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1908 Miniature Underwood Typewriter
I received a nice bonus this year, so I decided to spoil myself a little. For some time now, I’ve had my eye on this 1908 Miniature Underwood Typewriter by Ken Byers of Shaker Works West.
It fits wonderfully in grandma’s attic for now, though I foresee this piece making the rounds in my various builds just as Mary’s afghans tend to do.
Lots of wonderful minis are making their way to grandma’s attic.
From the left, there is a mouse from Sussex Crafts next to Tony‘s catacombs case clock. The wood and brass train is from a vintage lot of miniatures I bought on craigslist. The Christmas box is from M Carmen for Caterina’s holiday swap. I purchased the two snowmen. The sewing machine box is from Four Little Walls. It’s sitting on a crate with some random books I made in front. :]
In black and white, it looks even more vintage!
There’s an interesting story about the taller snowman. A week ago, I noticed he was facing backwards. I thought this was odd of me to do, but I just shrugged and turned him around. When I set up this scene, he was facing backwards again!!!! :O Haunted attic indeed! I was seriously disturbed by this because I knew I had turned him around days earlier. Later that day, I was using the scroll saw and something fell out of the Heritage (the saw is attached to the same table). After picking up the wayward mini, I checked the attic and sure enough, that snowman had walked forward! Mystery solved…or was it? Hmm….
And, have you seen this baby from Uncommon Goods? Nothing like blending vintage and modern! :D
Categories: Miniatures, The Haunted Heritage
March 11, 2013 | 0 commentsWho wants freshly baked cookies?!!
I suppose that is a bit of a silly question. Who doesn’t want freshly baked cookies?!! :D Grandma knows this and has been hard at work.
I won this lovely cookie baking set from Creating Dollhouse Miniatures. The pieces are so well made and realistic.
My mom makes the best chocolate chip cookies. No kidding. Every family gathering has people hoarding the cookies she brings, even though she brings dozens! I know chocolate chip cookies, and these minis are just like hers! :D
Cookies in progress certainly warm up a kitchen, don’t they? :D
Another recent acquisition is the whistling tea kettle by Ulus Miniaturas – purchased from Mainly Minis when I replaced the fire in the wood stove.
We had one of these in real life at my childhood farmhouse. Mom still has it and uses it, too! Next time I’m over at her house, I will snap a photo of it.
The mini version is just as well made and quite heavy.
Categories: Miniatures, The Haunted Heritage
March 4, 2013 | 0 commentsBook inserts – an ah-ha moment
Since I borrowed books from the Heritage for my rustic crates, I needed to make more to actually use in the Studio permanently.
I printed a new batch of covers, most are popular and/or classic novels. Here they are with the covers I had leftover from the Heritage library stash.
Usually when I make books, I use basswood or balsa for the inserts with the edges painted white, tan or gold. My scraps of basswood and balsa go into a bin where I can pick and choose various thicknesses. This time, I had a piece of cardboard in my stash. When I finish using a lined notepad, I usually keep the cardboard backs for templates and trials. As I was making books, I decided to use one of the thicker cardboard pieces…1/16″ thick.
Instead of painting the edges, however, I left them natural. Because this cardboard was made from pressed layers of paper, it looks very convincing as a book insert…especially for mass produced paperbacks. If the cardboard separates a little, it just makes it look like a book that’s been read a few times. :D I’m sure white or dark yellow mat board would work well, too. Less work…no painting needed!
I like the way these look as is, but I’ll make some more books with painted edges to mix in for a more realistic variety. I also need some varying widths. :]
The birdcage is a jewelry pendant; the vase is by Jane Graber.
Categories: Miniatures
February 27, 2013 | 0 commentsThe Artist’s Studio – cardboard deer mount
One of the fun things about making The Artist’s Studio is that I get to put interesting things in it. An artist needs inspiration and what better way to do that than to surround oneself with unusual works of art?
This cardboard deer head was made from a laser cut kit from Amazing Miniatures. It was very easy to assemble. I didn’t use glue other than to attach the two plaque pieces together and to hold the deer to the plaque. The rest is fitted together using the laser cut slots in the design.
It adds a certain novelty to the Studio, don’t you think? :D
Categories: Miniatures, The Artist's Studio
February 22, 2013 | 0 commentsAutumn Throw Blanket in mini
I have another beautiful creation by Mary of Roslyn Treasures.
This is the previous blanket she made.
Some time ago, I found this real life sized pattern on favecrafts.com and thought it would be perfect in miniature. I contacted Mary since her workmanship is flawless. Mary adapted the real life pattern into a perfect miniature interpretation.
She works with sewing thread and I have to tell you, the level of detail in her stitches is just amazing. As someone who crochets in real life size, I am in awe of her ability to do the same craft in miniature.
Categories: Miniatures
February 5, 2013 | 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)