Lavender Cottage: Moving Day!

 

Moving day is finally here!

While the residents are moving in and getting things set up - you know how long that takes and how messy that can be! - thought I'd share what's going on outside. You can see the florals and outside of the house here. (*Click photos for full size.)

Just a few boxes have arrived so far, and of course, the dog is checking things out. They did get some furniture on the lawn and the gardens are growing nicely.

I bought a "grass" sheet on ebay, well it's more "velvet" than grass, but it looks okay. I glued it on a plywood board and edged it with painted trim.

I was happy with how the walkway turned out. I cut stone shapes from egg carton, colored them with pastel chalks (rubbed my finger on chalk and rubbed it on the pieces) and glued to a piece of painted cardboard, then sprayed with matte acrylic sealer. I topped that with gloss Mod Podge, then glued on pale yellow railroad ballast/stones and dotted it with bits of green material. The whole thing was sprayed again with sealer. 

I should've attached an outside light to the electric, but, well, I'll have to make do with battery lights for now.

Oh! A few more boxes have arrived. They better get going!

Last minute, I decided I still wanted some wisteria on the front, so added two types of vines and some cloth-covered wire coated with mixed purple flocking. I might add more as I like how it came out.

Something special for the inside: (Not the room, just a prop background.)

Made some chairs for the table in the second floor bedroom. The chairs are made from 3/4" square wood blocks and cardboard with a bit of cotton padding on the back front and seat. I'm using one of the round tables from those MiniBrands Home balls, which fits perfect  under the light on the right side. Just love the colors! Thought it would work great to accent the purple colors and bring out more of the purple in the room, so I also painted the wood chair purple.

I just love how these turned out! Love this fabric, which was a garden print, so I used most of the hydrangea sections. I'll have to make more furniture with the other colors. Here are the chair backs:

And for Halloween: So cute! Found some tiny cauldrons, perfect for a planter or a pot of candy bars at Michael's. (Recollections, 6 in a pack for $5, near the front of the store.)

And lots of books! About 50 more for bookcases and inside. What's a house without books? I liked the greenery/garden books from Artsy Miniatures on Etsy and a set of farmhouse books (I'll have to share the link later once I find it again. Got those awhile ago.)

I'll show the inside of the house soon and some progress next on the Jack's Bookery kit pieces! Got a lot of the inside done, so working on the outside next.

* Thanks again for visiting! Come back soon for more projects! * 

A Surprise! New Lizzie Borden Anthology & Story!

 

NEWS!! A new anthology is coming out featuring Lizzie Borden!

The anthology, edited by author and editor Sèphera Girón is being launched on Kickstarter. (Love that cover!)

* Hurry! Get in on the Kickstarter now for all kinds of goodies! A party at the Lizzie Borden House, seance, books, and more. It includes more than 20 stories by authors including NYT Bestselling Author Heather Graham, Stoker-award winning author Linda D. Addison, and others. 

NEWS! I have a new Lizzie Borden, Zombie Hunter story in it: "You Can Go Home Again."  Another Lizzie and Pierre adventure with zombies, thrills, chills, and some surprises, taking the Lizzie story in a new direction!

     Edited by Sèphera Girón, multi-published author and former head for nearly 30 years of the Ontario/Canadian Chapter of the Horror Writers Association. She's worked in the film industry, recently delivering a low-budget slasher screenplay to a local film company in Toronto. She's had roles in films including Slime City Massacre, Killer Rack, Pandora, and Pandora’s Return, and has done background work appearing in episodes of What We Do in the Shadows, Schitt’s Creek, The Boys, Interview with a Vampire, and dozens of other shows and movies. 

Bunches of Miniature Jars

What are these????

 Did you guess? This was a fun idea my friend Gigi was working on and that we then worked on together during a recent weekly mini meeting. (*Click photos for full size, better view.)

Jars, lots of jars! I had saved a bunch of those tiny glass jars from the dollar store with nail decorations in them. I'll have to see if they have more now as I filled just over 30 jars! (* I looked and only saw larger jars. Figures! I'd used these small ones before to make a bunch of candles. I'll keep looking in case I spot more.) The two colored jars in the top photo were painted inside with glass stain to look like spaghetti sauce and some kind of odd green sauce for the witch's bakery!

I'm still finishing them, but here's a close-up and one of the jar tops finished, with the cloth top and "string" (thread) wound around it. Just needs a label.

The jars are filled with all kinds of those clay veggie and fruit slices. They're then filled with melted Deluxe Materials brand Scenic Water. Never tried that, but it's pretty cool stuff and easy to use. It's a kind of gel, and the bonus is you can re-use it and save what's left. Just reheat by putting a blob in a dish in a small bowl of hot water, like from a coffeemaker. Better than the usual resin, too. as it doesn't stink! But it's a UK product, and haven't found a US link yet...  Have to ask my friend as she found it online. 

Yes, that one in the back is those mini jiggly eyeballs. ha! Also made pickles (third from right) from Model Magic air-dry clay and painted them. The two smaller jars in front will be for the Lavender Cottage kitchen. Purple - of course!

Printed off some labels I found online and did a few. Hey, even found an eggplant, which was unexpected! Have to find a carrot label yet. But here's a few I finished. Darn cute.

*Lavender Cottage update: Got the "grass" sheet on the board (well more velvet than grass but it works). Tried a new idea for the walk which came out pretty good! Have to glue it in place. Then making some side garden beds and planning Halloween garden beds I can switch out. Of course! Progress pix soon!

*So, more next time! Thanks again for visiting! * 

More Miniature Books: Jack's Bookery

 While I'm decorating the Lavender Cottage and figuring out the lawn and garden areas for that (see last post), I wanted to share a new project I'll be working on next.

You never can have too many books, real and mini, right? So, this is what's next: I received this kit, Jack's Bookery from Cutebee, (see Jack's Bookery/Amazon and check out the Cutebee store; more projects on the Facebook page)  and will be sharing the build shortly and how it's going. Looking forward to working on it!

Ok... the writer in me has to ask, what's a bookery? Is that like a bird rookery, but where books come to rest? haa! 😊

Some of the inside parts:

 I know some people are real book-nook addicts, but this is actually only my second one, after the Magic Library Book Nook and a few smaller kits. I usually work on regular dollhouse kits but these are fun as a change of pace. The bonus is that book nooks take up less room than a full house! I am running out of room (but not yet! ha!)

More will be coming soon on this and the Lavender Cottage. Stay tuned! 

* Thanks again for visiting! Come back soon for more projects. *

* Note: Some links are Amazon affiliates, which may provide some compensation to the blog.

Little Halloween Hut

Here's looking at you! 

I can't resist turning a project, any project really, into a Halloween-themed project. (*Click photos for full size, better view.)

As I mentioned in the previous post, when I first saw this hut kit quite a few years ago, I thought it would make a good witch's hut. And it did! (Robotime, now out of stock.)

It took me a while to get to it, and while I still wasn't sure if I should do it, I'm happy with the results. (Hard to tell but that outside pumpkin is lit. 3D printed from Blackthorn Miniatures.)

Here's the original kit below (online photo): Cute but the colors didn't do it for me. Not totally.  (online photo)💀

I decided it worked best to use painted corrugated cardboard on the roof instead of the kit pieces. It didn't need both. The window side with more Halloween colors and a spooky sign.

I lit the inside of the furnace, as it seemed weird to not have a light inside. I colored the flame photo with glass stain and then traced the design onto plastic with glass stain to make a layered image. I put the bulb between the layers though in the end, it doesn't show that I did that. But it still seemed best to add the light inside. I made the large sofa seat from scraps The original had a bed. The right side chair is an acorn seat I got in a swap.

Inside:

Looking down:

I used four micro LED bulbs, maybe a lot for such a small project, but I wanted certain areas lit up and just had to have lit pumpkins. The fun is that there's a window on back, so the two-sided pumpkin on the shelf shows on both the inside and outside. I like this textured scrapbook paper as it gives the surface an industrial look.

Boo!

The other side: I held the battery on the side with a cardboard sleeve so it sits on the ledge, too.

So that's it. A decent little project! Wait'll you see next what my friend and I were working on at our weekly mini meeting. Pretty cool! 

* Thanks again for visiting. Come back soon for more projects! * 

Tempting... the next miniature MiniBrands Fad?

 

While I'm finishing up the last of that Halloween project, I thought I'd share the latest upcoming fad... I  keep looking at the new Zuru MiniBrands item - that MiniBrands Mini Mini's Fill the Fridge. The neat thing is it also has a UV light in it, good for curing resin.

I know the fridge looks to be more 1/6th, Barbie-size scale, but it's tempting, I admit. And I still wonder if some of the foods may work for 1/12th scale, but they look fun to collect.  

Anyone getting this?

I'm waiting for the Halloween items, but I admit, this could be a fun, long-term collection. Do I really need to get hooked on something else? haaa!

The food item balls, the MiniBrands Fill the Fridge Mini Mini's release on July 31. 

If you get these, please share. I'd love to know the size on the food items.

Oh, smart! The link shows a pic of the back  - and it looks like they'll have a whole kitchen! Barbie-size but... Clever, to keep you hooked. Now if they'd only come out with some new items for the MiniBrands Home series, a series 2...

(Amazon affiliate links may offer some compensation to blog owner.)

Lavender Cottage Floral Updates

 

Yes, I'm still plugging away! I've been busy working on a small kit and changing it to Halloween - almost done - so I haven't had much to post. Plus been heavily involved in a big editorial project, which hopefully will come out how I envision it!

In the meantime, I have been working here and there on the Lavender Cottage (see last post; see previous not furnished interior tour). (* Click photos for full size.) Sharing a few to give you an idea. When I next take some exterior photos, I'll try to do them outside with a plain background. But it's super humid today and it was pouring!

Finally! Got the last coat of paint and touch-up on the roof, and the clear coat on! Whew! A big tip:  If I ever paint a roof again, I will do an undercoat first so nothing shows through.

 Since that is done, I decided to add windowboxes on the top windows and added some trailing vines. (Excuse the junk in background!) Yeah, kind of busy, but that's how my houses and projects seem to come out. I'm not a minimalist! haaa!

It's not done yet, still toying with what to add but it's getting there. There may be another bird and nest on a side roof, but for the moment, they seem to have flown elsewhere and won't let me find them. 😉

Here are the windowboxes and some of the vines:

I am getting in a Halloween mood, so I made some doormats. The larger one seems to fit here best since it's a double door. I have several designs. Found a cute Halloween printie package on Etsy.

I know, it's a small update, but I'll show the mini-mini Halloween project soon. I have to finish the inside before I glue on the front frame as then I can't get into it, as well as do the roof and connect the lights. Done and it works! Just a few last things before I share. 

Here's the kit, (DIY Miniature House, Wooden Hut, Rolife kit), which I initially envisioned as a witch's hut as it was not your typical "house." Yes, my vesion is different-looking than this now except the basic frame and style is the same: (Online photo; Here's a YouTube Rolife video, much plainer version.)

I did take a trip to Dollar Tree and notice they're starting to put Halloween stuff out, so will have to check back again. And it'll soon be Christmas in July (or August?) ha!

* Short but sweet! Hope to have more soon. Thanks again for visiting! * 

Some Lavender Cottage Dollhouse Updates

Two of us at the Lavender Cottage..

I admit it's slow going and I wasn't too inspired. It's been way too hot, tired of being cooped up in the AC (though finally got to turn it off as of this writing - and now it's back on. haaa. Sooo humid!), my car got some more repairs - again - which cost more than quoted (of course!!) and I'm still missing my dog.

So slogging along.

Dormers trimmed. Will likely still add more trim. Maybe stars in that white space.

Anyway, I'm slowly getting things done here and there. The Lavender Cottage roof is done and trimmed but I keep having to touch up bare spots showing through. It gets to the point where I'll decide it's good enough and  then I can put the gloss varnish on. Then it'll be the vines and some wisteria and leaves next which will definitely add to it.  (* See last post of interior.)

I decided to go with the green color on the side trim and the front trim of the dormers. Gave it a bit more contrast. Now if I could just find where or where I put those small window flower boxes I'd set aside... you know, in that "safe" place... 😀

Here's the side peak:

One fun part is these odd little shelf-alcoves on the sides. The only thing I could think is that they'd make good nesting spots, so I extended the trim on the bottom to close it in more, then added some colored moss and a bird in one. 

I really am thinking of Halloween, so I'm making a couple weird plant flower beds to switch out and decided to see if I can make a small pumpkin patch. I am leaning toward making the whole inside Halloween next once I decorate it the regular way. I just can't resist and I really feel like changing it up already though I do have some decorating things to finish first. 

Anyway, that's it for now. Will share any new things soon! 

* Thanks again for visiting and your interest! * 

Great Miniature Ideas & How To's

(Photo: Americana lunch tin, J. Swanson, DIY blog)

 I'm still slowly working on finishing trim and painting the Lavender Cottage roof, (cutting/painting side trim - boring, boring) and also started a small Halloween-inspired project. (More on that to come.) 

For now, I thought I'd share some great miniature ideas and sites you may be unaware of, and for me to save them again as well. * See last post: miniature finds.

And hey, I'll be on topic for once. Here's a neat July 4th-inspired project, a nice Americana Peddlers Cart and this cute lunch tin (above) from the late Joann Swanson's DIY Blog. 

For years in the '80s and '90s, we all enjoyed and were inspired each month by the detailed, creative how to's she did in the old Nutshell News magazines. She has a great blog with some of her DIY projects. Check it out! If you're never made your own furniture, there's a certain satisfaction in figuring something out and making it yourself. Try it!

Some other inspiration from Joann:

Ghost swag for Halloween cart (DIY Miniatures blog)

 * Here's her Halloween Peddlers Cart and Witch's Kitchen. Getting in a Halloween mood since places are now advertising "Summerween." Michael's already has its Lemax SpookyTown items in. Have to get there yet.

 A tip: The blog's been up quite a while, but I'd still copy what you like as you never know when blogs and sites just disappear. But there is also the Way Back Machine - Internet Archive  where you can still find some old sites.

(Paper-covered armchair. 1 Inch Minis by Kris.)

 * Another detailed site with some great patterns and ideas is 1inchminisbyKris. She has a range of patterns, so be sure to rummage around. Most are 1-inch-scale, but don't forget if you're into half-scale like I am, simply print the patterns at 50% which usually works just fine.

* Some patterns: Make a vintage fridge. * Shabby Chic bed and mattress.

* I also use mat board to make furniture as it is easy to cut and sturdy once painted. Here's a cute vintage style hutch - kitchen cabinet to make.

* Gothic window and flowerpot patterns. Manila folder or light card (cereal box packaging or index cards) are great to make flowerpots from.

* Cute idea. Peacock chair. I have one of these someone made in a previous half-scale swap using cross-stich fabric. Have to find it, but I think mine uses a round block base. I set it aside to eventually use in the future Raggedy Ann House. Would make a nice garden chair - or how about a black Morticia-like chair for Halloween? (Yes, it always comes back to that. ha!)

* Make a vintage-style, comfy upholstered chair. Have wanted to try something like this style in half-scale. Another style: stuffed armchair covered with paper.

There are tons more there, so dig around. I only included a few that I might make at some point and saved the patterns for my use.

(Linen closet, Emily M blog)

* Emily Morganti also makes incredible half-scale dollhouses and has some great ideas like kitbashing a baby closet and chest of drawers to make a built-in linen closet. Be sure to check out her other houses and projects there, too. Here's the cabinet inserted in her bathroom wall (and above.) You'd never know it didn't come with the house or wasn't a commercial product! Great job and always an inspiration!

* Okay, that's it for now. Will share more minis soon. Thanks again for visiting! * 

Cool Miniature Finds, Kits, Halloween & More

What? Halloween already???

 I am painting the Lavender Cottage roof now, in spurts --- *** AND the first coat is DONE! Yay. But have to paint, cut, and put on side trim yet. Then planning some side gardens and a patio. The work is never done! haa!

 In the meantime, some cool and different things I've come across:

Believe it or not, Halloween stuff is coming out already! They call it "Summerween." So, Michaels already has the Lemax Spookytown Halloween stuff!  There's a cute mailbox with octopus arms and these cute Halloween dogs will have to come home with me (above). I always like to get new Halloween dogs and the tombstones. There's also an IT figure too (but $$$).                               

                          

* Here's a fun-looking Halloween project: Kiki's Magic Shop: Rolife/Amazon  (* Don't forget to check out my list of Craft books & book-related Book Nooks on the top tab or here.)

* How about a Halloween Haunted House book nook? (Boy these are getting pricey though!)  Fifijoy/Amazon

* Classic 3D Printed Monster Figures (about 1.25 inches high/32 mm; available to Nov. 30) I want the Creature from the Black Lagoon! 

* I recently lost my German Shepherd, Gracie, 14.5 years old. (Her puppy photo is in the top banner.) Was looking at a couple dollhouse-sized dog models on Etsy: Funny that I bought that dog at the show last time. But I do have a half-scale dog that I might paint white for the dollhouse. But not ready to do that yet.

* Some cute dog figures - 20 pcs/Amazon

* Awww! A sleeping Lab, 1/12th scale: Dog/Amazon

* For fun, another cute kit. Alice in Wonderland -  Rolife/Amazon

* So, the recent "big" little things are the MiniBrands Fill the Fridge and Mini-Minis Foods. (Fridge not coming up on Amazon yet.) While the fridge is bigger, more Barbie size, really wondering if some of the foods aren't close to 1/12th scale. Anyone know? 

* If you like to make your own polymer clay foods, or want to try your hand at it, the classic book, Making Miniature Foods & Market Stalls by Angie Scarr is a miniaturist's must! I've used this book and it really is easy to follow, with good results! 

* Angie Scarr also has some neat new 3D printed planters, 1/2" , 1" 1.5". (I can't find them on the website yet but she also has some nice kits besides her books.) She also has some great clay food canes.

 *  This is cool! An Old West Old Town Saloon Book Nook - Wondyland/Amazon

* That's it for the moment! Will post more soon. Thanks again for visiting! * 

(Note: Amazon links are affiliate links; may offer some compensation to blog poster.)

Miniature Greenhouse

Still working on the Mini-Mini Greenhouse while I'm shingling the Lavender Cottage dormers. (*Update: The rows are done! Yay! Now to paint and paint and... ) (*Click photos for full size.) 

In the meantime, I also changed and finished the front flowerbeds on that house. Switched a few things around as I wanted to use these purple bushes on each end. That looks better! The center pieces are removable in case I want to change some flowers out for seasons later on.

The greenhouse kit is almost done. (In case you're wondering, the greenhouse measures 6" h and 6" square.) Deciding on interior layout. The furniture pieces are filled. It's a greenhouse shop, so visitors can buy plants to products. PS - there's a mistake on one of the stands that I noticed (and fixed) after the photo was taken. (Of course!) Can you spot it? 😅

The various plant food, bug stuff, etc. canisters are from the potting bench project on Joann Swanson's DIY site. Some good printies and ideas here. I wrapped the printie labels around dowels or you can roll the paper as she shows. The tops I used are made from a 1/8" punch. The seed box I made was cut from mat board, with a label printed out. The kids' and gardening books are front cover printies of books I found online. I also made a small chaise that I wanted to put in the corner. 

A fun, simple project.

Speaking of greenhouses, here's a small potting shed that I made before, attached to my half-scale Country house.

I hopefully will be painting the Lavender Cottage roof soon and then can begin playing and setting up inside. That will take awhile... then what do I do???? ha! But... I am already envisioning changing it all around for Halloween! 

* Thanks again for visiting. Stay tuned for more projects and updates! *