International Christmas Swap

 Christmas has come and I finally got to open my International Swap gift from MiniMumm:

Such wonderful little treasures!

She even included some little gifts for my two boys:

 

So very thoughtful.  Thank you MiniMumm from my boys and me!

Thanks Caterina for organizing such a fun swap!

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas...

To all our miniature Friends,

Merry Christmas!

 With Warmest Wishes, 

Heather, Emerson and her Saint Lucia Day Friends!*

*Saint Lucia Day Friends made from a kit I bought a few years ago from Alicia Paulson at "Posie Gets Cozy".

The New Upstairs Downstairs...

I'm sure I'm not the only one very excited about the return of Upstairs/Downstairs. You lucky British get to see it  starting on Boxing Day! In the US, we have to wait until April.

 I loved this series when I discovered it about 10 years ago.  I've watched it several times since. I particularly liked watching the sets and costumes change over the passing years to reflect the times.  I thought of reviewing the last episodes when I started working on the 1930s Townhouse, but realized that the shows timeline ended in about 1930.

But it looks as though I've got my wish.  The new series starts off in 1936! Just where I'm setting the townhouse!  Can't wait!

Christmas Miniatures?

Having twin boys born on Christmas makes for a very busy December. 

Since I don't have any current minis to show, I thought I'd show you some Christmas decorations that are sort of mini!

A couple of years ago, my son was obsessed with Nativity Scenes.  I didn't want to splurge on something that would probably get some wear and tear so I created my own from half a Michael's birdhouse various wood pieces, a little paint, felt and glitter...

(oops didn't notice that the star had fallen over)

The three wise men

Some angels and livestock

I have been making some minis but most of my time has been spent planning a Harry Potter birthday party for one of my boys (they've decided this is the year to have separate parties.)  I must say that I've been having a lot of fun researching for the party and making wands and robes.  This may inspire some future Harry Potter minis!

I can't seem to stop buying gifts for myself!  I was feeling a sorry for Emerson and the Daydream Cottage.  I had left it not quite finished and it was looking a little bare.  I've been working on some decor for the cottage but also buying some lovely things from some very talented people.

From Katie's Clay Cottage some signs and a birdhouse.  I thought the Follow your Dreams sign was just perfect for the Daydream Cottage...

 From Looking Glass Miniatures Egg soaps in a jar (these eggs are unbelievably tiny!)...

From Carolyn's Little Kitchen delicate china plates and a fun sign...

And just so the 1930's townhouse won't feel left out, some radios from Twelth Dimension Miniatures...

I've just finished my swap items for Cockerina's International Swap (nothing like waiting until the last moment).  December should be a crazy month not only because of Christmas but my boys were born on Christmas and they've decided they want two different parties!  I promise to still make time for miniatures!

Mini Miss Bindergarten

One of the real life things that is keeping me busy is organizing an Author/Illustrator Visit for my sons' school.  The very talented Ashley Wolff will be visiting next week.  She is the author of the popular "Miss Bindergarten" series.  While searching for some images to use I came across this miniature created by Lesley Shepard based on an illustration in the Miss Bindergarten book.  I love it and thought it would be appropriate to post here...

This and that...

Slow progress is being made on the 1930's Townhouse. I've been gathering materials and you know how it goes, "Can't start the ceiling until the lighting is figured out, can't start the floors until the lights and ceilings are done, etc, etc...  But, I think I'm ready to push the first domino.

Kitchen Basics...

Starting the exterior bricks and stucco...

Took a break to make another student for my son's school...

Oops, she's being attacked by a giant furry beast...

 I hope to get really moving on the townhouse now.  I also have two Christmas projects that I need to get going on but of course, I won't be able to show you the progress on those until after Christmas!