Hi and welcome to my blog. I hope you like my new look, I needed a change from black. Here you can share my miniature endeavours, perhaps be inspired by some of my photographs taken in France and of 'real world' treasures that can be made in miniature. My love of parterre-style gardens and study of horticulture made my decision for the theme of my little shop an easy one. I just hope I can successfully interpret my ideas in 1/12th scale!

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Renovations

Well, not exactly, I thought I would try some furniture in my little house I am building. It is the Orchid kit by Greenleaf. I loved Flora's lacasadellebambolediflora.blogspot.com and Kim's kimsminiatures.blogspot.com so much I had to buy one. This is my very first experience in building a house from a kt and I must admit, without the help of my cleverer half Brad here and there, it probably would not have gone together so neatly! There have been a few hitches and it is nowhere near finished but I hope to get back to working on it again soon.

Meanwhile I thought I would try some of the furniture I was trying to finish for the Sydney Miniatures Fair, some of it still not glued together fully but hardly noticeable for the pics. I will show pics of the house when I get back to working on it too. Not sure what style I am after but old, shabby chic appeals. I am thinking I will have to make windows but need one of those Easy Cutters, not sure what brand is the best, any suggestions welcome. I cannot cut a straight line with a saw so it would have to be an improvement. And not sure whether to go with the attic windows that come with the kit, or all of the trim. Lots of decisions, but for my first house it is probably advisable to go with the supplied fittings. I was also trying to get the house ready for the Fair but greatly underestimated the work involved! I really got hooked on it though and found it hard to stop. Somehow I don't think this will be the last kit, or house I build.

Thank you all who commented on the loss of our pets, it is still really hard not having them around but getting easier.
Welcome to all new followers, I enjoy visiting all your blogs too when time allows, your creativity is so inspiring.

A bientot!


18 comments:

  1. Hi Margaret! I haven't read your previous blog post, but I am sorry for your loss.
    I also can't help you with any advice about dollhouse kits, because I built myself a dollhouse, it is an Amsterdam canal house. But I wish you good luck with your build process!
    Thank you for commenting on my blog, it is so nice of you!
    Take care! Hugs, Ilona

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  2. Hello Margaret,
    I am glad you are enjoying putting together the kit and I look forward to seeing it . The picture already sets the bar high.
    Every day will get a bit better, you are in my thoughts.
    Big hug,
    Giac

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  3. emprender nuevos retos siempre tiene algo magico, seguro que esa casa quedara fantastica , estoy deseando verla

    besitos

    Mari

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  4. Great furniture. I hope to see much more of this house you are building. Good luck!

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  5. Look forward to seeing your cottage come to fruition. LOVE those wing chairs!

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  6. I'm happy for their new projects in miniature. They look very beautiful. a hug, Marisa

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  7. Thanks everyone for your feedback, I hope to work on it again soon and will show any progress, must finish off the furniture also and perhaps do some more.

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  8. When I started making miniatures, I used kit windows and doors. Once I understood how they were made I bought a hand saw and mitre block to cut my own. I've never used an easy cutter so I don't know which one is best.
    Look forward to seeing the progress of your house =0)

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  9. Hi Margaret! I know how hard it is to go on after the loss of your pet. So you should take all the time you need.
    I use the Easy Cutter Ultimate by Midwest Products. It's very good for cutting little pieces of wood for the window frames, floors, window boxes... It sure saves your fingers and hands from blisters.
    I still haven't found the perfect saw for cutting big pieces of wood yet!
    Your furniture is beautiful. I saw your bed from the previous post all over Pinterest already. Gorgeous!
    hugs♥,
    Caroline

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  10. Thanks Pepper and Caroline, I thought the Ultimate might be good, perhaps a mitre box in the future.

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  11. Hi Margaret,

    It's so hard losing a pet --I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I use a mini miter box, not sure if it has a brand name. It's worked really well for me. I also have a power miter box in regular scale that my dad gave me and it's great for cutting fancy resin moldings over 1/2'' thick. Good luck with your project!

    --John

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    1. Thanks John, I now have my easy cutter but haven't used it on mouldings yet, and I think I will be getting a mini mitre box soon, then (hopefully) there will be no stopping me, hehe. :)

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  12. Hi Margaret,
    thank you so much for commenting on my blog. I just saw that you lost both of your furry family members this year. I'm sooo sorry. I'm sure you will find some new companions to love in an animal shelter when you are ready.
    You can ask me a lot about fabric or polymer clay/ air drying clay ... but I'm absolutely not talented with wood ... lol
    Wish you a lovely weekend.
    Christine

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    1. Good advice Christine, but I would love another spaniel from the same breeder, maybe they would be related. A kitten at the same time would be perfect, my two never became good friends, the dog chased and tormented the cat and she hissed and clawed at him although it became a bit of a game.

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  13. Replies
    1. I am glad you like them Josje, that is a compliment considering your fabulous furniture. I do like them and will get some on sale in my shop when I can. Minor disaster, my laptop dropped on the floor last week and won't start. All my images, files and info are on it. Hoping my cleverer half can restore it. :<

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  14. Hi Margaret! I lost a pet dog too just last month and I miss him a lot so I know just how you are feeling. Your Orchid is looking very romantic and although I know that this is just the beginning stages of it, with the way it is showing so far, it is going to be a real Knock Out! Your furniture is beautiful and I love the combination of
    both the stripes and the toile!

    elizabeth

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