tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51084305450082648252024-03-14T01:18:48.918-05:00CANDID CANINE<b> Dogs, Books<br>
& Minis, Oh My!</b>CA Verstraetehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824300762520579768noreply@blogger.comBlogger1404125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108430545008264825.post-89427302293977673162024-03-08T07:14:00.000-06:002024-03-08T07:14:41.329-06:00HS Dollhouse Mansion Flowers & That Bed It's sounding like Spring outside with the Cardinals calling and blackbirds whirring, so it's a good time to make miniature flowers, too. (*See last post- planters and diner; see other posts in left column archives. Click photos for best view full size.)Decided to plant some different pots and planters for the Half-Scale Mansion. See photo above. Yes, that small round "planter" is actually CA Verstraetehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824300762520579768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108430545008264825.post-40050336602124944552024-03-06T07:45:00.000-06:002024-03-06T07:45:17.691-06:00Writing Interruption: Ghost Story Accepted!(Haunted image: pixabay.com) Commercial break!Between making minis, I do still write, you know. haa! Yay! New and first acceptance of the year: My ghostly story, "Secrets of the Last Mine," has been accepted for a ghost anthology. A goal I had was to be in an anthology like that --- and get this story out there.The story behind the story: This story was originally accepted for an CA Verstraetehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824300762520579768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108430545008264825.post-68014740750522078152024-03-04T00:00:00.001-06:002024-03-04T00:00:00.131-06:00 HS Dollhouse Mansion Planters, Beds I realize I should label posts better as if I want to find a certain thing (and can't), then I'll have to take a new photo, if possible. ha!Working on a few odds and ends for the mansion. (*See last post - almost open diner; and fries. More posts in left column archives list. Click photos for full size better view.) Planters and flowers:The planter above was a kit from SDK CA Verstraetehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824300762520579768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108430545008264825.post-45396221808277497182024-02-28T08:16:00.001-06:002024-02-28T08:23:40.534-06:00Half-Scale Mansion Diner - Almost Open! Moving right along on the diner project in the lower level of the Half-Scale Mansion. (* See last post - fries; see more posts in left column archive. * Click photos for full size better view!)Most everything is done but I'll be adding a few things yet so that's why I'm saying it's not open yet! I have to get another table set at the show and still trying to figure out a small gift stand CA Verstraetehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824300762520579768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108430545008264825.post-27946901338500802962024-02-19T00:00:00.004-06:002024-02-19T05:41:08.994-06:00Half-Scale Mansion Diner: Fries Anyone?Fries, anyone??? I'm on a roll! Or should I say hot dog or hamburger bun? ha!Well, I'm pretty tickled with the latest results in the Park Ave. Mansion's half-scale diner. (* See last progress post; and other posts in the left column archives. ** Don't forget to click photos for full size to see them better!)Decided to work on more fries, the diner back counter, and a big part - the fryer. CA Verstraetehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824300762520579768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108430545008264825.post-76227887100572666932024-02-15T00:00:00.004-06:002024-02-17T07:46:27.320-06:00Progress at the Miniature Half-Scale DinerThings are moving along in the half-scale mansion! (*See latest post; others are listed in left column archives. Click photos for full size. *See exterior so far. Am adding flowers and windowboxes yet.)While most people build this brownstone-style mansion as a modern three-story single-family home, I wanted to do something different. That's why I decided to put a diner on the first floor. I'd CA Verstraetehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824300762520579768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108430545008264825.post-34666346944486697802024-02-09T12:15:00.000-06:002024-02-09T12:15:21.180-06:00Happy Mini Valentine's Day & New Find Something fun! One of the members of the FB HalfScaleMinis group shared a sheet of Valentines to make, so this was a simple little project to do in-between figuring other stuff out. Also added a few in a teensy red basket. Love vintage Valentines! (Click photos for full size; see archives in left column for other posts.)Interesting find at the Dollar Tree store. They had some new CA Verstraetehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824300762520579768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108430545008264825.post-10223286819357444722024-02-05T00:00:00.002-06:002024-02-07T06:58:38.676-06:00Half-Scale Mansion - the LatestAdding some seating on the mansion's rooftop garden.********* Been working on a few things between the real-life big project. Ugh. Don't ask. (Involves a kitchen floor.) So glad that is over! (*See last post and other posts in left column archives. Here's the exterior. Click photos for full size.)Since the exterior is done, except for making plants, I've been working on a CA Verstraetehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824300762520579768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108430545008264825.post-28823988652974910562024-01-13T00:00:00.002-06:002024-01-14T07:24:42.059-06:00Half-Scale Park Ave. Mansion Kits & FridgesThe Mansion Roof lit up. (Click to view photos full size; see last post - exterior, and archives in left column for more.) Yes, I've been working on a few kits in-between celebrating a new story release which I'm really excited about in: ((I Just) Died in Your Arms: Crime Fiction Inspired by One-Hit Wonders - some cool music-inspired fiction in here. My story is based on the song "CA Verstraetehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824300762520579768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108430545008264825.post-6100704419988115412024-01-09T06:10:00.007-06:002024-01-19T09:28:30.707-06:00Releases Today! Crime Fiction Inspired by One-Hit Wonders! Releases Today! The unique anthology, (I Just) Died in Your Arms: Crime Fiction Inspired by One-Hit Wonders is now available!Based on 12 somewhat familiar songs, including my haunting tale, "Wildfire," inspired by the sad song of the same name.* Get it here! (If any problems, use main link here.) Paperback only $10! *Another option - paperback only $12 at CA Verstraetehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824300762520579768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108430545008264825.post-36716284198504428012024-01-04T00:00:00.004-06:002024-01-04T06:01:47.126-06:00Half Scale Mansion Trim & Exterior Update Remember the plain jane - not-quite-finished exterior?Ah.... it's undergone quite the transformation with all the necessary trimmings in place!(Be sure to click photos to see full size!! *See last post.)Keep reading below.... 👇👇👇I just LOVE 💗 how the extras and the different details I used really add to the design!I don't like plain or drab, so I'm always thinking up different CA Verstraetehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824300762520579768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108430545008264825.post-67797479799089585932024-01-01T00:00:00.004-06:002024-01-01T00:00:00.160-06:00 Dollhouse Miniatures Gifts & ToysHalloween all the time. Isn't this cool? HAPPY NEW YEAR! I got some pretty cool new miniatures, mostly from my good friend, Gigi. We love getting together to work on kits when we can and also enjoy celebrating a Merry "Mini" Christmas so figured I'd share the latest toys.We also enjoy finding things that can be used for minis, even if it's not the item's actual purpose. Oh, and there's no "CA Verstraetehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824300762520579768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108430545008264825.post-20417874795993820832023-12-31T00:00:00.001-06:002023-12-31T00:00:00.133-06:00Happy New Year! Wishing everyone a happy New Year and all the best in 2024! I've appreciated everyone's visits and hope to share more in the coming year! (Image: pixabay.com)CA Verstraetehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824300762520579768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108430545008264825.post-73231278249635317612023-12-30T00:00:00.001-06:002023-12-30T00:00:00.131-06:002023 Miniature Dollhouses Wrap-Up Wow another year here and gone! Where oh where does time go? (Click photos for full size.)Actually, it's been a pretty productive year mini-wise. I got quite a few projects done, one after another becoming a favorite. Sure, it's only 5 houses and roomboxes, but there's all the decorating, furniture building, and exterior that's done, too. A lot goes into a project.It was good to finish up aCA Verstraetehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824300762520579768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108430545008264825.post-15539502923166047782023-12-25T00:00:00.001-06:002023-12-25T00:00:00.131-06:00Merry Little Christmas Story Part 2 A Merry Little Christmas Story Part 2 * Start the story here: Part 1Today we feature the second part and conclusion to an original Christmas tale by Robert W. Walker, author of 90+ - and counting - novels including the fabulous gaslight thriller, CITY OF THE ABSENT, featuring his detective, Ransom. Check his website for his latest thrillers CA Verstraetehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824300762520579768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108430545008264825.post-53772455583185221532023-12-24T00:00:00.001-06:002023-12-24T00:00:00.148-06:00Merry Little Christmas Story Part 1 It's become something of an annual tradition that I've been sharing this little Christmas story my friend and fellow author Robert W. Walker penned for me. It first ran here in 2008. Enjoy!Today I have the pleasure of presenting an original Christmas tale by Robert W. Walker, author of - gasp! over 90 - and counting - novels including the fabulous gaslight thriller, CA Verstraetehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824300762520579768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108430545008264825.post-35408452438880726912023-12-23T07:12:00.007-06:002024-01-07T12:37:19.171-06:00Crime Fiction Inspired by One-Hit Wonders! Yay! The unique anthology, (I Just) Died in Your Arms: Crime Fiction Inspired by One-Hit Wonders is now up for pre-order! Get one for a late Christmas or Hanukah gift!Based on some familiar songs, including my haunting tale, "Wildfire," inspired by the haunting hit of the same name. I can't wait to read all the stories!* Pre-order here! (If any problems, use main link here.) Paperback only CA Verstraetehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824300762520579768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108430545008264825.post-71458418027297900492023-12-19T00:00:00.003-06:002023-12-19T00:00:00.130-06:00Making Progress: Half Scale Mansion 2 Finally! I am making progress even if it doesn't feel like it.(See last post or see other links in left column archives. Click photos for full size.)A preview: So far, it looks pretty good, doesn't it? There is a goof as when I put the light in I totally forgot about the top piece over the door and the side pillars! It looks fine without it but I like it so luckily, it looksCA Verstraetehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824300762520579768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108430545008264825.post-30782756402950220982023-12-15T06:51:00.003-06:002024-01-04T16:40:48.679-06:00Music Crime Fiction Cover Reveal! As I mentioned, I have a new story coming out soon in the anthology, (I Just) Died in Your Arms, Crime Fiction Inspired by One-Hit Wonders.My story, "Wildfire," is inspired by that 1970s hit of the same name. It's a sad song and as I'm a horse lover, it's a favorite, too, so I'm super excited about this!So... ta-dah! The cover!It's sharp and classy. Some may object to the gun on the cover, CA Verstraetehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824300762520579768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108430545008264825.post-70376468550888729132023-12-08T06:19:00.000-06:002023-12-08T06:19:02.848-06:00Progress: Half Scale Mansion Dollhouse It's a start!Yes, the Park Ave. Mansion is moving along. I guess I need to post more often. ha!Well, I hate those stages of dollhouse building where you have an idea in mind, not sure what'll look right, and don't like how it looks at the moment. (See last post; see other posts in left column archives list. Click photos for full size.)But... I've moved beyond that now and have made some CA Verstraetehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824300762520579768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108430545008264825.post-44852979814289348852023-12-07T00:00:00.002-06:002023-12-07T06:49:46.346-06:00Happy Birthday! It's my birthday today! So I'm celebrating with some minis, Egg Nog, and maybe a custard donut! No cake, just in mini! 😉Oh I have plenty of half-scale cakes in my bakery! See more pix here.I'm working on some neat updates on the half-scale Park Ave. Mansion and do have a post scheduled so stay tuned. The doors are painted and of course, I had to go get some new lace for the door CA Verstraetehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824300762520579768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108430545008264825.post-61320328957553299162023-12-04T00:00:00.048-06:002023-12-07T13:07:37.883-06:00What I'm Reading: Jean Rabe's Dead of Sled Run Mystery If you read anything this year, The Dead of Sled Run, book six in USA Today Bestselling Author Jean Rabe's Piper Maxwell mystery series is a must for your TBR list!The book opens with a bang, literally, as longtime Deputy Oren Rosenberg's house goes up in flames....About the Book:Two weeks before Christmas yards glow with twinkling lights. Carolers serenade neighborhoods. All is CA Verstraetehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824300762520579768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108430545008264825.post-89332565618044892262023-11-22T00:00:00.002-06:002023-11-22T06:31:33.003-06:00In Memoriam: Mourning in MiniatureA peek in the window. It may be past Halloween, but I decided to keep working here and there on the miniature Funeral Parlor. And... it's finished! (Click photos for full size.) I have to admit, I had to laugh seeing it done. Yes, it's a bit weird and death isn't funny, but there's enough terrible and sad things going on in the world, so hope you get a chuckle out of this. This CA Verstraetehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824300762520579768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108430545008264825.post-17294199735083491882023-11-19T06:29:00.005-06:002023-11-20T15:52:39.418-06:00New Mystery-Crime Story Coming!(Photo: Pixabay.com)Happy to say my story, "Wildfire," will be in the anthology, (I Just) Died In Your Arms: Crime Fiction Inspired by
One-Hit Wonders, Volume I. Should be coming out in December.Always loved this sad song, so I tried to give it justice. Thrilled about this. (And if you've never heard it... (what?) here's a link on YouTube.The stories included will be a treat to read andCA Verstraetehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824300762520579768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108430545008264825.post-64437770154180580402023-11-15T00:00:00.004-06:002023-11-15T08:43:26.528-06:00Half Scale Dollhouse Mansion 2: Brick & ColorsBrick, brick!!As I mentioned in the last post, I started working on the Half Scale Park Ave. Mansion. I wasn't real sure how I wanted to do the exterior, but I knew I wanted the grout lines to show as the outside is etched like large bricks. Every house I've seen so far has been one color and beige or tan. (Click photos for full size; more posts in left column archives.)Well, as CA Verstraetehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824300762520579768noreply@blogger.com