Beautiful Mini Blessings

Kitchen Floor Tile

2012-01-30T05:30:00.070-06:00

I found this pretty tile design at Villa Lagoon Tile. They make beautiful real cement tile! Go see all of their gorgeous tiles!

I emailed them last year to ask permission to copy this Savona tile design for my dollhouse. They graciously agreed and here it is! I like this tile so much that I've tried to design my entire little kitchen around it. I love the colors!

The real tile comes in several sizes. I think I will use one inch tiles and not try to cut them up so small. I can't cut a straight line to save my life!

I'm still planning and measuring but this is how they might look in the kitchen.

Casey and Sylvia have done lots of tile work with great success! I'm off to see how they do it. :D

Hope you have a beautiful day!

"All tile designs of Villa Lagoon Tile and tile color combinations in these and in historical tile designs are exclusive to Villa Lagoon Tile and it is strictly prohibited for others to copy them."

Thanks Lundy for allowing me to use your beautiful tile in my dollhouse! :D

Look What Just Happened!

2012-01-29T14:16:00.037-06:00

Let me interrupt your day with something that just happened to me! Could it ONLY happen to ME?

I took all of the little parts for my cabinets out to the utility room to spray them with primer. I always do this when I can. After some careful sanding the paint goes on more smoothly with primer.

I got a nice light coat on one side of things. When I was ready to stop spraying, the paint can would NOT stop spraying! It just kept on going even after I took my finger off the top!

I jiggled and fiddled and turned the can upside down but the paint kept coming out. It's STILL coming out!

I'll have to go buy another can of primer. You can be SURE it won't be this brand! Hopefully, it will spray itself out soon?

Guess I will have to go do something else for a while. Sigh....

What's Cookin'

2012-01-29T08:07:00.029-06:00

Here's what's cookin' in the kitchen today. It's much more fun to start new projects than do prep work!

I may try to make a white microwave? Jim's dollhouse pages has a printable one...

Every kitchen needs a clock, right? Love this one!

Hope you have a beautiful day!

Very Busy Here!

2012-01-28T08:11:00.055-06:00

My table is almost finished. I used Mod Podge Multi-Dimensional Magic on the table top. It sealed the shells nicely and is smooth and level. The wooden top warped a bit but I think I can weigh it down for a while to fix that...

As you can see, I've taken everything else out of the kitchen. I realize that I need to do more prep work before I continue. There is paint to touch up, baseboard to install and an unfinished ceiling to work on.

I found a piece of textured scrapbook paper that matches the wall color perfectly. I'm planning to use it on the kitchen ceiling. Pay no attention to the mess in the living room. There is work to be done there too!

Since there is no wiring in the house I'm looking for the perfect battery operated light.I like this one by Houseworks. I also like this one.
I feel like I'm starting over here. Maybe it's more like taking three steps forward and two steps back?

Hope you have a good day. I'm going to be very busy here!

Image by Eruna on Deviant Art
Love it!
:D

2012-01-27T07:07:00.007-06:00

Do you ever get the feeling that you are being watched?

I found another way to glue the table legs together. I'm using my Creative Memories paper cutter to line things up and get them square. It has the 1/4" grid I was looking for.

It's great for cutting tiles too. That will be a project for another day...

Hope you have a good one!

Table Legs

2012-01-26T07:24:00.030-06:00

This is how I'm building the table legs for the kitchen table. I haven't glued them together yet. I want to be sure they are the right size and square first.

One thing I wish is that Micro-Mark's magnetic gluing jig had a 1/4 inch square grid on the surface. That would make this so much easier. Micro-Mark, are you listening???

I sent my Miter Master Easy Cutter back to them yesterday. When I tried to change the blade I couldn't get the tool back together. Hopefully, they will repair or replace it. Right now I'm using bandage scissors to cut the wood!

I got some ModPodge Multi-Dimensional Magic and Americana Triple Thick glaze at Michaels yesterday. I'm trying them out now. They both went on smoothly and didn't run over the edge of the test wood. We'll see which one looks best when dry?

Time for me to get ready for work. Real life work. Wish I could stay home and work on my table!

Overnight Test

2012-01-25T06:55:00.039-06:00

Last night I tried several things to see what might work to seal the shells on my table top.

Last night.

I realized that the Quick Water resin I had used in making my ponds is still a bit tacky to the touch so I didn't try that again. Sorry girls...

Since I don't have any other resin, I tried what I already have. As you can see, the Mod Podge is still cloudy. The Tacky Glue didn't level out overnight.

The clear nail polish is nice and shiny. There are lots of bubbles on the surface but that may not be a problem with what I'm doing. It didn't cover the shells with one coat so I may try adding more?

Alleen's Jewel-It dried clear but is also not level. I may try thinning it and the Tacky Glue with water and try again?

This morning.

There is a new product out called "Mod Podge Dimenional Magic." Has anyone used it? I really don't want to spend anymore money on products I may never use again...

I did a similar technique for the bathroom floor. I painted clear tacky glue on cardstock and then added the beads and shells. I'm not happy with the finished look because it is not smooth or level. It is rough for little feet to walk on. LOL

I'll keep trying different things and let you know what works...

Sprinkled Sand

2012-01-24T07:29:00.017-06:00

I sprinkled some sand and tiny glass seed beads onto the breakfast bar table top. I'm going to look at this for a while before I get the glue out again...

I think it needs something special in the center?

Hope you have a happy day!

Breakfast Bar Table

2012-01-23T07:00:00.004-06:00

I cut all of the pieces of wood for the table. The top is sealed with MinWax varnish and ready for the tile.

I'm building a mission style table. I love the simple lines of that furniture style. This is my inspiration photo from Vision Decor.

I used the measurements of this real table and Jim's Dollhouse Calculator to measure and cut the wood to scale. It's really pretty easy to make your own furniture this way.

Now it's on to the tile top. That will be the fun part!?

More later! Hope you have a good day!

Ebay Watch Alert!!!!!

2012-01-22T19:31:00.017-06:00

This adorable House That Jack Built Dollhouse by Melissa and Doug is on Ebay right now. You only have three more hours to bid! Shipping is FREE.

Me, I'm just looking! LOL

Three Projects

2012-01-22T06:27:00.034-06:00

I have three projects on my work table this morning. I finally got the hinges installed on the sink cabinet doors. They just need to be attached. The dishwasher is going through a make over and is almost done.

I started a new table for the kitchen. I've had these tiny tiles for a while and thought maybe I would use them here? I'd like to try pouring a resin top once I get the border done and fill in the center.

I read somewhere that you need to seal the wood with polyurethane varnish first to seal it. Then you glue whatever you want to the surface. The resin is not supposed to react with the varnish. We'll see if this works? I hope I don't make a huge mess!

I found these "Pandora" beads at Michaels in a bracelet kit. They are a bit large, but I might try to make legs for the table with them? Then again, I may just build a wooden frame and legs?

What's on your work table today? I seem to be always starting something new instead of finishing what I started...

Decisions, decisions...

2012-01-21T07:26:00.103-06:00

I took everything out of the kitchen this morning to see if there might be a spot for a small table?

I made this little table a long time ago. I was going to use it in the living room area but there is just no room there. I may build an L-shaped bar for this area instead of using the table?

For the right side wall, I bashed a couple of Michael's hutches and used blue painter's tape to hang them on the wall to see how they might look.

The cabinet next to the stove is the original sink cabinet that I had purchased for the kitchen. The microwave is hiding the hole where the sink was.

Before I get bogged down in more details and accessories I need to decide on the floor plan!

I've been going about this helter skelter. I need to make a decision and then get back to work.

Will you help me decide? I think I like this plan. Do you?

1 Inch Mini Blind

2012-01-19T19:46:00.028-06:00

Now I have to admit it. I am certifiably, card carrying, CRAZY!

ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Adj.
1.
certifiable - fit to be certified as insane (and treated accordingly)
certified
insane - afflicted with or characteristic of mental derangement; "was declared insane"; "insane laughter"
2.
certifiable - capable of being guaranteed or certified; "a certifiable fact"
certified - endorsed authoritatively as having met certain requirements!

New Found Blog - New Ideas!

2012-01-19T13:36:00.019-06:00

I was looking for instructions on how to make mini blinds this morning. I found this photo on a new blog and just had to laugh!

The blog I found is "Minding the Manor." Go see all of the wonderful decorating ideas Ms. Manor shares!

She also has a dollhouse. I'm wondering if it ever escaped from her garage? :D

Bamboo Blind

2012-01-18T06:25:00.044-06:00

Thanks to New England Miniatures for reprinting their tutorial for making Venetian blinds!

Today I used a bamboo placemat to make one of these blinds. It's really not as hard as it looks. :D

Here is my finished blind. It's not quite perfect, but then, what is?

This is what it looks like from the side. This one won't be going in my dollhouse. It is a gift for someone else. Can't tell... :D

I hope you will try the tutorial and visit New England Miniatures. They have lots of great things there!

Hope you have a good day making minis!

No, I'm not going to buy it!

2012-01-15T11:03:00.054-06:00

Sometimes I visit Ebay and don't buy anything. Really!
Sometimes I just drool...

I saw this house today. It's WAY out of my price range, but I love it. If you'd like to bid on it, here's the link.

My compliments to the builder who is also the seller. This is a wonderful house!

"You've got to have a dream. If you don't have a dream. How you gonna have a dream come true?"

Just pause the playlist to listen. :D

South Pacific - Happy Talk

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Kitchen Window Shade

2012-01-14T06:19:00.021-06:00

I wanted something simple for the kitchen window. I liked this shade by Martha Stewart. It is sheer and classic. It looked easy enough to make in miniature?

Sometimes looks are deceiving! When you are working on something small, sheer and fiddly it doesn't always turn out the way you planned.

Glue goes where you don't want it to, ribbon gets stiff and edges fray.

Martha has three folds. I only have two. I still like it. It adds a nice bit of color to the window.

Now it's back to the cabinet doors. I have two more hinges to install. UGH.

I haven't decided on the counter top. I like what Martha did with the black in her kitchen but I'm not sure it would look that great in mine?

I'll have to think about that for a while...

Hope you have a nice day!

Grandma's Tea Set

2012-01-12T20:23:00.134-06:00

Yesterday, Marisa from Steinworks suggested Grandma should have tea with her toast instead of a wine cooler. She is probably right. We don't want a tipsy Grandma!

I looked in my box of kitchen accessories and found the tea set I bought a LONG time ago.

I really need to get back to work so I can display more of my kitchen minis!

Hope you have good day!

Eat Breakfast!

2012-01-12T07:18:00.024-06:00

Grandma came down to the kitchen this morning.

She wanted to make coffee but couldn't find her coffee maker.

Guess she will just have to have a wine cooler and some toast with butter?

I used to tell my kids, "Be good, don't fight, eat breakfast."

Same goes for you! :D

A Little House That Sings!

2012-01-11T05:00:00.065-06:00

One of my favorite books as a child was Heidi by Johanna Spyri. It is a story about a little orphan girl who goes to live with her grandfather in Switzerland and nurses her friend Klara back to health.

It's hard to say, but perhaps I could identify with Heidi when I was a child? Maybe this book is one of the reasons I always wanted to become a nurse? I don't know...

There was a real Swiss cheese factory in the Ohio town where I lived. The family that owned the factory were from Switzerland. They bought fresh milk from the nearby Amish farmers to make their cheese. Their Swiss cheese is the best I have ever eaten. Every year the town had a Swiss Cheese Festival.

I have never been to Switzerland. Sometimes I think it couldn't possibly exist because it is so beautiful! The closest I've ever been to a place like it was the mountains of North Carolina.

We were camping there. The kids and I went for a walk up one of the hills. When we got to the top I remember having a flash back to the Sound of Music where Maria sings "the hills are alive with the sound of music." My children probably thought I was crazy but I started spinning around and singing the song myself! I remember that day like it was yesterday...

When I found this little Swiss chalet house on Ebay, I just had to make an offer! It brought back these lovely memories.

The house measures 4 3/4" x 3 1/4" and plays "Laura's Theme" from Dr. Zhivago. Isn't it cute!?

I guess I got such a great deal because it is missing one of the front feet? I'm sure I have a little block of wood around here that I can use to replace it. :D

So soon, I will have a little Swiss house that sings! It may become the inspiration for another dollhouse project too? I have a half-scale house that I may use to make my own interpretation of Heidi's grandfather's house?

For now, I will just wait until this little house arrives and listen to the songs it sings to me...

White Summer Robe

2012-01-10T07:26:00.011-06:00

This is Grandma's white summer robe in progress. I found this beautiful 1/4" white lace on Ebay. I've never seen lace this delicate or this tiny in my local stores. I love it!

The glue I'm using is the best for attaching trim. I've tried others, but THIS one doesn't show when it's dry.

Now all I have to do is sew up the side seams and it will be finished! One piece, two seams, done!

Hope your day is full of pretty things!

Grandma's New Hairstyle

2012-01-09T07:24:00.034-06:00

Grandma is just waking up this morning.

Her hair is a bit tousled from a good night's sleep.

I'm working on a white pique robe and a satin nightgown for her...

We both hope you have a lovely day!

Just Thinking About It . . .

2012-01-08T12:34:00.049-06:00

I'm thinking about entering the Miniatures.com 2012 Creatin' Contest? I love the MiniTown Loft Kit.

I'm not sure that what I have in mind would work for this kit, but it won't be a modern house!

I would finally repair and use some of the old furniture I got with one of my Craigslist houses.

I will need to make things and buy some things too. Like this car I'm watching on Ebay.

Sorry for the crummy photo. That's what you get on Ebay sometimes.

So I would build a "not so modern house" with OLD furniture and a limousine. I have some crazy ideas sometimes! LOL

Not sure if I will even enter the contest? I have until December to decide. Are you planning to join in?

Just what I need, another project right? I'm going to have to move to a bigger house or put my bed up on blocks to hide all of the other projects I have!

I actually finished Grandma's hair today. Thanks again Casey! I'm just waiting for the glue to dry and I'll show you how it looks tomorrow.

Hope you are having a good weekend!

Boxers or Briefs?

2012-01-06T07:42:00.008-06:00

I decided to try to make some underwear for the "boys." My boys like boxers. They call briefs "whitie tities."

These briefs look more like a diaper. LOL I'll keep working on them, but I think I prefer boxers too!

There Now, That's Better

2012-01-05T07:34:00.010-06:00

Eugene has spent a lot of time with his tiny tailor. There is still work to be done. I think we have FINALLY figured out a pattern that fits! :D

Hope you have a great day! Wish I could stay home and sew...

Pencil Pants

2012-01-04T07:17:00.024-06:00

I guess if these pants hardly fit a pencil they will be too small for Eugene?

Maybe I should take him to the Men's Wearhouse and find him a tailor?

I'm trying to make a tuxedo. If I can't make pants that fit, I'm in BIG trouble!

I think I'll go visit Casey and see if she can help? She makes great looking clothes for Zar! :D

Grandma Needs a Drink!

2012-01-02T16:26:00.050-06:00

Poor Grandma has been through so much. She decided to come down to the kitchen and make herself a margarita!

She also wanted to show you the pretty headband she made for Sandy. She learned how to do the daisy chain bead stitch!

Grandma really wants me to finish her kitchen. She tells me she has a lot of baking to do and there is no way she can do it as it is.

The bag of flour is empty but she does have two large eggs!

Hope you have a nice evening. I'll be cleaning up the kitchen...

Time to Learn Something New

2012-01-01T08:46:00.097-06:00

I hope that everyone had a safe and Happy New Year's Eve! I was in bed by 10pm. That's late for me!

This morning I decided to try something new. For some of you this may be very simple. For me, not so much...

I'm trying to make a headband for Sandy using Jolee's crystal beads from Michael's. This video is where I started.

So far I've spent two hours practicing, starting over and then starting over again. I've paused the video so many times so I could see what she was doing!

Last night I made my first beaded ring. It's not perfect but was really fun to make.

I watched another video to learn how to make this. There is an "Ocean Blue" ring at My Daily Bead Blog that I really want to try too. :D

I wish you all a VERY Happy New Year! I'm planning to learn lots of new things this year, how about you?

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T21:53:00.013-06:00

Sew Beautiful!

2011-12-30T06:14:00.038-06:00

I went to Hancock's Fabric Store yesterday afternoon. At the checkout I saw this lovely magazine. Sew Beautiful with Martha Pullen. On the cover it says "our best ever White Issue."

Of course I HAD to buy it. The magazine is filled with beautiful ideas. Inside there are patterns and instructions too! They also have a blog. On their website you can purchase delicate fabrics and trim for making heirloom apparel.

I'm still working on Sandy's white dress. I have more beading to do but it is almost finished. I found some pretty coral fabric and ribbon to make a dress for Grandma too. :D

I doubt my dresses will become heirlooms but I'm having fun sewing again!

One Size Fits Most

2011-12-28T06:39:00.017-06:00

Hello Everyone!

I'm working on Sandy's white dress. It is coming along nicely.

I found this shrug pattern by "Modest Prom" at About.com. It's free and says "One Size Fits Most." I thought I would try to make a pretty little shrug for Sandy.

I'm using white stretch lace that is 1 1/4" wide.

I'll show you what I've made later. I'm grand-dog and grand-cat sitting for my daughter this week so I need to go over and check on them now.

If you are looking for something to cover YOUR shoulders, maybe this pattern will work?

Hope you have a beautiful day! Thanks for all of your Merry Christmas wishes!

Merry Christmas Blessings!

2011-12-24T05:57:00.016-06:00

I wish you love, blessings and peace.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to ME!

2011-12-23T06:00:00.019-06:00

I found this brand new Duracraft dollhouse kit on Craigslist this week. I've contacted the owner and hope to bring it home soon. :D

I know I don't NEED another house to work on. I need to finish the ones I have! This one is just too cute to pass up. The price is right too.

I think it will make a nice Craftsman style bungalow. Maybe something like this?

Have you bought yourself a Christmas gift yet? I know you've been good this year! :D

Grandma's Gone To Pieces!

2011-12-18T07:12:00.030-06:00

I never liked the big hump that was on Grandma's back. It made it really difficult to make clothes for her. So now she is in pieces. Minus the hump!

I'm following Cynthia Howe's tutorial to try to put her back together. Her arms and legs are too long. That's an easy fix.

Casey sent me the perfect hair for her! It won't even need much styling. Thanks Casey! :D

Hope you have a lovely day!

Pins and Needles

2011-12-16T07:05:00.046-06:00

I have started and not finished several projects this week. This morning I decided to start another one...

Now Sandy is enduring the pins and needles of a dress fitting. Nothing is sewn together yet. I need to decide what trim I want to use on her dress.

The Horsman guy still needs clothes. He needs a name too.

I won this book on Ebay for $1.99. I've been wanting this for a long time! Maybe it will help me make clothes that fit!?

I hope to have a pretty finished dress to show you later?

"Mary" Christmas!

2011-12-13T05:52:00.065-06:00

Look at all of the wonderful little Christmas presents I received from Mary yesterday! What a sweet surprise!

I am overwhelmed by her thoughtfulness and generosity! There were so many packages to open! Each one contained a perfect little gift!

These are some of the precious Christmas ornaments she made. Aren't they beautiful?!!!

I am going to have so much fun with the supplies she sent. The Christmas wallpaper is the perfect scale of one of my Dollar Store shelves. I love the silver tray and rug fabric.

I had to laugh when I saw this huge roll of turquoise duct tape! I've never seen any this color before.

I can tell that Mary has been reading my blog. She knows what my favorite color is for sure! There are lots of "beachy" things to play with too. :D

Thank you SO much Mary! You are so sweet to think of me!

Scandal at the Beach?

2011-12-12T18:36:00.044-06:00

(Ebay dolls)

Grandma's older sister is coming for Christmas! She says she will be bringing a baby too!

I guess we will all have to wait and see who this baby belongs to? I'm sure she can't belong to Selma! Perhaps she is just babysitting for someone?

You know, we haven't seen Sandy for a long, long time. Last thing I knew she was lounging on the sofa with Grandpa and the new guy. She was showing off a bit more leg than I liked to see...

And Grandpa... well let's not talk about Grandpa right now! Poor man.

Maybe when Selma gets here she can let us in on some news? Grandma is really looking forward to her visit.

If Aunt Selma decides to stay, I don't know where we will put her? There is no room in the beach house for her, OR for a baby for that matter! Maybe she will go back to Florida?

I wonder if Sandy.... Oh dear... that would be too scandalous! I've got to stop imagining trouble!

To be continued...

Enough of this Foolishness!

2011-12-11T08:37:00.009-06:00

Maybe someday I will find something I'm really good at? THIS is not it! LOL

I really need to go shower and start my Christmas shopping. We're having our office Christmas party tomorrow. You can be sure I won't be giving my co-worker a doll!

Hope you have a beautiful day!

Scary!

2011-12-10T19:12:00.015-06:00

No, this is not Grandma! This is my first attempt at making a doll head from polymer clay. Scary, isn't it!?

I think I need to go watch all of those videos AGAIN!

Hope you don't have nightmares after seeing this... I think I might!

Fascinating!

2011-12-10T13:03:00.022-06:00

I don't dare show you what I've done to Grandma! She is now in pieces!!!

Thanks to Casey, I found these videos by Jodi Creager. Fascinating!

Grab a cup of tea and enjoy!

Sew Patient

2011-12-09T06:43:00.061-06:00

Grandma is being so patient while I work on her new dress. She wanted me to show you her pretty hat too.

Grandma has a collection of beautiful hats from Kat the Hat Lady.

Here is the hat I just bought her for Christmas.

Isn't it gorgeous?! Thank you so much Kat!

I plan to make a dress to match this hat too. It is Grandma's favorite color! :D

Hope you have a lovely day!

Dollar Store Doll Dress

2011-12-08T06:31:00.081-06:00

I've been having trouble making a dress pattern for Grandma. I tried using the tutorial at About.com miniatures but found it difficult to fit.

Grandma has an unusual torso. So far, the things I've made for her have been too small. This morning I found a chubby little Dollar Store doll in my stash. Her dress is a little bit too big for Grandma.

I used my trusty seam ripper and took the dress apart to make a pattern.

The pattern needs some adjusting but I think it will work? I'm using iron on interfacing. I plan to iron the pattern onto muslin so I can use it over again.

This is all I have time for this morning. I'll try to sew a dress together later and show you if it fits?

Hope you have a beautiful day!

Chicken Little

2011-12-07T07:09:00.085-06:00

When I saw this little Chrysnbon rooster and hen on a nest set, I just had to add them to my collection!

I've always loved milk glass. I used to have a huge collection of candy dishes, vases, glasses and plates etc. These are all I that I've kept.

I sold the rest when I moved out on my own. Sometimes I wish I had saved them all.

I am so happy to have found these little ones! Aren't they cute?! :D

Do you have collections? Have you ever had to sell any to make some money?

Sometimes you just do what you have to do...

What do you collect and why? I would love to hear your story. :D

How About a Little Nightcap?

2011-12-04T19:42:00.012-06:00

Grandma and Nugget are ready for bed.

The wig cap idea actually did work. The hair did not.

We'll work on the glasses tomorrow...

Sweet dreams!

Grandma Needs A Hug

2011-12-04T05:59:00.154-06:00

Grandma has been through a lot lately. Now she can hardly breathe with all of this stuff on her face!

No, I didn't make her little reindeer/moose friend. He is a Christmas ornament I found last year. :D

Grandma's wig is not finished but I thought I would show you what I've done so far. I covered the plastic wrap with a piece of ecru muslin and then started gluing on hair with Aleene's fabric glue.

Casey said this synthetic hair would be difficult to work with and it is. It clumps, sticks to everything and doesn't lay flat.

I don't know what to do on the crown of her head? This hair won't fold over to make a part.

Plus, I feel certain that when I try to remove the wig it will fall apart.

I have some pretty silver embroidery floss that I might try next?

I would like Grandma to have a shorter hair cut with curls. I'll keep working at this and let you know what I come up with.

I really need to do some real life projects today. I haven't done any of my Christmas decorating or shopping yet. This house needs to be cleaned and my laundry done too.

Guess I should start making my lists and checking things off.

Hope you have a lovely day!

Give someone near you a hug today whether they need one or not. It will do you both good. :D

Grandma's Hair

2011-12-03T05:56:00.216-06:00

Troy commented that I could use Grandma as she was for a Halloween or "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" room box. :D

He even mentioned "putting her down!" Oh my!

I've become attached to this sad little doll and really don't want to replace her. Lucille suggested that I remove all of Grandma's hair and start over.

I've decided to try to make her a wig.

There are lots of tutorials and videos out there for making wigs. I like Cynthia Howe's Miniatures tutorial best. About.com has several tutorials on wigs also.

I found this pony tail hair at my local thrift shop for 69 cents. Cheap cheap cheap! There is enough hair here to make a million little doll wigs!

I pulled out some of the blonde hair, cut them into short lengths and glued one edge.

For the wig cap here I tried using cheese cloth over plastic wrap. I don't think this will work. The cheese cloth is too flimsy. I need to go back to the tutorials!

Then I will glue on the little pieces of hair. That's going to take a while.

Hopefully, I'll have something that looks like a wig later?

If not, I will show you what I did anyway. Warning: It could be really messy!

Now You Know Why...

2011-12-01T07:37:00.034-06:00

Now you know why Grandma doesn't like to pose for fittings. Poor dear.

I am determined to figure out how to make her a Christmas dress that fits. She needs hair that looks better than this too!

At least she can stand up by herself now that her leg is fixed. I have no idea how she got paint on one of her hands? I always seem to have paint on mine too.

I went to my post-op appointment today. Doc took my stitches out and said I was doing really well. I asked him "when can I eat?" He said I can eat, but only the mushy food I've been eating for another FOUR WEEKS! Sigh. . .

I did find some candy I can eat! I had a York Peppermint Patty today. YUM!

I'm actually getting tired of ice cream. Never thought I would say that!

Hope you have a nice evening. If anyone has any ideas about what I can do with Grandma's hair, please let me know.

Red Flannel Nightgown

2011-11-30T07:08:00.035-06:00

I found a wonderful website today. Dolly&Me has a beautiful collection of American Doll and mother/daughter matching dresses. I was looking for ideas to make clothes for Grandma and the girls and found lots of pretty dresses and accessories on this site.

My mother made matching dresses for my sister and me. I made matching dresses for myself and my daughter. I don't know if people still do that, but I thought it was fun back then.

I made Grandma a "flannel" nightgown for Christmas after seeing a cute one at the Dolly&Me site.

I used poly/cotton interlock fabric aka "t-shirt" fabric. The nice thing about this fabric is it doesn't fray, stretches a bit and you don't really have to finish the edges. This night gown is an easy one piece pattern. The only sewing is on the side seams.

I'm excited because now Grandma actually has something that actually fits! :D I just need to decide which is the front and which is the back? Grandma refused to pose for a photo. She is still upset about her hair...

I'm also trying to make her some Christmas oven mitts. Hope to have these done before Christmas? The pattern is from the Dollhouse Brazil tutorials link.

Hope you have a good day!

Heigh Ho!

2011-11-28T05:38:00.028-06:00

I'm going back to work today! For a while anyway...

Thought you might like to sing along? No matter where you are!

Thanks for visiting my little blog! Thanks for your prayers! Thanks for your warm wishes for a speedy recovery too! :D

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Eggs for Breakfast

2011-11-25T09:02:00.053-06:00

Recipe:

Wash and dry eggshells
Paint with acrylic paint, let dry
Break into tiny pieces

Paint 3/4 inch round woodsies
Draw a simple Christmas shape

Paint "plate" with clear glue
Add colored eggshells to pattern

Fill in background white pearl eggshells
When dry, seal with several coats of gloss ModPodge.

For my first one, I used my dear Dremel to add a rim to the plate. Not sure I like that? This one only has one coat of ModPodge.

I may try just using cardstock circles instead of woodsies?

If I had real porcelain plates I would try those too...

Hope you have a happy day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T06:24:00.070-06:00

Photo from Heartland Writer's Group

Good morning and Happy Thanksgiving!

I just want to say "Thank You" for your kind thoughts and prayers. My surgery went very well. I am at home, feeling great and so very thankful!

My sweet daughter and I baked pumpkin pies last night. YUM!

I'll be going to her house for dinner later today. :D

Not sure how much "dinner" I will be able eat, but I'm going to try!

I have a little "therapy stick" that I'm supposed to use 10 times every hour to help keep my jaw mobile. I'm very proud to say that I can open my mouth all the way to the goal line with some effort!

God is so good! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day my friends!

Open Wide!

2011-11-21T19:07:00.135-06:00

For the past few months I have lived on liquids and soft foods. I am so sick of soup I could scream!

I want to be able to open my mouth wide!

I want to bite into an apple again! A nice juicy steak sounds great too. Right now I can hardly get my toothbrush into my mouth!

I have had pain in my jaw off and on for years. I've seen several specialists. Finally, the recent MRI I had revealed the real problem. I have severe osteoarthritis in both of my TMJ joints. I also have torn cartilage and a dislocated disc. To put it simply, my jaw is a mess.

At 4:30 tomorrow morning I will be going to the hospital. I will be having TMJ surgery on both sides of my jaw.

I have complete confidence in my surgeon. He comes highly recommended and is very well respected. People from all over come to Birmingham to have him do their reconstructive surgeries. He is very kind, gentle and caring. Cute, too. ;D

My surgery is called "Arthroplasty TMJ Surgery." Here is a description of the procedure - "More complicated cases of TMJ may require an arthroplasty. These procedures involve making an incision along the ear so the joint space can be examined and adhesions removed, bone spurs shaved and discs sutured or replaced."

Dr. Koslin said the procedure takes about an hour or so. I will be under anesthesia for a nice drug-induced nap. He said I will be able to go home the same day and eat soft foods the next day. More soft foods!

Thankfully, most Thanksgiving Day food is soft and mushy. Like the pumpkin pie I'm going to make tonight! I may not be able to eat the crust, but the pumpkin inside? Maybe.

I'm confident that I will do just fine and be back soon. Please pray for me and for my doctors and nurses. God will take good care of me. He always has.

Hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Making A Box

2011-11-21T06:58:00.030-06:00

I'm getting ready to mail Jennifer's gifts. I don't have a box the right size for the Christmas tree so I thought I would try to make one.

I found this video on YouTube that is very helpful. I made a practice box out of a file folder. This box is too small but now that I know how to make one, I can make it larger. If you want to make mini boxes check out this earlier post.

Hope you will try making your own boxes. There are lots of "how to videos" online. I like this one too.

Hope you have fun today!

The Time Has Come! The Time Is NOW!

2011-11-20T10:01:00.057-06:00

It is time to announce the WINNER of my Followers Give-A-Way! Thank you to everyone who entered and for all of your very sweet comments! Welcome to my new followers too!

I wrote all of your names on a piece of paper. I cut them apart, mixed them up, closed my eyes and picked the winner!

Congratulations to Jennifer @ Plushpussycat! Jennifer is one of my newer followers! :D

Here is Jennifer's comment: "Congratulations on 450 followers! Please count me in on your giveaway. I think I know what you're making, and I am thrilled! I'll put a link on my blog now!"

I hope you enjoy your little gifts Jennifer! Perhaps they will find their way into Dad's Dollhouse? Please email me with your address so I can send your gifts to you soon.

I really enjoyed making these little things. I wish I could have finished the chandelier, but I need more practice to make it perfect!

Please visit Jennifer's blog to congratulate her. She makes the cutest little hand sewn critters! I think she has three dollhouses too? Go see!

I hope you have a beautiful day and thank you for participating in my give-a-way!

Picks in Progress

2011-11-19T07:19:00.039-06:00

There are still some bare spots on the Christmas tree. I'm making some little floral picks to fill in the gaps. Right now I'm waiting for glue to dry.

I thought adding a little lime green would be pretty too?

I'm very sorry to announce that there will be no chandelier included this time. I don't have time to finish it before the drawing tomorrow. I hope you will understand...

You have until midnight tonight to enter the give-a-way! I am so excited to see who will win. I will post photos of the completed gifts in the morning and announce the winner!

Time to Trim the Tree

2011-11-18T06:44:00.020-06:00

I know it's not even Thanksgiving yet, but I have a little tree to trim. . .

I love making things in my favorite color! Hope you like it too. :D

This Is Only A Test

2011-11-16T06:13:00.015-06:00

I'm working on the chandelier again today. My first attempt was not so successful. When I tested the lights they snapped, crackled and popped. Sparks, smoke... scary!

This one is going to be better. At least the light works!

Mini Angel

2011-11-15T07:14:00.031-06:00

I made a mini angel.

Now there are three gifts ready for my give-a-way!

You still have time to enter! I'm working on two more!

Two For You

2011-11-13T09:58:00.016-06:00

I finished two of my gifts for the give-a-way this morning.

There will be more...

Don't forget to sign up if you would like a chance to win!

Wiring 101

2011-11-12T08:53:00.034-06:00

I've been talking with Shelly at Evans Designs and another miniaturist, Julia (no blog), about how to make a lighted chandelier.

The wiring has me stumped right now but I'm asking questions and learning! The light will work (I hope) on a battery with a switch so it can be placed anywhere in your dollhouse or roombox.

Hopefully, by next weekend I can show you the finished product? Thanks to everyone who has signed up for my Give-A-Way! You still have time to enter. I will announce the winner on Sunday, November 20th.

11.11.11

2011-11-11T05:46:00.034-06:00

Remembering those who serve.

God bless America!

Puppy Love

2011-11-09T07:06:00.013-06:00

Dylan and Toby sound asleep. So sweet. . .

I love how Dylan sleeps with his pink tongue sticking out. Toby will probably get a bath when he wakes up. :D

Hope you have a day filled with lots of love!

My Favorite Minis

2011-11-08T07:02:00.023-06:00

I couldn't wait to place some of my favorite minis in the kitchen. :D

The little blue glass blender was one of the first miniatures I purchased. It's fun to finally see it in the kitchen! I love the coffee cup with my name on it too.

IF I can get my printer working again, I'm going to make a decal for the dishwasher door and those mixology books I mentioned earlier. I still need to finish the sink cabinet and add the faucets and counter top. I used "Elmer's Stix All" glue for the tiles on the backsplash.

I'm excited to see how many of you have signed up for my Follower's Give-A-Way! I've ordered a few more supplies and then I can get to work on your gift. I will post a photo of it when I'm finished.

Hope you have a happy day! It's absolutely beautiful here in Birmingham today. Blue sky, warm temperature and the fall leaves are breathtaking!

Printer Problems!

2011-11-07T07:35:00.017-06:00

I'm not quite to this point.... but I can see it coming!!!!!

450 Followers Give-A-Way - Entries Now Closed

2011-11-05T19:23:00.093-05:00

To honor YOU, my 450 followers, I am having a give-a-way! I can't show you what my gift will be just yet, but these are some of the things I will be using to make it.

I've been wanting to do this for a long time! If you would like a chance to win this sight unseen gift, just comment on this post!

Here are the rules. You must be a follower of Beautiful Mini Blessings and you must have a blog of your own. One entry per person please.

I will draw the winning name on Sunday, November 20th. Thank you so much for reading my blog and for all of your wonderful comments! I really appreciate each and every one of you!

I can't wait to see who wins!

Dishwasher

2011-11-05T11:48:00.047-05:00

Once the door is installed on the dishwasher you will never see what's inside.

But. If I spend an entire morning working on something, you can bet your bottom dollar I'm going to show it to you! LOL

I hope you have a happy day!

I am VERY happy today! There are now 450 FOLLOWERS reading my little blog! Thank you!

Tomorrow, I will announce a give-a-way. Be sure to come back and sign up!

2011-11-04T06:28:00.097-05:00

Here are two little projects I've been working on this week. They are not quite finished but I thought you might like to have a peek. :D

The wine cabinet still needs a mirror and shelf in the center. I'm also going to make some mixology books to put inside.

This will be the base cabinet for the sink. I used one of my paintings for the doors. I'm still waiting on the hinges.

I noticed this morning that I have 447 followers! WELCOME!

It is almost time for a give-a-way!

One Hinge Short

2011-11-01T07:25:00.023-05:00

I've been working on the sink base cabinet this morning. I need one more little hinge to finish it. I had four, but can only find three. No wonder. They are very tiny! I ordered more. Hope they arrive soon...

I bought the pretty Chrysnbon wine glasses. They are so delicate and perfectly made. I'm making a wine rack that will be installed under the plate cabinet. I think it will look really cute. :D

The blue "glass" tiles are not sticking to the pantry wall.

I may have to start over here? I have another wall to do, and if this doesn't work, I'll have to try something else...

That's it for today. I hope to have ONE thing finished soon!

Projects on the Desk

2011-10-30T07:52:00.060-05:00

I love Home Depot. If you look around you can find FREE mini supplies. :D

Like this vinyl flooring sample that I'm using for the kitchen counter top. It's nice and shiny and you can cut it with scissors!

I like this color too. Looks like granite or marble. Remember, this was FREE! :D

This is just one of the projects on my desk. There are more...

Again, I'm using a piece of exposed xray film. I used it before to make Mike's swimming pool.

The film turns blue if exposed to light. I didn't do that on purpose, promise. I found it in the trash.

I started working on a blue "glass tile" backsplash for the kitchen. This is going to take a long time!

Perhaps I should work on one project at a time? Maybe I should clean my desk too?

Hope you have a beautiful Sunday!

Changes in the Kitchen

2011-10-29T09:11:00.050-05:00

Grandma requested more counter space, a deeper sink AND a dishwasher!
I'm trying to make her happy...

This means there will be changes in the kitchen. I still plan to use the pantry shelves. They will just need some trimming to fit above the dishwasher.

Here is a little a plate cabinet I've started. I'm using part of a Michael's hutch. The idea is from Carole at Let's Build A Dollhouse.

Today I need to level the counter, install the sink and faucets and add the door to the dishwasher. I still haven't figured out how to do the doors below the sink...

What are your plans for today? I hope you have fun making minis!

Playing with Blocks

2011-10-27T06:10:00.029-05:00

I've made some progress in the kitchen. I decided to leave the corner pantry open. There is still work to do here, but I like how it looks so far...

I've been playing with some blocks I bought at my favorite thrift store. I have a huge collection of wooden blocks. I like the smooth finish on these.

I placed some of them over the stove to see if I could make a range hood? The corbels are from Houseworks.

I'm not sure if I'll use this? I've got an idea for a tile backsplash too. I'll show you that later...

Hope you have a nice day!

Free Groceries!

2011-10-25T13:28:00.054-05:00

If you haven't visited Sherree's Grocery, you need to go! Sherree's Printables offers hundreds of FREE printies for your dollhouse.

I have a lot of shelves to fill in the pantry. I just made a couple of things today.

You will need to resize Sherree's images after you copy them. I just used a real cake mix to get started and Jim's Dollhouse Calculator.

After that, you just print, spray with clear fixative, cut, fold and glue them together. I used a glue stick and that seems to be working just fine.

Looks like I'll be busy making groceries for a while. Here is a link to another post where you can find links to other printable sites.

Thanks Sherree! Hope you all have a nice evening!

Back to Work

2011-10-24T06:40:00.043-05:00

I've decided to get back to work on the kitchen. I still have a band-aid on my finger but it's healed enough to cut wood again. This time I am being more careful!

I added beadboard and a shelf to the side of the fridge cabinet. The wallpaper is installed inside the pantry. This morning I cut the shelves. I'll need to paint them next.

I also want to show you the cute things I got from Casey. She sent me some tiny people and five of her beautiful little kitchen towels! Thank you so much Casey. :D

Hope you have a good day. Thanks for following my mini projects - the good and the bad!

Enough is Enough!

2011-10-23T17:06:00.029-05:00

Grandma has had a rough weekend. Her surgery went well, but things got really bad for her after that...

Yesterday she had an awful experience at the beauty salon. She is mortified. I told her I will take her to someone new tomorrow. Maybe they can fix this mess?

Then today, I made her stand on her new leg while I tried to fit the dress I had promised her. She just now threw her arms in the air and said, "My leg hurts, my hair is a disaster and I've had it! Enough is enough!"

Poor Grandma. I do hope she will forgive me?

Surgery

2011-10-21T06:34:00.021-05:00

Casey suggested that I visit Cynthia Howe Miniatures and check out her free tutorials. I found the perfect one that explains how a doll is assembled.

Grandma is now in surgery.

All I need to do is find my hot glue gun. I haven't used it for anything in a long time! I know it is around here somewhere...

Perhaps I should call in Anesthesia also? Grandma looks a bit frightened!

Grandma Got A Haircut!

2011-10-20T18:43:00.035-05:00

Grandma (and I) decided that we really didn't like that big bun on the back of her head. It kept getting in the way if she wanted to wear a hat. Or even try on new clothes...

So I gave her a haircut.

I'm still fighting with the old bun to give up more hair that I can reuse. I do have some mohair with some grey in it. Hopefully, I can give Grandma a new hairstyle that will be flattering and more "Grandma-like."

All of the little old ladies I have known have had a perm. They also went to the beauty parlor once a week for a wash and set. Did your Grandma do that?

Poor Grandma has a broken left leg too. I thought she looked a little "weak in the knees" in her last photo. I'm not sure how to fix that?

I promised her a new dress for enduring the scissors. So far, she has only shed a few tears...

I hope she doesn't get mad!

Photo from Causes of Hair Loss in Women over 50

Playing It Safe

2011-10-19T18:30:00.023-05:00

I'm playing it safe today. No knives. Just scissors and glue.

I'm not even going to turn on the iron. I'm leaving that up to Grandma.

Hope you have nice evening!

The Hazards Of Building A Pantry

2011-10-18T18:29:00.026-05:00

OUCH! I just sliced the end of my finger!!!
Not off, but almost!

OUCH!!!

I'm okay. Really. Just mad at myself for not being more careful. Maybe if I wasn't trying to cut little pieces of wood on the floor that might help?

I found a cool website that gives the dimensions for standard pantry shelves. It also shows the measurements of different food items the might be stored in a pantry, including their height. Very helpful!

I had hoped to get the shelves cut for the pantry this evening and have something better to show for my work.

Here's a fiasco from yesterday. I printed a flamingo transparency to make the pantry door. I forgot to seal it evidently. Take one. Try again!

Hope you had a better day! I'm going to go eat ice cream and kiss my wounds.

Flock of Flamingos!

2011-10-17T06:31:00.029-05:00

What do you do with a flock of flamingos? I guess you could plant them in someone's yard?

I painted one instead and made a flamingo paper towel holder. Here he is in the kitchen.

I made the butcher block with some of the decking I had left over from Mike's mini house. I used a colored pencil to make some of the wood darker. Then I stained the whole thing with MinWax maple stain. So easy!

Now... what to do with all of those other flamingos? I don't know, but they sure are cute!

Back to the real world for me today. I hope to finish the pantry later?

Hope you have a beautiful day!

Pie Pan Hinges?

2011-10-16T14:38:00.016-05:00

Here is an idea I had when I got up from my Sunday afternoon nap.

I don't know if this will work, but it's making me hungry for a piece of pie!

Two Steps Forward

2011-10-16T08:22:00.107-05:00

Silly me. Thinking I could build a kitchen sink cabinet and finish a pantry in one day. I did get some things accomplished. My laundry is done! :D

It took me all day yesterday just to measure and cut the wood for the sink cabinet.

Now I have to figure out how to make the doors. I'm sure there will be have to be hinges. I hate hinges.

The inside of the pantry was green. That is, until I found this pretty blue coral wallpaper online. I'll need to add the wallpaper before I add the shelves. Two steps forward one step back...

Right now the kitchen is pale apple green, light blue and white. I am going to jazz it up with colorful accessories. Like these pretty plates I found on Ebay.

I have lots of flamingo accessories, fabric and ideas. How about a flamingo paper towel holder?

I'd better get back to work before I get distracted and think of something else to do! Hope you have a happy day!

Today's Projects

2011-10-15T07:18:00.063-05:00

Today I will be working on two projects for the beach house kitchen. The first will be to build a base cabinet for the sink. The original cabinet won't fit under the window.

My dear Dremel base is in the charger right now. I'll use it to round out the opening for the sink. I haven't decided what kind of counter tops I want? This is 1/8" basswood.

I cut the pieces for the corner pantry yesterday. After measuring and measuring and plotting and planning, I found this website that gives the dimensions for a REAL corner pantry. I could have saved tons of time if I had found it first!

I painted the inside of the pantry with Folk Art Soft Apple green. The shelves inside will be white and the outside white beadboard.

I'm still thinking about the pantry door. I like the screen door in Jane's inspiration kitchen, but I may make a glass door instead?

I would like to try using glass etching cream but am not sure it would work on plexiglass? Has anyone tried that?

These things should keep me busy today. I wonder if any laundry or house cleaning will get done?

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Pretty Little Gifts from Faby!

2011-10-14T06:08:00.024-05:00

Look at the pretty little things I received from Fabiola!

They were a "thank you" gift in exchange for some glasses I sent to her.

Thank you Faby! You really didn't need to send me a gift, but I am so pleased that you did!

I love each and everything thing! You are SO sweet!

Kitchen Inspiration

2011-10-12T20:00:00.139-05:00

My inspiration for the beach house kitchen floor is this beautiful design from Villa Lagoon Tile, in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

They make the most wonderful REAL cement tile. This one is my favorite!

Savona Field Tile in Aqua.

I think the colors are perfect! If you look closely you will see a pretty shell border. I plan to cut the prints and make the floor for my kitchen.

I also want to thank Jane Coslick for sharing her Tybee Island Cottages. Jane has the most wonderful eye for style and design!

I love the corner pantry in her Amazing Grace Cottage! I'm going to try to make one for my little kitchen. :D

As you can see I have a LOT of work to do!

Thank you Jane and Lundy for your fabulous ideas!

Built-In Refrigerator

2011-10-12T06:56:00.010-05:00

This is the first cabinet I'm working on for the kitchen. They will all be custom built.

Since Grandma doesn't do much baking, I thought she might like to store her mixer, cookie sheets, cake pans and cookbooks above the fridge.

Sure wish I could stay home today and finish this. Hope you have a nice day!

It's Best NOT to Ignore Grandpa

2011-10-11T17:57:00.031-05:00

I really haven't been paying much attention to Grandpa lately. He watched the poll of projects and was really disappointed that I would not be working on his garage next.

So. He went shopping. On Ebay. I didn't know he knew my password.

Midwest Products Dinghy Boat Kit

When I asked him about his purchase, he said, "I need something to work on while you are in the kitchen."

I don't think he understands that this is just another "little" project to add to MY list. I've never built a boat before. I hope Grandpa knows how!

Maybe I should ask him to help me build the kitchen cabinets? I could use an extra pair of hands, however small they may be.

Designing the Kitchen

2011-10-10T05:44:00.039-05:00

Thanks to everyone who voted for my next project! I've started designing the kitchen based on my inspiration photo from Country Living.

The first thing I did was get out the graph paper and start measuring. I found this very helpful web site that gives the measurements for standard kitchen cabinets. Changing them to 1:12 scale is not difficult using Jim's Dollhouse Scale Calculator.

Since I am a visual learner, I taped my ideas together to see what it might look like. I see a problem already. The upper cabinets are too far from the ceiling.

If you look closely at the inspiration kitchen you will see that the cabinets are set higher. My challenge is to make them the correct size and also have them be accessible to my dollhouse people.

I guess Grandma could use her little step stool to reach things?

I'm just not sure I want to take the chance of her falling and breaking her hip or something...

I'm going to go help Grandma down off the step stool and get back to measuring. Hope you have a great day!

2011-10-09T06:14:00.114-05:00

The votes are coming in to help me decide what project to work on next. Thank you so much for voting. It's good to have help from my friends! :D

So far, the kitchen has almost 50% of the votes. The sewing room is in second place. This evening I will post the final results.

Since the kitchen is in the lead, I thought I would show you what I've done so far. This is what the kitchen looked like when I bought the house for $25 at a garage sale three years ago!

The first thing I did was remove the wallpaper. Then I added french doors.

The glass in the door cracked during the installation, but that's another story...

I bought these appliances a long time ago on Ebay. The more I look at them, the more I think they need to be BASHED. The kitchen has been sitting like this for over two years!

When I opened my box of kitchen accessories this morning, I realized I am going to need lots of counter space and storage! How about 12 feet of counter space?

Here is my inspiration!

The Waterfront kitchen at Country Living! This kitchen is SO beautiful and SO "beachy!"

If my little kitchen can look anything like this, I'll be very happy! :D

Thanks so much for voting! I hope you have a wonderful day!

What Next? Please Vote!

2011-10-08T05:55:00.085-05:00

Now that Mike's little house is finished, I'm trying to decide what to do next? Will you help me?

These are some of the things I've collected to rebuild a house I found on Craig's List.

I plan to completely remodel this house. Think "Miami Modern" here. :D

The next item on the list of things to do is the beach house kitchen. I've really done nothing here yet. This is the last room in this house to finish.

Grandpa wants me to get back to work on his garage.

The outside deck and staircase are a real mess. This one could take a while!

Not to forget Grandma. She really wants her sewing room finished!

So what do YOU think? Which project should I work on next?

Please go to my sidebar and VOTE to help me decide! Thank you!

Mike's Mini Beach House

2011-10-07T05:04:00.037-05:00

Mike's little beach house is finally finished! I love the light in the pool, courtesy of Evans Designs.

One more photo to show you the scale of the house.

I really enjoyed designing and building this project. Thank you for following along!

Around Back

2011-10-05T07:15:00.032-05:00

This is the landscaping I've done on the back side of Mike's house.

The house is 4 inches tall and 3 1/2 inches wide. It is sitting on a 5" x 7" picture frame base. The wiring will be under the house with a switch so I can turn the lights on and off.

I'm going to add pilings around the sea wall and shorten the chimney. I guess it will be another day or so before I can say I'm finished.

I started this project on August 1st. I am proud to say that even with a few distractions it is almost complete! I can also say that everything you see was completely handmade. :D

I love this little 1:144 scale. It is so much fun to see how small you can make things. My next project will be quarter scale. I sure my eyes will appreciate working on something so BIG!

Almost Finished!

2011-10-04T07:41:00.014-05:00

I'm almost finished with Mike's little house. I made him an awning so he can cook outside. I also built a boat dock so he can get to his sailboat.

Once I get the lights working again and landscape the back of the house, I'll be DONE! :D

Tomorrow maybe?

Sign In and Comments?

2011-10-03T06:57:00.083-05:00

I have been having problems with Blogger. I know some of you have been unable to leave comments. I am having trouble staying signed in and leaving comments too.

Click here to go to Blogspot Help, a great website for baffled bloggers.

I don't know what the issue is but I did check Blogger Help. It seems like I am not the only one having this problem. I hope they fix it soon!

My son is going to log on to my computer later today to see what/if there is anything he can do? In the mean time, thanks for reading my blog and following along!

I really appreciate each and every one of you!

What if it Rains?

2011-10-02T04:27:00.040-05:00

Mike got a new grill. He insisted that we move the kitchen under the second floor overhang. He was worried that it might rain while he was trying to cook.

I tried to tell him that it never rains at the beach... but he didn't believe me.

Hope the sun shines where you are today!

Outdoor Kitchen

2011-10-01T07:41:00.030-05:00

Since there is no room inside Mike's house for a kitchen, he asked me to build one outside.

He's not quite happy with it yet. He really wants a granite counter top and a deeper sink. I guess I will have to try to comply with his wishes...

Hope you have a great Saturday!

Back at Mike's

2011-09-29T07:17:00.020-05:00

Work has resumed on Mike's little house. The roofers still haven't shown up, but the hardscape has begun and the landscapers are ready to go.

Hope you have a nice day!

Table Hinge

2011-09-28T05:30:00.056-05:00

Here is the hinge I made for Grandma's table. I could not have done this without the help of Peter Tucker at Musings on Modern Miniatures.

Thanks again, Peter!

Grandma's Ironing Board Table

2011-09-27T06:18:00.053-05:00

I finally finished Grandma's ironing board table. :D

I want to thank Peter Tucker for his inspiration and for helping me figure out how to make the leaf support for my table!

This project really had me stumped and Peter graciously sent me photos of how he built the supports for his beautiful table.

Thanks to Peter's kindness, I was able to complete Grandma's table. Thank you Peter!

It will be so much fun to fill the cabinet with accessories. The pattern you see above is from Paper Minis. They have some really cute things. If you sign up for their mailing list you will get a new free project every month.

Now I just need to find Grandma's little iron... and clean up her sewing room. It looks worse than MY craft room right now!

A Little Something More!

2011-09-26T06:29:00.021-05:00

Jill commented on my post yesterday and said there was a "little something more" inside the beach bag she made for me!

There was tissue paper in the bag and I didn't think to look inside! These darling little flip flops were hiding in there! What a great surprise!

Thanks again Jill! :D

Gifts from Jill

2011-09-25T15:36:00.052-05:00

I forgot to show you what I received from Jill at Little Nest Studio. I was one of the winners of her Fabulous Mystery Gift give-a-way! Jill is so creative and sent me the most darling things!

I love the embroidered mermaid! The table and beach bag will be perfect for my beach house! The little white vase is precious!

Thank you so much Jill! I really love the things you made for me! :D

Kat the Hat Lady sent me a beautiful fall hat for Grandma too. Thanks Kat!

I haven't stopped making minis. Really. I just needed one little piece of wood to finish Mike's house. One tiny 1/16" square dowel. I can't believe I could not find one around here somewhere! A quick trip to Michaels today solved that problem.

I finished the egg shell patio. I just need to fix roof on Mike's house and then I can start putting the landscaping together. Hopefully, I'll finish this project soon and have photos to show you?

Hope you had a good weekend!