Bishop Show – Aug 2012
Technically, it’s still summer but the fall Bishop Show just came through this weekend. I had a small budget, stuck with it and even came home with money to spare. :D
I bought a lovely rake by Sir Thomas Thumb. I had found a leaf rake before, but this one is just so much more realistic.
Next is a mix of minis including a package of light bulbs and a box of hamster treats by Wright Guide Miniatures. The two colorful bowls are by Barbara Anderson Miniatures and were very reasonably priced for the good quality.
The best item I found while rummaging through a box of miscellaneous minis, which can often yield great items for next to nothing. These are the best pencils I’ve ever seen in mini, and they were only $1.50 each. I searched that box for so long and found only these two – a red one and a green one. The vendor was Small Talk.
They are so tiny! :D
I had this notepad in my mini stash, and the pencils make it look too thick for proper scale. Ha ha! The books are borrowed from the Heritage.
Another find in the box was a bit of knitting for grandma.
Categories: Miniature Shows and Shops
August 12, 2012 | 0 commentsNavajo rug – completed
I finished stitching around the edges of the Navajo rug and completed the backing! As noted before, I didn’t count the finishing time, just the cross-stitch time. The stitching time was 189.5 hours, and the rug was stitched on 32 count Jobelan in parchment. The finished size is 5 3/16″ x 8 7/16″.
I had estimated stitching time to be 204 hours, so I am pleased to have finished ahead of schedule by 14.5 hours.
This project was based on a contemporary Navajo original weaving, shown here with Steve Getzwiller.
Natalia Frank did a wonderful job of charting it for me (see below photo), and I send a huge thank you to Natalia, who is not only a gifted artist but a very classy lady. I made some minor alterations to Natalia’s chart for my final rug, including choosing my own coloration and changing some design elements such as the center medallions.
I’ve set up a quick scene to show it in a room setting. I don’t know if any of these pieces will stay with the rug in its future home, but it gives a good view of the texture and scale.
Anyone care to join me in the sitting room? I’ve poured us each a Scotch.
Categories: Needlework - French knot rugs
August 11, 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 commentsMaking 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 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 comments
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