Bits and Pieces

Real life keeps getting in the way of miniature life.  (That darn real life!)  It seems, I've started lots of things but haven't finished anything.

First let's start with the 1930's glamor townhouse.  The other day, I pulled out some scrap wood and my husband's rarely used power tools and created a wood version of the attic rooms for the town house.

There will be a skylight  in the roof.  My thoughts are that the starlet's personal assistant/housekeeper will live up here.  She will have an artistic side so it may have the look of an artist's garret.  A little shabby and outdated compared with the rest of the house.

My measuring technique is more of an eyeball thing.  So the angles are a bit off and there are a few gaps but nothing a little wood fill, sandpaper and wallpaper can't cover.

I also started testing a shingle look for the exterior of the house.  I wanted it to have a Georgian Brick exterior.  This is sandpaper cut and glued to paper.  I not happy with it yet.  I'm going to try and paint it but if that doesn't work, the exterior will be stucco...

I've tried my hand at felting.  My first attempt is an (eyeless cat).  It's fun to do but I don't know if I have the patience to perfect my technique...

And lastly I'll show you a school room my son created in an old toddler dollhouse.

I particularly like the little cupcakes he made for the students snacks...

They are little wood plugs that he painted frosting on top.

Elswhere in blogland there are some great giveaways...

From: Lisette's Miniaturen

Speaking of giveaways. I'm coming close to my selfimposed deadline of 100 followers giveaway.  Thanks to all that follow and comment!  I guess I'll have to start finishing something to giveaway!

Taliesin West - Frank Lloyd Wright's Winter Home

When I was in Phoenix last week, I was fortunate to have a free day.  I'd hoped to go to the Thorne Rooms which are located at the Phoenix Art Museum.  But alas, the wing in the museum that houses the rooms was under construction so instead I went to Taliesin West and I'm so glad I did.

I was inspired by the serenity and the history of the site.  Though built in the 1930's,Wright's private residence has been restored to how it would have looked in the 1950's.  It was surreal to sit in chairs that he designed, positioned as he would have positioned them.  There is still architecture school here that spends the summer term at Taliesin East in Wisconsin and fall/spring at this location.

I did pick up a few things in the gift shop that I thought might work in my 1930's townhouse.  Some art deco wrapping paper designed by Wright in the late 1927 that I may use somewhere for wallpaper...

 And a ornament that may be used as a sculpture...

My very gracious thanks to all the well wishers out there.  I'm lucky to have found the miniature blog world!

My first Dollhouse

I haven't had much time of late for minis, my blog, other blogs.  My father passed away on Friday, so I've been dealing with the before, during and after of what that entails.  

I thought it would be appropriate to post some pictures of my first dollhouse that my father and mother gave me in the late 70's.  I believe I was in 5th or 6th grade and had been begging for one for years. It was electrified and at the time our local toy store had a lot of miniatures that I filled it with.  I also remember making a trip to a miniature show in San Francisco and buying some small accessories. I loved it!

When I was in high school the dollhouse was just brought out at Christmastime to be place under the tree complete with snow and a small pond.  Then it went into my Dad's attic until about 5 years ago.  My dad was cleaning out his storage and at the time I had one year old twins and was planning a long distance move so I sold it.  Of course, now I regret it. I wish I'd taken pictures of the inside (and better pictures of the outside!)

I'm off to Phoenix, Arizona for my Father's burial.  I'll have a little free time so I'm hoping to visit the Thorne Rooms that are at the Phoenix Art Museum.   I'll be back next week ready to get back to miniatures.

Giveaway, giveaway and more giveways...

The miniature world of blogs is ripe these days with lovelies and giveaway goodies galore. 

Drawing 9/7, Miniature Dreams was one of the first miniature blogs I stumbled upon.  Susanne's style and taste is right up my miniature alley.  She is celebrating 300+ followers.

Drawing 9/14, Miniatyrmama  is a blog that I stumbled on early and then lost track of it.  I'm so happy I found it again. Lena is celebrating 400+ followers!

Drawing 9/19,  Le Coffre D'Emilie is a new to me blog but I'm so happy to have come across it.  Emilie is celebrating one year anniversary of blogging.  Her creations are whimsical and lovely.

And a special thanks to all my followers!   I promise to have a new post soon.  I've been doing lots of research on the 1930's including watching a lot of old movies. This one I've seen a few times but it never gets old...

The next project...

The kids are back to school in a week so I'll finally get more time for mini making.  The Daydream cottage still needs some details worked on but I'm itching to get started on another project.

I've decided my next project will be the Strawberry Patch since it is essentially already built.  The strawberry patch has a small attic which is great for storage but not livable.  I've decided to do a little kit bashing and replace the roof with a mansard roof with a removable front.   

Here it is mocked up in cardboard...

Originally, I was thinking of making it a kind of timeless glamorous townhouse but I recently rewatched the movie, Easy Virtue, set in 1929 and I was intrigued with the American character, Larita. 

So for now, the townhouse will be set in London in the 1930's with a glamorous Jean Harlow type actress residing.

The research should be fun!  Any suggestions for research sources or appropriate mini sources would be much appreciated!

Lovely Hat!

I haven't had much time for mini making at the summer wraps up but I seem to find time to shop!  Yesterday in the mail, I received this exquisite Edwardian Hat from Kat the Hat Lady.  I'll have to come up with an Edwardian scene to place it in. I'm in love with it and so is Emerson...

Craiglist Kits

I bought these two kits on Craiglist.  They are S/W crafts Victorian Stucco Cottage and Lakeside Manor.  Does anyone have any information on these kits? I'm having a hard time find information on the world-wide web. I believe the company went out of business in the 80's.  They should be fun to work with!