#Halloween In #Miniature 2019 - 2: The Parlor

💀 Welcome to Day 2 of Halloween in Miniature! 💀

(If you missed it, start at Day 1.)

By Christine Verstraete

 Mrs. Skellie turned to make sure everyone was there.  "I see we haven't lost anyone. Glad you decided to come along and didn't touch any of those mysterious potions. (Photo: Skellie, Chris V. Click photos for full size.)

"Nasty, vile stuff if you ask me, but don't tell anyone I said so. Why, I heard the gardener dared touch one of the bottles and he-he turned into something... Of course, I didn't see him myself, you understand, but one of the maids told me she saw him hopping around here somewhere before she quit... (Photo: Polymer clay frog, 1.5 cm, Georgia Marfels) 

"Now, take a seat. Oh, dear..."

"Mr. Darcy, GET OFF the settee!! Oh, that dog. I've told him over and over. Well, you'll have to find another place to sit. Don't be afraid. He's a big baby. He won't hurt you.

"WAIT! No, don't sit there! Sorry. That's the Invisible Man's chair, and well... No, I can't tell which one, but I'm sure you don't want to sit in his lap. I wish he'd pick up a drink or wear something more visible. Claude, forgive us, please." 

(Photos: Dog/settee, chairs, Patricia Paul. ) New York artisan Patricia Paul started making miniatures back in the '80s. She got into creating small scale Halloween items a decade later when her son, who was nine at the time, wanted a miniature haunted house. The bug never left her, she says: "I like trying new things, but I still love the posed skeletons."

"You had your coffee?" Mrs. Skellie asks. "For those of you who would prefer something stronger, we have some marvelous Bloody Mary drinks and other refreshments. It's our house brand with a 'secret' ingredient. No, don't ask. Didn't I say it was secret?"

"Also, feel free to sample any of our goodies as well. Cook has done quite a job preparing this repast for everyone. Lots of "finger" foods for your enjoyment." (Photos: Two food tables and plates, Chris V.)

A commotion sounded in the other room. "Oh, now what in the world was that?" Mrs. Skellie leaves to peek in the kitchen, with everyone following behind her.

 "Henny! Can't you use the door like everyone else? She insists on coming through the wall, scares the heck out of me. My last cook quit because of her. " (Photo: Ghost in wall,  Sue Wakefield.)

"Thank goodness, Cook Walton has been with me for decades. She's afraid of nothing.  What? Oh, yes, she has some fruit, cheeses and some other non-meat goodies for our vegetarian friends. Oops, we better leave. She hates being bothered when she's working. (Photo: Table and spooky goodies, Patricia Paul.)

"Whew, that was a close one. I saw her pick up that cleaver and I was never so glad to see her chopping up something else! 

"So, let's go back to the parlor. You're welcome to peruse our wonderful library, get a drink, maybe try out a game or the Ouija. 
(Photos: Fortuneteller and cabinet, Chris V. Ouija board box printie on Etsy, Barbara Del Duco)

" Our resident fortuneteller, Madame Zelda, would also be pleased to tell you your fortune. She may even ask you to look into one of her special crystal balls... if you dare."

**** COMMENTS MAY NOT BE WORKING - Enter rafflecopter (day 1) or send comment to me at my website page. I'll pick a random winner for a book, ebook or a mini Halloween goodie bag. (Gifts US Mailing only.) ****

🙀 Go to Day 3. (Link may not be immediately live.)

👿 Free mini Ouija board. Print, cut out on black border and glue to mat board or wood. Paint or color edges black with acrylic paints or Sharpie marker. Spray with acrylic matte fixative and coat with Mod Podge Gloss.

👾 Also do a search on Google to find other images. Here's an idea to make a full-size tray and free Ouija printables that also can be adapted to mini.

💀 Mrs. Skellie's Reading List:

 Monster in Miniature, Margaret Grace (Camille Minichino) - #5 in the Miniature Mystery series - This miniaturist is in BIG trouble... For a festive Halloween project, Geraldine Porter and her granddaughter, Maddie, set out to create a multi-story haunted dollhouse. But their holiday fun turns to fear when a neighborhood scarecrow turns out to be a bloody corpse. (Start the series with Book 1, Murder in Miniature - Kindle or Print.)

 * Read something spooky! 100 Word Zombie Bites features 100 little zombie stories. Includes my two new stories, The Awakening and The Heist. Coming in paperback soon. 

#Halloween in #Miniature 2019 - Welcome!

Welcome at last to this year's HALLOWEEN IN MINIATURE!  

It's the 10th Anniversary!!

Wow, I was updating the Halloween in Miniature Page (see top tab) and I just realized - I started this back in 2009! This is the 10th Anniversary of Halloween in Miniature!! Thank you to the miniaturists who've allowed me to share their work since the beginning and to the new artisans I've met along the way! 

There'll be posts all week so be sure to check back for all kinds of spoooky fun and surprises! As a bonus, don't forget to check out Mrs. Skellie's reading list! (Click on images for full size.)

By Christine Verstraete

As you can see, the neighborhood is already all decorated for Halloween. Everyone is also really excited for the big Halloween night party, aren't you? Why, even the dogs have their costumes on!  (Projects, Chris Verstraete)

We'll come back and visit the houses on this street later... First, let's go around the corner...

Step lively now... oh, don't worry about the things hiding in the shadows or the funny noises... they won't hurt you... heh-heh....  (CLICK LEFT ARROW BELOW FOR SOUND. soundbible.com - Sorry they may not work. This was something new I tried.) 

Ever been to an asylum... of your own free will, I mean? 

Well, miniaturist Debra Hinton from the UK has such a place based on the historic asylums of old. She also indulges her love of the macabre via her Darkside Morbid Miniatures. Warning - not for the fainthearted!)

Dark and dismal it may be... no, ignore the screams, it's fine, really.... but the folks who live and work here are actually a jolly sort and have a real sense of community. They're looking forward to visitors.  

Please, we request you stay with the group and do not go off on your own. The building is quite big and you may not find your way back...


CLICK LEFT ARROW BELOW FOR SOUND. Hoping it still works. Sorry, this wasn't easy to figure.) (sarasprella, soundbible.com) 



Sorry, the door hinges need a bit of oil...

"Hi, I mean, Welcome. Won't you come in for a drink? Gram calls me Matilda but I like Tillie better. My grandma Mrs. Skellie said I should greet you and be proper.

"Would you like some coffee? Cream or black? Did I say that all right?" (Photo: Little Witch, Chris V.)

(Photo: Coffee by Patricia Paul. You'll be seeing a lot of her cool, spooky miniatures on our journey. See more at her website or visit her gallery.)

"GRAMMM! WE HAVE VISITORS!!"

"Matilda! Didn't I say we do NOT shout in front of the guests?"

"Oh dear, Please, excuse my granddaughter. I'm Mrs. Skellie. Matilda, now please, tell cook to get the refreshments ready. We're so glad you've arrived. We've been waiting for you."

Matilda looks back and waves as she runs off. "Bye. It was good to meet you!"

Mrs. Skellie set her book down and gave a low chuckle. "Now, please follow me. I'll take you to the parlor. I'm sure there won't be any more yelling. You know how kids can be!

"Oh, what am I reading you ask? Well, if you must know, I love books... I've enjoyed them for, why... centuries! haaaa!
I'll be sure to let you know some of my old and new favorites for this spooky season.

 "Come along, come along. Please, no touching. Do not handle the knick-knacks and potions collection. Some of these items are truly irreplaceable and... well, I can't be responsible for what happens if you do! I told the housekeeper to straighten up the collection a little but.... " She sighs. "It's so hard to find good help these days. You'll see we have quite a few priceless items here. No dawdling. Hurry along now." (Photos: Skellie, Chris V. Potions, Debra Hinton)

😾 Follow along to Day 2. 

(Links may not be immediately live.) 

NOTE: All links will be on the Halloween in Miniature tab on top of the blog.

Mrs. Skellie's Reading List: 

 Edgar Allan Poe: 10 Creepiest Stories, Illustrated (The Raven, The Black Cat, Pit and the Pendulum, etc.) 

😸 Speaking of Mini Books: Sign up for Patricia Paul's newsletter and she'll send you a free printie book sheet. I also have some free Halloween and other book printables on my website miniatures page.

💀 (For more fun and photos of more cool projects, check out the Facebook groups, the Haunted Orchid Dollhouse Club and The Witch's Dolls House.  

(Free Halloween animations, https://www.fg-a.com/halloween.shtml)
 

 BONUS! Comment here on the blog about your favorite part of the tour and enter the Rafflecopter for a chance to win a copy of my book, Dollhouse Decor & More  co-authored with Joanna Campbell Slan. (** Also, please sign up for my monthly writing newsletter at my website.) If you can't enter, here's the link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f1cf9a548/?. Ends 10/31. US Shipping only. Overseas winners will get a Kindle copy. Be sure to share email so I can contact winner. )

**** COMMENTS MAY NOT BE WORKING - Enter rafflecopter (day 1) or send comment to me at my website page. I'll pick a random winner for a book, ebook or a mini Halloween goodie bag. (Gifts US Mailing only.) ****


a Rafflecopter giveaway

#Halloween in #Miniature is Coming!!

Bwaaaaahhh-ha! 

It's almost here!

 ** Come back here tomorrow for Day 1 of 

Halloween in Miniature 2019!! **  - 10th Anniversary!

We'll be "cooking up" lots of spooky things for you to enjoy!

(Spooky stove by Patricia Paul.)

Amazingly, I just realized I started this event waaaay back in 2009 - so this is the 10th Anniversary!

Enjoy some great Halloween miniatures daily beginning Oct. 26 to Oct. 31.

I dare you!!

.

Halloween in Miniature Day 1 link - live on Oct. 26

Update: #Halloween Projects

I didn't realize it's been a bit since I posted. Gigi has been busy with school and her job, but she is making progress on the Paris Miniature Project. Hopefully we'll have some "small" updates soon! 

In the meantime, I've been working on - what else? - Halloween projects. ha!

Some updates: New photos of this year's Halloween set-up. I've been trying to get photos of the whole thing or a video. The fun thing is I added flashing lights to the inside of the gray-purple Victorian house. Fun as it makes it look like it's haunted but - it's hard to photograph. haa!

Here are some recent pix I took. I'll try to get more photos yet. I also have a new small project that I'm saving to reveal. (Click photos for full size.)

Take a walk in the cemetery.. Just added this cemetery wall set (above and below) from Lemax. It has gargoyles on the back and sides and is nice to section the area off.

Another new addition since we had some rebate coupons. The Witch's Tower. It's pretty cool as the small witches on top spin around.  

The Victorian Half Scale Haunted house...

It's hard to tell here, but those are the lights flashing inside... It's a purple - yellow - green strand. 

It's best not to wander too far as you never know who you'll run into...

Added the green trees too, which are really for outside but they're kind of cool added to the display.

So... just a few scenes to get you in the Halloween mood. Don't forget to come back on OCT. 26 for HALLOWEEN IN MINIATURE!!

The Latest: #Miniature Record Store

You remember I was working on a miniature record store in the corner shop of the Houseworks' Street of Shops? (See previous post.)

Well, progress! Kind of....

I fitted it together as I got the outside painted and the windows in - finally. (That was after breaking a couple and scratching one. A HINT: Got a large poster frame with acrylic at Hobby Lobby. Cuts easy. With coupon was $7.) . 

I love the results, especially the pink - fuchsia -  door, but LOTS of painting. That top blank space above the door is going to have a fun accent and I have some more decorative paper to put below the windows.

And then... I couldn't get it to fit right.... ARGGH!!! I painted one of the walls wrong. Turned it on the wrong sidem so I have to repaint it. At least it's only one wall!!! But getting there...

Feel free to share your best goofs. Make me feel better. 😆

New #Halloween Minis! #Halloween in #Miniature 2019 is Coming!

I love Halloween and miniatures, so combining the two is always fun. I look forward to finding new items, setting up my mini displays, and sharing the amazing work of others.

Wow, I've been lax! I didn't realize I haven't done a Halloween series post since 2015, so I'm overdue to have a Halloween in Miniatures week! (See the top tab here on the blog for previous links.) 

I've been on a great Halloween group on FB, the Haunted Orchid Dollhouse Club, so I've been inspired by a lot of the work I've seen there. Many of the creators agreed to let me share their work, so my big thanks to them! So... 

Look for it Halloween Week!

 Animation: https://www.fg-a.com/halloween.shtml

In the meantime.... to get in the Halloween mood,  I thought I'd  share a few of the fun minis I just found at Michael's. The new items were so cute, I got a big kick out of them! Glad I got others from the Lemax line in previous years as they never repeat them - and they really didn't have much this year! No furnishings, barely any figures! They still have the tombstones and coffins, though.

The Tiny Treasures line are really cute and this year they had some great ones!
Aren't these neat?!! Love the candle!

The pumpkins are stackable and flat from the Tim Holtz line.

I also got the skeleton clown figure from the Tiny Treasures minis. The grim reaper statue holding the skulls behind him at left (which light up!!) is also new and is from Lemax. (Lucky I got it half off as they were gone already!)  The costumed dogs are from Lemax from the summer beach line. (Costumed dogs contest.)

I wanted to share this despite the poor photo - this is with the Halloween picks and greenery decorations - pretty cool copper colored skeleton beads. I also got one with silver beads. They're different sizes. I thought they'd make good vases or for other mini decorating.

I also got some more lenticular (changing image) pictures from Recollections. (Looks like they shrunk the amount of pictures this year and only ones I saw.)

July-Aug #Miniature #Dollhouse Projects Progress

A little late, but an update on what I've gotten done this past month. Sometimes you feel like you're not getting anywhere so it's nice to see photos of what you actually have gotten done! (Click photos for full size.)

I know I already posted about the Half Scale Haunted House. I decided to add some plants on the balcony and some decorations in the front yard. Ghosts can water them, you know! ha! (Ignore that white shelf on the lawn. Poltergeists left it there!)

I also got some plants made - Made this half scale planter box kit, which were named Black Eyed Susans but I decided on painting them an orange color - from SDK Miniatures.  I'm making other flowers, so I'll show those next time. 

For fun, I changed the stained glass room. I had these things in a glass case but I think this looks better.

Also I finally put the front on the Raggedy Ann room box.

And... here is the latest progress from the Record Store exterior. I like how the colors came out. It look forever to decide on the combination! I also painted some bookcases and a wall trellis for display items. This is going to be VERY colorful! 

TIP: If you didn't know... use a feather to make your marbling lines in a contrasting color of acrylic paint. I've been finding a lot of crow feathers outside lately...  

For a change of pace, I decided to make the pillars dark purple with gray lines this time instead of black as I did on my other building. Think I'll use the purple on the other two buildings, too, which will be Halloween-related. (I can't resist!)

#Paris #Miniature Project 22 - It's Curtains & More!

Hello Everyone! Progress and Happy August! (Already??!)

 As the gold curtains are finished (see previous update #20), the second floor is now together! 

It's getting exciting as the ‘zillion’ little things I've been working on are now coming together. At the time it doesn't seem like anything is going on!

I also finished the third floor curtains and soon the third floor will be glued after another unplanned modification. (Click photos for full size.) (Fantastic! Love the curtains!!--Chris)

First, let me talk about the curtains. I found this delicate lacy material which is soft and thin, and they have now become curtains. I individually sewed on the gold rings that came with the expandable rod (highlandminis on Etsy). The curtains have a hem. I used transparent thread, which is like a fishing line, but much thinner. The side windows are lacy as well, but not as fancy as the curtains over the doors. I wanted something that I can open and close, so the reason for sewing the rings on. After all this is a bedroom, and privacy is necessary!  

Each curtain has a tieback with blue tassels (also from highlandminis). So, I can unhook the gold rings from the hook on each side and they close. I am so tickled with the results. It allows me to “play” with the scene as the doors will lead out to a balcony. The photo shows the table and chairs with the doors open (without the curtains).

Now on to the modification for the third floor. The kit is a little wider and narrower (in depth) than the floors below. Originally, I was going to add a small balcony to the width of the third floor, but now my DH will be cutting out a new “floor” that is the width and desired length. The balcony will still run the length of the third floor but it will be 4 inches wide hanging about 1 ½ to 2 inches over the second floor. This way there will be more room to have fun with the balcony. 

As I mentioned in Monday's post #21, I finished two of the geranium kits that I ordered from TheMiniatureGarden (UK) on Etsy. This is one of the mini balconies (below) that will be in front of the second floor windows. I just have to make two more flower kits for the second balcony.

Well, that's all for today! Probably next week, I'll be able to talk about another modification on how to get from the second floor to the third floor.

Until next time... Happy Creating!--Gigi

****************************************

The planning continues for the Paris Miniature Project which is my friend Gigi's  Serendipity Shed renovation for the HBS 2019 Creatin’ Contest. 

(Click photo in left column to go to Day 1 or here - Day 1  - See last entry Day 21.)

 * Don't forget you can put your email in the subscribe to updates box under the Paris photo in left column also to let you know when a new post goes up.