#Halloween in #Miniature 2021-2: Meet the Guests!

 Welcome to this year's Halloween in Miniature.

** Be sure to grab a drink and some snacks, starting at Day 1, The Party Begins:

https://candidcanine.blogspot.com/2021/10/halloween-in-miniature-2021-party-begins.html

Come in, come in, honored guests and friends. Make yourself right at home. (Click photos for full size.)

Oh, do try the Glog. It's simply delightful, I hear, with oil of bat, bergamot, herbs, eye of newt... Cook doesn't scrimp on the good stuff, you know. (Glog from Patricia Paul Studio.)

You'll be excited to hear we have some distinguished guests visiting with us this year, even some celebrities. (The hand-sculpted 1" scale (1/12th) figures are hand-sculpted by Sharon Cariola. See more at her FB page: https://www.facebook.com/sharon.cariola)

 Click photos for full size.)

Oh, look. Can it be? Yes! Frank? Oh, there he is!

Come say hello to Mr. Frankenstein...

"No, call me Frankenstein's Monster..."

"Sorry, how about Frank for now..."

"Very well. Tank you for inviting me. I, um, am hoping I can finally make some friends. You know things didn't work out so well with my wife-to-be. And those villagers, all those pitchforks... The fires. Oh! It makes me shiver... I mean well, honest. It's just... sometimes... my thoughts get... mixed up. Garbled. You understand?"

Oh dear, he seems nervous, doesn't he? Maybe...

"Yes, yes, I see. Come into the other room. Get some snacks for yourself. We'll be right back." 

There now. I think it's best Frank is by himself for a while. I hope he can control his anger... 

Now, oh, look who it is! Why, it's the Snail Lady. My, my, she is even more exquisitely dressed than the rumors I heard! 

Psst, please I heard her ask a couple people if this new shell makes her look, you know... big? She got very perturbed at the answers... 

She's rather sensitive, so please, be kind. Tell her she looks wonderful!"

 (The Snail Lady figure is amazing! She looks just like the movie character in the Italian-made version of the movie Pinocchio by Roberto Garrone, starring Roberto Benigni as Geppetto. See the trailer on IMDB. I've borrowed this from the library - well, kind of an odd movie, mostly good for the scenery and the strange characters. The Snail Lady is really interesting.)

Oh, my, now I am a bit flustered myself! Why it's Morticia Addams from The Addams Family! My, my, she is quite lovely, isn't she? I wonder what her beauty secrets are, though I'm sure she'll never tell!

The room is getting rather crowded. I hope there are enough snacks for everyone....

Oh, darn, catch that one, would you? Heh-heh, Morticia thought that was pretty funny.  (Crawling tentacles, Michael R. Miniatures/Etsy, UK)

Hey, look! There's Grandpa Munster from The Munsters TV Show... Now there's a real celebrity, thousands of  years old, I think. No flash in the pan...

Well, he's a good guest to have as he only needs a fresh decanter of blood. I think we have some... 

Has anyone seen cook? Ah, I'll be right back. I can't figure out where she went. It's so hard to get good help these days!

* About the creator: 

Sharon Cariola has been making 1/12th scale figures of polymer clay over a wire armature for about 19 years. She was inspired after seeing some hand-sculpted dolls at a local dollhouse show and learned about making them by watching videos from UK doll artist James Carrington. 

She's had no special training, although working as a dental assistant, she jokes, could've helped a bit: "All that looking in people’s mouths has helped when it comes time to sculpt that area." But she says, "I always enjoyed drawing and took what art classes were available in school, but had no professional training. I am a people watcher by nature. I observe hands, ears, how clothing drapes, how shoes show wear, so many things." 

She's since made literally hundreds of figures, mostly of typical "everyday" people or  character sculpts of well-known celebrities and actors. "I usually make more everyday type dolls, but once in a while something more unusual catches my interest," she says. The dolls range in price from about $700 to $900, with portrait-type dolls on the high end.

After about a year of making them, she had amassed quite a few and with the help of her husband, Cariola decided to open a store on eBay. "I was really surprised when one finally sold," she recalls. "Now I am kept fairly busy filling special orders." See her FB page for information and photos. https://www.facebook.com/sharon.cariola

The dolls, which she works on one at a time, take "at least a week" to make. Cariola starts by sculpting the head and face separately, then she does the hands, feet, and the torso. The body parts are then baked,  painted, and assembled on wires. Wired areas get padded for shape before she makes the clothes. 

 "I like to use old cotton clothes from second hand shops and I cut my fabric from those," she says. "I used to really dread the costuming, but now it has become something I enjoy."

The most difficult aspect of sculpting, she notes, "is the head, but I also really like to work at it. I often work three days on just the face." Her tip: "If you want the doll to look “human” use photo references. You can find pictures on the internet of people with some claim to fame. Good profile images are very helpful."

While she says her early dolls were much simpler and thus took less time to make, she's still amazed at how far she's come. Several of her dolls are in museum collections including a miniature Harriet Tubman and the painter, William Turner in the KSB (Kathleen Savage Browning) Miniatures Collection  in the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center.

Others are in personal collections around the world. But a few... well, they don't make it

 "I recently cleaned up my work area and tossed a few 'loser dolls' in the trash," she says. "I wonder what folks at the dump must have thought of them."  

(Of course, we often are our harshest critics. I can't believe her 'misfits' were that bad, even if they didn't measure up to her exacting standards. And wouldn't you like to dig in her trash?) --Christine Verstraete

** See what and who's next on Day 3: https://candidcanine.blogspot.com/2021/09/halloween-in-miniature-shop-till-you-drop.html

Some Creepy Fun:

Speaking of the Munsters... remember the coffin racer in the show? The Dragula racecar is for sale! See it in color on page here. 

 

* And some exciting news!! *

Yes, my new ebook - IN MINIATURE STYLE: Halloween is up for pre-order!

(Print version is in the works!) See details and photos at website.  More details on Friday!

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

** Be sure to come back tomorrow for more Halloween fun! (Links are not live until the day of post.)

Day 1, Today - The Party Begins

https://candidcanine.blogspot.com/2021/10/halloween-in-miniature-2021-party-begins.html

Day 2: Meet the Guests

https://candidcanine.blogspot.com/2021/10/halloween-in-miniature-2021-2-meet.html

Day 3: Shop 'Till You Drop

https://candidcanine.blogspot.com/2021/09/halloween-in-miniature-shop-till-you-drop.html

Day 4: The Party's Not Dying

https://candidcanine.blogspot.com/2021/10/halloween-in-miniature-4-partys-dying.html

Day 5: Happy Halloween Surprise!

https://candidcanine.blogspot.com/2021/10/happy-halloween-surprise.html

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

*** GIVEAWAY: See all details on Day 5

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* Or Enter Here if display not working: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f1cf9a545/?

 

#Halloween in #Miniature 2021: The Party Begins!

 💀 WELCOME, WELCOME to this year's HALLOWEEN IN MINIATURE! 👀

 

By Christine Verstraete

Your hostess Mrs. Skellie is looking forward to sharing her favorite Halloween things with you and inviting you in for  quite the shindig this year. She's made a few new friends, too, that you're sure to remember!

First off:

Now, no pushing, swearing, or taking too many goodies. Be nice, please.  

WARNING: There's a new cook and she's been in a nasty mood. Tick her off and well... let's say she's rather fond of that rusty, bloody axe she keeps close at hand!

(Lizzie Borden miniature axe, Debra Hinton. (If you like dark miniatures, check out her Darkside Miniatures group on FB. It's a private group so you may not be able to access it. Check out the Lizzie Borden post in a past Halloween in Miniature: https://candidcanine.blogspot.com/2019/10/halloween-in-miniature-2019-3-lizzie.html  )

(NOTE: I am adding full links to the name links also as, for some reason, I have been having trouble with old links like on last year's Halloween in Miniature not working. But it could be a Google glitch or something. Let me know if you have any problems. (You can contact me via my website.) 

On to the party!

Come in, come in.

 Please be sure to wipe your feet as the housekeeper (If you must know, that's me, since we can't seem to keep help around here) will get mighty grumpy if you track dirt all over that clean floor! What do you mean it doesn't look clean? Hmpf! The nerve of some people. (Photos: tama 66, smeeshane/pixabay.com. )

** Right click the rug to save and print/reduce for your own dollhouse doormat!)

Oh, shhh! QUIET! Please, whisper, and don't  walk too heavily. Whatever you do, don't wake the baby! She and her brood can be quite irritable (a bit bitey, too!)  when woken suddenly.  (Baby rat, Patricia Paul Studio/Etsy -Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PatriciaPaulStudio) 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/PatriciaPaulMiniatures; 

 Website: https://www.patriciapaulstudio.com/  (Psst: sign up for her newsletter and you're sure to get some cool freebies and printies!)

Yes, yes, everyone seems cranky this year. Must be that awful plague out there. Why, we had the doctor out a few days ago, just to be sure. Luckily, no one was infected, so don't worry. 

(Plague Doctor, Agne Mikalauskiene from Lithuania; Cosy Dolls/Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/listing/1080565797/112-scale-doll-plague-doctor-doll) 

Now, on to more cheerful things. Mmmm! We're offering some scrumptious goodies from a few new caterers this year...  Did you see that delicious-looking candy? Yum! Hey, put some back! I saw you fill your pockets! Please leave some for the other guests due to arrive soon.

(Candy and pumpkins, Michael Robbins, Michael R. Miniatures, UK)

Now, I formally want to welcome you all with a toast. Of course, you must try the house wine. Has quite the kick, I hear. haaa! (C. Verstraete www. cverstraete.com). 

OOH! There's the doorbell. Someone's here! It's so exciting!! Now who could it be???

Some Halloween mood music: Play along!

* NEW! Fun projects for any season! BUY:  In Miniature Style: Halloween ebook here. * See more photos and links at website.

** Be sure to come back tomorrow for more Halloween fun! (Links are not live until the day of post.)

Day 1, Today - The Party Begins

https://candidcanine.blogspot.com/2021/10/halloween-in-miniature-2021-party-begins.html

Day 2: Meet the Guests

https://candidcanine.blogspot.com/2021/10/halloween-in-miniature-2021-2-meet.html

Day 3: Shop 'Till You Drop

https://candidcanine.blogspot.com/2021/09/halloween-in-miniature-shop-till-you-drop.html

Day 4: The Party's Not Dying

https://candidcanine.blogspot.com/2021/10/halloween-in-miniature-4-partys-dying.html

Day 5: Happy Halloween Surprise!

https://candidcanine.blogspot.com/2021/10/happy-halloween-surprise.html

#Halloween in #Miniature is Coming!

 

Check out some spooky fun, and a "little" bit creepy things in this year's 

HALLOWEEN IN MINIATURE!

OCT. 27 - 31!

Be there or turn into a pumpkin! Bwaaaah-ha!!!!

My Great Story News! #writing #christmas #mystery

 Some Big News!

Recognize this logo??

Well, I just got word, my short Christmas mystery titled so far - "Killer Christmas Cookies" was accepted in Woman's World Magazine! (You know, the newstand mag?!!) It's kind of a cute, funny, quirky story....

So far it'll be in Dec. 20,  on sale Dec. 9-15. I'll post more news and the cover when I get it.

I am just so tickled!! This was a fun story I got a quick idea on. I seem to do best with holiday mysteries, it seems, and was working on a Halloween one, but it was too late, so I got a Christmas idea instead. So... just so happy!!! Now I'll have to think of another one. I can't wait to see this in print!

A #Halloween story: The #Dollhouse

 

I'm cross-posting as I figured my miniaturist friends would enjoy a little spooky Halloween fun via a creepy dollhouse story! (Photo: Pixabay)

A creepy, but not gory story! You knew that I would somehow figure out a way to include a  dollhouse in a Halloween story! 

** My new story, "The Dollhouse," is up today - Thursday, Oct. 21 here - https://monkeypantz.net/the-dollhouse.

** Follow along every day to Oct. 31! All stories will post here on Jack's website: https://monkeypantz.net/ **

In a Halloween Mood #dollhouse #miniatures

 

Yes, I've been quiet. Busy, but quiet, so thought I'd do a little post before the BIG EVENT.

What's that? Well... HALLOWEEN IN MINIATURE is Coming! OCT. 27-31.... (Duh I had Dec. in there! Grr!) and I've got a surprise (I think!) Yes, I have been trying my best to get my book, IN MINIATURE STYLE: HALLOWEEN ready! It's in the works, it's just the layout stuff that is putting me behind... But I think you'll like it!

No, the pic isn't wonky; just took it on an angle. The bottom and tops were painted gold. That pattern on the bottom is repeated in inserts for the sides, too.

The half-scale Halloween dollhouse is, well, coming along very slowly. I get put off on something and set it aside, then go back to it. So, in the meantime, I did get this Gothic table and bookcase kit (above) from SDK Miniatures done. The shelves need books, of course and some spider webbing. But I loved that kit the first time I saw it some moons ago. I have another double one, too... in case she ever stops making them! ha! And I'll likely buy a few more if I see her at a show again. You know how things disappear at some point or they stop making them.  I also have a single bookcase and the gothic chairs to do. I've been thinking of doing a library in a book box and the whole set would look cool for that. Yeah, I needed another project! It's such a great looking set! She has a gothic desk, too, and a regular bookcase:

Just finally finished the two staircases so far in the Halloween house. I did some adapting on the first floor set with the blue paper as it wouldn't fit right. The bonus is that once it's all together, I left a small hole in the back on the bottom of the wall behind the stairs for a surprise. So sometimes goofs have good results! Couldn't resist using this odd cat-Halloween print for the second floor walls. Most of the walls will be regular paper, though. I want to make it kind of run-down in spots and not too bright Halloweenish. We'll see how it goes. 

Still need to finish, add the railings, add more black paint (and cover that hole in the wall... or... maybe I'll expand it a bit...). I know, not too exciting, but that's how it goes in building houses. 

So, that's it for the moment. Come back soon for Halloween fun, giveaways and more!

Life, Love and Starting Over in The Shell Collector #romance #beachread

 

 Today I'm featuring a touching and personal interview with Nancy Naigle, USA Today Bestselling Author of The Shell Collector. Plus, there's a fantastic giveaway, see below! ** See more details and fun games at Nancy's website.

About the Book:

Two years after her husband’s death, Amanda Whittier has two children to raise alone, an abandoned dream of starting a business, and a fixer-upper cottage by the sea. She has no room in her life for anything else and little interest in moving on after losing the man she loved.

Paul Grant is a relative newcomer to the area, and his work with former military dogs needing rehabilitation has been good for the town. Though he loved once before, he’s convinced he’s not suited for romance and is determined to find meaning—alone—through his work and role in the community. Widowed Maeve Lindsay was born and raised on Whelk’s Island. Spirited, kind, and a little mischievous, she pours her life into the town. But she carries a secret that shapes her every move.

Together, these three souls find encouragement in the most mysterious places and discover a love that’s bigger than their pain, healing their wounded hearts in ways none of them could have hoped for or expected.

An Interview with Nancy Naigle:

What inspired The Shell Collector? 

I was inspired by a story my cousin shared with me about a friend of our family who walked the beach near her home in the Outer Banks of North Carolina every day. With something heavy on her heart, one day she kicked up a shell that had something written inside it. A scripture, and it was the perfect message to lift her spirits. Over a period of time she found four shells with messages. She never knew where they came from. That story stuck with me after I lost my husband, and just five weeks later my cousin who had told me that story. I could’ve used a bucket of those shells to get through that year. I didn’t find any shells, but I did discover this story in my heart. I hope you love it, and that it helps many people find peace through difficult times.

What was your favorite part of the story and why? 

When Maeve and Amanda go to Charleston together. It was such a simple thing that Maeve had dreamed of. People sometimes want to experience things that they feel are out of reach, but can be simple with a little help.

If you had to live in this setting, which place would you choose as yours?

 I grew up in Virginia Beach so I spent lots of days on the beach, and I love walking in the wet sand where the water just laps over my feet. If I lived in Whelks Island, I’d have a little bungalow like Amanda’s within walking distance to the diner and church. I’d paint it a pretty turquoise with shutters the color of driftwood. Of course, I’d create a set of windchimes from the pretty shells I collected. Soft colors. Clear of clutter. It would be like living at a spa. 

What do you want readers to know about your characters? 

Amanda and Maeve are generations apart, but they build the most wonderful friendship and help each other in such different ways. I hope everyone finds a Maeve in their lifetime. Paul was Amanda’s best friend, and their friendship is put to the test. I love the multiple friendships and history of these characters.

How much of your own life inspired the story? 

This story is much more personal than anything I’ve ever written. Being a widow is hard, and I wanted to write a special story about coming through grief that would not only be a heartfelt read, but something you’d want to share with a friend. The loss of my husband, finding peace on the ocean and collecting seashells as in the book, those are part of who I am. The character of Maeve came to me so clearly. She was a joy to write.

What were The hardest and easiest parts of writing this book? 

This was a story I was really driven to write following the loss of my husband in 2014. It took me a long time to be able to write about that grief. None of it was easy, but I found so much joy writing the scenes with Amanda’s children at the beach. Being a native of Virginia Beach, I was able to pull from my memories of my brother and I as children. That was so much fun.

What kind of work did you do before writing this book? 

How it prepared you (or didnt!?) for writing this and other books. Oh gosh. THE SHELL COLLECTOR is my 32nd published novel. Before I was published, I was a senior vice president with Bank of America in Technology and Audit. My career has really helped me as an author. I’m used to working to deadlines, and tracking progress. I also use all of my project management and relationship skills, and being tech-savvy is sure a blessing in this line of work.

What's next? 

WHAT REMAINS TRUE comes out in May 2022. It is set in the same small town of Antler Creek in my novel, CHRISTMAS ANGELS. It was so fun to go back to Antler Creek and meet up again with the locals there and meet some newcomers to the area. I hope everyone who hasn’t yet read CHRISTMAS ANGELS will order it today and read it over the holidays, and then mark the date for the new book. Psst—it’s already available for preorder.

What do you hope readers take away from this book? 

You know, grief is hard. Everyone in this world will go through it, and yet it remains one of the hardest things we are ever faced with. I hope this story comforts those who have faced that type of loss, but for those who have not yet… I pray that this story settles in their heart and somewhere tucked in the back of their mind so that when they are faced with grief this story comes to mind and helps them traverse those choppy waters with grace and comfort.

My Review:

You'll Love This Heartfelt Story!

A fantastic book that takes you into the lives of people touching the lives of others. It's a fast read you'll devour in one or two sittings. It has great background, charming characters, and a wonderful setting. I pretty much guessed what would happen but that didn't stop me from reading, sometimes with a clenched throat and tears. A touching story of change, loss, love and hope. Loved it!

Some Fun Freebies:

* Free excerpt and downloadable shell quote cards from the book -  https://www.nancynaigle.com/theshellcollector

* Online crossword puzzle -  https://crosswordhobbyist.com/878130

* Online book cover jigsaw –  https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=0b0f73ca9041

Giveaway!  Get an autographed copy of the book, beach bag and hand painted shell with a quote from the book.  See  https://woorise.com/thebookreviewcrew/the-shell-collector or enter below.

The Shell Collector

Dollhouse Video! #miniatures #half scale

Finished the last few additions (for now) in the Victorian dollhouse, so I tried making a video of the rooms. I put it up on my website Miniatures page here. 

The house is now covered with a giant acrylic case we made to keep out the dust and dog hair (which seems to get everywhere!) 

 I realize I didn't get a full photo of the front after it was finished, instead you can find photos of different sections in the blog archives in left column.

What I'm Reading: Keep Summer Close: The Shell Collector #romance #beachread

Hey, I don't read all dark horror, you know. Every now and then I like to settle in with a good historical, and yes, even a love story, beachy-read kind of book.

So, the pretty cover on this one definitely caught my eye. Oh, and the book contributed by the author for her upcoming blog tour also came with this pretty painted seashell, which was a nice surprise! Now you know me, I'm a sucker for little stuff and... my miniaturist's mind also was thinking, Ooh! Can I use this in the someday beach dollhouse or another house? You bet I will. I'll find a way to use it - it's too pretty not to use!

Oh! A quote on the underside too: (Good advice!)

For now, stay tuned for an upcoming blog tour, review giveaway and interview. Learn more at the author's website, where she has all kinds of cool stuff!. She has some online puzzles and more on the book page, too. She's also had several of her novels adapted to film showing on the Hallmark channel!

And here's more about the book:  (Sounds good, right?)

The Shell Collector, USA Today Bestselling Author Nancy Naigle - A novel of a friendship that crosses generations, and learning how even the smallest gifts can change a life for good.

Two years after her husband’s death, Amanda Whittier has two children to raise alone, an abandoned dream of starting a business, and a fixer-upper cottage by the sea. She has no room in her life for anything else and little interest in moving on after losing the man she loved. 

Paul Grant is a relative newcomer to the area, and his work with former military dogs needing rehabilitation has been good for the town. Though he loved once before, he’s convinced he’s not suited for romance and is determined to find meaning—alone—through his work and role in the community. 

Widowed Maeve Lindsay was born and raised on Whelk’s Island. Spirited, kind, and a little mischievous, she pours her life into the town. But she carries a secret that shapes her every move. 

Together, these three souls find encouragement in the most mysterious places and discover a love that’s bigger than their pain, healing their wounded hearts in ways none of them could have hoped for or expected.

 

#Miniature Photo Room Box Latest

 What's this, you ask??

Yes! I am starting to plan this year's HALLOWEEN IN MINIATURE posts. I think I have some fun stuff lined up, so be sure to come back and keep in touch!

In the meantime... ha! Remember the photo box I mentioned earlier? Well, it's about done, except for putting some trim in to hold the front glass. See progress below.

Well, I really love how the inside turned out and at the latest Goodwill trip, yes, I found two more boxes above. I kept thinking on it and decided I better not pass them up, especially as the top one was really different. Yeah, I needed more projects. haa! 

The top box is cool as it's smaller and if you look close it has a peaked roof with a round ball. I see a room, don't you?  So stacked on top the other one, it can be a tower of rooms. The second box is the same style but these two are mahogany while the first box I bought is a lighter blond wood. But I may still stack them for variety. All I have to do is lift them off to open the lid and get inside. I'm putting in lights with a battery pack and on/off button on the back of each.

Now the first one (below) was going to be an attic...then hubby mentioned a tiki bar. So maybe I'll order that tiki bar kit I've been seeing... I recently found a neat tiki monster statue by chance, too...

I love how the wood walls and the brick wall came out.

I added paper squares on top inside as I kept the wood top slats on the outside. Then I added new strips inside and put the wiring under those for the lights. See? Anything can be a room if you don't have a lot of space and have some patience. ha!

So maybe I can make a tiki bar in the basement, have an entrance and sitting room on floor 1 (I might leave the divider in and make an outside scene on one side for variety though it's a small space) and some kind of tower bedroom... ??? Decisions, decisions... The height of these seems to fit half scale the best, too. We'll see... 

The Halloween house is also underway.... slowly. More posts will be coming.

Thanks for stopping by!