Grass and Tree Trunk

  • 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 comments

  • The Artist’s Studio in The Dolls’ House Magazine

    My mood was brightened today when I received my copy of The Dolls’ House Magazine all the way from the UK! In the November 2013 issue, there’s a full write-up on The Artist’s Studio.

    Christiane wrote to me a few months back about featuring the Studio, and we had a nice chat. It’s so wonderful to be featured along with so many other talented artisans!

    It was my first time reading the magazine, and there were not only a lot of great builds featured but a number of projects, patterns and tutorials. A very fine magazine!

    I want to send out a huge thank you to Christiane and the staff at The Dolls’ House Magazine for a wonderful feature! :D

    Categories: Books and media, The Artist's Studio
    October 18, 2013 | 0 comments

  • Happy Halloween 2013

    I’m a huge fan of Halloween, the kitsch and candy and costumes. But, I’m also a fan of haunted places…places that look normal, but then you smell perfume no longer made, or feel a chill right next to the fire, or hear someone’s voice when there’s no one around. =shudder=

    My Halloween scene this year is dedicated to those haunted places that make you wonder what comes after life. I’ve borrowed the bookcase, Bagnall clock, Miss Kitty (by PamelaJunksMinis), end table and coffee table from the Heritage. The sofa is part of a Bespaq set, and the rug is from Dale’s Dreams. The wallpaper is a delightfully vintage scrapbook paper by Recollections called Remember.

    The same photo in sepia tone is even more haunting.

    Jane of MiniFanaticus made me some delightful autumn minis, and I’ve used a few in the scene: a gourd and pumpkin…

    …some fall leaves, a beautiful centerpiece…

    …and candy corn. If you want a laugh, check out Lewis Black’s skit on candy corn. One of the best I’ve ever heard. :D

    Ophelia rests on the afghan by Mary of Roslyn Treasures. I made the book of Edgar Allan Poe stories.

    The reproduction painting is by Giovanni Boldini of Elizabeth Wharton Drexel, 1905 — borrowed from the Heritage. The burrowing owl is borrowed from Baslow Ranch.

    There’s a wee mouse from Sussex Crafts, too! eeeek! He’s hoping you’ll drop a piece of candy corn. :D

    Wishing you all a very Happy Halloween!  :D

    Does it feel chilly in here? :\

    Categories: Roomboxes and Mini Scenes
    October 13, 2013 | 0 comments

  • Topiary with birds – 12.75 hours

    I had hoped to have this finished for the monthly needlework update, but then that pesky lightning strike happened and threw everything off. This pattern is a motif from a Dutch sampler dated 1776 provided by Berthi Smith-Sanders. I found the file for free download at The Workbasket (defunct site as of 2024).

    I changed the colors completely from the listing on her pattern and made the tree topiary shaped. I’ve stitched the main design and am now filling in the background with DMC 3865 Winter White. This will be a wall hanging measuring approximately 1.75″ x 2.5″ when finished. This is currently 12.75 hours of work on 32ct Jobelan.

    Categories: Needlework - French knot rugs
    September 10, 2013 | 0 comments

  • Vintage sewing patterns

    This is a paper kit from Ann Vanture’s Paper Minis.

    The kit makes six patterns, and it was easy peasy!  Cut, fold and glue.

    Since these will go in the Heritage attic, I took one and added a yellow paint wash after crinkling the paper. It’s just the right amount of age and wear. (The pattern envelope is colorfast, but the pattern tissue is not.)

    For one of the patterns, I removed the upper tab, made a tear in the front and repaired it with tiny strips of tape. :D

    They are wonderful, no?

    I kept two of the pattern sheets separate so I can use them with fabric for a future sewing room. It felt great to be creative again! 

    Categories: Miniatures
    September 9, 2013 | 0 comments