Easy Cutter Ultimate
I bought an Easy Cutter Ultimate from Hobby Lobby back in 2009/2010. I raved about its usefulness and found changing the blade to be straightforward. It was a quality product that I recommended to other crafters.
I made a mistake and tried to cut something too hard, marring the plate. I knew I could change the blades but not the plate. It still worked well, but I had intended to replace it once it was time to change the blade again.
A few months ago, I bought a new one from Hobby Lobby then immediately returned it after opening the package. My previous one had a rivet on the bottom; the new one had a screw that kept loosening. The angle selector swung freely and had a lot of give in the newer version. I had to tighten the screw constantly but then it loosened when I changed the angle. This slows down the work and means I always have to have a screwdriver nearby.
Thinking it might be a fluke, I recently tried again from Amazon. This one had the same issue with the screw, so I returned it as well. I now understand why people I’ve recommended the tool to are not impressed with it.
I just bought a new old stock Easy Cutter Ultimate with the rivet on the bottom from eBay. It has the same great quality of the original one I had.
You can see the difference without opening the package since the rivet/screw sticks out from the packaging.
I’ve sent my concern to Midwest Products hoping they return the product to its former design. I’ll update this post if I receive a reply.
Categories: Miniatures
December 30, 2016 | 0 commentsMow, mow, mow your lawn
I’ve built a handy push mower to make quick work of the upkeep.
It’s a Phoenix Model kit from Jennifer’s of Walsall.
It’s recommended to use Devcon 5 Minute Epoxy, so I bought some from amazon (as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases). This stuff stinks to high heaven with the hardener smelling like rancid, rotten eggs, but it is as advertised at least.
I prepped and washed the pieces with dish soap in preparation for painting before assembly. I primed with Rust-Oleum Self Etching Primer. It’s a smelly primer, but its purpose is to bond better with bare metal surfaces. I sprayed the handles with Testors Model Master Metalizer Lacquer in Aluminum Plate. It buffs to a fine metallic finish. I hand painted the grips semi-gloss black.
The blades are also painted in Aluminum Plate. I detailed the roller in the middle and added some grime from use. At first, I thought I might be able to get the wheels and blades to turn independently, but it didn’t end up working. These are rather fiddly kits as the epoxy sets, so I was happy to get it assembled at all.
To keep it simple, I chose black for the wheels and guard. The hubs and connecting rods are Testors Flat Olive Drab, leftover paint from the Sopwith Camel from years back. After assembly, I touched up the paint and added a bit more grime detailing…just enough to give this mower a few years of service. I glued the handles half-way between resting and upright so it would look natural while still being able to sit close to a wall, or against a tree.
In the interest of time, I am stopping here though I’d like to add a grass catcher at some point.
Categories: Miniatures
November 22, 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 commentsFabric bolts
I made up some fabric bolts using balsa wood and fabric scraps from my stash. They were time-consuming but an easy project.
The labels are images I found on the internet, printed on Avery labels. I wasn’t very careful with the application of the labels, which adds to the realism. The bolts look like battered cardboard, just like the real deal.
Mom brought me some mini gifts from a recent trip: a brass bucket, a spinning wheel and an old-fashioned sewing machine. I’ve got some ideas for these.
Categories: Miniatures
September 17, 2016 | 0 commentsLovely flowers and garage minis
I received a birthday package from Debora today. She sent me some of her gorgeous handmade flowers along with some Chrysnbon kits (she knows my weakness). These are all ready for planting, so I’ll have to decide whether they will go in a planter or be part of the landscaping for a build. Thank you so much, Debora! :D
Jasper helped unwrap, of course.
I also picked up two fun eBay items for Milo Valley Farm this past week: a compressor and a drill press. These are heavy items, but there are no maker marks.
Categories: Flowers, plants, and trees, Miniatures
August 12, 2016 | 0 commentsReady for a mini excursion
I had the pleasure of meeting Fran in person during the miniature shows in April. We had been chatting online for a few years, and I had bought some of her lovely items in the past including some vintage suitcases and well-loved umbrellas. We had pizza and chatted and shared some laughs. :D
I’ve added a few more of her items to my collection. Here’s a lovely suitcase and travel bag. These two umbrellas are brand spanking new and ready for the rain. Love the dots and the red!
There’s a blanket roll, all ready for camping or a picnic. I’d love to have one of these bags in real life. Of course, I’d be terrified to get a thing on it. Maybe I would just put it on a shelf and look at it. haaaaa!
She doesn’t have anything listed right now, but be sure to favorite her etsy shop FranMadeMinis so you can be in the loop when she returns. :]
Categories: Miniatures
May 16, 2016 | 0 commentsQuilling
I recently inherited a large tub of quilling supplies that included tools, paper packs and kits. The art of paper quilling is a beautiful decorative art that can cross over into the miniature realm. My grandma Grace taught me this art when I was young.
I always liked the miniature flowers the best, especially paper roses. Here’s a bowl of roses I made with grandma.
I remember this book from my art sessions with her. :]
I always loved the crimper tool since it looks like an owl. :D
I will be listing some of the decorative art kits on eBay, but these are the ones I am keeping for future projects.
Some plants are more realistic than others, but I even like the appeal of the more artful ones.
I haven’t opened them, but I think some of the kits have the materials to make the wall boxes, too.
Even if I don’t make quilled paper bowls, the plants themselves will work well in miniature scenes.
With my true miniature flower kit experience, I am sure these can be made into some great plants.
In addition to the kits, there were several sample packs of pre-drawn leaves. These will come in handy for miniature plants.
There were also loose instruction sheets for plants. I have plenty of color paper packs to make these in any combo I like.
There were also two kits with miniature accessories.
I think these are just paper kits without the minis included.
Categories: Flowers, plants, and trees, Miniatures
January 23, 2016 | 0 commentsConstruction zone all set for the New Year
Behold one of my holiday presents to myself. Mini Materials had a special on their website for the holidays, so I picked up a Jersey barrier.
This is the same maker that sent me a sample of their cinder blocks and pallet awhile back. The barrier is made from concrete and weighs a good deal. It could be an interesting paperweight when not in use on mini construction sites. I love the texture.
Roland is intrigued. The marvelous little toolbox is from miniatures.com, and the buckets of construction materials were purchased on eBay sometime ago. The cones are from a Dollar Tree toy set.
Wishing you all a Happy New Year!!! I know I am looking forward more mini projects in 2016! :D
Categories: Miniatures
December 31, 2015 | 0 commentsTrying out fabrics in miniature scenes
Sometimes you have only a small amount of fabric to use or you are unsure if the fabric will work with the décor you want. In order to save time and materials, I make color copies of the fabric to test out in scenes before I cut the real deal.
Paper is excellent for curtain tests. You can quickly try out different fabrics to pick the right one for the space. Or, if you have a fabric that would never hold its shape or is too thick for miniature draperies, you could use the paper copy itself instead of fabric. You would just need to have more care when curling and pleating the paper into shape.
You can test pillows for scale and color.
Upholstery is trickier, but you can get a rough idea here as well. :]
Categories: Miniatures
October 29, 2015 | 0 commentsIt’s hot, it’s cold
In the ping-pong weather of autumn, I now have my choice of vintage fan or parabolic heater. :D
I’ve shown you the vintage fan before. I thought it was by The Kummerows, and Barbara Kummerow said she did think it was their work. :]
I didn’t show you the back, however. The rattan side table was purchased on a business trip to Vancouver from Ross’ Miniatures.
I’m not sure who made the parabolic heater, but it’s so well done.
It, too, has a false cord just like the fan. The table is my recreation of the Oly Studio Ichibad Side Table in miniature.
Categories: Miniatures
October 26, 2015 | 0 commentsAnother grail find – vintage table fan
A long time ago, I saw this lovely image at Hither, Thither and Yon. I fell in love with the vintage table fan by The Kummerows. I did a quick search back then and found nothing, so into the inspiration file it went. Fast forward to now, and I believe I’ve found one of these originals on eBay. I’ve asked the original fan artisan if this is their work and am waiting to find out. It’s so much like the inspiration photo that it just has to be. :D
This is one of those great pieces that will likely make the rounds in many houses and scenes. :D
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Update: The artist confirmed it is their work.
Categories: Miniatures
September 21, 2015 | 0 commentsCrying over you
Tears of joy over tear-producing mini onions! I first saw a rope of these fabulous onions by Fatima on Janine’s blog Minworks. I was so smitten with those onions!!! When I saw they were offered by Fatima during the recent online mini show, I snapped them up!
I swear these are real onions that were put through a shrink-ray. :D They are so perfectly flaky and translucent.
Fatima has an etsy shop Beauxminis and a website by the same name. :]
Categories: Miniatures
August 31, 2015 | 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)
A Coral Pink Christmas, part 2
Continuing work on the two coral pink Christmas trees. Time to make ornaments. I’m using Swarovski Elements 8mm beads.
A tiny crimp bead serves as the topper.
I had some thin wire in my stash that worked perfectly for the loop, formed with round tip pliers.
I don’t know if I will tie strings on the loops or just glue the ornaments in place.
Categories: Miniatures
November 18, 2021 | 0 commentsA Coral Pink Christmas, part 1
I’m planning a coral pink Christmas! If all goes well, there will be one tree for me to keep (I mean, for Chester to climb) and one for sale. I bought these bottle brush trees last year but had no time to work with them.
These have large wood bases that I don’t want for the final display.
I used a drill to make holes around the center wire while trying to not break through too harshly and grab the brush fibers.
It loosened the hold just enough where I could twist the base off without damaging the tree. I will use the bases to hold the trees upright during decoration but will figure out a better, smaller solution for the end display.
I bought retro looking tree toppers from WCD Miniatures at the local mini show. I needed to shave off some brush from the top to get it to sit well, but I will wait until the end to glue in place.
I’m using 3V warm white string lights from Evan Designs. These have 26 “bulbs” over 29.5 inches of wire, with a few inches of wire at the end.
After determining which side I wanted for the front of the tree, I wrapped the lights around and gave it a test. Love it! :D
I bought monochromatic beads for the ornaments. My plan is to add small gold or silver toppers with wire to hang, but we’ll see if my sanity holds out for that. :D
And, of course, there is garland. These are Kreinik Micro Ice Chenille spools, but I’m not sure which variation I will use.
Categories: Miniatures
November 14, 2021 | 0 commentsHalloween cake with wee ghosts
I made a cake following the tutorial by Maive Ferrando in Dolls House and Miniature Scene magazine. I had to change the method a bit for my own skill level and techniques I’m more comfortable with, and I’m happy with the end result. I made my cake whole and added a tombstone cookie.
Categories: Miniatures, Polymer clay
October 24, 2021 | 0 commentsZombie apple cookies
In continuing with my polymer clay adventures, I thought I would make some poison apple cookies to go with my poison apple cake. Well, the best laid plans….
After forming the apple cookies, painting on the green icing and then adding the black icing, all was going well. Until the black icing shifted more than expected during baking.
This is what I was going for, and this is the only one that turned out like my vision.
The remaining are these. I thought they were outright fails, until I showed them to my miniaturist group and they raved about them. :D Sometimes I think people are just being nice, but in this case, they bought them all up save four! It made me feel better about my perceived failure and turned these into a happy accident. Thus, the zombie apple cookie was born.
I did end up putting some sets on etsy if anyone else is taken with these zombified cookies.
Categories: Miniatures, Polymer clay
October 17, 2021 | 0 commentsPoison Apple Cake
I’ve seen a few examples of poison apple cakes in real life and wanted one in mini. After a few failed attempts, I have a keeper!
I made two more for a couple of friends. :D These are challenging but so much fun!
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You can see the real life inspirations here and here.Dandelion by Lamis Minis, poison bottle from Four Little Walls, doily from Stewart Dollhouse Creations, mouse purchased years ago (unknown vendor).
Categories: Miniatures, Polymer clay
September 3, 2021 | 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)