tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44505703139845272662024-03-13T14:10:41.393+00:00On Being a Mini Mum......My Journey into the Fascinating World of Dolls House Miniaturesonbeingaminimumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11176422732636109060noreply@blogger.comBlogger382125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450570313984527266.post-80748114610314654172016-03-19T16:28:00.002+00:002016-03-19T16:30:11.904+00:00Gamages Doll Shop.....All Things Tiny and Dolly.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The window is still a work in progress so as I acquire more dolls this will probably change. At the moment it has a selection of dolls by a very talented Spanish artisan, <span style="color: black;"><a href="mailto:amcastillo10@gmail.com"> VICTORIA HEREDIA GUERBOS</a>, who I have seen at the Kensington Dolls House Festival. Unfortunately she does not have a website but attends lots of shows worldwide and always has an amazing display of dolls in a variety of sizes.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">The tiny dolls house is by <a href="http://www.veroniquelux.fr/boutique.aspx">Veronique Lux</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NbrqEAMyVMw/VuxyB1G_SEI/AAAAAAAAGfw/E87tb2222Ho5v4erqYLnQgTtVT7Up-PKA/s1600/IMG_2220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NbrqEAMyVMw/VuxyB1G_SEI/AAAAAAAAGfw/E87tb2222Ho5v4erqYLnQgTtVT7Up-PKA/s320/IMG_2220.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have started dressing the large back cabinet despite being more than a little annoyed at myself for not matching the paper design on the back board. I am hoping that when I finish the whole unit this bad seam will not be so visible. </div>
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The tiny ballerina dolls, top left, are from <a href="http://www.sallyreaderminiatures.co.uk/ourshop/cat_796460-124th-toys-and-dolls.html">Sally Reader Miniatures</a>, and a whole range of teeny dolls are available on their website.</div>
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Underneath these are three pieces by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/DebJacksonDesigns">Deb Jackson</a> and I am seriously tempted by a number of gorgeous pieces she currently has on her Etsy site but I really mustn't!!</div>
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The tiny chairs are all <a href="http://www.janeharrop.co.uk/24th_kits.html">Jane Harrop</a> kits in 1/24th scale I think although she also does quite a few kits in 1/48th scale as well.</div>
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The three gorgeous dolls are by <a href="http://towerhousedolls.co.uk/">Tower House Dolls</a> who are based in the UK. They have a whole range of dolls including some that are ready to dress. They also produce specials every so often and I was recently able to purchase the matching set with the toy pram and baby.</div>
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You can also see another tiny house by Veronique Lux.</div>
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Still quite a few gaps to fill!</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8FvCgL6YfaU/VuxyDAp7Q5I/AAAAAAAAGfw/R9F4geXYChMgwxp5IBPsCvn0Vi5t0DfKQ/s1600/IMG_2227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8FvCgL6YfaU/VuxyDAp7Q5I/AAAAAAAAGfw/R9F4geXYChMgwxp5IBPsCvn0Vi5t0DfKQ/s320/IMG_2227.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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At the moment I have grouped all my printie dolls together just to fill a shelf but I do quite like them en masse.</div>
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I have also grouped dolls by the same makers together mainly because I am a bit anal about order but I will play around with the displays as I fill the shop. The three dollies at the front of the shelf are by <a href="http://adorabellaminis.bigcartel.com/category/48th-scale">Joy Cox</a> and are very poseable, amazingly so for such tiny pieces. I love this little family and have added quite a few of Joy's 1/48th pieces to my collection lately. I may use them in Gamages or save them for other projects.</div>
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The three very French dolls are by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/AnandaMiniaturas">Ananda Miniaturas</a> who have a lovely shop on Etsy. These dolls are so sweet and beautifully dressed. They seem a bit tucked away here so I will have to find them a better place to perch.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-icMLJ8gHJs4/VuxyETx-AwI/AAAAAAAAGfw/OCrqPGn6HToXNSkPTniQHnWZLc78MVvxg/s1600/IMG_2239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-icMLJ8gHJs4/VuxyETx-AwI/AAAAAAAAGfw/OCrqPGn6HToXNSkPTniQHnWZLc78MVvxg/s320/IMG_2239.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Two very lonely little dollies on these shelves by Ananda Miniaturas and Victoria. The tiny doll by Victoria is the smallest in her range and comes in a presentation box with minuscule accessories. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UuF190ElbUE/VuxyEk7noQI/AAAAAAAAGfw/XKNEM5H5r7IEPOoSAMOiDqp3mu-bE6WVA/s1600/IMG_2240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UuF190ElbUE/VuxyEk7noQI/AAAAAAAAGfw/XKNEM5H5r7IEPOoSAMOiDqp3mu-bE6WVA/s320/IMG_2240.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The tiny doll by Victoria is the smallest in her range and comes in a presentation box with minuscule accessories.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D0ZdjyOd_bc/Vu15WtY1MzI/AAAAAAAAGgE/HU3OpfpxZT0iL7xZ2SukMOVXq3YqqT2iA/s1600/IMG_0836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D0ZdjyOd_bc/Vu15WtY1MzI/AAAAAAAAGgE/HU3OpfpxZT0iL7xZ2SukMOVXq3YqqT2iA/s320/IMG_0836.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
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I have had a go at dressing the tiny beds, all by Jane Harrop. They won't win any prizes but they will pass anything but a very close scrutiny. I haven't been very adventurous because I didn't have any materials in my stash that were very suitable for this smaller scale and making the pillows was a gluing nightmare! Hats off to anyone who works in this scale!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hx21rpON4UA/VuxyDQCmQiI/AAAAAAAAGfw/eCvuBF1KX8kByqX3pDdkgrE7w6D6FAfNw/s1600/IMG_2228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hx21rpON4UA/VuxyDQCmQiI/AAAAAAAAGfw/eCvuBF1KX8kByqX3pDdkgrE7w6D6FAfNw/s320/IMG_2228.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This shows the wood work I have added to the front opening panel. I love Sid Cooke kits but you don't get any interior mouldings with them unlike the Dolls House Emporium kits so you have to make these up yourself. Plus the door hinges are always awful but they will have to do. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-35n55uSn8WI/VuxyDwmU8DI/AAAAAAAAGfw/3bvYsZxW7h0PN4qrfyRn6gmD-B91r9TTQ/s1600/IMG_2238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-35n55uSn8WI/VuxyDwmU8DI/AAAAAAAAGfw/3bvYsZxW7h0PN4qrfyRn6gmD-B91r9TTQ/s320/IMG_2238.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have a few extras that I would like to add: some bunting for the top of this window, it is quite a tall window and I am debating whether or not to add an extra shelf or maybe a plinth for the dolls at the back? Hmmm, not sure yet.</div>
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A very helpful lady on FB also mentioned a baby bath which is a great idea as I used to love bathing my dollies when I was a child.</div>
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Plus I think this display definitely needs a tea set or two and I think smaller scale sets will work.</div>
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Quite a few items still on the shopping list for my marathon of shows this Summer. I am so lucky as I will be going to the Chicago shows in April followed by the<a href="http://www.dollshousefestival.com/index.php?page=exhibitorlist"> London</a> show in May and to finish off the <a href="http://www.1zu12.com/Messe_Aussteller_Grau.htm">1zu12</a> show in Rheda the first weekend in June. </div>
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What a great way to see the world!!</div>
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onbeingaminimumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11176422732636109060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450570313984527266.post-63326053484491105042016-03-18T22:15:00.000+00:002016-03-18T22:15:28.370+00:00Gamages Doll Shop Is Open For Business.....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Despite many gaps on its shelves Gamages Doll Shop is practically finished for the moment.</div>
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I always find it quite difficult to leave a project unfinished when I could just fill gaps with instant buys. I am holding back though because I am attending quite a few fairs this summer and I am supposed to be saving the pennies for these events. Which is sensible if annoying!!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TYD-1H9B2ZM/VuxyCbLiKTI/AAAAAAAAGfU/BPKsEuI_5Ism44YH1L-edQYuWPOqJHC1g/s1600/IMG_2225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TYD-1H9B2ZM/VuxyCbLiKTI/AAAAAAAAGfU/BPKsEuI_5Ism44YH1L-edQYuWPOqJHC1g/s320/IMG_2225.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I thought quite hard about the roof of this shop box as I wanted it to have the look of a roof without having to do any serious building work. I ended up using some sticky backed flooring I bought so long ago it could no longer really be called 'sticky backed'! I then gave it a dark grey wash and finished it off with a narrow moulding from my stash.</div>
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I also added skirting board as a roof edge moulding to tidy up the look of the roof and side walls. </div>
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This shop box will find a place in my real house so I am not going for a totally authentic building look, I just want it to have clean lines and look nice.</div>
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I am getting better at filling and finishing projects with homemade items, especially for areas that are partly hidden. These two box drawers are made up from an <a href="http://www.artofmini.com/">Art of Mini</a> kit and I have filled them with paper doll printies taken from images found on Google. </div>
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I later used my new found de-cal skills to add lettering to the front of these boxes for an added detail.</div>
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Many artisans use printies to finish all sorts of scenes so I hunted for girl images on Google that I could cut out and display as dolls. If it works this will be a very cheap way of filling up a shelf and small gaps. I have made them stand by simply gluing a small strip of wood behind each image.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pxyDw-RDxAE/Vuxx_rqiDRI/AAAAAAAAGe4/ynZTVnrQdkscql4n1FZPWGgrAYjssz9eQ/s1600/IMG_2181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pxyDw-RDxAE/Vuxx_rqiDRI/AAAAAAAAGe4/ynZTVnrQdkscql4n1FZPWGgrAYjssz9eQ/s320/IMG_2181.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am hoping that these prints will also fill some gaps and add a bit of variety to the shelves. I bought these frames in The Range in packs of three, I think they were about a pound in the card making section. I have just painted them up and added some dolly prints.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ae5sCImMFrI/VuxyAVko-tI/AAAAAAAAGe8/lirnt7z5DSImQFbwgTuVFRewhqGcuJc5A/s1600/IMG_2185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ae5sCImMFrI/VuxyAVko-tI/AAAAAAAAGe8/lirnt7z5DSImQFbwgTuVFRewhqGcuJc5A/s320/IMG_2185.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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More gap fillers that won't break the bank......dolly books. Images from Google glued onto the front of plain card books. I did add decal titles to the spines which worked for some of the books but not for others. I tried to be clever and add co-ordinating colours but I would have been better off just sticking to a black font. The idea did work though and I will definitely do it again as spines are quite difficult to nail on miniature books.</div>
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I also decided to try out something else with the clear de-cal paper. Quite often shops had advertisements painted on the exterior brick work and I thought the clear de-cal paper would give the impression of the paintings as it would still be possible to see the brickwork beneath.</div>
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I have also added a road sign which is a little bit to bright at the moment but you get the idea.</div>
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On the other side I have added a bucket down-pipe that I bought at a fair for Honeydukes and never used. I have painted and buffed all the components and it does add interest to the side wall. Obviously it is completely redundant as I haven't installed a top gutter but I like it. </div>
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The de-cal is an original advertisement and I love that it is shillings and pence.</div>
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I have also changed my main shop sign as I made a terrible rookie error by using the possessive apostrophe: it should be Gamages and not Gamage's. Thankfully this was pointed out for me by a visitor to the Blog and I have been able to remove the offending de-cal from the front.</div>
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The de-cal was very easy to remove as I hadn't varnished over it, I simply lifted the edges with warm water and it came off like a dream without lifting any of the paint work.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yg84WK-0VpY/VuxyDtz58rI/AAAAAAAAGfg/nsIRX5BnmpQGdpvu3eLVa2RBV-uONsdGg/s1600/IMG_2230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yg84WK-0VpY/VuxyDtz58rI/AAAAAAAAGfg/nsIRX5BnmpQGdpvu3eLVa2RBV-uONsdGg/s320/IMG_2230.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have lots more to show and tell of the inside and window when I will name all the wonderful artisans whose work is inside the shop but that will have to wait for the next post.</div>
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onbeingaminimumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11176422732636109060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450570313984527266.post-69686105765594533162016-03-12T20:50:00.002+00:002016-03-12T20:50:38.430+00:00Making De-Cals.....Image Transfer The Very, Very Easy Way.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Work has continued on Gamage's Doll Shop and I have been busy making up these doll size kits by <a href="http://www.janeharrop.co.uk/">Jane Harrop</a>. They are in fact 1/24th and 1/48th scale kits, which are the perfect size for 1/12th scale childrens' toys.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zjQBuVoOS4g/VuRvni03E8I/AAAAAAAAGdo/RwbZLo3m6ic8_fV_cnb0GxpIxjttSHVwg/s1600/IMG_2142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zjQBuVoOS4g/VuRvni03E8I/AAAAAAAAGdo/RwbZLo3m6ic8_fV_cnb0GxpIxjttSHVwg/s320/IMG_2142.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have painted them in a mixture of vintage colours and now have the tiny beds to dress. </div>
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I have also lined the counter and shelf unit with matching wallpaper. I didn't use the insets that came with the kits as they were not a matching shade and I wanted the furniture to blend into the room as there will be so much going on with all the dolls. I have also put up a few wall shelves using some fretwork I discovered in my stash.</div>
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I have quite a few shops in my collection and one of the problems I have come across is creating the necessary signs and lettering. This led me to investigate all sorts of methods involving transferring images. I collected a lot of tutorials that can be found on my <a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/onbeingaminimum/image-transfer-techniques-methods/">Pinterest</a> board and have tried many of them but found I couldn't really get the colouring of depth quite right. </div>
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I then began looking at work by various artisans and realised that not only were their methods much crisper than mine they also seemed able to image transfer quite complicated custom patterns and designs.</div>
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This led me to discover de-cals and even better than de-cals to buy, de-cal paper for ink jet printers. I found a site called <a href="http://www.craftycomputerpaper.co.uk/.-Inkjet-Water-Slide-Decal-Paper_151.htm">Crafty Computer Paper</a> that sold ten sheets for £6.99, which is not cheap but seemed to be the right product. The lovely Julie of <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/little_bits_and_pieces_by_julie/m.html?ssPageName=&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2654">Little Bits and Pieces</a> very kindly confirmed that this was the de-cal paper she used on her furniture so I bought a pack of white and a pack of clear.</div>
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The instructions are incredibly straight forward and I have been playing this week.</div>
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I have produced both signage and images to decorate the tiny furniture and am so impressed with the results. Try not to spray your sheets and then leave them on the floor to dry when you have dogs with muddy paws though!! </div>
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As the paper works out at 69p a sheet I did my best to fill a whole page to its limit by adjusting all the margin widths. I also ran a test page to make sure all my lettering was the right sizes before finally using the de-cal paper. You also have to seal your images with an acrylic spray to make sure the ink doesn't run when you dunk your images in water. I bought the <a href="http://www.craftycomputerpaper.co.uk/.-Acrylic-Spray-UK-SALES-ONLY_SPRAY-ACRYLIC.htm">Keen Spray</a> from the same site as I am a lazy shopper but I am sure there are lots of other products that would do the same job.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FNKTObeTrQA/VuRvwsorPgI/AAAAAAAAGd0/Rn1St-8kTL0BGLVLYpH_LMN-75dHvLDYg/s1600/IMG_2192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FNKTObeTrQA/VuRvwsorPgI/AAAAAAAAGd0/Rn1St-8kTL0BGLVLYpH_LMN-75dHvLDYg/s320/IMG_2192.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Adding the images to the furniture was a piece of cake although I did leave my sheets to dry overnight just to make sure they dried thoroughly. I also have to admit to a complete mess up with my first attempt.</div>
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There are two types of paper, clear and white, the clear paper is what you need for lettering as the de-cal once removed from its backing is....clear. Whereas the white paper is designed for full images like pictures because when the decal is removed from its backing any blank spaces will show through....white.</div>
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I of course used white on my first print out which meant all of the lettering couldn't be used and some of the images were impossible to cut out intricately enough to avoid the white edges showing. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jwhxnNfkDSQ/VuRwB5AOaBI/AAAAAAAAGd8/VrGDdBEI8agkEEDFUo3DQG-dTPsACOGkQ/s1600/IMG_2193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jwhxnNfkDSQ/VuRwB5AOaBI/AAAAAAAAGd8/VrGDdBEI8agkEEDFUo3DQG-dTPsACOGkQ/s320/IMG_2193.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So, second attempt and a day later I have been able to test out the clear sheets for the lettering. This phrase was painted over the door of the original Gamage's department store so it had to find a place in my shop. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OEXDfEM5-4o/VuRwBIiv0zI/AAAAAAAAGd4/pM_dOOgClFAp6Sj8u5jGa73vdFeEM7wvA/s1600/IMG_2194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OEXDfEM5-4o/VuRwBIiv0zI/AAAAAAAAGd4/pM_dOOgClFAp6Sj8u5jGa73vdFeEM7wvA/s320/IMG_2194.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is the lower section of the large shop unit and this decal has been applied to the back wall. You do not have to glue them on, they slide off the backing, once soaked in water for about 20 seconds. and then all you have to do is place them where you want.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WGNs__Y6cVI/VuRwM1S2PeI/AAAAAAAAGeE/af-7KGFPzBQXfrBzQ4j1HNrPVDQODX1Uw/s1600/IMG_2207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WGNs__Y6cVI/VuRwM1S2PeI/AAAAAAAAGeE/af-7KGFPzBQXfrBzQ4j1HNrPVDQODX1Uw/s320/IMG_2207.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once I was in the swing I began applying them to the front of the shop.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tIJIlBwCiAg/VuRwYlga__I/AAAAAAAAGeM/IxhxmsTS4o4aLDiz0feER334O-1y8Bbxg/s1600/IMG_2208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tIJIlBwCiAg/VuRwYlga__I/AAAAAAAAGeM/IxhxmsTS4o4aLDiz0feER334O-1y8Bbxg/s320/IMG_2208.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have used as many details as I could find linking back to this favourite childhood shop.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ns6EahR3cTI/VuRwPzoLr5I/AAAAAAAAGeI/fCaWQQ5tZTQ2RytQJ8hbx721w65pZZJLw/s1600/IMG_2210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ns6EahR3cTI/VuRwPzoLr5I/AAAAAAAAGeI/fCaWQQ5tZTQ2RytQJ8hbx721w65pZZJLw/s320/IMG_2210.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lastly I applied the name which was the biggest of the de-cal strips and breathed a sigh of relief as it went on perfectly. Phew!! To make sure the de-cal doesn't stick too quickly and to allow you to adjust its position it is recommended that you wet the surface of the object you want the de-cal to stick to. This means it will slide into place and can be moved around with ease.</div>
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Easy peasey, lemon squeezey!!</div>
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You do of course get a slightly glossy finish from the de-cal and if you look very carefully there is a very fine line around the lettering which is why it is important to cut as close as possible to the lettering or image. I will add an extra coat of varnish once the shop is finished anyway for extra protection so this doesn't cause too much of a problem. I might even go for a satin finish to see if this dulls down the gloss.</div>
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I would definitely recommend this product it is a super way to personalise our miniature scenes. I understand that this de-cal technique has been used for years by train and model enthusiasts and of course you can buy tons of water slide nail decals on Ebay already printed and ready to use.</div>
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The best thing about this paper though is that it allows for the printing of whatever design you choose which is perfect for miniature shops.</div>
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Happy printing!!</div>
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onbeingaminimumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11176422732636109060noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450570313984527266.post-5569399029344714352016-02-28T20:48:00.004+00:002016-02-28T20:48:58.534+00:00Spring Cleaning in the Tudor Witch House.........<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I was forced to stay in my real life house today and make an effort to be semi sociable so I took the opportunity to have a Spring clean and tidy up, in my Tudor Witch House!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mzk6_K-C_WQ/VtNS0Z0CLSI/AAAAAAAAGcI/QzyGPZKdVKk/s1600/DSC03038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mzk6_K-C_WQ/VtNS0Z0CLSI/AAAAAAAAGcI/QzyGPZKdVKk/s320/DSC03038.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I am great at starting projects but terrible at finishing them and this house needs so little done to it really but I have never quite got around to the last bits and pieces.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vqDXqjwTD78/VtNSr91bfZI/AAAAAAAAGcE/Ey7SO4VABng/s1600/DSC03147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vqDXqjwTD78/VtNSr91bfZI/AAAAAAAAGcE/Ey7SO4VABng/s320/DSC03147.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It is a huge house from Maple Street and is a beast to move so it has stayed in the garden room where it looks at me reproachfully most days.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-26adsqoGGxo/VtNT6CSMFOI/AAAAAAAAGcY/8SUYus62QwY/s1600/IMG_2120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-26adsqoGGxo/VtNT6CSMFOI/AAAAAAAAGcY/8SUYus62QwY/s320/IMG_2120.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Using a shaving brush I have carefully dusted each room and window removing the non-witchy grime and cobwebs. </div>
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Having been moved a number of times I also replaced fallen items and picked up all the witchy mess.</div>
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I have never fixed any of the furniture in place as I have never believed this project to be 'done' but there are some areas that I have now decided can be ticked off so glue and tacky wax were added to my spring clean bucket.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IIFrcDS0RPs/VtNT6OY9O9I/AAAAAAAAGcQ/8hhpUeVebKs/s1600/IMG_2122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IIFrcDS0RPs/VtNT6OY9O9I/AAAAAAAAGcQ/8hhpUeVebKs/s320/IMG_2122.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was lovely to see all the items I had gathered from so many talented artisans, some who have now retired and others who are not with us any longer.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NN-8Qcsdj3U/VtNT7K4fALI/AAAAAAAAGcc/TAslf5SpgZc/s1600/IMG_2125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NN-8Qcsdj3U/VtNT7K4fALI/AAAAAAAAGcc/TAslf5SpgZc/s320/IMG_2125.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I had forgotten just how many pieces this monster house had devoured and each shelf revealed many favourites.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sZFxcP3d_RU/VtNT7d59ClI/AAAAAAAAGck/G2ie3qpvNJY/s1600/IMG_2126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sZFxcP3d_RU/VtNT7d59ClI/AAAAAAAAGck/G2ie3qpvNJY/s320/IMG_2126.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My wonderful dragon by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Feythcrafts?ref=listing-shop-header-item-count">Feyth Crafts</a> has finally been fixed in place for all to see and admire.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yyXiXzEXzns/VtNT7WkHDSI/AAAAAAAAGcg/sB97pv9cK1k/s1600/IMG_2128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yyXiXzEXzns/VtNT7WkHDSI/AAAAAAAAGcg/sB97pv9cK1k/s320/IMG_2128.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The kitchen is still not finished. It looks much too tidy for a start and needs a bit more clutter. The oven range still needs dressing, there is a shelf to be fixed to the wall at the bottom of the stairs and a spillage definitely needs to be created but it does at least look presentable for visitors.</div>
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The home stall is also open for business and full of witchy goodness. Of course the planting is awaiting a return of the gardener and the herbs still need to be hung but I now know what needs doing and can make a list. Which everyone knows is the first step in every job!!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JQk8GFNb3mg/VtNT8Tx3emI/AAAAAAAAGcs/60XbY1LrCbE/s1600/IMG_2131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JQk8GFNb3mg/VtNT8Tx3emI/AAAAAAAAGcs/60XbY1LrCbE/s320/IMG_2131.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I have even made a note of how many crates need to be filled so I am ready when all the spring and summer fairs start and I can go shopping for all the fill ins.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VRVasTeZML0/VtNT8Xy3RQI/AAAAAAAAGcw/Q9FGXQ8fIyo/s1600/IMG_2135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VRVasTeZML0/VtNT8Xy3RQI/AAAAAAAAGcw/Q9FGXQ8fIyo/s320/IMG_2135.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The window of the kitchen has never had any attention so I attacked my stash hoping to find all I needed and began with all sorts of witchy bits. </div>
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This mix of food and odds and sods just didn't do it for me though, there was not any flow to the staging so off it all came.</div>
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I then decided that any witchy kitchen would have to have herbs and plants. This window could be filled with lots of natural remedy ingredients ready to be added to the brews and potions.</div>
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Back to my stash I found a few plants and a lovely candle display that I think will fit perfectly.</div>
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I have a lot of plants ready for a future project so I had to be sensible and not raid indiscriminately but now I have a plan I can make a couple up every now and again, from left over Alice plants, for the window sill......oh I must add plants to my list!!</div>
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There are so many artists to name for this project and I have highlighted them many times in this blog on various posts so you must forgive me for not going through them all over again but I am sure many of you will recognise all the usual suspects.</div>
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My Gamages doll shop is not forgotten but I have been painting, painting and painting this last week or so which is very unexciting and tedious but I will have some progress to share tomorrow hopefully.</div>
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Right time to make that list!!</div>
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onbeingaminimumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11176422732636109060noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450570313984527266.post-16217088504625482402016-02-19T20:48:00.000+00:002016-02-19T20:48:37.984+00:00A New Project Full of Nostalgia.....Gamages Doll Department.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Before I return to either Wonderland or Diagon Alley I have decided to delve into my childhood memories with a doll shop. Every Christmas when I was a young child my mother and grand mother would take me to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamages">Gamages Department Store</a> in High Holborn, London and I would be allowed to choose a doll.</div>
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Then when I was about nine years old my father decided I was too old for dolls and my choice would have to be something more educational, so my dolly days were over. </div>
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I am not one of those people who have numerous memories of their childhoods but I do have very fond memories of Gamages and its wondrous doll selection, many of which were housed in gleaming glass cabinets.</div>
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So I decided that I would have a very small dolls' shop amongst my collection.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D2qAmmMIdZo/VsdwEO3ni3I/AAAAAAAAGag/Jlsg6nc4rJ8/s1600/IMG_0845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D2qAmmMIdZo/VsdwEO3ni3I/AAAAAAAAGag/Jlsg6nc4rJ8/s320/IMG_0845.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My planning began with a small Sid Cooke shop that I bought from another collector who had decided to sell. Nice and small so perfect for a quick fix and compact enough that I will be able to find room for it in my real life house.</div>
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It has been a long time since I started a 'house' project from scratch so I did spend quite a lot of time on the first day working out the order of things to be done.</div>
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I have learnt from experience that giving an order to the jobs means less disasters as the build progresses.</div>
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The first stage for me is always the sealing of the main carcass.....</div>
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.........and any mouldings. I do this to avoid warping and to provide a good clean base for any gluing. I must have read about this step many years ago and it works for me. I removed the mouldings quite easily by placing the front piece in a warm oven, this softens up any glue and allows the pieces to be removed cleanly with a craft knife.</div>
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Then I made up two kits I had in my stash by <a href="http://www.artofmini.com/en-uk/index.html">The Art of Mini</a>, Janny's kits are brilliant with a whole range of counters perfect for the mini shop. They have a slightly European vintage feel, not very 1960's English department store, but why have a stash and not use it?</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BCDeOEcqHr0/Vsdxee9GStI/AAAAAAAAGa4/epb30L1xQXA/s1600/IMG_2092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BCDeOEcqHr0/Vsdxee9GStI/AAAAAAAAGa4/epb30L1xQXA/s320/IMG_2092.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I decided on a dark green undercoat as I intended to distress all the mouldings and woodwork, as usual I needed two coats for the base.</div>
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The top coat is a chalky teal, which I think will fit in with my real life house. Like many of us I have lots of leftovers and cheap buys stashed away that I need to use or lose so a small project is perfect for using these up.</div>
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The flooring are my usual reclaimed oak floorboards from my favourite dolls house wood supplier, <a href="http://www.wood-supplies.com/miniature.php">Wood Supplies</a>, I always have some of these to hand and top up my supply at KDF.</div>
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The paving stones are a heavily textured fibre-glass paper that I bought years ago from <a href="http://maplestreet.co.uk/">Maple Street</a> I think. I quite like it although I would probably only use it on smaller pieces.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GEGnGqS6elw/VsdxfNRFfkI/AAAAAAAAGbA/CTxx-ojPehE/s1600/IMG_2098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GEGnGqS6elw/VsdxfNRFfkI/AAAAAAAAGbA/CTxx-ojPehE/s320/IMG_2098.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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All of Janny's kits come with paper inserts for the backs and shelves, I decided to use this wallpaper as it matched the backing paper of the units. I have no idea when I bought this wallpaper it has been hidden away for many a year but it fits the bill.</div>
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I usually use ready made wallpaper paste but when I got out my tub it had gone very icky and horribly smelly so for the first time I used craft PVA glue for wallpapering. Although this method doesn't give you the slide of proper wallpaper paste it was fine for such a small area.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9uULOZ-FSSM/VsdxgPn7LsI/AAAAAAAAGbI/OXtGAkVP9pY/s1600/IMG_2106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9uULOZ-FSSM/VsdxgPn7LsI/AAAAAAAAGbI/OXtGAkVP9pY/s320/IMG_2106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I wanted to try something a little different for the outside of this shop. When I went to the SIMP show in Paris last summer I spent some time examining the brickwork of the buildings, the finish was very smooth and lightly textured. Then I came across the work of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/714596671908872/photos/a.714599891908550.1073741827.714596671908872/971717869530083/?type=3&theater">Handmade by Alma</a> on FaceBook in which she used cork bricks to create a feature wall. These seemed to provide the type of finish I wanted so I bought a roll of cork in Hobbycraft and cut out three sizes of bricks. </div>
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I always try and stick on my materials before attaching any moulding as I find the cutting and finishing much more difficult if the mouldings are already in place.</div>
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Certainly the cork was very easily cut around these windows and then gently sanded to match the shape. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PEJ7eD4tCiE/VsdxgHuXO6I/AAAAAAAAGbE/0G_-wyvdBlE/s1600/IMG_2107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PEJ7eD4tCiE/VsdxgHuXO6I/AAAAAAAAGbE/0G_-wyvdBlE/s320/IMG_2107.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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One of the problems though was the edges. It's always the edges. These will need some careful painting. I also decided not to grout as Alma had done. Mainly because the brick work I saw in Paris appeared to be grout free but also because I hate grouting and really wanted to avoid it if at all possible.</div>
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I have also finished the interior walls with cornice and skirtings which finish off the room edges perfectly and used up more leftovers!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P1HhdYjG62I/Vsd8sQ_T7GI/AAAAAAAAGbY/MgmTtyjC478/s1600/IMG_1224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P1HhdYjG62I/Vsd8sQ_T7GI/AAAAAAAAGbY/MgmTtyjC478/s320/IMG_1224.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
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I will finish by sharing this little treasure I had made specially for my shop by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Wickerville">Wickerville</a>. It is in 1/24th scale which is perfect for a child's pram in a 1/12th scene.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7PQdu-OBHgk/Vsd8so_rWjI/AAAAAAAAGbc/Gg_B2wIWIdg/s1600/IMG_1225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7PQdu-OBHgk/Vsd8so_rWjI/AAAAAAAAGbc/Gg_B2wIWIdg/s320/IMG_1225.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
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The workmanship is amazing, especially when you think how small it actually is. I have yet to find a dolly for it yet. I think she will have to be equally gorgeous.</div>
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A busy weekend will probably keep me out of the workshop for a couple of days which I always find a nuisance when I am on a roll with a project but real life has to be rejoined every so often.</div>
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onbeingaminimumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11176422732636109060noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450570313984527266.post-55346339801447683042016-02-08T21:33:00.001+00:002016-02-08T21:35:58.270+00:00Faffing Around With the Hatter's Table.....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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These last couple of days I have been playing around with the tea table. I have stuck two tables together and after removing the middle legs it has been possible to fit three chairs along two sides.</div>
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I am using vintage handkerchiefs for the tablecloths that I purchased off Ebay for 99p.</div>
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Vintage hankies are great for linens in dolls houses because the materials used are quite fine, especially the older ones, and they usually have some embroidery or lace.</div>
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I have used hankies before on beds and they work really well. Plus they are so cheap and come in all colours.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UqeJq78YNkM/Vrj7hMm5PwI/AAAAAAAAGZs/FAFGmjYP6VU/s1600/IMG_2059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UqeJq78YNkM/Vrj7hMm5PwI/AAAAAAAAGZs/FAFGmjYP6VU/s320/IMG_2059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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No Victorian tea table would be perfect without something lacy so I have added two beautiful table runners by an Etsy seller from Canada who I recently came across after recommendations by a very talented miniaturist, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LynnJowers?ref=pr_shop_more">Lyn Jowers</a>.</div>
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I contacted Frieda after looking in her Etsy shop, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BlackLeopardCreation">Black Leopard Dollshouse Creation</a>, to see if she would make me a few pieces in the size and colours I wanted. </div>
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There are quite a few crochet artisans so it was nice to be able to deal with someone I knew had made items for a quality artisan.</div>
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Freida, who lives in Canada, was so helpful and friendly readily agreeing to both sizes and colours.</div>
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These are the beautiful table runners Frieda made in an antique white,</div>
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I also ordered three throws for other projects in white, lemon and</div>
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a pale grey. I am so pleased with them, they are so fine and delicate. Freida went out of her way to get the right colours despite Canadian winter weather and a house move!! </div>
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I looked at the sold items in her Etsy shop and then chose the items I wanted in the colours and sizes I wanted which meant I got exactly what I wanted.</div>
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The post between us was amazing too, each parcel took three days to arrive! My UK post takes longer at Christmas time.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UzwFu-tr350/Vrj7jFoRwBI/AAAAAAAAGZ8/j3Zl4O35wU8/s1600/IMG_2066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UzwFu-tr350/Vrj7jFoRwBI/AAAAAAAAGZ8/j3Zl4O35wU8/s320/IMG_2066.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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After messing around with the handkerchiefs and cutting two to size as I can't decide which one to use yet I have a play with some water based wood dyes I bought off Amazon. They are all in a tester set by <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0104N4ALM?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00">Littlefair</a>, perfect sizes for miniaturists and really good value. The pots aren't huge, they sell them individually on <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Littlefairs-Water-Based-Wood-Stain-Dye-/181838334318">Ebay</a>, but it does mean you can have a play with the colours and choose before investing in a larger pot. </div>
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I have stained some lollysticks for reference in both single and double coats and you can see the nice variety of colours.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ViuImPkRBmo/Vrj7jtNm7AI/AAAAAAAAGaE/9d5AmyjTWnk/s1600/IMG_2067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ViuImPkRBmo/Vrj7jtNm7AI/AAAAAAAAGaE/9d5AmyjTWnk/s320/IMG_2067.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used six different stains on the chairs for the tea table. These chairs are from a variety of sellers: <a href="http://www.janeharrop.co.uk/edwardian-era.html">Jane Harrop</a>, <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/little_bits_and_pieces_by_julie?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2754">Julie Warren</a> and <a href="http://www.worldofmyownminiatures.co.uk/whitewoodfurniture.html">Rob Lucas</a> and once fully stained I will paint and distress them.<br />
Once I have done with the chairs I am putting Alice aside until I go to the Summer shows and finally make a decision regarding the china.<br />
Thank you to everyone who offered advice about my mini dilemma.<br />
I really think I might go the de-cal route, at the moment I am veering towards the sets from <a href="http://www.true2scale.com/miniature-decals-heirloom-roses/">True2Scale</a>. After all the main pieces on the table will be all the gorgeous food.<br />
Anyway I have had enough of thinking about it now and ready to move on to my next project something I have been planning for over a year now.<br />
Can't wait to get started, it been a long time since I tackled a kit!!</div>
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onbeingaminimumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11176422732636109060noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450570313984527266.post-28495072838100451502016-02-04T22:52:00.000+00:002016-02-04T22:52:53.164+00:00Flower Planting Finished....Phew!! Mad Hatter's Wood In Full Bloom....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Well it's been a bit of a marathon but the planting is finally finished. I must admit I am really pleased with it. This part of the project has come out exactly how I had envisaged it and its not often anyone can say that with this hobby.</div>
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The mound for the caterpillar was made from aluminium foil covered with making tape. I then topped it with PVA glue and a tea leaf mixture. To plant the flowers I used a thick darning needle to make the holes before adding the wire stems.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gwz_NEZW11w/VrPJQFjdgJI/AAAAAAAAGYQ/e38eYeeF8XA/s1600/IMG_2024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gwz_NEZW11w/VrPJQFjdgJI/AAAAAAAAGYQ/e38eYeeF8XA/s320/IMG_2024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used a lot of the make believe ground cover plants on the mound as I needed to keep the plants low in order to appreciate the mushroom.</div>
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I then worked may round the side bed after firmly placing the larger trees in air drying clay and tea leaves mixed with PVA. I also added clematis flowers to one of the large tree trunks. I have stuck with the Bonnie Lavish and Templewood Miniatures kits as well as adding my own made up flowers.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7iM6WepnXU/VrPJR_h6lCI/AAAAAAAAGYY/mMD7mLrqj5o/s1600/IMG_2027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7iM6WepnXU/VrPJR_h6lCI/AAAAAAAAGYY/mMD7mLrqj5o/s320/IMG_2027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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With about three inches left I ran out of the teeny plants for the front of the borders which led to another day of plant making. I can't believe how many I have had to make, I am sure they are all disappearing down the rabbit hole.</div>
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Finally the last flower was planted! </div>
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It was quite an amazing feeling standing back and seeing it all finished. Then I had a panic about the glass roof and front. I hadn't tested it at all to make sure my measurements were correct.</div>
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Thankfully they both slotted into place.</div>
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The tall trees have blended into the main planting......</div>
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......on both sides although there is more sky on the right hand side than I had hoped for.</div>
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Of course I had to have a play. I immediately realised the size of the table would have to be severely cut down. So I have settled for a square. </div>
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I am going to cut off the middle legs in order to add and extra chair on each side. This means eight places instead of ten which means less china to buy!! Hooray!! The chairs will be stained and then given a distressed wash I think. Final decision to be made once I dress the table and get a proper feel for the table as a whole.</div>
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The Mad Hatter also has a new friend that I don't think I have shown before.</div>
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This fabulous dormouse, asleep in his nest of Alice books was of course made by <a href="http://www.giddykipperdolls.com/giddy_kipper/Home.html">The Giddy Kipper</a>, as were all the characters at the Tea Party.</div>
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I made the choice of having a see through ceiling for this room box as I knew there needed to be a way of seeing the planting as well as enjoying the characters.</div>
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So here I am with the china. These three teapots give an idea of size and general decoration. The larger one is a Ruetter and the two smaller ones are by A Woman's Touch. I had originally chosen this tea service as there is a whole range of tea pots and plates but they seem to have gone out of business even though their website is still up and running.</div>
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They don't respond to emails or send out orders. Does anyone know if they are still trading?</div>
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So that's why I am still hunting.</div>
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These cakes are by <a href="http://minifoods.com/">The English Kitchen</a> and <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/lindac5204/m.html?item=401064688842&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562">Linda Cummings</a> and are perfect for the traditional afternoon tea theme. </div>
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Tomorrow I hope to work on the table linens and chairs then I will be able to stand back and decide if I need a complete and matching tea set to off set the colour and business of the planting and the dominance of the characters.</div>
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Simple might be best after all my hand wringing.</div>
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onbeingaminimumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11176422732636109060noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450570313984527266.post-10001045273031275212016-01-26T20:58:00.001+00:002016-01-26T20:58:39.537+00:00Back in the Woods Today.....A Quick Blossom Shrub and Preparing the Ground Cover....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When I was making trees I also made a few wire shrubs thinking I would add leaves and blossom and create height and foliage in the borders. By the end of my tree making period I decided that these smaller wire structures would require more time and leaves than I was prepared to give. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cZ2Pi8N1UH0/VqfRVJ0m3II/AAAAAAAAGV0/670Hv9dmvv4/s1600/IMG_1953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cZ2Pi8N1UH0/VqfRVJ0m3II/AAAAAAAAGV0/670Hv9dmvv4/s320/IMG_1953.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I didn't want to waste them, however, so I came up with a quick fix by smothering them in PVA,</div>
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then sprinkling the branches liberally with railway scenic scatter.</div>
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The branches then had 1/4 scale lasered dandelion blossoms added. Not the most natural of looking shrubs, I think I did this at the end of a long day, but the general technique works. Next time I would give the gluing of the blossoms a but more attention.</div>
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At the back of my border it filled a gap quite nicely and added light to a dark corner.</div>
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I have spent most of today getting all the stems ready for the ground cover plants I will need for my Caterpillar's mound and the edging of the final two sides.</div>
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I thought I would show how differently the same punch shape can look. This is a simple flower punch, on the left hand side I have made a hole in the centre and pushed the flower up to the top of the wire. The flower on the right hand side has had each petal gently cupped and then turned over and slid up the wire. I have topped the wire with a dab of PVA and then orange paint to both stop the flower head from slipping off and to add a centre to the flower.</div>
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This shape is from a mini punch as these will be used for ground cover.</div>
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Just like all of these!! My laser sheets arrived from <a href="http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Tropical-Miniatures-by-Mary-Kinloch/DIY-laser-cut-plant-sheets-/_i.html?_fsub=9426805010">Mary Kinloch</a> today so I have painted the quarter scale flowers and leaves the set them on wires.</div>
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The flowers do have central holes and I have threaded some of them but the really teeny ones I found easier just to glue on the top of the wire. I am not making them into the proper plants so this way was fine for me. </div>
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I have used 30 gauge wrapped florist wire but I might be tempted to use a 32 gauge when I have a go at making the actual flowers in the future.</div>
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I have also bought some tiny leaves to experiment with too which might prove a challenge! </div>
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onbeingaminimumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11176422732636109060noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450570313984527266.post-88854946820939286812016-01-25T21:37:00.000+00:002016-01-25T21:37:01.111+00:00And Now For Something Completely Different......<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Like many a crafter, collector and miniaturist I am always thinking of the next project, the next fun thing to create or the next beautiful piece to buy.</div>
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After all the flowers are done and planted I intend to have a mini project break and these are my new treasures I want to showcase.</div>
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Domes of all shapes and sizes seem to be a bit of a decorating rage at the moment and I picked up a large dome in the Marks and Spencer sale a few months ago. When I saw <a href="https://www.etsy.com/people/JoMed">Jo Medvenic's</a> new Downton Abbey dowager I knew I had a prime piece for my dome.</div>
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Unfortunately, this dome did not have a base and after much thought I decided to use a cake board as the circular base. I intend to cover the silver paper with oak floorboards and look for a circular rug when I attend this year's shows. </div>
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It seemed meant to be when I saw the silver silken dowager on <a href="http://www.juliecampbelldollartist.co.uk/">Julie Cambell's</a> magnificent stand at the Christmas Kensington Fair and I brought her home with me to meet her new friend.</div>
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These wonderful ladies will make a great display in my living room so the colours are perfect to fit in with my current colour scheme but now I need to decide what to do with the furniture pieces.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-666EsLoaCHE/VqaLsQ6tSGI/AAAAAAAAGVY/6z5OynmTcZM/s1600/IMG_1995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-666EsLoaCHE/VqaLsQ6tSGI/AAAAAAAAGVY/6z5OynmTcZM/s320/IMG_1995.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have an unfinished Bespaq sofa, side table and plant stand purchased from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MaritzaMiniatures?ref=pr_shop_more">Maritza Moran</a>'s Etsy shop as well as a chair that I hope will suit my Alice.<a href="http://www.maritzaminiatures.com/"> Maritza</a> is a very talented artisan who produces hand painted pieces of the highest quality for the most luxurious dolls house collectors, do take a look at her personal website, her work is amazing.</div>
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Now I don't aspire to such perfection for my dowagers but I do want to upholster and paint these pieces but have never attempted something like this before. </div>
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I need to remove the current padding and with other pieces of furniture I have microwaved them to soften up the glue. I am assuming that this will still be the right thing to do with a piece of Bespaq.</div>
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I have Googled 'painting Bespaq' but so far not had any joy.</div>
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Essentially this is just bare wood so I am heading towards staining and varnish.</div>
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These pieces have quite a lot of fine detail so I am a bit worried about losing the detail by adding too much paint or varnish which is why I am going the stain route.</div>
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I am still awaiting my laser sheets from the US so I can't finish off my final blossom trees and bushes but I have finished all the plants now so it won't be long before I can play with my new toys!!</div>
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onbeingaminimumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11176422732636109060noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450570313984527266.post-87515120439036448022016-01-22T20:37:00.002+00:002016-01-22T20:37:17.440+00:00Seem to be Stuck Down the Rabbit Hole....China for the Tea Party<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have been thinking about the china pieces I need for my Mad Hatter's Tea Party.</div>
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There will be ten settings which means ten of everything, plus at least six teapots, plus sugar bowls and milk jugs. </div>
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I have googled and googled in an attempt to find the right china remembering that my scene is very closely adapted from the original look.</div>
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Now if the unredeemed Lottery Ticket belonged to me I would not hesitate in commissioning everything by the Japanese artist <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: left;">Miyuki Nagashima. I haven't been able to find a website for her but there are lots of examples of her work if you google her name and pick images.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: left;">I have seen her pieces at the Kensington Dolls House Festival on a number of occasions and it is simply gorgeous.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BxU2SO5p9hE/VgawYy-iJwI/AAAAAAAALYs/_lETl-6t38M/s400/3-02-Teaset-SevresFlowers%2528DarkBlueGreen%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BxU2SO5p9hE/VgawYy-iJwI/AAAAAAAALYs/_lETl-6t38M/s400/3-02-Teaset-SevresFlowers%2528DarkBlueGreen%2529.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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There is also the wonderful work of Teresa Welsh of The China Closet.</div>
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Teresa sells on Ebay I have recently discovered and I have long admired her beautifully hand painted pieces. I am not sure if she accepts commissions but I don't think my budget will stretch as far unfortunately.</div>
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<a href="http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/images/g/WuEAAOSw9mFWLkMv/s-l225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/images/g/WuEAAOSw9mFWLkMv/s-l225.jpg" /></a></div>
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Then there is Stokseyware, whose work I love. It is very delicate and beautifully scaled but can I really justify £23 for just one cup and saucer when I need ten? Of course if this was my one project I would not hesitate but I have lots of projects. </div>
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<a href="http://www.stokesayware.com/5images/willowteaset/willow%20picnic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.stokesayware.com/5images/willowteaset/willow%20picnic.jpg" height="148" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have searched for a miniature china maker whose pieces are more in my price range but have failed miserably. I am now thinking that my only route is Reutter. Not as beautiful as Stokeseyware obviously, and certainly not as delicate, but in a price range that I can justify. Remembering that the plates are for show, it will be the cakes and characters that will be stealing the scene.</div>
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There are quite a few designs by Reutter : Yellow French Rose,</div>
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Gold Crosshatch,</div>
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<a href="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTAwWDU0MQ==/z/ji4AAOSwDNdVxTgc/$_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTAwWDU0MQ==/z/ji4AAOSwDNdVxTgc/$_12.JPG" height="295" width="320" /></a></div>
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Blue Onion....</div>
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<a href="http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/images/g/OK4AAOSwEK9UKf7R/s-l225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/images/g/OK4AAOSwEK9UKf7R/s-l225.jpg" /></a></div>
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....are I think my favourites and seem to be pretty easy to get in the UK although they are also available in the US.</div>
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I think the Reutter yellow set is the front runner at the moment.</div>
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I might just have to bite the bullet and buy one set just to see the quality and scale. </div>
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Amazingly I am off to Chicago in April to visit the miniature shows that are held there. Persuaded the husband that we just had to visit Chicago before flying on to Calafornia! So my plan is to wait until I go to these shows before making a decision on the china.</div>
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Any thoughts or favourite china maker links most gratefully recieved.</div>
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onbeingaminimumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11176422732636109060noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450570313984527266.post-81540349140090836312016-01-21T22:12:00.000+00:002016-01-21T22:12:00.154+00:00Moving Round the Corner.....Still Planting.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have managed to fill in three more sections of the woodland over the last couple of days.</div>
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These flowers are all from the same kits I have already used. I do have kits by a couple of other makers but I want to keep them for more specimen plants for my other mini projects. They are all a bit more complicated and I need ease and speed at the moment.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2DzDpb-5YIc/VqFVITlzomI/AAAAAAAAGUs/U-Lh0lgH-o0/s1600/IMG_1976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2DzDpb-5YIc/VqFVITlzomI/AAAAAAAAGUs/U-Lh0lgH-o0/s320/IMG_1976.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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As I started packing away this evening I had a good look at what plants I have remaining......Not good news. I am definitely going to have to make some more. I still have two sides to complete and I appear to have too many left of the same type which will lead to a lot of repetition. </div>
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I also think I might have over planted these areas.......</div>
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Looking at them in the photographs they all look a little too packed in.</div>
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Oh well nothing to be done about that now.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jJiKpFzjxss/VqFVISpSc3I/AAAAAAAAGUk/Q_sIqHfER8w/s1600/IMG_1981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jJiKpFzjxss/VqFVISpSc3I/AAAAAAAAGUk/Q_sIqHfER8w/s320/IMG_1981.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So, tomorrow I will be returning to the kits I have left in my very depleted stash.</div>
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Which is ok as I am waiting for some laser sheets of the tiny blossoms to arrive from the US.</div>
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Onwards and upwards!!</div>
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onbeingaminimumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11176422732636109060noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450570313984527266.post-2832483275858731912016-01-19T20:22:00.001+00:002016-01-19T21:25:36.622+00:00If You Go Down to the Woods Today.......<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I will still be planting.......<br />
I began yesterday by picking a selection of flower stems. I use a dry oasis from Hobbycraft to hold flower stems as I work. A large block is £1 and I cut it in half, they do shed oasis dust but hold the stems in place very nicely.<br />
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Having decided what flowers I am going to group together in this portion I go back to each kit packet and work on the leaves. This usually includes a but of extra colouring and cupping or curling. I had expected that this stage would be completed in no time at all but as usual I completely underestimated how long it would take. The most important thing is to make sure the plants had different heights and depth of foliage.<br />
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Getting height from the flowers led me to make my own foxglove/gladioli thingies which have actually turned out much better than I expected but were incredibly time consuming.<br />
I started with what were supposed to represent unopened flowers at the top and then added rows of punched flowers glued into the same cupped circles and then finished with cupped geranium leaves that I had previously punched. I have used the same process for all the tall flowers.<br />
They make not be real plants but this is Wonderland so I think I can get away with a bit of artistic licence!!<br />
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Many of the kits I use start with the creation of a 'bud' at the top of the flower stem as can be seen here with the pink carnations. I think this is a way of hiding the wire stem and it prevents the additional petals from sliding off. The trouble is that you seem to end up with a big clump at the top with some of the plants and no matter how I tweak and crimp I can't seem to bring the other petals up to meet it. </div>
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I also noticed that even using this technique I never seemed to be able to completely hide the tip of the wire so I now dip all the wire tips in a matching paint colour which avoids this problem.</div>
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I lost the kit leaves for the carnations so I added some leaves from my tree stash. These are obviously not accurate but they add a bit more greenery than the proper leaves. </div>
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I made a little blossom bush to hide the LED strip light in the corner next the The Caterpillar using the tiny quarter scale flowers from <a href="http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Tropical-Miniatures-by-Mary-Kinloch/DIY-laser-cut-plant-sheets-/_i.html?_fsub=9426805010">Mary Kinolch</a> and it seems to have done the job.</div>
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Once I had added all the leaves I added a layer of air drying clay and began placing out the flower stems checking heights and depth. When I was happy with my choices I removed all the flowers and added in the tea leaf/PVA mix. Once this 'soil' was in place I replanted all the flowers including a small patch of tiny pink begonias around the tree trunk.<br />
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On finishing the planting I realised I did not have any teeny tiny ground cover plants to fill in the front gaps beneath the medium sized plants. To avoid the super tidy flower bed look I need to make sure that the edges are broken up by spreading plants and these need to be tiny like the begonias.<br />
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This led to a bit of a mad rush using Mary's laser sheets yet again. These sheets are such good value providing many pre-cut flower shapes and I quickly prepared the wire, added the flower heads from the quarter scale sheets and finished off with some leaves. I had to hurry because the 'soil' mix hardens off pretty quickly and I didn't want it to set and not be able to sink the wires.<br />
In this section I have used: Pink Begonias by <a href="http://www.lavishminiflowers.com/">Bonnie Lavish</a>, then from the back, my own yellow tall flowers, orange lilies, white roses, blue hydrangeas, pink fuchsias and pink carnations all by Bonnie Lavish. The 'lavender' plants have been made from<a href="http://www.flower-soft.co.uk/Cart/EC-Categories.php?PRICategoryID=67"> FlowerSoft</a> and punched leaves.<br />
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Another section down and my flower stash is still looking quite healthy but next time I will make sure I have enough teeny plants ready for ground cover! </div>
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onbeingaminimumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11176422732636109060noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450570313984527266.post-87932463734537819212016-01-17T20:10:00.000+00:002016-01-17T20:12:40.591+00:00Beginning the Flower Planting in the Wood.....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have begun the planting in the back flower border using kits by <a href="http://www.lavishminiflowers.com/">Bonnie Lavish</a> and Templewood Miniatures. Most kits of this kind seem to be around £5 each and will make anything from six to eighteen individual flower stems. </div>
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I have discovered only this evening that Bonnie Lavish kits are once again being sold via her own website and she also has an FB page, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lavishminiflowers/?fref=ts">Bonnie Lavish Miniatures</a>, which is great news for all fans of her very accessible kits.</div>
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<a href="http://www.fineflowersinminiature.co.uk/">Templewood Miniatures</a> are based in the UK and have their own range of kits that I have used for the first time in this project. The kits have a very similar technique to the Lavish kits but vary in an interesting way. The leaves are copies of actual leaves so they require no painting or embellishing at all, which is pretty cool. The Templewood kits also provide great value for money as they contain a lot of single flower stems.</div>
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Both kits come with full instructions and all the paper and wire parts required to make them up. </div>
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I have learnt that there are some basic steps that you cannot ignore when putting together these kits. Number one: when it says wipe glue through the cut, wrapped wire, make sure you do it. Kits that require you to slide on flowers and leaves, need glued wire ends otherwise they will unwrap with handling, something that will annoy you no end!</div>
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Number Two: all the kits will benefit from cupping and curling but you must treat the laser sheets with care otherwise you will end up with a lot of split or crushed pieces which are a nightmare to glue onto your wires.</div>
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Number Three: make a few kits before getting creative, knowing how to put the kits together easily allows you to work out how each one might be improved upon next time.</div>
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I play with the basic kits a lot by painting or shading, or cupping the petals the opposite way directed, or adding different leaves. In reality the kits can provide a great base for you to play with your own ideas.</div>
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Number Four: if you are going to paint the leaves or flowers invest in some wax paper as you need to lift the sheets without the problem of them sticking. Wax paper is the best resource I have found to prevent either paint or glue sticking and I would seriously recommend everyone to add it to their craft stash, it is invaluable. After painting you must hang they sheet to dry off, do not let it dry flat, even on the wax paper. You can dab off excess colour onto the wax paper before hanging up to dry.</div>
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I have used lots of different means to colour but my main choices would be watercolor and pastel pencils for most detail work. Watered down acrylics are pefect for washes. Again be careful when washing laser sheets as you don't want your leaves/flowers sticking or creasing. Dab off any excess paint if need be and straighten the shapes when wet.</div>
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I am going to work on a small portion at a time with a bottom layer of air drying clay to further fix in place any nearby tree. I have then chosen a group of plants and tried to vary both colour and height. The leaves are curled and added to the flower stems and the wires cut to the length required. </div>
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From the back: the white stems are made up with a wire dipped in green model railway scenics and then topped with some of the quarter scale dandelion flowers by <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/tropicalminiaturesbymarykinloch">Mary Kinloch</a>. The orange flowers are made from a Bonnie Lavish marigold kit, as are the purple dahlias and pink tulips. The white flowers are white anemones by Templewood Miniatures - these are a great buy as each kit makes about 15 stems! </div>
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Once I had my group of stems ready I have topped the clay with a tea leaf/PVA mix which allowed me to 'plant' each stem in the 'soil'. You have to move quickly and carefully as the tea leaf mixture will harden off. Good tweezers are definitely a necessity!</div>
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Then I moved on to a slightly bigger section which need much taller plants both to hide the LED strip and fill the vertical gap between trees.</div>
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Here we have sunflowers, marigolds and roses by Bonnie Lavish. Holly bush by me: it is a wired structure with mini punched holly leaves and caviar bead berries. The tall lilac plants are also made by me. One of the benefits of working with kits is that you get ideas of how plants might be put together using whatever punches you might have at home and how they might work. These lilac plants are a cross between a delphinium and foxglove just using a small leaf and flower punch. Oh and lots of glue and patience!! </div>
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The yellow spiked flowers are also made by me. The wires have been dipped in yellow scenic scatter and then I have added some punched leaves from all my previous tree experimentation.</div>
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Two very small portions finished so far. I am just beginning to realise how important all the weeks of preparation have been.</div>
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I will leave you with my last bit of advice. Once you feel confident with the kits start playing with them and have fun. Use colour, curling, tweaking and any other technique you fancy. Then move onto creating your own plants however you want with paper, beads, scatters and fluff.</div>
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It is fun!!</div>
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onbeingaminimumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11176422732636109060noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450570313984527266.post-603290003473923812016-01-16T19:27:00.001+00:002016-01-16T19:27:28.656+00:00It's Been a While But I Have Been Busy in the Woods.....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It might be cold and frosty here in England but I have been busy, busy making the plants for my Mad Hatter's Tea Party Project. </div>
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So many kits and punches later I have at last reached the point when I believe I have made enough flowers to fill the flower beds that will make up the background for the scene beginning at the back with the Caterpillar's mound.</div>
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I decided to use LED strip lights to illuminate the flower beds. I was a little indecisive about adding light to this project but decided it will provide more interest in the evening if it was lit in some way. The mound is made from foil and masking tape, Jain Squires Caterpillar has wedged in nicely.</div>
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The three beds now need to be filled with all the trees I have made. I and the gaps around the mound filled.</div>
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I have used a basic air drying clay to fix the trees in place. I know this will dry out and is not a permanent fix for the trees but the clay will be covered in 'soil' that I hope will glue them in and add stability. I had read that Fimo is a better base as it stays more flexible but when I tried to use it I realised that I would have to spend a lot of time warming it up and I was too impatient to start. </div>
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As the clay takes a while to dry out I do have the chance to move things around as I plant, even once dried the trees and bushes can be moved as the clay has not stuck to the floor of the room box.</div>
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I have also added blossom to some of the trees and roses to one of the larger bushes. Finding small enough punches has been a real challenge so eventually I bought some of <a href="http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Tropical-Miniatures-by-Mary-Kinloch/DIY-laser-cut-plant-sheets-/_i.html?_fsub=9426805010">Mary Kinloch's</a> laser sheets. The quarter scale sheets are perfect for tiny flower blossoms. I bought the dandelion, mum and daisy sheets which are all on Japanese Crepe Paper. They colour up beautifully and are very versatile. Mary is available on FB for UK buyers and is very helpful if you want to order some of her laser sheets. Just send her a message on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mary.kinloch?fref=ts">FB</a> detailing the sheets you would like to order. Mine arrived in next to no time. I have already ordered some more today for creating tiny border plants.</div>
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The clematis flowers and roses have both been made using Bonnie Lavish kits. I have quite a stash of these kits which are no longer available in the UK but I was lucky enough to see some on Ebay a while ago that I snapped up immediately. I also bought some from a US seller but I can't remember the site off hand. Flower kits are a great way to make plants but they do vary in difficulty, I like these kits because they are simple and straight forward.</div>
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This little blossom tree is one of the wire structures I made. I have coated it with a railway scenic scatter, couldn't face the idea of tiny leaves, and then added some of the quarter scale dandelion flowers.</div>
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This blossom tree shows the difference in size when using a mini punch. I have just about got away with it because it is a much bigger tree but I wish I had gone for the smaller laser blossoms earlier.</div>
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I am always amazed how my projects seem to eat up resources. I felt like I had made more than enough trees and bushes, I was expecting to find I had a few left, but I seem to have made just enough. Phew!! In fact I have had to use a couple of twig trees that were part of my stash but they seem to have blended in ok. </div>
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I have filled in the gaps around the mound and then covered the back gaps with dried out and ground tea leaves mixed with a basic PVA glue. This has then been topped with clumps of railway scenic moss. I will have to add some more greenery to hide the LED strip, maybe a small fern.</div>
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The tea leaves will dry and harden which might make adding greenery to this corner a bit more problematic. Hmmmm, will have another look at this tomorrow.</div>
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Generally a good start to the planting, my only worry now is the amount of flowers I have made.</div>
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I have five of these oasis block ready and waiting.</div>
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Leaves to be added as I plant.</div>
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Surely this will be more that enough!!</div>
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Fingers crossed.</div>
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onbeingaminimumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11176422732636109060noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450570313984527266.post-40006641023834303412015-11-29T21:22:00.002+00:002015-11-29T21:22:53.277+00:00Still Learning About Trees, Leaves, Rice Paper and Japanese Crepe Paper.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The first thing I have to admit to is that despite collecting loads of tutorials regarding plant making and making note of all the tips from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/773624879378141/">Mary Kinolch's FB Group</a> I have ignored a basic truth. That is: don't bother researching if you are going to ignore what all those generous miniaturists tell you!! </div>
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If you are undertaking a big project choosing the right materials is fundamentally important and it is a lesson I have learnt to my cost this week.</div>
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There are many very talented craftspeople who use filter papers, cartridge paper, floral tape and any paper they have to hand and create marvellous plants but if you only have basic home skills and need to be led by the hand, like me, using tried and tested materials saves both time, money and energy.</div>
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So what have I been playing with.....</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K9n_xl8OhkA/Vltde0sKlBI/AAAAAAAAGN4/1jz_9e88gJY/s1600/IMG_1488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K9n_xl8OhkA/Vltde0sKlBI/AAAAAAAAGN4/1jz_9e88gJY/s320/IMG_1488.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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.....this monster. Which is my take on a weeping willow type tree for one of the back corners. A very heavily wired tree structure that I painted and then because I wasn't happy with the trunk I then covered with tissue and painted again.</div>
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I then punched hundreds of leaves using the basic rice paper I mentioned in my last post that I bought on Ebay. I used a large leaf punch that I have had in my stash for a few years and didn't think I would ever use as the stem is much too big but then realised I could remove all the individual leaves from the stem and glue them on individually. </div>
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This paper is very thin and I made the mistake of punching two or three sheets at a time which meant the leaves bunched together, much time was then spent with tweezers pulling the individual leaves apart. Advice to punch sheets separately ignored, lesson learnt.</div>
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As the paper is very delicate it then took me a while to work our how to score and cup the leaves without tearing them in half. I needed to do quite a large batch at a time to get into the swing, very tedious but much less wastage and frustration!</div>
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Using my fine tipped glue applicator I dotted along each branch and began building up the leaf effect.</div>
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Hopefully you can see the improved trunk and fully laden branches. It is also advisable to punch loads of leaves to make sure you do not run out and then find you can't remember what colour paint you used for this particular tree. I now have enough leaves for many trees and plants but as the saying goes: "They don't eat anything"!</div>
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After advice from the lovely Jayne of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TallulahBelle">Tallulah Belle Originals</a> and ignoring the advice of Mary Kinolch I finally ordered rice paper and silk linen/Japanese Crepe from <a href="http://www.pearceminiatures.com/shop.php?p=t|sup||">Pearce Miniatures</a>. </div>
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I have no idea why I didn't do this in the first place apart from the fact that I have been put off from ordering from the US lately because of the horrendous import and postal taxes I have had to pay in recent months. I think I had also become increasingly confused by the huge variety of papers that seemed to be more readily available. Patience has never been a strong point of mine.</div>
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Now, however, I knew exactly what to order and from where. The postal costs were very reasonable and for the first time in an age my parcel avoided scrutinage. </div>
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I started with the Silk Linen paper and read Era's very clear and helpful instruction regarding the colouring. This paper has a strong texture and was nowhere near as delicate as my Ebay rice paper.</div>
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I soaked it with plain water as advised and then coated it with an acrylic paint mixed with a dash of gloss medium. The paper gets very wet but as it dries you can see how you end up with a variegated effect which is just perfect for leaves. You do need to protect your floor though, if you want to, as the sheets will drip paint as they dry.</div>
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Then, because I never can stick to instructions, I had a try with a 50/50 mix of acrylic and gloss medium and did not soak the paper. This has given a much deeper colour and the paint did not variegate very much at all.</div>
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I then turned my attention to the rice paper from <a href="http://www.pearceminiatures.com/shop.php?p=t|sup||">Pearce Miniatures</a>. Again this was much less delicate than the Ebay paper and felt much nicer. I crumpled up these sheets and then painted each side in contrasting colours. I then dry washed each side with a strong contrasting colour. </div>
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I have learnt that the dry wash colour has to be very clearly different to the base colour, if there is not a contrast when the tiny leaves are punched you lose the variegation completely.</div>
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These sheets were not crumpled and you can see the different type of effect you get.</div>
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I have now spent some time with my punches on these two papers and they punch like a dream. Of course I tried punching two sheets at a time but checked straight away to see if the leaves clumped, they did, so I punched each sheet separately which took longer but it meant I didn't have to spend much more time tweezing apart leaf clumps. You will get a lot of waste when using punches but this can be minimised by cutting off the strips you are left with in each row and then keeping these for cutting and shaping your own leaves......eventually!!</div>
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The other thing I noticed is that the direction of the crepe weave will show up on the leaf. Here you can see the difference depending on which edge of the paper I punched along.</div>
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So far though these papers are so much better than all the others I have used so far and I wish I had used these from the very start. Their cost is very reasonable and I would certainly recommend them for anyone's stash or if you intend to embark on a plant project of any kind.</div>
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I think I have just about got away with the quilling paper because the leaves I started with were very large and I am sure I will use the leaves I already have on larger plants but I would not recommend using it for smaller plants and flowers. </div>
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As you will have gathered I have quite a collection of leaves now that I began storing in the little Poundland containers I think everyone has in their stash but I then remembered I have these tiny food pots that I use for paint and glue. Much better for storing these tiny bits as it appears I am going to need quite a few containers for this project </div>
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They are really handy and can be bought in all sorts of quantities and types <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/25ml-Clear-Biodegradable-PLA-Pots-Lids-x-100-Food-Catering-Storage-/191648849548?hash=item2c9f295e8c">Ebay</a>, these are the same as the ones I use but there are others available too for less. Mine are more or less disposable as you cannot wash then out in very hot water, they will de-grade. </div>
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Great for your letter to Santa though!!</div>
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A bit of a marathon post but I hope it will prove useful.</div>
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Try and keep dry this week if Winter is testing it's muscles where you are. If Summer is arriving in your part of the world........Lucky, lucky you!!</div>
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onbeingaminimumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11176422732636109060noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450570313984527266.post-88297659166247679132015-11-20T21:35:00.000+00:002015-11-20T21:35:15.072+00:00Yep, still Making Trees But What Have I Learnt?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I was feeling a little down a few days ago with the general progress of this project and the usual dis-gruntlement of not having the right tools or equipment. Luckily one of my favourite plant miniaturists, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tallulah.belle.37?fref=ts">Tallulah Belle</a>, sent me a lovely message full of encouragement and excellent tips. </div>
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Jayne's wonderfully humble advice gave me the kick up the back side I needed, how arrogant am I to believe I an learn in a month techniques and skills acquired by skilled artisans over many years? And then to sulk when things aren't perfect!! Definitely time to get over myself and back to grafting and learning!!</div>
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I have made quite a few wire trees which because of their shape and style will require lots of very small leaves. I have found it very difficult to obtain mini craft punches in England but I found a few on Ebay including this rose leaf punch. As you can see it provides six small leaves with every punch in graduating sizes. so I sliced them all off and simply cupped them on my mice mat ready to glue on the branches.</div>
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The gloss medium finish works much better on the smaller leaves as they don't look so glossy. As you san imagine this is quite a tedious process so following the adverts advice, "When the Fun Stops, Stop!", I completed this small tree over three sessions, two branches at a time.</div>
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Breaking the sessions down proved really sensible and it is now completed. I decided to tissue cover the trunk of the tree and leave the lower branches bare.</div>
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The branches are a bit spindly and I am not too keen on how they come out of the trunk but........remember they are background and move on!!</div>
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I moved on to rice paper. This is the type of paper most flower and plant artisans recommend but for some reason is incredibly hard to source in the UK. There are lots of specialist paper sites but I found the lists of rice and silk linen papers quite incomprehensible so I ended up buying a set of paper on<a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/70-CHINESE-A4-BRUSH-CALLIGRAPHY-WRITING-PAINTING-XUAN-RICE-PAPER-JAPANESE-CRAFT-/151883080245?"> Ebay</a>. </div>
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I read somewhere that this paper is quite fine and can be very difficult to work with but can be stabilised with paints and mediums. I started by scrunching the paper up to add further texture. This time instead of adding the medium after painting I mixed it in with my acrylic colour. I used the gloss medium that when mixed directly with the acrylic paint added a more silk satin finish than a shiny gloss, much nicer. Adding the gloss medium to the paint made it much easier to apply too, another bonus. This rice paper is very delicate and can tear very easily. I painted mine on a glass baking mat and kept lifting it very careful to avoid it sticking, then hung it up to dry on my paper 'washing lines' with plastic household pegs that I knew wouldn't stick to the paper.</div>
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Once both sides had dried I added a contrasting, dry-brushed colour. This paper has it's own texture but as I had also crumpled it the dry-brushing also brought out the crumple creases.</div>
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So far I like the way this paper has dried out and it is definitely far easier to punch. I have tested a couple of leaves and they look like they will keep their shape quite nicely.</div>
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This tree was the pineapple tree that I covered in tissue and PVA. Much happier with this finish and it is now fully dressed. </div>
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I simply scored these larger fern type leaves down the middle and glued them on.</div>
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This is a larger punch I bought in the UK but after no luck in tracking down mini leaf punches I had to resort to purchasing them from the US. </div>
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Luckily I found <a href="https://www.crafterstoybox.com/?filter_product_brand=215&s=mini&post_type=product">The Crafter's Toy Box</a> who stock a very large range of Punch Bunch leaves and flower punches. They were incredibly helpful and friendly in arranging my overseas order which arrived in record time.</div>
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I am not sure why these punches are so hard to find in the UK, I am sure lots of miniaturists would buy a who;e range of them if they were readily available. </div>
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This is another wire tree I have covered up and then added a sprinkling of leaves.</div>
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Lastly, I have dressed the last of the tall trunks with a garland of leaves that will have some flowers added to it for a bit of extra colour.</div>
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Feeling like I have made quite a bit of progress this week after my little hissy fit, thank you Jayne, and I hope to have a little play with the rice paper tomorrow. It seems we might get snow here in the morning but I will believe it when I see it!!</div>
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Have a wonderfully crafty weekend.</div>
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onbeingaminimumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11176422732636109060noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450570313984527266.post-89758033867324908732015-11-12T19:18:00.000+00:002015-11-12T19:18:08.965+00:00Oh My. Why Did I Ever Start This Tea Party Idea? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have reached the stage of leafing the tree structures and have just realised that this stage is going to take me a lot longer than I anticipated. Firstly there is the choice of paper and I seem to have chosen badly. My local resources are not brilliant so I have ordered sheets of rice paper from Ebay but they are yet to arrive. I have used mulberry papers from my stash but some of them are much too flimsy and the punches hate them. I bought a water colour pad from Hobbycraft that I thought would be thin enough but once painted this paper is proved heavy. </div>
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Then I bought some quilling sheets from <a href="http://www.jjquilling.co.uk/product-category/paper-card/paper-sheets/page/2/">JJQuilling</a>. These seem to be working and they come in a huge range of colours. I bought a swatch so I can make sure what colours are available for future reference. The sheet is the equivalent of four A4 sheets which work out at 20p each so really good value.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-715xr7WlcNo/VkTUB4VCYHI/AAAAAAAAGK8/xEyaeQk2JIA/s1600/IMG_1569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-715xr7WlcNo/VkTUB4VCYHI/AAAAAAAAGK8/xEyaeQk2JIA/s320/IMG_1569.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Making mistakes is not only a waste of money but such a time waster too. I painted, dry washed and added medium to a whole load of sheets that have now proved un-useable for the leaves although I may be able to use for hand cut leaves on the bushes and plants at a later date. </div>
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I am also having second thoughts about using the gloss medium on one side of each sheet. It has made the leaves very shiny which is what I thought I wanted. I am worried about the room box being too dark and I thought that the shiny leaves would reflect light better. Now I am not so sure.......</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eAfKKIe4urg/VkTUANBWs-I/AAAAAAAAGJk/gQjzM-nKAQk/s1600/IMG_1544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eAfKKIe4urg/VkTUANBWs-I/AAAAAAAAGJk/gQjzM-nKAQk/s320/IMG_1544.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anyway.......I began with one of the wire bushes and started adding the leaves in clusters, this is a very slow process.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0IMHNqyCqDQ/VkTUAK9LI3I/AAAAAAAAGJc/cjS4KhROlgc/s1600/IMG_1545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0IMHNqyCqDQ/VkTUAK9LI3I/AAAAAAAAGJc/cjS4KhROlgc/s320/IMG_1545.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I have used my fine tipped glue pot from <a href="http://fineflowersinminiature.com/epages/1f2f454e-ce84-48cc-9680-531b5aea95ac.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/1f2f454e-ce84-48cc-9680-531b5aea95ac/Categories/019121020b208d11b01af68ee1235133">Templewood</a> they stock a very good range of kits and accessories. I have also picked up this very handy tip in my research. You can dab glue onto the thumb of one hand and use this to dip each leaf in with your tweezers as you add single leaves.</div>
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These are the ivy leaves I am adding to one of the tree trunks.</div>
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These are maple leaves that I have scattered on one of the thin trees. These are meant to look slightly older and less fully leaved. </div>
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The finished ivy trail has worked well. I tried to add a stem to the trunk but just couldn't get it to stick so I added them in pairs without a stem and you can't notice the lack at all.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TE2ry_KeepQ/VkTUBJrzCGI/AAAAAAAAGJw/7OS_sGx3NXQ/s1600/IMG_1565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TE2ry_KeepQ/VkTUBJrzCGI/AAAAAAAAGJw/7OS_sGx3NXQ/s320/IMG_1565.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I have used punches for the leaves and here you can see where I have dry brushed to try and add some colour variation.</div>
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I decided to shape the leaves as well. This is time consuming but it does make the leaves look more natural. You need to do this on a soft pad like a mouse mat so that the leaves cup and hold their shape. There are lots of shaping tools available my came from Templewood Miniatures but I think Poundland sell a set in their nail art section.</div>
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Again I have added in clumps as well as an ivy growing from the ground. This tree is going in the back corner so I wanted it to be quite bright but I am not sure if this shade is a bit too vivid so they might be binned once I finish off the other trees. I am so indecisive about colour.</div>
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This is one of the larger wire trees and I have added quite a few leaves to this one but it still looks a bit sparse in the photograph. I will wait for the glue to dry and then decide to add more.</div>
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Last but not least another of the tall skinny trees.</div>
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So five down quite a few left to go!! I am starting to think about how I going to affix these structures into the flowers beds so I am thinking air drying clay mixed with PVA might be the answer I am a long way off that problem yet!</div>
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onbeingaminimumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11176422732636109060noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450570313984527266.post-81658384017675647822015-11-04T21:05:00.000+00:002015-11-04T21:05:19.491+00:00Filling Up the Wood for the Mad Hatter.....Making Trees.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I know I am always saying this but I am always stunned by how long everything seems to take. Then I start thinking about all the artisans and artists who are constantly producing amazing items in their Etsy shops or for shows. How do they do it? I know I am a home crafter and slow but goodness they must put so much time in to even the smallest pieces and then people come along to their stand and raise their eyebrows at a plant for £20. How soul destroying that must be.</div>
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So......I have made lots of wire trees in a variety of sizes.</div>
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Then I came across a tutorial on the <a href="http://www.lead-adventure.de/index.php?topic=41545.0">Lead Adventure Forum</a> which I assume is for collectors of lead soldiers which uses tissue for wrapping frameworks, so of course I had to try this method.</div>
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Really simple, just apply any old tissue with lots of PVA glue.</div>
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I decided to have a go with my 'pineapple' tree because I really don't like the way this trunk has turned out. Now it needs to be left alone to dry at least overnight.</div>
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I have had a play in the room box to check the heights as I have gone along and to see how many I will actually need. I am always a bit gung ho when doing something new and cannot resist trying out loads of different methods with various items I have hoarded over the years. This might be a reason my projects take so much longer than I anticipate.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvPrGf_xWGk/VjpfkJdO_jI/AAAAAAAAGHU/1keD0BOe9PE/s1600/IMG_1492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvPrGf_xWGk/VjpfkJdO_jI/AAAAAAAAGHU/1keD0BOe9PE/s320/IMG_1492.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Plus I have to keep telling myself that the trees are background so they don't all have to be individual masterpieces. I read a great series on painting and finishing trees on the blog <a href="http://needleandclay.com/?p=1510">Needle and Clay</a> where the artist gives some really good advice about colour choices and mixes so I decided to use Burnt Umber as my theme colour for my wood. I have painted some with a straight Burnt Umber base, some with a Burnt Umber/Black base and some with a Burnt Umber/Yellow base. The idea being that you start with your darkest colour and then add lighter mixes by dry brushing over these base colours.</div>
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Dry brushing should high light all the ridges and shapes of the trees and bring them to life.</div>
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Painting all the trees was quite time consuming, especially the wire ones, and you must let all the coats dry before attempting any dry brushing so there is a lot of waiting time.</div>
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These are all my air drying clay trunks. I have to say that the Creative PaperClay worked much better than the much cheaper Hobbycraft clay. There was no cracking and it went on much better.</div>
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After the base coat I then mixed the Burnt Umber with various amount of yellow and started dry brushing.</div>
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This is quite a hard technique I think as you have to be so restrained and trust the method to work. It's very hard to believe that using a brush with all the paint wiped off will actually work.</div>
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Somehow it actually does and all my trunks have come up really well.</div>
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This picture has come up a bit dark but I think I have done enough now. They will have leaves added which will make some of them spread out more. A couple are too tall but I simply snipped of their tops to make them fit.</div>
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I think there will be enough variation of colour and they won't be too dark. I intend to have a few LED light strips in the flower beds that should brighten up any dark corners.</div>
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I haven't added any scenic moss or green moss paint to the trees yet I will wait until planting to do the finishing touches.</div>
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Today I have begun punching leaves. My that is a task and a half!! I have a very bruised palm this evening. I started with various Mulberry papers I had in my stash but the punches did not like them at all. So I added different colour paint layers to the sheets.</div>
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The green sheets that I was hoping to use are much too dark and pretty one dimensional. It appears you need a mixed variety of leaves otherwise the leaves just disappear into each other. I decided to give the paper a coat of gel medium too, one side gloss and one side matt. I am hoping that the mediums will give the papers more body so I will be able to use the leaf punches I have been collecting. I have absolutely no idea if this is the best thing to do but I suppose I will find out tomorrow!</div>
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There seems to be a whole variety of views as to what is the best type of paper to use for miniature plants so I have ordered a couple of types that I will paint myself plus I will try printer paper as seen on <a href="http://www.otterine.com/blog/blog1.php/the-tree-part-2">Otterine's Miniatures</a>. </div>
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Glad to be moving on to new things now and learning new things all the time.</div>
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Which is just as well as the weather is awful!!</div>
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onbeingaminimumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11176422732636109060noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450570313984527266.post-10106348508521090182015-10-29T17:08:00.002+00:002015-10-29T17:08:37.952+00:00Making Trees Using Wire for My Mad Hatter Project....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Another method for making trees that I have come across uses wire in lots of different thicknesses. Lots of very good tutorials can be found on my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/onbeingaminimum/alice-in-wonderland/">Alice</a> board on Pinterest.</div>
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I have been collecting jewellery wire on the advice of Nikki Rowe who used to make the most stunning wire fantasy pieces. The thicker green stems were cut off some old artificial flowers a few years ago and kept because that's what we do, at last I have found a use for them!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kVvJK_GQbR8/VjJL1XmtYkI/AAAAAAAAGFs/nZ5MVodM2-Q/s1600/IMG_1463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kVvJK_GQbR8/VjJL1XmtYkI/AAAAAAAAGFs/nZ5MVodM2-Q/s320/IMG_1463.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have started to build up the trunk using the thick green stems by simply twisting the covered wire around a central stem.</div>
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I keep adding to thicken the main trunk.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pYgAbq0MrS8/VjJL1MT5-uI/AAAAAAAAGFo/_9yy8T0WClU/s1600/IMG_1465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pYgAbq0MrS8/VjJL1MT5-uI/AAAAAAAAGFo/_9yy8T0WClU/s320/IMG_1465.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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As I build up the trunk I start to let some lengths become the upper branches of the tree. Using a thinner wire I have added some extra branches to the upper portion of the tree. </div>
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It is quite a good idea to have a pointed pair of pliers to help with the twisting and adding of wires to save fingers.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jqZ6CvkuFWg/VjJL2VRQ64I/AAAAAAAAGF4/EuoL9xmSB6k/s1600/IMG_1466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jqZ6CvkuFWg/VjJL2VRQ64I/AAAAAAAAGF4/EuoL9xmSB6k/s320/IMG_1466.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I checked the height and shape in the room box and think this will work once the leaves have been added. I might add some extra branches for shape.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQY1uIniGo0/VjJL3gP1PaI/AAAAAAAAGGM/LFP4nE_Nd1k/s1600/IMG_1467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQY1uIniGo0/VjJL3gP1PaI/AAAAAAAAGGM/LFP4nE_Nd1k/s320/IMG_1467.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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As this wire was pre-wrapped I have given it a good coating of PVA ready to paint. My plan was to simply paint the wire and see how effective it looks but after being give a few tips by miniaturist <a href="https://www.facebook.com/susan.wener.5?fref=ts">Susan Wener</a> of <a href="http://tabitha corsica miniatures">Tabitha Corsica</a> I might add some clay for additional bark effect as I am worried this tree might end up looking like a pineapple tree.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b-NNOdnZL6s/VjJL3gl-dQI/AAAAAAAAGGE/Q4HmcE3vzC8/s1600/IMG_1468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b-NNOdnZL6s/VjJL3gl-dQI/AAAAAAAAGGE/Q4HmcE3vzC8/s320/IMG_1468.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have also started some smaller structures using much finer wire.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QvCKkw3xVo4/VjJL37g6kxI/AAAAAAAAGGI/sezuK6tBM8Y/s1600/IMG_1472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QvCKkw3xVo4/VjJL37g6kxI/AAAAAAAAGGI/sezuK6tBM8Y/s320/IMG_1472.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This will be a much smaller tree that I will just paint and add leaves. I have not been too worried about adding bases or roots because all the trees will be at the back of the flower beds.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B_gMWJ_3xxA/VjJL42zctZI/AAAAAAAAGGY/xuBmEgMxqic/s1600/IMG_1475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B_gMWJ_3xxA/VjJL42zctZI/AAAAAAAAGGY/xuBmEgMxqic/s320/IMG_1475.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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These armatures will have much finer branches but goodness getting the shape you want certainly takes some time and is painful for your fingers. I have used much more wire than I imagined too so had to trot off to Hobbycraft today for extra supplies of wire and clay.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p2G7idQFnQg/VjJME6ds2JI/AAAAAAAAGGk/sAD6nhKZbM4/s1600/IMG_1471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p2G7idQFnQg/VjJME6ds2JI/AAAAAAAAGGk/sAD6nhKZbM4/s320/IMG_1471.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A lot of the tutorials suggest using Super Sculpey clay but this is very difficult to source where I live and I am not sure it will make much difference to my efforts to be honest. If I decide to try it out I will have to buy it on the Internet, my local Hobbycraft does not stock it unfortunately.</div>
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I will have a go with the Fimo though as I think this might be an easy option for the spindly, tall tree trunks. </div>
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My Creative Paperclay trunks have not dried out completely yet but they do not seem to have cracked. Sore fingers crossed!!</div>
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onbeingaminimumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11176422732636109060noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450570313984527266.post-90785983773089385992015-10-28T20:11:00.000+00:002015-10-28T20:11:07.774+00:00Beginning to Make the Trees for the Mad Hatter's Tea Party......<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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After painting the back walls of the room box I have not been able to resist starting on the interior garden scene. I have used a ready made sheet of railway scenic materials for the 'lawn' on top of the floating shelf. This is quite basic at the moment but I will dress it up as the project progresses. </div>
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Making the trees is quite a daunting task so I have collected together a number of tutorials in my Pinterest <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/onbeingaminimum/alice-in-wonderland/">Alice In Wonderland</a> board that I have read and read.</div>
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I have started with a basic shape and armature made from tin foil. I have then covered the tin foil with basic masking tape to hold the shape. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O6hfcHMogLE/VjEY7ScIOXI/AAAAAAAAGD4/P5d9xoLGOuE/s1600/IMG_1449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O6hfcHMogLE/VjEY7ScIOXI/AAAAAAAAGD4/P5d9xoLGOuE/s320/IMG_1449.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I have covered the wrapped armature in the basic air drying clay you can get from Hobbycraft. </div>
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This tree is going to sit in a back corner and will go right to the top go the 'ceiling' and hopefully create a green canopy with the other tall trees.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U3YpmD2AR6Q/VjEY7X0IfgI/AAAAAAAAGDw/oEEmjwzcB-M/s1600/IMG_1452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U3YpmD2AR6Q/VjEY7X0IfgI/AAAAAAAAGDw/oEEmjwzcB-M/s320/IMG_1452.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Using a cocktail stick I have tried to create a bark effect along the trunk and branches. The immediate result was quite effective and I have to keep telling myself that foliage and my caterpillar will be hiding quite a lot of it so leave it alone and move on. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eY00_0yIaxY/VjEmS_dZr_I/AAAAAAAAGFM/ZnaazySXTng/s1600/IMG_1453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eY00_0yIaxY/VjEmS_dZr_I/AAAAAAAAGFM/ZnaazySXTng/s320/IMG_1453.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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After leaving it to dry overnight I notice a fair amount of cracking this morning. So I have added a thin layer of new clay to hide these cracks but even if there are any more cracks I think the final coats of paint will help to hide damage.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tgDDcOZZmz8/VjEmS9Wgq1I/AAAAAAAAGFI/2MvTElSWNjE/s1600/IMG_1458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tgDDcOZZmz8/VjEmS9Wgq1I/AAAAAAAAGFI/2MvTElSWNjE/s320/IMG_1458.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I am going to place my caterpillar under this tree on top of a small mound. I want to give him some height so that he can be seen and not get lost at the back. </div>
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This tin foil will form the basic shape.....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--AS90Tj4e7o/VjEY8XG2IzI/AAAAAAAAGEE/H2K4kVpb6pU/s1600/IMG_1455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--AS90Tj4e7o/VjEY8XG2IzI/AAAAAAAAGEE/H2K4kVpb6pU/s320/IMG_1455.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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........and I have covered it with masking tape for either covering with soil or grass, I haven't made my mind up yet. The tree is a good fit behind so one down and quite a few to go.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wkhwbB3nX_0/VjEY8yPIEAI/AAAAAAAAGEI/0KlZFkPR6uM/s1600/IMG_1456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wkhwbB3nX_0/VjEY8yPIEAI/AAAAAAAAGEI/0KlZFkPR6uM/s320/IMG_1456.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Using the wire armature technique this time I measure and wind three long strips to make some plain tree trunks that I hope will give an extra dimension to the feeling of forest height to the room box. </div>
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I have used wire from the jewellery supplies section of Hobbycraft but lots of people use stripped electrical wire which may work out cheaper and of course there are a whole range of floristry and sugar craft wires.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UoUv2Mi7FVk/VjEY-ERhwsI/AAAAAAAAGE0/XBwj3yUfWe4/s1600/IMG_1469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UoUv2Mi7FVk/VjEY-ERhwsI/AAAAAAAAGE0/XBwj3yUfWe4/s320/IMG_1469.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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This time I have used Creative Paperclay, which is quite a bit more expensive than Hobbycraft's own brand, but I wanted to see what difference it make make to the overall finish.</div>
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I also covered the wire in masking tape before adding the clay.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VGbImx5_U88/VjEY-JyrAFI/AAAAAAAAGEw/eu2PcRiKE4s/s1600/IMG_1477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VGbImx5_U88/VjEY-JyrAFI/AAAAAAAAGEw/eu2PcRiKE4s/s320/IMG_1477.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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What I haven't done with either methods is use ant PVA glue to help the air drying clay stick to the masked armatures.......Hmmmm, I think I was supposed to but the worst that can happen is that the clay, once it dries, comes away from the frame. As my trees are only going to be seen from the front and side it shouldn't be too much of a disaster.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-do5wXo524Os/VjEY_fe7xZI/AAAAAAAAGE8/924do-6vjMg/s1600/IMG_1480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-do5wXo524Os/VjEY_fe7xZI/AAAAAAAAGE8/924do-6vjMg/s320/IMG_1480.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have tried to vary their shapes and thicknesses, these will be my largest trunks I think, and again weathered the bark. I will have to give them at least a couple of days to dry completely before painting.</div>
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I am planning to give the clay a first layer of Gesso primer before starting with the acrylic paint but if anyone knows a better way of preparing the clay for painting I am definitely all ears.</div>
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Looks like rain here again tomorrow which means I should be able to spend another day in the workshop playing with my toys.</div>
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Well, what else can a girl do on a rainy day?</div>
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onbeingaminimumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11176422732636109060noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450570313984527266.post-28676325644716107262015-10-21T21:43:00.002+01:002015-10-21T21:43:48.385+01:00Getting Going With the Mad Hatter's Room Box......<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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If there is one thing I have learnt when starting a project it would be that forward planning is essential, even with what appears to be a straight forward room box. I want to make sure that I have a clear idea as to what will be required to enhance and disguise before I start all the interior pretty bits. </div>
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The floating lawn area has required an additional strip of wood to be cut and this needs to be in front of the front perspex sheet. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-izokpIv4QjE/VifwYOcRLxI/AAAAAAAAGCg/wqGxlhH9kvM/s1600/IMG_1432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-izokpIv4QjE/VifwYOcRLxI/AAAAAAAAGCg/wqGxlhH9kvM/s320/IMG_1432.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It seems ridiculous to actually mention such an obvious adjustment but there have been many occasions when I have gone along merrily and realised too late that pieces have been glued down in totally the wrong place or I have had to add bits at the last moment because I didn't take the time to think things through.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XYUCo6I6VbQ/VifwX064g8I/AAAAAAAAGCo/JOXgUB3eW_Y/s1600/IMG_1431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XYUCo6I6VbQ/VifwX064g8I/AAAAAAAAGCo/JOXgUB3eW_Y/s320/IMG_1431.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I have also cut all the mouldings for both sides, the front and the top even though I will not be gluing down any of the front and top pieces until the whole project is finished. This enables me to paint everything at the same time and I won't run out of the particular shade of grey I have opted for and all the wood with receive the same treatment at the same time.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-If7pBXfC5lw/VifwYfoELLI/AAAAAAAAGCw/mbatqbKfzv8/s1600/IMG_1433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-If7pBXfC5lw/VifwYfoELLI/AAAAAAAAGCw/mbatqbKfzv8/s320/IMG_1433.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used a basic mitre box and hand saw for the mouldings and was pretty pleased with the results. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c1tWgkfrH3I/VifwZSifukI/AAAAAAAAGDA/xcMfDLa6ulQ/s1600/IMG_1434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c1tWgkfrH3I/VifwZSifukI/AAAAAAAAGDA/xcMfDLa6ulQ/s320/IMG_1434.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The top of the box has a large perspex sheet which will be edged by a cornice moulding but the front edge sat too low to add any support to what will be a long piece of cornice and a join. This has meant my adding a long strip to the edge of the perspex to support the cornice and front moulding.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uPqtL9SMq8k/VifwZwhnX1I/AAAAAAAAGDI/O8fBSSZRHN8/s1600/IMG_1436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uPqtL9SMq8k/VifwZwhnX1I/AAAAAAAAGDI/O8fBSSZRHN8/s320/IMG_1436.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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While waiting for coats of pain to dry I started to play with the interior walls. Although there will be three flower beds I needed to add a background for the planting. I am not very confident with a paint brush so started with a very basic blue sky and green bushes.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-II64vWFkm24/VifwZ6FL8lI/AAAAAAAAGDE/UkcXI59_cd8/s1600/IMG_1437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-II64vWFkm24/VifwZ6FL8lI/AAAAAAAAGDE/UkcXI59_cd8/s320/IMG_1437.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I then started toning down the sky by adding dollops of white paint to my basic blue a bit at a time and just layering on different shades of paler blue.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1pF6hesTU5U/Vifwbk_jQkI/AAAAAAAAGDY/ots1AyuOM-4/s1600/IMG_1441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1pF6hesTU5U/Vifwbk_jQkI/AAAAAAAAGDY/ots1AyuOM-4/s320/IMG_1441.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I repeated the same process with the green bushes but in a slightly more dramatic style.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dbDn9GyoYR8/VifwcTL9-8I/AAAAAAAAGDc/3bMmjjCCAI0/s1600/IMG_1443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dbDn9GyoYR8/VifwcTL9-8I/AAAAAAAAGDc/3bMmjjCCAI0/s320/IMG_1443.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Four differing shades of green and my background is ready for the planting to begin.</div>
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I am going to have a try at making some tree trunks out of Fimo and air drying clay for a more woodland feel and give the idea of height. The actual scene is eleven and a half inches high, so eleven and a half feet in twelfth scale, so I can get away with some tall trunks suggesting much taller trees surrounding the Tea Party. </div>
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I need to do a bit of research on how to do it but as the will be flat backed I am hoping to do all the work on my glass tiles which will make the sculpting slightly easier........famous last words I know!!</div>
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So lots of moulding to paint but moving along nicely at the moment.</div>
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Rainy days are great for getting stuck in to a new project!</div>
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onbeingaminimumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11176422732636109060noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450570313984527266.post-3432531460930659032015-10-19T20:20:00.000+01:002015-10-19T20:20:53.590+01:00Here We Go! New Project Down the Rabbit Hole.......<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When I first started this wonderful hobby I spent a lot of time in Blogland reading and learning from the many artisans and home miniaturists that posted about their wonderful creations. One day I came across a truly inspirational setting by the miniaturist <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150636370193150&set=a.10150636370173150.406444.679663149&type=3&theater">Susan Wener</a> of the Mad Hatter's Tea Party. </div>
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I decided that one day I would attempt my own tea party and for a number of years I have been collecting the relevant characters by <a href="http://giddykippercharacters.blogspot.co.uk/">Jain Squires</a> both from fairs and with a little help from my friends.</div>
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Well at last the time has come......</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Jwa9h5-V6E/ViUxokazDUI/AAAAAAAAGBg/DEb5AVFx-Ts/s1600/IMG_1145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Jwa9h5-V6E/ViUxokazDUI/AAAAAAAAGBg/DEb5AVFx-Ts/s320/IMG_1145.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It will be a room box scene to go in my newly vacated bedroom, my youngest son has recently left home, that I have been de-cluttering and re-dressing for the last couple of weeks. Big clearing out and lots of bags to the local charity shop!! </div>
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I like the projects I have in the house to match the room they will be placed in so the exterior of this room box will be soft greys and creamy chalk paints with an Alice quote or two, maybe.....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AD95mv5vBLU/ViUxos5G8YI/AAAAAAAAGBc/7ZXTMcDSLU8/s1600/IMG_1382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AD95mv5vBLU/ViUxos5G8YI/AAAAAAAAGBc/7ZXTMcDSLU8/s320/IMG_1382.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is quite a large room box, as usual my plans seem to grow and grow, that I had made by a very helpful man at <a href="http://www.dollshouseconcept.co.uk/Display%20Boxes.html">Dolls House Concepts</a>. I sent my measurements to Ted and he made exactly the size I asked for at a very reasonable price. The really cool thing about their range of room/display boxes is the fact that they have a perspex ceiling which means that the project can be seen from above as well as from the front. The perspex roof will also allow for much more light to enter the box, especially at the back. </div>
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The back and side edges will hold all the flowers and bushes that I intend to make myself from the huge number of kits I seem to have collected. I love the planning stage and spend a lot of time thinking things through to try and avoid problems as the work progresses. In order to create the flowerbeds I will need a good layer of 'soil' because the stems will need to be planted so I have drawn a shape for a floating floor/lawn. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fy4i8QCZCL0/ViUxomKSxBI/AAAAAAAAGBk/LbYM79Zk388/s1600/IMG_1383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fy4i8QCZCL0/ViUxomKSxBI/AAAAAAAAGBk/LbYM79Zk388/s320/IMG_1383.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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All projects start with an undercoat for me. This seems to give a good base surface and prevents warping. I have also primed all the wooden trims and mouldings I will also be adding to the exterior.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KC1n4V6CLMk/ViUxpWtDQ3I/AAAAAAAAGBs/gWgN4ZoY9Fc/s1600/IMG_1384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KC1n4V6CLMk/ViUxpWtDQ3I/AAAAAAAAGBs/gWgN4ZoY9Fc/s320/IMG_1384.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I use a very cheap all purpose paint from B&Q so it can be used over and over again.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8opjbEUGOxM/ViUxpuic2uI/AAAAAAAAGB0/iLWv3qABYNg/s1600/IMG_1430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8opjbEUGOxM/ViUxpuic2uI/AAAAAAAAGB0/iLWv3qABYNg/s320/IMG_1430.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The floating lawn has been built with a variety of wood off cuts and then primed. Once I have finished messing about with the exterior walls I will cover this with a grass sheet purchased from a model railway supplier. </div>
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Having raised the floor level I have had to add an extra piece of wood to the front to hide the gap. </div>
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Now I need to plan the mouldings for the case of the room box and then start mitring, definitely not one of my favourite jobs especially where cornices are involved.</div>
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onbeingaminimumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11176422732636109060noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450570313984527266.post-88253739547222833162015-09-22T22:27:00.001+01:002015-09-22T22:27:56.212+01:00Honeydukes Welcomes Its First Customers..............<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Little bit of a delay in throwing open the doors as real scale life got in the way yesterday but as you can see three little witches by <a href="http://www.silke-schloesser.de/">Silke Janas-Schlosser</a> have had lots of fun.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6wt851yM9lc/VgHBZoesQ8I/AAAAAAAAGAY/7vngW5OLseg/s1600/IMG_1370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6wt851yM9lc/VgHBZoesQ8I/AAAAAAAAGAY/7vngW5OLseg/s320/IMG_1370.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
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Inside the shop floor is looking pretty busy too.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HUwHAIFo3AA/VgHBZRieYbI/AAAAAAAAGAQ/F2hccRPJjt4/s1600/IMG_1371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HUwHAIFo3AA/VgHBZRieYbI/AAAAAAAAGAQ/F2hccRPJjt4/s320/IMG_1371.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There is even a 'hostess with the mostest' displaying a tray of goodies. This candy witch is by<a href="http://giddykippercharacters.blogspot.co.uk/"> Jain Squires</a> and the Malfoy Family Hogwarts 1st year is by <a href="http://www.juliecampbelldollartist.co.uk/">Julie Campbell</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q3FMM7js6ls/VgHBZpzWNiI/AAAAAAAAGAU/70vqJX88LOM/s1600/IMG_1372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q3FMM7js6ls/VgHBZpzWNiI/AAAAAAAAGAU/70vqJX88LOM/s320/IMG_1372.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The counter looks pretty crowded and one little wizard definitely has his hands full.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dr3tI8uJc6o/VgHBa9DlaBI/AAAAAAAAGAw/7KSYQ5_ToEQ/s1600/IMG_1373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dr3tI8uJc6o/VgHBa9DlaBI/AAAAAAAAGAw/7KSYQ5_ToEQ/s320/IMG_1373.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am lucky enough to have a lot of mini dolls so I have been able to fill the shop up quite nicely. One of the good things about Harry Potter inspired scenes is that you don't have to worry about time periods or what clothes your characters should wear as the costumes are so varied.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hT0ICFQuakI/VgHBbKoMSoI/AAAAAAAAGAo/qMrnryCN9TI/s1600/IMG_1375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hT0ICFQuakI/VgHBbKoMSoI/AAAAAAAAGAo/qMrnryCN9TI/s320/IMG_1375.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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These dolls are b<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/people/JoMed"> Jo Medvenic</a>, Debie Lyons and Jain Squires.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QskY5x1Pu4k/VgHBblnTEGI/AAAAAAAAGAk/xA4OoAbO6jc/s1600/IMG_1377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QskY5x1Pu4k/VgHBblnTEGI/AAAAAAAAGAk/xA4OoAbO6jc/s320/IMG_1377.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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These two 1950's boys and little witch are by Julie Campbell. The little girls are by Jo Medvenics.</div>
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So the shop is sort of full. As time goes by I will probably fill the shop with more 1940/1950's dolls to give the shop more of a retro feel but this will be achieved over many years. For now the whole project has come to an end and I can at last move on.</div>
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What's next? Here's a clue.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mq2S8WvcnUQ/VgHG6gPSU0I/AAAAAAAAGBI/XCEgK4rf5qc/s1600/IMG_1358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mq2S8WvcnUQ/VgHG6gPSU0I/AAAAAAAAGBI/XCEgK4rf5qc/s320/IMG_1358.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am off to the Rugby World Cup tomorrow at the Olympic Stadium which should be fun , so no minis for me for a couple of days which is a little annoying as I am keen to get going. </div>
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I am hoping this one won't take quite so long!!</div>
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onbeingaminimumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11176422732636109060noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450570313984527266.post-64824573423727624782015-09-20T20:41:00.001+01:002015-09-20T20:41:40.250+01:00Mrs Flume is busy........Honeydukes Awaits Its First Customers.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Be prepared for a photo overload in this post. I just couldn't stop myself today as Honeydukes was moved from the work station and onto the finished position. Plus I can't stop say "finished"!!</div>
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This is my Honeydukes exterior. It is quite a large shop so it will be staying in the workshop with my other Hogsmeade projects. The whole design is inspired by the Honeydukes in Universal Studios both outside and in. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Parn6zZT0-c/Vf7oK1f_f0I/AAAAAAAAF8s/wriPGTTpkb8/s1600/IMG_1311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Parn6zZT0-c/Vf7oK1f_f0I/AAAAAAAAF8s/wriPGTTpkb8/s320/IMG_1311.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Mine is smaller and doesn't have snow also I have chosen to have the pink windows seen from other aspects of the shop as I wanted it to be a bit more cheery and a little less weathered to match the pristine interior.</div>
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRaOvUo6L0J5j4X9YbFkslqE8c6VME8maynUG2wt_aOVUv061tM" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRaOvUo6L0J5j4X9YbFkslqE8c6VME8maynUG2wt_aOVUv061tM" /></a></div>
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I have kept the exterior simple mainly because of the dust that generates in my workshop so the side wall has three stacks waiting for delivery and a broom rack for customers to leave their modes of transport. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGG3KzGJdkQ/Vf7oLH8Zk6I/AAAAAAAAF9A/PyNcJjSBC6M/s1600/IMG_1320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGG3KzGJdkQ/Vf7oLH8Zk6I/AAAAAAAAF9A/PyNcJjSBC6M/s320/IMG_1320.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I bought the crates off Ebay and added the lids and labels. I probably could have made them from scratch but I have been racing to the finish line and knew they would take me a while to put together. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sj2wS5MM4zc/Vf7rmxn31QI/AAAAAAAAF-I/49SBJOzMWYI/s1600/IMG_1260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sj2wS5MM4zc/Vf7rmxn31QI/AAAAAAAAF-I/49SBJOzMWYI/s320/IMG_1260.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I have just stained them with two coats of light oak wood stain and then waxed.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">The larger Weasley box I made up myself and added Googled images. A quick and cheap fix that I don't have to worry about getting dusty or fading.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_QBuUKAoVxA/Vf7r0xT0wTI/AAAAAAAAF-Q/Kqkb9xl2Gz0/s1600/IMG_1318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_QBuUKAoVxA/Vf7r0xT0wTI/AAAAAAAAF-Q/Kqkb9xl2Gz0/s320/IMG_1318.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The broom stand is made up from scrap wood and dowels cut from a kebab stick. Hark at me getting all technical.....dowels! Ha, ha!! The broomsticks have been in my Harry Potter collection for years and are by Nikki Rowe, Kat the Hat Lady and various others. I have added a few bows and charms to some of them. I was going to put up signs and may still do.........one day!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wlc37A6flzA/Vf7r1BW5YGI/AAAAAAAAF-U/dyR61VTS4qQ/s1600/IMG_1319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wlc37A6flzA/Vf7r1BW5YGI/AAAAAAAAF-U/dyR61VTS4qQ/s320/IMG_1319.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The guttering is a kit from <a href="http://www.sussexcrafts.com/Guttering.htm">Sussex Crafts</a> that I have painted and fitted together. Of course where there are witches and wizards there must be a cat so here is Mrs Flume's ginger tom by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MissSallyWorld?ref=pr_shop_more">Miss Sally's World.</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AfbpdhB-OAE/Vf7oNhCISWI/AAAAAAAAF9o/XeOD6mz_hs0/s1600/IMG_1368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AfbpdhB-OAE/Vf7oNhCISWI/AAAAAAAAF9o/XeOD6mz_hs0/s320/IMG_1368.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is the interior as a whole. I have made the majority of the sweets, lollipops and canes with the addition of Fimo canes and Nikki Rowe plus a few bits and bobs picked up over the last couple of years. Mrs Flume is busy checking her stock, a wonderful commissioned character by the talented Jo of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/JoMed">Pocket Pygmies</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HMdPPg621IU/Vf7vXoDDQBI/AAAAAAAAF_M/KuPQ_o0n1xo/s1600/IMG_1361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HMdPPg621IU/Vf7vXoDDQBI/AAAAAAAAF_M/KuPQ_o0n1xo/s320/IMG_1361.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After re-positioning the shop I was very relieved to discover the lights by <a href="http://www.smallworldproducts.com/products.htm">Small World Products</a> were still working! The Bats' Blood Soup display is ready for lollipops to be dipped into. I made up this box for the dipping cauldron and went for pink to match the staircase but I am still not sure if it should be green......The side of the shelves have been infested with sugared candy mice from <a href="http://www.matlockminiatures.com/contents/en-uk/d124_miniature_animals_dolls_house.html">Matlock Miniatures</a>. They have been painted and covered with sugar/glitter.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1DXrURe8tb0/Vf7vXJaDN3I/AAAAAAAAF_o/W6IcxwTVEFU/s1600/IMG_1359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1DXrURe8tb0/Vf7vXJaDN3I/AAAAAAAAF_o/W6IcxwTVEFU/s320/IMG_1359.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here you can see the Bertie Botts display on the back wall where it sits very proudly. The false boxes have worked out perfectly.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4CUHF8Cdd8A/Vf7vYknwhLI/AAAAAAAAF_0/fQBWEolAnKE/s1600/IMG_1365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4CUHF8Cdd8A/Vf7vYknwhLI/AAAAAAAAF_0/fQBWEolAnKE/s320/IMG_1365.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is a large cauldron by Sussex crafts that I filled with Fimo scraps and then stuck in some longer lollies and canes then baked. I then poured in liquid Fimo that I had coloured with oil paint. I think I added a bit too much paint so it is a little darker than I really wanted. The canes have also gone a bit limp during the additional bakings but hey ho! The bubbles have been formed by pouring and dribbling the liquid Fimo over the translucent glass beads I bought from <a href="http://ooakartistemporium.com/DecoBeads.html">OOAK Artist Emporium</a>. I have used the smallest sized bead here.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPVvs0mAedM/Vf7vUYQxaRI/AAAAAAAAF-w/Qu31oiCJFIA/s1600/IMG_1255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPVvs0mAedM/Vf7vUYQxaRI/AAAAAAAAF-w/Qu31oiCJFIA/s320/IMG_1255.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
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In order to get an over flowing cauldron I poured and teased the liquid Fimo over the lip of the cauldron and let it flow as much as I could. This was all done on a glass tile that I could put straight in the oven to bake. I baked the cauldron and all the contents for about the 4th time and the flowing liquid Fimo hardened to create the dripping over flow I was after. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nCUvwRc_qqE/Vf7vWpfvTQI/AAAAAAAAF_U/m7EKGzljtU4/s1600/IMG_1286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nCUvwRc_qqE/Vf7vWpfvTQI/AAAAAAAAF_U/m7EKGzljtU4/s320/IMG_1286.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The cauldron display was then finished off with a selection of lollipops. Hmmmm, still not sure about the pink.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SJRuXooCyQA/Vf7vYGpgXvI/AAAAAAAAF_4/oSHyZt7ULWI/s1600/IMG_1362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SJRuXooCyQA/Vf7vYGpgXvI/AAAAAAAAF_4/oSHyZt7ULWI/s320/IMG_1362.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The counter, made as a commission by Rob Lucas of <a href="http://www.worldofmyownminiatures.co.uk/">World of My Own Miniatures</a>, has been filled with a whole range of goodies including the scales which are a kit by <a href="http://www.phoenixmodeldevelopments.com/cgi-bin/sh000001.pl?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2ephoenixmodeldevelopments%2eco%2euk%2f&WD=scales&PN=shop%2ehtml%23aDH129#aDH129">Phoenix Models</a>. There is also a perfectly formed pink cup of cream topped coffee by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ParisMiniatures?ref=shopsection_shophome_leftnav&ga_search_query=cup">Paris Miniatures</a>, who have just released their new Pink Collection, do have a look in their shop the range gorgeous. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wi_e9nMZZjs/Vf7vWCM8BUI/AAAAAAAAF_E/NZ0D2pCYRyE/s1600/IMG_1279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wi_e9nMZZjs/Vf7vWCM8BUI/AAAAAAAAF_E/NZ0D2pCYRyE/s320/IMG_1279.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The toffee apples are by Nikki Rowe and the ice creams are by Erika Van Horne. There are also some candied skulls, Ton-Tongue Toffee and various Honeydukes sweeties. The glass stands are from a new glass supplier I recently discovered on Etsy called <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/GlobalMiniatures">Global Miniatures</a>. They stock a whole variety of dolls house supplies but I have only ordered glass pieces so far. I have been really impressed with the quality and variety on offer.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FjlILmoAeGE/Vf7vU0UL6WI/AAAAAAAAF-4/76krTyXeiLQ/s1600/IMG_1277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FjlILmoAeGE/Vf7vU0UL6WI/AAAAAAAAF-4/76krTyXeiLQ/s320/IMG_1277.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The second counter top has a Honeydukes chocolate display, another gorgeous cake stand and my own effort mad up from jewellery findings and spray painted.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-5yi-PyEEQ/Vf7vUwGuiEI/AAAAAAAAF_Q/LMoW_rk_3ho/s1600/IMG_1278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-5yi-PyEEQ/Vf7vUwGuiEI/AAAAAAAAF_Q/LMoW_rk_3ho/s320/IMG_1278.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The bottom of the spiral staircase has been lined with cans and candy canes. Just because I felt there were not enough sweets in the shop!!</div>
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To finish a last look at Mrs Flume and the Fizzing Wizzbees I have added as a last Harry Potter touch. </div>
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Phew, this has been a long and slightly self indulgent post but I will sign off now by saying.....once again.....Honeydukes is finished and opens for business tomorrow!!</div>
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Can't help smiling when I write the most wonderful of 'F' words!!</div>
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Have a great evening.</div>
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onbeingaminimumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11176422732636109060noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450570313984527266.post-82793212135410641452015-09-19T19:31:00.002+01:002015-09-19T19:32:06.424+01:00Last Job Done....Bertie Botts Display and Honeydukes is Finished!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have had a little blog break for a number of reasons: there are only so many posts you can do on the real donkey work of sweet making and displays, summer gardening and the return of my youngest from places far away in time for the departure of my daughter for a place even further away. I have had time to achieve what I had long despaired would ever happen........I have finished Honeydukes!!</div>
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The last job was completed today, the Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans display.</div>
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I started with a standard white wood bookcase, removed one shelf (after softening the glue) and painted it white. </div>
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Using Word table function I created the red and white striped tent to cover the bookcase.</div>
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For the bean dispensers I have used plastic test tubes bought from Ebay and cut to size. Each end sealed with jewellery findings from Etsy.</div>
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The bottom of each tube obviously needs a dispensing funnel of some sort and I have used bead caps and spacers collected from various fairs and shows.</div>
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The test tubes have been filled with 2mm beads, I hate that you can see the holes but this display will sit on the back wall so I can live with it.</div>
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I cut the striped tent to size, my second attempt, and strengthened it by sticking it to card. The columns are ones I found on Google search and the lettering has been taken from the original boxes of beans. I was a little concerned that the test tubes wouldn't stick well enough so I left them over night to dry completely.</div>
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On returning to the work shop this morning I was very happy not to find a couple of hundred beads on the floor!!</div>
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I tried out various ideas for handles and eventually settled on the one on the left.</div>
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One of the reasons I have been dreading making this display were the number of boxes of beans I needed to fill the bottom shelves. The cutting and shaping of twenty tiny boxes filled me with dread. Then, while walking the dogs, I had a 'Eureka' moment. These two shelves will be at the back of the shop and not hugely visible so a cheat is perfectly acceptable.</div>
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I cut two pieces of scrap wood and stuck them to the shelves.</div>
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I then cut off all the tabs and bottoms from the box templates I had already printed out and filled in the windows with fake beans. I scored the boxes as if they were indeed being stuck together and then glued the fakes onto the wood strips.</div>
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Ta Dah!! Not a bad effort if I do say so myself. At the next fair I attend I will look for some shallow glass bowls to put under the dispensers but all in all it's done. </div>
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This is the one in the Universal shop.</div>
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Of course mine is a lot less complicated but I think it will do the job nicely.</div>
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More to come tomorrow with the grand opening of my Honeydukes sweetshop. </div>
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onbeingaminimumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11176422732636109060noreply@blogger.com16