minicrochetmad

New Year Give Away

2012-01-30T21:16:00.002+11:00

Better late than never!

No complicated rules.

You must be a member here and leave a comment

on this post

to enter.

The draw will take place on

7th February.

What is it I hear you ask?

A shabby chic style shawl,

pink and white with a touch of blue.

It's about 4 1/2" square.

Good luck everyone!

Addendum

Life has been so hectic lately

that all I could think of last night

was to get this give away post

done quickly,

or it would not have been

a New Year give away.

Anyway,

with so many lovely comments

from the participants,

I thought I should at least

try to show some photos

of the shawl in use.

ps. none of the props are in the give away.

A New Year!

2012-01-11T10:12:00.000+11:00

A whole new year ahead......what will it bring for us all?

I guess we will find out in due course.

This past year has been particularly difficult and stressful

for my family.

We almost lost my husband 3 times,

had a death in the family,

lost a beloved furbaby.

I had to set aside my paperclay project due to the pressures,

haven't had much time for blogging

and have not achieved much in my miniature world

other than a little crochet.

It seems many have similar tales to tell

of life during 2011

So....

What will 2012 bring?

My wish for everyone is

simple...

Happiness.

With that in mind I plan

to bring a little happiness

to at least one person

in the near future.

Watch this space for a little give-away

as soon as RL permits.

I hope it helps set the tone

for a better year for all.

Midst the Chaos

2011-12-16T16:11:00.001+11:00

A spot of doodling with my Wedgewood Plate design.

Crochet is my sanity as the seasonal chaos reigns.

Lots of luck to everyone who is preparing

for their own seasonal celebrations!

Best Dressed Babe Around!

2011-12-03T13:02:00.000+11:00

Midget is the best dressed little darling

in the world!

Isn't this layette the most precious thing you ever saw?

I can't take my eyes off it!

So delicate you couldn't tell the size

if you didn't know Midget is only 1 3/4" long.

The embroidery is perfection.

Made by a very lovely lady

who is also a dear friend.

Thankyou isn't enough

but I thank you

from my heart.

Something I did a while back....

2011-11-30T10:25:00.000+11:00

A little experiment I did a few weeks ago

while working out the size of the gown for

the tiny BellyButtonBaby.

Photo of Midget with Emma Rose,

Midget is tiny!

Smaller in the body than a HO baby

but slightly larger head.

This gown fits a Heidi Ott baby better than it fits the BBB,

the sleeves need downsizing and the HO size bonnet doesn't fit etc.

Another experiment.

Handmade insertion in the gown on the HO doll.

It needs some embroidery!!

Long Time No See..........

2011-11-15T19:08:00.000+11:00

Real life gave me some grief over the last couple of months

there's been nothing to share,

hence my silent blog.

I'm so disappointed that my courtyard has had to be put on hold

for the time being.

Every week it's been fingers crossed that I could make it to Lidi's

for a lesson

and then

sadness

when it doesn't come off.

Miniature crochet took a holiday too

until

A dear friend suggested a swap!

What better way to get yourself out of a deep hole

than to put some love into

a miniature swap.

I feel like the luckiest person in the world today!!

I am the proud new mother of

Midget,

a Belly Button Baby,

Alicia

who made big sister Adelaide and big brother Christopher,

both of whom you've met before.

Now take a peek at Midget who is modelling the

Christening Layette

that I made for my end of the swap.

And here she is with big sister!

Isn't she the cutest tiny thing?

There won't be any more miniatures happening for a couple of weeks,

my close work glasses broke :[

You might as well cut my hands off as take my glasses away!!

Progress

2011-09-17T17:49:00.001+10:00

I had to miss a play date with Lidi last week

so she kindly played catch up with me today.

My painting skills haven't improved I'm afraid

so the artwork is all courtesy of the amazingly talented Lidi!

I watch what she does with a wiggle of the brush

but when I try to do the same thing

I just make mud.

So,

thanks Lidi

for doing my painting.

The bench will stay but the rest of

the loose items are only temporary.

The first wash is done on the plaster work,

the rocks yet to be done.

Paperclay Work Finished

2011-09-03T12:11:00.000+10:00

And some more painting done.

Lidi is not only very talented

but,

she is a great teacher!

I made a muddy mess of painting the paving stones

and had visions of having to dig them all up

and start again,

but no,

Teacher showed me how to fix them!!

Those blue things on the cobblestones are the doors

for the back opening,

they need painting and detailing.

I Learned How to Make Rocks!

2011-08-25T07:45:00.000+10:00

Wiring is under the white strip.

Left wall.

Right wall.

Back.

Have you been wondering???.......

2011-08-17T17:54:00.001+10:00

What those paperclay bricks will be?

Go and peek at Lidi's new blog.

Basketcase Miniatures

You'll see her Courtyard

which is the workshop that I'm learning.

And some of her baskets!

More Paperclay

2011-08-10T10:28:00.000+10:00

Lesson no. 2

The fun begins!!

Painting.

Art was never my strong point but we go slowly and build up layers of paint.

Here is the inside of the left wall

showing some nice cracks.

Still needing some more layers to add depth

and dimension.

The back wall didn't crack :(

Never mind, there will be plenty of other details to hold the eye.

During art lessons at school,

while everyone else was drawing and painting,

I was making slab sided pots

to grow my bonsais in.

The teacher seemed ok with this arrangement ;)

I had fun and he didn't have to tear his hair out over

my stick figures!

So,

I'm smiling all over my silly head

about managing to produce

some brick-like walls.

Thankyou again Lidi!!!

You are not only talented but also a very patient teacher ;)

My Excellent Adventure in Paperclay

2011-08-06T09:13:00.000+10:00

I'm a guinea pig!

Another self portrait I hear you ask?

Heheh, ;))

nope,

that's Cheryl, a furfriend of mine.

My Excellent Adventure?

I'm the guinea pig trialling a miniature workshop!

Courtesy of a wonderful friend

and most talented lady...

Lidi Stroud

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidistroud/

http://s46.photobucket.com/albums/f112/lidistroud

http://www.etsy.com/people/AbsoluteBasketcase

I absolutely never dreamed of learning paperclay.

A workshop is beyond my capabilities.

So,

to have this opportunity is beyond my wildest dreams!!

Lidi is kindly giving me this workshop

one morning a week over a few weeks.

To say I was scared to death of not coping

with the work would be an understatement.

Lesson One

The kit.

A mysterious pile of loot!

Gatorboard walls

Paperclay

Pastry board and roller

Clay tools

Door and window frames

Fountain

First we knead the paperclay

and roll it out.

Then it goes onto a wall

and the brickwork is marked.

I got one wall done during the lesson

and had two more walls for homework.

Close up of the bricks,

still damp.

I found the work very physically demanding

but not impossible

and now I know what is involved

I'll be able to practise this technique at home

when RL allows.

I am seriously slow at learning new things so believe me when I say

Anyone could do this!!

Given a talented and generous teacher who will start you on your own

Excellent Adventure :)))

Thankyou so much my dear and generous friend,

you'll never know what this gift means to me,

being a guinea pig is my biggest

miniature adventure ever!

Snowdrops are Early

2011-07-22T20:59:00.000+10:00

In spite of high winds there's a feeling of spring

in my garden,

the snow drops have popped out

8 days earlier than last year.

Yes, I guess it's a bit obsessive to write that on the calendar ;)

The promise of spring,

warm days,

sunshine.

Sunbathing.

A Little Bit of Excitement

2011-07-17T11:49:00.000+10:00

A new workstation!

Tired of having to pack up the dining table every time we wanted to use it, I decided

to let the moths out of my wallet and get another workstation!

There's a drawer for tools, another for glues.

One for clamps, another for odds and ends of wood.

There is room for individual project drawers

so they can be stored and easily brought out

to continue work.

And, you can almost see the top of the fridge and freezer

that have been covered with 'stuff' for years

where it was within quick reach ;)

I've had one of these for my crochet work for a number of years and it sure makes life easier.

Wheel it away when the house if full of guests

and find what you're looking for with generally less frustration from searching.

I can still misplace things but not quite as easily as

when everything was shoved into boxes.

Just pottering around

2011-07-16T22:16:00.000+10:00

It's mid-winter Downunder, meaning time to do the heavier gardening.

Not a lot of time for miniatures but the school holidays couldn't pass without spending time with grandkids making something for their projects.

No.3 grandson requested a paper towel holder for his kitchen.

No.2 grandson made a trash to treasure planter box for his stable a while ago,

he has painted it and planted some of my dodgy flowers.

I'm sure the horse will find them appetising

even though they look like they came from another planet ;)

And,

my own pottering with paperclay.

That's a trotting pole in front of the planter.

The flowers were a kit from

Georgie Steeds

A new suit for Christopher

2011-06-20T19:00:00.000+10:00

Isn't he the sweetest little angelface?

The migrants are here!

2011-06-19T21:15:00.000+10:00

A belated welcome to new migrants

Hilda Grace and James George!

With thanks to Robin for all her help,

superb packing and travel arrangements,

and making sure our much loved couple

departed their land of birth safely.

This is a tale of a family.

Some of the names have been changed to protect the innocent,

some have not,

Some of the tale is dollhouse fiction,

some is not :)

Part 1

In the beginning

there had been a love match

between

Hilda Grace and James George.

They produced and raised a much loved son who,

in the way of young men,

sought adventure along with fortune.

You may hear more of his adventures

in the future but for now,

this is his parents story.

Adventure led young James Downunder

and fortune he found.

Love found him.

He married an Aussie girl,

and settled down in marital bliss

which was wonderful news to his parents

but they missed him deeply

and wished so much to meet their Daughter-in-law.

Before they knew it Hilda and James became grandparents.

Hilda wept tears of happiness,

tinged with sadness

that she couldn't cuddle her first grandchild

or see the pride in her sons eyes.

Then they became grandparents again.

Hilda found her thoughts turned constantly to

the grandchildren she hadn't met.

James George was stoic

but in his heart

he too longed to see his son

and to meet those grandchildren.

The decision was made to travel Downunder for a visit.

Arrangements were begun and then -

they became grandparents again.

With the family increasing in Australia

and retirement on the horizon

it seemed natural to make a permanent move

so they made plans to sell their house

- that took some more time -

and they became grandparents again.

Finally all the arrangements were complete.

Passports in hand the elderly couple said a sad farewell to England

(and Robin)

and set their faces toward the new life awaiting them

in their new homeland

with their beloved son and his family.

By the time their ship docked,

they'd happily become grandparents again :)

(Help Robin, a couple more grandchildren are necessary to complete this story)

Here the author allows a peek into the happy arrival.

Just in the door,

being greeted by Daughter-in-law Janet and the most recent grandchild,

while son James Gordon puts the car away.

Hilda Grace couldn't wait to get her pinny on and start helping out,

but first things first,

her arms are aching for the long awaited cuddle of a beautiful grandchild.

So,

while James George takes the luggage upstairs,

Janet hands over the baby to a very happy grandmother

(who hopes the little dear won't screech).

In honour of the important occasion

baby is wearing the christening robe

that Hilda Grace made and sent for the families Christenings.

Oh dear,

it's looking like there's to be yet another grandchild.

Hilda Grace is in her element!!

James George somehow manages to fit their chest

and a couple of suitcases into their room,

they will have to be unpacked before the rest

can be brought up from the car.

Hmm, he thinks, chihuahuas seem to have taken over the whole house.

He smiles to himself,

between grandchildren

and dogs

and a happy Hilda

life is going to be warm and wonderful.

The story to be continued!

Thankyou Robin for these super grandparents!

Give-Away Winners!

2011-06-09T15:01:00.002+10:00

The moment had come to make the draw,

the names printed onto paper and folded

and put into a bowl.

Help drawing the names came from

the

FURKIDS

who all joined in proceedings.

The bowl is in there under close scrutiny

of 3 noses!

Dennis

aka

The Winnying White Ninny

(Nin for short)

consented to making the draw

after closer inspection.

Hmm, he says,

Better get mum to read the name!

And the first name drawn is.........

Ascension!

Congratulations and a big kiss from Nin.

The tension increases as he goes

for another try!

George says we have a winner!

Jelly decides she'd better make sure

her son did the job properly.

Enough with the inspections,

and the second name drawn

Robin!

Congratulations and Nin has a kiss for you too.

Neither of you have stated your preference so

Ascension has first choice.

Once Ascension has let me know

Robin can choose from the remaining sets.

The white boys set.

The yellow boys set.

The girls set.

Thanks to everyone for joining the give away!

Wot about a Giveaway?

2011-06-02T22:13:00.000+10:00

When I started this blog I never imagined anyone would want to read it or see

the miniature creations of a butterfly mind.

I am quite overwhelmed by finding there are now

340 of you following my ramblings.

Thankyou!

Apologies for not welcoming in recent months,

much has been going on in real life

in my house

since early December.

We had to cancel Christmas

and it was all down hill from there.

At last I can say things are looking up!

So,

let's do something happy to celebrate

a better turn in the road of life

and a bunch of lovely followers.

Let's have a give away!

The Rules.

You must be a member of this blog.

Leave a comment on this post saying which set

you would prefer.

There will be two winners.

Your blog must appear on your profile

so we can share your fun!

The draw will be on

the 9th of June, 2011.

Now for a sneak peek!

A little girls outfit in white with mauve edging.

Modelled by Adelaide.

Adelaide is not part of the give away, just her outfit.

A little boys outfit,

you may choose either white or lemon.

Modelled by Christopher.

Christopher is not part of the give away.

I hope to add one or two surprise items to each gift by the time

of the draw.

More Frames

2011-06-02T20:57:00.000+10:00

Still playing with trashy treasure

and paint.

Shabby Chic Hearts.

Beachy Chic Shells.

Each frame is about 1" square.

Bear Found Planking

2011-06-02T20:39:00.002+10:00

I just sprung Eleanore

planking on the back

of our lounge.

It is breaking my heart that I can't comment on most of your lovely blogs so I'm sending everyone bear hugs

from

and

Eleanore.

Sharing the joy

2011-05-23T13:56:00.001+10:00

Two parcels arrived here a short time ago

so,

I wanted to share my excitement!

How awesome are these perfect little jars

of condiments and jam?

From

Sarah

I only wish the huge RL jar of pickled onions I made last week looked as yummy!

These two darling chocolate Easter Hens are

from

Peiwen

How gorgeous are they? Beautiful.

Food for the miniature soul.

And lastly,

I rememberd when looking in photo albums,

I forgot to show this lovely display of chrysanthemums

from

Pei Li

when we swapped late last year.

I adore these tiny amazing flowers, they are so delicate in RL,

the photo doesn't do them justice.

Thankyou Pei Li :)

Self Portrait

2011-05-22T16:27:00.000+10:00

No.2 grandson says you can't tell whether my hair has been combed or not.

Cheeky little devil!

Going Potty

2011-05-21T16:28:00.002+10:00

No need to make the obvious remark,

I already know I'm potty :)

Miniature potting is one of the many and varied symptoms .

And it's fun although not expertly done.

When you don't have what you want

and can't wait for the postman,

you try making your own.

Paper Clay is great though I'm not by any means much of a potter so we'll call them

Shabby Pots!!

and hopefully get away with the unique pot style ;)

I didn't have any of the little wooden pots this time so

these ones are all my own work.

The pansies were begging to be planted,

hence the potty potting.

Yes, I actually made the pansies.

Much holding of breath

and stress

and learning not to sigh.......

so you don't have to search far and wide for petals.

Regular followers will know I'm more than slightly challenged when it comes to miniature flora

so please critique my first miniature flowers made from a kit, I'd love to know how to detail them to make them as life-like as possible.

The kit was from

The Miniature Garden

The african violet was a 'pot ready' gift that only needed

a home and I love the wee thing.

The floral tape aspidistra was made a couple of years ago,

please don't look too closely at the poor thing,

it's kinda embarrassed :(

about being made to pose and help fill out the frame.

At this rate the conservatory may well be finished this year!

I never seem to finish my own projects,

making the details is more to my ability than the structure

and the potty mind loves the variety of creating whatever comes to the imagination.

Framed........

2011-05-14T18:46:00.000+10:00

When you're bored, play with trash.

Coffee stirrers and buttons.

Cheap thrills :))

Royal Wedding Fever....!

2011-04-29T12:23:00.000+10:00

Heheh, when I saw these plates I just had to have a souvenir of the Royal Wedding!

From

Carolyn

My fuzzy photo doesn't do them justice, they are really really lovely and made me smile.

Another smile :)

A parcel arrived in the mail yesterday unexpectedly from a dear friend.

Don't you love surprises!!

I was gobsmacked when I opened it to reveal a whole box full of beautiful wicker that she'd made.

This chest is just one piece!

Adelaide claimed it immediately and dressed it up with her favourite things.

I just love it!!

And I love all the other bits which will turn up in photos soon!

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T00:02:00.002+10:00

Easter Greetings,

hoping for peace and family time for everyone.

These are my miniature Easter makings for 2011.

The basket is an old one with a shabby facelift,

the birdie-on-a-stick is new,

the nest is new,

as are the Easter Eggs and the pull-along-bunny.

Mr. 9 year old grandson helped make the polyclay eggs.

Inspiration is back!

Some Self Indulgence

2011-04-19T15:18:00.000+10:00

I'm feeling like a bus today.

You wait and wait for a bus that never comes then two arrive together!

Just thought I'd share what I've been up to,

indulging the passion while unable to make miniatures myself.

From

Blue Kitty Miniatures

The ducks reminded me of my grandparents home and made me smile.

Being unhandy with miniature plants I couldn't resist these gorgeous succulents. The photos don't do justice to these polyclay creations, they are absolutely wonderful!

From

MostlyArt

I adore this little Froggy flower frog in this lovely bowl!

Once again the photo doesn't show the perfection of the handwork.

The bunny and african violet were surprise gifts that made my day :)

Here they are all together with a spike I made

inspired by Mercedes RL size spike.

The spike is my first play with miniature making in quite a while.

All of these goodies reside in my conservatory which is getting nicely filled.

Adelaide's Clothes

2011-04-19T14:03:00.000+10:00

No More Zen Knitting

2011-03-30T22:03:00.001+11:00

It feels good to be back to miniature crochet after 3 months of real life poking its ugly nose into my fun.

Adelaide has been naked for far too long.

An Angel Suit for a little angel!

Adelaide came from Alicia

Long Absence...

2011-02-27T11:31:00.000+11:00

Not much time to post of late but keeping up with

all your beautiful blogs

during spare moments keeps me almost on the level ;)

Do I suffer from insanity? No, I enjoy it!

Also enjoying cooking.

Croissants, brandy custard and prunes - upmarket bread and butter pudding - a fave with family!

And making soap - perfume and additive free. No photo, it's still maturing.

And knitting RL size dish cloths when my hands are shaking too much for miniatures.

Knitting dish cloths is addictive.

Zen knitting my friend Bev calls it,

automatic movements that let your mind roam free.

There have been some moments for miniatures.

Pink for my kitchen.

Enamel mugs for no.2 grandsons stable.

Egg carton pavers for the stable.

Grandson made a planter box and I had help building a Feed Bin.

Pet dishes made by no.3 grandson for his kitchen while he was off school with Chickenpox.

That lad is good with poly clay!

And a cat bed made by me.

Second set of dishes made by me for the stable because no.2 grandson didn't have chickenpox

......and had to go to school!

Yellow for grandsons kitchen.

Just small projects for my butterfly mind.

Shabby What? - Shabby Grubby....

2011-02-03T14:24:00.000+11:00

Grunge-ing (my own word) a nice miniature is not an easy thing for my clean, neat and tidy brain come to terms with; much as I love the work of real shabby miniature artists who seem to know exactly how much is enough, the process doesn't come naturally to me.

I can't say I like what I've done.

I think I went a bit too far, my husband wants to put it on the kerbside for the metal recyclers.........hmmmm, is that a compliment or a criticism?

At least the banged up cream coloured jug does look more used now, not so 'brand new with artfully applied chips added'. I don't like the other two jugs much, they were better without the grunge.

I used thin washes of two paint colours, an amber sort of one for the rusted marks and and a dirty brownish black for plain old dirt stains. Dotted the wash on and spread and dabbed with my fingers. When there was too much I wiped it a bit with an almost dry cloth, that left a hint of colour in the depths of the brush strokes in the white paint and looked more natural.

Five Minutes of Fun

2011-02-01T21:04:00.000+11:00

Table made from card, wire and beads.

Needs some shabbying but I'm nervous about messing up.

Paint effects are not my area!!

A Nice Cuppa.....

2011-01-03T18:55:00.001+11:00

Breathe a sigh, Christmas and New Year are over. Time to take stock and make plans with a nice cup of tea.

Can't do the cuppa without the kettle, matching our toasters of course.

We wanted our kettles to be real so we took our measurements from my

RL Sunbeam Kettle.

Brushed stainless steel for grandson,

green for my modern kitchen.

What we made them from.

I'm so sorry I forgot to take photos for a tutorial as I went along with these kettles, they've been a work in progress for over a month as I worked out how to achieve each step, in between christmas shopping, christmas baking, christmas decorating, christmas parcel wrapping..........you get the picture!! I wasn't altogether sure my idea would work till after I got the wire ring to stay stuck round the bottom of the main body to represent the ridge where the top part is joined to the element part of the lift off kettle. After that hurdle the rest went easily. Look at your own kettle or a photo of one that you like the shape of and you'll see it is just a sandwich of pieces stuck together.

I cut part of the bead off for the main body then cut two circles from the tongue depressor the same size as the cut off base of the bead. Then sanded a slight bevel on the cut edge of the bead and the same on the edge of one of the wood circles and glued the two pieces together so the bevel edges made a slight depression for wire to sit in. I used 5 minute epoxy glue for the wire and there's no way to get it to stay except to hold it in position till that glue sets! Next I drilled a hole in the piece of dowel down the shaft for the spout of the kettle and cut that tiny piece away from the dowel on an angle so it would tilt upward when glued on to the bead. The hole in the top of the bead was filled with a plaster type filler and a tiny hole drilled to insert the pin for the knob of the lid. The 'lid' position was marked by placing the bead upright on the table and placing a pencil on a book or something horizontally positioned so the bead can be turned round against the pencil and make an even mark all round the top where the edge of the lid would show, then a slight depression was filed using the pencil mark as a guide. Two holes were drilled into the bead and a wire handle was bent and glued in, once again using epoxy glue.

For the electric base, drill a hole in the centre of the other wood circle and use that as a guide to drill a matching hole in the bottom wood circle of the kettle so when the top is put on the base the two circles will match one another. Glue a short length of toothpick into the hole in the base for the 'electric plug' bit that goes into the kettle. Next, round off the top edge of the base and the bottom edge of the kettle. Turn the base over and add 3 tiny slices of toothpick for feet, sand so it will sit firmly. Black thread and card make the electric cord. Then paint in your chosen colour scheme.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T07:52:00.000+11:00

Wishing everyone Happiness,

Prosperity,

and lots of miniatures for 2011!!

We quietly watched the fireworks on Sydney Harbour

on television to bring in the new year.

What did you do on Boxing Day?

2010-12-27T07:23:00.000+11:00

I first counted my blessings.....miniature and otherwise.........

This blessing is a gift every Christmas, it belonged to my Pop who passed away in 1970, was cared for by Nanna till 1995 when it came into my care. It must be well over 50 years old, I recall it being around when I was young. I love the rich colour of the abundant blooms and treasure the memories they bring.

Then some miniature christmas goodies.

Meet Imogen Iris.

A special gift from my other 'arf, dressed in cream and old christmas red.

She joins her older sister Isabelle Ivy,

(sitting down)

in the Christmas Shop with Ambrose,

(the dog with the face only a mother could love but he is a precious memento of a dear departed friend) - where both girls dream of

Christmas Presents.

Please don't look at the naked christmas tree, I promise I'm trying to make decorations..........

From a very dear friend who has a very new blog.

I collect Depression Glass, now I have some in miniature! How cool is that?

The phone is a symbol of our legendary chat-a-thons ;)

That tatted doiley, handmade, gossamer fine. Isn't it gorgeous?

It deserves a photo on its own to show off the awesome detail.

The bridle kit is again from 'imself and the totally grogeous silver trophy is from another lovely friend. It looks like I'd better build my own stable soon!

After counting blessings I thought, since Grumpy is off his oats and on paddock rest, it would be appropriate to make hay while the sun shines............

OK, end of horsey puns, and the sun hasn't shone here for a week.

Nevertheless, a large part of the day was spent making up that bridle kit.

I rarely have that much time to play all in one day, it was like christmas mk.2!

Shadow looks pleased with his new 'clothes' :) Here he is visiting my grandsons horse who is as yet unnamed. If I was a trifle younger, and a trifle smaller, I'd hop right on that saddle and take a wonderful ride but since I'm neither of those things I'll have to do the grandmotherly thing instead and spend some time with grandson making up his christmas bridle kit for his horse very soon.

A Furry Happy Christmas

2010-12-18T10:01:00.000+11:00

Decorate the Christmas Tree with cute ornaments.

George.

What's the fuss?

Blonde Bomber.

Watching from a safe distance.

Freddy Frog and the Whinnying White Ninny.

Give me a break, I'm too old to get excited!

Jelly.

Bah Humbug! I'll hide under a pillow till the fuss is over.

Flossie Flannel Drawers.

Happy Christmas to all who share the season and to their furry loved ones from me and my beloved fuzzbutts.

Two New Etsy Shops

2010-12-08T09:02:00.000+11:00

I'm excited to share two new faces at Etsy. Both have just returned from Miniatura.

Lidi

For amazing miniature baskets.

and

Jess

For poly clay art and miniature food to make you drool.

A Fun Pattern Review

2010-11-29T15:58:00.000+11:00

The inhabitants of the toybox heard a whisper that there were some new toys on their way to join them so they all got together to share the gossip and form a welcoming comittee. The bears were excited because they'd heard there were to be some more bears and little Gulliver, the smallest pink elephant, heard there was someone just the right size for him to play with.

Here they are whispering among themselves.

Dermot the Frog was disappointed the newcomers weren't green but he got over it when he found there was a blue bear - his second favourite colour!

Gulliver was thrilled to meet his new tiny playmate and Microdot jumped for joy to meet another pink bear. Heffalump, the big pink elephant found a soulmate in the white bear and they can often be found whispering together. The floor of the nursery is busy with toys!

I often feel sad that I can't make enough crocheted things to share with everyone so it's been on my mind to buy some patterns and do a review so you can try to crochet some things too.

Mariella

kindly agreed to allow me to make a post about her patterns.

These are the ones I chose. They are so cute!

Bear

Gingerbreadman

Not wanting to add yet more thread to my already impressive thread stash I decided to go with what I had on hand. That meant I had to use different hook sizes to the ones mentioned in the pattern but when you are making toys it isn't important to have exactly the same thread as long as the hook size suits your thread. I used a 0.6mm hook for the bears and for the gingerbreadman a 0.4mm hook. I'm a self taught crocheter and often have trouble understanding patterns but Mariella's patterns were very easy to understand. As with all miniatures, it's the finishing touches that make all the difference. By changing the position of the ears and muzzle the bears each have slightly different faces. My gingerbreadman is precisely 12mm tall and the bears are 18mm.

Thanks Mariella, I had fun with your patterns!

Another surprise and other things

2010-11-19T13:25:00.001+11:00

I don't believe it, the postman delivered another surprise early this week! I can't begin to tell you how amazed I was!! There was a gorgeous shabby chic tray, a darling decorated coat hanger and a shabby style flower bucket. My eyes popped out and my face smiled all day. Surprises warm the soul. Thankyou so much dear Carmen Your gift was a much appreciated surprise and I absolutely love everything.

Right after sending a thankyou note to Carmen our internet dropped out so I couldn't post a photo to my blog to share my pleasure. The 'Grumpy' old bloke came home a little later and said he'd seen a very large truck bring down the phone lines just around the corner from our street......no internet, no phone. It felt like I'd had a lobotomy, cut off from blogs and all my friends who live in my computer! :))

Now I'm feeling all virtuous because I used the time to actually try to make something to display with those beautiful gifts from Carmen.

Well, I tried..........

Carmens heart shaped shabby chic tray needed pretty ladies things on it so I made perfume bottles. That pretty coathanger is perfect for a baby romper. The lovely flower bucket needed flowers. I'm not great at making miniature flowers but I thought lavender might be easy enought for me to try and it would suit the colour of the bucket so I searched my files for a tutorial - to no avail. No internet, unable to search! Ok then, I'll have to try to make lavender from memory. I'm sorry my poor lavender doesn't do justice to this lovely bucket :(

Thankyou Carmen, your gifts are beautiful and you made me try to make something I never did before.

The second day, still no internet. What to do? Practise making lavender and see if I can do any better. No, I'm afraid my second effort isn't any better than the first attempt :(( Well, I won't throw it out so, what to do with it? There are some of those ugly little wooden pots in my stash but if I paint them they will still be ugly and look like painted wood because I'm not that great at paint effects either. Hmmm, they're a bit on the small side too. If I cover them with paper clay they'll look bigger so, out came the paper clay. Just cheap stuff. Glue and paperclay up to the elbows, paint in my hair, I forgot to make lunch but having a lovely time and in the end I like that little wooden flower pot now :)) And it's all thanks to Carmen for giving me the impetus to do something else besides crochet!

If anyone can help me learn to make nice lavender I'd be grateful!

Now I'm off to catch up with all the blogposts I've missed.

Bloggers are nice people!

2010-11-07T22:29:00.000+11:00

A mystery parcel arrived at my house that I simply had to share with you. Just take a look at this below...........and then go and find the mystery sender

To say I was completely bowled over would be an understatement! How lucky am I? Look at that gorgeous mini scrapbook album, I love it! I couldn't believe my eyes when I looked inside and saw all the details, even the little tabs pull out pages. It's so pretty I can't see myself putting photos in it ;) The sewing basket contains sewing and scissors and threads and the cloth basket has fat quarters in it all ready for a quilter to start work. That pierced tin cabinet is telling me it wants to live in a quilt shop. It looks like my next project is already decided.

Blessings on the dear dear friend who sent this parcel, it's the bestest thing that has happened to me in a while.

Trashy Treasure

2010-10-27T10:03:00.000+11:00

Sometimes it's good to be forced into inactivity. I can vouch that painting is good therapy and finishing up a small project is even better therapy.

These shelves were finished a long time ago but getting around to painting them was another matter. They're made from icy pole sticks, tongue depressors and some oddments of scrap wood. I tried to match the colour of the kitchen set, didn't quite manage that but who cares? It's all about the fun!

I'm under orders to make a cabinet to fit the back corner on the right. The 9 year old owner of this roombox also has a long list pinned to the fridge, of many more details to be made - curtains, pet dishes, dog basket, cat litter tray, plant, pictures for the walls etc.

Still taking a break ;)

2010-10-25T18:19:00.003+11:00

Pet treat jars.
Simple trash to treasure, made from buttons, beads and card.

Just a little Something

2010-10-19T08:37:00.001+11:00

I'm still unable to post or read much. Here is a little something that has been 34 years in the making. From the original concept when fine thread, fine hooks and fine linen were simply unavailable in the Antipodes, the idea remained in the back of my mind and occasionally surfaced for contemplation. Recent enforced inactivity brought forth a linen doiley with silk crocheted edging, shown here with Pei Li's peonies.

More in the pipeline, as yet not photographed.

The Phantom Stable Update

2010-10-14T10:39:00.000+11:00

Stable Mk2. I guess this stable seems like a phantom, heard but not seen so here is proof it exists.

No.1 was discarded due to the effects of vinegar and steel wool bug juice warping the timber and the acidity levels remaining may have had an effect on the contents, particularly the horse.

This project is slow going with real life interfering with available time.

With the acrylic front and roof in place. Roof needs a skylight insert.

Overview.

Loose box. Twisted wire forms the hinges on the gate.

Tack and feed room. Inner walls are pegged for strength.

Feed trough.

Made and painted by the 13year old owner. The only help he had was with inserting the wire in the rim which bends into hooks for hanging.

Tool boxes and crate made and painted by 13year old. He had a tiny bit of help with the metal tin of nails.

A trifle in shock.........

2010-10-07T14:08:00.000+11:00

Peeping out of my hermitage for a moment to share happiness.

Pei Li had a wonderful give away over at her blog. I was stunned to win and so excited because I love Pei Li's gentle style and the shabby chic style in general.

Life has been a little under par of late so when a knock came on the door this morning it was a surprise to open the door and find there is a parcel for me!! That changed the complexion of my day/week/month completely :) With shaking hands I opened the envelope and then began the shock.........

This little pot of peonies is so perfect I can't believe my eyes. Every petal is fine and translucent like real peonies.

Here they are displayed with some of the macarons I bought from Pei Li a while back.

The tiny pink pot is only 1centimetre across!

Thankyou so much Pei Li, your beautiful gift is such a pleasure to my soul.

Miniature Treasure!

2010-08-26T10:33:00.001+10:00

Aren't these beautiful?

The nutella came from

Oiseau de nim

The macarons in the beautiful jar from

Pei Li

who also included the pastries as a surprise :)

They are perfect in my modern kitchen.

I love buying special things sometimes, it seems like Christmas!

I love books!

2010-08-25T17:16:00.000+10:00

I love Real Life books so of course miniature books hold a fascination too.

With thanks to

Lize

Jean

and Ann Vanture at Paper Minis

For sharing their superb printies!!!

I enjoyed making these books so much, they all have pages inside, though some just have plain paper.

There should be some crochet to share in a few days :)

A quick G'day.....

2010-08-15T10:07:00.000+10:00

It seems as if everyone in miniature blogland is very busy, not a lot happening on the miniature front! I hope you're all enjoying yourselves.

Thanks to everyone who left lovely comments on my last post showing old photos, I'm glad you enjoyed.

Real life has been hectic in this madhouse. One friends 3 dogs stayed for an extended long weekend and another friends 1 dog has been with us for 10 days, altogether with my fur family, 10 dogs in one rather small home! Ha! Fun and games. If you love dogs you'll understand :) Two of the visitors slept on our bed, they slept very well. I, on the other hand, did not ;) My dogs sleep in their own beds. Except when "daddy" is away, then they luxuriate in 9/10ths of a king size bed...guess who gets the other 10th!

For all those who asked after The Blonde Bomber, she's well and lively and happy!

Spring is creeping up Downunder, Snow Drops at their prettiest, new leaves unfurling on May bushes, azalea flowers popping out. I can't wait for the Flowering Peach to put on its' show. It's a pretty time of year. As usual the warmer weather is catching up on me too fast for comfort, my plans unfinished as yet, more work to be done, not much time for miniatures. Gardening in hot weather doesn't happen round here, that's the time to sit amongst it and enjoy the efforts of the cooler months so it's a case of getting a move on sooner rather than later. Now, where are those grandsons when you need them? They're always up for earning a bob or two, they could be rich soon!

So, when RL permits, a little time of an evening is carefully planned and enjoyed with hook in hand. Recent work has been about re-working old patterns in finer threads and improving the designs. Baby bonnets, helmets, knickers, bibs and shoettes all coming under scrutiny. Outer wear still ''on the hook''.

I'm AWOL

2010-07-27T13:54:00.001+10:00

And not enjoying it! No new photos to share though some things in the pipeline. I can barely type after a bout of essential gardening while the weather is still cool. Keep posting lovely things on your blogs, it's such a pleasure to wander from country to country without having to lift a finger. See you all when I'm fighting fit again!

A couple of old pics.

This is The Blonde Bomber recuperating after surgery, I don't think she suffered, I think she enjoyed :)

Give away time!

2010-07-15T11:55:00.000+10:00

Shoettes

These fit the 2 1/2" anatomically correct porcelain doll shown in the last post.

The rules:-

1. You must leave a comment on this post to be entered in the draw.

2. The draw will take place on the evening of Saturday the 17th of July, Eastern Australian time.

3. You must be a member of this blog at the point of publishing this post.

4. Three names will be drawn, first will have first colour choice, second will have second choice, third will receive the remaining pair.

Good luck lovely people!

Help please? and a couple of other things

2010-07-14T15:26:00.000+10:00

First, one of the 'other things'!

A few weeks ago Linda offered some of her shabby mail at her blog, of course I simply had to have it for my dollhouse. Who could resist an offer like that??. A photo can't do it justice, every envelope is made exactly like a real envelope. I love it and so does my dollhouse! Thankyou Linda.

Next thing.

As I was going through photos I found the a photo of the first pair of crocheted baby shoettes with welting that I designed years ago. The new version is better! I designed the helmet the baby is wearing too, but not his romper suit. and yes, I'm working on finishing some shoettes for a give away, hopefully in the next day or two.

Now for the "help please?"

I have a lot in common with Pooh Bear, a head full of fluff, I have to think and think..........and then think some more. Then procrastinate, think again and finally decide to wait till I'm sure ;) Small details I can do, room decorating scares the socks off me! The inside of a stable? No problem. I can't say the same for pretty rooms. That probably comes from spending as much time as I could with horses when I was young and as little time as possible indoors.

Now, I've been putting a modern kitchen together for myself for a year or so in between doing things for grandkids and this is where I'm at.

No flooring yet, I have in mind to do something like a light grey and white marble tile. The wallpaper is just standing there waiting for approval. I love the freshness of the stripe but after thinking (and thinking) I think maybe a whole kitchen of stripes is going to be too much. So, will my marble-ish tile look ok with the stripes? is the first question and the second question is, what can I do to the walls to make them interesting and still use this wallpaper somehow? All help gratefully received.

Toast anyone?..............

2010-07-11T22:35:00.001+10:00

Levi needed a toaster so we made one. School holidays are a specially busy miniature time round here!

Monkey see, monkey do, is me. No imagination, but if I can touch it I can try making it. I measured our RL toaster and we went from there.

Here is what you need. Good old tongue depressors and coffee stirrers! And a toaster to copy of course.

The upper part of the toaster with the slots was made as the three pieces shown bottom right, then all glued together. Two tongue depressors glued together to get the thickness, split a coffee stirrer down the length to make the slot ends. Sand to shape.

The electric cord is made from thread with black card folded over and glued in position. The wall plug was punched circles and the cord sandwiched between. Tacky wax will hold it in position to make it look like it is plugged in.

Paint the upper and lower sections in your choice of colour and let dry. Levi wanted Brushed Stainless Steel for his, mine is a retro/shabby green. Glue top and bottom together and then add a timing knob made of a short length of toothpick. Finally add the handle for lowering the toast. We used black card again with a short piece of wire pushed into a drilled hole in the body of the toaster.

Addendum:- Second toaster makes its debut.

School Holiday Project

2010-07-04T15:10:00.000+10:00

What Levi and I made for his modern kitchen roombox today.

We made it from a piece of a worn out Woolworths recyclable shopping bag like this RL one.

And here it is in his kitchen.

It was fun to make and it's the cutest thing to hold in your hand!

Time Out

2010-07-02T11:56:00.000+10:00

Needing time out from more difficult mini crochet I decided to make something simple. This table centre is fine thread.

Baby Shoettes

2010-07-02T11:00:00.000+10:00

Two sizes.

Georgie is FREEEEEEEEE!!

2010-06-29T12:01:00.000+10:00

Please excuse my enthusiasm and delight :))

George had patella surgery 10 weeks ago, all did not go to plan, there was an accident to her knee tendon during the surgery. We were told 3 to 6 months before she can be declared completely recovered. She has spent 10 weeks in a play pen unless I could be with her to keep her immobile on a lead. As you can imagine it hasn't been an easy time for the poor wee mite.Great surprise this morning! The vet was so pleased with her this morning when she went for a check that he's allowing her to slowly integrate back into the family pack.

And here she is a few moments ago. The fur is growing back and George is a happy girl! Not that you can tell from the photo, she doesn't like cameras up close!

I have mail!

2010-06-18T14:54:00.000+10:00

Wheeee!!! I couldn't wait to open it!

What's inside?

The most beautiful little shirt! So neat and perfect, and some braid and a lovely note. Thankyou Maria, you are so kind!

Little boxes, little boxes..............

2010-06-15T09:58:00.000+10:00

If you remember that song you are older than my children.

No new crochet to show, I'm catching up on repeat items. Time out needed so I played with paper again.

Paper Miniatures

2010-06-05T10:40:00.000+10:00

Playing with paper. Rewarding fun :) The jugs come from Marlies of course! Thanks Marlies, they are fun to make. The map is of the Sydney area, it's to go in a drawer in my 3rd grandsons kitchen roombox. Grandson no.2 made the flowers, aged 12.

How to make a Laundry Sink

2010-06-04T13:08:00.001+10:00

This laundry no longer exists as shown, sad story.......

Because I can't easily buy any miniature supplies I printed the wallpaper myself and, after breaking my heart over it fading within weeks and having to be replaced 3 times, each time trying more desperate measures to prevent the fading, I gave in and threw the laundry box away. The contents now live in a clear plastic chocolate box and the printie dryer and washer have been replaced with 'real' ones!

Apart from the sad story, the reason for showing the laundry is to show the sink unit. It's made from balsa, earring oddments and a cheese spread container.

Jam production

2010-06-02T17:05:00.000+10:00

I saw Sabs beautiful jam jars and followed her link to Karins

tutorial. Thankyou both for sharing!

Great Excitement!

2010-05-31T21:52:00.002+10:00

A dear friend called in today with the most amazing gift for me.

How lucky am I? The luckiest person in the world!!

Thankyou Lidi!!!

Moon Shadow has "clothes"!! He was a bit jealous when my grandsons horse got a saddle for Christmas ;) Now he feels all smart!
Shadow is very proud of his new dressage saddle with double buckled girth and bridle with egg butt bit and cavesson, see him arching his neck and showing off for the camera.

The RL size horse shoe is a memento from the rear hoof of my beloved Thoroughbred - Black Prince - who I rode as a teenager a long time ago ;)

Lidi recently was awarded IGMA Artisan status, she will be at Miniatura in October with her unique baskets. Please visit her web shop and flickr photo album to see her wares.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidistroud/

http://www.intominis.com/service1.html

Treasures

2010-05-25T12:03:00.000+10:00

I made the tea trolley some time ago, the treasures came from Sydney Miniatures Show. I didn't go to the show but a dear friend did!!

More treasures.

I grieve for two who passed away this year. 6 remain and all the more precious.

George had surgery 5 weeks ago, she is recovering well but an accident to the tendon during surgery means a long recovery time.

Something new

2010-05-20T13:18:00.001+10:00

Tea cosy.

Recent fun and something special

2010-04-29T18:47:00.000+10:00

When my daughter said she was going to make play dough for the kids I said why not make cold porcelain? She has never been interested in miniatures but is very talented and I hoped she might enjoy "playing" with the porcelain dough too! The results can be seen in the pictures below.

I'm proud to have some of the pink roses for my dollhouse! I think they're very special. The trugs and tool boxes were made with grandkids during school holidays. No.2 grandson made the brown toolbox for brushes etc. for his stable, the one with cleaning products was made by grandson no.3 (with a little assistance) for his kitchen. As you can see I'm experimenting with different finishes.

Buttons Makes his Debut

2010-04-28T20:53:00.000+10:00

A new card reader has been obtained, Yay!! Thanks goes to my other half for his persistence! As promised, pics!

This is Buttons. He is 17mm or 11/16ths" tall (or short, depending on your perspective) and is 5way jointed. He comes in this little basket.

And a hint of what 2nd and 3rd winners will receive.

The wooden basket can be painted or left unpainted for the winner to finish themselves.

Give away and old photos

2010-04-25T10:19:00.005+10:00

One of the reasons I've not been sharing much is that during our home upheaval I've lost the card reader for my camera to upload photos, Vista won't talk to my poor old camera. I've lived in hope of finding the reader but hope has faded with emptying the final boxes of junk/household necessities. So, I must do something about replacing it or installing a permanent one in the computer very soon, not being able to share is very boring. I'm dying to show the results of recent time spent with grandkids!

No card reader means no photo of my
give away :((( I'm so sorry!! I hope a description will suffice. The first name drawn will receive a crocheted bear called Buttons, he is very closely related to Butterscotch who can be seen here http://minicrochetmad.blogspot.com/2009/10/begin-at-beginning.html Buttons has his own little comfort blanket to take with him to his new home. Second and third names drawn will receive a crocheted surprise, shabby chic style.

The draw is open to anyone who has commented on this blog previously and who says a quick hi on this post. I love all your comments so your name will be included as many times as your previous number of comments, to show my appreciation. I will make the draw on the last day of April during the evening Australian time.

Till I can share new pics, here are some old ones.

Happy Easter Friends

2010-04-02T12:12:00.000+11:00

Remember the reason, enjoy family time and eat Easter Eggs!

Pssst! (whispering) I'm miniature crocheting again :) Couldn't hold out any longer, house settling can wait a little. What am I making? Heheh, now that would be giving things away a little too soon............that's right, it's a give away! Watch this space.

Weight Loss Program

2010-03-26T11:25:00.001+11:00

Guaranteed to lose 10lb in 4 weeks! Just pack up your entire house, move out and then move back in again!!

With life so disorganised miniature crochet is but a memory but I'll share my last larger project that was made in January. It was a birthday gift so it couldn't be shown before it was received and I forgot to photograph it myself!! the recipient has kindly sent a couple of photos for me to share.

This is the same pattern as Emma Rose's christening layette but made a size smaller to fit the Heidi Ott doll. It isn't my design but I love making this pattern. I did design the bonnet and the invisible knickers and bootees.

Lastly, welcome to all the lovely new followers here. I will make a proper welcome soon I promise!

Also, thankyou so much Lisa, Susan and Norma for sharing awards!! I'll pick them up when I have another moment for myself at the computer.

Mini hugs to everyone, back to the salt mines for me ;)

Sus.

Fun with a grandson

2010-01-24T21:26:00.002+11:00

Some things a grandson and I made for his kitchen roombox today!

Crochet

2010-01-16T10:50:00.002+11:00

My last crocheted project is still under wraps as it's for a dear friends birthday but here is the result of some recent doodling, not a lot to show as yet. The beginnings of a bedspread.

Look who came to live with us!

2010-01-09T10:37:00.003+11:00

After much thought, as you'd expect when adopting ;) I finally gave in to my hearts pleading and a little girl named Isabelle Ivy came to be a sister for Emma Rose!

She's a little sweetie. A small ray of sunshine in a week that could have been better!

Feeling a trifle under the weather (battered in spirit after losing one of my dear dogs and bruised in flesh from a fall) the arrival of Isabelle Ivy brought a smile and brightened things up no end! Aren't miniatures and miniature friends the best balm for the spirits?

Make a pie tin

2010-01-07T20:18:00.001+11:00

I am not a poly clay artist, the practical rather than the beautiful comes easier. This pie dish is easy enough for anyone to make.

My grandson helped, they are his hands in the photos. The pics are fairly much self explanatory, simple tools and aluminium tops from drink bottles are all you need.

Cut along the dotted line!

Pull out the insert. Fold the edge down a little with smooth nosed pliers.

File the edge down to a 'pie dish' depth.

Smooth the top and Voila!

Cook a yummy pie in your new pie dish. Don't look too closely, I'm not a poly clay artist!

Miniatures take a backseat..........

2010-01-04T11:24:00.002+11:00

to "real life" at times.

Christmas and New Year are big Downunder with long school holidays covering about 6 weeks during the hottest time of the year and many taking their annual work holiday.

Being much better with tools than clay I had Levi assist me with a photo tutorial for making pie dishes - coming soon to this space. Waaaah! I'm having photo problems in my computer so can't share the pics in the camera for the moment.

I can share something I began making in late November and had to lay aside during the silly season - two shabby type containers for my pink baby roombox. They were made using clear plastic pen casing, beads and press studs. The taller one will hold cotton balls while the short one already holds cotton buds.

If anyone can tell me how to make paint stick to this type of shiny silver bead I would be very grateful, I painted them every which way I could think but every time the paint just came off the minute I touched them. Gesso helped the paint stick to the press studs but those beads....................frustration!

Begin at the beginning part 2 - or - The On-going Tale of a Miniature Addiction

2009-12-11T12:16:00.003+11:00

Having realised I was in fact a miniaturist and part of a wide community rather than believing the love of all things tiny was some sort of personality disorder that needed to be hidden, I proudly came out of the closet with miniature crochet hook in hand in 1976. Proceeds from miniature crochet bought a scroll saw and a couple of books and I was on my way! Nothing whatever could be bought at that time, certainly not furniture, not even basswood for the handywoman. A cabinet maker was co-erced into putting some Heart Totara through his thicknesser and miniature furniture began to fill any moment spared from the demands of real life.

The following year brought with it the opportunity to go to night classes in joinery to build a 3 storey Georgian style dollhouse to house the growing collection of furniture I'd been slowly making. Unfortunately that dollhouse had to be left behind when life brought me home to Australia but all the "doings" came along and waited patiently for a new dollhouse home. Patiently.................

Real life took some twists and turns so, unable to build another dollhouse myself, a friend entered into an agreement to build one for me - a tall narrow house along the lines of a Paddington Terrace house but with a balcony at the top. Great excitement about 2 years ago when it arrived.

Patience? it only took 30 years to replace that first dollhouse and worth the wait I might add.

The equestrian chap holding the shotgun is visiting while he waits for his new home in a stable.

Shabby but not too chic............

2009-11-29T12:43:00.009+11:00

Grandson came over and we played with knives!

We think the loose box needs to be 1" wider but apart from that we're happy with the mock up, we'll use mdf and ply for the stable proper. The front fence will be uprights in the finished stable so the horse can't get his foot over a rail ;)

More doodling.

2009-11-09T09:27:00.002+11:00

Not sure which size block to use.........probably need to make more of the larger one to get an idea of overall look. The small block would be good for an afghan but may be too much for a whole spread. Either way there are a good few hours of work ahead.

A conservative estimate of the time involved for this more formal spread would be in the region of 120 hours.

This photo is part of a roombox I filled for a miniature crochet display. The bed usually lives in my dollhouse and Emma Rose has her own roombox.

Doodling.....

2009-11-08T09:25:00.002+11:00

A bedspread is needed for the single bed in the dollhouse..........last nights doodling around with colour and design.

Crochet at last........

2009-11-07T14:36:00.002+11:00

Just finished, an Afghan for a friend. I think I want to do one of these in pastels with shabby white instead of black for myself.

Coat hanger jig

2009-10-30T09:06:00.003+11:00

This jig is simple to make and sure isn't fancy as you'll see from the pics.

These are the supplies you'll need for the hangers, suitable wire of course, a block of scrap wood, different size dowels, a pin vise with drill bits or an electric drill, glue, knife to cut the dowels, snips for the wire and small smooth nosed pliers(sorry, forgot to put them in the photo.

Draw the shape you want your hanger to be on your block of wood allowing for the thickness of the wire. Drill holes as you can see in the photo to insert the dowels, cut dowels to length and glue in the holes. Leave to dry at least 24 hours for full strength or they might move when you put pressure on them.

Cut about 4" of wire and start bending from the hook end.

Continue bending till you are back where you started from. Slip the wire off the jig and push the end of the wire behind the neck of the hook, slip back on and check your shape is ok, bend the end of the wire up a little and then slip the hanger back off to finish.

Fold the wire around the neck making sure you keep the shape. Nip off the wire leaving a tiny stub, pinch that down tight with your pliers.

Snip off the hook and file it smooth. You might need to tweak the shape a bit with your pliers. These are baby size hangers, the hook looks a trifle large because the hanging rail in the white wardrobe is perhaps a bit thicker than it could have been but when clothes are hanging on the hangers they look ok.

Update of Emma Rose's Shabby wardrobe

2009-10-29T14:11:00.003+11:00

I couldn't find my old coathanger jig so had to find time to make a new one before hanging Emma Rose's clothes in her wardrobe. Gold wire was all I could find in my stash, not the best choice for a shabby baby, they can be replaced later. The little matinee jackets were knitted by a dear friend but I made the rest.

Emma Rose's Christening

2009-10-21T12:08:00.001+11:00

Testing, testing, one, two, three. Just kidding, this will (hopefully) contain my first live link!!

Don't all faint, this post actually shows some of my crochet.

Emma Rose looked so sweet dressed in her christening outfit I thought she had to have a christening photo even though I had to play the part of the minister! Emma Rose was made by Lisa http://www.flickr.com/photos/lovinclaydolls/ I love this little treasure.

Susan.

Dog Fuzz

2009-10-08T09:37:00.002+11:00

Nothing is nicer than a bed full of dog fuzz ;)

Begin at the beginning

2009-10-06T19:16:00.002+11:00

Dear me, I find I have a follower! Welcome Linda. Not much to follow so far I fear, I'm rendered speechless by this blank page. Utterly speechless! Oh 'eck, as my greatgranny used to say, where to begin......

Start at the beginning could work, well, here goes. The love of all things tiny began at birth but it wasn't till I was expecting my first baby that I discovered via a magazine article that I was not alone in this addiction. Life led me to some miniaturists in New Zealand who opened my eyes to wonders previously unimagined.

My only real miniature skill is crochet but dabbling in other areas brings joy also. A love of teddy bears has of course been translated into miniature crocheted bears. Meet Butterscotch who is sharing the limelight with MicroDot and Petal, two of his older sisters.

As scary as bungee jumping!

2009-09-30T17:36:00.001+10:00

Well, heaven knows how I made it to this point in blog land but hopefully I'll learn more as I go along.