More leaves!

I’ve made leaves from scratch in the past, but this time I am using a different approach. I bought two packets of pre-cut maple leaves in brown paper. These are by Marcy Jaffe, but I bought them from a secondary seller on eBay. I decided to make up one packet, which includes two sheets, to start.

The instructions tell you to stipple on paint to add depth, so I used Calico Red by Americana, making several passes with lightly added paint.

I added Camel to the red for the reverse side to make the backs of the leaves pale pink.

I colored each stem while the leaves were still on the frame using thinned brown paint.

I then cut the leaves from the frame. I think this is the right amount for the small lawn around the barn, so I will keep the second packet in my stash.

I began shaping them with a stylus, adding veins as well. I like to use magazines or catalogs since they are just soft enough to allow for good veining and they can transfer some ink onto the backs of the leaves. That little pop of color helps define the leaves more. And, then I can just recycle the magazine once I’m done.

I haven’t officially decided that this will be an autumn landscape, but in mini-land you can have autumn leaves and blooming flowers all at the same time. I just think it will be nice to have some color on the scene.

And, no, I don’t have plans to build another maple tree at this moment.

Categories: Flowers, plants, and trees
July 4, 2015 | 0 comments

Mini seed packets — shake, shake, shake

I bought a package of pre-printed seed packets by Farrow Industries at one of the local shows.

These were made before laser cutters became all the rage, so you have to cut them out individually. I used scissors to do this part.

I scored lines with an X-Acto blade, using the small guidelines printed in the design.

I added a little something before gluing them closed. When you shake, shake, shake the package, it sounds like the real deal! Little “seeds” rattle inside the package.

These are wonderfully detailed. The sheen of the paper is very much like real life seed packet material, not too glossy.

Categories: Flowers, plants, and trees, Miniatures
May 19, 2015 | 0 comments

New mini delights

In the midst of all the madness of completing The Artist’s Studio, I didn’t have the chance to write about some recent mini acquisitions and gifts.

April sent me the most fabulous orchid as a gift. I’m blown away by her mini green thumb. It’s a stunning plant!  :D  Thanks so much, my friend!

I bought two items from Nikki Rowe, who has unfortunately decided to stop selling miniatures for the time being. The first item is a lovely little basket. It’s calling for a chocolate bunny, I believe.

The second is a set of candied apples, one of which is loose to display however I like.  :D They are wonderfully made items…very much out of a fairy tale.

I also caved in and bought the Art Nouveau Mantle Clock by Halls Miniature Clocks. So beautiful!

Categories: Flowers, plants, and trees, Miniatures
May 7, 2013 | 0 comments

Heritage – The Tree, part 3

Continuing work on The Tree. After building the dogwood tree, with its individual leaves and flowers, I didn’t think The Tree would stand for foam foliage. Plus, I will be scattering the realistic leaves I took so much time to make, so the leaves on the ground should match those on The Tree.

Instead of making more right from the start, I filtered out the maple leaves from the bunch I already had. There are 88 branches, so I figured 1-3 leaves per. Mid to late October often sees sparse trees with more leaves on the ground than on the branches.

I colored the stems on these leaves with a brown marker so they would blend in more with the branches. I’ll leave the ones for the ground as is since those look better without the darker stem.

I glued them on individually, just enough to give The Tree a pop of color and some life. Having leaves on the ends of the branches also disguises the non-tapered ends resulting from the water putty process.

This old tree isn’t dead or dying by any means. It’s just ready for its winter slumber. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Once I have the roof finished, I’ll plant it and sculpt around the roots. :]

Categories: Flowers, plants, and trees, The Haunted Heritage
October 11, 2012 | 0 comments

Making pretty plants

The one on the left is a verbascum plant by The Miniature Garden, and the one on the right has three daisies by Bonnie Lavish with some greenery from A Little More in Miniatures.

I’ve made the daisies before. They are quick and easy to put together. The aged and mossy pot was purchased.

The verbascum plant took longer, but the results are lovely. The kit had a lot of steps but it was very easy to follow and didn’t take as long as I thought it would. I put it in one of the terracotta pots I painted and glazed. Both plants have styrofoam inserts under Earl Grey tea dirt.

I made more plants. From left to right:
– Bonnie Lavish pansies
– Lavender and Erica moss from The Miniature Garden
– Bonnie Lavish cushion mums
– Greenery (yes, I am aware it’s orange) from A Little More in Miniatures

As it turns out, they were too crowded in the planter so one gets to sit on the ground. :D

I love minis and mini-ing. :D But, the best part of starting this creative outlet for me has been the friendships I’ve discovered, from all around the world. Some of you I know only through our respective blogs, some of you I know through forums as well. Some I’ve conversed with outside of the online communities and some I’ve met and formed friendships in person.

I have one such friendship with Lyssa. She and I met through the mini forums, and she is one of the best people I’ve met in my life. So young and so devoted to her young children, she is an inspiration to me. And, when I am feeling blue, she cheers me up and helps me get back on my feet. She even sent me a care package some time ago with books, movies, tissues, chocolate, Scotch and even some minis in need of makeovers. It made a blue period in my life better, and I treasure the friendship minis have brought to me.

One of the minis was this gaudy and rickety brass thing we both had a laugh about. I am not sure if it was meant as a crib or shelf, but I saw it as a planter. After a makeover, it became an old rusty plant stand. Thank you, Lyssa, not only for the minis and Scotch but especially the friendship!

Categories: Flowers, plants, and trees, The Aero Squadron Lounge
August 3, 2012 | 0 comments