Halloween in Miniature 23:10: Skellies!

Early setup of the viewing room. Have to add a base too. And those pillars have since been partly painted gold. You'll see; it looks pretty cool.

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 Welcome back to HALLOWEEN IN MINIATURE!

If any creatures convey Halloween, it may be skeletons! 

 (Click photos for full size; see more posts in left column archives.)

Start/see schedule Day 1  - Next: Day 11

Since I already posted some skeletons on Day 3, I thought I'd share some progress on the would-be skeleton funeral parlor. Maybe it'll even be mostly ready by Halloween. haa! Not that there's any hurry, you know. They're already dead.  😆

The roombox was papered ages ago and then I let it sit. I had decided to put some wood on the walls, then never finished. I had green wallpaper on the bottom as in this photo below. I guess it's the year to finish the UFO's, like the men's store I did earlier in the humidor/cigar box.

Early view of the parlor:

Well! I finally got one side done (hey that's progress!) and I decided to add a faux doorway from a couple doors I had from an old dollhouse. I think it came out pretty good! I glued a garden scene from a calendar behind the curtains. Not really visible, but didn't want wallpaper showing through. Ignore any little flaws that I'll touch up yet.

I'll add wall lights here I think and some art.

Next, finishing the electric tape, soldering lights in once I drill holes, and finishing the other wall and baseboard. Then I have to find some art to print out. I think I'm going to change this out later to a store and maybe a library as the room is flexible, so I'm going to add some art with Velcro tape that I can switch later.

The front came out pretty cool. It looks much better with the curtains. Sheer but add a little class to the design. The trim around the windows turned out well - I painted strips of hat straw and glued it in. I was thinking of adding a vintage General Store sign to the front and maybe a mortuary sign on the side, like it's an older building that has had various tenants. I'm either putting brick paper or stucco-like paper on the sides.

I didn't want to glue the front on, so I'm thinking of using clear plastic corner moldings so I can slide the front in place and hold it on that way. I'm probably putting clear acrylic or part-acrylic on top, too. Maybe. Hope it works.

Some of the mourners, so far, who have to be posed yet. Yes, there is a human mourner to finish up, too. 

So, getting there. Just something I've been toying with while I decide on the Park Ave. Mansion. Yes, I got it out and glued the base together. A start.

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REMINDER: Don't forget to VOTE for The Witch Cottage at the Halloween Challenge. **** PLEASE VOTE at link here - scroll down - Row 6**** 

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This year, I'm doing something different by posting on Instagram and here, according to the day's themes. The difference is there'll be at least a couple more photos included on this blog. Be sure to friend me there (cwrite12), play along and share the list!!

Secrets Laid to Rest Mystery Blog Tour

 Time out between Halloween posts for a stop on the blog tour for the mystery, Secrets Laid to Rest by Catherine C. Hall.

About the Book:

It’s the Golden Girls meet the Ghostbusters when four women find themselves in an unlikely career: Southeastern Paranormal Investigations. Ree Lane, a stylish widow, is more cynic than true believer, while her childhood chum Elle Harper has a knack for getting sensitive info with the help of her homemade pies. The preacher’s wife, Betsy Jones, can’t be seen with SPI unless she’s in her disguise as Nora, a psychic-in-training with a gift for Tarot. And the recently-returned-home Gillian Buchanan is a whiz at technology, especially of the supernatural sort.

 Their first case lands on the doorstep when neighbor Doris Tucker is sure her prized vintage dolls are haunted. But there’s hardly time for ghost-hunting when the bank director’s wife mistakes SPI for a private eye venture. Now they’re also hot on the trail of a misbehaving husband. It’s a wild ride as the sixty-something sleuths start digging into the past. But have the Ladies of SPI gone too far? And how far will Sutter go to keep its secrets dead and buried?

Review:

A fun mystery with lots of Southern charm as the ladies try to solve problems while sometimes causing others. A good group with lots of banter, though sometimes there are some too-fast point-of-view shifts. But enjoyed their adventures. ✫✫✫✫

* Add it on Goodreads.  * Visit the author's website.

 About the Author:

 Catherine C. Hall grew up in Savannah, Georgia, where she got hooked on the area's haunted history. As she says, "you can’t throw a stick without hitting a ghost!"

 Broadcast Journalism hooked her as well, leading her to Valdosta State U, working in radio, and ending up in Macon where she met and married a cute deejay from Sandersville, Ga. A second book in the series, Secrets of Cole House, is coming soon.

Halloween in Miniature 23-9: Orange is the New Black

 

The reason why you (I) can't sleep at night... Bedroom in my half-scale Fairfield Dollhouse

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Welcome to more Halloween in Miniature!

(Start/see schedule at Day 1; Next - Day 10  - More Skellies!

(Click photos for full size; see other posts in left column archives.)

Even though I already shared orange if you count the Day 5 pumpkins post, is there really too much orange around Halloween?

I say NOT!

I happen to like orange, as evidenced by the colorful print on the bed, which I chose since the dragon wallpaper was a different shade of orange. 

Love how the fireplace wall came out.

A touch of orange in the Witch Cottage parlor. Mr. Skellie decided to come in for a break. Had to have that touch of orange on the small table. I also added a lantern and book on that bare table. Cool is that I used the glow-in-the-dark powder and it works, giving it a slight greenish glow, though it's hard to get a photo of it.

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REMINDER: Don't forget to VOTE for The Witch Cottage at the Halloween Challenge. **** VOTE at link here - scroll down - Row 6**** 

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This year, I'm doing something different by posting on Instagram and here, according to the day's themes. The difference is there'll be at least a couple more photos included on this blog. Be sure to friend me there (cwrite12), play along and share the list!!

Here's the theme schedule: Post your minis based on the day's themes and tag me and the post theme - @halloweenmini 

Halloween in Miniature: 23-8 Boo!

 

Welcome to more HALLOWEEN IN MINIATURE!

(Click the photos for full size; see other posts in left column archives.)

*Start/see schedule: Day 1 - Next: Day 9

(Story: C. Verstraete. The Witch's Kitchen project and photos by J.P. Sligh. Visit him on Facebook. He also made the wonderful rooms in the vintage cabinet I shared in 2020.)

The Witch's Kitchen

Pretend you're walking up to that house on the corner. It's dark... rumor is the old witch lives there. You know, that old, ancient woman who dresses all in black. She's probably a nice lady, but you know how kids are...

Something skitters in the corner. Then your friend creeps up behind you and yells BOO!

Once your heart stops pounding you go up the creaky stairs...

step by step... and ring the bell.

Silence. Then the old woman calls out...."In here. Come into the kitchen, dearie."

Do you dare?

Somehow you reach out with shaky fingers, pull open the door, and go in... slowly...

You wish it was brighter. Someone is sitting in the kitchen... It's so dark in here...

"Yes, come closer, " the old woman says, her voice creaky. "Hmm, yes, you'll do just fine."

Suddenly, the light flashes brighter. You look at her. She's really old. Maybe it's not so bad. She's just a harmless old lady, right? Your voice wavers as you hold out your bag. "Trick or treat..."

 

"Trick?" She laughs. (It's more of a cackle.) "We don't do tricks. But I've got a treat for you."

She beckons you closer with a crooked finger and points to the stove.

You turn around and head for the old stove, your uneasiness growing. 

Then you see what's cooking -- and begin to scream. 

Heh-Heh! Happy Halloween! 

This really is a great project, isn't it??

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Halloween in Miniature: Halloween Swap!

 

Between the Halloween in Miniature posts, I thought I'd share info on the annual Halloween swap. The regular Halloween in Miniature post will be up tomorrow. (See Halloween in Miniature schedule/Day 1. Next: Day 8)

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REMINDER: Don't forget to VOTE for The Witch Cottage at the Halloween Challenge. **** VOTE at link here - Row 6**** 

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I first joined in on the swap with the Facebook Half Scale Minis group last year. Here's last year's swap and what I made. 

This year (see top photo), I made the garden bed, chairs, and poppy-like flowers plant in the foam pumpkin (from a plant pick I found at Target.) Also added the other items.

I loved that fabric print, so I made another chair for myself to put in the witch cottage.

My swap partner, Cyndi, sent the fun Halloween assortment and dirtied up the sink. I have this sink, too, and will have to do something like that! She also sent along a witch house kitchen (with a trap net) in a small wood box. Fun!

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This year, I'm doing something different by posting on Instagram and here, according to the day's themes. The difference is there'll be at least a couple more photos included on this blog. Be sure to friend me there (cwrite12), play along and share the list!!

Here's the theme schedule: Post your minis based on the day's themes and tag me and the post theme - @halloweenmini 

Halloween in Miniature 23-7: Trick or Treat!

 

Welcome to more Halloween in Miniature!

(See schedule/Start at Day 1; Next week: Day 8)

(Click photos for full size; see more links in left column archives.)

Halloween also means Trick or Treating!

Oh, look! Some visitors came to Trick-or-Treat at the Witch Cottage! The little mummy is happy to greet them!

The Witch Cottage is pretty much done except for a few small things. It's been fun getting it ready for Halloween!

I love how the flowers came out and the colors. The yellow  "bush" is some fake plant pick I found at Walmart. Figured it would work with a "fanciful" kind of house. I'll share more and a video soon, too!

** TA-DAH! While I've changed a few things, but the Witch Cottage is mostly done!  I'll share some videos later. I love the yard and porch. I think it turned out great!

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*** I hope all the visitors translate to votes... I'll gamble: Starting TODAY (12/21 -12 am ET/11 pm 12/20 CT to 11:59 pm ET /10:59 CT Oct. 29;) - PLEASE vote for The Witch's Cottage at Miniatures.com's Halloween Challenge. One vote per person. This may be the ONLY half-scale entry and the only "cute" entry (so far).  *****Main page. - VOTE for the photos here - in Row 6**** Here's the pix I submitted:

It did come out cute, didn't it???

 ** Please vote for me - here!!!  **

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Got a favorite candy?

For fun, here are some candy printies. Find more at Toni's blog.  (Right click to save; print at around 50% for half scale or slightly more if you want them a little larger.)

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Play along!

This year, I'm doing something different by posting on Instagram and here, according to the day's themes. The difference is there'll be at least a couple more photos included on this blog. Be sure to friend me there (cwrite12), play along and share the list!!

Here's the theme schedule: Post your minis based on the day's themes and tag me and the post theme - @halloweenmini 

Week 1:

Next:

Halloween in Miniature 23-6: Ghostly Hauntings

 Welcome to another day of Halloween in Miniature!

Another day, another haunting...

(Start at and see schedule at Day 1; Next: Day 7.) 

Click photos for full size; see other posts in left column archives.

Halloween means haunted houses and other places, plus ghostly happenings. Funny that I actually have not put any ghostly creations in my miniature houses...

But here's a fun one: Linda Wooten, who makes amazing spooky rooms, items, and wonderful curtains under the name Wooten's Miniatures (See her Facebook page) has created a great haunted room based on The Haunted Mansion! (Love that chandelier and ceiling!)

And check out the inhabitants!

And.... wow, they glow, too!

Nice details in the room! Isn't this fantastic???

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Don't forget to play along on Instagram! 

This year, I'm doing something different by posting on Instagram and here, according to the day's themes. The difference is there'll be at least a couple more photos included on this blog. Be sure to friend me there (cwrite12), play along and share the list!!

Here's the theme schedule: Post your minis based on the day's themes and tag me and the post theme - @halloweenmini 

#Halloween in Miniature 23-5: The Great Pumpkin!

 Welcome back to Halloween in Miniature! (Start: Day 1 with schedule; click photos for full size or see left column archives. Next: Day 6) 

Halloween wouldn't be complete without pumpkins! Love all those freaky, weird, smiling faces and orange everywhere! Above: Here's a favorite room with lots of orange - the main bedroom in my half-scale Fairfield. The trim's done since this pic, but it gives the best view. 

 ** (Don't forget to play along on Instagram (see info/link below.) **

I  love the way orange brightens up a house at Halloween. And who can resist pumpkins and Jack 'O Lanterns?

Here's some Poppy-like flowers I made in a pumpkin planter. The foam "planter" was on a flower pick I found at Target. Table used in the corner of the Witch Cottage porch.

I didn't want to lighten this photo to show the pumpkin lit up on the porch! Mr. Skellie loves sitting out there at night. 

A wagon-load of pumpkins. Half-scale wagon kit from SDK Miniatures.

I also put lots of pumpkins around the porch of this year's Halloween project, the half-scale Witch's Cottage, made from Laser Dollhouse Design's Jasmine Gothic Cottage. I'll be showing more of the Witch Cottage shortly. Stay tuned!

** For fun: Download a free Monster Mashup Crossword PDF at Atlas Obscura.

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This year, I'm doing something different by posting on Instagram and here, according to the day's themes. Be sure to friend me there (cwrite12), play along and share the list!!

Here's the theme schedule: Post your minis based on the day's themes and tag me and the post theme - @halloweenmini23

#Halloween in Miniature 23-4: Let's Eat!

Welcome back to Halloween in Miniature! (Start and see schedule at Day 1, or see left column archives. Click photos for full size. Next: Day 5.) 

Every Halloween event needs food and lots of goodies! * Be sure to play along on Instagram (see info/link below.) *

I like making spooky food, so I've done some various dishes over time. Don't mind the mold and spiderwebs on the table above. Only adds flavor! haa!

Tea, anyone? I also have an assortment of Halloween-flavored teapots, some made by my Dutch friend, Kitty. These, and much more, are in my Halloween store. See store and interior here. This was a fun project to do.

Hungry yet? We have a unique assortment of cakes. (Watch out, that one may bite! ha!) 

Cakes made by my Dutch friend Kitty quite a while ago - that's how long I still need to make that Witch's Bakery. haa! I am so-slow!

This year, I'm doing something different by posting on Instagram and here, according to the day's themes. Be sure to friend me there (cwrite12), play along and share the list!!

Here's the theme schedule: Post your minis based on the day's themes and tag me and the post theme - @halloweenmini23