had the hutch, but it took me too long to get the container and the furniture and even longer to get it done. But It's Done!. It is really a small project. It is quarter inch scale and about the size of a deck of cards.

On the table you will find jello salad, turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, dressing. The little blue beads are actually salt and pepper shaker set. The pumpkin pie (with two slices already cut) are on the hutch.

I made the table and it looks like a chunky trestle table.

I was real happy with the light fixture on the ceiling Reminds me of the one in my parents house when I was a child. The chairs are on rollers and the upholstery match the fabric runner.

I am really getting fond of doing quarter scale projects.

Le Petite Connexion de Quart

2011-02-01T06:20:00.000-08:00

I was so delighted with this kit. The kit was from Suzanne & Andrew's Miniatures and the interior furniture was from Robin Betterleys Miniatures. I debated whether or not to do the old stucco on the outside and decided not to do it. I think this was absolutely the nicest brick print that I've worked with and didn't want to mess it up. Loved the little patio. The chairs and tables nearly assembled themselves.

The lady and gentleman are shopping, will have a snack before continuing on with their day. The dolls are by Jan Stockwell.

The trickiest part of the whole project was the postcard stand. It turned out cute - don't miss it in the corner.

The dolls were actually acquired for another project from Jan Stockwell, but they worked better in this scene.

Sheila's Heart and Lace Cottage Quarter Inch Scale

2011-01-31T05:36:00.000-08:00

Project still in package. I liked the example of wallpapers but decided I had others I liked even more. I can't resist making projects my own.

Building Done.

Layout of inside cottage. It was altered slightly when pieces were all glued in place. The Raggedy Bed was made by Cindy McDaniel and purchased on miniatures.only.

Don't you just love the little RA&A. I love the pine trees and birdbath. The bicycle is wonderful. The walkway is broken egg shells.

I love the little flower boxes on either side of the front door.

I certainly loved the little picnic table. I will eventually outfit with party items.

One of the online Internet groups I belong to had a project in January to finish an 'unfinished project'. Miniaturists seem to have a lot of those laying around. You only had to build the building Well, my personal belief is that its still unfinished. I believe I can hear a project mocking me when it is in that state. I thought I would finish it to display status.

New Orleans before Christmas

2011-01-26T05:22:00.000-08:00

Just before Christmas I decided I had to go somewhere. I was missing my son and knew he wouldn't be home until mid January. I asked my husband to pick one: New York, Washington DC or New Orleans. He picked New Orleans. We have always loved New Orleans. After booking our trip on Travelocity including staying at the Royal Sonesta, we were off. Our plan was to stay in the French Quarter because we wouldn't need a car; plus my husband was wearing a boot because he had strained his Achilles Tendon and was having trouble getting around.

When we got to the hotel and walked into the lobby, we were greeted with this great hall of decorated Christmas trees.. They all had stuffed bears on it. The afternoon we got there they had a tea with Santa for young children. I'm sure the kids had a great time. The little boys had on suits and the little girls, fancy party dresses. They were darling.

The hall just glistened. The walls were mirrored so the lights just bounced around.

Well the Oyster Bar was wonderful for seafood; but it was also great for Breakfast - Biscuits and Gravy were absolutely wonderful. Yum!!!

What's a trip to New Orleans without coffee at Cafe Du Monde.

Look at all that sugar. I was covered in it - but oh so great.

I love the antiques shops. We browsed through lots of them, but I am always searching for ideas for my miniatures so I really liked this antique shop. Think it will be cornerstone for a new project I am just now formulating.

Isn't it a great window. What great curtains to frame all the great items.

You can't do New Orleans without listening to Jazz. A great group and we totally enjoyed ourselves.

This has been a bit of a different post for me, but we had a great time. If you haven't been there, you should go.

Make Mine Chocolate - Quarter Scale Cocoa Container Shop

2011-01-14T07:09:00.001-08:00

Who doesn't like Chocolate. It is clearly my favorite above all things. I am way behind others on a couple of Internet Miniature Swap Groups that I belong to in making a scene from a Cocoa container, but better late than never. Finding one in Key West was IMPOSSIBLE. Finally I had to look on eBay and found them. Bought 2, although I've only used one to date. They are the cutest little containers and certainly lend themselves to bakeries, ice cream shop, etc. Above is the front of the shop. You can see the name of the shop above the door "Make Mine Chocolate". Little bench outside although with the snow on the ground, no one wants to sit there.

You can see it's cold outside, through the frosted glass. Anticipation!!!

Small shop, 2 tables, but lots of cakes, brownies, cookies etc. What to choose?

Pretty simple interior.

Cases were made from task board (I made them) and they work great.

Another view of the interior.

Still another view.

This was certainly a fun project. Now what to do with the other cocoa container??

Let's Tablescape a LITTLE!

2010-12-24T06:52:00.001-08:00

I've been a follower of Susan's http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ for quite some time. She has some wonderful ideas and inspirations. She has Metamorphosis Monday and Tablescape Thursday. I've participated on both and that is what inspired this posting. I belong to several Internet Swap Groups for miniatures and Swap Shop, hosted by Fern Rouleau, is one of the best. It is a creative group of people. Fern was looking for swap ideas and I suggested we do a 'dinner for two' tablescape. This is a lot more involved than most of our swaps. All swaps are limited to 10 people and when I suggested it, I was very doubtful that we would have our ten. I gave them the above link to get them in the mood and as you can see, they all interpreted the theme differently and very cleverly. We got the ten participants with outstanding results. Thanks to Anamari Alonso, Audrey Meehan, Barb Kenyeres, Barb Myers, Betty Caldwell, Emma Muqsit, Fern Rouleau, LaGail Jackson and Wendy Cole for their outstanding efforts.

To give credit where credit is due. Babette of http://maidenamerica-babette.blogspot.com/ let me know about Susan's site and also mentioned that they would be fun in miniatures (she is a very creative miniaturist).

The rooster setting is mine. I'm going through a Rooster phase just now.

Virginia City in Quarter Scale

2010-12-21T10:49:00.000-08:00

Last June, the Carson City Mini Makers did a class entitled "Stepping Back in Time in Virginia City" and sold kits to people who could not attend. The class was taught by JoAnn Jacot. I got the kit and after much 'kit bashing' (need to make things my own), I have finished the project. My project has a bit of a story. In the first photo, you see the main building in town. It houses a saloon, a church, a bedroom (shhhh - might be a brothel) , bath, and a bedroom for the piano player of the saloon. Outside the saloon is an outhouse for the saloon patrons and the doctor has left his buggy here overnight.
Another view of the front.
Bedroom for the Piano Player. He is glad his night is about over. He is gazing out the window wondering how he ended up in this outpost of a town. He really needs to be in a big town, making his mark in the entertainment arena.
Susie, has brought a friend home for the night. Isn't she a cutie. The bar is closed, but the bartender (owner) of the bar and the sheriff are having a late drink. Chairs are up and the floor has been swept and ready for another day tomorrow.

Unfortunately, I guess I didn't take a picture of the church part of the building. Many changes were made to the original kit - the most notable are the rectangular windows and not round top windows.

Something to wish for - a whole Christmas village.

2010-12-11T02:46:00.000-08:00

When I got the link to this report that I so enjoyed - I just had to pass it along. Hope you enjoy it.

http://www.wkbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=13650986

Take the time to watch the video. It's worth the time. Scroll to the right to play the video.

Getting My Sister Into Tablescaping

2010-12-06T07:06:00.001-08:00

I have periodically sent my sister a link to a tablescape. She isn't the dish junkie that I am, but I think she could become quite addicted to dishes. She is a member of the Plaza Heights Baptist Church and on December 4th, she assisted in the table decorating. This event was sponsored by the Women's Ministry' The Christmas Luncheon was croissant sandwiches, chips, salad and beverage. The first picture is her creation and for the first time participating in something like this, it is great and I think she really enjoyed it. My sister, Linda, took the pictures. She is a great photographer.

After you check out this tablescape grouping - click on www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com for a great variety of tablescapes. Susan, who hosts the site, has a wonderful blog.

Looks like a lot of people to enjoy the effort and, of course, the food.

After you check out this tablescape grouping - click on www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com for a great variety of tablescapes. Susan, who hosts the site, has a wonderful blog.

Franciscan Apple Dishes and Thanksgiving

2010-12-01T08:05:00.000-08:00

I have had a major cases of the blahs this year. My only son, Aaron, is in Afghanistan and I miss him terribly. Although we are able to talk to him about once a week; he is in a war zone and he is 9,000 miles away. The last couple of years, we have gone out to eat and that was great at some of the best restaurants in Key West, but this year I decided I wanted to cook a small turkey. It's amazing how much turkey you get from a small bird. Did not cook as much food as I generally would have if Aaron had been home, but certainly enough to keep me in turkey for a week.

My mother, aged 91, died in October. When my sister and I were clearing her apartment when it was determined she wouldn't leave the nursing home, we found she had 4 egg cups from her Franciscan Apple Dishes. She had sold the rest of her set during the time period where she sold antiques. My sister and I split the egg cups. I decided eBay was the source to recreate the set of dishes I had loved so much as a kid. I did a setting of 4 in a matter of weeks.

I am glad to Join www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com for tablescape Thursday. They are so inspiring.

Basic green and white Checked tablecloth. Cloth from Ross.

Add red plates - wowzer red from Target. Put out apple dishes (eBay) and red handled flatware (Ross).

Centerpiece is my tribute to my favorite hobby, miniatures. Thought a little harvest scene would be appropriate.

Better view of centerpiece.

You can't see then real well, but the glasses are polka dot. They were from Target.

In front of the polka dot glasses, you find my wine glasses (yard sale find - 6 for $3.00)

Time to eat! Enjoy.

Bringing in the Harvest - Quarter Scale

2010-11-16T16:49:00.000-08:00

I just finished the kit by Janet Smith - Desert Minis. I can't leave well enough alone with a kit and have to add my own story. Gertie and her husband, Big Mac, raise cattle and live on their farm. The pictures of their fair winning cattle are on the wall. The kids have grown up and left the home, but that doesn't stop old habits. The apple trees are producing this year like crazy. Gertie is canning them, making applesauce and pies. The green beans and tomatoes are making plenty for the winter and hopefully the kids will come home for the holidays and help her eat them up. Gertie loves her red kitchen and proudly displays her wedding china (or at least what is left of it) on the plate shelf in the kitchen. Gertie loves to have a well-stocked pantry.

Retro Kitchen - Quarter Inch Scale

2010-11-15T06:40:00.000-08:00

Retro Kitchen by Cascade Miniatures

This is the overall picture of the kitchen. Excuse the fact that it is too light. But it does show the layout of the kitchen. The wallpaper border has pears in it. Plate rack is above refrigerator. I did not use the hutch kit that came with the kit. I finished it and loved it, but wanted more space in my kitchen so I left it out.

I used the plexiglass top and will save the electrical items for another project.

Here is the eating area. I have a copper tray of apples on the table. Love fruit motifs for kitchens. I did not use the wallpaper provided by the kit - I like a bit more bold paper. You can see the wide stripes on wall paper and the matching red and green rugs with pears on them.

Used a large wall picture of pears to continue the pear motif. The counter top has the coffee pot, plates, cake and fancy coffee ready for company.

This picture show a better picture of the counter top.

This was a really fun project. I rarely, if ever, complete a project in the exact manner that the provider of the kit recommends. Must be a personality disorder, but more likely, I like to make it mine. I will add other things when I get a chance to make them. Kids pictures on the fridge, a dish towel or two - perhaps hot pads. Don't know just yet.

Enjoy.

Mary Englebreit Storefront

2010-11-14T09:28:00.000-08:00

I just love Mary Englebreit. When I saw this little cannister, I couldn't pass it up. Didn't have a clue as to what I would make of it, but decided it would make a cute store front. I know if I passed a storefront like this, I'd go in and shop.

Grandma's garden

2010-11-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

I've had this little grandma for ages. She is so cute. She is a Marcia Brackstorm resin doll. I decided she would be up early. She baked a cherry pie and while it is cooling in the window she surveys her front yard. She is getting ready to replant the front garden, after it lights up a bit and she drinks another cup of coffee and reads the paper. She carries a Hershey bar in her pocket, just in case.

The first picture is not too good, but I am real happy that I was able to make the box, build the corner of the house and attach a frame to the box. I have another one to do and it should be fun too.

The dirt is dried tea leaves ground up in my coffeee grinder. It was sprayed with artistic fixitive to keep buggies out of the scene.

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 31 - Happy Hallowen

2010-10-31T01:00:00.000-07:00

I have posted several things on Halloween this month and thought there would not be a better way to end this month of posting than my favorite Halloween scene. This put together in a gift bag (reimforced with foam core) behind Plexiglass. Finished with empty (sorry) candy boxes on top.

I want to shout out a great big Thank You to all my followers. I hope you have enjoyed this month of postings all on miniatures. If you just stopping by, stay awhile. If you are not a regular follower, I'd love to have you register as a follower.

Happy Halloween

National Dollhouse Miniature Month - Day 30 - Ladies Dress Shop Window

2010-10-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

If you have been following these posts for National Dollhouse Miniature Month, I have talked about inspiration on these settings. The inspiration for this shop was the little resin models. Found them on a sale rack and they were the perfect size for a 1 inch scale box. Had them for a very long time until I got an empty wooden wine box. Then it all went together.