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!

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Goodies from the Fair


The long-awaited Sydney Miniatures Fair was on last weekend. I met up with Norma on the first day, soon after opening so we wouldn't miss out on anything. We made a slow progression around the tables and lost each other a couple of times. We also met up with Rebecca who was down from Darwin for the show and also visiting family.
With a limited budget (again) I was drawn to all the pretty things, nothing too practical as I realised I could buy those any time. There were so many beautiful things it was difficult not to want to spend, spend, spend. But I am very happy with my purchases. Someone else likes the sweet dressing table set, and also the lovely antique lace-covered cushion.


While I wasn't looking, the little monkey tried on the lovely antique lace dress, which is really only meant to drape or hang in a room. She has the rather handy ability to detach both her legs and one arm in order to squeeze into things not really meant for her. She does look quite pretty in it I must admit. She has had to do with oversized clothing up until now as I haven't made her anything.





This is the whole selection, I really love the little box of doilies and the covered hot water bottle, the dress too of course. I will certainly find places for all of these. Unfortunately none of the sellers have web shops. I took some photos of tables on my phone but they didn't turn out well at all. Oh well, only another year to wait for the next one!
A bientot.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Fun with painted finishes


I have been having fun painting faux wood finishes, firstly on my kit desk I put together recently. I was going to paint and distress it but decided to try a faux wood finish.
After fiddling for a while I came up with what I thought looked like a pretty good walnut effect. It is a little dark and you may not be able to see the finish in the pics. I have included a 'before' photo, beside the desk I painted way back when.

I bought that desk, already assembled, from Linda from Une Petite Folie, when she was selling off a few of her items. I found out how difficult it was to put together. The only kit I had previously assembled was the bed, pictured, which I also decided to give a faux wood effect, having painted it a beigey colour some time ago.
Then I had to make a mattress of course and followed the instructions from Kris at 1 inch minis. With some bad words said, I finally managed to get it finished, with just a few 'imperfections' hehe. I also found a Susan Harmon kit for these boxes and bags etc that I bought ages ago and had fun making them up. I don't think this is my forte as I seemed to be all thumbs and found gluing my fingers together much easier than gluing the paper pieces.

In this shot you will see the little porcelain doll I made in class a few years ago. She was trying out this bed for size but unfortunately I think she is a touch too big for the scale.

As a diversion from the Petite Parterre I want to build a room box of an old-fashioned bedroom, I'll see what I can find for it at the upcoming Sydney Miniatures Fair.

Well that's about it, other than a warm welcome to the new followers and visitors, hope you find something interesting her occasionally.
A bientot!