Miniatures Monday: Greenhouse Additions

I finally got back to finishing up some things on my Witch's Greenhouse. The 1-inch scale project is set in the Bay Window Shop of the Houseworks' Street of Shops. It is 12.5" w, 11" h and 13" d.

The double window shop of the set houses my Teapot Shoppe. The third corner shop will be a Witch's Bakery, which I have been collecting cakes for. (Most made by my talented friend Kitty. See her work at the Minis by Kitty blog.)

It took me a while but I'm pleased with how the greenhouse is turning out. I decided to make the outside a "regular" shop so if I ever change my mind, I can take out the spooky plants and use it as a regular plant/garden shop. I like the wallpaper (scrapbook paper) so all I'd need to do is change the wall art inside.



The back and outside walls are painted with a gray sand paint (sand added to acrylic paint) to give it texture. After painting and gluing the art, I sprayed the sides with Krylon Matte Acrylic Sealer.

I decided to make a stone/stucco lower strip on each side to match the bottom of the front bay window. I glued different vintage seed packet art on each side as posters. (See preview of house front here.


The stucco is lightweight Spackle tinted with Linen color acrylic. The stones are different shapes cut from the gray egg cartons.

The egg carton stones are tinted with shades of brown, green and orange acrylic, dabbed with black and brown for accent.

The stones are then sealed with Delta Ceramcoat Gloss Varnish and set into the stucco. I like to add a thin layer of tacky glue before I put the stucco on. More glue is added to the loose stones.

(Note: Victoria Miniland has a great egg carton tutorial using pastels to tint the "stones.")

The inside floor is also egg carton stone, though I added more browns to make it darker. I added the wall shelf from a Michael's hutch and am using an old cabinet for plants and supplies. I will also will add a table by the front door. The potting table is handmade and is my original design.

Next, I'm gluing a string of green beads to hang in the front window and deciding how to add a small valance to the door and maybe the windows. The green fabric has these colored stripes that remind me of "snakes."

I probably have more than enough odd plants to fill the shelves, but I keep coming up with new ideas! I'll share more pix as I add new items. Thanks for stopping by and looking!

** Have you done a greenhouse project or are you making any plants of your own? Got a favorite plant? Whose kits do you like to use? Please share!

Food and Fiction - sharing favorites

Sharing some favorite mystery books with food today at Fatal Foodies. Check out the questions at the link and share yours!

First Graphs: Undivided, a fantasy-mystery story by Marian Allen from Sword and Sorceress XXIII

Today's First Graphs features "Undivided," a fantasy/mystery story by author Marian Allen from MARION ZIMMER BRADLEY'S SWORD AND SORCERESS XXIII. (Norilana Books, Nov. 2008) (What a gorgeous cover!)

The SWORD AND SORCERESS series focuses on strong female protagonists with physical and magical prowess facing difficulties.

"Undivided" is the story of a warrior who must use these weapons, and her wits, to solve the mystery of her servant's kidnapping.

Excerpt from "Undivided" by Marian Allen:


Pimchan's Female did the unthinkable--she burst through the workout room doorway, knocking over the rosewood filigree screen, and entered her Mistress' practice arena uninvited.

Pimchan, ripped from battle meditation, whirled from her knees to her feet and grasped the girl in a double-handed grip designed to tear soul from body. With a brief quiver of muscle, she stopped herself on the very brink of harm.

Through clenched teeth, she said, softly, "Give thanks, my Female, to Chaos, who has granted me control. Now you know why I must not be interrupted."

"Mistress, come!"

The lack of repentance rang alarms. Pimchan released her gently, registering the panic of her female slave, a dark-haired and dark-eyed child of twelve, padded with baby fat. When the girl turned back toward the doorway, Pimchan grabbed her arm.

****

Allen said she wanted the beginning of the story to paint an image: "the 'seed' was the picture of the girl--called just 'Pimchan's Female'--running to her Mistress for help.

"I wanted to lead with action, communicate who the main character is (Pimchan) and give some flavor of the setting (they have slaves, they use screens instead of doors, they have fighting so they have practice arenas)," she says.

"If the girl has done the 'unthinkable' in interrupting her Mistress, something disastrous must have happened--and it has. Pimchan's reaction to the interruption, and to the news the girl brings, leads directly into the thick of the story. Her punishment of the girl for her action shows what kind of Mistress she is, and foreshadows the resolution."

** Buy:

New Logo and new book

New year, new logo.

If you haven't noticed, or haven't been here before, I decided to change my logo and add a photo of my real dog, Shania.

I thought I'd share her photo as the book I'm now sending around, a mystery set in a diner involving a mother-daughter team, also features a white Malamute based on my real-life dog. I'll be sharing more pix at a later date.

Miniatures Monday: My Namesake

My friend Kitty and I enjoy trading miniatures and sharing gifts at Christmas. I often find dolls or doll kits during the year that I send to her to redo and re-dress. This year's gift resulted in my own namesake! The doll is named Christine. Thanks, Kitty!

Quite a change as the doll had long (bad) brown hair and now has pretty strawberry blonde hair and a matching dress. I love the colors! I have the twin of this doll so I'll show the original at some point when I redo mine.

You can see more of Kitty's work at her blog, Minis by Kitty

Don't Read When You're Hungry!

You know not to shop when you're hungry, right? Did you know not to read when you're hungry? Well, that might be hard to do with some of the latest punny/funny mysteries. See what I mean today at Fatal Foodies.

Be sure to comment and follow us!

First Graphs: Children's Paranormal Mystery, Ghost for Rent by Penny Lockwood

In this week's First Graphs, we welcome Penny Lockwood, author of the Middle Grade novel, GHOST FOR RENT. (Hard Shell Word Factory.)

After her parents' divorce, 11-year old Wendy Wiles leaves her city home for a cheaper home in the country in rural Oregon. She soon learns that her quaint country home is haunted.

Wendy, her brother, Mike, and her new friend, Jennifer, soon discover the truth behind the haunting, uncovering an accidental death, a suicide, and murder.




Excerpt from Ghost for Rent:

CHAPTER 1

With the rain pelting her, Wendy ran from her bus stop to her apartment building. She couldn't wait to get home. Maybe she'd call Darcy and see if she could come swim in the indoor pool.Or, maybe, she'd just go to the exercise room and work out before dinner. She couldn't make up her mind. Her twelve year old brother, Mike, liked to go straight to the arcade room, so she and Darcy would stay away from there.

Karl, the door man, greeted her as she skidded to a stop under the rain awning. “Good afternoon, Ms. Wiles.” He opened the door for her with a theatrical flourish.

“Good afternoon, Karl.” Wendy smiled, careful not to show her braces. She always felt grown-up and elegant when Karl open the door for her.

After entering the foyer, she groaned. Mike, dressed in his usual black jeans and tee-shirt, leaned against the elevator button, banging his head to the awful heavy metal music he enjoyed so much. She heard his Walkman even though he listened through earphones. Life would be almost perfect if it weren't for him, she thought.


** Buy: GHOST FOR RENT

** Visit Penny's blog

Miniatures Monday: Half Scale Dollhouse Rooms

Between writing, I've managed to finally get most of this half-scale shadow box house decorated. (Ignore a few half-finished things in the photos.)

I used some items I've saved from swaps with the Half Scale yahoo group and repainted some plastic furniture like the bed.

I also added some inexpensive wood kit furniture like the living room couch.

I made the fireplaces, and loved trying to make everything match the wallpaper in the blue toile room.

I made all the curtains and the kitchen cabinets. The kitchen table is also a small vintage plastic piece. I painted the top to make it look like an older metal-topped table to go with the wallpaper, and added a matching tablecloth.



As I bought the house already wallpapered, the fun part was adding flooring to divide the lower floor. I wanted to give each section its own look and give the whole floor a shabby chic feel.

Note: Half scale is roughly half the size of 1-inch scale. To give you an idea of size, the refrigerator is just under 3 inches tall; the couch is about 2 1/4 inches wide.

Let the Countdown Begin- Agent Search and Book Publication

Yesterday officially began my search for an agent for my mystery featuring a mother-daughter team set in a Wisconsin diner. The first query has been emailed!

This is not the only book I have circulating, but I thought I'd pick one book to track publicly. So stay tuned for updates!

Cheesecake!!

Now that I've got your attention...

With my food-related mystery now completed and the submission process ready to start, I've begun blogging about food and mysteries again. I'll be blogging on Thursdays at the Fatal Foodies blog. Today's topic: cheesecake! Why? Well read the post and find out!!

I'll be sharing my submission progress and writing tips also so stay tuned!

First Graphs: Killer Career by Morgan Mandel

Today we welcome romantic suspense author Morgan Mandel. The excerpt is a little longer than usual, but I think you won't be disappointed!

In her latest book, KILLER CAREER (Choice One Publishing), a lawyer’s career change could be a killer when her mentor, a NY Times bestselling author, does more than write about murders.

Julie McGuire wants to leave the law firm she and her partner, Dade Donovan built, so she can follow her dream to be a writer.

She’s flattered when well-known author, Tyler Jensen, shows an interest in her. Is she attracted to him or the world he represents? Dade's not taking her defection lightly, and Julie’s not happy about deserting him. Where will he fit in her life?




Excerpt from KILLER CAREER:

Julie McGuire gazed intently from her table in the filled-to-capacity dining room of the Wyndham Hotel. The Love To Murder Mystery Conference had saved the best for last. New York Times bestselling author, Tyler Jensen, now approached the podium.

His entire bearing commanded attention, from his shoulder length wavy chestnut hair pushed back behind his ears, to his sexy sideburns and piercing hazel eyes. She guessed him to be thirty-five, about five years older than she. Clever, rich, tall, and handsome, Tyler Jensen looked the embodiment of any woman’s fantasy.

“Many of you have killed,” Tyler said, pointing to his audience of two hundred plus.

Julie stared. What did he mean?

“Yes, you’ve slaughtered your creativity. You’ve squashed your dreams in favor of immediate gratification.”

My God, he knew. She ignored the tinkling sound, as a waitress placed a carafe of ice water on the table.

Julie stared, transfixed, at Jensen. His every word spoke to her. She’d taken the easy way out and become a lawyer instead of following her heart’s desire to be an author. The decision ate at her. After six years in the practice, she’d saved enough money to get by. She badly wanted to claim her dream and step forward into the world he described.

All too soon, he’d finished his speech. “Any questions?”

Julie shot up her hand. Jensen’s knowing hazel eyes fastened on her, as if assessing her straight blonde hair and tall, slight frame.

He nodded. “Yes, second table.”

On suddenly stiff legs, she rose. “What makes you write mysteries?”

“I have an urge to voyeuristically experience atrocities. I’ve no idea where the fascination comes from. Perhaps I was a criminal in a former life,” he said with a self-deprecating laugh.

Julie swallowed. His answer filled her with a vague uneasiness, but she didn’t know why.

** More information:

* 5-star review, Midwest Book Review

* Choice One Publishing

* Visit Morgan's blog

** BUY:

2010 Resolutions vs Goals

With 2010 underway, many people have already broken the New Year's resolutions they made. That's why it's better to make goals.

Goals are something to work towards and things you know can be achieved. Resolutions are often vague notions that sound like a good idea but don't usually get followed up on.

Making a list of goals is motivating and helps you to stay focused. Often when there are too many things you need to do, it's easy to get overwhelmed. By working on one goal at a time, you stay focused and once you check off that goal, you can look at your list later in the year and see what you accomplished.

So feel free to make a list here or publish it at your blog so we can all check in later and see what was completed. Here's to a successful 2010!


My Goals for 2010
1. Find an agent for the just-completed mystery set in a diner.
2. Find an agent and/or publisher for a fun kid's picture book with monsters.
3. Finish short stories in the works and find markets for completed stories.
4. Find more paying nonfiction.
5. Usual ongoing diet and exercise stuff.
6. Complete miniatures projects that are half-done.

* Later, I'll be sharing more posts on the writing process and the agent search process.

** What are your goals and projects for 2010?

Happy New Year 2010! The Year 2009 in Review

A look back on some of the year's posts for 2009. I've listed some, but not all, of my favorites, Happy New Year!

WRITING:

* Writing Tip 10: Make a Timeline by LJ Sellers
- Put writing tip in search box to get more great tips from other authors.

* Writing Tip 17: Limit Sentences says Debbie Macomber

* 10 Easy Ways to Improve your Writing
- A few reminders every now and then can't hurt.

* Five Simple Ways to Finish Your Stories - Simple. Really.

* Interview, Barbara Techel, author, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog
- Inspiration from the little dog who can - and does. Fun kid's book.

* First Graphs: Makeovers can be Murder by Kathryn Lilley
- A fun mystery for readers to sample. Put First Graphs in search box to see excerpts of other books.

* Book event in Galena, Ill.
- Had a great time in a great spot with great company. Can't you tell it was great? :>)

* Interview with 'Bollywood' author Shobhan Bantwal, The Sari Shop Widow
- A fun light romance with an Indian background

* Meet author and miniaturist Margaret Grace, Malice in Miniature
- Who can beat that? Miniatures and a mystery! She shares a how-to also on day 2.

* Story in New Timeshares anthology
- My turn: a little about my upcoming story in this time travel anthology from DAW Books. Put new story in search box for information on other stories I've done.

* First Graphs: My Dear Mrs. Jones
- Excerpt of my story in the new anthology, The Bitter End: Tales of Nautical Terror


MINIATURES:

* Kitty's Fashionable Miniatures
- What woman doesn't love shoes? And in miniature they're even cuter! (Put miniature or miniatures in search box to see work from other great miniaturists.)

* Kitty's Chocolate Shoppe
- Kitty does it again! Who can resist chocolate - and it's calorie free! An amazing yummy room!

* Miniature Rooms in Unusual Containers
- Miniaturist Fern Rouleau has a knack for making the most interesting scenes. Chicken, anyone?

* Patty Clark's miniature babies
- Cutest little babies (and toddlers) ever; a Mother's Day interview

* 12 Days of Halloween in Miniature, Day 1
- Check out the great spooky miniatures. Boo!

* 12 Days of Christmas in Miniature: Twas the Night Before Christmas
- Enjoy 12 days of great Christmas miniatures from various miniaturists

* Thanks for visiting and see you in 2010!

Happy New Year 2010!

Happy New Year!

Hard to believe another year is here! Hope yours is great and all your goals come true!

** Come back tomorrow for the Year in Review and check some of the year's best posts on miniatures and writing.

Publishing in a Haunted House: Pill Hill Press follow-up

An interesting follow-up to yesterday's First Graphs featuring an excerpt from my recent story "My Dear Mrs. Jones" published in the new anthology, THE BITTER END: TALES OF NAUTICAL TERROR from Pill Hill Press.

I'd seen a mention on the website about the publisher being located in a haunted house. Definitely makes you wonder...

Well, "ghostwriter" and friend Courtney Mroch got the scoop today about Pill Hill House at her Haunt Jaunts blog.

Check out the flowery 1920s obituary. And no wonder this house is reportedly haunted. What a background!

Congrats, Courtney on an interesting post!

First Graphs: My Dear Mrs. Jones in The Bitter End: Tales of Nautical Terror

For today's First Graphs, I thought I'd highlight one of my latest stories, just released in the new anthology, THE BITTER END: TALES OF NAUTICAL TERROR from Pill Hill Press. (Isn't the cover cool?)

In my story, "My Dear Mrs. Jones," a woman in Victorian times facing financial ruin after her father's death makes an unusual decision, agreeing to marry the mysterious Mr. Jones.






Excerpt from "My Dear Mrs. Jones" by C.A. Verstraete

The ink glistened as it flowed from the fountain pen, the squiggles still wet and gleaming on the page.

Elsbeth Masters fought the urge to smear the vestiges of her signature across the page like blood, but she dared not. It was already too late.

The sailor grabbed the parchment in his dirt-encrusted nails and rolled it into a tight tube. “Aye, he’ll be expectin’ ye in three days time then. At the beach.”

She nodded, still not completely sure of her choice, though she knew it was necessary. A shiver hit her.

The man grunted and walked away, the clump of his boots along the rough plank floors of the trade office sounding to her like the clang of the death bell. She staggered, grasping the edge of the worn wood desk. My God, what had she done?

Buy:

Miniatures Monday: Christmas Gift

Now that it's no longer a secret, I thought I'd share a fun project I made for my friend, Courtney for Christmas.

I used a large size greeting card which I attached to a square wood floor covered with scrapbook paper. The walls are insets made from foam core board, also covered with scrapbook paper. Butt one wall on top the other to glue.

I put wood strips at the top and sides. Acrylic pieces can then be fit. The side pieces are glued to each other and to the top.

Courtney btw, runs the great blog site, Haunt Jaunts. Check it out for some neat info on haunted places!

A Merry and Blessed Christmas to all

A wonderful, happy and blessed Christmas to all. I've enjoyed meeting so many new people online and making new friends. Hope you have a fantastic 2010!

..But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (Luke 2, KJV)

A Merry Little Christmas

Hope your Christmas is a little calmer than this guy's!

The fun elf and scene are by doll maker Nancy Cronin.

Merry Christmas!

Today: Van Gogh Injures Self

Today marks the day in 1888 when Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh, suffering from severe depression, cut off part of his left ear while staying in Arles, France. He painted himself later with a bandaged ear in the painting titled, "Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear."

For two months previously, Van Gogh had been working with fellow painter Gauguin, who had came to stay with him in Arles. Tensions developed and Van Gogh threatened his friend with a knife before injuring himself. He was hospitalized in Arles and checked himself into a mental institution in Saint-Remy for a year.

While hospitalized, alternating periods of madness and creativity resulted in some of his best known works including Starry Night and Irises. Van Gogh died in July 1890 at age 37, two days after shooting himself.

Better watch out! Don't throw that snowball!

Just on the news this morning - nothing worse than a big mob fighting in the streets huh?

But this time it was a giant snowball fight - and the cop objected to his car being hit jumps out with his gun.

I say good to see a bunch of young kids having fun - not doing other fighting - throwing punches or with their own guns!

Holy cow! Granted, it's a stressful job, but this guy needs some Prozac or a vacation!

** Read more

** Watch the video

Christmas Memories & In Miniature - Pink Saturday

Today Beverly at How Sweet the Sound asked everyone to share some of their Christmas traditions for Pink Saturday.

The favorite Christmas tradition, of course, was waiting for the arrival of Santa and opening the gifts! Here's a pic of me with my little pile of loot! I love the silver tree (which is popular again!)

I admit, I don't remember much. We were a Christmas Eve family, celebrating then and relaxing on Christmas Day. I still enjoy spending Christmas morning in church, hearing the Christmas story, singing carols, and going home to open gifts, watch a movie and enjoy the day.

These days, I enjoy decorating many trees - in miniature, of course. I wanted to show a few I've done.

This Christmas scene is in half-inch scale set in a small glass terrarium.

One thing about miniature - you can have lots of gifts! ha! This is a scene on a shelf in a vintage medicine cabinet on my kitchen wall.




For a change of pace, I decorated this tree for my smaller scale Halloween house. I painted it black, wrapped it in iridescent ribbon and put small clay eyeballs on the branches.


** Don't forget to check out my fun Christmas story, "Christmas at the North Pole Compound." See ebooks. Click on cover link in side column.

First Graphs: Mary Cunningham, author of Cynthia's Attic, The Magician's Castle

Today we resume our feature, FIRST GRAPHS, and welcome Mary Cunningham, author of the Tween fantasy-mystery book series, Cynthia's Attic.

In THE MAGICIAN'S CASTLE, book four in the series, when a magician's fiancee disappears through the magic trunk, friends Cynthia and Gus must find a missing page from a spellbook or Cynthia's family could be ruined.

The pair travel back to a 1914 Swiss castle to get clues from the magician's grandmother and follow tree tunnels, end up in an enchanted garden, and scale the Alps. A trip 50 years in the future may give them the answer—but at what price?

** Comment and you might win a free download of Mary's new Cynthia's Attic Christmas story, "Christmas with Daisy" **



Excerpt, Chapter One, THE MAGICIAN'S CASTLE:

"An-neeee!" I reached Cynthia's bedroom moments after the Beatles record began blaring.

"This is just like the gramophone I saw at the circus, Gus, only you don't have to crank it! What's it called?" Her face was lit up like a Christmas tree.

Gramophone? She sounds like my grandmother. "It's called a record player, Annie, but, you're making too much noise! We can't let anyone know you're here. Not yet." I shut off the record. Too late.

"Who are you?" A tall, frowning teenager, arms folded, stood tapping her foot in the doorway.

"She's with me, Danielle." This was bad. The last person I wanted to see was Cynthia's cranky older sister. "Her family is just visiting and, uh…Cynthia and I said she could hang around with us since she doesn't know…anyone…" My voice cracked.

Fortunately, Danielle didn't care enough to stick around and ask more questions. "Whoever you are…no more noise! I'm trying to practice." She stormed out of the room. "Pests."

I slumped onto the bed, head in hands, knowing this was just a preview. How was I going to explain-away Annie's appearance? Or…make that, disappearance. Now, where did she go?

** Learn more at the Cynthia's Attic blog

** BUY:

Miniatures & Books Collide - Christmas at the North Pole Compound, new ebook cover!

My miniatures collecting has again influenced my writing.

The new cover for my Christmas ebook, "Christmas at the North Pole Compound," features one of my favorite elves and a few miniatures from my Christmas dollhouse.




About Christmas at the North Pole Compound:

It's not all Fa-la-la and Ho-Ho-Ho at the North Pole. Chief Elf Investigator Finius Flaherty is on the case. Can he find the missing gifts - and save Christmas?

In the story, Chief Elf Investigator Finius Flaherty is not only alarmed by the decrease of Christmas cheer (it's enough to threaten Rudolph's ability to pull the sleigh, he says!), but is even more disappointed that crime has come to the North Pole – and is most likely an inside job.

Excerpt:

"Before I continue, let me introduce myself. I'm Finius Flaherty, Chief Elf Investigator. No, I don’t bake cookies. I leave that to the West coast cousins.

My branch of the family was hand-picked by the big guy for his security team at the North Pole. Big responsibility, though I’d prefer to sit on a beach in Florida.

Not that I don’t enjoy my job. I do, but unfortunately, our services have been needed more in recent years. Christmas spirit doesn’t prevent crime, you know. We’ve been feeling that lack of spirit lately ourselves, too. Just ask Rudolph. This is a real hazard as even the smallest drop in Christmas cheer influences his ability to pull the sleigh. Can’t have it dragging now, can we?"...

*** BUY: Christmas at the North Pole Compound

12 Days of Christmas Winner and Halloween Winner!

Camille Minichino is the 12 Days of Christmas winner!

And as I'm so slow.... Lone Dollier is the Oct. winner! Marilyn H - got your address on my other computer! Thanks for everyone's interest!

Now back to writing.

Next a poll - what writing topics to discuss?

12 Days of Christmas in Miniature 12: Night Before Christmas - To All a Good Night!

Welcome to Day 12 of The 12 Days of Christmas in Miniature for 2009.

This year we are following along with the classic tale, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. (click link to go to day 1.)



'Twas the Night Before Christmas

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night!"

* * *

Merry Christmas and thanks for visiting! Wishing everyone God's richest blessings, the best of holiday cheer and a wonderful 2010!!

(Photo: Santa and his favorite reindeer by Lucie Winsky.)

** Enjoy part 2 of the slideshow of artists' works featured during this year's 12 Days of Christmas in Miniature.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

12 Days of Christmas in Miniature 11: Night Before Christmas, Up the Chimney He Goes!

Welcome to Day 11 of The 12 Days of Christmas in Miniature for 2009.

This year we are following along with the classic tale, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. (click link to go to day 1.)


As we are nearing the end of the story, enjoy the slideshow featuring the work of various miniatures featured in the past 12 Days of Christmas - in miniature.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

Make a Smilebox slideshow

** Next: 12 Days of Christmas in Miniature - Day 12

12 Days of Christmas in Miniature 10: Night Before Christmas, Santa at Work

Welcome to Day 10 of The 12 Days of Christmas in Miniature for 2009.

This year we are following along with the classic tale, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. (click link to go to day 1.)


'Twas the Night Before Christmas




A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,


Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

* Photos: The two incredibly cozy sitting rooms with fireplaces are by Jody Raines. Jody's secret: these are only scenes! (very clever!)

The scenes were staged in a homemade lightbox her husband made from plywood with windows on the top and sides covered with layers of sheer interfacing to allow light to come in at each side for photographing. The back of the room is foam core board covered with various wallpapers/scrapbook papers which can be changed to create different back walls.

See more of her photos at Flickr and visit her blog.

Jody has been collecting "for over 35 years at least" beginning with a dollhouse she had as a child. she is now building a house for Joanna, her youngest daughter age 10.


** Next: Christmas in Miniature Day 11

12 Days of Christmas in Miniature 9: Night Before Christmas; A Christmas Room

Welcome to Day 9 of The 12 Days of Christmas in Miniature for 2009.

This year we are following along with the classic tale, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. (click link to go to day 1.)


'Twas the Night Before Christmas

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.








He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;



* Uh-oh, someone's peeking at the gifts already! (No wonder she's smiling!)



* Photos: Santa by Bonnie Glazier.

* Christmas room in bag by Chris Pecherzewski. This was her first Christmas room. See more of her minis here.

* The charming older lady, titled, "The Gift," is by Gina Gagnon of Lone Wolf Miniatures. Gina makes some incredible characters!

** Next: Christmas in Miniature Day 10

12 Days of Christmas in Miniature 8: Night Before Christmas and Old St. Nick

Welcome to Day 8 of The 12 Days of Christmas in Miniature featuring the classic Christmas story, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. (click link to go back to day one.)

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!


His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;




* Photos: Traditional red-suit Santa by Bonnie Glazier.

* Christmas room and Santa by Fern Rouleau.

** Next: Christmas in Miniature Day 9