Like ghosts and spooky stories?
* Get the e-book version from Apple, Kobo and other sites; see links here.
Worked on putting drinks and food in the miniature half-scale Tiki roombox. Still have to put the glasses and decorations on the back shelf. (*See last post. Click photos for full size.)
It's been a fun project to do, considering it came about as a last-minute idea. I'd had the thought in the back of my mind and just decided to work on it between "bigger" projects.
As I mentioned before, the room is set in a former photo storage box. The box is 10 1/2" w, 7 1/2" d and 6 1/2" h, so plenty of room. I covered the sides and top, added lights on the ceiling, and used a wood placemat for the walls. Added wood strips to make it look like an attic, with brick on one side.
Here's the right side: filled the buffet table and added some wall decor. I think I'll add another shell on the right side of the picture to even it out.
Well, I've been thinking of pulling out the camper kit I got a loooong time ago. I was going to make it into a coffee bar. My friend, Gigi, and I are planning a camper display once she starts setting up her dollhouse collection and her mother's houses. She has a larger camper for a B&B, and the tinier camper kit. I'm also thinking of getting the larger camper since I saw it pretty cheap at Hobby Lobby.
I'd put the camper aside, but it's already papered on the inside and most of the trim is painted a dark rose pink. I also have to make a lot of boxes and bags for display/"sale" items. Looked at it again, and it might work.
I checked and I also have another box similar to this, but with a wall inside (which I'm not sure I can get out). So wondering if that can work for the gothic library but with a small entry/hallway. Will think on that!
We'll see what's next... Stay tuned for more projects & updates! Thanks again for visiting.
Been having fun figuring out the food and drinks for the half-scale Tiki Bar! (*See last post.** Click photos for better view/full size. Other post links in left column archives.)
Dug in my stuff and had forgotten I'd bought some tiny Tiki cups at the last show. (Blackthorn Miniatures.) I also had some 3D printed bowl glasses and hurricane glasses (KM Wohrstein). Lots to experiment with!
Here are the Tiki cups painted and unpainted so you can see the size. Love the faces!
I decided to experiment and used glass stain, or gloss Mod Podge mixed with acrylic paint to fill these. The straws are painted/cut florist wire. I didn't realize some of these glasses don't go all the way to the bottom inside. They're not-quite-finished as I'll have to paint the outside yet and do some touching up. Sand (for salt) will go on the edge of the blue drink - Margarita! I used cut pieces of Fimo fruit canes, too, for garnish.
They are just so darn cute! Fun stuff!
Also made some food plates with air-dry Crayola Model Magic clay to make sandwiches, fries, and "shrimp." The "lettuce" is torn pieces of floral tape. I seal the clay with matte Mod Podge and also gloss things like the tomato cane slices with Gloss Mod Podge. I'll set up a food buffet on that larger table. I have to find some silverware yet, too.
I did end up making a small table for in front of the couch. It's cut from a wooden fan with 1" scale moldings for supports. Thought it looked good with the food and a drink added. The mixed salad dish was made by my friend, Gigi.
I'll post more photos once I get everything set up and some other things made. This has been a fun little project!
Thanks again for visiting! Come back soon for more updates!!
Made some progress in getting the half-scale Tiki bar built. I think it turned out pretty well! (See last post-couch and first post. ** Click photos for full size & better view.)
* See the food and drinks so far!
As I have my own design preferences - usually colors - I went a different way on this and used shades of green between bamboo strips with the Tiki pictures on the bottom. I also used the same design for the roof instead of the straw-like fronds. I added some vines and more of the medium and large colorful flowers. I think it has a tropical flavor!
I also added the palm trees in flower pots and put seat cushions on the bar stools - 2 of them are those thinner thread spools I mentioned before and the other is a 3D printed stool (MiniDecorandMore/Etsy).
Then I worked on the "not-fun stuff" next, which is putting hooks (actually vintage sewing "eye" hooks) inside the box and figuring where the flamingo lights should hang. And trying, trying to get them to stay up. Ended up dabbing dots of Quick Grip as I figure I won't be taking them down anyway.
I also got all the furniture in, and while I may make some additions yet, I like it! Maybe I'll add a tropical bar sign above the window on the outside.
Here's the full box:
The posters gave it a tropical feel. It's kind of a cozy place, isn't it? It all looks a bit bare yet as I have to add food and drinks on the tables and bar, and cups/decorations on the shelves. I have to see if those Tiki candles fit in a couple corners, too.
Here's the left side: (Maybe I'll add a small coffee table in front of that couch, too, I think.)
I was thinking I'll have to look around and see what kind of foods might be served in a place like this. Bar appetizers? I should probably have some appetizer dishes on the tables. A few ideas:
* Here's a Florida Tiki restaurant - pretty decor. I see things I can make: Orange-hued drinks, chili fries, seafood sandwiches (and fries), a bright green cocktail, ooh, a fuchsia pink drink!, yellow plates, pineapple slices, garnish tray with pineapples, orange slices, cherry tomatoes.
* I still like the look of these mini pineapple cups; and cups with straws; and cute Tiki cups or Coconut cups. Will have to order some. (Ruth Stewart Minis/Etsy) and Ruth Stewart Miniatures.
(** PS - I knew I bought some! Found the Tiki cups I got at the last show. They're so cute! I'll do another post once those and some other drinks are done.)
I'll share more once I get some of the food made and if I add some other things.
This was a fun little project. It didn't take much to do it, basically just a few kits and the rest I made. Plus, it's in a neat container (former photo display box) that I'd picked up at Goodwill (cheap) a while ago. The bonus is it fits in the bookshelf. (I'm running out of room!)
I actually have a couple more photo boxes I'd found before that stack; one looks like a cupula. Maybe I should look at that again for the idea I've been mulling over - a haunted Gothic library and bedroom, and I haven't decided what to use as a container/building yet. Maybe it would work... Stay tuned!
Thanks again for visiting! Come back soon for more updates!
Today I welcome back Carmen Leal, author of When Love Wags a Tail - a memorable book on dog rescuers and their furry rescues!
About the Book:
Our four-legged friends have huge hearts. Carmen Leal never dreamed tragedy could bring positive change. Suffering a traumatic brain injury after a car wreck, the marketing pro struggled to find her center and reclaim her life, but found her world changed forever when she adopted a rescue dog.
Adopting a Senior Dog - By Carmen Leal
When I finally
gave in and went to an independent rescue shelter, I knew what I didn’t want.
As cute as they were, there was no way I was going to get a puppy because my many
years ago my young sons talked me into taking home a cuddly, eight-week-old
golden doodle. Within a year he was over eighty-pounds! That was the scoundrel that
had me saying no more dogs.
Now that I have owned my own dog and helped over 6,500 rescue dogs find homes, I can tell you that Brutus, the dog who soured me on ever owning a dog again, was just the wrong dog at the wrong time for the wrong family. Both adults worked, we didn’t have a fenced yard, and we didn’t understand the needs of a high-energy puppy.
I ended up adopting a medium dog who was fourteen-months old. A lot of that puppy behavior was already gone and, this time around, I had time to learn how to train him to be a great dog.
Today, Coconut is almost eight-years-old and I am seventy. I can tell you without hesitation that we’ll be adopting a senior dog our next time around. Puppies and even adolescent dogs are cute and fun and full of energy. But, and there’s always a but for every age group when it comes to choosing a dog, here are five benefits of adopting a senior.
1. They aren’t teething so they won’t chew up your furniture and other items in your house.
2. 2. Older
dogs are typically housetrained so that middle-of-the-night trot in the sub-zero
back yard isn’t usually an issue once you and your new pooch learn to
communicate with each other.
3. 3. An
older dog has grown into their size and personality, so what you see is what
you get and there aren’t many surprises.
4. 4. Senior
dogs sleep. A lot and preferably near their person. Best of all they sleep
through the night.
5. 5. Every
dog needs exercise, but older dogs like a more leisurely pace, just like senior
adults.
The last, and actually most important reason to adopt a senior is because you will truly be a life-saver. They're often overlooked in shelters because of all the fun puppies and younger pooches. They make instant companions and, while you might not have them for as many years as a puppy, what could be more rewarding than making the last years of their life the best they can be? You’ll never feel more loved than by a dog who knows you are his or her hero.
About the Author
.jpg)
She is also an active member of the Oshkosh Southwest Rotary Club, part of her neighborhood association's leadership team, and is an adjunct professor for Fox Valley Technical College's award-winning E-Seed Entrepreneurship workshop. When she is not writing and speaking, Carmen reads, cooks, and is a major bargain hunter at consignment and antique shops.
**********
Blog Tour Calendar
Visit Chris' blog for a guest post by Carmen Leal about the benefits of adopting a dog as a senior. https://candidcanine.blogspot.com
Visit Lily's blog for a spotlight of When Love Wags a Tail by Carmen Leal. https://www.thefaeriereview.com/
Visit Barbara's blog for her review https://barbarabarthartandwords.blogspot.com/
Visit Judy's blog for her review http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/
Join Heather for her review https://www.instagram.com/The_forgotten_books_
Visit Joy's blog for a spotlight of When Love Wags a Tail by Carmen Leal. You can also win a copy of the book! https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/
Visit Sara's blog for a spotlight of When Love Wags a Tail. You can also enter to win a copy of the book! https://saratrimble.wordpress.com/
Visit Jodi's blog for her review https://www.jodiwebbwriter.com/blog
Visit Judy's blog for a guest post by Carmen Leal about taming a wild garden when you don't know where to begin. http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/
Visit Isabelle's blog for a guest post by Carmen Leal about the value of planting a rain garden. https://theshaggyshepherd.wordpress.com/
Join Nicole for a review. You can also win a copy of the book. https://worldofmyimagination.com
Visit Fiona's blog for her review https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/
* June 30th @ Jill Sheet's blog
Visit Jill's blog for her interview with Carmen Leal https://jillsheets.blogspot.com/
Ok, now I'm starting to like this project more! (* See first post on the Tiki bar project. * See the finished bar!)
It takes making a few things to get you in the mood for a project.
I had this bamboo couch kit for quite a while that I picked up somewhere. Pulled it out once before, I think, and got kind of intimidated so it got put away.
Well, this project was in the back of my mind, so thought I'd see how it'll go. Figured if I don't like it, I could always stash it away again. But, so far, so good.
I pulled out the directions and... Sheesh! Eight pages of tiny type. I ignored that. Looked at the diagrams, cut out a base from matboard, and started gluing the bamboo/cane around the frame. It's not perfect, but it turned out pretty well!
Once I made the cushions with my favorite bright orange/pink colored fabric, it really looked good! Pretty happy with how it came out! I used pressed foam packing material for the cushions and glued hot pink twine thread around the edges. I still have some bamboo pieces left so I have the crazy idea to try designing a chair... Maybe. haaa! We'll see...
The bonus is I made a small side table using some cut bamboo strips, a square mat board piece, and a dowel. Covered the top and bottom with some of the leftover straw mat fabric that I used on the other tables. (See first post.)
** Something funny: I didn't notice until after I wrote and scheduled this that there's what looks like a 5 on the fabric. I'll let you try to find it... Looked at it again, and thought someone wrote on it. Turns out....hey there are small numbers in the pattern! I saw a 3 and a 5... Why??? How odd! So... knowing it would bug me, I put another piece of fabric over it (and I'll glue down the top edge better). And it's probably the case of no one else would've seen it either, but I can't un-see it (and now you can't either!) haa!
Working on the bar itself next. Stay tuned!
Thanks for visiting again. Come back soon for more updates!
Often when I'm between big projects and can't decide what to do next, I start thinking about something I started and set aside. Like this:
Remember this photo box?
I showed this a while back, not even sure when. It's a decent-sized box that had these hanging rods inside with "pockets" to hold photos, but I knew it could be a cool room. The box is 10 1/2" w, 7 1/2" d and 6 1/2" h. It could fit 1" scale but I thought half-scale would fit better because of the height. (* See the update and finished bar.)
I used some wood placemats to cover the walls and floor, added vertical wood strips to give it an attic look, and covered the top with textured scrapbook paper. The other side wall is textured brick paper (Starboc2 on Etsy) and I added two battery lights on top.
I'd seen a while ago that the NAME (National Organization of Miniature Enthusiasts) group was working on Tiki bars; here's all their NAME Day kits. Thought it was a cute idea, but never followed through on it. But I kept it in the back of my mind. Here are the Tiki bar kits from S&S Miniatures.
I started thinking of that again, and decided it still would be a fun little project to do. What got me going on it again was pulling out this half-scale table/chairs kit I'd bought a while back from Charrita Teague (Grapevine Miniatures) at a Chicago show. I changed the top to a hexagon piece I had and added padding and fabric for cushions. The shelf unit is a kit from CastleCrafts.
I started working on the table set and since I have enough of the material left, I decided to make a few more tables for this room, and one to go in a deck or outside scene. It uses 3/4" square wood cubes for the chair, which I have, and have made chairs out of before. I bought another 3/8" dowel rod for the bottom support and changed the top piece. I made a square and an oval table also using 1/4" square rods.
Next, I'll make my own roofed Tiki bar. I'm cutting pieces from mat board, wood, square dowels, and bamboo sticks from another placemat.
I have a couple 3D printed stools (have to find the other one!) from MiniDecorandMore on Etsy. I also noticed that a couple older thread spools, which are taller and thinner, are the right size and might work, so It'll experiment with that. I don't have any leafy material that'll work for the roof, so far. Maybe those green fake ferns I have (used on the HS Mansion roof) might work. Or? I have a couple rummage sales coming up, so I'll look around.
I have an idea to try using some printies of small Tiki-type cups wrapped around tiny Perler beads (which are straight and look like cups). We'll see if this works or not. I just want to give the illusion as I was thinking of putting a bunch of cups on that shelf stand and it gets costly buying everything. I do have a couple actual half-scale Tiki cups I bought before from Blackthorn Miniatures on Etsy I can use on a table, too. Apparently, I must've thought I'd do this project at some point.
I tried something different for flowers. I wanted to have tropical-type plants, so I punched out some 4-petal flowers from printed poster paper that I didn't have to paint, then I cut and glued on a fifth petal. I guess they look more like a Dogwood-type vine but they'll work. I cut the small points off a fake plant (the yellow ball I used in my HS Witch Cottage - scroll down on post here to see garden) and glued that in the center of the flowers.
The small planter is also a CastleCrafts kit. The large planter a plastic piece from a clothing hanger tag that I cut in half and painted. I glued on a piece of 1" scale railing molding for the planter box.
I also have several fake palm trees I found in a thrift store bag of Egyptian mini stuff, which I saved for something like this. I'll set those in small flowerpots. Then I have an LED light string with flamingos to use and I'm printing out several flamingo posters.
This will be pretty colorful inside, lots of bright orange and pink. I have an older cane-style couch kit (it says Twin Palms Miniatures) that I'd set aside as it looked intimidating, but hoping I have enough room for it so I'll have to get brave (ha!) and try to finally figure out how to put it together.
Almost forgot! I found these cool-looking Tiki-shaped candles at Goodwill. They're just under 1 1/2" high. Despite being a bit larger, I still thought they'd be cool to use as wall decorations. Maybe a couple on shelves, maybe a couple on "poles." We'll see how it looks.
I also found these faux tropical drinks in my stash; they're for Polly Pocket but they might work on tables or on a shelf once I paint them.
So, lots of possibilities and it shows the direction I'm headed. Let's see how far I get. haa!
Come back soon (hopefully!) for some updates. Thanks again for visiting!
Today I welcome Carmen Leal, author of When Love Wags a Tail - a memorable book on dog rescuers and their furry rescues!
About the Book:
Our
four-legged friends have huge hearts. Carmen Leal
never dreamed tragedy could bring positive change. Suffering a traumatic brain
injury after a car wreck, the marketing pro struggled to find her center and
reclaim her life, but found her world changed forever when she adopted a rescue dog.
About the Author
She is also an active member of the Oshkosh Southwest Rotary Club, part of her neighborhood association's leadership team, and is an adjunct professor for Fox Valley Technical College's award-winning E-Seed Entrepreneurship workshop. When she is not writing and speaking, Carmen reads, cooks, and is a major bargain hunter at consignment and antique shops.
**********
Blog Tour Calendar
Join us at our blog, The Muffin, for an interview with author Carmen Leal and a giveaway of her book When Love Wags a Tail. https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com
Visit Katherine's blog for a guest post by Carmen Leal about the rule of 3-3-3 and other important things to know when you adopt a dog. https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com/
Visit Chris' blog for a review. You can also win a copy of the book! https://candidcanine.blogspot.com
Join Deidra for a spotlight of When Love Wags a Tail by Carmen Leal. https://www.astorybookworld.com/
Visit Maddie's blog for her review https://maddiegudenkauf.com/
Visit Mari's blog for a guest post by Carmen Leal about finding purpose in your life after retirement. https://www.createwritenow.com/life-matters-blog
Visit Chris' blog for a guest post by Carmen Leal about the benefits of adopting a dog as a senior. https://candidcanine.blogspot.com
Visit Lily's blog for a spotlight of When Love Wags a Tail by Carmen Leal. https://www.thefaeriereview.com/
Visit Barbara's blog for her review https://barbarabarthartandwords.blogspot.com/
Visit Judy's blog for her review http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/
Join Heather for her review https://www.instagram.com/The_forgotten_books_
Visit Joy's blog for a spotlight of When Love Wags a Tail by Carmen Leal. You can also win a copy of the book! https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/
Visit Sara's blog for a spotlight of When Love Wags a Tail. You can also enter to win a copy of the book! https://saratrimble.wordpress.com/
Visit Jodi's blog for her review https://www.jodiwebbwriter.com/blog
Visit Judy's blog for a guest post by Carmen Leal about taming a wild garden when you don't know where to begin. http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/
Visit Isabelle's blog for a guest post by Carmen Leal about the value of planting a rain garden. https://theshaggyshepherd.wordpress.com/
Join Nicole for a review. You can also win a copy of the book. https://worldofmyimagination.com
Visit Fiona's blog for her review https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/
* June 30th @ Jill Sheet's blog
Visit Jill's blog for her interview with Carmen Leal https://jillsheets.blogspot.com/
Remember that "eye" photo I shared before?
My story, "Blink!", will be coming soon in the Shadows II horror anthology from Inkd Publishing. (See their Facebook page.) The story is a bit gruesome, but not gorey. It's more creepy-weird-Twilight Zoneish. This one was fun to write!
*** There will be a Kickstarter for the anthology starting in July. Check out the page here and sign up to get in on some cool stuff!
.jpg)