tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49803758202823754192024-03-12T19:52:07.435-05:00What's Bubbling At Cauldron Craft Miniatures?Cauldron Craft Miniatures & Oddities, a magical Etsy store! Providing one of a kind handmade Spooky & Fantasy miniatures, altered dolls, and mixed media art by Grimdeva. For the mystically inclined individual!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4980375820282375419.post-44164173170159298242011-06-26T17:37:00.029-05:002011-06-26T19:21:27.688-05:00The Making of a Miniature Pyramid Roombox<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLcChuVNsD_WEbFotxSLl1RPUaZOulnDA-nOpC-UYbUoHT4KJfVfiMP9uXqnsGwL7gzHFsAiyvLJn9fJBjuqycMcuoMhjsB6yyz4XPyPOIFXjKxzvfKmFZBiGs1BK5lKHBQ8WKlQnL5g/s1600/Egyptian-Tomb_Wallpaper_30yad.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622684406323781170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLcChuVNsD_WEbFotxSLl1RPUaZOulnDA-nOpC-UYbUoHT4KJfVfiMP9uXqnsGwL7gzHFsAiyvLJn9fJBjuqycMcuoMhjsB6yyz4XPyPOIFXjKxzvfKmFZBiGs1BK5lKHBQ8WKlQnL5g/s400/Egyptian-Tomb_Wallpaper_30yad.jpg" /></a>Earlier this year, I just decided to to do it. You know one of those 'its' you've been thinking about but just hadn't gotten around to for like two years. Well I finally did! The 'it' was an ancient Eyptian Pyramid Roombox in 1:12 scale. Then I had to get around to blogging about it. After an inquiry about the piece, I finally was motivated to write a bit.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtTg9VW8CCmo_mHaofVbqrPW7C2Wj9ycsyKvlDv9zjpgtFX26EV3HRKTrbZVOyM0xQepKjtzod1tZJRjgiSHfgLEmyhKYDDZYuE7zgNhQ8CC_SzDiiVbAmgmEPMxyN72QVuAh-KOH1IM/s1600/019.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 391px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622672116777474386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtTg9VW8CCmo_mHaofVbqrPW7C2Wj9ycsyKvlDv9zjpgtFX26EV3HRKTrbZVOyM0xQepKjtzod1tZJRjgiSHfgLEmyhKYDDZYuE7zgNhQ8CC_SzDiiVbAmgmEPMxyN72QVuAh-KOH1IM/s400/019.JPG" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PPQzJPNLJSuKzfm_0EUxSrlHOz69Sdi1BYa2KLWePVbIWXu1vP-zcPGy71lNzi0M8fYF0X8DpsaO_L4JeFD77_2964ijfb6IobHDW5YVSWU4oTtbRzsVsWhfNHt8O0UrevKiDiSlHkY/s1600/022.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 384px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622672275183540946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PPQzJPNLJSuKzfm_0EUxSrlHOz69Sdi1BYa2KLWePVbIWXu1vP-zcPGy71lNzi0M8fYF0X8DpsaO_L4JeFD77_2964ijfb6IobHDW5YVSWU4oTtbRzsVsWhfNHt8O0UrevKiDiSlHkY/s400/022.JPG" /></a>I've made several Egyptian dolllhouse miniatures ranging from sets of museum crates & archeology desks, to Revival style furniture, and even a tacky gift shop set. The style seems pretty popular maybe because there isn't a lot of it out there in the mini world (hint hint to mini makers) and Egyptian anything is so magical (ok, except the recent riots). Anyway, I always wondered what type of setting my customers put their Egyptian style minis in. I suppose a Victorian house could have such touches because the 'exotic' other was very influential in all of the Revival movments, including those of that period. I kept thinking though, that a fully Egyptian setting would be really interesting. I had been keeping a folder of ideas for awhile. Some of the pics include:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd13yUjDw79WwsPgYAa930ocICAan9bnZr71uSr_O5n3abNMULU0pT9QL_dsmPzvg3IleYKZxac042IIuTgFAE2RsA8UXJFs0Wg8vf3aJc5Lk8-aWLpRs62GQjuXzJ0F4QrH03BgMSMsE/s1600/11tomb650_1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 275px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622674579080472610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd13yUjDw79WwsPgYAa930ocICAan9bnZr71uSr_O5n3abNMULU0pT9QL_dsmPzvg3IleYKZxac042IIuTgFAE2RsA8UXJFs0Wg8vf3aJc5Lk8-aWLpRs62GQjuXzJ0F4QrH03BgMSMsE/s400/11tomb650_1.jpg" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMwC-im2IwSQY0L2bmfAINQFy4o0ffscmh6FrLtYpZ6buGYDACdC7ZQRBJp-Jriy-ZHhwff5FzJpb8gPX0INA5oJsLcevA6NyvN-ivNe5lTSK5MmWWtLIv37weriDuQBitMTpjmPWtS4/s1600/sacred-egyptian-tomb-515635-sw.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622674721273686002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMwC-im2IwSQY0L2bmfAINQFy4o0ffscmh6FrLtYpZ6buGYDACdC7ZQRBJp-Jriy-ZHhwff5FzJpb8gPX0INA5oJsLcevA6NyvN-ivNe5lTSK5MmWWtLIv37weriDuQBitMTpjmPWtS4/s400/sacred-egyptian-tomb-515635-sw.jpg" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpejGYz4JoPk3SOX15pGSpl3HrR4Ghu2NH_tofjvWI2PqNbBsVEukjnHenww10oViG-l5FmZpEAJphbHhvoiZxvzyKXqBRgXDaFAUEP_uhh9rjAe6RN4esLRbR4ESynVDCQ_42tR60XQ/s1600/egyptian-tomb1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622674854224463634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpejGYz4JoPk3SOX15pGSpl3HrR4Ghu2NH_tofjvWI2PqNbBsVEukjnHenww10oViG-l5FmZpEAJphbHhvoiZxvzyKXqBRgXDaFAUEP_uhh9rjAe6RN4esLRbR4ESynVDCQ_42tR60XQ/s400/egyptian-tomb1.jpg" /></a>I decided on making a pyramid shaped tomb with an open front. For your history buffs out there, my design is purely FANTASY and may have elements from different historical periods... honestly, I just totally made it up based on my own imaginings. I began drawing patterns on newspaper and cardboard and the project just went from there! It was built with a combination of foamcore, styrafoam, paper mache, sculpy clay, paperclay, and my own stucco mix. It's a very lightweight but sturdy piece. It measures 18" square at the base and is nearly 16 1/2" tall.<div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWf8UQMMBcoBCpTVv98k6XWqX_84jJcs-dvtlVWEiEQ3jq4wMXVe7EbihBZsh9yNCcZpG3nFNjU6696cM1o2h8IuNbCYYcl4N6zVY8khxKeWr3fVnLdLT0I2WHoL4AwS7QyHao18p-Xxw/s1600/014.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622671173946013922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWf8UQMMBcoBCpTVv98k6XWqX_84jJcs-dvtlVWEiEQ3jq4wMXVe7EbihBZsh9yNCcZpG3nFNjU6696cM1o2h8IuNbCYYcl4N6zVY8khxKeWr3fVnLdLT0I2WHoL4AwS7QyHao18p-Xxw/s400/014.JPG" /></a>I made molds using polymer clay of some of my Egyptian trinket boxes and jewelry and then used these to stamp pieces for the decorative elements. I made little lotus bricks, statuary, and carved hieroglyphs on the walls like this. </div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkYYIdz8s6Xx847ooAxw1qsJkZ-ojU7ed8YG515aHGZLhAXaSasXhV7juiNIo_z90KCPKNWspg34-o6dLEANGZxlFXOjrk_tKUepbhM5r4nMy_e7ip1j1ASx5G8aiLfMiCcIQ6x0SBLw/s1600/046.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 340px; height: 336px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622673312192118626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkYYIdz8s6Xx847ooAxw1qsJkZ-ojU7ed8YG515aHGZLhAXaSasXhV7juiNIo_z90KCPKNWspg34-o6dLEANGZxlFXOjrk_tKUepbhM5r4nMy_e7ip1j1ASx5G8aiLfMiCcIQ6x0SBLw/s400/046.JPG" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhioQiAt5RVIGbHar-CQ3yQIEZwu4_a4ecTHMKTJC0KlnzIafDXKbC4URLvZyIo9PaaLTYcFQZKCTx_o_2h9dXIaQcuwnaBlR69ElIwnEG-w3LmizXuS-wns3vc7x7UNNCjNH_dYd_DpjY/s1600/043.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622673480198623026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhioQiAt5RVIGbHar-CQ3yQIEZwu4_a4ecTHMKTJC0KlnzIafDXKbC4URLvZyIo9PaaLTYcFQZKCTx_o_2h9dXIaQcuwnaBlR69ElIwnEG-w3LmizXuS-wns3vc7x7UNNCjNH_dYd_DpjY/s400/043.JPG" /></a>There is a central ramp leading into the tomb and an upper shelf inside to put additional trinkets on as well as hang the removable curtain rod. I admit that I was inspired a bit by the Mummy movie with all the gold curtains.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZ73BrPno8eSVCNq2POAJb4JJmihL_WgQY1BQQy29DNz_gjwaYiQvKRvCFgDvUWjC_0zsdZTPThpVjXJ_3OTB4xrm1OmNfg5_57vmwRXZSQqhmDx3kh6hlM887i-L1XrFE-QB2dtrW70/s1600/025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 338px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622671563470313922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZ73BrPno8eSVCNq2POAJb4JJmihL_WgQY1BQQy29DNz_gjwaYiQvKRvCFgDvUWjC_0zsdZTPThpVjXJ_3OTB4xrm1OmNfg5_57vmwRXZSQqhmDx3kh6hlM887i-L1XrFE-QB2dtrW70/s400/025.JPG" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSKQ5K6HJQYyhzrJApdgyL7fPTdX_y7YrrujOGJby4pkZMEKbm1VulJh-6yF7HswLnSzBFm1K8cwBcHI53c5wtS2UyZBRD727wd2mtXXnpY28s2sX9qf-yyEhRfBryi_XEBTiYuZgQn4/s1600/044.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622671836525980370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSKQ5K6HJQYyhzrJApdgyL7fPTdX_y7YrrujOGJby4pkZMEKbm1VulJh-6yF7HswLnSzBFm1K8cwBcHI53c5wtS2UyZBRD727wd2mtXXnpY28s2sX9qf-yyEhRfBryi_XEBTiYuZgQn4/s400/044.JPG" /></a>I wanted the tomb to look very ancient and a bit spooky. I thought someone could really have some fun with a Halloween scene in this. I kept all the colors very dusty and earth toned, like the paint had worn off centuries ago leaving just a bit of the gold. The details were inked in black and soot to bring them out, with a bit of dribbling here and there like some water damage had occured. Yes there is flooding in the deserts of Egypt. In fact, I just saw a show about the water table rising enough to worry Egyptian authorities about the base of the Sphinx. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhU1E3E3YSKZHOGZwBTXP79HcDAlFfa_Pwnp8AyQXlWTdcXTjAaVEBQfDlBLcgMPRZLDeZssUXjt9-UVFWHmLmjCIbNKvw4l_MdBs6BL8hIcE6Q6hn0IDjn9ye6bZQZpuNW6NlCV5RT70/s1600/026.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 318px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622672948047202322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhU1E3E3YSKZHOGZwBTXP79HcDAlFfa_Pwnp8AyQXlWTdcXTjAaVEBQfDlBLcgMPRZLDeZssUXjt9-UVFWHmLmjCIbNKvw4l_MdBs6BL8hIcE6Q6hn0IDjn9ye6bZQZpuNW6NlCV5RT70/s400/026.JPG" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBh-GlqVrT8-yypDX3NrFgLWhO8pyQxEUAaKY-5eJo6tlpFVCAiaeTHeiwAeEGPzq5wZXTvR-uoheSKhne365xEw7nvLZTH8gubLbHiiMGWUUxe0Z1E20fPDsHPKwVnj2UIOw0-03q9I/s1600/029.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 338px; height: 336px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622673120965031122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBh-GlqVrT8-yypDX3NrFgLWhO8pyQxEUAaKY-5eJo6tlpFVCAiaeTHeiwAeEGPzq5wZXTvR-uoheSKhne365xEw7nvLZTH8gubLbHiiMGWUUxe0Z1E20fPDsHPKwVnj2UIOw0-03q9I/s400/029.JPG" /></a>On to the little goodies I made to go inside the tomb. My tomb has not been raided. The female mummy still lies within its wraps and there are jars, tabulets, and a bit of treasure about. I made several things specifically to go with the tomb as a set for sale. I used genuine obsidian and African wood beads, little ankh charms, and a glass scarab bead.</div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioP4IXKHROuWBzkEWK_F9wfNf48t3dsk-TYB1xf64qvXSuTRzRto4gUUbURrH1zkEEni1Qng2eneshEUxEaXLLZ2XycXeHM6yGfzx7p6qgPa_6mshGPjtLEhT3Cl0GOYbPluCGlLvbKI/s1600/024.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 368px; height: 336px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622672466756965986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioP4IXKHROuWBzkEWK_F9wfNf48t3dsk-TYB1xf64qvXSuTRzRto4gUUbURrH1zkEEni1Qng2eneshEUxEaXLLZ2XycXeHM6yGfzx7p6qgPa_6mshGPjtLEhT3Cl0GOYbPluCGlLvbKI/s400/024.JPG" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1a1pzjiSXEjyeLycVLh2bZ1IYOE6D7hYnwPyP8FiLAgvHwC3_K6a8YVbMhY4XxUehuV-0KeN3QBh17Y00yDRYnMlNYDZ_6X8SUhSgQDotpZBqMsyVLZOiT7uq98AAryrGOvWNTS0M6SE/s1600/042.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 347px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622672800074683010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1a1pzjiSXEjyeLycVLh2bZ1IYOE6D7hYnwPyP8FiLAgvHwC3_K6a8YVbMhY4XxUehuV-0KeN3QBh17Y00yDRYnMlNYDZ_6X8SUhSgQDotpZBqMsyVLZOiT7uq98AAryrGOvWNTS0M6SE/s400/042.JPG" /></a>Now, I did do a photoshoot of many of my favorite little Egyptian bits and baubles in the tomb just for my own satisfaction. Unlike the things in the above photos, these are not for sale. Yes I know much of it is not to scale either (someone emailed me about that) but these pics were just for fun... because it was shiny and I like hoards of treasure! I should totally do a pirate cave too on that note.</div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLage5ieou8AeLP7n_qYEnSHb8og_jKeEX255MZvSBOOjpW_h4e3cqfjqs7DMpR8RrcJNe-O-iMAALFWm8EbgiqeBssWo4tiRVrup4fAA-Yw9R_DmO61pkzvhyphenhyphen8mNMGOPOoTo1niVOWoU/s1600/038.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622673687920924962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLage5ieou8AeLP7n_qYEnSHb8og_jKeEX255MZvSBOOjpW_h4e3cqfjqs7DMpR8RrcJNe-O-iMAALFWm8EbgiqeBssWo4tiRVrup4fAA-Yw9R_DmO61pkzvhyphenhyphen8mNMGOPOoTo1niVOWoU/s400/038.JPG" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXArl_MNbFnoGzHqfvZf-uC9ggKptOeaflPcM58E3O0hnDdsrq45LY-Lpbsu_759LX4Kum1CxrgT0aOYN5tzxUegtMetaF0V951ziY832Q4Hy0xZtS07DE1XzMDuLudoo4ZAbnif6ozw/s1600/032.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622673962545372162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXArl_MNbFnoGzHqfvZf-uC9ggKptOeaflPcM58E3O0hnDdsrq45LY-Lpbsu_759LX4Kum1CxrgT0aOYN5tzxUegtMetaF0V951ziY832Q4Hy0xZtS07DE1XzMDuLudoo4ZAbnif6ozw/s400/032.JPG" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKVJFxaWKHSnuiw_2fdYvO31V3vcfw1uUgNxpxE7SEK0JLfTTndm8OxtJ9JlMkxgxUUKlDvbMkA7UCQRhRl-JY69ZTMQtk2LDIZTof9Q7v9BJW5OLt-eYzynsJVDGelpr0FsP55qVRPI/s1600/034.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622674115865123666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKVJFxaWKHSnuiw_2fdYvO31V3vcfw1uUgNxpxE7SEK0JLfTTndm8OxtJ9JlMkxgxUUKlDvbMkA7UCQRhRl-JY69ZTMQtk2LDIZTof9Q7v9BJW5OLt-eYzynsJVDGelpr0FsP55qVRPI/s400/034.JPG" /></a>Anyway, while I mentioned that there are not so many dollhouse scale miniatures in Egyptian themes, I did find a few here and there. Berkpanda on flickr has an amazing Egyptian roombox and set of dolls in their stream of photos. I was unable to provide any pictures here due to copyright issues but definitely go see these! <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/berkpanda/508229234/in/photostream/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/berkpanda/508229234/in/photostream/</a></div><div> </div><div>I also found this ancient Egyptian domestic home- so cool. Not sure of the scale but I think it's a smaller war game piece. It would be pretty easy to make something like this with an open back. Maybe a fountain in the front. <a href="http://www.greenscollectables.com/proddetail.asp?prod=N25">http://www.greenscollectables.com/proddetail.asp?prod=N25</a></div><div> </div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvvCPax4btl-fCrXfA1v05yK8xMSYScOfOV0_IJmjYi2ZHq1sLvApIFl0V-ZXtszun4_i_viP8YRVsh3alMkBfZpdnOUMMeWs0TV9RRiUuDygHvpJmerqPdsOdjTH0fxothl0mz-8_q4/s1600/N25.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 248px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622675033206837618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvvCPax4btl-fCrXfA1v05yK8xMSYScOfOV0_IJmjYi2ZHq1sLvApIFl0V-ZXtszun4_i_viP8YRVsh3alMkBfZpdnOUMMeWs0TV9RRiUuDygHvpJmerqPdsOdjTH0fxothl0mz-8_q4/s400/N25.jpg" /></a></div><div>Miniature dealers who do have Egyptian decor can be found with a bit of digging. Here is a selection from The Wild Orchid at <a href="http://www.c-we.com/wild.orchid/egypt2.htm">http://www.c-we.com/wild.orchid/egypt2.htm</a> Not sure if these are artisan? Some of it looks similiar to the Aztec miniature catalogue but I still like it all. The tiny sphinx bookends available on the site are beautiful. </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9vThOnjoxqL1E6_MfJ_OpxPWsyEDa-UpiBAJVmyskGIfDpg5W2HX9p2Ho2fckv5r1umJvA_w9qaxkK4ww8r_TiOydWK8voej_XtSBxJylYJREru7pePCktXyHBdBCBDRb31xahZjX1Y/s1600/diarama2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 287px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622675168114717986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9vThOnjoxqL1E6_MfJ_OpxPWsyEDa-UpiBAJVmyskGIfDpg5W2HX9p2Ho2fckv5r1umJvA_w9qaxkK4ww8r_TiOydWK8voej_XtSBxJylYJREru7pePCktXyHBdBCBDRb31xahZjX1Y/s400/diarama2.jpg" /></a>There is a set of very realistic Egyptian burial scene dioramas by 'hummeline' on flickr, taken at the Field Museum (where?). Go check out the whole stream at:<br />http://www.flickr.com/photos/hummeline/1806580167/in/photostream/<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcV1RSKC5R_sK25c_iDOfaZ1VdMcHhOMr8oK6-Sg7QdYu3rZWKVj3GXmP_DbmuNnN0NU8AWtAXu1vVruNfwfkM9a4Utw3Uoj7QqohuIdVIsNxftHGbyk-Km1Ox4oO_EhHd0Z1lxiUXPE/s1600/1806580167_adc3231f3a_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 244px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622676811228618418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcV1RSKC5R_sK25c_iDOfaZ1VdMcHhOMr8oK6-Sg7QdYu3rZWKVj3GXmP_DbmuNnN0NU8AWtAXu1vVruNfwfkM9a4Utw3Uoj7QqohuIdVIsNxftHGbyk-Km1Ox4oO_EhHd0Z1lxiUXPE/s400/1806580167_adc3231f3a_o.jpg" /></a>Now there are a ton of Egyptian miniatures in smaller fantasy gaming scales! Below is a tomb set which has the block set in standard gaming piece movement squares. I really like the details and the paint job. The molds are available from Crocodile games and you can customize with infinite detail. This picture doesn't even do justice to the main website's examples. There are temple columns, fountains, statuary, etc at <a href="http://www.hirstarts.com/etombs/tombs7.html">http://www.hirstarts.com/etombs/tombs7.html</a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1LIjdFp1mfCZJHhTT7im8rvtoeC9_xyghvGfutg9RAHIaWdCoGKeH1tMJpSTU5xi0A1HIZzE007ItHHWf6XbNDBCD36jNjLtCQOakofn1Vdfge1cC5cEygxmnmOn4VdUHgZpWVtg3Ss/s1600/EgyptianTomb2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 396px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622675335235493282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1LIjdFp1mfCZJHhTT7im8rvtoeC9_xyghvGfutg9RAHIaWdCoGKeH1tMJpSTU5xi0A1HIZzE007ItHHWf6XbNDBCD36jNjLtCQOakofn1Vdfge1cC5cEygxmnmOn4VdUHgZpWVtg3Ss/s400/EgyptianTomb2.jpg" /></a>There are some very unique accessory pieces by Crocodile Games as well. "Their range of miniatures for their Wargods of Ægyptus wargame is based in a egyptian fantasy realm, so there are plenty of sources for inspiration!" I heartily agree. <a href="http://www.leadfigures.com/posts/tag/egyptian/">http://www.leadfigures.com/posts/tag/egyptian/</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjQMstc_9kKdflZCuvF-gBua_u0B7IbkHaKvsyzCYOcIurWgdnimKaamSotdguMjcRqDnT8MVTHbV-BnJFfARaglG1eCc-2aZZv-Mw2pJnCw84NzW1iS5Ja3PfaiXlmrIJNrIvrg9Tvs/s1600/CrocGamesEgyptianArtifacts.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622677764744253218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjQMstc_9kKdflZCuvF-gBua_u0B7IbkHaKvsyzCYOcIurWgdnimKaamSotdguMjcRqDnT8MVTHbV-BnJFfARaglG1eCc-2aZZv-Mw2pJnCw84NzW1iS5Ja3PfaiXlmrIJNrIvrg9Tvs/s400/CrocGamesEgyptianArtifacts.jpg" /></a></div><div>On ebay, Jason's Collectibles and Comics has a nice selection of resin terrain pieces. http://cgi.ebay.com/Miniature-Terrain-Egyptian-Temple-IWSEGY010-/110695823626?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19c5fc390a <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4isoIol4GBuqaZXLAibGaVkBYOtz6hyyW5vJlkaLUGG-VPV9Jv8jLEqA5zl3K7GYEVUkzbh0syw0L8jZOFtGBLlQIgUyJ8V5L9XO54LIUmZEGQd1yEUgMLIQ4IvxwJ7ewGu4XETSyzro/s1600/%2524%2528KGrHqUOKnQE1ReQM%2529fYBNdjLEsM%2528Q%257E%257E_12.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622683453751157298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4isoIol4GBuqaZXLAibGaVkBYOtz6hyyW5vJlkaLUGG-VPV9Jv8jLEqA5zl3K7GYEVUkzbh0syw0L8jZOFtGBLlQIgUyJ8V5L9XO54LIUmZEGQd1yEUgMLIQ4IvxwJ7ewGu4XETSyzro/s400/%2524%2528KGrHqUOKnQE1ReQM%2529fYBNdjLEsM%2528Q%257E%257E_12.jpg" /></a></div><div> </div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4980375820282375419.post-58718399377584295322011-05-11T09:00:00.028-05:002011-05-11T10:19:10.877-05:00My latest discovery: Medical Miniatures!!!<div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndsEMxMPPz9Vez8KZ04x7iiQBN_PnoyZ9vhR35bRC1FEuEsv8ExPbFbNFLx17R1OY1UANsUQY_GiLNxVt3X53GmbCkv51mWojMAscJ24PCu_nq3iid7DJjthTpAhS7TlRW29rRfl14Vg/s1600/Hospital.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 309px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605465666176463554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndsEMxMPPz9Vez8KZ04x7iiQBN_PnoyZ9vhR35bRC1FEuEsv8ExPbFbNFLx17R1OY1UANsUQY_GiLNxVt3X53GmbCkv51mWojMAscJ24PCu_nq3iid7DJjthTpAhS7TlRW29rRfl14Vg/s400/Hospital.jpg" /></a>Just imagine what you could do with a few well chosen medical themed miniatures... Insane Asylums, Embalming Rooms, or Spooky Hospitals! I've recently found so many miniature funeral and medical goodies that I will have to break this down into a few seperate articles. Let's begin with the basics: gurneys and wheelchairs. I found two spectacular resources on ebay for 1:12 scale medical equipment and props. These are:</div><div><br />Mortician's Friend<br /><a href="http://myworld.ebay.com/morticiansfriend/?_trksid=p4340.l2559">http://myworld.ebay.com/morticiansfriend/?_trksid=p4340.l2559</a></div><div><br />Northern Lights Miniatures<br /><a href="http://stores.ebay.com/northernlitesminiatures?_trksid=p4340.l2563">http://stores.ebay.com/northernlitesminiatures?_trksid=p4340.l2563</a></div><div><br />Mortician's Friend seems to be a general macabre gift store for funeral business professionals. Having been Mortuary Science student myself for two years, I saw a delightfully odd array of such knick-knacks in various morticians' and directors' offices. Tombs of King Tut, pink hot rod hearses, and all kinds of quirky headstones made me grin. A grim dry sense of humor seems to be an effective coping mechanism as humans are not naturally inclined to handle the dead. Couple the humor with a strong sense of respect and empathy, business acuemen, and an artistic eye - you have the perfect Funeral Director! Anyway, this shop offers miniature hearses and a very realistic looking gurney with a sheet covered doll. I'm sure this is mass produced because I've seen it in few other mortuary themed gifts shops, including Pushing Daisies online. I am bidding on one right now for myself...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2V9ktod9Zy_wX3i4XgWy5RQbkiJWtT-nIF3jYmImzMOADYWxYWQ4vjp30-u_IJv7mMR-ZgXX9e-_JzxsxKoGHAEcQi7rZfNKaTByVe88QDLxqGaXpL_838FcR2reExS_599y1O9zDlmk/s1600/%2521B3L48eQ%25212k%257E%2524%2528KGrHqQOKkYE%2529M%252BFQHDcBMlTSGGHF%2521%257E%257E_12.jpg"></a></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2V9ktod9Zy_wX3i4XgWy5RQbkiJWtT-nIF3jYmImzMOADYWxYWQ4vjp30-u_IJv7mMR-ZgXX9e-_JzxsxKoGHAEcQi7rZfNKaTByVe88QDLxqGaXpL_838FcR2reExS_599y1O9zDlmk/s1600/%2521B3L48eQ%25212k%257E%2524%2528KGrHqQOKkYE%2529M%252BFQHDcBMlTSGGHF%2521%257E%257E_12.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 276px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605466024640250130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2V9ktod9Zy_wX3i4XgWy5RQbkiJWtT-nIF3jYmImzMOADYWxYWQ4vjp30-u_IJv7mMR-ZgXX9e-_JzxsxKoGHAEcQi7rZfNKaTByVe88QDLxqGaXpL_838FcR2reExS_599y1O9zDlmk/s400/%2521B3L48eQ%25212k%257E%2524%2528KGrHqQOKkYE%2529M%252BFQHDcBMlTSGGHF%2521%257E%257E_12.jpg" /></a><br />The other shop I found on ebay has the most incredible selection of medical miniatures I've seen, both modern and vintage. Here are just a few of my favorite pieces.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhTll528KoR0-wXbNEj9cJtOordLw1JpljTKAuaFTeG7jYg3e6BSbXFuhswjbZ2R3xCriCJkNjZyOUOB0R8LXsp4ENnPnqMnn-jgjiUQLmCz1kWg11umf0K3eSxgzpczQrBE1v0-NPMs/s1600/screen+northern+lights+minis.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 344px; height: 334px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605474797852045714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhTll528KoR0-wXbNEj9cJtOordLw1JpljTKAuaFTeG7jYg3e6BSbXFuhswjbZ2R3xCriCJkNjZyOUOB0R8LXsp4ENnPnqMnn-jgjiUQLmCz1kWg11umf0K3eSxgzpczQrBE1v0-NPMs/s400/screen+northern+lights+minis.jpg" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTF2dd8tW8PhzW8RVADESgg0ufGe6KSsF_A5x8Uwtyamr7PKQLBXfkMqDW_OjiOUtkRa3-O8TS5pE8ka4718M-fNERyunPIokwoxvCKeL91pBzUiuSSstXUcxQAtnzG1FHTL8mx1l9eg/s1600/%2524%2528KGrHqF%252C%2521jME1JZHyMkzBNWuit8qng%257E%257E_12.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 266px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605466409237793474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTF2dd8tW8PhzW8RVADESgg0ufGe6KSsF_A5x8Uwtyamr7PKQLBXfkMqDW_OjiOUtkRa3-O8TS5pE8ka4718M-fNERyunPIokwoxvCKeL91pBzUiuSSstXUcxQAtnzG1FHTL8mx1l9eg/s400/%2524%2528KGrHqF%252C%2521jME1JZHyMkzBNWuit8qng%257E%257E_12.jpg" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rhClYczwNYHW5r8LxnYN1_E4lfUxwz-HKX5rPMvOojtf0ZP3yo-8Vm6RFxsD8cIUiNsvUEqnYqzaVqHimkMU9niBwEIhEyooCwj6E32UI_8qQczPK6qh54K6ev8Bd4AdKr7KojOh-W0/s1600/2northernlights+on+ebay.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 347px; height: 356px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605466342186494770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rhClYczwNYHW5r8LxnYN1_E4lfUxwz-HKX5rPMvOojtf0ZP3yo-8Vm6RFxsD8cIUiNsvUEqnYqzaVqHimkMU9niBwEIhEyooCwj6E32UI_8qQczPK6qh54K6ev8Bd4AdKr7KojOh-W0/s400/2northernlights+on+ebay.jpg" /></a>I also just love these creepy little handmade organ models at Northern Lights. Line these up on a shelf with a few specimen jars.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuf9x0hDOKX2K26QV_CDcZSrqHV4wa-_dhBr1k3ev0FDEmU-APA0rvVSqrt3OaHJUBv-ZiBj-3IHiE4NiqpGMPfVflmO65TZmeUQJkWFeDah854RoCFQaAeCSwEfRb2_O3BPg-wwmzL74/s1600/organ1+NorthernLights.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 155px; height: 211px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605467643059750594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuf9x0hDOKX2K26QV_CDcZSrqHV4wa-_dhBr1k3ev0FDEmU-APA0rvVSqrt3OaHJUBv-ZiBj-3IHiE4NiqpGMPfVflmO65TZmeUQJkWFeDah854RoCFQaAeCSwEfRb2_O3BPg-wwmzL74/s400/organ1+NorthernLights.jpg" /></a><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 234px; height: 243px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605467560259831042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeLyITGGrjtusAXYlOKQ65MlyUrU28K8f1-dM5ofJWyrAnvL1pfcCSbj-xkOnfEzNmX1uytDsmx_9uO6Wl2XnToMVNdTpDaiMTfxs-oYNpyUfDRSlPmsnYe-CLCcAKfJVK9NGk6M-qyE/s400/stomach+NorthernLIghtsminis.jpg" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qlzqnr_KxccY3-89qGl2_BBs9C893aOQ4HLUz5y14Fs17YpaN3ffYjP7v6d7BD5hX0ESdFaxcQF1iIc-yWlT4Se8ZEVCdUz7FiQAMrPceRZQ24oSshvEryxgE4oEKtRQMQC6NKcPoNw/s1600/organ+Northernlightsminis+on+ebay.jpg"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 177px; height: 198px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605467502496927906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qlzqnr_KxccY3-89qGl2_BBs9C893aOQ4HLUz5y14Fs17YpaN3ffYjP7v6d7BD5hX0ESdFaxcQF1iIc-yWlT4Se8ZEVCdUz7FiQAMrPceRZQ24oSshvEryxgE4oEKtRQMQC6NKcPoNw/s400/organ+Northernlightsminis+on+ebay.jpg" /></a>Below is another sickly realistic miniature organ find, this time from Wicked Gems on Etsy. For gooey jewelry and miniatures visit her at: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/45326891/on-sale-on-the-butchers-block-tiny-hand">http://www.etsy.com/listing/45326891/on-sale-on-the-butchers-block-tiny-hand</a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgzTKXVr1vDXb8BWrGeHmCJWv8Pi7_3QJ6DxGaEreo0lOuh48_Zk-6EPFPlQgu0m2QF4jkn0uQUL9WP63wnaWq9MNwJR15Ul4D1C8n4hbf21a63lNWRj6wRD7opWQu7o4jkj1qFzxL2c/s1600/il_570xN_139135888.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 345px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605470265016744482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgzTKXVr1vDXb8BWrGeHmCJWv8Pi7_3QJ6DxGaEreo0lOuh48_Zk-6EPFPlQgu0m2QF4jkn0uQUL9WP63wnaWq9MNwJR15Ul4D1C8n4hbf21a63lNWRj6wRD7opWQu7o4jkj1qFzxL2c/s400/il_570xN_139135888.jpg" /></a>Wicked Gems specializes in anatomically correct charms and lockets, like the heart below.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7IXA7CvqMgv0sRUw-fpon4SiC2Uf0pDI4chP5lZeiKN-2LZEARqSwbxMWAwgHfxRwG4cRR2YD36mydyUFz-oWlu2xZBfWIcxUsJb4Ke51uBh9KCL-KAImTfiuDyiyNcRqs9nPeDchpQ/s1600/il_570xN_120493573.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605471213968469490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7IXA7CvqMgv0sRUw-fpon4SiC2Uf0pDI4chP5lZeiKN-2LZEARqSwbxMWAwgHfxRwG4cRR2YD36mydyUFz-oWlu2xZBfWIcxUsJb4Ke51uBh9KCL-KAImTfiuDyiyNcRqs9nPeDchpQ/s400/il_570xN_120493573.jpg" /></a><br />++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JB6sMLk2-t4J2GRT-3MpJI5HvoPCJ7Hx_bA23dITHhUEk4Vz-3jj3Nfk07SYliiTojMT9n-N3a2oFzp5MDJPwi_Gv3kXAakzH4WW2eKtIT2GBzc4-uqUIPorR15NO82SIIXQBRt_oC8/s1600/bloodynurse.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 266px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605472867367728946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JB6sMLk2-t4J2GRT-3MpJI5HvoPCJ7Hx_bA23dITHhUEk4Vz-3jj3Nfk07SYliiTojMT9n-N3a2oFzp5MDJPwi_Gv3kXAakzH4WW2eKtIT2GBzc4-uqUIPorR15NO82SIIXQBRt_oC8/s400/bloodynurse.jpg" /></a>Now, to the medical staff. Every Haunted Hospital needs a blood spattered Nurse and Doctor. With a little work, these two could easily become Nurse Nihilism and Doctor Dead!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtCxxP2DHBc1opP49lLN9EfuTvmzpUo3ssgxKXgI3xUxIArpCsSeVZSUhENrw1TckVejZzGkBNl5PC4mspsezHXaY_3YDnqT23kkppr7r9e1vSq3kbmijUiMdZCFCW9SGdq5iZZP04Jk/s1600/51d-jBFueZL__SL500_AA300_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605473140226799490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtCxxP2DHBc1opP49lLN9EfuTvmzpUo3ssgxKXgI3xUxIArpCsSeVZSUhENrw1TckVejZzGkBNl5PC4mspsezHXaY_3YDnqT23kkppr7r9e1vSq3kbmijUiMdZCFCW9SGdq5iZZP04Jk/s400/51d-jBFueZL__SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605473324658495746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHCjhfMILJgMVcyUtU2Aj89Lkufc8vop0VcN95I3KMthoeLjFLRYmqUiCib0sm46Fw_BGCbykIOgA2O-sE1TaKYFL5o4-aBmdg4uihf-v8onihyphenhyphenON8KrmnT_w8iXOkicClcM1HjinDgQ/s400/Bloody_Nurse_by_TheTwiggyDance.jpg" /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicufd0kueJe3nxEFujWb0CfCIQRVjp1ra_mx3HKSBBhOQS870DhsNWaoD7Mix1jMKvXK8Hpag7B_ZZxCwTI4UHltJTXUZMVLzeWpBaNOumBJ_wu3mY0_WEACTanCwYta1n_Gqn2BgKheE/s1600/1001047.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605473265454843458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicufd0kueJe3nxEFujWb0CfCIQRVjp1ra_mx3HKSBBhOQS870DhsNWaoD7Mix1jMKvXK8Hpag7B_ZZxCwTI4UHltJTXUZMVLzeWpBaNOumBJ_wu3mY0_WEACTanCwYta1n_Gqn2BgKheE/s400/1001047.jpg" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWm15kQlpHQ5QJQeeAWaN8MeawajIcMObXSMlHpgaU43rKppsb_cRkUF_vXhUb0R65-UilNf6FUjo8pBKVng39jaJC023-Bp4fQo8CdEZywreS4sH1xv5DQJ8JWgO9Iblt0W2I9k2c9xg/s1600/sign-at-milljpg-868ee9fbfcbad293.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 249px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605475755549393042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWm15kQlpHQ5QJQeeAWaN8MeawajIcMObXSMlHpgaU43rKppsb_cRkUF_vXhUb0R65-UilNf6FUjo8pBKVng39jaJC023-Bp4fQo8CdEZywreS4sH1xv5DQJ8JWgO9Iblt0W2I9k2c9xg/s400/sign-at-milljpg-868ee9fbfcbad293.jpg" /></a></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4980375820282375419.post-26605330971531332492011-04-07T09:00:00.014-05:002011-04-07T09:27:48.866-05:00I'm Vending at Scarefest IV: Tribute to 80's Horror !!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCjzQnxHsFrfsoRs9ZUCp6dRJ9x9wkx3MuLKj2ls2pFMVwfQShA4K5Teqxp2lwVL4FYpdNc8OE7iJVdWbc7V2xY1DAtW43DRS7F9YkZLTcjlnW0v3qSCgYwdh6e1ueiNshPGC0CAwJNE/s1600/sf2011bannerleft.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592847361321722674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCjzQnxHsFrfsoRs9ZUCp6dRJ9x9wkx3MuLKj2ls2pFMVwfQShA4K5Teqxp2lwVL4FYpdNc8OE7iJVdWbc7V2xY1DAtW43DRS7F9YkZLTcjlnW0v3qSCgYwdh6e1ueiNshPGC0CAwJNE/s400/sf2011bannerleft.png" /></a>It's official now! I will be vending at Scarefest IV: a tribute to 80's Horror!!! Scarefest is a yearly horror and paranormal convention held in Lexington, Kentucky (around where me pappy was raised). <a href="http://www.scarefestcon.com/">http://www.scarefestcon.com/</a> I'm so excited! Elvira will be there... OMG. When I was young, I wasn't looking to Brooke Shields or Christie Brinkly as my model of fashion perfection. I loved Cher and Elvira! Still do and they both look pretty damn good for their age. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhkowGi4vLIzSZHUDfEGnaZ_m5DV7pshoyrVcufYvYLBBnov8HMQnFz7M7TdP5t_ZxX0Zgre14p_CHDePpEPeQIJ1LrJPlsFnNG1zmfh5CAjY-tI7GGKdmvnWmPpYSbGVljy5eOQhyphenhyphen0E/s1600/elvira.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 330px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 350px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592845553297359282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhkowGi4vLIzSZHUDfEGnaZ_m5DV7pshoyrVcufYvYLBBnov8HMQnFz7M7TdP5t_ZxX0Zgre14p_CHDePpEPeQIJ1LrJPlsFnNG1zmfh5CAjY-tI7GGKdmvnWmPpYSbGVljy5eOQhyphenhyphen0E/s400/elvira.png" /></a>Anyway, the convention had a very cool line up last year including the Ghost Adventures guys, Danny Trejo (you know, Machete? the hot Mexican with all the knives and tattoos?), actors from Terminator, Preditor, various hit tv paranormal shows, movie artists and costume designers, the huge guys that play the movie monsters like Jason... <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQienY2zRPKFQrpfHS2AcYMy8Zpf8MDi5HndZB990pdav4JLbfUqhxJHjhBisqcvfgFc6k2YVtloJPvCQSlsJ2JeqkIQzE_qTwzxouFUD_87G0rzSA5aCFc3TdppYttOp8D2Kb5JVKRGo/s1600/predator.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 289px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592845905919494274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQienY2zRPKFQrpfHS2AcYMy8Zpf8MDi5HndZB990pdav4JLbfUqhxJHjhBisqcvfgFc6k2YVtloJPvCQSlsJ2JeqkIQzE_qTwzxouFUD_87G0rzSA5aCFc3TdppYttOp8D2Kb5JVKRGo/s400/predator.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj959MWA_spTAUEgDfhg8Uh4LUqwYSxmJrwQ8EeHEiB8Obi8VbJQG0ZcsBIOOo3gRbfpJoLG44zK1KAO_SIv5ozAEC2sgYYbUiJr78uogALwfkMuGUSEngOYOod3LYRJ6SPG3XoQjb_nYU/s1600/kanehodder.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 291px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592846218431182114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj959MWA_spTAUEgDfhg8Uh4LUqwYSxmJrwQ8EeHEiB8Obi8VbJQG0ZcsBIOOo3gRbfpJoLG44zK1KAO_SIv5ozAEC2sgYYbUiJr78uogALwfkMuGUSEngOYOod3LYRJ6SPG3XoQjb_nYU/s400/kanehodder.png" /></a>This year there will be a costume ball, a zombie wedding, and so much more. We're turning it into the year's family vacation. I was contacted to vend after one of the directors saw some of my jewelry on Etsy. I probably will be focusing on fashion accessories and herbcrafts rather than on miniatures at this event but I'll take a few pieces, like my zombie cow. I've only vended much smaller local events in the past. This is a whole new ball game and just the challenge I needed. I finally got all my state and federal tax ID numbers and feel so O-fish-al... I've been looking at showing my work in some of the local galleries or even having a table at our First Friday art events here in San Antonio. I just feel really positive and like the sky is the limit for my whole artistic venture. I've been making things like crazy and have probably sniffed way too much glue haha! Bought 2 more shelving units to hold everything. The list of things to do is getting much longer hmmm. Below are just a few of the sponsers and guest stars at the convention. To see me and visit their websites go to the Scarefest Links: <a href="http://scarefestcon.com/links.html">http://scarefestcon.com/links.html</a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3icMLN0_y1U6FbpSu4bJwIfNK6bg7zZaEk189Y6Og2Eeqdgxc5LaF7S4PHpnlUgx-7v_i-hsmqXq_vXT-dd3r_jWpAQVwqyHByEOJsIsZixssDbOQLW7r30e9IkTy4L5Txz760XmIL1Q/s1600/Ghost-Adventures.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 295px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592846417742239874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3icMLN0_y1U6FbpSu4bJwIfNK6bg7zZaEk189Y6Og2Eeqdgxc5LaF7S4PHpnlUgx-7v_i-hsmqXq_vXT-dd3r_jWpAQVwqyHByEOJsIsZixssDbOQLW7r30e9IkTy4L5Txz760XmIL1Q/s400/Ghost-Adventures.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5F_o0uISUgJtcT7I359cKy7OCFKKVgsdRmPBPYTcOtLaY0R8NFqyy3A2ier_9Vwy5zQjgpaEaST4SosgRFvg1vpgZ4Dr6oQjUz__NViJCPZesOYd9KohNs_VMrIjazD7T0BQsCeaQ0Y/s1600/coast_to_coast2%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 243px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 229px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592846647963117042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5F_o0uISUgJtcT7I359cKy7OCFKKVgsdRmPBPYTcOtLaY0R8NFqyy3A2ier_9Vwy5zQjgpaEaST4SosgRFvg1vpgZ4Dr6oQjUz__NViJCPZesOYd9KohNs_VMrIjazD7T0BQsCeaQ0Y/s400/coast_to_coast2%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCueF51XOMNjTu2KPTunFL9BA8q4cTmYDfL_yv0yJ8J740kAQ6_-YyHKRn5OI2I3ZHvyZvnX7vpoy5yiRMaPZgDYbtLDvbRUADrn45HI8N0amcYPuLLR3pFL5rhJVZmqvYwb4uFc0QdM/s1600/hauntedroadtrip.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 88px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592846790393010226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCueF51XOMNjTu2KPTunFL9BA8q4cTmYDfL_yv0yJ8J740kAQ6_-YyHKRn5OI2I3ZHvyZvnX7vpoy5yiRMaPZgDYbtLDvbRUADrn45HI8N0amcYPuLLR3pFL5rhJVZmqvYwb4uFc0QdM/s400/hauntedroadtrip.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7Fn2t9bQxnaTgGw_Z7Rc7mHWepf1S6Qf2r7ZN6vPbbrqZepztvdz94ALuLwvRAmEhGakQRnpr5Jul7pxs4TAF74sm_APyh3ynL9et8UL10-22cJEL2mNOF97eUopTH85eB-7VoR8Mio/s1600/chipcoffey.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 77px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592846896661245826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7Fn2t9bQxnaTgGw_Z7Rc7mHWepf1S6Qf2r7ZN6vPbbrqZepztvdz94ALuLwvRAmEhGakQRnpr5Jul7pxs4TAF74sm_APyh3ynL9et8UL10-22cJEL2mNOF97eUopTH85eB-7VoR8Mio/s400/chipcoffey.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAshyphenhyphenagB6EtdtsfD1_5NFSv5zX3q8pa9qv1KzM2g6eW0WMKziZ6VyNLS7PYppE73V6AqjGvClxLM4Fmn-P6VVCm3aiRHAY9hcbRAA-M48bG115IYat7DHDlP_L6Ja0au8dOi8eY79tLA/s1600/ghostchasers.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 94px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592846988490896530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAshyphenhyphenagB6EtdtsfD1_5NFSv5zX3q8pa9qv1KzM2g6eW0WMKziZ6VyNLS7PYppE73V6AqjGvClxLM4Fmn-P6VVCm3aiRHAY9hcbRAA-M48bG115IYat7DHDlP_L6Ja0au8dOi8eY79tLA/s400/ghostchasers.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafKX9OzYvnSQWA-Cv07uvRiXFLkpP9VM5eS_iwNzG48MBuYFki4HPnh17u9rWTn_wo_-aTMdcyXQ_GAEs-Ip6nALKWdl67nPnGecMymqDBrqjLWXLhIq1arWwBJR2prEx6RFIvghnknk/s1600/TAPS_Paramag_banner%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 51px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592847156458632002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafKX9OzYvnSQWA-Cv07uvRiXFLkpP9VM5eS_iwNzG48MBuYFki4HPnh17u9rWTn_wo_-aTMdcyXQ_GAEs-Ip6nALKWdl67nPnGecMymqDBrqjLWXLhIq1arWwBJR2prEx6RFIvghnknk/s400/TAPS_Paramag_banner%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Xb14QaHxEvadgNNyOjoxmr7Xv1GLKu4fmWSzB7G4MU9QHyC-yB8ULbrixXYJbpCG848yFYbdLJ3weFJTqFsJj6H0_Ue08B2yG8zJf9vGIRhs70SgmTRuPVTXqsyUI4nHNWnjXrQ3pAU/s1600/johnzaffisbanner468.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 94px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592847243162901346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Xb14QaHxEvadgNNyOjoxmr7Xv1GLKu4fmWSzB7G4MU9QHyC-yB8ULbrixXYJbpCG848yFYbdLJ3weFJTqFsJj6H0_Ue08B2yG8zJf9vGIRhs70SgmTRuPVTXqsyUI4nHNWnjXrQ3pAU/s400/johnzaffisbanner468.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4980375820282375419.post-76356031826415051802011-03-27T10:27:00.010-05:002011-03-28T08:44:19.888-05:00CREATIVE CREATIONS WANTED BY THE DOLLS HOUSE EMPORIUM<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn81WM9I5XonG3sO_s33ulnag85AhAGsI3vqQrJKJGN73XWO4s08knr4O3jrB8KwYxPwWcUUManfYT68yJzoN7otP7zAGXE3ZrldwU_ZxNiHVEWSDE8A35p4j7IoVXIXzRNTZpbMhAk7I/s1600/logo.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 148px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588788378502451378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn81WM9I5XonG3sO_s33ulnag85AhAGsI3vqQrJKJGN73XWO4s08knr4O3jrB8KwYxPwWcUUManfYT68yJzoN7otP7zAGXE3ZrldwU_ZxNiHVEWSDE8A35p4j7IoVXIXzRNTZpbMhAk7I/s400/logo.jpg" /></a><strong>CREATIVE CREATIONS WANTED BY THE DOLLS HOUSE EMPORIUM </strong><em><br /><br><br />The Dolls House Emporium launches its 2011 Creative Competition with the release of the Garden Pavilion! </em><a href="http://www.dollshouse.com/dhe/competitions/creative-competition.aspx">http://www.dollshouse.com/dhe/competitions/creative-competition.aspx</a> <br /><br><br />Spring is finally in the air and with it the launch of the Dolls House Emporium’s 2011 Creative Competition – so if you are looking for an excuse to start a new miniature project this year, this could be it! Now in its seventh year, the Creative Competition provides the perfect opportunity for you to really let your imagination run riot, whilst also giving you the chance to win up to £650 worth of vouchers to spend at The Dolls House Emporium. <br /><br><br />Each year the competition is based around a small dolls’ house kit which is easy-to-assemble and provides the ideal base for all of your ideas and aspirations. Last year’s competition featured the Village Hall, which was transformed into a Victorian Steam Punk-styled public house; a veterinary practice; and a Moroccan fantasy, to name but a few. This year’s competition is the <strong>Garden Pavilion</strong>. The Pavilion consists of a quaint one-roomed building, with double doors to the front opening out on to a small patio area, and a single door to the side of the building. Outside there is a detachable garden area with a fenced surround. Pavilions are traditionally found on village greens, playing host to local cricket matches, WI meetings or village weddings. However, the building can as easily be transformed in to a country retreat for a well-to-do town couple; a chic eatery; a Country and Western tavern; or even a stable block. The possibilities for this Creative Competition truly are endless! <br /><br><br />“Our 2010 Creative Competition attracted a very high standard of entries and, as always, we were absolutely amazed by the creativity of our customers. It was very hard to whittle them down to just three,” explained Jackie Lee, Managing Director of The Dolls House Emporium. “The competition is also a fantastic way to gain an insight in to what styles, designs and eras our customers like to work in. We are always looking for ways to improve and expand our range and this is the ideal way to get new ideas and to make sure we are providing our customers with the products they want,” adds Jackie. <br /><br><br />The sturdy, high quality Garden Pavilion measures 302mm x 414mm x 344mm, with the moveable garden measuring 80mm x 398mm x 322mm. Priced at just £39.00, the Garden Pavilion is an ideal introduction to the hobby of miniatures and a perfect starting point for your Creative Competition entry. For further information on how to entry the Creative Competition and be in with the chance of winning £650, £350 or £200 worth of vouchers to spend at The Dolls House Emporium, please call 0845 434 7447 quoting PRDHPU16 or visit <a href="http://www.dollshouse.co.uk/PRDHOU16">www.dollshouse.co.uk/PRDHOU16</a>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80ZJ3rwIW9Cwe90oREOauvvJUJhOZK_EUUL2Z-nDOyTCIJitLHguYL421uPF5Li1WJiMuW8YUwhPUuv9EUbC7c6PHMXG3HHdb-u2MitJIzojXGUXIYzKXdy-qa0Q1K6Ms-VMwh6Nw8WM/s1600/the-dolls-house-emporium.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 279px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588788086941409698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80ZJ3rwIW9Cwe90oREOauvvJUJhOZK_EUUL2Z-nDOyTCIJitLHguYL421uPF5Li1WJiMuW8YUwhPUuv9EUbC7c6PHMXG3HHdb-u2MitJIzojXGUXIYzKXdy-qa0Q1K6Ms-VMwh6Nw8WM/s400/the-dolls-house-emporium.jpg" /></a> <br /><div align="left"><strong>About The Dolls House Emporium</strong></div><br /><div align="left"><strong></strong>The Dolls House Emporium is the world’s leading supplier of dolls’ houses and miniature collectables. Based in Derbyshire and trading from 65,000 square foot premises with a retail shop, the company employs over 65 people and distributes worldwide via traditional channels and the Internet, whilst supporting over 400 retailers at home and abroad. The company supplies over 30 precision-made house kits and over 2,500 related accessories, which it promotes through its free 220-page catalogue.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">-------------------------------------</div><br /><div align="left"><strong>FREE </strong>Garden, Gazebo and Greenhouses or Conservatories with selected Collectors' Dolls' houses. </div><br /><div align="left"><strong>OR 15% OFF</strong> Selected Dolls' House Kits </div><br /><div align="left"><strong>6 NEW products for this month! </strong>Introducing The Garden Pavilion a fabulously versatile building and the basis for the Creative Competition 2011 ! </div><br /><div align="left"><strong>Join The Dolls House Emporium on Facebook and Twitter</strong></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">---------------------------------------</div><br /><div align="left"><strong>For further information please contact: </strong>Louise Hatton, PR Co-ordinator: + 44 (0)1773 514462 or email: louise.hatton@dollshouse.com or visit www.dollshouse.co.uk </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4980375820282375419.post-29818145703599437592011-02-24T14:37:00.018-06:002011-02-24T15:07:56.850-06:00Feature Artist: Enchanticals Fantasy Miniatures<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6u58hxYO0E_XlW1lomes5C_3YkDcWNtQUhEyhnmI2KWQ5YgRH_IVrny0691Sgi8XlsbxUfqEUEH4ueXPsa67zyH7K_qgLGCRaOm2tVDWzF3TG6em3D3hSMe8DYmsVHzRyyWlpoBjOos/s1600/iusb_760x100_5531023.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 53px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577364543749545330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6u58hxYO0E_XlW1lomes5C_3YkDcWNtQUhEyhnmI2KWQ5YgRH_IVrny0691Sgi8XlsbxUfqEUEH4ueXPsa67zyH7K_qgLGCRaOm2tVDWzF3TG6em3D3hSMe8DYmsVHzRyyWlpoBjOos/s400/iusb_760x100_5531023.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnA_iMYY2nYMh2MMRklMd0N5i5P1SGo6C8ZUvgzrRJZedEiAlUYpWevRpodoLuWzaI4kz80_RhVd4ObZlhmHjvYUIujcbb8txtHyd5frNDGngfFL5f46UsntxE_hHcXcrInM7wLPUCEZU/s1600/il_570xN_209857273.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 344px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577364452260295090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnA_iMYY2nYMh2MMRklMd0N5i5P1SGo6C8ZUvgzrRJZedEiAlUYpWevRpodoLuWzaI4kz80_RhVd4ObZlhmHjvYUIujcbb8txtHyd5frNDGngfFL5f46UsntxE_hHcXcrInM7wLPUCEZU/s400/il_570xN_209857273.jpg" /></a>Today I will be introducing you to Marsha of Enchanticals (if you don’t already know her, she’s a delight!). I first ‘met’ Marsha on Etsy through Team MIDS (miniatures in dollhouse scales) and I also follow her work on flickr. She frequently submits her enchanting pieces (hence the shop name) in both my Spooky Dollhouse and Fantasy Miniature flickr groups. She was kind enough to answer a few questions about herself and her creative process.<br /><br /><em>Below is my favorite magical cabinet she has made so far. I love the tarot paper on the backboard!</em><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHdAx7iDVm2Nbuld_rrteUNx8Q8uCuxf3Y6bL7SfV_qTldpzBJNFcOlkskiKOTE1_dDzMfIMkMStO5xRQLwbzyPir0PD9hN5KUjiQqE0SBzZsafnhvCdNTbOaRaMrVDDCY92Sk90K3B8/s1600/il_570xN_32231664.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577359399921068562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHdAx7iDVm2Nbuld_rrteUNx8Q8uCuxf3Y6bL7SfV_qTldpzBJNFcOlkskiKOTE1_dDzMfIMkMStO5xRQLwbzyPir0PD9hN5KUjiQqE0SBzZsafnhvCdNTbOaRaMrVDDCY92Sk90K3B8/s400/il_570xN_32231664.jpg" /></a><br />Her shop: <a href="http://www.enchanticals.etsy.com/">http://www.enchanticals.etsy.com/</a><br />Her blog: <a href="http://www.http//enchanticals.blogspot.com/">http://www.http//enchanticals.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#993399;">-Tell us a little about yourself.<br /></span></em></strong>I am a miniaturist, artist, writer, and poet. I am/was gifted with both a sense of wonder and curiosity, as well as a rich imagination that knows no bounds. My late parents encouraged and instilled in my sister and me a desire to learn all that we could from all sources available….the written, visual, spoke; to seek; to question; to think broadly and out of the box; to learn other cultures, customs, and make friends of every culture and creed; to create; be ourselves; think for ourselves, and, most of all, to imagine. For from imagination with action added to it for fuel, one can create boundlessly.<br /><br /><em>Here is one of Marsha's assemblage spell bottles:<br /></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-9EUQRWz8trTxcaOGKeWQDd4czWQFuY4ON2Aj49rJIH9aLCdIJHTQTHl26KQw4oQ8a5DQhq7n-M1TitNf6oprJT9Og6e5niJAsqcMzTwzMhGb82G6zRbDOaGnQeqH7n-sYKEnawa0Zw/s1600/il_570xN_186085626.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 369px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577361864354480034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-9EUQRWz8trTxcaOGKeWQDd4czWQFuY4ON2Aj49rJIH9aLCdIJHTQTHl26KQw4oQ8a5DQhq7n-M1TitNf6oprJT9Og6e5niJAsqcMzTwzMhGb82G6zRbDOaGnQeqH7n-sYKEnawa0Zw/s400/il_570xN_186085626.jpg" /></a>My personality is a bit like yin and yang. I love nature, sunlight, sunny days, animals, flowers, meadows, butterflies (my Sacred Power Animal), and colors. But, my yin, so to speak, side, loves the night, the moon, grey overcast skies, rain, barren trees, melancholy, cold winds blowing, emptiness, fog, and mist. This yin yang personality of mine enhances what I create. When I am in a Yang mode, I create fairy, elemental, and the like creations and when Yin, I love to make spooky, dark, vampires, and etc.<br /><br /><em>Below are some of her nature inspired items.<br /></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaD8bSe3JuHBaLszzinU4H2rOOqwrR2zBHYobSkXdNpNALAFpkL7HFFqVF3mNZEIJZF3d37Ulmc6T0f4lPGMygYdQmrbn7k6OZ74hQm__G-IGkdzO0Sjk4WyqXp9hWFs-Xq1qPxw9yN9k/s1600/il_430xN_123800545.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 323px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577360136586362418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaD8bSe3JuHBaLszzinU4H2rOOqwrR2zBHYobSkXdNpNALAFpkL7HFFqVF3mNZEIJZF3d37Ulmc6T0f4lPGMygYdQmrbn7k6OZ74hQm__G-IGkdzO0Sjk4WyqXp9hWFs-Xq1qPxw9yN9k/s400/il_430xN_123800545.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUsDR_ISXadWiOd6p1q9m-BgEJmLg5NMfgdi5K7dUNMyT4UY8v38wp_pkHmwgXA7D0EF9sB6oZyC-tOD6eaJH0IdXtGTptJGxTkSeplUuGv9j70PvLX2dcWBAGLyQoGT2tvqgahbAMT8/s1600/il_430xN_123800626.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577360507749894178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUsDR_ISXadWiOd6p1q9m-BgEJmLg5NMfgdi5K7dUNMyT4UY8v38wp_pkHmwgXA7D0EF9sB6oZyC-tOD6eaJH0IdXtGTptJGxTkSeplUuGv9j70PvLX2dcWBAGLyQoGT2tvqgahbAMT8/s400/il_430xN_123800626.jpg" /></a><strong><em><span style="color:#993399;">-Please discuss your creative process.<br /></span></em></strong>As an artist, I create in various mediums. However, my preference and specialty are predominantly in 1:12th or miniature dollhouse scale…miniature items, but especially furniture, altered and/or made by me. I furnish them completely with one-of-a-kind, handmade, detailed, and realistic looking items made from nature and found objects.<br /><br />There is no assembly line in my workshop. No elves either. For this reason, each piece is truly one-of a-kind. I keep no written “recipes” for the colors I use nor written instructions for any of the items I create. Each piece is from or includes nature or is created out of found objects I have available at the time. Thus, none of my finished pieces can be duplicated.<br /><br />For each individual creation, I specifically write an original story entitled, “A Little Tale”. My little tales are fables, some with a moral, which either recount the personal life history of the previous “owner” of the piece of furniture or the origin, history or mystery surrounding the miniature item I created. My little tales are a way for me to bring my creations to life for the audience and also to draw them into and become part of, not only the items created, but also my enchanted little world. <em>(Grim loves these little stories!)<br /></em><br /><em>Enchanticals is known for beautiful glass tipped wands, crystal balls, and potion bottles:<br /></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGE1X7C0Xf-LF5ZChcuXqF7fUhUAqm50EwMp7vBA_ixGZgi9dGQCLko5WISJ_jC0ORFxZygmT7TYo_5RxcQFNCDSExW2LjYGXp7BLEF3ziLT40W7pk0ZgwUILH1n1nb0RhyphenhyphenzOpABFbBvg/s1600/il_430xN_159573980.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 388px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577362102602916770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGE1X7C0Xf-LF5ZChcuXqF7fUhUAqm50EwMp7vBA_ixGZgi9dGQCLko5WISJ_jC0ORFxZygmT7TYo_5RxcQFNCDSExW2LjYGXp7BLEF3ziLT40W7pk0ZgwUILH1n1nb0RhyphenhyphenzOpABFbBvg/s400/il_430xN_159573980.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QgGyEyVCs8WIIRpBiCkIY6AFN-j7w5YP4DvUokset5viu0jGfXtUEDgNntU3HAFTTDkTGBFXp6k5O9CwA5eEVMSnzRiyhyphenhyphenVNqwhBsh93sEpTcpbP-pa-RMzBS27wQgLqdydG4NI95eo/s1600/il_570xN_64719409.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 349px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577362577800852882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QgGyEyVCs8WIIRpBiCkIY6AFN-j7w5YP4DvUokset5viu0jGfXtUEDgNntU3HAFTTDkTGBFXp6k5O9CwA5eEVMSnzRiyhyphenhyphenVNqwhBsh93sEpTcpbP-pa-RMzBS27wQgLqdydG4NI95eo/s400/il_570xN_64719409.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbrJ-CqdHto2TS7OBVpIuy6tYUlhGXQDA3wQmJF1nTDb6MDT6AaxuyOuTAB39qrTZ8L3RDjA3Eq7oIxESvXPaOyccysVFRZugKTBXG5NTj_uERotFc6fTDeJ5EChIirugb5ZpfLVTFFs/s1600/il_570xN_74420239.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 398px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577362885122251858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbrJ-CqdHto2TS7OBVpIuy6tYUlhGXQDA3wQmJF1nTDb6MDT6AaxuyOuTAB39qrTZ8L3RDjA3Eq7oIxESvXPaOyccysVFRZugKTBXG5NTj_uERotFc6fTDeJ5EChIirugb5ZpfLVTFFs/s400/il_570xN_74420239.jpg" /></a> <strong><em><span style="color:#993399;">-How did you first become interested in miniatures?<br /></span></em></strong>I do not remember a time when I was not head over heels in love with miniatures and dolls. My late Mother loved and collected miniatures and, perhaps, this became imprinted on me.<br />Each creation is based upon a central theme or character and each altered found object created for that piece supports the main theme.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#993399;">-What themes do you work in regularly?<br /></span></em></strong>My themes and characters for my creations run the gamut…from enchanted to fantasy to whimsy to fairytale to wizard to horror/spooky to realism. These themes do not have a season or Holiday associated with them; I create them year round. For example, spooky…Spooky is not just for Halloween, but rather exists in my enchanted world the entire year.<br /><br /><em>A spookier gray hutch:<br /></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-u0OzlMyy0EPKVsbJaxWlTkQjv7KA2khsU1og62X9Dxb7R2dksngA-GNV0UWmj8-ZzW8JJ-FCbmUXkGy2sk7zCJcOiN2sGFnM1W_WtAwPDDxupNTHN2FWiVH8iGLKDNbB1yAlKqSPXxM/s1600/il_430xN_55090646.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577360719616323858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-u0OzlMyy0EPKVsbJaxWlTkQjv7KA2khsU1og62X9Dxb7R2dksngA-GNV0UWmj8-ZzW8JJ-FCbmUXkGy2sk7zCJcOiN2sGFnM1W_WtAwPDDxupNTHN2FWiVH8iGLKDNbB1yAlKqSPXxM/s400/il_430xN_55090646.jpg" /></a> <strong><em><span style="color:#993399;">-How do you define ‘spooky’? Do you make spooky or fantasy miniatures year round or just seasonally?<br /></span></em></strong>Speaking of “spooky”…my spooky creations are scary, sometimes a bit ghoulish, and may give you a bit of a chill. But, they are always infused with a dab and a dash of whimsy. My spooky is devoid of evil, harm, cruelty, repulsiveness, and hate to and for others. Spooky, to me, is fun fantasy.<br /><br /><em>Here are a few of her more chilling works:<br /></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7SlDzMs4_bRwG6XkRkCFxkHUmVZuoO95SbCu6OJPPcOdjAampPovk5Jvr9xZ0cBO2gIAcrcx9TX0Eg6B5Su2a1DqiU3IRYxlmw-XnzIDx5H-GuIx3f7R0Fc4W-4wAF1rYERt2df-hL0/s1600/il_570xN_95731133.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 376px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577361662995807138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7SlDzMs4_bRwG6XkRkCFxkHUmVZuoO95SbCu6OJPPcOdjAampPovk5Jvr9xZ0cBO2gIAcrcx9TX0Eg6B5Su2a1DqiU3IRYxlmw-XnzIDx5H-GuIx3f7R0Fc4W-4wAF1rYERt2df-hL0/s400/il_570xN_95731133.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68taX-6iUFiQuD6iKa4UQg5GYemdm8tTM7wrFsTgE744Y5oElIVo5MPawFnijXsrsJxGKE7SSfyk9yeMcYTw920IOv1P1ZopLPsnEQs68QpJqeZA98_mT61cBtQLM0k7J2bKGYaIaZM4/s1600/il_fullxfull_164196826.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 310px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577361490098968418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68taX-6iUFiQuD6iKa4UQg5GYemdm8tTM7wrFsTgE744Y5oElIVo5MPawFnijXsrsJxGKE7SSfyk9yeMcYTw920IOv1P1ZopLPsnEQs68QpJqeZA98_mT61cBtQLM0k7J2bKGYaIaZM4/s400/il_fullxfull_164196826.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pZCqIszt-J70boYmSEbvG9AXz0hAM3hKHBiSysqXSJS3a93E7xhDc7ZiBVh_0S2IjEoapW7-_tVk7AhycCXkDwfeovbkKQLCFJ27BJmumHSBfmDI0pmFtPLoJ1pfp16fvenggLtPaGk/s1600/il_fullxfull_165944143.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577361338830790706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pZCqIszt-J70boYmSEbvG9AXz0hAM3hKHBiSysqXSJS3a93E7xhDc7ZiBVh_0S2IjEoapW7-_tVk7AhycCXkDwfeovbkKQLCFJ27BJmumHSBfmDI0pmFtPLoJ1pfp16fvenggLtPaGk/s400/il_fullxfull_165944143.jpg" /></a> <strong><em><span style="color:#993399;">-Do you have a dollhouse of your own and what do you like to collect?</span></em></strong><br />Grim asked me to tell you about my dollhouse. Well, after three years I can finally talk about it and am ready, anxious, really, to finally buy a new one. Three years ago, when I was moving, I firmly decided that “I” was going to move my just completed, not yet furnished, dollhouse or rather French model’s atelier. I didn’t want the movers to damage it. Well, the oddest thing happened. I had the atelier firmly and tightly in my hands as I was walking to my car. All of a sudden, as if the element of wind decided to create a huge gust of wind (There was no wind.), my dollhouse flew out of my hands, went up in the air about 10’, and came crashing down on my pebble tek driveway. It shattered into a million tiny pieces. Nothing was left. I simply stood there and looked at it. (Grim throw hands up in horror and hides her face in misery) It was decorated with French blue and dove grey walls with white molding and molding embellishments, real wooden floors, a fireplace, glass windows, and tile. But, now I have three sketches ready for my new dollhouse and cannot wait to buy a new one and begin.<br />Marsha J. West<br /><br />Links Marsha wishes to share:<br /><a href="http://www.hilarosenberg.com/">http://www.hilarosenberg.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.ravenrocksstudio.com/Home.html">http://www.ravenrocksstudio.com/Home.html</a><br /><a href="http://www.alicemagazine.co.uk/">http://www.alicemagazine.co.uk/</a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AFancifulTwist">http://www.etsy.com/shop/AFancifulTwist</a><br /><a href="http://www.griselda.com/">http://www.griselda.com/</a><br /><br />I would just like to thank Marsha for sharing her time and creativity with us!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGatClheygjEfVqIxOtJ54Cfs7nkU8_o7WigpwoW9-Hw4KOS1J3rPL4a-SzvzWiwoSbRL19pIsmgnWHqwb88Pw2d-r6ty7wSfkUc9ne2xq1ChwGoWkKm1CKIb_joY56KX5_MRmlPAgpc/s1600/il_570xN_35755716.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577359950644548818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGatClheygjEfVqIxOtJ54Cfs7nkU8_o7WigpwoW9-Hw4KOS1J3rPL4a-SzvzWiwoSbRL19pIsmgnWHqwb88Pw2d-r6ty7wSfkUc9ne2xq1ChwGoWkKm1CKIb_joY56KX5_MRmlPAgpc/s400/il_570xN_35755716.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4980375820282375419.post-36361971003984610092011-02-03T11:44:00.020-06:002011-02-03T12:40:41.685-06:00Holy Moly long time since last blogged! New shops I like...Yes it has been quite a while since I last blogged. Sorry sorry... I know. I will just say this - college courses with two week exam cycles, gull bladder hates me, family is crazy, my hair is blue now. Ta da. So that the excuses are out of the way. Let me introduce several new shops and artists I've discovered over the last several months that I kept meaning to tell everyone about.<br /><br />1) "A Pagan Dollhouse" with the whimsical gypsy dolls by artisans Carolina Gonzalez And Fernando Abisaab. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYmh8-hrlInNLHB4xBeDTn06uFeXIZuQcTrTSg8SskdBf82j2zoaCzqC6r1Imsd_K-iDKdj1g7M9m8nPuGizPnT6fnvgFi2XAmixkAC8X8jKGxWekkb5ki6WatSEF62_ovoWKmUFoDms/s1600/p1010012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYmh8-hrlInNLHB4xBeDTn06uFeXIZuQcTrTSg8SskdBf82j2zoaCzqC6r1Imsd_K-iDKdj1g7M9m8nPuGizPnT6fnvgFi2XAmixkAC8X8jKGxWekkb5ki6WatSEF62_ovoWKmUFoDms/s400/p1010012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569535049606743106" /></a><br />Their magical Etsy shop is Gypsy Minis: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/gypsydeluxe">http://www.etsy.com/shop/gypsydeluxe</a><br />Their blog: <a href="http://apagandollhouse.wordpress.com/">http://apagandollhouse.wordpress.com/</a><br /><br />2) "Rustic Miniatures" on Etsy has just the cutest and very well made natural wood furniture sets. There's a lot of that out there but these pieces have a distinct sense of craftsmenship. Linda and Mabelline make furniture in many scales including the larger sizes for Blythe and Barbie.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-38txcLhPbW7MgP3P1gf9IH4icCRLH0gG6mA07Jqq6J6MHD3-oyiLfaM5W9h2bduyYwdSHXrOdaIQ6KVKb6ulMJoqte9jte4D37ZqXOgvL-OwpzMWyLo3f6fJcQg7AFJVh_IbhOYQlk/s1600/il_570xN_213909057.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569525860003720898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-38txcLhPbW7MgP3P1gf9IH4icCRLH0gG6mA07Jqq6J6MHD3-oyiLfaM5W9h2bduyYwdSHXrOdaIQ6KVKb6ulMJoqte9jte4D37ZqXOgvL-OwpzMWyLo3f6fJcQg7AFJVh_IbhOYQlk/s400/il_570xN_213909057.jpg" /></a><br />Rustic Miniatures on Etsy: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/RusticMiniatures?ref=seller_info">http://www.etsy.com/shop/RusticMiniatures?ref=seller_info</a><br /><br />3)"Marfulhuz Miniatures" on Etsy. I love her mushrooms! Little tufts of fungus sprouting from logs and chopped brown mushroom caps ready to go into a boiling kettle. She has some cute ghostie potion bottles and other goodies as well.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfK8PylOTP5AxZ_VHprLS51x52tPcjHFBZni27ertfQ07QkNxWoppBnMhmXE4XV0lzl2eZRI670OUaJtG-UQxp_G1F1QY5JzKqqEz1UOONCj1s0qm3Ti7YE9gNtklb_nlpewQ5ju2LOc/s1600/MarfolhuzMiniatures.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569527714918661810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfK8PylOTP5AxZ_VHprLS51x52tPcjHFBZni27ertfQ07QkNxWoppBnMhmXE4XV0lzl2eZRI670OUaJtG-UQxp_G1F1QY5JzKqqEz1UOONCj1s0qm3Ti7YE9gNtklb_nlpewQ5ju2LOc/s400/MarfolhuzMiniatures.jpg" /></a> Find these delightful minis at: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MarfolhuzMiniatures?ref=seller_info">http://www.etsy.com/shop/MarfolhuzMiniatures?ref=seller_info</a><br /><br />4)"Mrs Tiggywinkle Dolls" by Tiggy on Etsy. A costume designer by trade, she makes the most beautiful porcelain dolls. Her Tudors especially caught my fancy. These can be purchased fully finished, in a kit with everything included, or just the doll unclothed. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEQe1Vs1RXCLECxLVYH6EXku3qPQ8HIZIfH82HrgqvXsnWxdhx_VY26JJUV9BxVDrSLpwGY22PFWP5nkVdDue6wyiB92LkW-cApMSnCf0ErL61uox2GtXiKaDJyaQ7bECp5jjHA26Pwg/s1600/MrsTiggywinkleDolls.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 382px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569529002483270274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEQe1Vs1RXCLECxLVYH6EXku3qPQ8HIZIfH82HrgqvXsnWxdhx_VY26JJUV9BxVDrSLpwGY22PFWP5nkVdDue6wyiB92LkW-cApMSnCf0ErL61uox2GtXiKaDJyaQ7bECp5jjHA26Pwg/s400/MrsTiggywinkleDolls.jpg" /></a>Visit her shop at: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MrsTiggywinkleDolls?ref=seller_info">http://www.etsy.com/shop/MrsTiggywinkleDolls?ref=seller_info</a><br /><br />5)"Copper Fairy Studio" also on Etsy. A magical selection of paper goods including books, scrolls, and fantastic fairy wings that she will create in any scale! I simply must have a pair... or two.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlhOVltmn3SvD2ImDNsYjTSJbV76zkS_t7DZYdLsn7A5n7dZTT6w-ola-O0dWFI0OY6SRI13wx4rofg2b_qAAys8q4XYsOVmuGO3YVLFiYoTSEd9d7v2ofQwBEpOE7uMRiD226YUg0H8/s1600/WingsCopperFairyStudio.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 226px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569530984403579602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlhOVltmn3SvD2ImDNsYjTSJbV76zkS_t7DZYdLsn7A5n7dZTT6w-ola-O0dWFI0OY6SRI13wx4rofg2b_qAAys8q4XYsOVmuGO3YVLFiYoTSEd9d7v2ofQwBEpOE7uMRiD226YUg0H8/s400/WingsCopperFairyStudio.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhix1SDZ_G_QbiSR_unSawECE8tvBMWvGyGsEIhYYbxgxzMR-hg49kQ44QyB_VDkAVmpiSRdQNxnSQYOMKLszkOH_WjOTPKa30s0I9ENaTqpZCEa7Wc-PJYh_LficFQfzVeT5Wtmu44_H0/s1600/MorebooksCopperFairyStudio.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 220px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569530895243987138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhix1SDZ_G_QbiSR_unSawECE8tvBMWvGyGsEIhYYbxgxzMR-hg49kQ44QyB_VDkAVmpiSRdQNxnSQYOMKLszkOH_WjOTPKa30s0I9ENaTqpZCEa7Wc-PJYh_LficFQfzVeT5Wtmu44_H0/s400/MorebooksCopperFairyStudio.jpg" /></a>Visit this shop at: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/copperfairystudio">http://www.etsy.com/shop/copperfairystudio</a><br /><br />Well this is just a fraction of what I've been finding here and there. If you collect fantasy or spooky miniatures, there is so much if you are willing to look for the little treasures! That's the fun of it really, for me. The discovery and sharing it. By the way, hope you like the new look of my blog. I used the free backgrounds and also the graphics packs to make my own banners by Itkupilli... love love love her stuff! Check out her countless beautiful free graphics at <a href="http://blo64rt.blogspot.com/">http://blo64rt.blogspot.com/</a> and her Etsy shop at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Itkupilli?ref=seller_info">http://www.etsy.com/shop/Itkupilli?ref=seller_info</a><br /><a href="http://blo64rt.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_YepnTrx-v5c/TPap2lZ_gjI/AAAAAAAAFEM/_bAFGGUy2pM/bird.png" /></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4980375820282375419.post-43118800724466515492010-08-01T10:29:00.009-05:002010-08-01T10:50:47.939-05:00Haunted Dollhouse Video & Gallery by DollzMaker<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSXBpsFs6RTFlFr7kmJbLowCOj_JGxib9SVfsuSoRSaCDXuSMQEQCjsr5nxiJY4g3fmG1YRIQcPXZa5x5T4yahO1nfv-igKFmFnABtvFoYw0sDODDPYAgRgKyKCuIAd8JQX_WiIsoZN4/s1600/house1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 303px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500468452702321458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSXBpsFs6RTFlFr7kmJbLowCOj_JGxib9SVfsuSoRSaCDXuSMQEQCjsr5nxiJY4g3fmG1YRIQcPXZa5x5T4yahO1nfv-igKFmFnABtvFoYw0sDODDPYAgRgKyKCuIAd8JQX_WiIsoZN4/s400/house1.jpg" /></a>Well, I found another spooky miniature artist on DeviantART today! Andie aka Dollzmaker is the name. She put together just the coolest movie of her collection of haunted houses, complete with screams and moody music. I am thrilled!!! So cool.<br /><br />The video:<br /><a href="http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheBox?sendevent=4d6a4d324e7a59344e413d3d0d0a&campaign=blog_playback_link">http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheBox?sendevent=4d6a4d324e7a59344e413d3d0d0a&campaign=blog_playback_link</a><br /><br />Her gallery and profile:<br /><a href="http://dollzmaker.deviantart.com/">http://dollzmaker.deviantart.com/</a><br /><br />Her web site Mizfit Dolls, not your average rag doll...<br /><a href="http://mizfitdollz.com/">http://mizfitdollz.com/</a><br /><div></div><br /><div>She creates custom one of a kind Haunted Dollhouses, miniatures, and unusual ragdolls. I don't collect ragdolls myself but I'm tempted... Andie describes herself as an Outside Artist and seems to have sold mostly on ebay. I can't find any new listings but she takes commissions, making one doll at a time. She has several beautiful dolls in her Deviant gallery and these are 2 of my favs.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxY0kM9c6A4kdL-A4uu9zMyjFiGuTJubCZLEn4uJFkYmUDiwGJNxvpbeXHxCNpFvwYe7AZ_8DsQUbZZ-JcmwH2N5O7xcKGgPfc3G0kdJrKLi4iwGQ6mjcEiUOK8z_9vK2WZsslne-lxO8/s1600/Gothic_Witch_Lauda_by_DollzMaker.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500468105959133378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxY0kM9c6A4kdL-A4uu9zMyjFiGuTJubCZLEn4uJFkYmUDiwGJNxvpbeXHxCNpFvwYe7AZ_8DsQUbZZ-JcmwH2N5O7xcKGgPfc3G0kdJrKLi4iwGQ6mjcEiUOK8z_9vK2WZsslne-lxO8/s400/Gothic_Witch_Lauda_by_DollzMaker.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgIFt3azD0F4aOsfESqNpZA9onZvvUqTrFqMiJt5Jlha2oQLiLTsoV9fHAUdnhkq_S8ws0aOZbzJ_AD_tLt-Lho9Lc2tEbId_z8j-C-liEJexVVgJD6aQMRm5M09H5VWVJ7_bww-J7B8/s1600/kirra1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 261px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500468019077790930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgIFt3azD0F4aOsfESqNpZA9onZvvUqTrFqMiJt5Jlha2oQLiLTsoV9fHAUdnhkq_S8ws0aOZbzJ_AD_tLt-Lho9Lc2tEbId_z8j-C-liEJexVVgJD6aQMRm5M09H5VWVJ7_bww-J7B8/s400/kirra1.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDiJbKK5UgOtrJK16xuWyU7Z7dlOc2jycFdGD69dfUkOHlbM4z-ENX7J19Bf4qK5D9LFA7YvA704b54hK9dWUTEGadqPQ17hIA0LbWjTt3041y9Cj645YDeXp88YczKAL1jwGSttZSc7A/s1600/New_Haunted_Dollhouse_June_201_by_DollzMaker.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500468267866679586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDiJbKK5UgOtrJK16xuWyU7Z7dlOc2jycFdGD69dfUkOHlbM4z-ENX7J19Bf4qK5D9LFA7YvA704b54hK9dWUTEGadqPQ17hIA0LbWjTt3041y9Cj645YDeXp88YczKAL1jwGSttZSc7A/s400/New_Haunted_Dollhouse_June_201_by_DollzMaker.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4980375820282375419.post-80421701166762273852010-07-10T15:29:00.014-05:002010-07-10T16:14:50.583-05:00Nature's Castles: Miniature Fantasy Homes by the Schramers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zyIq660fc96vrEGsrESvjErrMtY3QOOSYseww_CryOCWCCwcMaexyctL1RK5WxyQLO4Pzzho8jKcrWQew7hAnrzPXoLvgWQg0Pmtc5470sau04i7QlB0970VCaWi_r7WSJP9UKkQ28s/s1600/il_430xN_156866666.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492383088736032818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zyIq660fc96vrEGsrESvjErrMtY3QOOSYseww_CryOCWCCwcMaexyctL1RK5WxyQLO4Pzzho8jKcrWQew7hAnrzPXoLvgWQg0Pmtc5470sau04i7QlB0970VCaWi_r7WSJP9UKkQ28s/s400/il_430xN_156866666.jpg" /></a>While surfing Etsy for hidden treasures, I typed in 'fairy' and dug through 20+ pages. Amid all the baby tutus and charm bracelets, I discovered this absolute wonder of a dollhouse in a shop called 'Sunflowerhouse'. I was in awe and keep looking at the pictures... the artist Debbie Schramer likes to go on nature walks and collect treasures with her husband Mike, who is also an artist. They have over the years collected a huge amount of drift wood and other earthly treasures. With all of this, they went to work building two of the most magnifiscent dollhouses I've ever seen. Although they are built in the spirit of the now popular organic 'fairy homes', these two pieces are much grander in scale and design. These are truly fairy castles and mansions!<br /><br />The couple's websites:<br /><a href="http://www.artmajeur.com/debbieschramer">www.artmajeur.com/debbieschramer</a><br /><a href="http://beautiful-art.blogspot.com/">http://beautiful-art.blogspot.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.michaelschramer.com/">http://www.michaelschramer.com/</a><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff99ff;">THE FAIRY TREEHOUSE</span></strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiA5DCHJepnqjqv61Sc_DzhQt2nBXIynDPibG-XYr94jYn-Uek3LyKx0kr4p8ffoH_q39YNbDJlrFXcdutMscucaawaSmlKQRtSGLeAgu66p0GbOkV8wckphZ52jjsF_OXEmg1PcLPV6g/s1600/il_430xN_156866949.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492383389227988066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiA5DCHJepnqjqv61Sc_DzhQt2nBXIynDPibG-XYr94jYn-Uek3LyKx0kr4p8ffoH_q39YNbDJlrFXcdutMscucaawaSmlKQRtSGLeAgu66p0GbOkV8wckphZ52jjsF_OXEmg1PcLPV6g/s400/il_430xN_156866949.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwKOcwEFazAk7jPQi2quTJynW8V290Pm-c-N1-AVFsT-IeHqcKFEqKjUhvHYu9ONp2skCnavry4kqjk_GMCRa9fbIzyBZPL9e4haNipa3Ks6Tx2to1XccDWhF08gZuipGP6oZLsSmEpo/s1600/il_430xN_156870922.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 301px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492383635593196850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwKOcwEFazAk7jPQi2quTJynW8V290Pm-c-N1-AVFsT-IeHqcKFEqKjUhvHYu9ONp2skCnavry4kqjk_GMCRa9fbIzyBZPL9e4haNipa3Ks6Tx2to1XccDWhF08gZuipGP6oZLsSmEpo/s400/il_430xN_156870922.jpg" /></a>About their Fairy Treehouse, Debbie writes:<br /><em><span style="color:#ff99ff;">"This is the most amazing, magical, intricate work of art. My husband and I created this house in 1995 when we lived in Washington state. We always have loved going for walks in the mountains and by the sea and have collected so many incredible materials in nature over the years. We've always wanted to build our own very different, unique house (to actually live in) so I think we put many of our dreams and ideas into this house (the first fairy house we made).<br /><br />This house is 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It has 14 rooms (all completely furnished with little chairs, beds, tables, etc., dishes, books, sculptures, paintings, brooms, shoes, etc., also made from nature). We have used everything in nature you can imagine.....driftwood, branches, roots, vines, twigs, leaves, moss, flowers, stones, shells, seaweed, kelp, leaf skeleton, wild grasses, herbs, pods, the list goes on. We gathered nearly all of the materials we've used in the house as well.<br /><br />It took us 6 months to make this house; towards the end of creating it, we worked 12 hour days quite often. Our Fairy Treehouse was exhibited at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland in 1995 for a year and was chosen the 4th favorite work of art out of the 400 artworks in the museum's inagural exhibit.<br /><br />There is an observatory at the very top with telescopes, a sculpturing table and clay, pots to plant flowers, and little chairs. There are stairways that wander all throughout the fairy treehouse; there are nearly hidden little rooms, balconies, windowboxes, sleeping hollows, garden rooms, little ladders leading to separate little overhanging rooms and just endless, amazing detail that captivates a person for hours... Endless surprises everywhere"</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#ff99ff;"></span></em><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Additional pictures and purchase details available on Etsy at:<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/51064598/the-fairy-treehouse">http://www.etsy.com/listing/51064598/the-fairy-treehouse</a></span><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff99ff;">THE FAIRY CASTLE</span></strong><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMJtbqgl-kgP6sCuvdFWPyRZJE3VhE5OzDplISQP4ZQ7g-0obD649UDY3AVW2UbN6smmmXw9rgNVo3ElEsWbv2ddLV8HQ3nU0UjaPwlsc5O6PeiSdbXeUrYiYIiM9W2xMkQ_LiYT1vFc/s1600/il_430xN_156859697.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492383753249753506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMJtbqgl-kgP6sCuvdFWPyRZJE3VhE5OzDplISQP4ZQ7g-0obD649UDY3AVW2UbN6smmmXw9rgNVo3ElEsWbv2ddLV8HQ3nU0UjaPwlsc5O6PeiSdbXeUrYiYIiM9W2xMkQ_LiYT1vFc/s400/il_430xN_156859697.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfwgLwK5AYLjZ76KcOW4icICzoXTjcwriczEyN12wI4KC1Q6MojSlihsPvjll0idKzw_qQbA0DqrCoAx1fEis8_25BigosZoS5wZQiJdXbaXWiPTgUmCmkR-sbcJ5otCM9ImBq6M3cH8/s1600/il_430xN_156861390.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492384057425012994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfwgLwK5AYLjZ76KcOW4icICzoXTjcwriczEyN12wI4KC1Q6MojSlihsPvjll0idKzw_qQbA0DqrCoAx1fEis8_25BigosZoS5wZQiJdXbaXWiPTgUmCmkR-sbcJ5otCM9ImBq6M3cH8/s400/il_430xN_156861390.jpg" /></a></span><span style="color:#ff99ff;"><span style="color:#000000;">Debbie says about the castle, </span><em>"My husband and I made this fairy castle 6 years ago. It is made from all natural materials.....driftwood, branches, vines, twigs, leaves, moss, shells, stones, leaf skeleton, flowers, pods and just really everything in nature. We gathered nearly all of the materials ourselves. </em></span><br /><em><span style="color:#ff99ff;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#ff99ff;">It is 2 1/2 feet tall; there are wonderful stairways waundering all throughout the house that lead one on a magical journey to fairyland. Your imagination goes wild. Even after seeing this house millions of times, I never tire of spending time looking at it. It is truely amazing. There are little bedrooms with beds made from flowers and leaves, a living room with shelves of books, a chess set and little twig chairs. There is an art tower with a painting and sculpting studio and an art library. There's even a mud room with a sink and pots for planting little flowers. There's a bathroon, nearly hidden behind shelves of lotion bottles and perfumes. My favorite area though is the laundry room with it's ironing board and iron made form stems and pods. There's even a little wash tub and a package of (fairy) soap. A little mailbox is filled with letters and a newspaper. And there are three towers made of stones at the top of the fairy castle. One of the towers is atop a little hermitage cottage; one can barely see in through the door to the tiny furniture inside. There are tiny dishes, paintings, sculptures and other amazing detail, all created from nature"</span></em><em><span style="color:#ff99ff;"></span></em><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Additional photos and retail details are available in their Etsy shop at: </span><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/51061672/the-fairy-castle?ref=v1_other_2">http://www.etsy.com/listing/51061672/the-fairy-castle?ref=v1_other_2</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4980375820282375419.post-19997432997854857332010-06-22T14:06:00.011-05:002010-06-22T14:42:56.139-05:00Moving on in life... my latest listing isn't a miniature!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrDyX6G8eZh27twfgG8Jo27yxcely1HbFnJ6ebI7O-SgLD2niXHAmVfjof-cHmeqhWuVyAI3gOXZLdzAjd0MwMOnyoCqeeu_6ZwdZ6RhuE-cDkPnPLH1W1BZX8vH0fbOZgr836qMQCds/s1600/SSally2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 295px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485683813762589714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrDyX6G8eZh27twfgG8Jo27yxcely1HbFnJ6ebI7O-SgLD2niXHAmVfjof-cHmeqhWuVyAI3gOXZLdzAjd0MwMOnyoCqeeu_6ZwdZ6RhuE-cDkPnPLH1W1BZX8vH0fbOZgr836qMQCds/s400/SSally2.jpg" /></a> Although I spend most of my artistic energy on miniatures, I do work in other mediums. I like to make jewelry, wreaths, collages, water color, alter books and clothes and dolls... basically I'm always collecting things and making messes. I have a lot of porcelain dolls in various states of usage. About a year ago, I played with different surface treatments on these. I gessoed heavily and dry brushed to pick up the texture. I did a matte spray and then inked. I then tried a combination of crackling with 2 colors. About 2 days ago, one of my taller dolls, a 16" porcelain beauty caught my attention. I had painted her a base of deep red then crackled on a pale gray. I was going to make her a vampire but never finished. <div></div><div> </div><div>I have an article in the free AIM magazine about my altered art dolls, Issue May 2010 on page 72. <a href="http://www.scribd.com/full/30774876?access_key=key-2l20kuni9h3qddn6sz5f">http://www.scribd.com/full/30774876?access_key=key-2l20kuni9h3qddn6sz5f</a></div><div> </div><div>Now, you all know I love to Steampunk! My wheels and gears are turning... I had the cutest pair of brass and dark glass doll spectacles that I picked up at a doll fair in the Spring. I also have a collection of miniature hats in different shapes and I really like my black felt top hats. Hmm, also have some vintage watch pieces and new charms to use. Well, it all came together and the nameless doll has become "Steampunk Sally" !</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigaM7d14IU-82gj0BENKXC2Sk4Va6qm7QUAWp6rzin0kr0VDsWQesBo__Cuo3USC_zs6Cg5csnTozDcsfmvnqBm9fpH2oKAmllCZV44vOaEIeQcJFLBfcr2bPmanHqYDSdG-VZWd2Ujw/s1600/006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485683365839212354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigaM7d14IU-82gj0BENKXC2Sk4Va6qm7QUAWp6rzin0kr0VDsWQesBo__Cuo3USC_zs6Cg5csnTozDcsfmvnqBm9fpH2oKAmllCZV44vOaEIeQcJFLBfcr2bPmanHqYDSdG-VZWd2Ujw/s400/006.JPG" /></a> I imagine that she is a little orphan ghost who walks about collecting trinkets, talking to crickets, and generally minding her own business - although your watch might come up missing if she passes by! She is a bit lonely and so I gave her a pensive pouty look, using ink and acrylics over the crackle base.<br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtxr_bvsHzhhtqYN2ObDzE3zuFmh_wHG-FvG0-61ZFlHJrvwFYDChu0APAqA81O_8MY4roHLrrR1FS5sfhA0TioiwlRwHIQt2lB4M4i_svJqxTLiYlJdTyTYHCgIzFQoL-dMnfhPAXGw/s1600/sidebysidesally.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 347px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485683144489370578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtxr_bvsHzhhtqYN2ObDzE3zuFmh_wHG-FvG0-61ZFlHJrvwFYDChu0APAqA81O_8MY4roHLrrR1FS5sfhA0TioiwlRwHIQt2lB4M4i_svJqxTLiYlJdTyTYHCgIzFQoL-dMnfhPAXGw/s400/sidebysidesally.jpg" /></a> All of Sally's trinkets, clothes, and hat can be removed so her outfits can evolve. I spent quite of bit of time playing with her attire. The dress has been soaked in a combination of dark cocoa and chicory for a deep rusted color... they still smell delicious! I added layers of vintage lace and polka dot fabric, fraying edges and adding stiches for a distressed look. Her brooch is removable and able to be worn. It is an assemblage piece with a tiny vintage doily, a black cherub in a cloud of pearls, and streamers of ribbon and charms. The hat is a felt base. I wrapped silver and black knit on the brim, applied 3 layers of veiling in the back, and finished with a skeleton band, mushroom sprouts, and clock bits. I made little striped stocking to match. Sally has brown leather shoes tied with satin ribbon, a little bouquet of moss and mushrooms, and her spectacles.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYR2gOGCCF2gA3QJAv2MRgGSeRihIR2aeuGEj9ufQXeGdF7YZFrmONk_X4xNtlU7zapS6L556QiQrYZ5-4eotvLLEszC_fbdvb280Y0FM8m6_W0VYl-Vudlwt3BgO7n_Napmu1xAfRSk/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 379px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485683588484396498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYR2gOGCCF2gA3QJAv2MRgGSeRihIR2aeuGEj9ufQXeGdF7YZFrmONk_X4xNtlU7zapS6L556QiQrYZ5-4eotvLLEszC_fbdvb280Y0FM8m6_W0VYl-Vudlwt3BgO7n_Napmu1xAfRSk/s400/005.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVQqjXIi70z9OSOP3PborqLhhAWGNGopdNFM-18PW8eRgXPTj1E2WSNge0aq-ni5GwRdVS67QvCYLZwvOzJAPmcrWxUIAfvZqfvBq0A7O9i3-X1FT2x3StN700UDWAZh9rX2K46d8PbU/s1600/012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 324px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485682478999323026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVQqjXIi70z9OSOP3PborqLhhAWGNGopdNFM-18PW8eRgXPTj1E2WSNge0aq-ni5GwRdVS67QvCYLZwvOzJAPmcrWxUIAfvZqfvBq0A7O9i3-X1FT2x3StN700UDWAZh9rX2K46d8PbU/s400/012.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTbWCy91Ug-w-_7zw_7Z-nqykMNxh10A17l4mhXBl94J2VwIP0MhUPJEN_JIzgyeiGGHG_4tICWoG3k2vWKhhlURmCZ4GXyXTUBxiSCcr8qpISk1SVRTyDpsb-vJEie69DIr2mW8XKxI/s1600/009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 366px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 336px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485682724465285058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTbWCy91Ug-w-_7zw_7Z-nqykMNxh10A17l4mhXBl94J2VwIP0MhUPJEN_JIzgyeiGGHG_4tICWoG3k2vWKhhlURmCZ4GXyXTUBxiSCcr8qpISk1SVRTyDpsb-vJEie69DIr2mW8XKxI/s400/009.JPG" /></a> Steampunk Sally is available in my Etsy shop at: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/49937547/steampunk-sally-ooak-altered-porcelain">http://www.etsy.com/listing/49937547/steampunk-sally-ooak-altered-porcelain</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSrJtYf7cuk8j9AHauaZQcVId1yooObLdCpoQusjjqs9Rg9gEDc7vbG4J5tVPlVZv9WkzxOajhBxZ62ToB2t8FBDS2w6wYvmXZRuwpybjv7ngLhboJVlkg7qqwOktYIEMFRqT4rijOno/s1600/SSally4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 295px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485682963187696674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSrJtYf7cuk8j9AHauaZQcVId1yooObLdCpoQusjjqs9Rg9gEDc7vbG4J5tVPlVZv9WkzxOajhBxZ62ToB2t8FBDS2w6wYvmXZRuwpybjv7ngLhboJVlkg7qqwOktYIEMFRqT4rijOno/s400/SSally4.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4980375820282375419.post-19450832652010448012010-06-20T10:34:00.012-05:002010-06-20T12:07:26.023-05:00I'm being followed by an Art Thief: Is she following you?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglil8TicHUmIja_GKqv5rdW-GH6td65j_fTO8gaamIN03mL5iV0kfvUYuSGry4uYtW8l-_8kn9lRD39fM-Wxq7FPYqEEsrSNohVNq3YpOI5VLeUzwhHDl1uCoYqf5lw0xXztZoblu6K8k/s1600/BOS1manuscrip444ts.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 312px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484891459643890082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglil8TicHUmIja_GKqv5rdW-GH6td65j_fTO8gaamIN03mL5iV0kfvUYuSGry4uYtW8l-_8kn9lRD39fM-Wxq7FPYqEEsrSNohVNq3YpOI5VLeUzwhHDl1uCoYqf5lw0xXztZoblu6K8k/s400/BOS1manuscrip444ts.jpg" /></a><em><strong> Hmm... that is selling well, people like that. Wow, it's sort of expensive and I could make that way cheaper. I'll just move this little piece here instead. Oh the original artist is offended? Hey I made this with my hand so it's handmade. Look angry miniature artists, you don't own the idea of a 'magical mandrake table' or other WITCHY concepts. I'm making money and you can't stop me!<br /><br />Now I'm going to start following all of your blogs and mass advertising my shoddy knock off work and you can't stop me! You can't stop me haha! In fact, I'm going to advertise my work as original, ooak, and truly an expression of my own inner creativity...<br /></strong></em><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQpvo0_fpaEqqcAf1rSS2Uko8vyuDQRGhqO97009EA9SFdSyBL2V1pv_7Aho848YXno1-C-sk7fr5J6gJdGPpglJ1GbUjM4rEYTOwTYppxjziak7DDLiqXYlwcBZZSLtznlsfnGNHX1w/s1600/Dumb_Girl_by_skullberries.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484893400138014066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQpvo0_fpaEqqcAf1rSS2Uko8vyuDQRGhqO97009EA9SFdSyBL2V1pv_7Aho848YXno1-C-sk7fr5J6gJdGPpglJ1GbUjM4rEYTOwTYppxjziak7DDLiqXYlwcBZZSLtznlsfnGNHX1w/s400/Dumb_Girl_by_skullberries.jpg" /></a><span style="color:#33ff33;"> Uh-hum... Most of us figure this out as children.</span></p><p>The picture above was taken and submitted to DeviantART by 'skullberries' at <a href="http://browse.deviantart.com/?qh=§ion=&q=dumb+girl#/d2m8k3z">http://browse.deviantart.com/?qh=§ion=&q=dumb+girl#/d2m8k3z</a> I give her credit, no matter how simple the idea is- because it's HERS! If I were to like this idea so much that I would take a picture of the word dumb tattooed on my own lip, I would be <span style="color:#33ff33;">COPYING !!!</span> Then if I were to try selling it on the very same sites she advertises on I'd have just the biggest pair of testicles EVER! </p><p><span style="color:#33ff33;">I know who you are. </span></p><p><span style="color:#33ff33;">In fact, we ALL know who you are.<br /><br />I know how you have blatantly made poor quality copies of work belonging to other miniature artists in the Spooky & Fantasy genre.<br /><br />I know that you have decided to follow my and many other miniature art blogs recently.<br /><br />I know that you dress yourself up as a witch.<br /><br />I am a Witch, lady... and I am pissed off. I do NOT appreciate you following my blog</span> <span style="color:#33ff33;">or pretending to be an original artist. </span></p><p>You have been warned many times in a friendly manner to stop copying other people's work. You have responded with nastiness and distain. You have NO INTEGRITY !!!<br /><br />Just remember, whatever you do to others will come back to you, whether you call it Karma, Threefold Rule, or the Golden Rule. I support my community of miniature artists and original handmade art. You have lost your place in this and are a tainted HACK. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZTRvdWGCtXO5fAw0CcBBvGk4ghChpADSmG0U9eSTHvxBmTmTP4vMniSEjRexKL6z_uGxiLzpJOw-l3mHBhN1WRWfFZqUgEuOGmCHYhMLmNaEceF2kRHaz5SvG3OUIFg3c3Umb7_2PY4/s1600/Art_Theif_Hunter_Stamp_by_shadow2rulez.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 99px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 56px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484896079691969234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZTRvdWGCtXO5fAw0CcBBvGk4ghChpADSmG0U9eSTHvxBmTmTP4vMniSEjRexKL6z_uGxiLzpJOw-l3mHBhN1WRWfFZqUgEuOGmCHYhMLmNaEceF2kRHaz5SvG3OUIFg3c3Umb7_2PY4/s400/Art_Theif_Hunter_Stamp_by_shadow2rulez.jpg" /></a><a href="http://browse.deviantart.com/?qh=§ion=&q=art+theif#/d1b3otc">http://browse.deviantart.com/?qh=§ion=&q=art+theif#/d1b3otc</a></p><p>-An article on how to approach someone who has stolen your art:<br /><a href="http://news.deviantart.com/article/22971/">http://news.deviantart.com/article/22971/</a></p><p>-Your full legal rights as an artist can be found in the BERNE CONVENTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF LITERARY AND ARTISTIC WORKS (Paris Text 1971)<br /><a href="http://www.law.cornell.edu/treaties/berne/overview.html">http://www.law.cornell.edu/treaties/berne/overview.html</a></p><p>-10 Big Myths about Copyrights:<br /><a href="http://www.templetons.com/brad/copymyths.html">http://www.templetons.com/brad/copymyths.html</a></p><p align="center"><strong><span style="color:#33ff33;">NOTICE !!!</span></strong></p><p align="center"><strong><span style="color:#33ff33;">I only personally follow blogs of original artists that I respect. Just because someone is following my blog, does not mean I support their work or want to be associated with them. As a collector and a creator myself, supporting the artistic community in all mediums is very important to me. I cannot stop someone from following my blog, stealing my pictures, or even physically copying my work. However, I can refuse to buy their work, follow their blog, and put the word out about them in my own artistic guilds and groups. </span></strong></p><p align="center"><strong><span style="color:#33ff33;">If you are visitng my blog as a shopper and collector, please consider the fine artists I have provided links for. Their work is a bit more expensive than mass produced items because they put so much time and thought into making them. </span><span style="color:#ffffff;">Unique, One of a kind, Original</span></strong></p><p align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">This actually means something.</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4980375820282375419.post-33576097637491970572010-06-06T12:13:00.021-05:002010-06-06T12:42:08.063-05:00My Gypsy Wagon Project Is Underway!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtM2oq-sZ0FfWou6UmPN0dFaNV6N9M3lK16ro2sejuE4NSaYh2HFwNIuURZsYtDziRE6dcqaB4IWvgtyjNWSj_tbVDyS3okD8BDWBKMhF23KNr2jubbr53iAm9qulyd6u3yO524jrVjMg/s1600/il_430xN_65074252.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 345px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479716122176788978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtM2oq-sZ0FfWou6UmPN0dFaNV6N9M3lK16ro2sejuE4NSaYh2HFwNIuURZsYtDziRE6dcqaB4IWvgtyjNWSj_tbVDyS3okD8BDWBKMhF23KNr2jubbr53iAm9qulyd6u3yO524jrVjMg/s400/il_430xN_65074252.jpg" /></a><strong><span style="color:#66ffff;">Confession 1</span></strong>: My art room is trashed again but I've been making minis like mad!<br /><strong><span style="color:#99ffff;">Confession 2</span></strong>: I've gained weight from sitting on my butt painting things or in front of the computer too much.<br /><strong><span style="color:#ccffff;"><span style="color:#66ffff;">Congession 3</span></span><span style="color:#330000;">:</span></strong> I bought a Tai Chi video and just need to do it.<br /><br />Between my many other projects (Steampunk, Spooky, Alien) I've been working my way through my first Miniature Gypsy Wagon Project! I have several themes in mind but began with a Blue Celestial magic wares wagon. After much thought I will offer these custom wagons stocked with goods but without a driver or yoked animals.<br /><br />Below are my first pictures of the Blue Celestial wagon. I began with a vintage wooden wagon kit that I greatly altered with wire, additional wood pieces, pressed aluminum to mimic carving, and found ojects and jewelry findins. After all the main components were in place, I spray painted it flat black. Then I gave it the basic acrylic blue, pale green, and a hint of lilac acrylic colors. This was then washed over with more blue and then drybrushed with the light green. Who knows what will happen next?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1U9NJk7UfoqzjqDNyO2rQVzMoBW1g6_lnToQUhKN6vTDfllRHqj-ukhTCh6H9zgKG2Uhbew-tOc0KqN27HWBBw6WZC_gsHumlFkagakGYFvXNzzzQNPmPE-tMHNz5epGttdhy-m5nQSw/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479715203957379490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1U9NJk7UfoqzjqDNyO2rQVzMoBW1g6_lnToQUhKN6vTDfllRHqj-ukhTCh6H9zgKG2Uhbew-tOc0KqN27HWBBw6WZC_gsHumlFkagakGYFvXNzzzQNPmPE-tMHNz5epGttdhy-m5nQSw/s400/001.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnMQMqWgUApCCNrpsNVlYTeVOeJ7_tO8oAjJrTueHHY8rJySYKa2-_7ZoFYbYl6UknF2oVs2pu-Oejco9JzrrVjWarf1aY1I18vNnhzaF9wN1smT3bEQXqo_7pu6VF_z18umEvZD7xxM/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 317px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479715090584594002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnMQMqWgUApCCNrpsNVlYTeVOeJ7_tO8oAjJrTueHHY8rJySYKa2-_7ZoFYbYl6UknF2oVs2pu-Oejco9JzrrVjWarf1aY1I18vNnhzaF9wN1smT3bEQXqo_7pu6VF_z18umEvZD7xxM/s400/002.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwOE17qDeSFAQTLpYZZBh_q-GYzNOWzRBXPINFo7sfFJoYFG_KBWti9OqawV9TK4Ke6ypZmlOLgySFog82wfSg1IIlzPKM466z-aM0LXiSaKtwJJ0QUFYtCl0mOUZE8iuCf805rq8HP1Y/s1600/009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 375px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479714990494651810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwOE17qDeSFAQTLpYZZBh_q-GYzNOWzRBXPINFo7sfFJoYFG_KBWti9OqawV9TK4Ke6ypZmlOLgySFog82wfSg1IIlzPKM466z-aM0LXiSaKtwJJ0QUFYtCl0mOUZE8iuCf805rq8HP1Y/s400/009.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64WOJtUa8uivMPLuu8bTZ6uxoqvclN7pncHsFYvy9nJVarCS3wMkyMQGLTayZi2XdBFXbmIgUoKr0kqh_1heISKDb7tNWztvmBMTkypb2EHrw-HP70ggH2IvLvGSuxEZFNsBavPjo67Q/s1600/010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 352px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479714899112860866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64WOJtUa8uivMPLuu8bTZ6uxoqvclN7pncHsFYvy9nJVarCS3wMkyMQGLTayZi2XdBFXbmIgUoKr0kqh_1heISKDb7tNWztvmBMTkypb2EHrw-HP70ggH2IvLvGSuxEZFNsBavPjo67Q/s400/010.JPG" /></a><br /><div><div><div>Here is the Snake Charmers Wagon still under construction. The cage will be removable so you can put whatever beastie in you want!</div></div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijooQ-AL4gw0ZAm-dI8y8R7H1857Itfe9nHLl6yJdlWBAluWSJ3zpL-xSIuz5DC7Dc5kJZcy9eMF7yol4fNIjUeUFShuckyqfPZmli3xHHMtrHaDKVnDBfL4X2iMW2uh6TT4brnzVFrTk/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 215px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479715584223641890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijooQ-AL4gw0ZAm-dI8y8R7H1857Itfe9nHLl6yJdlWBAluWSJ3zpL-xSIuz5DC7Dc5kJZcy9eMF7yol4fNIjUeUFShuckyqfPZmli3xHHMtrHaDKVnDBfL4X2iMW2uh6TT4brnzVFrTk/s400/007.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwn6JFgQzDDEr45p4uM7AEnU17gCs45o7kkvXEQqVsIlz8QDWEZ2NV_hvHI_zvUmZNYIiTvQOJ01jxiPxxzeNVPHaxexkeivmXvto-gjdKhKWEi_k2G4ie68i-ZbGeHpcmHRWfVX8mGCA/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479715502342531282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwn6JFgQzDDEr45p4uM7AEnU17gCs45o7kkvXEQqVsIlz8QDWEZ2NV_hvHI_zvUmZNYIiTvQOJ01jxiPxxzeNVPHaxexkeivmXvto-gjdKhKWEi_k2G4ie68i-ZbGeHpcmHRWfVX8mGCA/s400/003.JPG" /></a> Creation out of chaos... hey I know where everything is!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4980375820282375419.post-73834329029935451662010-05-05T20:37:00.008-05:002010-05-05T20:54:56.606-05:00Tallulah Belle's Celebration! ... Your Chance to Win Beautiful Miniatures and Help Give Children Clean Drinking Water<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFWXB2R5-Y2GY4EoJFhHVUr2gYNPBJy5NsvuOYlr3wc1YvRK9MYZ1uaGlOn4pKlSBXrgsDioekEZ9Vjih7eMq0hkM5w8cKDp8SKOSzdkKKD6axnY3P3plZcYEDuhxY7m_418XrFPhbkA/s1600/facts_full_2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467968975810381890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFWXB2R5-Y2GY4EoJFhHVUr2gYNPBJy5NsvuOYlr3wc1YvRK9MYZ1uaGlOn4pKlSBXrgsDioekEZ9Vjih7eMq0hkM5w8cKDp8SKOSzdkKKD6axnY3P3plZcYEDuhxY7m_418XrFPhbkA/s400/facts_full_2.jpg" /></a><strong><span style="color:#ffccff;">Wonderful Idea to celebrate her 200th Follower on Blogspot !!!<br /></span></strong>Visit Tallulah Belle's blog to see her beautiful creations, more information on her passionate support of a project to give children safe water worldwide, and how to enter the drawing for one of her lovely plants! <a href="http://networkedblogs.com/3zhah">http://networkedblogs.com/3zhah</a><br /><br />Concerning the event, she writes, <em>"As I mentioned in my previous post, this is a giveaway which a difference. Yes you will get a chance..or more...to win something but you will also be making a huge difference to the lives of someone much less fortunate than yourselves".<br /></em><br /><strong><span style="color:#ffccff;">Did you know....<br /></span></strong>Every day more than 4,000 children in developing countries die, simply because they don't have clean drinking water.<br /><br />* Contaminated drinking water is a major problem. More than one billion people do not have access to safe water.<br /><br />* Diarrhea caused by drinking contaminated water remains a leading cause of illness and death among infants and children in the developing world.<br /><br />* About 1.8 million children die every year due to diarrheal diseases.<br /><br />* More children die from diarrheal illnesses like cholera and dysentery than from HIV/AIDS or malaria combined.<br /><br />* It is well documented that simply providing safe, clean, drinkable water can reduce deadly diarrhea and other devastating diseases by about 50%. <div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwg-UsTLkgZGZHNRbkt4J72cEkY1Ij_rNgKM4y-tt8VcHz1e9XtAw93g9y7D3MeFXAPZZrM4qZi-WW1Kd0fo84tdvNXWY83NbzX9WLznsYfnNCYieHcoHLwpBjXoq1lYe0kzEPeB3ZgE/s1600/facts_full_1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467968862866401186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwg-UsTLkgZGZHNRbkt4J72cEkY1Ij_rNgKM4y-tt8VcHz1e9XtAw93g9y7D3MeFXAPZZrM4qZi-WW1Kd0fo84tdvNXWY83NbzX9WLznsYfnNCYieHcoHLwpBjXoq1lYe0kzEPeB3ZgE/s400/facts_full_1.jpg" /></a><strong><span style="color:#ffccff;">The miniature plants she is offering in a drawing for those who donate a minimum of $2.</span></strong></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDihQv7niL-WS47uDIkjCJzhoyFoqS-um5Zs-aQ3_oZmQdHHwOy8mELgZv3ywk7EXXH7L4w_NRs4U4_YH-p6p4UttahbtubJ4jzmx7lHjr0DNWqea3GQyDgj_xlhU1VN6bW-Ovn-qnWwM/s1600/PS_280410_Audrey_D_etsy.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 282px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467968602534809554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDihQv7niL-WS47uDIkjCJzhoyFoqS-um5Zs-aQ3_oZmQdHHwOy8mELgZv3ywk7EXXH7L4w_NRs4U4_YH-p6p4UttahbtubJ4jzmx7lHjr0DNWqea3GQyDgj_xlhU1VN6bW-Ovn-qnWwM/s400/PS_280410_Audrey_D_etsy.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTYgLPK5Mat6-3Z2yMUyJHQo2ppLEnbHpiSMDaLWOvylU74VhBx4h8q35O8b2HRqtLQOKqOeWa8BDx17GMW49ALUwa3zhq6QMsVgkdvwk_bE2cFAqsUKpYidSXZAJFmQiZM_6f0xuKjY/s1600/PS_2009_09_01_0548.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 294px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467968536418492626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTYgLPK5Mat6-3Z2yMUyJHQo2ppLEnbHpiSMDaLWOvylU74VhBx4h8q35O8b2HRqtLQOKqOeWa8BDx17GMW49ALUwa3zhq6QMsVgkdvwk_bE2cFAqsUKpYidSXZAJFmQiZM_6f0xuKjY/s400/PS_2009_09_01_0548.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqRSER7092eUwFnSq7h06v8uE8IZcO8Pxg7O798baYoHPbFfyLwHjhvDRvUlH3OMDzQzXULKuT666FZzcc-5O2cu2BF8GRRL__kXy8PzmRKDTgr3B95B2c6430p9UqU5IxkEuahD1O98/s1600/PS_F_Fifi__cert_270410_PS.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 279px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467968451414531314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqRSER7092eUwFnSq7h06v8uE8IZcO8Pxg7O798baYoHPbFfyLwHjhvDRvUlH3OMDzQzXULKuT666FZzcc-5O2cu2BF8GRRL__kXy8PzmRKDTgr3B95B2c6430p9UqU5IxkEuahD1O98/s400/PS_F_Fifi__cert_270410_PS.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0Bt7RgMWXQ68YUs4Y9XkT5jzSj56JrocYMV2ZrkU0XxpZcUS_Gwp9zsLQS32lMnyRfps1VaOb2Evupg2QbmTUQsrLm_MLzd9aC8nqIL6gEwapp6Bf3QUZFKwrDRr_OVAvpFlSRxo9vk/s1600/PS_2009_09_01_0548.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 294px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467968365029032674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0Bt7RgMWXQ68YUs4Y9XkT5jzSj56JrocYMV2ZrkU0XxpZcUS_Gwp9zsLQS32lMnyRfps1VaOb2Evupg2QbmTUQsrLm_MLzd9aC8nqIL6gEwapp6Bf3QUZFKwrDRr_OVAvpFlSRxo9vk/s400/PS_2009_09_01_0548.jpg" /></a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4980375820282375419.post-91469876170021434762010-04-27T17:51:00.025-05:002010-04-27T21:50:28.303-05:00Not So Fresh Fairies!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgh_N7XZdInWUjDDX-O4IQuICh7BT3VXRJuTRtQoIajtr5pMCeJ2p5d5H18kTb22Scf0LkRcFn6wfXZGapeHisQ62cIwP4gVqBjmQbAnQdX3y_PVBi2afTzSg_Abr0Y6MEH3W7EXz27s/s1600/057.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 148px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464956996833142178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgh_N7XZdInWUjDDX-O4IQuICh7BT3VXRJuTRtQoIajtr5pMCeJ2p5d5H18kTb22Scf0LkRcFn6wfXZGapeHisQ62cIwP4gVqBjmQbAnQdX3y_PVBi2afTzSg_Abr0Y6MEH3W7EXz27s/s400/057.JPG" /></a> It might be Springtime but I'm still spooky. So what do spooky girls play with during the year's greening? Dead fairies, spider webs, and moonlit tea parties - oh my! Now, are these fairies the ghostly spirits of long deceased sprites or are they the collected corpses of unlucky tinker wannabes? Let's look at how various artists portray the matter... and yes I did find many tackling the oddball topic.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff99ff;">Brassnbedlam's Curious Taxidermy </span></strong><br />Some of the most realistic and truly creepy Dead Fairies I've come across are by the Steampunk artist Brassnbedlam. These are meant to look like actual scientific specimens complete with notes. They look a bit gooey and still have some fleshy parts like their ears... ick. I'm fascinated by the psuedo scientific approach to fairies as a candidate for cryptozoology.<br />To see more of her work on flickr: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brassnbedlam/3295328455/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/brassnbedlam/3295328455/</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDP9b5fGRKjbg4UFSkg4j0WNmAKEFvxWCefkHkEB7kaTohPKnrEOTTDTvKBv4JRtLuNh8m3oPFZaBybt011AJN1UNAKuzA7rTlUUiw-QjfGWNvHn7pAKtNTjUlqIMjetnjLzMvwy-tRE/s1600/3296154008_7657b31e02.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 385px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464962277934888002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDP9b5fGRKjbg4UFSkg4j0WNmAKEFvxWCefkHkEB7kaTohPKnrEOTTDTvKBv4JRtLuNh8m3oPFZaBybt011AJN1UNAKuzA7rTlUUiw-QjfGWNvHn7pAKtNTjUlqIMjetnjLzMvwy-tRE/s400/3296154008_7657b31e02.jpg" /></a>Above is her Welsh Blue Fairy, mummified and mounted in a shadowbox frame with real butterfly wings.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDRdqtNaI5wJ-YRygbpW5wC1wGEfxqUCqUWF-qsLhTGcMP9G44iRi0uZ45u-2uw3PiwcWDh__0B6hgodzZKHAggIP1TSYWJw30-G2S79nop4t0A4LaISxrq0iQH_9GcXpo-96O7ePoQc/s1600/3296143834_c53129faa5_b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464962157206083922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDRdqtNaI5wJ-YRygbpW5wC1wGEfxqUCqUWF-qsLhTGcMP9G44iRi0uZ45u-2uw3PiwcWDh__0B6hgodzZKHAggIP1TSYWJw30-G2S79nop4t0A4LaISxrq0iQH_9GcXpo-96O7ePoQc/s400/3296143834_c53129faa5_b.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8NebZZcotuCMJKnBISBuKJq_JJT3HkvgX8tD6YSVmdX1kjKrIZtPdxdXXla3eaTYwbQTLiOxR9fx4c6nHQ4gweCdsW3D-Hn03w-Htr0TS8HcZrlhyphenhyphenOL8PSeZSoJEUshic3KIxJcJxqQ/s1600/3296151370_7e65fc9505.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 359px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464962053414252418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8NebZZcotuCMJKnBISBuKJq_JJT3HkvgX8tD6YSVmdX1kjKrIZtPdxdXXla3eaTYwbQTLiOxR9fx4c6nHQ4gweCdsW3D-Hn03w-Htr0TS8HcZrlhyphenhyphenOL8PSeZSoJEUshic3KIxJcJxqQ/s400/3296151370_7e65fc9505.jpg" /></a> "Speckled English Fairy, mummified and mounted in a shadowbox/ frame with real butterfly wings, made by my fair chap, a lovely handmade creepy and macabre steampunk specimen, a dead fairy and comes with historical notes"<br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-yEztrw48OGsNPzMcpMQ9u1suEmZMbhetz-u4o7lsp0pkOBzOoELbwgnuUP6G04MXYHADGiHClXpkqVH-ovqJ5OpjytiTcsp0EGVAzrxxAERtH-BwxZ4Zmk0PGmNh4TXyttHjw0BZ0w/s1600/3295328455_95b731b8a7.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 381px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464961852965535474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-yEztrw48OGsNPzMcpMQ9u1suEmZMbhetz-u4o7lsp0pkOBzOoELbwgnuUP6G04MXYHADGiHClXpkqVH-ovqJ5OpjytiTcsp0EGVAzrxxAERtH-BwxZ4Zmk0PGmNh4TXyttHjw0BZ0w/s400/3295328455_95b731b8a7.jpg" /></a><strong><span style="color:#ff99ff;"> VooDoo Willy's Fairy Art Sculptures</span></strong><br />This dark fantasy artist on Etsy produces some of the most interesting pieces I've seen. Each is a one of kind creation from the 'dark corners' of his mind... A keen sense of humor with a heavy dose of gloom has lead to the sculptures below. To see his shop: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/VooDooWilly">http://www.etsy.com/shop/VooDooWilly</a></div><div><br />Below: "The Battle"<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29mdzGZ2QvThVdOhwp4PXblU_bmlEeWYCCPcr-58URIqhvnTAX7QWlTFVOfqqXZNl6MqcfgAx1h3Z2JrRXecArxb_TXJScfnQSmTY9QOrjMuDt4VyU8WOesCY_rx4ExwHh-frFdmItUc/s1600/il_fullxfull_57525702.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464955778176765778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29mdzGZ2QvThVdOhwp4PXblU_bmlEeWYCCPcr-58URIqhvnTAX7QWlTFVOfqqXZNl6MqcfgAx1h3Z2JrRXecArxb_TXJScfnQSmTY9QOrjMuDt4VyU8WOesCY_rx4ExwHh-frFdmItUc/s400/il_fullxfull_57525702.jpg" /></a> Below: "Morbid Martini"<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcqtpuBktQtVmtZiDoP3vRE0dGOebMti82Dwn5C-u2jAo7k1DDgSRhgdYgaDD-kxWTqqYhIqOb-L2Wh5SrVpuU4mj65eWStfdLpwH3ll_8srfXyJdilUP5g8Ylpyqto6qi5GDCNGfPhs/s1600/il_430xN_52954584.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464955621081422210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcqtpuBktQtVmtZiDoP3vRE0dGOebMti82Dwn5C-u2jAo7k1DDgSRhgdYgaDD-kxWTqqYhIqOb-L2Wh5SrVpuU4mj65eWStfdLpwH3ll_8srfXyJdilUP5g8Ylpyqto6qi5GDCNGfPhs/s400/il_430xN_52954584.jpg" /></a>Below: "Stopping to smell the roses"<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GZq_frLLBqXzWRBHk6qA09eGVyJZ-0RmBQk-r891lTpCX_3opynTC9cXDaQopdlU6p9i07Y4iyaY0YCBb_skzVAzxRBuDgc6aDejASO8DnJii2EwnObiAdOo6nY0LGWOo8DcbT9yOBs/s1600/il_430xN_50255383.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464955523618724674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GZq_frLLBqXzWRBHk6qA09eGVyJZ-0RmBQk-r891lTpCX_3opynTC9cXDaQopdlU6p9i07Y4iyaY0YCBb_skzVAzxRBuDgc6aDejASO8DnJii2EwnObiAdOo6nY0LGWOo8DcbT9yOBs/s400/il_430xN_50255383.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9v9N1Lb0X0eCumM1unmJbm5Ya3-vznYV1gesijmjCCwJVsqn45i78rjcrPRWQE1SD7dRVL3pbMbtoAa2S8juhjx1DMkfLUdD4NN-eLkk2mlJaBfidjkqN0bmYcPhlw2CPAPYeLQHPM50/s1600/il_430xN_50255586.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464955454966535042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9v9N1Lb0X0eCumM1unmJbm5Ya3-vznYV1gesijmjCCwJVsqn45i78rjcrPRWQE1SD7dRVL3pbMbtoAa2S8juhjx1DMkfLUdD4NN-eLkk2mlJaBfidjkqN0bmYcPhlw2CPAPYeLQHPM50/s400/il_430xN_50255586.jpg" /></a><strong><span style="color:#ff99ff;"> A Well Crafted Hoax?</span></strong><br />"A CRAFTSMAN IN England has posted on his website photos of what he claims to be a mummified fairy located in Derbyshire, England. What is unusual about the photos compared to the usual paranormal images, either of live or of dead cryptids (unknown animals) is that there are many of them, in full color, from multiple angles" giving the appearance of realism. Apparently this guy tried to pull off that he had found <em>actual fairy corpses. </em>Ok.</div><div><br />A few days before April 1, 2007, Dan Baines, a 31-year-old illusion designer for magicians from London, posted on his website images of the "corpse" of an unknown eight-inch creation. The unusual corpse was claimed to be the mummified remains of a fairy which was discovered by a dog walker at Firestone Hill in Duffield, Derbyshire. Read more below:<br /><a href="http://paranormal.about.com/od/othercreatures/a/aa033107.htm">http://paranormal.about.com/od/othercreatures/a/aa033107.htm</a></div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8O2_tu9nc8Fj8jUqgTG7UCK1z_sX8pUiCDzta3DcmMCLBmlzYfPjOG36BueJyYH3RA3jV1NYD5Rnn6waw3J2J31kK290J-rLI-tgSl8YbCZLyt6ycK45Mo-baWn6RI7hbFXEzB4XO2FI/s1600/Fairy_1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464955094118854146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8O2_tu9nc8Fj8jUqgTG7UCK1z_sX8pUiCDzta3DcmMCLBmlzYfPjOG36BueJyYH3RA3jV1NYD5Rnn6waw3J2J31kK290J-rLI-tgSl8YbCZLyt6ycK45Mo-baWn6RI7hbFXEzB4XO2FI/s400/Fairy_1.jpg" /></a> Below is another attempt at fanciful fairy taxidermy, artist unknown.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6c9i2rHqPL50tzxVrey7AT5GKNbyAgX1NBXd0YB-weaucrjDNz9UijI8tBp4GMYhq_XZ9vXfhi_Gc9Gua9Qophqn_nFlVSYGwDh6EEN-7KnltLVVHwBzgF1418IFaHsC7gifbNuByBfo/s1600/55862650_d806d6f29f.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464954955564500994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6c9i2rHqPL50tzxVrey7AT5GKNbyAgX1NBXd0YB-weaucrjDNz9UijI8tBp4GMYhq_XZ9vXfhi_Gc9Gua9Qophqn_nFlVSYGwDh6EEN-7KnltLVVHwBzgF1418IFaHsC7gifbNuByBfo/s400/55862650_d806d6f29f.jpg" /></a>Below is a project page for how to make your own Dead Fairy prop, by Shadow Manor<br /><a href="http://www.shadowmanor.com/blog/?page_id=4666">http://www.shadowmanor.com/blog/?page_id=4666</a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3ttxrHTH4D8xNGJvXg1an5_xSRGWWhlq46KvClQfKsyMMksLWpoXZZOIvN18zCSqo77A_a4BGXty0SwYPa7NmZfXiCz6xnVh9Yi5kxu1x8Tw2PLpsHkwt0uNmitl2rq1_N9VdsRJyFY/s1600/mummified_fairy.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 327px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464954886286800882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3ttxrHTH4D8xNGJvXg1an5_xSRGWWhlq46KvClQfKsyMMksLWpoXZZOIvN18zCSqo77A_a4BGXty0SwYPa7NmZfXiCz6xnVh9Yi5kxu1x8Tw2PLpsHkwt0uNmitl2rq1_N9VdsRJyFY/s400/mummified_fairy.jpg" /></a> <strong><span style="color:#ff99ff;">The Fancifully Morbid works of Etsy artist Fairy Garden:</span></strong><br />Fairy Garden's dead fey are a bit more fanciful, with bouquets and tutus. I love her 'Fairy Trap' which uses a large crystal as bait- what fairy could resist! Below are a few of my favorites examples.<br />Visit her store: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/fairygarden">http://www.etsy.com/shop/fairygarden</a></div><div>Visit her flickr portfolio: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fairygarden/3009172298/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/fairygarden/3009172298/</a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMLkH5JW-FyEZ2hLIEE1AljfCPMbHMF4jYbfG_5nE8lbxmlL68nxrUWbvFdQ1z_2M2TYrkFzl1OIxOviXIy2b9FrJ7jRd_iH4KQ_uoaxkAM7n0GKz141lTu-2pPpukcl0bjEP1mMO0JY/s1600/3158364349_a91f4306fe_b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464954201865268978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMLkH5JW-FyEZ2hLIEE1AljfCPMbHMF4jYbfG_5nE8lbxmlL68nxrUWbvFdQ1z_2M2TYrkFzl1OIxOviXIy2b9FrJ7jRd_iH4KQ_uoaxkAM7n0GKz141lTu-2pPpukcl0bjEP1mMO0JY/s400/3158364349_a91f4306fe_b.jpg" /></a> What has happened here? Blame it on the trolls or the ogre?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP33btZbngLrFDe7rjtxaR2PPTtAohIKtdBfQOB0GoV0pMv6srf8h44D3Qsi8xaivNwFadtVNnB-Lod99PhZiW35hyphenhyphenPpOuSRei_MbbXGDvm8DqZ337ehg8U_skE2pmwHYRs25NWrxhq5U/s1600/3052484316_0d999dbbeb.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464954104828649698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP33btZbngLrFDe7rjtxaR2PPTtAohIKtdBfQOB0GoV0pMv6srf8h44D3Qsi8xaivNwFadtVNnB-Lod99PhZiW35hyphenhyphenPpOuSRei_MbbXGDvm8DqZ337ehg8U_skE2pmwHYRs25NWrxhq5U/s400/3052484316_0d999dbbeb.jpg" /></a> Above is a fairy trap baited with a tempting crystal! Below, the Sugar Plum Fairy rests so serenely...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9H5IZSE0g_8AbGmXt5HGZ1TG0TcD3dr8bB1lnyCtlO2ZA4kUDgMOLFlun52iBtUKFuhj_VxHZUcTnS6QZzP_gObfN_clTmH1qqrs79W7DeYdPj5wNpYoy9rRuby5VTBdwfDrbbzbUy8/s1600/3438742076_25ef352ae7.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464953982314312530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9H5IZSE0g_8AbGmXt5HGZ1TG0TcD3dr8bB1lnyCtlO2ZA4kUDgMOLFlun52iBtUKFuhj_VxHZUcTnS6QZzP_gObfN_clTmH1qqrs79W7DeYdPj5wNpYoy9rRuby5VTBdwfDrbbzbUy8/s400/3438742076_25ef352ae7.jpg" /></a>Ahh, where have all the fairies gone? </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4980375820282375419.post-65588962213731972402010-04-17T11:03:00.023-05:002010-04-17T12:05:20.181-05:00Hauntingly Elegant Miniature Interiors: Inspiration & Resources<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydoHX9D19f8CadPfQ41Z-meNBLuaoSB25TwtdNBv6pPNRIWK1HXDG9g0OsouozlLD-CcCHD8psapXTQD-3hwQdMDA9RmpMF871LTnUU3Kry4MefYjfgBejrxXSGSwaGtg3S61of5FXHo/s1600/PerfectMedium2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461141504877599138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydoHX9D19f8CadPfQ41Z-meNBLuaoSB25TwtdNBv6pPNRIWK1HXDG9g0OsouozlLD-CcCHD8psapXTQD-3hwQdMDA9RmpMF871LTnUU3Kry4MefYjfgBejrxXSGSwaGtg3S61of5FXHo/s400/PerfectMedium2.jpg" /></a> A shimmering lady in white came gliding down the luxoriously carved staircase, drawn by the smell of rich pipe tobacco wafting from the library. Once, so long ago, it was her husbands... Who is this strange man sitting there in her house, the house she had so lovingly filled with treasures and laughter? Once so long ago. As she circled behind his chair, the gentleman suddenly froze and looked about him. 'Is anyone there?' he asked. 'Why, I am sir', the lady in white answered. To her annoyance, the man seemed to be looking right through her. She reached out and gripped his wrist. With a start, the stranger jumped from his chair dropping his pipe on the floor. 'What have you done!' the lady lamented and a gust of cold air blew the nearby curtains about. The gentlman fled from the room and all was quiet again.<br /><br />Many times ghosts are said to be attached to the material items they once so treasured in life. I often imagine a haunted mansion of that era being watched over by the head mistress who is unable or unwilling to leave her carefully crafted home. The Victorian middle and upper classes spent a tremendous amount of thought and resources on interior design and furniture.<br /><br />Below are a 2 examples of my own Victorian inspired spooky miniatures: a haunted mirror and a gothic gargoyle hearth.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dZemJ2AcTDKSHCT8fSBZ7K4mUmYWMZ5vsDCKZixOApt9B4gATqDZmDfKARKJTPKX7HTa0XmjApHeRNf1Ttfu03aOXAcpqA3qJEqBxWsKPzIfMSYj7MJY12QyD_5SggVI6FnaalXd91Q/s1600/3615254182_f6ac8ec510_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 398px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461141281584240690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dZemJ2AcTDKSHCT8fSBZ7K4mUmYWMZ5vsDCKZixOApt9B4gATqDZmDfKARKJTPKX7HTa0XmjApHeRNf1Ttfu03aOXAcpqA3qJEqBxWsKPzIfMSYj7MJY12QyD_5SggVI6FnaalXd91Q/s400/3615254182_f6ac8ec510_o.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6qm7tQT4f6dhRPgu9LN8hSX3U2NPsOW3Klm8goLvrBHtMuGGzySO5EDNWfIeGE6smeBzq3BQgZ3sanrEobg_nnsJczxKJcOTm1WhFV1WikzelmgewDfBaM3UtQh7zFIcFbj-TfKIzjg/s1600/3614424423_e87b87a564_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 398px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461141217416851602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6qm7tQT4f6dhRPgu9LN8hSX3U2NPsOW3Klm8goLvrBHtMuGGzySO5EDNWfIeGE6smeBzq3BQgZ3sanrEobg_nnsJczxKJcOTm1WhFV1WikzelmgewDfBaM3UtQh7zFIcFbj-TfKIzjg/s400/3614424423_e87b87a564_o.jpg" /></a><br />I found a wonderful example of ostentatious Victorian interior design. Below are photos of the Linden Towers James Clair Flood Menlo Park home in 1878. Featured are the Grand Entryway, a bedroom, a parlour, and the Dinning Room. To see more photos about this magnifiscent residence and family, visit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/942580@N24/">http://www.flickr.com/groups/942580@N24/</a><br /><br />Looking at this, what type of elements would you need to add to your dollhouse to develop a similiar mood? Patterned wallpaper, ornate molding and columns, patterned rugs, large paintings in gilded frames, intricate doorways, mantles, fireplaces, and lighting pieces... basically a lot of layered bling!<br /><br />You can find fairly inexpensive molding pieces at Hobby shops and also another overlooked resource, your local Home Depot or Lowes! Check in the cabinetry and molding aisles. There are many smaller pieces that can be adapted to dollhouse scales. Also consider jewelry bits and do a search for 'charms', 'cameos', and 'findings' online. Visit the dollar store for inexpensive picture frames: the smaller ones can be used for wire hung paintings while the larger ones can be glued directly to the ceilings as molding details.<br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwJZuDECGKGoeW01lcKehlEp8tmoj1TVvdwlm4pjMEuEgOsq4SkY8QvmzMYwP4qRUMKGEu-UztICQvCAMS1lC26rM42HeSp0BHYt61l2gitztDzVUtQv873aTUDlcj1PhLO-DlUAbFHU/s1600/3135285597_cfa0e5b805_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 313px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461140296200102482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwJZuDECGKGoeW01lcKehlEp8tmoj1TVvdwlm4pjMEuEgOsq4SkY8QvmzMYwP4qRUMKGEu-UztICQvCAMS1lC26rM42HeSp0BHYt61l2gitztDzVUtQv873aTUDlcj1PhLO-DlUAbFHU/s400/3135285597_cfa0e5b805_o.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjho28nTRDM3ifLghSTLMW95sxQpJIncUfbDR0gMBNn1yjyizz2b3U_IZ0S2hnMwE3GwtlwrSQdgpOMKBHFg0lktnEATdSmINzbHji1VXhNFzasrkznALvx1s56a0HswQQDQ6hMgZP-udo/s1600/3108151575_d2c1e43255_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461140113933902242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjho28nTRDM3ifLghSTLMW95sxQpJIncUfbDR0gMBNn1yjyizz2b3U_IZ0S2hnMwE3GwtlwrSQdgpOMKBHFg0lktnEATdSmINzbHji1VXhNFzasrkznALvx1s56a0HswQQDQ6hMgZP-udo/s400/3108151575_d2c1e43255_o.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPbV2cvIOOn_yOj0kkuCDxqAzmqWYU7c9P-ElUbGo2gHLVEFyKujjhpK63GaYYclFlwkMcgotNlwSTYo2kx-eIw-dHn_JJGkrKEcfqlQE96PmdQU0mpxz-EJx98Pcm0AcQ9uYJBxMm6dM/s1600/3135285831_8d640c5911_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 325px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461139992983252034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPbV2cvIOOn_yOj0kkuCDxqAzmqWYU7c9P-ElUbGo2gHLVEFyKujjhpK63GaYYclFlwkMcgotNlwSTYo2kx-eIw-dHn_JJGkrKEcfqlQE96PmdQU0mpxz-EJx98Pcm0AcQ9uYJBxMm6dM/s400/3135285831_8d640c5911_o.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhK6f0uh1Nun49nXTrS1YD-2ff3yklwaIAPIqGtsdDN7wo1PgKU-5416xHqCq0uo4B9DEPOQlmK7Knq67bgTcmufla8umc5NIQBjkeKJaPySSH8XVsJTx-WoVEnKdD-zs6A0IWNQ2MJVU/s1600/DinningroomMendonLauer.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 316px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461139794351015474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhK6f0uh1Nun49nXTrS1YD-2ff3yklwaIAPIqGtsdDN7wo1PgKU-5416xHqCq0uo4B9DEPOQlmK7Knq67bgTcmufla8umc5NIQBjkeKJaPySSH8XVsJTx-WoVEnKdD-zs6A0IWNQ2MJVU/s400/DinningroomMendonLauer.jpg" /></a><br />An artist that I especially like for such a project is Jim Coates! He produces handmade high quality moldings from his own designs. These can be purchased bare or prepainted. His line includes picture frames, fire places, mantles, and columns. His work is beautiful and well priced!</div><div>Examples below are available at: <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/JIM-COATES-COLLECTION">http://stores.ebay.com/JIM-COATES-COLLECTION</a></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpunwWWpYga8hDABe9V0Z2lpLufAOyVU2QFMo0-tfi54g0P_vv0Lhm-KiyNWEQMq3Th3SoW6pDx-TV4ahdmjn36iCfpVQYfvTleZ8gPexPhzSvrjpoeSpkj71spvaJ6XBMu-5EuzOuHHs/s1600/0e_1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 276px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461139282040325074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpunwWWpYga8hDABe9V0Z2lpLufAOyVU2QFMo0-tfi54g0P_vv0Lhm-KiyNWEQMq3Th3SoW6pDx-TV4ahdmjn36iCfpVQYfvTleZ8gPexPhzSvrjpoeSpkj71spvaJ6XBMu-5EuzOuHHs/s400/0e_1.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiq_7h1yQIzwHy_CxGNtlRK0gXXLcFCCBbSsCBi1owHAhhmz4dLc91SJfEoYtmIfy7kx2ijK0WnEjs5rJpciJHZ-jD5dEuE8mZd0ECz9RHoHKE0OZ1bBKd6wyYvoNH_SUWtDLZq3PqgqY/s1600/f11b_1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 376px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461139225131156162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiq_7h1yQIzwHy_CxGNtlRK0gXXLcFCCBbSsCBi1owHAhhmz4dLc91SJfEoYtmIfy7kx2ijK0WnEjs5rJpciJHZ-jD5dEuE8mZd0ECz9RHoHKE0OZ1bBKd6wyYvoNH_SUWtDLZq3PqgqY/s400/f11b_1.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0f8csBrXA4c4xkknKtg8gQQJDLn9edAKfW8q5WoixusN_ZB-EWNH0JcaYIiTX5AHejIwiMq1WzuqrHMQagUPoEPKoPam9mCbTKqYl_ChuHJ-E8AHUOc4TRbCpuRp7Iac8uQxbeoQhos/s1600/d7ea_1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 374px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461139017521758226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0f8csBrXA4c4xkknKtg8gQQJDLn9edAKfW8q5WoixusN_ZB-EWNH0JcaYIiTX5AHejIwiMq1WzuqrHMQagUPoEPKoPam9mCbTKqYl_ChuHJ-E8AHUOc4TRbCpuRp7Iac8uQxbeoQhos/s400/d7ea_1.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdyJuOAmnNSdTcoRrumzqSPAnulCtUM1Bak86Awx9ZCF4M_JMfrYZXqhln_7x87D8txDN5H085qFMfx6CE2R1vVo_ddhz3VPROIvd31WyFELISjeE3Xk4mf_ZX8m3kTGUqGJtC2Lv1RY/s1600/!Bmq027wCGk~%24(KGrHqUOKkEEtluh-fI-BLg,t%2Bg-n!~~_12.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461138896670064354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdyJuOAmnNSdTcoRrumzqSPAnulCtUM1Bak86Awx9ZCF4M_JMfrYZXqhln_7x87D8txDN5H085qFMfx6CE2R1vVo_ddhz3VPROIvd31WyFELISjeE3Xk4mf_ZX8m3kTGUqGJtC2Lv1RY/s400/!Bmq027wCGk~%24(KGrHqUOKkEEtluh-fI-BLg,t%2Bg-n!~~_12.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezEtCwr8cSI4QsH04b_0AOwh-w2cXVNw1C3wvsQtnTxIPdW1RR0euLUeToxqmD5HSveFQ7nyNi2SbqPpTciIHuGXudWCZ4PkeO9lIlqHilbD9i3l2DiKiBSNqU6IxNvGjzC-xOCg1jO8/s1600/!Bmquc,g!2k~%24(KGrHqUOKi0EtlrYrJ0RBLg,dvWvjg~~_12.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461138829656211458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezEtCwr8cSI4QsH04b_0AOwh-w2cXVNw1C3wvsQtnTxIPdW1RR0euLUeToxqmD5HSveFQ7nyNi2SbqPpTciIHuGXudWCZ4PkeO9lIlqHilbD9i3l2DiKiBSNqU6IxNvGjzC-xOCg1jO8/s400/!Bmquc,g!2k~%24(KGrHqUOKi0EtlrYrJ0RBLg,dvWvjg~~_12.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MounBvVNNWd5QfcRtDce4wo0KKR-yJ7Nx1WvmjK5DyoDtM6xSdUA0_ZFisFkxkEUtIYmkIOWx5TT-LjUWlOoqKYxxFRqJx-C4uUIAMHFwpLDJYnhUfmQJkI22tA6v-Be3mHjqBOzmqM/s1600/65_1Ionic.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 311px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461138719344772562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MounBvVNNWd5QfcRtDce4wo0KKR-yJ7Nx1WvmjK5DyoDtM6xSdUA0_ZFisFkxkEUtIYmkIOWx5TT-LjUWlOoqKYxxFRqJx-C4uUIAMHFwpLDJYnhUfmQJkI22tA6v-Be3mHjqBOzmqM/s400/65_1Ionic.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofkM9DjkpCsqB89Y2AlgGsj02d4QxiCoENnV3qeKQxlPRwcTYFXvgkczWifMqv_amv_A_f7OppB7Rv01pgOmdxt8kOuUjG2z6wN62WMluMo9AsJHOpsnm4jmBdIpiy-yVkQkjWG2109U/s1600/!Be!zPF!!Wk~%24(KGrHqYH-CgEre42zzGLBK7evdpOOw~~_35.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 264px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 287px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461138546889392642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofkM9DjkpCsqB89Y2AlgGsj02d4QxiCoENnV3qeKQxlPRwcTYFXvgkczWifMqv_amv_A_f7OppB7Rv01pgOmdxt8kOuUjG2z6wN62WMluMo9AsJHOpsnm4jmBdIpiy-yVkQkjWG2109U/s400/!Be!zPF!!Wk~%24(KGrHqYH-CgEre42zzGLBK7evdpOOw~~_35.jpg" /></a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4980375820282375419.post-11009306556791112972010-04-07T11:54:00.027-05:002010-04-07T13:14:05.225-05:00The Influence of Assemblage Art on My Approach to Miniature Making<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kgAoP2damKUgxmDU9OScPQD2Z13BFAn6pbcAewu91tgwdoQAliFPs3x3ItT_xZJh5b2DRnCH2TwC-7-FjkMvbG-K7etzb8zclLzay5eWBloxppiTyZ9xfdUv3zxEJYsEdvjmZL1HCCY/s1600/010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 216px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457457567405876914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kgAoP2damKUgxmDU9OScPQD2Z13BFAn6pbcAewu91tgwdoQAliFPs3x3ItT_xZJh5b2DRnCH2TwC-7-FjkMvbG-K7etzb8zclLzay5eWBloxppiTyZ9xfdUv3zxEJYsEdvjmZL1HCCY/s400/010.JPG" /></a> I would describe myself primarily as a miniature artist that works in assemblage style and one of a kind repaints (with the occasional dabbling in twig furniture when a fairy tickles me). Most of my spookier fantasy pieces are of the first category. Assemblage art may be defined as 3 dimensional visual art formed from everyday ‘found’ objects. The creative expression is found in the manipulation, alteration, and placement of many individual pieces into one final composition.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4tA1XErnRAjU8RP9Zb_vrJhSpnpvCeD3lmbUx5I26QTH6asB9FL0L-gIqdfs8mIzXJwKHHxMS7XyqDeDPLf71vxsXHZK7WeXI2l27FWQN1a4h6RUwiegEuLLbXYoEKMEpqn5ETU_bqk/s1600/My_Dark_Moon_by_grimdeva.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 301px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457458077338978546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4tA1XErnRAjU8RP9Zb_vrJhSpnpvCeD3lmbUx5I26QTH6asB9FL0L-gIqdfs8mIzXJwKHHxMS7XyqDeDPLf71vxsXHZK7WeXI2l27FWQN1a4h6RUwiegEuLLbXYoEKMEpqn5ETU_bqk/s400/My_Dark_Moon_by_grimdeva.jpg" /></a> As a student of art at Kent State University in the early 90’s, I had a very hard time finding my niche. To the delight of my mother, I was accepted into the Roger Silverman School of Fashion Design. However, having neither the money to buy fashionable clothing nor the inkling to sew, I moved onto the Fine Art Department. I dabbled in Graphic Design and Painting. I joined a rural guild for Spinners and Weavers. I took classes in Art History and became fascinated with religious and indigenous art. Finally, I changed my major to Cultural Anthropology and kept my art as personal therapy rather than trying to make a career out of it!<br /><br />I was creating very large paintings that incorporated natural fiber, sand, and drift wood. I was also making collages blending ink illustration, found objects, and magazine clippings. At some point, a customer labeled me ‘mixed media’. My work was becoming increasingly three dimensional, which seems to be the difference between collage and assemblage. Below are examples of my collage work which moved into altered book art.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBO3YQnD2_J4KAhXgCm8Ph0IiYzuW9okaxT9imJtdZ4XVxmOIU_t6MhEdC8p80pe2nfiwbL5OK-Nns2MakPkdXfEwAJsbXCtwyX9ZGc0RMqiETleNdbCfpVCRpZ9nyOUlz7OsyInf0PY/s1600/3554245558_f22c657d7d_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 274px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457456336028126546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBO3YQnD2_J4KAhXgCm8Ph0IiYzuW9okaxT9imJtdZ4XVxmOIU_t6MhEdC8p80pe2nfiwbL5OK-Nns2MakPkdXfEwAJsbXCtwyX9ZGc0RMqiETleNdbCfpVCRpZ9nyOUlz7OsyInf0PY/s400/3554245558_f22c657d7d_o.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJ5n54r-Ve54kj2SlpsNbjgr971aXLd8LX297kKoJn17zv6rp0wE3fOfhHEIQJdf-dfEvkBUcPRfj7S9HUN98j3jmxK-aCaunKdXaogI7f9hzI47gjlIkTEU6mS1iR3AVau7OU9fRG_4/s1600/3660626839_7fb03302e7_b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457456782449600322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJ5n54r-Ve54kj2SlpsNbjgr971aXLd8LX297kKoJn17zv6rp0wE3fOfhHEIQJdf-dfEvkBUcPRfj7S9HUN98j3jmxK-aCaunKdXaogI7f9hzI47gjlIkTEU6mS1iR3AVau7OU9fRG_4/s400/3660626839_7fb03302e7_b.jpg" /></a>For side money, I began painting fantasy and futuristic gaming figures and building terrain pieces in 28mm. This pushed my ability to see creative uses for everyday objects and also expanded my knowledge of clays, glues, faux materials, and texturing. When I rediscovered my childhood dollhouse in 2004 and began working in 1:12 scale, I had a euphoric ‘Ah-ha!’ moment. This is IT! However, I was all by myself in the hobby for nearly four years and so applying what I gleaned from the occasional miniature magazine with my previous artistic experience. My background in the fantasy gaming world is probably why my work looks a bit different from much of the cleanly crafted scale dollhouse miniatures.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJrabMBmRsFp9zbzmgdvCsQ8TVA-4VRKgbM7VzSuS0fKtP_a5aPel0aVhScAKINZRWsAOz2VzYJWkAKlLsbcZCRblLYcmVNFGYKzTMODhACYuolpAQ-XaObDc5YgTsKWrxM-zuGDRkqA/s1600/SolarHearth1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 398px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457455881517968722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJrabMBmRsFp9zbzmgdvCsQ8TVA-4VRKgbM7VzSuS0fKtP_a5aPel0aVhScAKINZRWsAOz2VzYJWkAKlLsbcZCRblLYcmVNFGYKzTMODhACYuolpAQ-XaObDc5YgTsKWrxM-zuGDRkqA/s400/SolarHearth1.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjx2FFdNidkwFCEBwm9bzgOFV27RLK06QfGGin9PTuAs4yPLtmefD4iCM_alq0rLxPC8wtQq9v0adnFGw3dlNjj_m7sasru93PrvaW3IIQUyei8-U78LM8szy6ITCxjhuIwQtx20zD5F4/s1600/6a00d8341c864153ef011570e0aad1970b-800wi.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 325px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457454486179979570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjx2FFdNidkwFCEBwm9bzgOFV27RLK06QfGGin9PTuAs4yPLtmefD4iCM_alq0rLxPC8wtQq9v0adnFGw3dlNjj_m7sasru93PrvaW3IIQUyei8-U78LM8szy6ITCxjhuIwQtx20zD5F4/s400/6a00d8341c864153ef011570e0aad1970b-800wi.jpg" /></a> <strong>I love Demeng and Kuski!</strong><br />Although they are not miniaturists, there are two outstanding assemblage artists that have greatly inspired me, Michael Demeng and Kris Kuksi. Demeng’s book ‘The Secret of Rusty Things’ was like a long awaited secret tome detailing the magical transformation of trash into elemental art. His work is crusty, aged, earthy, and filled with countless bits of pseudo-sacred folk imagery and the modern world’s cast off ephemera. I especially love the stories of how he finds his materials.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTsjLT8Axf5cSXEMRv_zZQpn2-sAcdDfYx3SG6ISQLUcyR-An4wtrLvmAzfwM2qkYqoIlVNocIJdgHrpDdKcG5kYM-pY20liTEktet98onTpS02O7x43Sa-gkPktxEPbWvoBntU2fKRE/s1600/me1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457454347371718226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTsjLT8Axf5cSXEMRv_zZQpn2-sAcdDfYx3SG6ISQLUcyR-An4wtrLvmAzfwM2qkYqoIlVNocIJdgHrpDdKcG5kYM-pY20liTEktet98onTpS02O7x43Sa-gkPktxEPbWvoBntU2fKRE/s400/me1.jpg" /></a> Visit <a href="http://www.michaeldemeng.com/">http://www.michaeldemeng.com/</a><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLoDezG0DZHJT2wuL6nXUeSysoXCjxJYt9KmAQzt2rRBbIwgkyhAqFEC6G5wzMpeL5RfoQDqJpKc3ST4DA7CAMEOGt72U7_xBS0sPMsvYVhKDgNxtF28lkRTN4OAnEuerjoBBDoXJBq_8/s1600/2759456434_8b42a4cd2d.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 393px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457454670598551426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLoDezG0DZHJT2wuL6nXUeSysoXCjxJYt9KmAQzt2rRBbIwgkyhAqFEC6G5wzMpeL5RfoQDqJpKc3ST4DA7CAMEOGt72U7_xBS0sPMsvYVhKDgNxtF28lkRTN4OAnEuerjoBBDoXJBq_8/s400/2759456434_8b42a4cd2d.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDdk1LuZPcYwhQFZDJrXEHbY6Q3FGamEIHSCBNzMXkB-p8-JLS4TjcLhUsGnxjQ3TntT5uMgR9BEVN16vPFskF4BgVHz2mjoU7qYp392IAgPpAezc4MVjGhlWiM5eHVx8fq0YsDbzjBg/s1600/3188615387_4c12833305.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 311px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457454819411544402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDdk1LuZPcYwhQFZDJrXEHbY6Q3FGamEIHSCBNzMXkB-p8-JLS4TjcLhUsGnxjQ3TntT5uMgR9BEVN16vPFskF4BgVHz2mjoU7qYp392IAgPpAezc4MVjGhlWiM5eHVx8fq0YsDbzjBg/s400/3188615387_4c12833305.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YbvgygcmjBcVMXscPEDvjDpZqId_djx3qa_GIlxnMeGgQXere-Ty8oewvHTYYUNqPAD05WojLKad8vct8GtUo_7rLM8ERj9kxbufZS8a80PruhpreaZbRp8_bTK445eoJCTtJtns9lo/s1600/jpegdemeng.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 331px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457454944100378850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YbvgygcmjBcVMXscPEDvjDpZqId_djx3qa_GIlxnMeGgQXere-Ty8oewvHTYYUNqPAD05WojLKad8vct8GtUo_7rLM8ERj9kxbufZS8a80PruhpreaZbRp8_bTK445eoJCTtJtns9lo/s400/jpegdemeng.jpg" /></a><br />In contrast, Kris Kuski’s work is glorious, ephemeral, a bit creepy, and often appears to float. Thousands of spires, figures, and gothic motifs are painted in pale colors, mimicking the remnants of classical marble figures. He creates fantastical assemblage temples, vehicles, and whole cities. He also will surround a large archetypal being with countless smaller writhing figures. You could look a hundred times at his work and always find new details that were previously unnoticed.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySIdGZVu7yLVb6ekLg-wQDk5KAINKBJVhLR9TlQJOA15n0XouZuAyq-NurG31P944951Ks3ha9g2VXzOrxCPHL3zdmmZ8oNOKSHQZsYVx4U7saphOqLk8yynMoY9kcrJxGICyBNzDzI8/s1600/_6a_00011-600_thumbnail.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 338px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457454172453634482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySIdGZVu7yLVb6ekLg-wQDk5KAINKBJVhLR9TlQJOA15n0XouZuAyq-NurG31P944951Ks3ha9g2VXzOrxCPHL3zdmmZ8oNOKSHQZsYVx4U7saphOqLk8yynMoY9kcrJxGICyBNzDzI8/s400/_6a_00011-600_thumbnail.jpg" /></a> Visit <a href="http://kuksi.com/">http://kuksi.com/</a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZgh2lAb9xrxrTDqiUGcXRk5yjUF1I_EeKt5IYHFOJUkR9BQUPDKUtPLNOSP2X9mgUFsvly79nkiXPMgIyN-mySdXKP-wum6v7e3zt5dPJDDrgX25j8N3ysCf-TbKwdg4ZjODfRUMjGQ/s1600/Seven-deadly-sins-kuksi.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457454035964199250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZgh2lAb9xrxrTDqiUGcXRk5yjUF1I_EeKt5IYHFOJUkR9BQUPDKUtPLNOSP2X9mgUFsvly79nkiXPMgIyN-mySdXKP-wum6v7e3zt5dPJDDrgX25j8N3ysCf-TbKwdg4ZjODfRUMjGQ/s400/Seven-deadly-sins-kuksi.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PLyi6wNIWEAsJ3yKVXKaBAZDq7-4reWZNHyxBBmwoac0d1EJesg7xwe1kHNhllJIlg6dzlbH9zZu65no5RH0t6-tatW6tBxKgjRHlXrSjvW4l4H4WVTdf5dz8HZuuoWw0cSMsokYm9g/s1600/dissidencedvice.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 394px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457453877957207634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PLyi6wNIWEAsJ3yKVXKaBAZDq7-4reWZNHyxBBmwoac0d1EJesg7xwe1kHNhllJIlg6dzlbH9zZu65no5RH0t6-tatW6tBxKgjRHlXrSjvW4l4H4WVTdf5dz8HZuuoWw0cSMsokYm9g/s400/dissidencedvice.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZrDdcUAgBDgN6yDQ4VyiFbwrcu20F86KzDi1hpCXehzrwr5EQbKOYiR_-hxy92Jhm5ITlGWy9jiKourzokTabkA0ru88JJvsef-7-rBplreKQmhu-5FAOhObQN6Dxmn-zV-gxFyCqCg/s1600/Artwork-of-Kris-Kuksi.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457453719687990546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZrDdcUAgBDgN6yDQ4VyiFbwrcu20F86KzDi1hpCXehzrwr5EQbKOYiR_-hxy92Jhm5ITlGWy9jiKourzokTabkA0ru88JJvsef-7-rBplreKQmhu-5FAOhObQN6Dxmn-zV-gxFyCqCg/s400/Artwork-of-Kris-Kuksi.jpg" /></a><br />Why do I love assemblage style? To begin with, it is cost effective and promotes recycling of broken items and ‘junk’. Then the artist is faced with the challenging puzzle to put all the bits together into one single cohesive piece. Finally, the great joy of an assemblage artist is the ‘Hunt’. I am always on the lookout for a treasure, a rare and interesting bit to use. It is a style that suits an intrepid collector’s mentality. Needless to say, such an artist must have an organized system of storing all their stash. I can keep this a bit under control because I work in miniature… I only have one room and two closets full.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xk2HSK-kT3RdX2tQbYuJ2oWq85kJdmvkDKXUXCyFJGUih4nqfDk1CKUHnGCJbjib6a8_7QWPCTlWnbBBILhE4hXpnHDg7qwhgjfEXUuOQfBf-mbopm_aqrUN-6rD6F5Y_0uZ_P51W7g/s1600/014+-+Copy.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 309px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457457678093519506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xk2HSK-kT3RdX2tQbYuJ2oWq85kJdmvkDKXUXCyFJGUih4nqfDk1CKUHnGCJbjib6a8_7QWPCTlWnbBBILhE4hXpnHDg7qwhgjfEXUuOQfBf-mbopm_aqrUN-6rD6F5Y_0uZ_P51W7g/s400/014+-+Copy.JPG" /></a>As an AIM member in the Fantasy, Myth, & Magic category, my offerings range from Gothic inspired spooky to Elvish fantasy themes. I’m constantly on the lookout for interesting twigs, wire scraps, vintage watches and cameras, unwanted action figures and broken toys, costume jewelry, and holiday decorations. I’m frequently seen at thrift shops and dollar stores. My family must restrain me at the sight of a yard sale. Here are a few of my favorite miniatures made in assemblage style.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0IRCbeGCUCAGRLJfQ0ILnoAp6t5h4N0SRQe0N0kYy-XmrSsdby3QBydmqrks40HtnIDw8fEsxO1JrHMAalEU9d_j6LRz7_ur9N2tJyMh2f1jHuzRYhUft6-MlNUyw8vrMN7lpZGBJFA/s1600/3617331924_ebf089ebea_o%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 398px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457455300000185218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0IRCbeGCUCAGRLJfQ0ILnoAp6t5h4N0SRQe0N0kYy-XmrSsdby3QBydmqrks40HtnIDw8fEsxO1JrHMAalEU9d_j6LRz7_ur9N2tJyMh2f1jHuzRYhUft6-MlNUyw8vrMN7lpZGBJFA/s400/3617331924_ebf089ebea_o%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOGVBjvQWckQycu8LLAyk_hhkSoWBSobr59sCKrvcsWNRR1Oc6CtkD79UGs6OYzFx_9vnOUV1Texy0NFPK8YMu_LujJ_kVfrL7yRJr-88NOiSKuRLrFJ-o1XtTdSKacBVrosYp7l4duw/s1600/AztechSpellBook1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 398px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457456036912294818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOGVBjvQWckQycu8LLAyk_hhkSoWBSobr59sCKrvcsWNRR1Oc6CtkD79UGs6OYzFx_9vnOUV1Texy0NFPK8YMu_LujJ_kVfrL7yRJr-88NOiSKuRLrFJ-o1XtTdSKacBVrosYp7l4duw/s400/AztechSpellBook1.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjainDwTpV_GJ6-yUtWfCK1nGUo2VZ8H0jeADI0RTUF1gCtZb2NJ43GwvoSAuL4fGSUh076n8RbYRfpZVlzVnsgAus9zN2i-ayzFCnLD3rbtoZXfMGOJdDsMycDeSUX-4rek8fXzITk_ts/s1600/3815215580_fbc3f0f92f_b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457457300135207458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjainDwTpV_GJ6-yUtWfCK1nGUo2VZ8H0jeADI0RTUF1gCtZb2NJ43GwvoSAuL4fGSUh076n8RbYRfpZVlzVnsgAus9zN2i-ayzFCnLD3rbtoZXfMGOJdDsMycDeSUX-4rek8fXzITk_ts/s400/3815215580_fbc3f0f92f_b.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFsPu3iaIXn87uRQFdarY2XLwGL7TBjDaX0N2pHpdrFCBOBngIR-W3Aklm9T4UM1nafp-1nEV8m0ILe4VBug4aSw0WD70s16rg5Oxb_7Sg9DO64u0kzqcJsw3FbjFKoXRxy7pbackeZY/s1600/3743667746_cb439b6418_o%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 398px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457455667312898210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFsPu3iaIXn87uRQFdarY2XLwGL7TBjDaX0N2pHpdrFCBOBngIR-W3Aklm9T4UM1nafp-1nEV8m0ILe4VBug4aSw0WD70s16rg5Oxb_7Sg9DO64u0kzqcJsw3FbjFKoXRxy7pbackeZY/s400/3743667746_cb439b6418_o%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a> <strong>A Brief History of Assemblage Art:</strong><br />The origin of the word (in its artistic sense) can be traced back to the early 1950s, when Jean Dubuffet created a series of collages of butterfly wings, which he titled assemblages d'empreintes. However, both Marcel Duchamp and Pablo Picasso had been working with found objects for many years prior to Dubuffet. They were not alone, alongside Duchamp the earliest woman artist to try her hand at assemblage was Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven, the Dada Baroness, and one of the most prolific, as well as producing some of the most exciting early examples, was Louise Nevelson, who began creating her sculptures from found pieces of wood in the late 1930s. </p><p>In 1961, the exhibition "The Art of Assemblage" was featured at the New York Museum of Modern Art. The exhibition showcased the work of early twentieth century European artists such as Braque, Dubuffet, Marcel Duchamp, Picasso, and Kurt Schwitters alongside Americans Man Ray, Joseph Cornell and Robert Rauschenberg, and also included less well known American West Coast assemblage artists such as Wallace Berman, Bruce Conner and Edward Kienholz. William C Seitz, the curator of the exhibition, described assemblages as being made up of preformed natural or manufactured materials, objects, or fragments not intended as art materials.<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assemblage_(art">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assemblage_(art</a>) </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4980375820282375419.post-65400686784481069092010-03-22T11:39:00.003-05:002010-03-22T12:38:00.574-05:00Miniature Wizards n Witches in TeamMIDS!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghADhOAIKXOUXWy8SKsmWVQCJm0ErFID6kW-qvZfWn6bjsS5SjfTpReFTMjis2xRSOphhT3TA4VXEA3NTw58W26gaUUpamIIASeUZ25EsyMEhbGdAN79YHX0jqoiHmckFDrR9PatylfdI/s1600-h/16355_1099215699343_1795171242_202381_6617559_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 108px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451498943566751474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghADhOAIKXOUXWy8SKsmWVQCJm0ErFID6kW-qvZfWn6bjsS5SjfTpReFTMjis2xRSOphhT3TA4VXEA3NTw58W26gaUUpamIIASeUZ25EsyMEhbGdAN79YHX0jqoiHmckFDrR9PatylfdI/s400/16355_1099215699343_1795171242_202381_6617559_n.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><embed style="WIDTH: 426px; HEIGHT: 320px" name="flashticker" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" src="http://widget-35.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=lt&il=1&channel=3098476543674358069&site=widget-35.slide.com"></embed><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; WIDTH: 426px"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=lt&at=un&id=3098476543674358069&map=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://widget-35.slide.com/p1/3098476543674358069/lt_t017_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=lt&at=un&id=3098476543674358069&map=2" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://widget-35.slide.com/p2/3098476543674358069/lt_t017_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=lt&at=un&id=3098476543674358069&map=F" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://widget-35.slide.com/p4/3098476543674358069/lt_t017_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" /></a></div></div><br />Above is TeamMIDS slideshow entitled <strong><em>"For Mini Wizards Only",</em></strong> featuring a collection of artisan Fantasy miniatures with a magical theme. Feature artists include:<br /><br />*Blue Kitty Miniatures <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bluekittyminiatures">http://www.etsy.com/shop/bluekittyminiatures</a><br />Deb's Minis, Dollhouses, Dressed Beds, & More <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/debsminis">http://www.etsy.com/shop/debsminis</a><br />Enchanticals <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/enchanticals">http://www.etsy.com/shop/enchanticals</a><br />Fairy Furnishings <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/fairyfurnishings">http://www.etsy.com/shop/fairyfurnishings</a><br />Fairy Garden <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/fairygarden">http://www.etsy.com/shop/fairygarden</a><br />Lil'Witchy Haunted Dollhouse Minaitures <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lilwitchy">http://www.etsy.com/shop/lilwitchy</a><br />*NJD Miniatures <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/njdminiatures">http://www.etsy.com/shop/njdminiatures</a><br />Polkadot Toadstool Art Dolls & Miniatures <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/polkadottoadstool">http://www.etsy.com/shop/polkadottoadstool</a><br />*Turnings In <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/turningsin">http://www.etsy.com/shop/turningsin</a><br /><br />(* currently on hiatus)<br /><br />Plus, there are <strong><em>so many more shops</em></strong> offering Modern, Art Deco, Asian, Egyptian, Cabin, Country Primitive, and Victorian miniatures! <strong><em>If you love handmade, original, artisan created miniatures</em></strong>, then come right over to Etsy and search TeamMIDS in dollhouse miniature categories!<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_type=tag_title_all&search_query=TeamMIDS">http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_type=tag_title_all&search_query=TeamMIDS</a><br /><br />For the latest news and mini goodies visit TeamMIDS Blog: <a href="http://teammids.blogspot.com/">http://teammids.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CpCEK-Am9USl1-Ia5YEyKbwpwfjeSaxiqTgtY54JX38mbCFCwWgWr_ZyoOA38UiQU0LVD-ju-XWGb9f_y3UpBllSxIYQwRa7LAF-TnaHH1y_i2HWgIQYBELJtSoRNIyZSQDYh6iRRbs/s1600-h/teammidsbanner.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 81px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451511758103557538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CpCEK-Am9USl1-Ia5YEyKbwpwfjeSaxiqTgtY54JX38mbCFCwWgWr_ZyoOA38UiQU0LVD-ju-XWGb9f_y3UpBllSxIYQwRa7LAF-TnaHH1y_i2HWgIQYBELJtSoRNIyZSQDYh6iRRbs/s400/teammidsbanner.jpg" /></a> <strong>WHAT IS ETSY? WHAT IS TeamMIDS?</strong><br />The concept of Etsy was originally to provide a market place for and by artists to sell their work. It was also meant to foster a sense of community among artists of various mediums. It allows artists a venue and a voice without the markups of retail middlemen. TeamMIDS (Miniatures In Dollhouse Scales) serves the miniature artisan community on Etsy and they really are a wonderful and supportive group with so much talent!<br /><br />TeamMIDS was featured in Etsy's Storque Blog about handmade art: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/reviews/dollhouse-scale-miniatures-facts-and-fancies-3169/">http://www.etsy.com/storque/reviews/dollhouse-scale-miniatures-facts-and-fancies-3169/</a><br /><br />However, there are a large number of shops on the site selling 'vintage' items, but that is a seperate category from 'handmade'. Unfortunately, within 'handmade', there have also been several wholesalers of cheaper mass produced miniatures flooding Etsy. Etsy should not become Ebay! TeamMIDS has diligently continued to protect the integrity of the handmade dollhouse category, insisting that something mass produced in a factory- even if it was hand assembled- does NOT COUNT as a handmade artisan item. At TeamMIDS, you wll find unique, quality, limited addition miniatures from devoted artists.<br /><br />As collectors of handmade original work, all you have to do to bypass commercial items is choose to search in the<strong> 'Handmade'</strong> category for<strong> 'teammids'</strong><br /><br /><strong>!!SUPPORT ARTISTS!!</strong><br /><br />To see all the wonderful shops, visit the main website:<br /><a href="http://teammidsdollhouseminiatures.goods.officelive.com/default.aspx">http://teammidsdollhouseminiatures.goods.officelive.com/default.aspx</a> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4980375820282375419.post-41438949534436651742010-03-01T15:43:00.005-06:002010-03-01T15:54:14.723-06:00I'm in the March issue of AIM's free online miniature magazine!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SbHhc_B4wSXSMvNSD2ROs7K7HgtScQYdtKbHgRGLFW87Ayz9G7Zk4VbbF9jmlPz8zZewTG0ibKhWAkkEP-w4dWoeM5MYtkHQdsUUJhIq0ODaex80_qpYWk9f1O_PWy0QPFulD66nC4M/s1600-h/March+cover+-+issue+21.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 283px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443784664486083890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SbHhc_B4wSXSMvNSD2ROs7K7HgtScQYdtKbHgRGLFW87Ayz9G7Zk4VbbF9jmlPz8zZewTG0ibKhWAkkEP-w4dWoeM5MYtkHQdsUUJhIq0ODaex80_qpYWk9f1O_PWy0QPFulD66nC4M/s400/March+cover+-+issue+21.jpg" /></a> The latest issue of AIM's free online miniature magazine is available now!<br /><a href="http://www.artisansinminiature.com/issue10.html">http://www.artisansinminiature.com/issue10.html</a><br /><br />It is full of so many great projects and Artist offerings! There are gnomes, tiny gardens, tree houses, and much more. I've been posting the link to the zine all over the place and just this morning sat down to read it myself. To my surprise, on pages 40-43, I'm featured in the "Getting To Know" artist meet and greet article! I was pleased to see my Steampunk, Fantasy, and Egyptian items mentioned as well as my Spooky stuff. They popped in a pic of one of my favorite pieces that I've made, a Steampunk mantle clock.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GenXxsAw5l1Ljyh4vn4noNRPKOxAn7IpxhZhw7H8qY9ZJ9iqzAwqjxxjN6hSpmpo6uUH79H24aKsE9o_OL0O2Qkjzu89Q6o9hk8JbrSE5GSF20afthDl07uNe-Vx8dwGyyVwLXuB7qk/s1600-h/SteampunkClock1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 398px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443786077335771874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GenXxsAw5l1Ljyh4vn4noNRPKOxAn7IpxhZhw7H8qY9ZJ9iqzAwqjxxjN6hSpmpo6uUH79H24aKsE9o_OL0O2Qkjzu89Q6o9hk8JbrSE5GSF20afthDl07uNe-Vx8dwGyyVwLXuB7qk/s400/SteampunkClock1.jpg" /></a>To find out more about AIM (Artisans In Miniature) and browse the outstanding galleries of work by an international group of miniature artists, please visit at<br /><a href="http://www.artisansinminiature.com/index.html">http://www.artisansinminiature.com/index.html</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4980375820282375419.post-79402504065490962792010-02-24T09:52:00.022-06:002010-02-24T11:18:46.069-06:00The Green & The Ugly: Swamp Witches and Their Homes in Miniature<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBvx1CKBKCyfbkEu9hKiqCxBmuyNzpKo2JaN_Cyou7AQ1w9J1wieaLxc7OWTcpNZ7_ChlZpQYRcDk6k_4QoDhaN5W8MYnIuMe84ujE8F5JNvXpi5Y8sQ7ioi9ZXfVI4ZAfkisd2M6UpE/s1600-h/354721835_25db3b624c.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 369px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441860275349879010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBvx1CKBKCyfbkEu9hKiqCxBmuyNzpKo2JaN_Cyou7AQ1w9J1wieaLxc7OWTcpNZ7_ChlZpQYRcDk6k_4QoDhaN5W8MYnIuMe84ujE8F5JNvXpi5Y8sQ7ioi9ZXfVI4ZAfkisd2M6UpE/s400/354721835_25db3b624c.jpg" /></a> <strong><em>Way up the road from Hattie's Shack<br />Lies a sleepy little Okeechobee town<br />Talk of swamp witch Hattie lock you in when the sun go down<br />Rumours of what she'd done, rumours of what she'd do<br />Kept folks off the track of hattie's shack<br />In the back of the Black Bayou </em></strong><br /><br />When you do an online search for 'Swamp Witch', you will arrive at 2 very different archetypes. You will find the warty, slimy green skinned hag with a bad temper as exemplified by Meg in the movie 'Legends' (remember the one with the unicorns and Tom Cruise dressed up like Robin Hood). You will also find the elegant and wise depictions of the Cajun Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau. This article will focus on the first, greener version!<br /><br />I've heard of women making secret magic deep in the woods since I was little. I remember giggling at the song 'Marie Laveau' when the guy would shriek and say 'another man done gone!' It was first released by Dr Hook on the 'Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show' album in 1971. Marie Laveau was then released by Bobby Bare on the 'Lullabies, Legends and Lies' album in 1974. Check out this fan video on YouTube! It's a snaggle puss beauty pageant and a warning to any bad man! <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9qaIFS16nE">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9qaIFS16nE</a><br /><br /><strong>THE GREEN & THE UGLY</strong><br />I've recently discovered a new miniature hobby in the Garage Kit horror and fantasty sculptures. These are not dollhouse related, being more in line with collector's quality action figures and fine art sculptures of larger scales. However, many of the techniques and themes are similar to what I do for both dollhouse minis and war gaming minis. I found two fantastic versions of the Swamp Witch Meg!<br /><div><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeyXMgN83JdS1sbMtanVGDQlafl9-ODjfnF91UbWl17_jOH50iPb0T2OHNpH9qmwQPBXhRNotKwvF7sPMlIm3hZacYsP7U2i4cHsjuLCfcUZH7jb3z-tWFjH6rvY1y6WEocbSFdBf5QQ/s1600-h/swamp_witch.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 305px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441846717082310722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeyXMgN83JdS1sbMtanVGDQlafl9-ODjfnF91UbWl17_jOH50iPb0T2OHNpH9qmwQPBXhRNotKwvF7sPMlIm3hZacYsP7U2i4cHsjuLCfcUZH7jb3z-tWFjH6rvY1y6WEocbSFdBf5QQ/s400/swamp_witch.jpg" /></a> Above is a 1/6 scale resin model sculpted by Miles Teves for Dimensional Designs. Painter unkown. The kit costs $150 and was released in 1994. Below is another version of Meg in resin. This one is by Al DeGregorio and posted on MyToyCollection.com<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdqn8Arrao5Ybcu-3jf8RAd5j_rx7wr-bHHsWCyn2F2zZZkDsv28i_MrJ-2HlNv2mt1BwqYmMv8sZxRvBzbgxntiq_QppsaPjd6c1wJbKkh8PDe09DeuTD-MdoTsSaOn1PLBh2NP6-R8/s1600-h/41-meg_5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441846635299714578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdqn8Arrao5Ybcu-3jf8RAd5j_rx7wr-bHHsWCyn2F2zZZkDsv28i_MrJ-2HlNv2mt1BwqYmMv8sZxRvBzbgxntiq_QppsaPjd6c1wJbKkh8PDe09DeuTD-MdoTsSaOn1PLBh2NP6-R8/s400/41-meg_5.jpg" /></a>Some of my favorite 1:12 scale depictions of the genre are...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAWnl9p-UT90Gm6NSb42kk08-hr-4GYmi8KGwAoJgelMHV9xaTTY0DGG3CEQ-grwRA9DRNSSt_rp123d036E0MxDW50Ic0U-Hd0a7uSnyoBcSZHkdvxEYyRjSCrqXcQ5SdQvHwAilanw/s1600-h/DressyWitchbySoletLuna.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 362px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441849669149149442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAWnl9p-UT90Gm6NSb42kk08-hr-4GYmi8KGwAoJgelMHV9xaTTY0DGG3CEQ-grwRA9DRNSSt_rp123d036E0MxDW50Ic0U-Hd0a7uSnyoBcSZHkdvxEYyRjSCrqXcQ5SdQvHwAilanw/s400/DressyWitchbySoletLuna.jpg" /></a>Above: The Dressy Witch by Solet Luna Studios<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyFGK6oncW5T5v42_8iipcs7ub46bS-ZaU_RMu7PKq4V0CjviIiHtwLY5xwRJqZ7jyuUbaly8oVdZIbcHf-CJSl-EjwBd_IBmJzHy4dtmK590xrGFayinwYVFBpVhKU96Qx0EQ7rE77g/s1600-h/witchbybluekitty.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 372px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441855270452675122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyFGK6oncW5T5v42_8iipcs7ub46bS-ZaU_RMu7PKq4V0CjviIiHtwLY5xwRJqZ7jyuUbaly8oVdZIbcHf-CJSl-EjwBd_IBmJzHy4dtmK590xrGFayinwYVFBpVhKU96Qx0EQ7rE77g/s400/witchbybluekitty.jpg" /></a> Above: This bent back witch by Blue Kitty<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZctHCvMrkFrQyR9Jdoque8WVFwNUDO3tE2_Q8XTtsP3VM1iczrKpyTG_OXtSeXeLUA6fZQ_LMpRo8prbMT6JpHkX6VHqIqB7X5bAXSvUolwnldTl8_bnZVVP_bzStzNaLsP9A0_CiJMA/s1600-h/seawitchPatBenedict.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441851093491415618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZctHCvMrkFrQyR9Jdoque8WVFwNUDO3tE2_Q8XTtsP3VM1iczrKpyTG_OXtSeXeLUA6fZQ_LMpRo8prbMT6JpHkX6VHqIqB7X5bAXSvUolwnldTl8_bnZVVP_bzStzNaLsP9A0_CiJMA/s400/seawitchPatBenedict.jpg" /></a>Above: The Sea Witch by Pat Benedict, ocean or swamp she looks green and watery<br /><br /><em><strong>Where does the Swamp Witch Live?</strong></em><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdzvp1eLmK1vxuSYVYwUwyxk9TDGckKgx4plrXYJVriP7IW-HQNizJ2T5RRrXBq2eGPOD5VfvGtDLA9LlhdZJQbIvKm5DZ65c8OhNyftiyqryORXb1RZ8PkZbKz9R5FW1UY-ivpBy7lk/s1600-h/night-swamp.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 323px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441855451610152066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdzvp1eLmK1vxuSYVYwUwyxk9TDGckKgx4plrXYJVriP7IW-HQNizJ2T5RRrXBq2eGPOD5VfvGtDLA9LlhdZJQbIvKm5DZ65c8OhNyftiyqryORXb1RZ8PkZbKz9R5FW1UY-ivpBy7lk/s400/night-swamp.jpg" /></a><strong><em>Black water Hattie lived back in the swamp<br />Where the strange green reptiles crawl<br />Snakes hang thick from the cypress trees<br />Like sausage on a smokehouse wall<br />Where the swamp is alive with a thousand eyes<br />An' all of them watching you </em></strong></p><p>Solet Luna Studios has a fantastic spooky house for any anti-social Swamp Witch! This piece is entitled 'Muddy End' and it won 3rd place at the Westcoast Dollhouse and Miniatures Show, 2008. I love the roots and tree limbs twisting about. Visit at <a href="http://www.soletluna.com/">http://www.soletluna.com/</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ChCjcnPvRr1Lf_rr-dpexzc91P7FltlC4eNx2IoNvFriUjbDwDXDLCRugZS_keButizfmxSFUdpOIZkY9dLC4I4ZTyMTCT04gX00xOwLKPZppb6RUfHchLnPbKMq3tMF8yQvC7qbcQY/s1600-h/muddyend1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 315px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441858163753855650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ChCjcnPvRr1Lf_rr-dpexzc91P7FltlC4eNx2IoNvFriUjbDwDXDLCRugZS_keButizfmxSFUdpOIZkY9dLC4I4ZTyMTCT04gX00xOwLKPZppb6RUfHchLnPbKMq3tMF8yQvC7qbcQY/s400/muddyend1.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0AjdeihQyz7JRPSCmqNxzCp0x0x9HSLcmeKIk9vNwTJIXAttORWXpAiwMory7CgZ-6nwYUVTyM_ZbtODPZXF3dDcb5m8272ZyAZZpuaB__DfbQrM6pRfOdyW99wTSrIZ86Vi7hgGJ0QY/s1600-h/muddyend2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 263px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441858067386630162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0AjdeihQyz7JRPSCmqNxzCp0x0x9HSLcmeKIk9vNwTJIXAttORWXpAiwMory7CgZ-6nwYUVTyM_ZbtODPZXF3dDcb5m8272ZyAZZpuaB__DfbQrM6pRfOdyW99wTSrIZ86Vi7hgGJ0QY/s400/muddyend2.jpg" /></a><br />The very first roombox kit I made was a hovel I called the 'Hag's Cabin'. I scratch built the hearth from styrafoam, rocks, and repurposed Halloween jewelry. I covered the wood walls and floor with a sandy stucco mixture and made tattered leather curtains. It was a very early attempt and also one of my first miniature sales. I've learned a lot since then but I still look fondly at the pictures!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOZ4crAsNc0asTGRhXxq6xWWr2kEWwpW-X1cmOlqNYh3evVpHex_m-AYkETnRd-rT6Xwr5XUqfa-ws8Bkrt1pGE4knbJ7ysxGaoyzj3EGf8yYu-5qYnZQ5Hk3-Uz-JWz8LldFk-eTc5c/s1600-h/hag1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 366px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 314px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441859772084828130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOZ4crAsNc0asTGRhXxq6xWWr2kEWwpW-X1cmOlqNYh3evVpHex_m-AYkETnRd-rT6Xwr5XUqfa-ws8Bkrt1pGE4knbJ7ysxGaoyzj3EGf8yYu-5qYnZQ5Hk3-Uz-JWz8LldFk-eTc5c/s400/hag1.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBFJNxgEOaB5KROyLHB_dYgrmBs5Hqlh_9haUUon2HuFSZIfdy60u0uohdZ8CC8OvzK5FqIBwhJl7aC76PTM_kDwmd7XTRHDKbgudjgsvzRbkP1cwJZFYCUvh05fQFqi-iIEyB0NMh3g/s1600-h/emptyhag.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 381px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 313px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441859719389717842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBFJNxgEOaB5KROyLHB_dYgrmBs5Hqlh_9haUUon2HuFSZIfdy60u0uohdZ8CC8OvzK5FqIBwhJl7aC76PTM_kDwmd7XTRHDKbgudjgsvzRbkP1cwJZFYCUvh05fQFqi-iIEyB0NMh3g/s400/emptyhag.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZgkPNSoUWjmjQCSMfCVooSvtvxCAEsbtC7dNOau5OU0NB7rLXQ3_REBzAD24UQWHHJJXeYkgouh7jjU9UnjAqpV5vtHVkdu6ccBuUvYmSsB6fQUanSPAfSLe4_qdwN0el_FFRFZoZ8Q/s1600-h/hag2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 281px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441859655060072946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZgkPNSoUWjmjQCSMfCVooSvtvxCAEsbtC7dNOau5OU0NB7rLXQ3_REBzAD24UQWHHJJXeYkgouh7jjU9UnjAqpV5vtHVkdu6ccBuUvYmSsB6fQUanSPAfSLe4_qdwN0el_FFRFZoZ8Q/s400/hag2.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3X53dKopun1q5IOg1OH8T0oylXI31oM5Zgvc3QLV21yLVZcUXUIGQTDV0xTFLQV_ovlm1fIw8e52sM-x7dXs54v1DXPD_oHp8fhnkd0ZnI6VbmwXF4marXHVLO4AX0Mzsxe-nQAdPq8/s1600-h/hags3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 281px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441859576982080338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3X53dKopun1q5IOg1OH8T0oylXI31oM5Zgvc3QLV21yLVZcUXUIGQTDV0xTFLQV_ovlm1fIw8e52sM-x7dXs54v1DXPD_oHp8fhnkd0ZnI6VbmwXF4marXHVLO4AX0Mzsxe-nQAdPq8/s400/hags3.jpg" /></a></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4980375820282375419.post-58998575796054625962010-02-13T19:30:00.018-06:002010-02-13T20:10:14.395-06:00My Miniature Haunted Mansion Renovation: Painting the exterior!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KhjJzUscwWQs2ed_2B3jYRX-W1hQA7HMOZxqYcwXj7E3mpgGr3kR8oLl9EFEHXgpetPh4SauKZJ4xtoCZ1syIhRhqGwTTgWZtM_YSiHPjQV7assiTey0XlNG2X_3H_cvrOiKdwZaTK4/s1600-h/005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437908547621117682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KhjJzUscwWQs2ed_2B3jYRX-W1hQA7HMOZxqYcwXj7E3mpgGr3kR8oLl9EFEHXgpetPh4SauKZJ4xtoCZ1syIhRhqGwTTgWZtM_YSiHPjQV7assiTey0XlNG2X_3H_cvrOiKdwZaTK4/s400/005.JPG" /></a> I'm a full time college student in Mortuary Science and this last week was my first round of exams. I had Thanatochemistry, Jurisprudence, and Management II. There were times late at night that I just needed to relax and put the books down. I started to work on my Haunted Mansion renovation project again! This is my own personal dollhouse and not for sale. It's a 1:12 scale cedar kit that I purchased for about $40. It was in terrible shape, water damaged, dusty, pieces put on upside down or backwards... I had a lot of fun tearing it apart and rebuilding it! It has 3 floors with no room partitions. It did have 2 horrible flights of stairs right in the center cutting through the space- I took a hammer and pair of plyers to that. While smoothing over some of the joints and dings with filler, I did leave many of the imperfections because it is after all, a spooky home for odd residents.<br /><br />My color scheme was inspired initially by a Martha Stewart article on incorporating subtle greens into a Halloween scheme. I want a haunted mansion that I can decorate year round rather than something that was strictly a black and orange Halloween theme.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJBtzzlmy4ngQnIyQjTmD3TUQK_-8l30pCia_s6C4A4Gi_fC4SfgkrsmneQ1rmY7uMxWPzxRnPD_JjyQ1NAUaSk5S_RP5PbX073a3wyJa8-oq2ODNr17Qy2niZny4pH2duOM490HeqbQ/s1600-h/mla103714_1008_green_xl.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437908313872829522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJBtzzlmy4ngQnIyQjTmD3TUQK_-8l30pCia_s6C4A4Gi_fC4SfgkrsmneQ1rmY7uMxWPzxRnPD_JjyQ1NAUaSk5S_RP5PbX073a3wyJa8-oq2ODNr17Qy2niZny4pH2duOM490HeqbQ/s400/mla103714_1008_green_xl.jpg" /></a> I bought several used books on Victorian and Gothic style and Painted Ladies. Some pictures that were inspirational are below:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JaLwi5AbOL54aIetxX2IN1lyNyU569jNWPk_hsdTULIqqxjtl59WkIwRwZsARIq0T2psEo4wTYpL2Z8cbde8EtGxBOim2VjfjtLD0D9xMSs9wdestEjvdVkOeceHg67ImJGgBmWhGio/s1600-h/gravesend_inn_haunted_house_brooklyn.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 399px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437907961738516546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JaLwi5AbOL54aIetxX2IN1lyNyU569jNWPk_hsdTULIqqxjtl59WkIwRwZsARIq0T2psEo4wTYpL2Z8cbde8EtGxBOim2VjfjtLD0D9xMSs9wdestEjvdVkOeceHg67ImJGgBmWhGio/s400/gravesend_inn_haunted_house_brooklyn.jpg" /></a> Above a delapidated entry way of a once grand Victorian home.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9ECA2bSSrRoB4NlfDWxeYutsiODNUBqfsJvdQsDTd3pCxAibiKIdE5M1WoMGNSD2T4_7AI4i81i_LvMgEvP3bCMLmRXDHMNRR8R3UwV98aUVmdiMG6TGuFrNJq822iYq9fenHLnIGZo/s1600-h/draincastle270.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 263px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 312px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437907783898258530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9ECA2bSSrRoB4NlfDWxeYutsiODNUBqfsJvdQsDTd3pCxAibiKIdE5M1WoMGNSD2T4_7AI4i81i_LvMgEvP3bCMLmRXDHMNRR8R3UwV98aUVmdiMG6TGuFrNJq822iYq9fenHLnIGZo/s400/draincastle270.jpg" /></a>Subtle greens...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2ywK5OsTuSyEGlu7ATP4dhp5H_nwzc7IbpeUy27d_uFDSFBKaiUIKtu-O2b-L55IKNJtxDXlLDeuOcFpSd-aFEP5tYhXWcl7LnbiJYKqALy_ZBc0bphcbuXOq4z9tEtbViXiagurezU/s1600-h/260275591_d5f525b086.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 272px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437907555459308770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2ywK5OsTuSyEGlu7ATP4dhp5H_nwzc7IbpeUy27d_uFDSFBKaiUIKtu-O2b-L55IKNJtxDXlLDeuOcFpSd-aFEP5tYhXWcl7LnbiJYKqALy_ZBc0bphcbuXOq4z9tEtbViXiagurezU/s400/260275591_d5f525b086.jpg" /></a>Intense purple with odd lemon creme and sage accents...<br /></p><p>So the ideas of color are floating around in my head as I glue all the spooky do-dadds and edging onto the exterior of the house. I used plastic bats over the windows, repurposed Christmas ornaments as spires, jewelry findings, felt web cutouts, plastic garden gating, and disarticulated bits of plastic skeletons... and whatever else I could glue to it!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLpHHQVuDd-lz3YywLeby2nHlOlxxi-JcKlzpGpuruO8iyNGhKzsFrL4XH-hYogRlfxYtv0niXd1mC554pD91lX8Gt9kER-acxNZqZYYthQ3LOYapKuk39T5-s5Jv7QNIukCJbP29cDY/s1600-h/002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437907371681846770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLpHHQVuDd-lz3YywLeby2nHlOlxxi-JcKlzpGpuruO8iyNGhKzsFrL4XH-hYogRlfxYtv0niXd1mC554pD91lX8Gt9kER-acxNZqZYYthQ3LOYapKuk39T5-s5Jv7QNIukCJbP29cDY/s400/002.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNKMvfFT9rmUx_EzBvMTDgARcMX6UIyvPPiOJsu34XCY-YtqlxYvZFM2b7Crh4rxeOTnTDpwy1xBLy97Z1S-mjEmmjaGLrFdYET-7SqCQSAfAKi8D4zE0nYY6eCB3CAIlvVO1oEHQqEQ/s1600-h/005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 327px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437907281962881922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNKMvfFT9rmUx_EzBvMTDgARcMX6UIyvPPiOJsu34XCY-YtqlxYvZFM2b7Crh4rxeOTnTDpwy1xBLy97Z1S-mjEmmjaGLrFdYET-7SqCQSAfAKi8D4zE0nYY6eCB3CAIlvVO1oEHQqEQ/s400/005.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROLVwsyI5pBJnzSgcjyZbcikTtabnNo3h08_NiFt3dWZCfAwJZ4t6WVvIHpuKYByLyQL58Oq6HirSXe6_WT1eLxTBBGvfeHgHAgZNP8mH9x8O0hJ4mJ5PPJ4E4ihOpk79iz4rJEdsEIo/s1600-h/008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437907179096342322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROLVwsyI5pBJnzSgcjyZbcikTtabnNo3h08_NiFt3dWZCfAwJZ4t6WVvIHpuKYByLyQL58Oq6HirSXe6_WT1eLxTBBGvfeHgHAgZNP8mH9x8O0hJ4mJ5PPJ4E4ihOpk79iz4rJEdsEIo/s400/008.JPG" /></a> Next, I spray painted the whole exterior with a flat black and then touched it all up with a gloss black. The windows are covered in tape at this point to protect them.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsExOHxqlnkFiOg5jX-3MzQkzX7JbrPNwK0ENvHkxh46yecfhORwfLpZUWvK7zAirqKLiwMZK1JdEZ0lzjEhnqofzZl4YbsNCRyKMIKfBzonLs2EyWGn99leSTcTiJ_xcPfUruPDXUoE/s1600-h/012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437907059312751986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsExOHxqlnkFiOg5jX-3MzQkzX7JbrPNwK0ENvHkxh46yecfhORwfLpZUWvK7zAirqKLiwMZK1JdEZ0lzjEhnqofzZl4YbsNCRyKMIKfBzonLs2EyWGn99leSTcTiJ_xcPfUruPDXUoE/s400/012.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTX_LXpMtJh-f0Ox_LkLMcOiQLI0Pi1oshIgmsv38lICtwtqqhGOPDvw9_1fBBvMIWCvTlEiDHnQMJ3ynwic2wNli8IHshyphenhyphenWy6qfk21WvbrK4ck4xoIsxwMhOio-ITNY9P9sy24QrUaSo/s1600-h/010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437906964300412898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTX_LXpMtJh-f0Ox_LkLMcOiQLI0Pi1oshIgmsv38lICtwtqqhGOPDvw9_1fBBvMIWCvTlEiDHnQMJ3ynwic2wNli8IHshyphenhyphenWy6qfk21WvbrK4ck4xoIsxwMhOio-ITNY9P9sy24QrUaSo/s400/010.JPG" /></a>Then the crackle medium was applied over the wood panelling and wood edging. Next I painted the base color coat of pale lilac with the black showing through the crackle, giving it an aged appearence.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfn_trs7mzGt8Xxt6y3C6wm0tEjSlsFXkFVAJd9TnDlgoZwwp1aNttcAtGgjb1VbfxkmfiXuy1pV-YuK5_InbiwihDlT6XXWVfltTbxganINfOUkWrW7pYo-EI4Pnm_Q9cnA_IEV9HKhA/s1600-h/013.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437906803631242962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfn_trs7mzGt8Xxt6y3C6wm0tEjSlsFXkFVAJd9TnDlgoZwwp1aNttcAtGgjb1VbfxkmfiXuy1pV-YuK5_InbiwihDlT6XXWVfltTbxganINfOUkWrW7pYo-EI4Pnm_Q9cnA_IEV9HKhA/s400/013.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilamlZJIUVoYq_N3orr_KzYrusVxlLBAdZ5GvA2FsL4IhtYWcdGNXvC4TYlH5SXTMeyRj1KB8KlEjm1LMBmKLgqcsKGLL811QksCftU0FRfGL_JvuH0hlXiLgtvqn72arDeHCtzJe9gYA/s1600-h/014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437906702376856242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilamlZJIUVoYq_N3orr_KzYrusVxlLBAdZ5GvA2FsL4IhtYWcdGNXvC4TYlH5SXTMeyRj1KB8KlEjm1LMBmKLgqcsKGLL811QksCftU0FRfGL_JvuH0hlXiLgtvqn72arDeHCtzJe9gYA/s400/014.JPG" /></a> Now the detail colors: an olive green for the majority of edgin with areas of lime green and periwinkle. All the green areas are also coated with a glow in the dark paint that is not noticeable in the light. All of the fencing and bone details are painted in a cream color. Everything is inked in black and then drybrushed in pale sage green. Each panel is also shaded with a magenta ink. This might seem labor intensive but it didn't take too long actually. I put wear marks on raised surfaces, made rusted and water damage trails from underneath raised details like the flower beds, and simulated grime accumulation in corners.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4a4U-0E1bYrSdB9h5RmBSUPh78aoi_3Ahmt1ijAiq9FJCzaZu1kVZ-k20rEWKN5XTpeXf_Jrj63vqwgkgL7GfPcrURSJZKvk0sUYg1Xl8QH9k7hZNz3PNBEdutmdowBTSM6EPPEoMXOU/s1600-h/007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 341px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437906520488814914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4a4U-0E1bYrSdB9h5RmBSUPh78aoi_3Ahmt1ijAiq9FJCzaZu1kVZ-k20rEWKN5XTpeXf_Jrj63vqwgkgL7GfPcrURSJZKvk0sUYg1Xl8QH9k7hZNz3PNBEdutmdowBTSM6EPPEoMXOU/s400/007.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqkr0wKAMnSmtmeLyxQGQDICUZdz7sz9O6H6rXYGlS69PJJCBP2PLTRTdAHfs_Nawwa8AqHWEKLJmfuXYz3Ect5ClvLPa8c_zZnNF4L-bmExtotCYVE5OD47ueNQIH_643LfhInlisnE/s1600-h/003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 384px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437906406937022018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqkr0wKAMnSmtmeLyxQGQDICUZdz7sz9O6H6rXYGlS69PJJCBP2PLTRTdAHfs_Nawwa8AqHWEKLJmfuXYz3Ect5ClvLPa8c_zZnNF4L-bmExtotCYVE5OD47ueNQIH_643LfhInlisnE/s400/003.JPG" /></a> I'll be basing the piece on a large circular board so I can build a yard with trees and a cemetary. I'll also be adding greenery and moss to the house itself, as if its overgrown with ivy. There's more on the way! </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4980375820282375419.post-23389801702046112102010-02-03T11:13:00.009-06:002010-02-03T11:42:24.092-06:00The very cool and creepy clay works of 'wetpaintco.' ... I need to know more about this artist!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHs5w6McGnNXmPQAOytuvsnr0mIWg1ObHgEvg-BNZI53m20Eq3tcAnJSpYAvHa7zjsBjC_yW8Ils3T_bCU0BvDzx_nVvhHXV91NDlw1ByrgljD7gcohfKaImG5oatcrxbVWzcSB-PHkVQ/s1600-h/haunted+tree.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434070240422973090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHs5w6McGnNXmPQAOytuvsnr0mIWg1ObHgEvg-BNZI53m20Eq3tcAnJSpYAvHa7zjsBjC_yW8Ils3T_bCU0BvDzx_nVvhHXV91NDlw1ByrgljD7gcohfKaImG5oatcrxbVWzcSB-PHkVQ/s400/haunted+tree.jpg" /></a>While perusing the web for other spooky miniature artists yesterday, I discovered the incredibly imaginative creepy clay works of 'wetpaintco.' on ebay. There's not much information on the artist's profile so I'll need to do a bit more research and actually make contact... The primary medium seems to be polymer clay sculpting over wire frames, then hand painted.<br /><br />For current auctions: <a href="http://myworld.ebay.com/wetpaintco./">http://myworld.ebay.com/wetpaintco./</a><br /><br />The work is all one of a kind and described as being in 1:12 dollhouse scale. The style is certainly spooky but also a bit whimsical with organic shapes, shadowy colors, and little faces peeking out. The artist seems fond of animating various objects with spirits! Everything from trees, candle sticks, to chairs show a grinning little smile and peeping eyes. I think the 'haunted flames' pictured below are my favorite!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIp4f-XCxhfh6d6ZG7s_-jEc7Xclhu3tYW5FAuq9zwafkTU72-KrKcjcgQENZgSGkCc0du-bzfgk1asLysPF2bBH-_TSAXCr97ndVYhbbccIVTEOGOOz6Kros-J5bhVej5g0NkFiH754/s1600-h/hauntedfireplacestuff.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434070331780545698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIp4f-XCxhfh6d6ZG7s_-jEc7Xclhu3tYW5FAuq9zwafkTU72-KrKcjcgQENZgSGkCc0du-bzfgk1asLysPF2bBH-_TSAXCr97ndVYhbbccIVTEOGOOz6Kros-J5bhVej5g0NkFiH754/s400/hauntedfireplacestuff.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yW3xr6SQ9aM2eaGII3KFuzM8I0KNFBETwIKPWeil3NR6gR6RWC2nGbZPvx_LEyR0qbxmety7gwvZWDVkeN0jbhA-jxQ8vL_5fpoOvoS0RAN9BmhOqG6OaNShBQJXk4_qjV3L2-28vt4/s1600-h/haunted+candles.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434070748084522002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yW3xr6SQ9aM2eaGII3KFuzM8I0KNFBETwIKPWeil3NR6gR6RWC2nGbZPvx_LEyR0qbxmety7gwvZWDVkeN0jbhA-jxQ8vL_5fpoOvoS0RAN9BmhOqG6OaNShBQJXk4_qjV3L2-28vt4/s400/haunted+candles.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZTqYlZJC75dApZVaoqFY-ZKUuozZImlCulux8ZzP9i__IQghN5-TFFVqmSFVSP3RLAcniwey8_xhJrfhqQ-my7hYlBpzq4Q1OfNljWjHquPbID5s-UouOJSyg0k9KoF_QN6TvKv7OdE/s1600-h/hAUNTEDchair.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434071931996145538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZTqYlZJC75dApZVaoqFY-ZKUuozZImlCulux8ZzP9i__IQghN5-TFFVqmSFVSP3RLAcniwey8_xhJrfhqQ-my7hYlBpzq4Q1OfNljWjHquPbID5s-UouOJSyg0k9KoF_QN6TvKv7OdE/s400/hAUNTEDchair.jpg" /></a> Wetpaintco. also likes tentacles. That is always a frightening motif, the idea of a slimy limb snatching at you from dark mirky waters! These are curling about bathtubs and sinks with a hideous grasp.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-QJR5nmKk4B1PLjEEA0-G6gZObEas5zopEK6_SdHi1QGQ8gFT_1dkFbVVhNw-cq2FuivDvchKLJiMP3lOXBwucjnzFSun9i3zzZ6kWUZE2e78p8qCt_jdpldaOAsv7T0ocoB77XQxPE/s1600-h/hauntedsink.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434070900970876850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-QJR5nmKk4B1PLjEEA0-G6gZObEas5zopEK6_SdHi1QGQ8gFT_1dkFbVVhNw-cq2FuivDvchKLJiMP3lOXBwucjnzFSun9i3zzZ6kWUZE2e78p8qCt_jdpldaOAsv7T0ocoB77XQxPE/s400/hauntedsink.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQKpHBN-V0txSpFx1uW4sMGacymp1_JfCreWhFzO1oh8sGUJ0tiTus5WSOE7NpTN-pwn-d2Jbd3kaHdPHIA-fbcVZhlESI2RjgOQHQ4BICbgspDBursDDtB1HGqLJ7PRuNI1e-g_YmAg/s1600-h/squidsink.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434071092969711858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQKpHBN-V0txSpFx1uW4sMGacymp1_JfCreWhFzO1oh8sGUJ0tiTus5WSOE7NpTN-pwn-d2Jbd3kaHdPHIA-fbcVZhlESI2RjgOQHQ4BICbgspDBursDDtB1HGqLJ7PRuNI1e-g_YmAg/s400/squidsink.jpg" /></a> There is also this fantastic witch on her bike! Named " Rambling Rosie", she stands 6 3/4" from trike wheel to her hat. All Handmade of polymer clay and handpainted.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSGplcmKeGFhLE7ZGWu4P4rK7NqWp1o96jw74mJtpDiwAXKmUVn5rzOAX2G2M5K8DJbYankRjNcGwilgHVxJgq4JlMRgesX-bxjXjsyr9Vjng6lC60MZm_HJGEXnjsmULEGjMwBjmW-0/s1600-h/witchonabike.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434071763911216178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSGplcmKeGFhLE7ZGWu4P4rK7NqWp1o96jw74mJtpDiwAXKmUVn5rzOAX2G2M5K8DJbYankRjNcGwilgHVxJgq4JlMRgesX-bxjXjsyr9Vjng6lC60MZm_HJGEXnjsmULEGjMwBjmW-0/s400/witchonabike.jpg" /></a> Well I will try to find out more about wetpaintco. and maybe even snag an interview!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4980375820282375419.post-13856486938645524882010-01-18T15:38:00.014-06:002010-01-18T16:18:01.749-06:00TeamMIDS Valentine's Project: The No-Tell-Motel !<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1B3VC7RJwl0TnU6lUP57DvbxntOvpw19Zu1hFgm6NhQH1uDHH67rueCb5OS0oxO7mextfKu0KCE-Eplq_n5mrq-lOAIFSY6QG2OfqCCpW5VIxwNHMachnvD7Aqzhds5cU2fFnnKHSp0/s1600-h/Venetian1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 360px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428200163039301506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1B3VC7RJwl0TnU6lUP57DvbxntOvpw19Zu1hFgm6NhQH1uDHH67rueCb5OS0oxO7mextfKu0KCE-Eplq_n5mrq-lOAIFSY6QG2OfqCCpW5VIxwNHMachnvD7Aqzhds5cU2fFnnKHSp0/s400/Venetian1.JPG" /></a> TeamMIDS has a big PLAN... and it's all about romance!<br /><div></div><br /><div>The plan came about sue to some harmless joking on chat one night, bantering back and forth about romantically inspired miniatures... Well somebody took us seriously and decided to put the PLAN in action! So the miniature 'No-Tell-Motel' opened its doors for Valentine's day and steamy romance... so cool.</div><br /><div></div><div>I made a birch wood room box in the theme of a Venetian Bedroom, complete with velveted wallpaper, grecian columns, red silk drapery, and murals of nymphs cavorting. I will be listing this piece in my Etsy shop later this week!</div><br /><div></div><div>The PLAN has it's own blogspot now! To see more pics of my Venetian Bedroom please visit ;)</div><div><a href="http://teammids-ntm.blogspot.com/2010/01/venetian-bedroom-grimdeva.html">http://teammids-ntm.blogspot.com/2010/01/venetian-bedroom-grimdeva.html</a></div><div>There are more items from other talented MIDS artists on the way!!! Here are a few other romantic TeamMIDS listings available on Etsy now:</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div>-A leopard print living room set by 'Debsminis' </div><div></div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30082929">http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30082929</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRbfCr5n3LQXACPSJDpGrEOICepzhCZu9iwvPuYzv1CtjvFTBS22xYSMmBML0gy66DzqpllHxQYGu4o9KcTI13UdCeumOhQAVN_3ETGWBS6EbrQ8K_ImSF6PFdxWGJGYa4FaA0ztyVm0/s1600-h/byDebsminis.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 398px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428201631767298354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRbfCr5n3LQXACPSJDpGrEOICepzhCZu9iwvPuYzv1CtjvFTBS22xYSMmBML0gy66DzqpllHxQYGu4o9KcTI13UdCeumOhQAVN_3ETGWBS6EbrQ8K_ImSF6PFdxWGJGYa4FaA0ztyVm0/s400/byDebsminis.jpg" /></a><br /><p>-A marble cherub urn filled with red roses by GoldenUnicornMinis http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11777902<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-U9ZfrvhNPipkFsu39WBc4uJJNxrbTWXzkhtLFLPAJNQGFL4-ztdqfqWaPlG8oVz8bQtqv8CoyJW0Kp6enp14NuCLybE9aWYR6YKchwLeLWkxgUwJDMW1Ecm5G9NJCLysU6iEI2pYas/s1600-h/GoldenUnicornMinis.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428202385170185266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-U9ZfrvhNPipkFsu39WBc4uJJNxrbTWXzkhtLFLPAJNQGFL4-ztdqfqWaPlG8oVz8bQtqv8CoyJW0Kp6enp14NuCLybE9aWYR6YKchwLeLWkxgUwJDMW1Ecm5G9NJCLysU6iEI2pYas/s400/GoldenUnicornMinis.jpg" /></a>-Red hot passion perfume bottles by Enchanticals<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37014225">http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37014225</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27c8XRYGxFvnuJ59Kw3xbJoh1BVsFdIxLU8KeNOurNKVkKflj_nHvm-JqP_CM8upPgLE-sIvL1k4AHmRKmVbTmgTZ5TphJ4bfSjEQCfnlzvkih5XUvG9cyJanMFaO0DCM7qTdYGhs9mE/s1600-h/Enchanticals.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 386px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428202807052717906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27c8XRYGxFvnuJ59Kw3xbJoh1BVsFdIxLU8KeNOurNKVkKflj_nHvm-JqP_CM8upPgLE-sIvL1k4AHmRKmVbTmgTZ5TphJ4bfSjEQCfnlzvkih5XUvG9cyJanMFaO0DCM7qTdYGhs9mE/s400/Enchanticals.jpg" /></a> -Heart shaped tuxedo box of chocolates by Jellybeanminis<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33400705">http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33400705</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HdCLklQwtY4d6I42CjVVpUsNJ4kaFSTvkSYXust6jr-98tMn7Sc2foC5X8uqHY2WawhKs0XYnr4G2z2HyCCFpfZH6Z1hd06sgzNQwPdLkBiITKXl-DLNeipuYVerXRVc6ypFjAfpgmc/s1600-h/jellybeanminis.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428203298552877570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HdCLklQwtY4d6I42CjVVpUsNJ4kaFSTvkSYXust6jr-98tMn7Sc2foC5X8uqHY2WawhKs0XYnr4G2z2HyCCFpfZH6Z1hd06sgzNQwPdLkBiITKXl-DLNeipuYVerXRVc6ypFjAfpgmc/s400/jellybeanminis.jpg" /></a>-Here is a delicious pink and chocolate tort by MouseMarket<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37208325">http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37208325</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjylo8TbVIshZkdQ_oNFbcsKyOyaanISk9qLrzKwMDzKu5j84MGcK0hOP2SSTQkVhx27j06Ug1veFSmvUpQislzl8lqs7WFGC1Lp4G02ByXFM6BP_Gx4RGoA9B64j3rLjmTriUx_Vpoys/s1600-h/mousemarket1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 258px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428203772829731330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjylo8TbVIshZkdQ_oNFbcsKyOyaanISk9qLrzKwMDzKu5j84MGcK0hOP2SSTQkVhx27j06Ug1veFSmvUpQislzl8lqs7WFGC1Lp4G02ByXFM6BP_Gx4RGoA9B64j3rLjmTriUx_Vpoys/s400/mousemarket1.jpg" /></a>-A pair of heart pillows by Kibbles<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23830543">http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23830543</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccC15WMA6a37mm0x2CCNP9n-bCwXjJvBgfEonfNBqSa4EioeVlFRpNgb3GygZ78KDQZJW2ir8lzuKi2XIDeSYWWsb7nUwUzOLAUBwGLzbI3S95flIX190BCVvdI-vBr0gYjhu8sgkH5s/s1600-h/kibbles.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 308px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428204353685802226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccC15WMA6a37mm0x2CCNP9n-bCwXjJvBgfEonfNBqSa4EioeVlFRpNgb3GygZ78KDQZJW2ir8lzuKi2XIDeSYWWsb7nUwUzOLAUBwGLzbI3S95flIX190BCVvdI-vBr0gYjhu8sgkH5s/s400/kibbles.jpg" /></a> -The Sweetheart punch bowl set by EverydayGourmet<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37716132">http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37716132</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VFfRW4F3Hc6lfbJMY5wUbCuTEAllH4RG5_YKNV2KG2ronts_hNqrZ-ZqfwBoqBSIw0uts_wwJ1M1tLgDEM3trBpvKYuySlajgLv3Um2j_U23qwBzqvGsoatcUZgaBdbsgfgUwzCMbjI/s1600-h/EverydayGourmet.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 393px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428204726147792722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VFfRW4F3Hc6lfbJMY5wUbCuTEAllH4RG5_YKNV2KG2ronts_hNqrZ-ZqfwBoqBSIw0uts_wwJ1M1tLgDEM3trBpvKYuySlajgLv3Um2j_U23qwBzqvGsoatcUZgaBdbsgfgUwzCMbjI/s400/EverydayGourmet.jpg" /></a>-A Candy and Cherry Cake by PetitPlat<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38095137">http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38095137</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Yo0ehyysKzwxHjCD6q32h22tPE611BJ9hyphenhyphen_bQXyy1eu-IFRo7XKdIuU2vOKF9g93kGmT8gDa2v8smr2dKClZsLukZiAotg9tdohMLd55g1t3DFqEHuLG_GXzFiMV083IAUB326j7fSA/s1600-h/PetitPlat.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 339px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428205169276316418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Yo0ehyysKzwxHjCD6q32h22tPE611BJ9hyphenhyphen_bQXyy1eu-IFRo7XKdIuU2vOKF9g93kGmT8gDa2v8smr2dKClZsLukZiAotg9tdohMLd55g1t3DFqEHuLG_GXzFiMV083IAUB326j7fSA/s400/PetitPlat.jpg" /></a> -3 sweet Valentine Pillows by RemarkableCreations<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37919665">http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37919665</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6l5RuIoSN1mceB_TGotXh-I3nA_akg32nwRbwGf78er1BgMRGKS2T5fCLGeuatCw99n24E6W4NsppRdlTwHOHc0mWL-zydK48zSWDa0v2dCLkOeTMTgX-tbf8K8YR5tyzFzZ7jvlKCcs/s1600-h/RemarkableCreations.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428205591092697554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6l5RuIoSN1mceB_TGotXh-I3nA_akg32nwRbwGf78er1BgMRGKS2T5fCLGeuatCw99n24E6W4NsppRdlTwHOHc0mWL-zydK48zSWDa0v2dCLkOeTMTgX-tbf8K8YR5tyzFzZ7jvlKCcs/s400/RemarkableCreations.jpg" /></a>-Miniature Valentine rose heart by PolkaDotToadstool<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20373904">http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20373904</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWbM0ibGvb6i0MA4uHk-Lvg_omkuRgTo8KzxBNHk_iR8sNz7Jx0egtILdCaFd6dmuHLwSO_xzzRsUqv2NM0BWdiRlyrLE3WLiVsTagPqO0m_d4ZlN6txhEA7AqyKbgYptwM-jXlFZook/s1600-h/PolkaDotToadstool.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428205986784027026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWbM0ibGvb6i0MA4uHk-Lvg_omkuRgTo8KzxBNHk_iR8sNz7Jx0egtILdCaFd6dmuHLwSO_xzzRsUqv2NM0BWdiRlyrLE3WLiVsTagPqO0m_d4ZlN6txhEA7AqyKbgYptwM-jXlFZook/s400/PolkaDotToadstool.jpg" /></a>-A lovely red lace doily by Snowfern<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37954274">http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37954274</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwB-tJqJZ62hARMo5chMm-O4mqt3mNyPZyxJAR0A_SGDpb3okkXYLXs4oB-OqgcLDnpD_KH2uOPp2Q_0hKBEtayUcVoT2mDhmoRp7rr-Me3ajAYfXnwDKHDkYB7tggrd2rR6EnKz6BvX8/s1600-h/snowfern.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 247px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428206416965598306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwB-tJqJZ62hARMo5chMm-O4mqt3mNyPZyxJAR0A_SGDpb3okkXYLXs4oB-OqgcLDnpD_KH2uOPp2Q_0hKBEtayUcVoT2mDhmoRp7rr-Me3ajAYfXnwDKHDkYB7tggrd2rR6EnKz6BvX8/s400/snowfern.jpg" /></a><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4980375820282375419.post-6078645745299066932010-01-08T10:44:00.024-06:002010-01-08T11:31:24.842-06:00Tutorial: How to build your own Pumpkin Fairy House!<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9HePrN9zAveLeEOLslmbJ8hEvv1nLJHDb_Ty3vbTvhu11URtJrpFLhykrXLjmCX9CMOBH2W5XMpXSI9oPyjXevVjqjho_YqP0Y9_VxYtpwLFqh79NgzhAdd_wV3DwODouR4MjaanOoxg/s1600-h/006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 262px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424411981185591506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9HePrN9zAveLeEOLslmbJ8hEvv1nLJHDb_Ty3vbTvhu11URtJrpFLhykrXLjmCX9CMOBH2W5XMpXSI9oPyjXevVjqjho_YqP0Y9_VxYtpwLFqh79NgzhAdd_wV3DwODouR4MjaanOoxg/s400/006.JPG" /></a> <strong><span style="color:#ff9900;">Supplies Needed:</span><br /></strong>- 1 large fake pumpkin or ‘funkin’: available at most arts and crafts stores<br />- 1 base: Any stiff sturdy surface in any shape (wood, chipboard, foamcore)<br />- selection of sticks ranging in size from twigs to thick wood chunks and root brambles<br />- variously shaped wood crafting chips available in craft aisles<br />- acrylic paints in green, light green, dark brown, cream, orange, and yellow<br />- various glues: craft glue, goop, superglue<br />- paint brushes: 1 stiff dry brush and 1 soft bristle medium sized flat brush<br />- paint towels, water cup, plastic cup for mixing spackle mix<br />- selection of textured rocks no bigger than 1” in diameter<br />- sand and modeling gravel in various grades (gaming, comic, train and hobby stores)<br />- paperclay<br />- modeling flock (fake grass)<br />- reindeer moss and sponge moss from craft stores<br />- fake leaves and flowers of choice<br />- found objects like old keys, buttons, crystals, beads, thimbles, wine corks, marbles, springs<br />- twine and chain (available in jewelry crafting aisles)<br /><br />Note about glues: Craft glue works on porous materials like cloth, wood, and cork. You will need goop or liquid nails for metal and plastic items and superglue for the tinier found object details. Sparkle craft glues are also nice to glaze your pumpkin with. </p><p>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 317px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424413502391710370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL13xIuZTNvqDbBSbvZO9TzoOuHPyd1uM8b23neuGk9jlGczFWoc9Pl14LwWAj6gQI_EjYOi5P3am5fEy-cxQ9tOIArtQa2wtomUXPY1bLxNy1S_QEiLlULFsvrDi4rCD_yodzelT09p0/s400/011.JPG" /> <strong><span style="color:#ff9900;">Step #1: Cut the fake pumpkin and base it</span></strong><br />I bought my fake pumpkins on sale after Halloween at Michael’s Arts and Crafts. I used a taller pumpkin that is about 11 ½”. There are 2 basic cuts, although you can add more if you want windows or an extra door. First, cut the bottom off so the pumpkin can sit flat on your chosen base. Next, cut a side opening in the pumpkin so you can easily see and decorate inside but not so big that it cuts the pumpkin in half.<br /><br />It’s ok if the bottom is not perfectly level because you will be ringing it, both inside and out, with rocks, moss, and sticks. This adds natural looking detail as well as further securing the pumpkin to the base with more points of glued contact.<br /><br />Now, choosing the base. You can just mount your pumpkin on a wood disc that is a bit bigger than the circumference of the gourd. I glued mine onto a pine wood disc that still had bark edging for a more rustic look. These are available at most craft stores. I decided to take it a step further and glue the disc onto a large rectangular board from an old shelving unit so that I could add a walkway and garden area. This all can be as complex or simple as you like.<br /><br />How to finish the raw edge of your pumpkin’s opening? Lace, sticks, flowers or leaves, stamped paper clay… that’s up to you! I used clay with a sandy textured finish and sparkles. </p><p>Note: Keep the cut out pieces of your pumpkin and use for Gazebo roofs later!<br />------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpb2jJzLmn9x7v1bmh2-5_gJEp6vsxWDG-Eh2tn_tiCFqGrcp5uK0Pf-tk02ltzPegFunC_8BIYxdGIJR82WACWkRcsdnn8vxUBDoRckWaw6q5e7KPfgtKWPbUNmwuhz9jGWrSJonCipI/s1600-h/the+basic+structure.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424413725390091138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpb2jJzLmn9x7v1bmh2-5_gJEp6vsxWDG-Eh2tn_tiCFqGrcp5uK0Pf-tk02ltzPegFunC_8BIYxdGIJR82WACWkRcsdnn8vxUBDoRckWaw6q5e7KPfgtKWPbUNmwuhz9jGWrSJonCipI/s400/the+basic+structure.JPG" /></a> <strong><span style="color:#ff9900;">Step #2: Adding wood details</span></strong><br />There are many things you can do at this step. You can make steps, a path, and a patio with wooden chips. You can build a gazebo, porch, fencing, or raised garden with sticks. Pine cones can be used like bushes around your pumpkin house. With my pumpkin house, I used dried roots from my lantana plants, potpourri bits, dried bark from mulch, craft chips, and sticks from my oak tree.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9NGbfFJz3VnevQkhyxdje_aLbL8ciUWb5oxRHS_4mghH13JYuO9O_Br5Lv8qaQGw0g8uiHapHpM44ZVEa11gd-Wyncbs8BjLldNYyl3y_Jt1Sto3i0nAK6tkZpf8hFWm4MFue6Lw8HU/s1600-h/001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424415382490871090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9NGbfFJz3VnevQkhyxdje_aLbL8ciUWb5oxRHS_4mghH13JYuO9O_Br5Lv8qaQGw0g8uiHapHpM44ZVEa11gd-Wyncbs8BjLldNYyl3y_Jt1Sto3i0nAK6tkZpf8hFWm4MFue6Lw8HU/s400/001.JPG" /></a> First, I built a 3 sided stick frame and let the glue dry. I made a path and a circular patio with variously shaped wood chips. I then put glue on the feet of the stick frame, pushed them into paperclay balls, and then glued these to the base around the patio area. I built the other 2 sides of the stick gazebo right onto this, using the paperclay balls, which air dries, to make the structure sturdy. It’s ok if the glue drips, that can be painted to look like dew or resin later.<br /><br />I also built a wooden fireplace, a shelf, and added a bit of curving wood across the top of the pumpkin’s entry way. Large roots and gnarled ‘tree’ trunks were placed on either side of the pumpkin and the far corner of the patio area as well.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXYjJpUzkSMjBr8VHLsyEcEJ5f3T7Yd4ku0SRBd1501g7V4EdHs2cEGpwsYHn-3eF7f3zu2ve5Is8jXlTdfYI553w-uapvIz6d1U0vU9NvAlu6Cjso9Wm8mUxV_FWz19RzQvlq3lAuTQ/s1600-h/a.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 303px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424414292777988130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXYjJpUzkSMjBr8VHLsyEcEJ5f3T7Yd4ku0SRBd1501g7V4EdHs2cEGpwsYHn-3eF7f3zu2ve5Is8jXlTdfYI553w-uapvIz6d1U0vU9NvAlu6Cjso9Wm8mUxV_FWz19RzQvlq3lAuTQ/s400/a.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFo5AG5li-vk7K-VpsFVcdLUtaKx-m-umRkrVDsv7IiyivH2M1MFhesLg8MAy-9KntBjxNHs5mYOner-676OKFjTlJcXAWwWHFiGUJ5D2XZLefl2MZbCVof5LP6hEim9Yo8iACzldgKJk/s1600-h/c.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 338px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424414639294932754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFo5AG5li-vk7K-VpsFVcdLUtaKx-m-umRkrVDsv7IiyivH2M1MFhesLg8MAy-9KntBjxNHs5mYOner-676OKFjTlJcXAWwWHFiGUJ5D2XZLefl2MZbCVof5LP6hEim9Yo8iACzldgKJk/s400/c.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5w65idbkYAiJ_GSG1AeCCeWIJupUKT72Q95x-gkmtTN3FmUNe770GRIOLcrTWXsZjS9R6ET8Q_yXyjEVi35M1de5sbfgg8hoHENQLn4JCGWlCHYgV2iT3DulLWoN9xz3HZZrxs1-0Dp0/s1600-h/028.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 315px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424414894292114162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5w65idbkYAiJ_GSG1AeCCeWIJupUKT72Q95x-gkmtTN3FmUNe770GRIOLcrTWXsZjS9R6ET8Q_yXyjEVi35M1de5sbfgg8hoHENQLn4JCGWlCHYgV2iT3DulLWoN9xz3HZZrxs1-0Dp0/s400/028.JPG" /></a>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4eFKKGjSEss1i3QYDvU51hY-JYt-E-xFhCvvCYSx8Dg_tA38p0d9pPEVHJAPlW2TsNLMIoCnsl2tgFap7xxkURgUM5Ot7_ynhwKEM6BYz1J27BJGG6Edu0NkaVpHmLs2MBWYuhkXKhVQ/s1600-h/007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 338px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424413994765531666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4eFKKGjSEss1i3QYDvU51hY-JYt-E-xFhCvvCYSx8Dg_tA38p0d9pPEVHJAPlW2TsNLMIoCnsl2tgFap7xxkURgUM5Ot7_ynhwKEM6BYz1J27BJGG6Edu0NkaVpHmLs2MBWYuhkXKhVQ/s400/007.JPG" /></a> <strong><span style="color:#ff9900;">Step #3: Applying gravel, stucco, and sand<br /></span></strong>I glued a ring of lava stone around the inside of the pumpkin’s base. These rocks are light weight, highly textured, and porous enough to stick with basic craft glue. I snitch these from the flower beds of banks and grocery store parking lots, a few at a time!<br /><br />Next, I mix my basic terrain texturing ‘stucco’. This simulates dirt and worn areas of bare earth so it will be used inside the house and around walkways. The recipe varies a bit based on the surface I’m applying it too. On a wood base I use a whole bottle of acrylic paint (light green or tan), about ¼ cup of craft glue, about ½ cup of sand, and a bit of water until it has a porridge like consistency. Thick but still able to be spread about. You don’t want it runny or the grains will flake off. You also don’t want it too dry or the brush will just clog up. You can use gesso instead of paint or hodge pode collage medium instead of glue but those products are more expensive. Now take this mixture and paint all over the walkway, patio, and floor of your pumpkin house.<br /><br />Now take your craft glue and make a line between the big rocks and the stucco surface inside the house. Take your medium sized gravel and sprinkle it on, pushing it in a bit with your fingers. Then do the same around some of your patio and path stones and around the legs of your gazebo. This will make a more naturalistic look, blending the textures of large pieces into the ‘dirt’ surface.<br /><br />While all of this is still wet, sprinkle a bit of fine grain sand all over it, patting it in areas that have glue oozing out. Let all of this thoroughly dry.<br />-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigH8UfwzXNMhSLLajKiCKVk-lzf0sL1BAezVa2EJhu7jktpoCjnbYcEQL950PNRLwAfOu4zH7L2QrhGwnZozdqOEvlJSnp2RdqGMIglyejwL_OKLbXUKO2ctdXHwm1n-CUK3z8CsNKi5s/s1600-h/the+basic+paints.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 288px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424412629473022850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigH8UfwzXNMhSLLajKiCKVk-lzf0sL1BAezVa2EJhu7jktpoCjnbYcEQL950PNRLwAfOu4zH7L2QrhGwnZozdqOEvlJSnp2RdqGMIglyejwL_OKLbXUKO2ctdXHwm1n-CUK3z8CsNKi5s/s400/the+basic+paints.JPG" /></a><strong><span style="color:#ff9900;">Step #4: Painting the base colors<br /></span></strong><span style="color:#33cc00;">The Pumpkin:<br /></span>If you want to change the color or enhance the exterior of your pumpkin, this is the time. You can add warts with clay, stripes, speckles, or vines. You will need to paint the inside of your pumpkin though. I used a deep orange on the outside with red streaks. On the inside I used a mustard color and then worked in a brighter yellow on the large open spaces. Around the fire pit, along the ring of floor rocks, and around the shelf I shaded with a brown.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01Y8Bzg1pu60IVurNhIYN8E3dTsKtHy58RzjTFgyhmMwbk1SCLhBkkZGrmunmwyjGaENla47NKA_l7lcALi7TAJ38dQUvoEHA2Vqwm460ZFVYKoAEwVNUVIVNY7dNZVGHTGdEzjIkc-o/s1600-h/029.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 302px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424420059009931714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01Y8Bzg1pu60IVurNhIYN8E3dTsKtHy58RzjTFgyhmMwbk1SCLhBkkZGrmunmwyjGaENla47NKA_l7lcALi7TAJ38dQUvoEHA2Vqwm460ZFVYKoAEwVNUVIVNY7dNZVGHTGdEzjIkc-o/s400/029.JPG" /></a> <span style="color:#33cc00;">The Ground Surfaces:</span><br />The floor of the pumpkin, the path, and the patio are all a light green at this point. I painted dark brown around the fire place, the base ring of rocks, and around the patio with more dark areas where rain might drip from the gazebo.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_IAA8ZyfM6A6GF_8JcFtOq_kKTc2CazsX3s68Eh7izu59GJVqi9BWy4zO62tq-6m56gN1OcpsjyUmbnK5v_SyHXU29m-9gpHWr_VzOh7uwNffPv0p8gJb-gAFWpqHHZUHTmq92qbmaY/s1600-h/3.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424417717157327714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_IAA8ZyfM6A6GF_8JcFtOq_kKTc2CazsX3s68Eh7izu59GJVqi9BWy4zO62tq-6m56gN1OcpsjyUmbnK5v_SyHXU29m-9gpHWr_VzOh7uwNffPv0p8gJb-gAFWpqHHZUHTmq92qbmaY/s400/3.JPG" /></a>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><strong><span style="color:#ff9900;">Step #5: Detail painting</span></strong><br />At this point I use 2 distinct techniques:<br /><br /><span style="color:#33cc00;">-Washing</span> In a little container or flat surface, I mix water and pigment (acrylic or ink) and then wash this over textured surface. This picks up the negative space details and works best by using a color darker or in contrast to the base color. Don’t tip the painted surface until it dries.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtAtDM4J1B216E52XXgEi8vhVVp-rpGUqh-CZX2U8vqt-2amHolKOXvxLFZZsZ8x8J1_jvhx71-u1Qyowpi4lfdAoh-xAqRVWzfUwzhUL2SYvofRCb95SDW9lJ4wAjalRl3IDNvZbT6o/s1600-h/2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 252px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424418119582528194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtAtDM4J1B216E52XXgEi8vhVVp-rpGUqh-CZX2U8vqt-2amHolKOXvxLFZZsZ8x8J1_jvhx71-u1Qyowpi4lfdAoh-xAqRVWzfUwzhUL2SYvofRCb95SDW9lJ4wAjalRl3IDNvZbT6o/s400/2.JPG" /></a> <span style="color:#33cc00;">-Dry-Brushing</span> Taking a stiffer bristled brush, I will lightly dip it into a paint color that is a bit lighter than the base color. I will brush excess off on a towel if need be. Now I lightly brush in various directions over a textured surface, highlighting raised details.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuS0HxGOkJuxIpULRy524rWW859jPDfY5T61V-j380EdJVGH_ub7HIJlTy4K6PuuI88rI10Uc3PC05G8Z6T5mQLANtVRFpS_GM5tsrXE1C2UKpaVLknQSUX1CO9NXOB9S_JBJWU7GTuM/s1600-h/4.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424418452971915426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuS0HxGOkJuxIpULRy524rWW859jPDfY5T61V-j380EdJVGH_ub7HIJlTy4K6PuuI88rI10Uc3PC05G8Z6T5mQLANtVRFpS_GM5tsrXE1C2UKpaVLknQSUX1CO9NXOB9S_JBJWU7GTuM/s400/4.JPG" /></a> Note: You will need to do the wash first and let it completely dry before trying to dry brush a lighter color or they will blend into a muddy mess.<br /><br />On my pumpkin house, I used brown wash all over the interior floor surface and exterior walkways. Then I dry brushed light sage green and cream all over the shelf, ring of floor stones, floor, and fireplace inside the pumpkin. I also dry brushed the exterior wood bits like the gazebo, pine cones, and ‘tree trunks’. This still allowed the natural wood color to show through but tied all of these elements together a bit more and picked up additional wood texturing. I then brushed a clear sparkle glaze all over.<br />------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1_vRTMGjNu4H5RYqHYt9DQ9or2ADMslL-_Z_MLEi2LJT0jMFn-HCnlddkTeaW5vBPo_CR5YjHsaIo6Gvm3Aus45a3RPZdgVL4Z3xQcwtF7WPdjDRhlJcGSh-h7xJJfgJsjNjAaDXA4Q/s1600-h/005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 316px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424419366047558002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1_vRTMGjNu4H5RYqHYt9DQ9or2ADMslL-_Z_MLEi2LJT0jMFn-HCnlddkTeaW5vBPo_CR5YjHsaIo6Gvm3Aus45a3RPZdgVL4Z3xQcwtF7WPdjDRhlJcGSh-h7xJJfgJsjNjAaDXA4Q/s400/005.JPG" /></a> <strong><span style="color:#ff9900;">Step #6: Adding the greenery<br /></span></strong>Now I glued the flat green reindeer moss on all the negative spaces around the patio and walkway and also around the back of the pumpkin house. I added cream colored spongy craft moss near the root bunch and tree trunk areas. I put a bit of this around the fire place inside too and on the shelf. My pumpkin house is more like a hut open to nature and so green has crept in!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MwhUSpeI81hKjdIul6euC9SvlU7N8KN30CX5YrEcru_5tCUAGhgnijpAzaN0ZMiSkTVUDr8uYrx8pfCP2Pcch74LvMlyA6NZgdl9u7RND2ky2YZPD4nlwuyGBk7W-lj-j-2pjMdhJS0/s1600-h/003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424419629332329794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MwhUSpeI81hKjdIul6euC9SvlU7N8KN30CX5YrEcru_5tCUAGhgnijpAzaN0ZMiSkTVUDr8uYrx8pfCP2Pcch74LvMlyA6NZgdl9u7RND2ky2YZPD4nlwuyGBk7W-lj-j-2pjMdhJS0/s400/003.JPG" /></a> With lines of craft glue, ring some of the stepping stones, around the front of the fireplace, and up on the pumpkin stalk and sprinkle on a bit of the faux grass ’flock’. Fake grass for miniature modeling can be synthetic, dyed sawdust, or made from dyed horse hair. You can find these type of products anywhere that sells gaming or railroad miniatures. Try hobby stores and comic shops.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpKo6AFU2W70mCT3k1Yq0EFf5WmlHoQRICd4pJfumUkTgOWp3-jITy9ImqRmgv7ZlJ_QqQ3tvGEa0gJAqqcQot-hBD9jqjRpyVV3YCMkHMW2badDsPp-8yOUH6YOr5mo1jrD4-mQROkY/s1600-h/6.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424418865224382930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpKo6AFU2W70mCT3k1Yq0EFf5WmlHoQRICd4pJfumUkTgOWp3-jITy9ImqRmgv7ZlJ_QqQ3tvGEa0gJAqqcQot-hBD9jqjRpyVV3YCMkHMW2badDsPp-8yOUH6YOr5mo1jrD4-mQROkY/s400/6.JPG" /></a> Now pop in silk and dried flowers, leaves, and nuts as you please! I used potpourri bits, silk flowers, and dried items from my own yard. My gazebo is covered with fall colored leaves and little bits of lavender sprout here and there. You might want a spring time theme with lighter flowers, or a spooky pumpkin with webs and fake spiders… be creative!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVk_A7AlGEjy05Gqem7mUPtrJql9rr8d87-ViL065OBYl3Lc3rS7isK3nAMOfEe9oNAK9hZ_5WzwYCQjAxkzgRBw6xeIREiqaoasNja-Shy-FAy4tx26RaMOYlfLc_YpP1k4gFUWLulwc/s1600-h/004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 314px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424420817512037506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVk_A7AlGEjy05Gqem7mUPtrJql9rr8d87-ViL065OBYl3Lc3rS7isK3nAMOfEe9oNAK9hZ_5WzwYCQjAxkzgRBw6xeIREiqaoasNja-Shy-FAy4tx26RaMOYlfLc_YpP1k4gFUWLulwc/s400/004.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8pa-I69kYj2Zpi2fDXmNkS5_ZxYAzzXk1f4-3zE3XleVKgt4fAJzt9fAJAqRZG1gFzPzN6kePeWyn2Jn84gy-j7-Ij1haQxjET3jrAdl7dovwkCZLTu7uWoZmRuT8sr1U47_e2WAcoQ/s1600-h/015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 348px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424421165710295666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8pa-I69kYj2Zpi2fDXmNkS5_ZxYAzzXk1f4-3zE3XleVKgt4fAJzt9fAJAqRZG1gFzPzN6kePeWyn2Jn84gy-j7-Ij1haQxjET3jrAdl7dovwkCZLTu7uWoZmRuT8sr1U47_e2WAcoQ/s400/015.JPG" /></a>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><strong><span style="color:#ff9900;">Step #7: The decorating!</span></strong><br />You are now ready to really have fun and make your pumpkin ready the fairies! The little folk like to ‘borrow’ treasures and so found objects look especially cute. I used copper chain to hang charms and crystals about. I also glued iridescent marbles in niches. I put buttons by the fireplace to be dinner plates and an old key on the shelf to be a platter. A scrap of old cloth and twine became a clothes line. Just look in your junk drawers and use what you have!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFJluLFzBUAhyphenhyphenfOiUY-W8I8K0gH_OUXt3QI8lo8t2InYbGMzClNqeAPImIvQ7ESRf-gAxILlL8qNpGJX-OaPWMptPr8v9Noe32vQ974UUhP1GDSEQNPzJpOuFZcBSzXHrPcBaFwwwMvA/s1600-h/013.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 383px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424421469798654802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFJluLFzBUAhyphenhyphenfOiUY-W8I8K0gH_OUXt3QI8lo8t2InYbGMzClNqeAPImIvQ7ESRf-gAxILlL8qNpGJX-OaPWMptPr8v9Noe32vQ974UUhP1GDSEQNPzJpOuFZcBSzXHrPcBaFwwwMvA/s400/013.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_GYs9vV1AbCoBcmLOyhySB2Va3zTN_oKEVkFw_RhUghzAL7sknl8btY3iXQNL6ihOmMBaR8lRJqVjA1cp9-JQCl-rzVy46jtk_5wn8GyttMxXdtkIk5M1fvYgK-4pcdcBKrI3k6iZSY/s1600-h/008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424421840236947410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_GYs9vV1AbCoBcmLOyhySB2Va3zTN_oKEVkFw_RhUghzAL7sknl8btY3iXQNL6ihOmMBaR8lRJqVjA1cp9-JQCl-rzVy46jtk_5wn8GyttMxXdtkIk5M1fvYgK-4pcdcBKrI3k6iZSY/s400/008.JPG" /></a> Good luck and have fun!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4980375820282375419.post-87523561298298876402010-01-07T15:01:00.016-06:002010-01-07T15:40:35.568-06:00My New Studio Space!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXZyrUL6cBHpNnCI94dNdgXEQ0QbStgaI-FoDDQX8MGf62BgLTCTaKSHo7S-Lpi0ihLxXobofUSwmjTjLUsyEoIKTyY55iUv37ZDVnfjTH5f3vhyLm3436eb9kuBZ-xFAGReAegmTfcM/s1600-h/JWC-26.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424113060650019218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXZyrUL6cBHpNnCI94dNdgXEQ0QbStgaI-FoDDQX8MGf62BgLTCTaKSHo7S-Lpi0ihLxXobofUSwmjTjLUsyEoIKTyY55iUv37ZDVnfjTH5f3vhyLm3436eb9kuBZ-xFAGReAegmTfcM/s400/JWC-26.jpg" /></a> Hmm... where do I put all my art junk? How did I end up with so much anyway? Geesh...<br /><br /><div>So now its finally done! I've actually fully moved into my new studio space, a small bedroom on the second floor of my house, with a handy large walk in closet. It's at the front of the house so gets plenty of sunshine through 2 large windows. I painted it a deep forest green and just love it. I haven't fully finished decorating but I've already gotten to work on several miniature projects. It's so nice to be able to close the door and keep kitties from stealing my tidbits and supplies. It's also nice to have a room that is 'all mine'. </div><br /><div></div><div>I previously was working in the loft style family room. This was fine until the holidays came and we definitely needed more space to entertain family and friends. As you can see below, I sort of took over the area! The family voted and I was given the unused guest bedroom which is now called 'the art room'. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGn4fab7b-JeMAYSZKw-LeKUz6aMA238Ji5uOC6d0S1lJnsOyChKryBbZTFQVfvzkV6fGxN74_kpv3qZEZTsPQaN_VV96lcgcb3zN7r-59mYecIq8_WjTNMIquDhraPOdjrDWtomXWzQ/s1600-h/008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424111838594274818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGn4fab7b-JeMAYSZKw-LeKUz6aMA238Ji5uOC6d0S1lJnsOyChKryBbZTFQVfvzkV6fGxN74_kpv3qZEZTsPQaN_VV96lcgcb3zN7r-59mYecIq8_WjTNMIquDhraPOdjrDWtomXWzQ/s400/008.JPG" /></a>At first, the move really seemed like a hassle. A huge amount of moving furniture and sorting right when everyone also wanted all the holiday ornaments up too... and believe me, my family goes nuts with the decorations. We had 4 trees up this year! It's getting excessive and I'm trying to convince everyone that we need to simplify things a bit. Anyway, the move turned out to be wonderful.<br /><div></div><br /><div>It forced me to really sort through my supplies and junk. This led to a huge Goodwill donation. It also got my creative juices flowing again because I rediscovered supplies I forgot I even had. It's all in labeled bins and drawers now!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGlDk40NWNWxCwGNEOsYEXHOT8HiAjEbxotO6gSb6UDeB9JqF2YYGeahV7nWqiHeFYHRLq0-hdmTzC-DREUJdkeIC9IOQmkF0Z_aAo9EKN6lC2nFmjQCondnXu7IGy8Z4CTrecaT0dNs/s1600-h/014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424111231143815330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGlDk40NWNWxCwGNEOsYEXHOT8HiAjEbxotO6gSb6UDeB9JqF2YYGeahV7nWqiHeFYHRLq0-hdmTzC-DREUJdkeIC9IOQmkF0Z_aAo9EKN6lC2nFmjQCondnXu7IGy8Z4CTrecaT0dNs/s400/014.JPG" /></a> Here's the closet! Having this helped so much. I can't even remember what we had in there orginally- blankets, sweaters, old mittens.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghu4iurOnTeIuHHwHSMe0pIl4A5Ii2kLWWhU2SZXAHP6ygsWcQnH9aZpjgorwzowj-Pr-hE9eylY9_VtQmmwgfzCbHk-zTNrS2_ZO4XSn_YiW-yxMzNDsWYNNViNAfcp-JZbbMg-LvZlw/s1600-h/012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424111449922641586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghu4iurOnTeIuHHwHSMe0pIl4A5Ii2kLWWhU2SZXAHP6ygsWcQnH9aZpjgorwzowj-Pr-hE9eylY9_VtQmmwgfzCbHk-zTNrS2_ZO4XSn_YiW-yxMzNDsWYNNViNAfcp-JZbbMg-LvZlw/s400/012.JPG" /></a> What's nice too, is that I'm also able to display some of my collectibles again. I just didn't know where to put everything and most of my dolls had remained packed away since the move to our new house.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQ9PSsHmJPHX8RnqAAhyphenhyphen4buwzJo6lBcKyahg3h2yxsc5FIKTG7ECU8SPYXpORJvOVUqcy57jVyNeVDVMburlyNVG3kTD-DExXSz2RE36iScIMeaa9l_JE1tn4Y8PzBDTTm-1Tve9vO8A/s1600-h/005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 236px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424110656806586498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQ9PSsHmJPHX8RnqAAhyphenhyphen4buwzJo6lBcKyahg3h2yxsc5FIKTG7ECU8SPYXpORJvOVUqcy57jVyNeVDVMburlyNVG3kTD-DExXSz2RE36iScIMeaa9l_JE1tn4Y8PzBDTTm-1Tve9vO8A/s400/005.JPG" /></a>Above are some of my Living Dead Dolls, Spawn action figures, and Remax Spooky Town stuff.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDzvtrVJlpon3CrHgtVOh83GV9g4ya4oh64FWJZc1txfqiQtpvs6KgtqOuhhyphenhyphenpaoGAF8GDnDS86p7gxwVDpOtMnTfuljIVLXxYbyODnvofBVyc4VGBrbErmCojr968yvy8yV9AbGiQNA/s1600-h/009+(2).JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 313px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424110398844410866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDzvtrVJlpon3CrHgtVOh83GV9g4ya4oh64FWJZc1txfqiQtpvs6KgtqOuhhyphenhyphenpaoGAF8GDnDS86p7gxwVDpOtMnTfuljIVLXxYbyODnvofBVyc4VGBrbErmCojr968yvy8yV9AbGiQNA/s400/009+(2).JPG" /></a> Above are my 2 Wizard of Oz Tonner dolls and my Harvest Tree.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KndfLAYIuy78oBxy2-reYsHjFffkqd0yNHcXNnfTzgsUi0jiekuKyA6KKI1d-WX28HcKS5Kb_W6a-Lqnn342o8eH1cassSic6yCuZlYfHpIVODrZKDnPWbl3sYkoDPrOFIjC0yPK6YA/s1600-h/006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 246px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424110838568228194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KndfLAYIuy78oBxy2-reYsHjFffkqd0yNHcXNnfTzgsUi0jiekuKyA6KKI1d-WX28HcKS5Kb_W6a-Lqnn342o8eH1cassSic6yCuZlYfHpIVODrZKDnPWbl3sYkoDPrOFIjC0yPK6YA/s400/006.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFA1zMO6pTg38LQCUgEHZrmpFJOCg4nJdxX187uWvQUtjbqVBkrRZ2QZJ1EwTLc7ir48S_4R-sFwIvtFCmQt-EgyVuRzGxIFjA7IIYGe3ybPCm7b8pTAf86v5eepVpAgUjD-IjG6r1wCo/s1600-h/008+(2).JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424111012226677954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFA1zMO6pTg38LQCUgEHZrmpFJOCg4nJdxX187uWvQUtjbqVBkrRZ2QZJ1EwTLc7ir48S_4R-sFwIvtFCmQt-EgyVuRzGxIFjA7IIYGe3ybPCm7b8pTAf86v5eepVpAgUjD-IjG6r1wCo/s400/008+(2).JPG" /></a> In the art room, I have 3 dollhouses that I'm currently working on: my spooky cedar renovations, my mom's Victorian renovation, and my Swiss Chalet renovation. I also have several dollhouse kits unopened in the closet. As houses are finished, they will be moved out of the room. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtV7n4NyTfXIvmkFyeMEfy1vOXrsXn9ZHu7MyhN8qZpDH5s7qk2NyyiW4CJfziLeRcx4JvT-DRAEs0RiGyJyCcm-FkfefamV5o5YYN0Y1053C_kjE5sHilkwkW3uMFggpup6dG5u0RCU/s1600-h/001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 342px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424112028559595442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtV7n4NyTfXIvmkFyeMEfy1vOXrsXn9ZHu7MyhN8qZpDH5s7qk2NyyiW4CJfziLeRcx4JvT-DRAEs0RiGyJyCcm-FkfefamV5o5YYN0Y1053C_kjE5sHilkwkW3uMFggpup6dG5u0RCU/s400/001.JPG" /></a> Above is the cedar Victorian being renovated into a Spooky Manor.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSJDKtA-9uH0MbPhCcIhI4yE2dJmGv5NvurdBjfO85I0UqFRtCbmYk1_SGOeUrAZPzDTuTz7Zm4mxLv_uqwfc8TcrZDIRQB0Mul5zIQeiQ4pJSlTuH5aF-4rOau5WsCxMGwxN9wyuxRo/s1600-h/002+-+Copy.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424112246791363442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSJDKtA-9uH0MbPhCcIhI4yE2dJmGv5NvurdBjfO85I0UqFRtCbmYk1_SGOeUrAZPzDTuTz7Zm4mxLv_uqwfc8TcrZDIRQB0Mul5zIQeiQ4pJSlTuH5aF-4rOau5WsCxMGwxN9wyuxRo/s400/002+-+Copy.JPG" /></a> Above is my mom's old Victorian that needs a lot of work. Notice the orbs in the photos?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCqVbrGrXjW63YXHJlwYZcmVUvjGnZSGmXzWmqsci6oGTaA_8v7raN47Z73yFqvTFd3Ormo3dPZNpjJ2wrt907lFBT9JFmCfgZnDAIsHTlUzX3nuriA_TJWH31tmvV6b7rz-35jSTg58/s1600-h/010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 382px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424112448441617106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCqVbrGrXjW63YXHJlwYZcmVUvjGnZSGmXzWmqsci6oGTaA_8v7raN47Z73yFqvTFd3Ormo3dPZNpjJ2wrt907lFBT9JFmCfgZnDAIsHTlUzX3nuriA_TJWH31tmvV6b7rz-35jSTg58/s400/010.JPG" /></a> Above is the Swiss Chalet with the initial layer of stones and gesso. And below is my new messy table! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jLOB4UYrlg8H7KcDpgmsuT5ajFtP-cUHvkXtUEXDTFMzeIenppJhCY-K3JZts3qGqan2CyfFWG3tlH4I3xWCfk_y4lQZ-E3IlN6EfZGx-T9t3G-ADGZhyFzaUaOtJ9esJNGo98M-d14/s1600-h/004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424111627363670114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jLOB4UYrlg8H7KcDpgmsuT5ajFtP-cUHvkXtUEXDTFMzeIenppJhCY-K3JZts3qGqan2CyfFWG3tlH4I3xWCfk_y4lQZ-E3IlN6EfZGx-T9t3G-ADGZhyFzaUaOtJ9esJNGo98M-d14/s400/004.JPG" /></a> I'm not sure what to make of the orbs in the photos... We've been seeing them and catching pictures of them since a few of our pets have passed on last year. I have some photos where they are very bright with tails and about the size of golf balls. In these photos they were much larger but faint. Dust or spirit? We all return to dust... Anyway, here are 2 enlarged photos of the faint orbs. Dust in photos usually gives of a snow like look, not a basketball sized circle. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoeAD4WcohXXICWihDHL2cXjCSKzMYSUTyhd7rfCg6kH0S700m6wABLRlLm05G2iLTMZDQzXM99HDyU5Y9ap6h5Sc7ntDwHkWa-CJaJ0ZO_gv497viuQu21FeWCgVYKNqgLi9zMnnzsAc/s1600-h/002+-+Copy+(2).JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 355px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 378px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424112576865932386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoeAD4WcohXXICWihDHL2cXjCSKzMYSUTyhd7rfCg6kH0S700m6wABLRlLm05G2iLTMZDQzXM99HDyU5Y9ap6h5Sc7ntDwHkWa-CJaJ0ZO_gv497viuQu21FeWCgVYKNqgLi9zMnnzsAc/s400/002+-+Copy+(2).JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjMzxkXaWPWGtfr35Utejokezw8bTmtbt5ZDy3Iz8es2psxMTUTCEXNXSQY6bAmBPi8l8g5QunLsOQmxu0ymDLXYcnaH60btmAzBym2qkmkrjrMM-ouIV04DOteVisvAjp0z5EAAyRQc/s1600-h/002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 343px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424112682481814050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjMzxkXaWPWGtfr35Utejokezw8bTmtbt5ZDy3Iz8es2psxMTUTCEXNXSQY6bAmBPi8l8g5QunLsOQmxu0ymDLXYcnaH60btmAzBym2qkmkrjrMM-ouIV04DOteVisvAjp0z5EAAyRQc/s400/002.JPG" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4980375820282375419.post-8047007453639779912009-12-04T12:34:00.021-06:002009-12-04T13:37:24.421-06:00Converting a Greenleaf dollhouse kit into a fantasy "Mouse House"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZIvDkjmhyphenhyphenD3H0YZFbGv82a6xQQNfPeqE5tMtZebyCK8EAro8VyuJ8TiNRXNUmWk95YjzNyVA6pUGpCJcz0Id4-hzGIibDugs19CIhKnBe48qq2jCc1iURkztxGFkt0dF1i5Ye4CXFo0/s1600-h/TheMouseHouse.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411466687253243890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 398px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZIvDkjmhyphenhyphenD3H0YZFbGv82a6xQQNfPeqE5tMtZebyCK8EAro8VyuJ8TiNRXNUmWk95YjzNyVA6pUGpCJcz0Id4-hzGIibDugs19CIhKnBe48qq2jCc1iURkztxGFkt0dF1i5Ye4CXFo0/s400/TheMouseHouse.jpg" border="0" /></a>I have nearly completed a fantasy Mouse House from a converted 1:12 scale Greenleaf dollhouse kit, specifically the Arthur Cottage. This is for my mom's Christmas present this year and I'm just tickled with how it turned out!<br /><br />I know that many warn against purchasing these type of kits, especially older versions that float around online auction sites. Yes they are often very confusing to put together with pages of directions. They do need to be ‘popped out’ from their perforated sheets and then sanded. There are splinters and cracking and warping. The wood is usually very thin. The doors and windows are not quite to scale… hmm. So why did I choose a Greenleaf to work with on this project? First, the kits are cute and readily available. Second, they are fairly inexpensive and so I don’t mind chopping them up and making my own alterations. I would be reluctant to do that with a pricey ‘furniture quality’ dollhouse. Third, because these kits are composed of thinner wood, they are very easy to alter. Below are product pics of Greenleaf's Arthur Cottage. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbony-kDZuK05faKUQorHzmufqGTyEfqGBQpDYd6x7aKtat1GTzVEESA1lJH5YYY6XgjDUplJSSoDoX9jbjkudN7OV_KGA3dxZXJXZWVs7RmCQBkD17-bbiOdkI1E0ju52byrYPF4Bbk/s1600-h/8012-Arthur-Dollhouse-UB-400_fs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411454467785997970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbony-kDZuK05faKUQorHzmufqGTyEfqGBQpDYd6x7aKtat1GTzVEESA1lJH5YYY6XgjDUplJSSoDoX9jbjkudN7OV_KGA3dxZXJXZWVs7RmCQBkD17-bbiOdkI1E0ju52byrYPF4Bbk/s400/8012-Arthur-Dollhouse-UB-400_fs.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-lO5JctVovseEDoxX0PA99ONc3Pd_2nGi_r_tSZTubnrqiEcCqKZxzRaszUCefjpErlNgknKA1Y9oXuZ3vl867F6aZAX7ueaH2Shu8GI9S-21M7EjJExfWJj_va8g8Qc3CsIodtG4fM/s1600-h/8012_arthur_dollhouse_PF_400_fs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411454362763749042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-lO5JctVovseEDoxX0PA99ONc3Pd_2nGi_r_tSZTubnrqiEcCqKZxzRaszUCefjpErlNgknKA1Y9oXuZ3vl867F6aZAX7ueaH2Shu8GI9S-21M7EjJExfWJj_va8g8Qc3CsIodtG4fM/s400/8012_arthur_dollhouse_PF_400_fs.jpg" border="0" /></a>How did I make the kit stronger and more durable? The most important point to prevent the structure from leaning and eventually collapsing is to base it on a solid surface and seal all joints. For the base, I chose a thin highly compressed chip board often used in painting classes. This product does not warp and is pretty inexpensive and easy to cut. After I built the basic walls, floors, and roof of the cottage, it was glued down and weighted. I then used a variety of materials to strengthen it and give it the texture I wanted.<br /><br />My mouse family lives in a meadow and so their home is composed of moss, twigs, rocks, vines, and mud spackle. This allows for a very organic and highly textured look using inexpensive materials and freely found natural supplies from my walks around the lake. I made hundreds of paperclay rocks to cover the exterior sides of the home, giving it the appearance that it was built from fieldstones. I then mixed my own spackle from craft glue, gesso, acrylic paint and layered this all over the ‘stone’ surface. This was then sealed with a glaze and painted with dry brushing and inking techniques.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwNCVRitA2ucl31obK1xwP9LSmvk2Wof3nMr8p92rUnTQLCzKBhmavRKjjSiPsYioHWcs6NDUtO_cB7naRINQKwswQ4BVv0HpfRV216V722-twZJ2LSfFZFTO7y6rO1Z2tz3Tuq8w7mE/s1600-h/buildingmousehouse.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411455066207921586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 281px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwNCVRitA2ucl31obK1xwP9LSmvk2Wof3nMr8p92rUnTQLCzKBhmavRKjjSiPsYioHWcs6NDUtO_cB7naRINQKwswQ4BVv0HpfRV216V722-twZJ2LSfFZFTO7y6rO1Z2tz3Tuq8w7mE/s400/buildingmousehouse.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbs2j6YZoG5viVQPrkNfei5dR71RaPbjCS6jgHVxpHqgsFa8F221l2Vtg4avPeZhm5Kz4CavXJAOCdjKQbDm6phLXwBvH0T65BgJuC3cwBrIcF-sFbPuQo94uwgxmLuoFnhlERARJ-wTE/s1600-h/fronthouse.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411455372407617906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 398px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbs2j6YZoG5viVQPrkNfei5dR71RaPbjCS6jgHVxpHqgsFa8F221l2Vtg4avPeZhm5Kz4CavXJAOCdjKQbDm6phLXwBvH0T65BgJuC3cwBrIcF-sFbPuQo94uwgxmLuoFnhlERARJ-wTE/s400/fronthouse.jpg" border="0" /></a>From this point, I added sticks along the roof and on the exterior of the cottage. I focused on the joints at corners, windows, under the eaves, and along the base. I built flower beds and a porch and then layered bark and moss on the roof and along the front walkway.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpbe2mJpYykSxEWaQgt58ZMEh7MweuUDMN-f6BoVDJjX0a61pBl1j3CYE_hf4jNddLtQXjZoSwWv41xiVXBdXFqU5C6XEP-swnZjOW2jeUilMAYpdDgwxlafvdUhscmIQ8_8JpOHtWCA/s1600-h/mossroof.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411455928705563506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 208px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpbe2mJpYykSxEWaQgt58ZMEh7MweuUDMN-f6BoVDJjX0a61pBl1j3CYE_hf4jNddLtQXjZoSwWv41xiVXBdXFqU5C6XEP-swnZjOW2jeUilMAYpdDgwxlafvdUhscmIQ8_8JpOHtWCA/s400/mossroof.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKoJD3-5JkNMSbGNvfyRXS7u816_Mulmzw8x85HT-rzpgeJXXZzyfD_HutFBAExfEzNN5CnHiUTOIXy8YqIZFuBxV2900kS1ASSqncy6HipbobCMhmVr7Hl7YrNRkJDtpEBexhzNEJfT4/s1600-h/roofdragonfly.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411455709519063858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 398px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKoJD3-5JkNMSbGNvfyRXS7u816_Mulmzw8x85HT-rzpgeJXXZzyfD_HutFBAExfEzNN5CnHiUTOIXy8YqIZFuBxV2900kS1ASSqncy6HipbobCMhmVr7Hl7YrNRkJDtpEBexhzNEJfT4/s400/roofdragonfly.jpg" border="0" /></a>In the interior, I layered the floors with peel and stick linoleum floor tiles, cut to the room’s shapes. This is a very inexpensive product, often under a $1 per foot, and it comes in a delightful range of colors and textures. With the mouse house, I was not concerned about the color, just that it further secured the structure and gave added thickness to the floor boards. I then attached balsa strips along interior surface edges, giving it a clean finished look and covering any gaps. The entire interior, including the ceilings and the floors were then covered with my spackle mixture in two layers. This was followed by two heavy glaze layers and then painted with acrylics and inks. Although the house is small, it is heavy and very sturdy!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPddZhhK6UFYvqH-XZ3vAeXoiTZ4srH-WKCpKmuBkKzYZrfwA-7o7dxsvyMIzHN8Kzl77dNtiag9HrSSWrPy9bkwqt47MCEtK7iRO9slecnIDSQ5svCK9uecSvp3LgiYRXW5TZBOqdjQ/s1600-h/mousehouse3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411456167988810530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 281px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPddZhhK6UFYvqH-XZ3vAeXoiTZ4srH-WKCpKmuBkKzYZrfwA-7o7dxsvyMIzHN8Kzl77dNtiag9HrSSWrPy9bkwqt47MCEtK7iRO9slecnIDSQ5svCK9uecSvp3LgiYRXW5TZBOqdjQ/s400/mousehouse3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWfKKwHCM5F1w-8VM7BhK5aICEE-uTwo3OptxVyo1P0-TBLTk4yrfDykP_K8VaTgU7ge8893Zo7nJfQ8CzShBzj3JiK1KKYFATm-FLYbOaOTtHXNuX0T4OCV0E_is2BNyn42gEFG2-6A/s1600-h/interiormousehouse.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411456406221005026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 398px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWfKKwHCM5F1w-8VM7BhK5aICEE-uTwo3OptxVyo1P0-TBLTk4yrfDykP_K8VaTgU7ge8893Zo7nJfQ8CzShBzj3JiK1KKYFATm-FLYbOaOTtHXNuX0T4OCV0E_is2BNyn42gEFG2-6A/s400/interiormousehouse.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><br /><p><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">The Furnishings! </span></strong>The kit was in 1:12 scale but since it is a fantasy piece for mice, I am making it true to life scale and so mix actual items like acorns and life sized mushrooms and flowers with 1:12 scale dollhouse furniture. A lot of furniture and accessories I made specifically for this project:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8-IeIJGXxoN9OT4W-2iGTYsb_ONHyydst-MURQHl8GrNjBjy7AG0ME4657Uxz-Wt6Wp6nEb9XCuqy-gb9JsIpxXkoHelG6v-n84DYukgLCXi6BPJeKXK7LoD2dXpsWk-KpLw9L5UjGg/s1600-h/Mousepantrycabinet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411456735236253010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 398px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8-IeIJGXxoN9OT4W-2iGTYsb_ONHyydst-MURQHl8GrNjBjy7AG0ME4657Uxz-Wt6Wp6nEb9XCuqy-gb9JsIpxXkoHelG6v-n84DYukgLCXi6BPJeKXK7LoD2dXpsWk-KpLw9L5UjGg/s400/Mousepantrycabinet.jpg" border="0" /></a> Above is the Kitchen pantry hutch with a set of my handmade mushroom dishes.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4qhD7-mJCvTYgLsB2F51iRgTC3KWAzSNs0WzhK_x59ZlkmZ5IqU8F3FLtXgRPzqZvpEYMPnmSV3rfO_cadCvaUSkT8di_dE8C7k9N3MY8mcrT-7rYoRKeWLx4PuuFr2c9WNN-fl96Bvc/s1600-h/mousediningset.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411457110421733346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 398px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4qhD7-mJCvTYgLsB2F51iRgTC3KWAzSNs0WzhK_x59ZlkmZ5IqU8F3FLtXgRPzqZvpEYMPnmSV3rfO_cadCvaUSkT8di_dE8C7k9N3MY8mcrT-7rYoRKeWLx4PuuFr2c9WNN-fl96Bvc/s400/mousediningset.jpg" border="0" /></a> Above is my OOAK orange mushroom and twig table and chair set. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rYvc06WtKq-VQK65g0_0uMzCf7SvcnPy8wRsxsnLCA0NSxrsiJ-TidIQIQ8_ogemUzOtmQmAyeVvwYEDqpx9Yd5CYCQmuHZN4maAE5W7QD-M-4gCxGtmfdgZ0yV9YBlot00FyPtAOlE/s1600-h/mousewashtub.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411457464333429746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 398px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rYvc06WtKq-VQK65g0_0uMzCf7SvcnPy8wRsxsnLCA0NSxrsiJ-TidIQIQ8_ogemUzOtmQmAyeVvwYEDqpx9Yd5CYCQmuHZN4maAE5W7QD-M-4gCxGtmfdgZ0yV9YBlot00FyPtAOlE/s400/mousewashtub.jpg" border="0" /></a>Above is the wash tub I put together from odds n ends. The bubbles are actually oxidized gorilla glue! I found this works well for foam and can have ink and sparkles mixed in while wet for added effect. </p><p><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Fantasy Miniatures by Etsy Artist FairyFurnishings!</span></strong><br />I've also been collecting many artist items for the Mouse House and will be featuring these in a future article. Today, I'd like to showcase FairyFurnishings very cute fairy toilet set! Made from natural wood bits, the potty has a flip top seat with sparkles inside (what has that fairy been eating?) and just the sweetest little toilet paper dispenser on a twig. She is an extremely creative new artist on Etsy and a member of TeamMIDS! I've also gotten a fairy mailbox too ;) Her shop is at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/fairyfurnishings">http://www.etsy.com/shop/fairyfurnishings</a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVmYCiNsQOrMzcroKsAK96xv8zbGMvKs7yLHaUeNk86oieSIasXb7lL9P0kzsVnwSsoS35bpsk1VFS07_ny48CIoBvF_nZqJOtaWCLQ1ksA4sTPevHWqSzD5c505YsGCWUpYWltHcIo7A/s1600-h/fairyfurnishingstoilet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411463927300798450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVmYCiNsQOrMzcroKsAK96xv8zbGMvKs7yLHaUeNk86oieSIasXb7lL9P0kzsVnwSsoS35bpsk1VFS07_ny48CIoBvF_nZqJOtaWCLQ1ksA4sTPevHWqSzD5c505YsGCWUpYWltHcIo7A/s400/fairyfurnishingstoilet.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfP-mCqwyyKCkb6XPDd-cCd_6v7xzH3AisA6qr9Og6b0_SFejqPIF43RpodlMqXhUhNn7Q_Fx8t4hheZzE4ml7RlidonFYpyya6OfDe217rFRB6jy9CcbguPtcMXVbdnSczU7Utr-5mnw/s1600-h/toilet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411459490426912402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 398px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfP-mCqwyyKCkb6XPDd-cCd_6v7xzH3AisA6qr9Og6b0_SFejqPIF43RpodlMqXhUhNn7Q_Fx8t4hheZzE4ml7RlidonFYpyya6OfDe217rFRB6jy9CcbguPtcMXVbdnSczU7Utr-5mnw/s400/toilet.jpg" border="0" /></a>Above is the fairy bathroom set within the house.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrE_MiXk7Ag5qEmH7fNWK4Q64xr6GCcx2SbPDbx5LLCAYb1nalYqVv1UDPZ0bFtaxiWtX7q60Om6i0yMWmTUAm_Ggxd9cb9rzFwCm_FMKH5rBZa4oPVYpkKeYujdmoaOmz8fVlNG2lelg/s1600-h/fairyfurnishingsmailbox.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411464142914896354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrE_MiXk7Ag5qEmH7fNWK4Q64xr6GCcx2SbPDbx5LLCAYb1nalYqVv1UDPZ0bFtaxiWtX7q60Om6i0yMWmTUAm_Ggxd9cb9rzFwCm_FMKH5rBZa4oPVYpkKeYujdmoaOmz8fVlNG2lelg/s400/fairyfurnishingsmailbox.jpg" border="0" /></a>Above is FairyFurnishings' mailbox, stuffed with letters and little flowers.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Additional Links:<br /></span></strong>Greenleaf Dollhouses <a href="http://www.greenleafdollhouses.com/">http://www.greenleafdollhouses.com/</a></p><p>Greenleaf provides detailed photos, online support for kit construction questions, and a forum for discussion among collectors. I actually had so much fun building this house that I have since bought 3 more kits for future projects!<br /></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4980375820282375419.post-13043591140936623252009-11-30T09:21:00.023-06:002009-11-30T10:39:39.020-06:00Vintage Petite Princess by Ideal: Plastic and Modernism in Miniatures<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0seaWGCMs-91hnJgL_wr189R9UarSyyRcjXWaaADXCzeez5EwNCfRAvXCkG5NcQqM8FtkhicdBTpyfVqbG6O5446nTmiZQI2PYslvnJnqJwTpmwWOqme5Jkirig9G0xqSd-9q3xF70Fw/s1600/dining_set.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409926174541026978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0seaWGCMs-91hnJgL_wr189R9UarSyyRcjXWaaADXCzeez5EwNCfRAvXCkG5NcQqM8FtkhicdBTpyfVqbG6O5446nTmiZQI2PYslvnJnqJwTpmwWOqme5Jkirig9G0xqSd-9q3xF70Fw/s400/dining_set.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">I stumbled across treasure...</span></strong><br />I began buying various lines of older dollhouse furniture, ranging from the 30’s through the 80’s, while working night shift at a hotel in 2006. It was addictive and I ended up with boxes and drawers full! I wasn’t sure what they were actually worth or the history behind specific companies but in the end, I did get quite a few deals. Upon seeing the glow in my mother’s eyes and a few other women in that generation as they gazed on my little treasures, I realized I had something special. My mom would say “Oh I had one just like that” or “I always wanted one of those”. In a way it was heartbreaking that I had found by chance what she as a child had dearly dreamed of but never been given.<br /><br />My intention originally was to artistically alter these into gothic and fantasy works. I was tired of the same old 1:12 scale kits China has been pumping out and was not yet ready at the time to buy a saw and make furniture from scratch either. Reusing vintage pieces seemed like the best idea. However, after researching the history of many of these unexpected gems, I just couldn‘t chop them up. Yes, I liken my approach to a ’chop shop’, get a basic old frame and build a wonderful new marvel! I decided to put the best pieces up on eBay for collectors and donate the rest to a children’s bookstore..<br /><br />This was the right thing to do. One collector wrote in her Dollhouse Blog,<br />“Missing the umbrella from the Plasco Little Homemaker garden set from the late 1940s? Wait and one will turn up on eBay. When placed with its pole into the patio table's hole, the resulting set looks as if it had never suffered the indignity of parts having been misplaced. While Tomy items are still plentiful and inexpensive, the pioneers of plastic – Renwal, Ideal and Reliable from the late 1940s and early 1950s are becoming more costly and, if a more unusual pieces such as a sewing machine or carousel, more difficult to locate. That, of course, only serves to whet one’s appetite.”<br /><br />I didn’t make a mint on my auctions, but felt good because these little finds are worth something emotionally to many collectors. I also don’t plan to purchase any more of these lines but consider the experience a lesson in a very important point of dollhouse history: how radically new styles and materials can swoop onto the scene! One question in my mind remains: These widely distributed plastic brands brought modernism into miniatures in a big way. However, today it is only a small number of artisans and collectors who focus on what is perceived as ’modern’, either in the retro or current fashions. Why didn’t a larger interest in modernism continue in the dollhouse community?<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">The Dawn of Plastic:<br /></span></strong>I found that the brightly colored plastic pieces of furniture I have came into popularity in the 1940’s. This decade proved to be a watershed for dollhouses and actual real life furnishings because of the introduction of new easily produced materials such as plastic. In the 1950’s the post war economic boom in North America only increased the popularity of dollhouse products. Brightly colored sturdy steel homes became common and their hard plastic accessories could be intricately detailed. However, the very ease with which molded plastic could be made in factories also spelt the end of individual variations as manufacturing throughout the first half of the 20th century often fell into repetitive forms. Even so, many 1900 to 1950 miniatures had aspects of hand finishing and variations in color. Now pigment could be controlled at the time of molding and medium blue, strong blue, pink, red, cream, brown, and even marbling and faux wood grain were popular. Rarer colors like robin’s egg blue, orange, and bright red can also be found.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLI5GhZDYUBI0zvT3vmIaZf4F9QoRUNh-hHNG_Fzb9dg-eaAXcotakQ18J5OL_kweHeCZsuDwBY6GGUktEssTSJ4T-jckdQ96SiZCy0lhf9QF77-udxESl9dT4prmls49grGQNc5E_Ks/s1600/10252_20684.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409924891668511410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLI5GhZDYUBI0zvT3vmIaZf4F9QoRUNh-hHNG_Fzb9dg-eaAXcotakQ18J5OL_kweHeCZsuDwBY6GGUktEssTSJ4T-jckdQ96SiZCy0lhf9QF77-udxESl9dT4prmls49grGQNc5E_Ks/s400/10252_20684.jpg" border="0" /></a>Above are examples of the spectacular metal candelabras by Ideal that were the original impetus for my spending spree. I still have a drawer full of these and will eventually put them into my Spooky Mansion.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQ1s0VxIz64mmytHtHE8We3NKljn7W-LyDXGh9PG99Q0HANohaYquSkKZH2tLVYrlnNR7esnfKsmJiT6bzCkKdmrSGE4EJvtGbYKCnLgzPVfgg31tMLSZY7T8RxUP3YQ26_w1csvBFVs/s1600/10251_20683.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409924750539183810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 384px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQ1s0VxIz64mmytHtHE8We3NKljn7W-LyDXGh9PG99Q0HANohaYquSkKZH2tLVYrlnNR7esnfKsmJiT6bzCkKdmrSGE4EJvtGbYKCnLgzPVfgg31tMLSZY7T8RxUP3YQ26_w1csvBFVs/s400/10251_20683.jpg" border="0" /></a> Above are examples of the robin's egg blue with gilding. I also had a pretty cool kitchen in this color with red detailing.<br /><br />Plastic was used to represent every texture and material found in the modern home from wood, upholstery, bedding, metal, ceramics, enameled steel, etc. There were older precedents for faux work in the dollhouse world, for example cast-iron standing in for wood, textiles and ceramics as seen in the Arcade line of dollhouse furnishings. Some plastic pieces were only molded on 3 sides while others were fully molded and included moving details, such opening doors, dropping crib sides, potty chair with lifting trays, and agitators spinning in washing machines. The scale could be quite small and this meant a child could place many pieces in an average dollhouse. For today's collector , there is particular interest in "dated" items such as phonographs, floor radios, wringer washers, pedal worked sewing machines and smoking stands. The social mores of that period are also reflected in the furniture. For example, decorum was preserved by giving ‘married’ dolls twin beds. On the other hand, other items and customs are interesting because they have changed so little from that time.<br />Below are 2 Renewal pieces.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7ZVDaNBFog-mUF2AwNwCGqwbTdYFeZUEvMl2j-ifQU0NXlSKlzgS0vgteOkHEqJ1-IRHHKM-A_XY5gh8TXYnhwwlFPKhytOY4U36UOdBzRT7TiMOh5CAbMpanhfO3g4RwU7SjyvLVkE/s1600/rw-radio.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409930404264820866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 218px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 159px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7ZVDaNBFog-mUF2AwNwCGqwbTdYFeZUEvMl2j-ifQU0NXlSKlzgS0vgteOkHEqJ1-IRHHKM-A_XY5gh8TXYnhwwlFPKhytOY4U36UOdBzRT7TiMOh5CAbMpanhfO3g4RwU7SjyvLVkE/s400/rw-radio.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyU9OvOgAKMgW1guc6PtougztzyHPjOAyBa6_evLnRhcIGkGhhLNzFfL08NGceVi8IXG3lOHRCioOuyIfdtdKrZcgwnJyS5s_myiYv_ZLjZEL0pjnhQABSPBdQrcTl1lFbdxqGNF49H7w/s1600/rw-bath-scale.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409930298375827922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 215px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 223px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyU9OvOgAKMgW1guc6PtougztzyHPjOAyBa6_evLnRhcIGkGhhLNzFfL08NGceVi8IXG3lOHRCioOuyIfdtdKrZcgwnJyS5s_myiYv_ZLjZEL0pjnhQABSPBdQrcTl1lFbdxqGNF49H7w/s400/rw-bath-scale.jpg" border="0" /></a> The product names associated with the American boom in hard plastic dollhouse furniture are Ideal, Renwal, Plasco and Marx. Items are usually marked and easily identified by the collector. For example, Marx is MAR imposed over an X within a circle. Some unmarked items originate in Canada from the Reliable Company of Toronto. They used many of the same molds as the Ideal Company. All of these companies produced ¾ scale pieces which worked well together. The smaller Allied Plastic Dolly's Furniture was in a relatively tiny scale. The Allied twin beds measure 2.75 inches long (representing 6 feet). These sets were also made in a more limited range of colors: white, red, blue and pink. Living room, dining room and bedroom furniture styles reflect variations on Hepplewhite, Sheraton and Chippendale. Kitchen, bathroom, nursery and utilitarian or entertainment items such as washing machines and radios were more modern in style.<br /><br />There are numerous online auction sites and shops that carry these Dollhouse lines. Country Joe's Collectible stuff has decently priced and harder to find Renewal pieces. Below is an example of a Renewal nusery's washing maching which came in either pink or blue. <a href="http://countryjoescollectiblestuff.com/renwal-01.html">http://countryjoescollectiblestuff.com/renwal-01.html</a><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWI-FRNqRqKxUiP4WjJgnMhDzupqAYfK2XSrsOWcH84LxE7lX7EiNSHChAK6mN5Smnfsg88Cr7zJ3Opc1YiSrnO3-FQT-QOIj3P4UpK9L2HQhbZZ5X68sNLYc8CTJwft8N0KUKNNKrg8/s1600/Xrw-blue-washer.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409931140597725538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 243px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 372px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWI-FRNqRqKxUiP4WjJgnMhDzupqAYfK2XSrsOWcH84LxE7lX7EiNSHChAK6mN5Smnfsg88Cr7zJ3Opc1YiSrnO3-FQT-QOIj3P4UpK9L2HQhbZZ5X68sNLYc8CTJwft8N0KUKNNKrg8/s400/Xrw-blue-washer.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Another great site is 100 Tons of Stuff To Sell which had these cute Renewal sets:</div><div><a href="http://www.100tonsofstuff.com/renwaldollfurniture.htm">http://www.100tonsofstuff.com/renwaldollfurniture.htm</a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNbLRLCtvYaMfeQimAczD6F3Cg5G1tcd-P3TNmmaQbL_ieQI-6qvhy7IjmyNpPV4cgxT0CPC5-tiG9avuMvylt6h6KZTGLL2mPIKUq6Jhrmj9MALNTB48NMAUGuOtJLVdViY-8vy5Gy8/s1600/RenwalLR&BRFurn-ws.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409932452548938098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 153px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNbLRLCtvYaMfeQimAczD6F3Cg5G1tcd-P3TNmmaQbL_ieQI-6qvhy7IjmyNpPV4cgxT0CPC5-tiG9avuMvylt6h6KZTGLL2mPIKUq6Jhrmj9MALNTB48NMAUGuOtJLVdViY-8vy5Gy8/s400/RenwalLR&BRFurn-ws.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uhE02DSd2BNjzVZRGxS87v2QhmDDaBhMyc4LJ-CIKmJGm0SHCCRMyk7HmegP8hgy1R6TuylDhkj0a4akOgFtfQ4ZCBhK4PUwck6GwxvLV3M1Kjnwh1ku7YlVxAxNqsqrLtKX-jcOEl4/s1600/RenwalSewingIroning-ws.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409932368093810434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 205px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uhE02DSd2BNjzVZRGxS87v2QhmDDaBhMyc4LJ-CIKmJGm0SHCCRMyk7HmegP8hgy1R6TuylDhkj0a4akOgFtfQ4ZCBhK4PUwck6GwxvLV3M1Kjnwh1ku7YlVxAxNqsqrLtKX-jcOEl4/s400/RenwalSewingIroning-ws.jpg" border="0" /></a>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Petite Princess, the pinnacle of plastic dollhouse miniatures:</span></strong><br />Ideal’s Petite Princess dollhouse furniture represents the top of the line in the genre of plastic modern furniture. It was made by the Ideal Toy Corporation for a very limited time, from 1964 to 1968. These toys are often simply called Ideal, which is short for the Ideal Toy and Novelty Corporation, reportedly in business since founded in 1907 in Brooklyn, New York.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PKDjLNjw46Jhqe0M25jUkLnwjoV2zrEZ-dUkPEVj553VZDvoBuwlYipjqm33D2iGzu5uVdDaVLtBAVos8c3drIu1iFWHoqFnoy72ar__4T0r6VsCadJIhHwu0Zw6_uoUd0uPs8fxlXY/s1600/petiteprincesshouse.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409934023403587650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 317px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PKDjLNjw46Jhqe0M25jUkLnwjoV2zrEZ-dUkPEVj553VZDvoBuwlYipjqm33D2iGzu5uVdDaVLtBAVos8c3drIu1iFWHoqFnoy72ar__4T0r6VsCadJIhHwu0Zw6_uoUd0uPs8fxlXY/s400/petiteprincesshouse.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Petite Princess pieces took plastic dollhouse furniture to new heights of elegance and detail, incorporating more realistic marbled surfaces, hand painted gilding, velvet like upholstery, and period décor such as brass candelabras and Buddhas, ceramic vases, and other lovelies. The line remains in the ¾ dollhouse scale. </div><div><br /><div>Below is an available Etsy listing by IDConnection for a variety of brass Petite Princess accessories: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26141178">http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26141178</a><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOR62d-3wuX4Ef6M8V8GLHV6MEvDLRENU62gLxnohc1JakjUWBXhHQoOn88Q922xwhHn_teQX5ZfSFt2E_QCr6mgM9VbrnvrA3_AyUMBwyumiPM2vX64ewb-virGLNF5KDaHCgu86jItY/s1600/il_430xN_74392384.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409927097634603698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOR62d-3wuX4Ef6M8V8GLHV6MEvDLRENU62gLxnohc1JakjUWBXhHQoOn88Q922xwhHn_teQX5ZfSFt2E_QCr6mgM9VbrnvrA3_AyUMBwyumiPM2vX64ewb-virGLNF5KDaHCgu86jItY/s400/il_430xN_74392384.jpg" border="0" /></a> Below is a complete vintage Petite Princess dollhouse loaded with furnishings and accessories. Posted by Vixie Vaporous is Vaccilating on Flickr. Go to the link to view many more photos! <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8836406@N08/2793578102/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/8836406@N08/2793578102/</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhB2u8-3M2z4jZz8NWptBxFRHwqQA_A6ldPMdtXkbSDHR88fXnfpUL0S-anGPiyIkiB-izxEux85tcpa4E_Fo8qk95hcGZ_OJ0z10OQlxBdWlzt-swX49FpQ03Kbs68WVybvipLe0ABA/s1600/complete+dollhouse+by+VixieVaporousFlickr.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409922138142753410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhB2u8-3M2z4jZz8NWptBxFRHwqQA_A6ldPMdtXkbSDHR88fXnfpUL0S-anGPiyIkiB-izxEux85tcpa4E_Fo8qk95hcGZ_OJ0z10OQlxBdWlzt-swX49FpQ03Kbs68WVybvipLe0ABA/s400/complete+dollhouse+by+VixieVaporousFlickr.jpg" border="0" /></a> The following information is taken from The Ideal Petite Princess Information website:<br /><br />In the “Petite Princess” line, the company sold groups of furniture that were often very stylish and indicative of the time in which they were made. All furniture was hand painted and hand tailored. Special attention was given to detail with an “antique look” which was indicative of the 1960’s. Petite Princess vintage miniatures were produced in ¾ inch scale (.75 inches=1 foot).<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg126GiLlJvcay2tw01qxL66Y8ndNW0UxHPo9Sz8JIusYjDs4LiovNjzjout8mUdkQaQlg75RXDiD8f2DPBFuJFkGG0U0QXXjP-bra8KvS5B_oMJvwKv0qMwsag_HJyrSEN3PJ4GpTaFjU/s1600/petiteprincessstoredisplay.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409934333580907570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 196px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg126GiLlJvcay2tw01qxL66Y8ndNW0UxHPo9Sz8JIusYjDs4LiovNjzjout8mUdkQaQlg75RXDiD8f2DPBFuJFkGG0U0QXXjP-bra8KvS5B_oMJvwKv0qMwsag_HJyrSEN3PJ4GpTaFjU/s400/petiteprincessstoredisplay.jpg" border="0" /></a>The manufacturers of this beautiful furniture line describe Petite Princess furniture as “The fulfillment of every girl’s dream.” Ideal explains, “Here, at last are beautifully detailed, hand crafted furniture and accessories to fill many hours of fanciful play. As explained in their 1964 black and white Petite Princess brochure, “Petite Princess Fantasy Furniture is hand crafted of satins, brocades, porcelain, brass, glass mirrors, and other fine materials. You will find soft, plush chairs and sofas, gilt-edged mirrors, dressers and cabinets with drawers and doors that really open and close. Everything you can dream of. Perfectly made, so you can play with it, collect it, and be the perfect Petite Princess."<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5fE6MhAMpnu0q9HqZcdZRLYj4XmtwKE8WDv476CRwnOBkrNeHt3bqRQMFHalhCL202yB8CNZpQnmYwIfenYOe4Ez8Xwch3uxtQ6pXmHEJW2ypUvAmJjsFRiuK2Sul48BNSl8JcuUNsE/s1600/TO2843_1N.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409935449657794322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5fE6MhAMpnu0q9HqZcdZRLYj4XmtwKE8WDv476CRwnOBkrNeHt3bqRQMFHalhCL202yB8CNZpQnmYwIfenYOe4Ez8Xwch3uxtQ6pXmHEJW2ypUvAmJjsFRiuK2Sul48BNSl8JcuUNsE/s400/TO2843_1N.jpg" border="0" /></a>Ideal’s Petite Princess Fantasy Furniture first appeared in the Sears Christmas Wish Book in 1964. They offered the originally boxed thirty main pieces, as well as the original Fantasy Family (father, mother, sister, and brother) and their Fantasy Rooms (available in pink, blue, and yellow.)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitN07k4LAgRkaWnRDe5rqA6ZHKMhp7rHMGd6vaOjyi9qHoF10wBJmZlj_p_Gr86xoqXJAdTXzHFJMc6EeIja0w2AHOcnhAIolTSfvuySlVJq_DKQKkAW_jTs4QsBxbIUIqCvPue57x-s/s1600/3802266625_11ce37b297.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409928202155429298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitN07k4LAgRkaWnRDe5rqA6ZHKMhp7rHMGd6vaOjyi9qHoF10wBJmZlj_p_Gr86xoqXJAdTXzHFJMc6EeIja0w2AHOcnhAIolTSfvuySlVJq_DKQKkAW_jTs4QsBxbIUIqCvPue57x-s/s400/3802266625_11ce37b297.jpg" border="0" /></a>Some of these pieces returned in 1966, 1967, 1968, and 1969 Sears Christmas Wish Books. However, neither the name Ideal nor Petite Princess were featured in these later Christmas catalogs with their furniture, possibly because Ideal had produced their less expensive Princess Patti line in 1965. The Princess Patti house featured the same furniture in four of the rooms- a bedroom, living room, music room, and dining room, and furnished two additional rooms- a bathroom and a kitchen.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga62BpDe50wquqqqJQkQwsoMd7wkuVLUr-uA30A5tJKkSn6gVqXrFYwG578DIBjm-N65nvtr2Yp5-rL14O1eyUNRSQzpdhL30L0LVZvBaVWGjbYT8Mj8VFcROgZlJ8YmrH0QoMzre1i18/s1600/pp_display_01.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409924092266450146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 334px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga62BpDe50wquqqqJQkQwsoMd7wkuVLUr-uA30A5tJKkSn6gVqXrFYwG578DIBjm-N65nvtr2Yp5-rL14O1eyUNRSQzpdhL30L0LVZvBaVWGjbYT8Mj8VFcROgZlJ8YmrH0QoMzre1i18/s400/pp_display_01.jpg" border="0" /></a> In 1966 and 1967, twenty of the original thirty pieces of furniture were offered in red roofed vinyl colonial dollhouses that could only be purchased at Sears. These pieces included the dressing table and stool, bed, lyre table and lamp, piano and bench, treasure trove cabinet, guest chairs, occasional chair with ottoman, sofa, tier table and lamp, and occasional table set. A different family than the original Fantasy Family came with this furniture.<br /><br />Similarly, in 1968 and 1969, Sears sold thirteen pieces of the original collection in orange-roofed colonial mansion dollhouses. Included in these mansions were the dressing table and stool, bed, tier table with lamp, host chairs, sofa, salon wing chair, occasional table set, and a new bathroom set with a bathroom tub, stool, and towel rack. The original fantasy family didn’t return this year either and was replaced by a different family once again.<br /><br />Pictured below is another shot of Vixie's collection, representing the full range of Petite Princess.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDhJ0OxQtGZQ4lhmBl7OD1op3EJV58tksfdwAWFHM6eOo7WUr7BKVjzy4WK1DJNLXQRUrgekRh4TzVQPxpQp4j20CnKp1xgIR580DIFVJ3ZccyuA6FRvDXiDFHF3CUWQun3GXjI93hTc/s1600/2792725801_4a8df3508b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409936724014561090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDhJ0OxQtGZQ4lhmBl7OD1op3EJV58tksfdwAWFHM6eOo7WUr7BKVjzy4WK1DJNLXQRUrgekRh4TzVQPxpQp4j20CnKp1xgIR580DIFVJ3ZccyuA6FRvDXiDFHF3CUWQun3GXjI93hTc/s400/2792725801_4a8df3508b.jpg" border="0" /></a> -A wonderful site called Petite Princess Collectibles provides an online store for these vintage pieces, links to collectors' galleries, and the history of the line.<br /><div><div><a href="http://www.petiteprincess.com/">http://www.petiteprincess.com/</a></div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>-For the ONLY published complete Petite Princess Reference Guide:</div><div><a href="http://www.petiteprincess.com/ebaybook/about_authors.htm">http://www.petiteprincess.com/ebaybook/about_authors.htm</a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZYHR3djPHaI8kcO7v2pUajtzpf0CgI0HZlBP0yo1i7FesnhEqFRzmN1BjGpuj5LueOaPXPORR_-_vq3Mnize0szKoowJEVPKKwXU6SixtJXRJomp0pRfhIAwaLI2cq9IGD6zNTq4vVw/s1600/book_cover_400.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409923732891965762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 308px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZYHR3djPHaI8kcO7v2pUajtzpf0CgI0HZlBP0yo1i7FesnhEqFRzmN1BjGpuj5LueOaPXPORR_-_vq3Mnize0szKoowJEVPKKwXU6SixtJXRJomp0pRfhIAwaLI2cq9IGD6zNTq4vVw/s400/book_cover_400.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8