The Delightful Mr. Rat
The other day, etsy was a dangerous place to be. I fell in love! =swoon=
Mr. Rat is a beautifully handmade character from Candyfleece in the UK.
His arms, legs and tail are poseable so he can stand on his own and hold items in his arms.
He comes with a needle-felted pumpkin, but he could easily hold other items for the changing seasons.
While not in 1:12 scale, I couldn’t resist adding him to my collection of interesting and fun items.
Categories: Animals and birds
October 28, 2013 | 0 commentsFrom the sea, over the sea…all for me!!!
Look at the adorable sea otter plush Marion sent to me!!! :D He’s so well made and soft, standing at 2 7/8″ tall.
He’s poseable, too!
Here he is admiring his snazzy tie in the mirror. Of course I’ve named him Seymour.
He makes me smile. He was meant for the Heritage attic, but he might have to get his own abode some day. :D
I’m so overjoyed, Marion!!! Thank you so much for your beautiful gift and your wonderful friendship! Be sure to check out Marion’s miniature rooms, though she’s had to put them on hold for awhile.
Categories: Animals and birds
April 13, 2013 | 0 commentsJasper’s story
I thought I’d share a little off topic fun. Jasper’s story is very interesting. You might have read about my first kitty Basil from the Baslow Ranch posts.
Basil wasn’t the first cat in my life, but the first that lived in my home. After he passed, the house was so quiet. I read on one of those pet bereavement sites that the best way to honor your departed loved one was to open your house to another animal in need of a lifetime home. I started browsing petfinder and ran across “George.”
from petfinderI instantly loved that interesting face! Looks like he has a secret…or is just confused…or both. Now that I know him better, it’s definitely both. Haaaaaa!
The other photo showed him belly up, eyes closed and rolling on the floor. I took that to mean a trusting personality who likes belly rubs. :D
from petfinderI called the shelter number listed, but they said he was at county animal control, which uses the shelter number to field calls. I called animal control, but George was already gone. They said it takes some time for the website to update. I was sad but also happy that he had found a home.
His profile was still on the website a week later, so I called again to make sure we were talking about the same cat. She assured me he had been adopted but took my number and said she would check, just in case.
I lost interest in finding a new pet then, because it just felt right with George. :\
About two weeks later, I started looking at black cats on petfinder since I know they are not adopted as readily, not only due to the superstition but they don’t often photograph well. I took my carrier and went to a place in the city after work one night. I figured I would meet the four cats there that interested me and see if anything happened.
I was just getting ready to walk in the door at the shelter when my phone rang. It was raining, so I stepped onto the porch with my carrier to answer the phone. It was animal control. The woman on the line asked if I was still interested in George because he had been returned for fighting with the existing cat at his new home. I told her I was just about to go into another shelter to pick out another cat so she caught me just in time. She agreed to hold him until Saturday afternoon; it was Thursday evening and their limited hours made it impossible for me to get out there sooner.
By this time, the shelter staff had noticed me with my empty carrier and invited me in to fill it. I told them the story, but they really wanted me to take a cat with me right then. I met the four cats as intended but nothing seemed to spark. I gave the shelter a donation and headed home.
The animal control facility was overrun on Saturday. They were having a special that if you brought in food and/or litter, it would decrease the adoption fee. When I arrived, they took my donations then put George in my carrier (I spent zero time with him) and we were shooed out the door. :O
He cried the entire hour and a half ride home, and I thought, “What the hell did I just get myself into?!!!”
Once at home, I sat with him in the back bedroom, and he was calm and curious.
Then he did a bear pose in response to a noise outside the window, and I was in love! :D I had never seen a cat do a bear pose before. Apparently, this is fairly common.
Not too long after we arrived home, he was drowsily resting. It was indeed meant to be.
I discovered his weirdness with water right away. He likes to try to knock over anything with water in it. I eventually got him a heavy bowl he can’t tip. Considering his friendly nature toward other people and his interest in a friend’s cat when we tried to introduce them (his cat was a cranky ol’ thing that refused to let Jasper near her), I think he was brought back either due to buyer’s remorse or the water problem. He’s also susceptible to fear aggression, but he’s 12 pounds. I can take him. He gets a timeout in the bathroom when he gets his crazy on, and all is well again about five minutes later.
George wasn’t a bad name for him, but I chose to change it to Jasper. It seems to fit him well. Overall, he’s a wonderful companion. He’s a snuggler, too.
Kitty kitty kitty
Categories: Animals and birds
March 16, 2013 | 0 commentsHappy Groundhog Day 2013
Woodrow is ready for the day!
I have a few new things to share, the first of which is my new Proxxon scroll saw. Sexy, no? :D
My friend, who is also a plumber, came to my rescue last weekend to fix my clogged drain, and while he was here we set up the saw. I didn’t have much time to work with it since I was finishing the trims on the Heritage, but I did make a couple of test cuts.
The cut balsa is smooth and not crushed.
The cut walnut was easy peasy compared to cutting by hand with a blade.
Categories: Animals and birds, Tools
February 2, 2013 | 0 commentsCora, the Bengal kitty, and other fine minis
This is Cora, a beautiful Bengal *Reve*. She will live at the next build, with Woodrow as her outdoor friend.
I have a few other miniature acquisitions to share besides Cora. First, a lovely peony in a pitcher and a fabulously detailed china plate, both from Peiwen of Oiseau deNim.
This windmill plate is also from Peiwen. I just love the detailing.
Next is an adorable stuffed bunny from Sisters Dreams. He is so well made and so cute! :D
I had my eye on this cross-stitch runner for some time, and it was still at The Dollhouse Needle when I went back for it. I borrowed a pumpkin from the Heritage.
This lovely wall hanging is also from Mary Lynne at The Dollhouse Needle, though I bought quite awhile ago. She makes wonderful things! The flowers were borrowed from The Aero Squadron Lounge.
Categories: Animals and birds, Miniatures
November 12, 2012 | 0 commentsMiss Charlotte
This pretty little mouse doll comes from PamelaJunksMinis, the same artist who made Miss Kitty for the Heritage. I’ve named her Miss Charlotte.
I know my limitations when it comes to making tiny clothing and painting tiny pretty faces. I didn’t even consider making them myself from her kits. I gladly paid for completed animals.
Categories: Animals and birds
September 13, 2012 | 0 commentsWoodrow
In a manner of speaking, it’s Groundhog Day. I’m officially addicted to the beautifully made animals by *Reve*, and my newest tiny friend is a handsome groundhog. Since groundhogs are also known as woodchucks, the name I’ve chosen for my new friend is Woodrow. :D
His home is a future build.
Update: now that The Aero Squadron Lounge is public, I can show you my favorite picture of Woodrow so far.
Categories: Animals and birds
August 7, 2012 | 0 commentsAnimals – my collection
Just a few highlights of my miniature animal collection.
————–Mr. Mouse – from K. Kuti Designs
Wild rabbits – by Lamis Minis
Skunk with baby – by Lamis Minis
Mouse and snail – by Lamis Minis
Henri the white rat – by Véronique Lux
Fern – by Rebecca at The Old Thread House
Gus – by Michal Gvir
Jebediah McCants – Breyer modification – an otterine original
Daisy – by JMDS
Halo – by Maya Schippl
Chester (left) and Roux (rear) – by 2014erok
Mouse in teacup – by Beth Freeman-Kane
Mouse with sweetbread – by FannimiNiATURE
Auguste – by agzr*studios
Lucius – by Olga Proshina
Igraine – by Olga Proshina
Skeleton flamingos – an otterine original – sold in my etsy shop
Clyde the Hoopoe bird – by Katie Doka of FairiesMiniatures.
Sam the Toco Toucan – by Katie Doka of FairiesMiniatures
Isabeau – by Maya Schippl
Poppy, Daisy and Fleur – by CozyMilArt
Gustav, the learned otter – by Rustles from the Meadow
Miles – by Cheryl Brown
Friedrich – by Michal Gvir
Endora – by agzr*studios
Isla – by Motley Mutton
Hugo B. Agerton – by Steve Panner
Sanford – by Steve Panner
Roland Sneakypants – by Steve Panner
Sherwood – by Michal Gvir
Seymour the sea otter – by Marion
Miss Charlotte – from PamelaJunkMinis
Mouse – by Kristy of Mini Menagerie
Mr. Rabbit – from K. Kuti Designs
Smallest piggy I’ve ever seen – from The Kennedys
Birdfeeder – an otterine original
(bird feeders in various styles are available in my etsy shop)
Miss Kitty – from PamelaJunkMinis
Mouse stealing the cheese – purchased, artist unknown
Sarge – Schleich toy, unaltered
Saltwater Aquarium in 1:12 scale – an otterine original
Burrowing Owl – an otterine original
Vintage kitty doll from my childhood – manufacturer unknown
(pet bed available in my etsy shop)
Categories: Animals and birds
August 3, 2012 | 0 commentsOphelia
My relentless stalking has paid off! I now have a lovely kitty friend by *Reve*, the artist who made Grahame the badger.
This is Ophelia, a silver Maine Coon. Isn’t she a pretty kitty sitting on the porch on a fine autumn day? I love this photo!
Categories: Animals and birds
July 12, 2012 | 0 commentsGrahame
Grandma called and said she swore she saw something on the side of the house.
When she went outside to investigate, she found a varmint on her front porch! :O
I found the artist *Reve* on eBay while looking for a miniature furred cat or small dog for grandma, but when this badger popped up in the listings I couldn’t resist! He’s so well made and realistic that I swear he’s going to dart across the lawn at any moment!
Categories: Animals and birds
July 4, 2012 | 0 commentsQuick (like bunny) trip to Bishop 2012
Mr. Rabbit is from K. Kuti Designs.
I am not a doll person, but I love animal characters. He was in the main display case for dolls away from the vendor’s table, so I had to wait until the last hour of the show to pick him up! I don’t usually go to the last day of the Bishop Show for the sake of my budget and my tired feet, but he was worth the trip! :D
Categories: Animals and birds, Miniature Shows and Shops
April 22, 2012 | 0 commentsMiss Kitty
Jen bought one of the cutest kitty dolls I had ever seen from PamelaJunkMinis on etsy, and the Heritage absolutely begged for one of its own. Pam made one custom for me since I just wasn’t sure about working on such a tiny doll but I knew what colors and fabrics I wanted. Miss Kitty is simply stunning in person with pretty green eyes to match her sash. I love her!
She’s oh so tiny!
Categories: Animals and birds
November 9, 2011 | 0 comments
NOTE: All content on otterine.com is copyrighted and may not be reproduced in part or in whole. It takes a lot of time and effort to write and photograph for my blog. Please ask permission before reproducing any of my content. (More on copyright)
Categories:
Grover
There’s a new bird in my collection. :D It’s becoming rather a zoo around here. This is Grover, and he is a Great Horned Owl made by tmd_art on eBay.
The feathers are so well done and true to life. Looks like he’s found a rather good perch on the railing of Roland’s Retreat.
Even the box he came in is a work of art. :D
Categories: Animals and birds
December 1, 2016 | 0 commentsLucius and Igraine
These lovely bats arrived with their own Halloween tree.
These adorable bats and tree are the work of Olga Proshina. Igraine has open wings.
Lucius is wrapped up tight. :] Both have super cute expressions and are removable from the tree, so they can be used in other scenes.
The moon is Uncle Milton’s Moon in My Room.
Categories: Animals and birds
October 30, 2016 | 0 commentsBird perches
I re-purposed two House of Miniatures kits for Clyde and Sam — a bookstand and pedestal desk. I’ve kept the tops for other uses.
I finished them in dark walnut with a satin varnish. Pretty birdies!
To make the perches, I used pieces from the old tree branch I used in The Artist’s Studio. The wood is stained to match.
Now I can have them on the bookshelf instead of packed away in their boxes. :D
Categories: Animals and birds, Furniture
October 13, 2016 | 0 commentsSkeleton flamingos
Who doesn’t love a kitschy lawn ornament or three? :]
These flamingos spend their undead existence meandering across the Haunted Heritage lawn.
I usually have these listed in my etsy shop year round. :]
Categories: Animals and birds, Miniatures
October 6, 2016 | 0 commentsClyde
Clyde is a handsome Hoopoe bird by Katie Doka of FairiesMiniatures.
She’s captured the plummage beautifully. Be sure to check out pictures of them flying…so interesting! :D
Categories: Animals and birds
September 1, 2016 | 0 comments
NOTE: All content on otterine.com is copyrighted and may not be reproduced in part or in whole. It takes a lot of time and effort to write and photograph for my blog. Please ask permission before reproducing any of my content. (More on copyright)