Sunday, December 17, 2017

A little bit of everything!




Christmas is almost here!  I have been playing around with minis, but I haven't had much inspiration to make Christmas scenes.  Maybe I need more rum and eggnog!  

Well, what have I been up to.....



The charity house now has cushions!  But I have to say, while I love to photograph outside, its been a little cold! More has been completed, and I`m waiting for a nice day to take the house out on the front step and get snapping.  Wait, is it really `snapping`when you take the pictures with your cell phone...


I also made a pegboard for the house.  Dollar store cork and nail art!


And in the land of Tooth Fairies 


Well, for the silent auction, I also came up with the idea of a tooth fairy mailbox.  Gone will be the struggling parent hunting for a tooth under a pillow or jammed in a tiny special tooth fairy pocket (my poor mom!).

The mailbox opens and I put a small piece of wood inside to make a very shallow space for the tooth to sit (easy for a parent to grab a tooth!).

The door opens to reveal a special far off fairy land.  I have some tiny mushrooms to add into the lawn, but they are clearly being shipped on the back of snails all the way from China. 

Miss Kitty has yet to see these and demand one for herself.  I bought another box frame for her version, but I need to get the rest of the items.  Hers will be a little more luxurious over my final clearance fairy garden special items from Michael's.

The wood boxes are from Dollarama.  I added a wood back.  The grass, doors, hardware and mailbox are off of eBay.  Bunting and fairy bits are from Michael's.  The enchanted scene inside the doors are from a Frozen movie poster book. 






And completely unrelated


I purchased this chair in 2016 at the Brampton garage sale mini show.  It was from an older collector that was selling off their collection.  They didn`t have details on this chair, but its was only a few dollars.  I saw the quality in its hard carved seat and turned legs and saw its real value.  

This collector attended may miniature gatherings in Southern Ontario and belonged to mini clubs in that geographical area. So, it may be a Canadian piece, or not!

I would love to know the maker.  It`s marked SHAW `93. 

What I know: It`s not by Jo-Anne Shaw (IGMA).  I emailed her and asked.  Someone suggested Don Shaw, with a makers mark of Hand Carved by Don Shaw The Bear.  I have to look into that one still.  Anyone have any ideas or leads.





My goals are to get my Christmas minis out and have some fun...and show you some bits that I`ve been making.  Fingers crossed that happens before Christmas!



Monday, November 20, 2017

Mid Century Sofa




I find myself smack dab in the middle of cold weather.  The kind where you get a bit grumpy and not particularly inspired.  I've been a bit busy with Miss Kitty's school, so as long as I can make minis parked on the couch at night, its good.  Ask anything more complicated and that's touch and go.

And might I add, taking picture outside in natural light is COLD!! My brick driveway is really cold to lay down on to get a good angle!

There are some projects brewing.  Some stuff to fill my early 2018, but for now, it's mostly finishing the little things in the charity build.  Still no sewing machine.  It will either be Christmas or my birthday at this point....but the desk top computer on which I am typing is facing a slow and (at times) painful death, so I suspect it will be the first item to be purchased. But in a pinch I could hand stitch pillows and a duvet if needed.

Right now I'm pondering a padded headboard.  And I didn't like my attempts at a bathroom sink, so I will buy one next time I'm at The Little Dollhouse Company.  



The Mid Century Sofa


Sooooooooo, the sofa is what happens when you're on Instagram and you follow the feeds of mid century retailers and architectural designers.  I love the sofa and side table combo.  

The sofa is made of 1/8" birch plywood, stained in a dark walnut and sealed with a matte finish.  I styled my room with some new and vintage goodies.  The wallpaper is scrapbook paper that was originally destined for the charity build.  I opted against green for that because people either love or hate green, so I went with blue and white which is more appealing to a greater number of people.  It really is like staging a house to sell.







And then I played around with a few other minis.....





The brie and french bread wrapper are from Paper Minis.  I've been eyeing the french kit for a while and then I saw it all made up on their Facebook page.  Game over.  I caved and ordered it.  The wicker basket was from a kit.  My first attempt at weaving a basket.  No crisp corners, but I'm pretty pleased.  

Today I was at Desseres and they had their DIY Christmas stuff on sale.  Staring at me as I walked in.......another advent calendar.  This one will be for my husband and I to share next year.  This is a totally do-able quick project (or so I tell myself in November 2018 when I haven't finished the mini scene for the middle or done anything else to it).
Photo: Desseres.ca


Saturday, October 21, 2017

2017 MET Miniature Show





I didn't think I was going to make it to this years Miniature Enthusiasts of Toronto (MET) show.  My husband and I were out of town, but managed to get back into the city within 5 minutes of the show opening.  He sat in the car doing work, I shopped!

Because I thought that I wasn't coming to this show, I had purchased several "wants" at the Bowmanville show, so my list wasn't long.  That said, it wasn't like I had any money left in my pocket when I left the show.....

Vendors (that I don't know personally), now recognize me at shows.  Not sure what that says about my purchasing habits.

I started off at Marie-Luce Pelletier's table.  She make beautiful pottery and said she was likely going to retire after this show.  I hear retirement, and I quickly make sure I have purchased the pieces that I really love.  I have several of Marie-Luce's pieces that I purchased at antique shows, but this was the first time buying from her.  The jug and covered bowl are extremely delicate.  The itty bitty vase is stoneware.





Martha McLean Miniatures is my dealer of choice for handbags.  The luxurious, "can't have in real life" bags in mini compel me to take them home.  I learned they are by Gayoo Lee of South Korea.

The knit sweater coat was made by Lise Ashby.  There was a entire table of mini makers from Montreal representing the Miniature Enthusiasts of Montreal.  Their show is April 7-8, 2018. 

The toque (hat) is from an estate and was sold by Liz at Grandpa's Doll House.  The pom-pom on the hat was what made me buy it.  It's so tiny!  I also bought some texture brick paper from her.  I'm itching to use it on my next project.




Fay-vourite Crafts and Miniatures Co. continues to have amazing plant kits.  I purchased a croton this time and some plant stakes.




Pacific Wood Imports sells a huge variety of mini items (similar to what you find on ebay, mass produced), but I could not say no to the shelf (and it was $4).  I would spend more time and effort making it then just buying it.  The odd "thing" I bought will become a lamp, very retro looking.  Kinda looks like a turd when its on its side though.




I first discovered Sweet Something's Miniatures at the Guelph show, and regretted not buying more.  I'm not a clay maker, so I have to buy these items.  There's only so much I can devote my time to!!  Nancy's banana's are very realistic.  If you're wondering, the blender is Mini Fanaberia which I purchased via Small Scale Showcase a while back.




The mirror and table were made by MET member Eleanor.  The candle stick and copper vase came from Fay-vourite (above).  The turned wood vase and the hand woven rug are made by Harvey and Janice Temeer of Tremeer's Treasures.  They are an older couple and they both do amazing needle work.  I can only hope to see half as well as them when I'm their age.




While I'm not a Christmas mini nut, the items made by MET members were just too cute to leave behind.  The place mats were stitched and had matching napkins.  The stocking was very well done, and I found a second pair of green and red socks (bought some last year).





There will be no Brampton "garage sale" show this year, which made me extremely sad.  My love of retro minis usually means I find lots at these types of shows because people sell them off.  Alas, maybe the garage sale component can be worked into the Guelph or Bowmanville show. 

My wallet appears safe until the spring....maybe....nah.




Sunday, September 17, 2017

2017 Bowmanville Show - Minis Gone Wild




I had never been to the Bowmanville (Ontario) Miniature Show before, and I have to say, it was a solid show!  There weren't too many vendors there, and 2 that I love had to cancel due to emergencies, but the ones remaining were exactly the ones I wanted to see!

I started off at Small Scale Showcase.  Carol always has amazing items.  I purchased a salad bowl and salt and pepper shakers handmade by a Ukrainian artist.  I also picked up a Mini Fanaberia kitchen scale.  







I then moved straight across the room to Maggie Melinda Custom Miniatures (by Janet Harvie).  She had some sell off deals at her table, and I said sold!! She is absolutely lovely to deal with, and if you want custom furniture, I would highly recommend her work.  I now have several pieces in my collection and they are beautiful and well crafted.  

And she had some of her own mini collection for sale, so I grabbed the two gold end tables. 







Across the room I went to A Dollhouse Shoppe.  They sell all kinds of minis, but the last show I attended in Fergus, they had an artist I love, Gunther's Miniatures.  Recall the bed and the bench I purchased? Well, I had to have more of his incredible work!  I purchased a rose wood coffee table and an art deco sofa table.







Now that I had exhausted my "must have" list, I took count of my cash on hand (not too many vendors taking credit cards!) and set off on my hunt.  

Fay-vourite Crafts and Miniatures Co. is always good for kits, especially the ones she makes herself.  But what caught my eye at the end of the show (and also caught the last of my cash too!) was this beautiful handmade leather purse.  She told me it was made by a recently deceased artist, Jose Gomez in Spain.  It actually opens!







1000 Island Miniatures has a mix of things, old and new.  I grabbed this vintage TV that I plan to refinish and make slightly more realistic.  It needs some work.  The lamp had a retro vibe and the bag and thermos were, well, just kinda cute!





Petite Images had a lot of cute items, but I couldn't say no to these Halloween mugs.  Look at those happy little pumpkins!




Kim Stewart of Vintage Miniatures continues to make really amazing kits, she never disappoints.  Her wicker kits are very well crafted, I just completed the wicker tray kit I purchased from the Fergus show.  Most importantly, her instructions are great so you don't have to guess as you are learning. 

The paper chain kit was a bit of a whim purchase.  I was going to make a mini chain to celebrate Miss Kitty's birthday this summer, but never got to it.  Now I can make one for Christmas!!




And as I was out of cash, in need of coffee and getting hungry, I called it quits and went to find my husband working away on his laptop in our car.  He's a keeper that one! Drag him to a mini show a good distance from home and he happily works as I get my mini on!

Here's to hoping I make the MET Show in October!






2017 Miniature Enthusiasts of Toronto Sale - October 14th

Image from Grandpa's Doll House



How is it almost October?? But it is a good month!  First, we get the Miniature Enthusiasts of Toronto sale and then its Halloween.  After that, meh (sorry Christmas lovers).

The MET show this year is doing something different, 1 day instead of 2 days and also extending their hours.  

I have prior commitments that day, but I am praying that I will somehow make it there by afternoon.  Not first in the door, but better then nothing! My fingers are crossed.

Please come out and support the amazing artists and vendors on October 14th!





Saturday, September 16, 2017

Que Vee Is For Me!



Oh, when you find the love of your life on eBay!!  Well, the miniature love of your life.  If you recall, I have a red corduroy couch (with arms) that regularly makes an appearance around here.  I have never been able to locate a manufacturer, until now.  They are made by Que Vee in the US.  I purchased the vintage 3 piece living room set and the 2 mustard colour ottomans.  Shipping was tough to swallow, but I couldn't leave these behind.







And then I decided to make a little psychedelic space!















Where To Buy/Where To Find





Tuesday, September 05, 2017

Completed Summer Projects!




I actually completed some of my many on-going projects over the summer.  Yes, its a miracle.  It's the plight of the mini maker, a thousand projects on the go and the guilt associated with never finishing most of them.  

I made this grey velvet sofa for the charity build.  But I like it so much I am going to make myself one!  It's a little too deep for me, so I will slim this design down. It was a nice thin velvet, so it was easy to manipulate and not too bulky.

I also finished the Tabriz rug kit from Janet Granger.  The kit said small, and I never read instructions so I went with it.  Ha!! It's just over 8'x5', not very small at all!  Possibly the most boring stitching project that I've done, but I love the pattern.  It can go in any room and any era.  The rust colour isn't too red or orange either, so it doesn't over power a room.

This evening I started gluing down the fixed elements on the charity build, the cabinets and the TV unit.  Tomorrow I will glue in the ceiling light.  I'm making good progress (so far!).

It's Miss Kitty's first day of Kindergarten tomorrow.  Mini me is growing up!






Where To Buy / Where To Find