While Looking for the Perfect Tree...

I found this lovely little site of miniature gardens! This is just one of their beautiful ideas!

These are real plants with the cutest miniature accessories. I'm still on the hunt for my perfect tree, but I thought I would share one of the stops I made along the way...

Blessings,
Kathi

Three Tiny Tables

I made three little tables for the living room yesterday.

I see the perfect place for the perfect Christmas tree, don't you? Here's another easy way to make one.

Can it really be only 26 days until Christmas?! Guess I should put these minis on hold for a while and get my swap gifts wrapped and ready to mail!

Hope you have a beautiful sunny day!
Blessings,
Kathi

It's Beginning to Look like a Living Room!

As you can see there have been a few changes to the living room. :) The floor is done!

I've added some accessories too. I made the little beaded Christmas tree, the poinsettia and the wreath over the mantle. I'm really loving beads right now! So many ideas and possibilities!

The rug, fan, bear pillow and the little dolphin statue were Ebay finds.

I made the window blinds using Grazina's tutorial at the New England Miniatures Blog. Very tricky, but I think they were well worth the effort! I did something different at the top because I wanted them to be installed inside the window frame. I used a small piece of a 3/16" square wood dowel instead of the molding.

Please welcome my new pets! "Sienna," the golden retriever and "Sprite," the calico cat. Fiasco is no where to be found right now. Perhaps it's because of the cat?

Today's project will be a coffee table. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings, Kathi

Count Your Blessings

One of these days I'm going to do some mini counted cross stitch. I found this beautiful pattern at The World's Largest Collection of Smalls today. If you are not following this blog, you are missing some beautiful things!

This free design is by Lizzie*Kate. It was stitched by Nicole for her friend. I love the simplicity of the design as well as the message!

Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving day!

Counting my blessings,
Kathi

Grandma Hardy's Pumpkin Pie!

I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving! I hope your day is filled with many blessings, friends and family, good food, hugs, and pumpkin pie!

My dear Grandma Hardy made the very best pumpkin pie! Her recipe has been passed down through the family and no one will eat any other pumpkin pie!


To celebrate Thanksgiving, I thought I would share her simple, yummy recipe!

GRANDMA HARDY'S PUMPKIN PIE

What you'll need: Two saucepans, one large and one small. Pam spray is your friend!
Recipe is for ONE pie. You can easily double it!

Mix and heat in large saucepan on low
1 1/2 cup (1 small can) pumpkin (not pie mix)
3/4 cup sugar

In the smaller saucepan mix and heat until warm
2 tablespoons unsulphured molasses
1 can Carnation Evaporated milk

Combine the following together in a large coffee cup and set aside
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon cornstarch

When the pumpkin is warm, add the spices and stir
Add one beaten egg
Then add the warm milk and molasses into the large pan with the pumpkin

Stir/whisk until well blended. Pour into unbaked pie crust. I use Marie Callender's deep dish pie crust, but you could make your own. Grandma did!

Bake pie uncovered at 425 for 20 minutes. Cover edges of crust with foil.
Then bake another 35 minutes at 325.
Test if done by inserting a table knife into pie until it comes out clear.

Cool pie on rack. Top with whipped cream or Cool Whip and ENJOY! If there is any left over (?) store covered in the refrigerator.

Hope you will try Grandma's recipe. It IS the VERY BEST PUMPKIN PIE EVER!

Thanksgiving Blessings!
Kathi

Oh Christmas Tree!

Here's a link to Leslie Shepherd's Christmas tree at About.com. I've been looking for just the right tree. I search the entire real size tree lot every year hoping to find the perfect one. Of course I want the perfect tree for my dollhouse too!

Leslie's tutorial takes a simple bottle brush tree to a whole new level. Carol Jones at Victoria's Miniland has another great tutorial with a lot more detail.


Just in case you want to sing along...




Early Christmas Blessings,
Kathi

Hobby Lobby 50% Off!

I just got an email this morning from Hobby Lobby. Their dollhouse miniatures are 50% off!

They also have a 40% off coupon this week!

They are closed on Sundays, but with these deals I'll find a way to go there this week!

Blessings!
Kathi

Blessings, Blogging and Beautiful Things

I just scrolled down to the bottom of my blog page and guess what?! There have been over 10,000 viewers! I think that is absolutely amazing!!

Nasa Image

I don't know where you are right now, but I want to thank you for visiting me!

I finished my Christmas swap gifts today. Well almost. I'm working on one more little gift for Kate Arthur at Rosanna's swap. I'm making little leaves. Lots of little leaves! Sorry I can't show you anything until Kate receives my gifts...

If anyone has Kate's email and/or mailing address, please let me know. On her recent post, Kate's mother was very ill. My mother was my hero and very best friend. She lost her battle with cancer 19 years ago and I still miss her very much. I'm sending lots of hugs and prayers Kate's way and I hope you will join me?

Photo from Kate's blog
Dollhouse Miniatures and Hitty Art by American Folk Artist Kate Arthur

The minis are arriving for my Five Star Christmas Swap! They are all so, so cute! I can't wait to send them off to everyone! Thanks to everyone who joined in!



Blessings,
Kathi

The Empty Room

I finished installing the hardwood floor last night. I just need to sand it and apply the finish.

I'm going to leave it this natural color and just add a bit of shine. Can't wait to add the fireplace and bookshelves!

Hope you have a lovely day!
Blessings,
Kathi

Some Progress Made

I started working on my hardwood floor installation this morning. It's been a project that I've wanted to do for a long time but didn't know where to start!

Thanks to Dale's comment on my last post, I got the advice I needed! Thanks Dale!

Here's the living room before. Doesn't look much like a beach house, does it?

Here's what I've done so far.

Sadly, I have to go get ready for work. I'd really like to stay home and finish this!

Hope you have a wonderful day!
Blessings, Kathi

Hardwood Floor Installation

I've been sanding the ends of my floor boards this evening. I'm not sure why I'm so intimidated by the installation? Everything doesn't have to be perfect, right? It just needs to get done!

I've searched and found some good advice. Hopefully, I will soon have a beautiful new floor in my living room to show you...

Here's the pattern I like.



Here's how Bob Villa says to do it.



I even found a short video from Lumber Liquidators!

I must admit that my flooring has been acclimating for a lot longer than 48 hours! It's time to just do it!

I have been somewhat productive lately. I've finished my Five Star Christmas Swap gifts and have started on Rosanna's swap gift too. Of course I can't post about them because they are a surprise!

Hope you are having fun and getting things done!
Blessings,
Kathi
Bless

Custom Dolls, Houses & Miniatures

Debbie at Tiny Treasures invited me to join the Custom Dolls, Houses & Miniatures group! I am so proud to become a member of this wonderful community of miniaturists!

I still don't think of myself as a "miniaturist." I don't know why? How many miniatures I do I need to make before I can assume that title? :) I see all of the wonderfully creative people out here and I think, I'm just a beginner!

I do make "custom" things for my dollhouse. They are often not original ideas, but things I've seen and then made in miniature. I find inspiration everywhere! You can see all of the sites I love to visit in my "Beachy Inspiration" links. If only I had the time to make all of the things I have saved in my download files!

About.com Leslie Shepard

Thanks Debbie, for your encouragement and invitation to join this wonderful community! It's free to join. All you have to do is register and be approved by the board. If you haven't visited Custom Dolls Houses and Miniatures please do! There is a wealth of inspiration and creativity there!

Blessings, Kathi

Busy Sunday

I've been very busy today! I woke up before sunrise and started making minis. Made a quick (?) trip to Michael's and now I'm back at it again!

I just found something else I enjoy doing! Beading! Of course more supplies were needed. Whenever you start doing something new you need more stuff!

Sure hope the enthusiasm and energy keeps flowing! I'm working on my Christmas Swap gifts too. I think I have four projects going right now! Wish this was a four day weekend!

Just had to check in and see what everyone has been doing! Seems like we're all busy!

Blessings,
Kathi

Tiny Houses

Have you seen Tumbleweed Tiny Houses? Have you read The Small House Book by Jay Shafer? Wee wonderful real houses!



Now, how cute is this?! Check out Small Living Journal! I love the great tips for living small!

Hope you have a cozy little weekend!
Blessings,
Kathi

It Just Occurred to Me

I'm going to need a coffee table to put my coffee table books on! Lize has made me the most beautiful book! I can't wait to show you!

Right now there are no tables in my living room! Guess I'll need to make more furniture! I really enjoy doing that.

I don't want a Victorian house and accessories. Very pretty, but not my style. That's why I'm building my own things.

I found some of Michael's mini hutches. I bought two of them. One for the bathroom and one for my future craft room. For $1 each they are okay. I didn't notice that one was broken until I got it home. Oh well, I'm going to change it up a bit anyway.

I like casual, cottage, simple furniture. Painted furniture. Comfortable furniture. Furniture you can put your sandy feet on and not worry about where the dog takes a nap!

Check out this real life family room done by Karla and her hubby at It's the Little Things that Make a House a Home!

Isn't it GORGEOUS!?

I bought a mini golden retriever for my dollhouse today. She reminds me so much of my real life best friend! It's not needle felted, which is want I really wanted, but I can't afford one of those!

Here's some ideas I've found for my "new" coffee table.

Cottage Home

Pottery Barn

They all look simple enough to build. Which one do you like? I think I like that last one best.

Sweet Dreams,
Kathi

A Book with My Name on It!

Lize has offered to design a very special coffee table book for my dollhouse! I love this photo and can't wait to see what she does with it! I'm so excited I can hardly stand it!

Thank you SO MUCH Lize! You are a wonderful friend! Please accept this award in appreciation for your kindness and generosity!

Beautiful Mini Blessings to YOU!
Kathi

New Follower - New Friend!

I usually just leave a welcome message on my new follower's blog instead of posting about them. Perhaps I need to change that?!

Today I want to WELCOME Casita's Minis! She has not only a beautiful blog, but a wonderful link to her printables! I'm really excited to find so many new things I can print! Thank you Casita!

I'm passing on my Friendship Award to Casita! It's great to find a new friend!

I made two more books and some magazines last night. I sprayed the paper with Krylon Crystal Clear gloss spray before I cut out the covers. It worked great and now I don't have to worry about the colors fading or rubbing off.

Casita's blog has tons of tutorials too! There are several about making mini books.

Please click on over and thank her for all of her hard work and willingness to share! Here's what I'll be having for breakfast!


Blessings,
Kathi

If At First You Don't Suceed...

Well, I played with clay for a while. Watched a video. Googled. Smooshed. Kneaded. Rolled. What I learned was to be very impressed with anyone who can do anything with clay!

I won't be making baskets or clay items for Christmas! Back to the books - reading one or making more for my bookcases. I like making mini books. I like building things. I like painting things. Maybe I'm trying to do too much?!


For those who asked, I used photos copied from the internet for my books. Pasted them to a Word document. Then I resized them and printed them out. For the covers I used Casey's tutorial. I used a thin white foam sheet for the inside. Cardstock for the outside. Then I pasted my little printed cover on. Easy.

That's what I need now. Another easy project! Maybe I'll go take a nap first...

T-shirt found at Amazon.com
Think I'll order one!

Blessings,
Kathi

Betcha Can't Make Just One!

I made one little book this morning!

It's more of a coffee table sized book, but I learned something! Next time I'll make some smaller books. It was so easy once I figured out how to do it!


In the photo you can see the beautiful crocheted rug I won on Ebay! It is so soft and the perfect scale too! I'll have some other Ebay finds to show you soon. Here's one of them.
I think it will be perfect in my beach house!

Now I've got to get back to my little Christmas swap goodies! I'll be playing with clay and learning something new again. It's always a good day when you learn something!

Hope you have a beautiful day!
Blessings, Kathi

Mini Book Covers! Printer is working!

I'm so excited! The copy and paste to Word worked! I had a long heart to heart talk with my printer and it's working now too!

Here are some mini books covers I printed. I made two copies of some so that I can cut out the titles and glue them to the edges of the books.

My printer is working better than my camera! If you poke the photo maybe you'll get a better look? The images are very clear in real life! They are about 1" by 3/4."

Now I just have to make the books! Thanks to Casey and Doreen, that shouldn't be too difficult?

Just having my printer working again makes me very very happy! I even bought some water slide decal paper. I'll let you know how that goes later...

Blessings,
Kathi

Mini Book Covers? I'll let you know!

I may have figured out how to make mini book covers? I Googled and found some images I liked, copied and saved them. Then I opened a new Microsoft Word document and pasted the images there.


In the Word document you can right click on the photo and go to "format photo." Another window will open, and I clicked on "size." There you can resize the image to 1" by 1.5" or whatever you wish. Save the images and then you have small images that you can print.

Ideas and kits found at PaperMinis.com.

I'll let you know if this works? My printer is having issues that need to be addressed...

Hope you have a marvelous mini day!

Blessings,
Kathi

Morning Nap

Here are my four furry friends getting settled in for their long morning nap. Wish I could join them, but there is no room for me!

Beautiful Blessing from Bella Sinclair!

RED

The red-headed boy in the red striped shirt
Sat under the red light on Ruby Street
His lips were like cherries. His face as beet red.
In his pockets he held his prize!


They were stuffed with red licorice and lots of red hots.
He hoped he was not caught red-handed!
Mother told him an apple was all he should buy
Then go back to playing red rover.


But the color so bright, was such a delight
And the red bird told him to do it!
So now crimson stains on his hands he must hide
But his smile surely gives him away!

Kathi(c)1997

I wrote this poem a long, long time ago. It is the first of three color poems. Red, Yellow and Blue.

When I found Bella Sinclair's Doodlespot I was delighted! Bella draws the most darling children! Her wonderful sense of humor sparkles in each of her drawings.

I asked Bella if she would make me a drawing based on my poem and this is what she did for me! Isn't it precious!?

Bella told me that she has never done any professional illustrating. I think she should! Please click over to her blog to see her wonderful artwork!

Thank you SO much Bella! My simple little poem has been brought to life, thanks to YOU!

Blessings!
Kathi

Beach Reads

I've been admiring Mercedes' little books and would like to make some beach themed books for my dollhouse.
I don't really know where to start?

There are so many beautiful books about the beach! These are just a few images I found online today.

I'm wondering how to get photos of the entire book jacket and not just the cover?

Will I need to photograph the books myself and then shrink the photos to miniature size? Scan the covers, then save and print them?


I'm puzzled. If anyone (hint hint Mercedes!) knows how to do this, please let me know!

Blessings,
Kathi