Friends Blog and Day out

I hope everyone is having a great day.

First off I would like to say that Debbie is having a giveaway on this blog http://makeminemini-makeminemini.blogspot.com/ .  It is a lovely blog so, please take a look if you are not already following.

Today I went to Stourport with my parents.  Sorry I dont have any photos to post, I forgot to take my camera and never thought about using my phone! lol.  It was a lovely day out and the sun was shining but, unfortunately I was unable to find anything in the charity shops that I could use for minis.

Tonight I attempted to make two mini perfume bottles out of a couple of de-constructed necklaces.  I am hoping that the glue dries ok tonight and they are still in place in the morning.  If they work out then I will make a couple more tomorrow.  I have plans on recycling a couple more things over the next few days but, by Monday next week I am hoping to be able to concentrate on a different project on my todo list.

Fingers crossed for photos tomorrow.

Finished the easy one :)

The small shelf that I had painted is now completed.  I added a phone that I was going to use in the pet shop but I can soon buy another.  I made the books and a small mat for the phone to go on.  The Dolls House magazines were cut out from the printies section in one of the issues (sorry, cant remember which one).

I am going to put this shelf unit at the bottom of the stairs in my terrace house.  I was going to add more books that I had made but, I am going to use them on the large bookshelf.  I might make some more magazines but, for now I am happy that it can be placed in the house as it is.  :)

A change from books?

Yesterday I didnt manage to make any minis.  Real life kind of took over completely.  Today however, I have decided to make up for lost time  :)  So far I have made 6 more books and nearly sent my eyes funny so I am going to have a change and make some other items such as mats and jars.  All being well I will have some photos to post later.

If anyone has sent me an email, please forgive me but I cannot answer them as I somehow managed to delete all my emails!  I am still not quite sure how I managed to do that so my apologies and please can you re send them  :)

Lazy Day

It has been lovely and sunny today so, after doing a bit of housework, I have been sat relaxing and chatting with my family.  I did have a little mini play time, I just wanted a quick go with my new thin line drawing pen so, I quickly made a couple of books up.  The pen was definitely worth buying as it is going to make it really easy to write on the book covers and spines (when I take a bit more time doing it).

I have taken a pic though.

I have also had a little play on the computer, inserting and altering the size of tables in the word processor to make it easier to make the pages for the books instead of all the measuring.  I am hoping to make a lot more progress now for the rest of this week as I have plans to concentrate on one of the rooms in my terrace house next week.  :)

Finished Jellies

I took the jellies out of the moulds (finally) and I am happy to say they turned out well.  I put them on plates that I made myself at the moment.  That may change later.

This evening I started making some pages for mini books and choosing papers to use for the covers.  Most of the books will be basic but, I am going to plan how to make book covers to look like 'proper' books.  So far I have relied on printies for this effect so I thought it was about time to give it a go myself.  First off to make some basics though....

More items for my stash ...

Yesterday I went out with my parents to a garden centre.  I loved it.  It is huge and has a large Hobby Craft inside it.  Well, as you can imagine, I ended up buying one or two things lol.  My saving up for some 1/24th items went out the window temporarily.  Oh well, I  just need to start again  :)  Here are the items I bought

I tried to take a close up photo of of the beads that I bought but, I couldnt get it to focus on the details.  They are a variety of glass beads with various different patterns on them.  They are my favourite buys.  It was where you could pick up a tub and fill it with individual beads of your choice.  I am wishing now that I had had enough with me to get the larger tub lol.

When I got back home, I felt really ill so I didnt manage to do anything else yesterday.  I am feeling a bit better this morning though and I have started a couple of jellies and sweets and sweets using moulds from Miltons Miniatures.  I am just waiting for them to set now before I remove them from the moulds.

Unfortunately, they are not items for my shelves... I really must learn to focus on one project at a time :)  I am going to be going on a hunt later for some more printies later as I want to make more books.  Some of the books  I will make myself and some will be printies that I will make up.  Also, some of the books will open and some will not.  I am also going to be making some jars and perfume bottles for the shelves.  Hopefully I will make some progress with them today.

Woohoo I can take pictures again...

I am pleased to say I remembered to buy some battries while I was out so my camera is now working again.  Normally I am terrible at remembering to get them but, this blog seems to be making me very good at taking pictures of my minis so it was easier to remember this time  :)

These are the items I started yesterday.  As you can see, the paint was better this time.  I wasnt really expecting the problems I had this time as I have painted plain wood furniture without problems using this paint before.  Glad they are done though now so, I can finish making accessories for everything.

On to the next part now.  I have to admit, I am loving spending more time on my hobby this year :)

Making decisions and a slow start

Ever had one of those mini days where nothing goes quite right?  No photos to show at the moment because I need to buy some new batteries tomorrow.  I have started painting the small shelves.  They are not that well built and the paint is showing all the gaps so, tomorrow I am going to do a bit more work on them and put on another coat of paint.  The stool is also going to be sanded and get another coat of paint.  Once I have the basic painting etc done I am going to try the shelving again in place so I can see what accessories and colours will work best.  I also made three books that will go on one of the shelving units and am hoping to make some more accessories tomorrow as well.

I hope everyone has had a good day.  Will post some pics tomorrow  :)

Next Project

Today I started looking through one of my bags that contains items waiting for me to get round to them.  Within this bag are more bags, each one containing groups of items all for the same project.  It is the way that I have to store some things at the moment as I dont have a dedicated room for 'crafting'.  I have a folding table that I set up in my living room and craft in quite a small space at one end of the sofa.

These are what I have decided to work on next.

I have picked these up in various places over the last year or so and they have all sat waiting patiently for me to get round to using them.  I thought it was about time that I did just that. The small shelves will have a coat of paint (and maybe the stool aswell). the drawers, small and large shelves need accessories.  Once completed they will be going in my terrace house.

I found this dresser in another bag.  I had bought it because I loved the shape of the unit but, didnt know where to use it.  Tonight I decided that this will be used for Angelica (thank you to Eliana for help with her name).  Now I will definately need a room for her lol.

Welcome

A big hello to everyone who has recently started following my blog.  As you will see, at the moment, my blog is jumping around a bit as I have a huge list of things that have been waiting for over a year for me to get round to doing and I seem to be moving around all my different projects at the moment rather than just concentrating on one lol.  I should soon settle down to concentrating on one soon (maybe) lol.

All dressed up and nowhere to go...

Thats what I said to my hubby when I finished the last bit of stitching on my dolls clothes this evening (I really must think of a name for her, any suggestions?).  Of course, he knows what that means lol, I need to do a room setting for her now.

This is how she looks now and for a first attempt, I would have to say, I am pleased.  There are things I would do differently next time but, I now have a sentimental attachment to her.

I am now thinking of where I may be able to fit a room box so that I can give her a setting that will suit her.  I have so many ideas.  Although, I do really need to move on to a project that I am already working on so that I can get some on my list ticked off before starting another new one (maybe)   :)

A big thank you and progress

First of all I want to say a big thank you to Mini Minnie for shouting out about noone being able to comment on my blog.  I have changed the settings so hopefully people can now comment  :)  I come online everyday to catch up and follow and it really made my day.  Thank you Mini Minnie and for those that have not read this blog yet, please drop by and have a read because it is a lovely blog miss-minnies-minis.blogspot.com

Next I want to say a big welcome to new followers, I hope you enjoy and it is always lovely to see other people and read new blogs.  I am really enjoying the whole experience of blogging and am wondering why I didnt start this sooner.

I have made some progress on dressing the doll today.  I managed to finish the skirt and the bodice and cut out the sash and headscarf.

I have learned a lot so far (mainly what not to do next time lol). I have also learned not to leave her lying within reach of my dog, who nearly ran off with the doll in her mouth...

I hope everyone is having a good weekend .

First doll dressing finally started

I am so happy to be trying my hand at something new.  I still dont know the make of the doll though which is a shame.

This was taken at the start having cut out the pattern pieces and showing the patch on the back of her head where there was no hair.

As you can see, I have made a decent amount of progress.  The basic blouse and underskirt are on and the skirt has been started.  The book is called Sewing Dolls' Clothes; 27 projects to make in 1:12 scale.  Luckily there are plenty of pictures and everything is broken down into clear steps, just right for a total beginner like me.  I am hoping to complete the skirt and start on the bodice tomorrow.

I hope everyone is having a good day

Nearly Forgot

Another blog that I am following is having a giveaway.   The link is here juliesdollshouseblog.blogspot.com.  It is a lovely blog so please stop by.

Hope you all have a great day

New Project (another)

Today, I am finally starting on another new project.  For several months now I have several 'mass made' dolls that are waiting for dressing.  When I bought them they were all second hand and their clothes were looking worse for wear so, I took the clothes off them and they have waited patiently in a bag ready for me to make them new clothes.  Today I finally decided on clothing for the one that is looking most sorrowful.  When I first had this doll, she was wearing the remainders of a hat.  Underneath her hat there was no hair, only a ring of curls around the edge.  I have decided to make her a costume that is in the book "Sewing Dolls' Clothes; 27 projects to make in 1:12 scale" published by Guild of Master Craftsman Publications Ltd.  The costume is of the Fortune Teller as she has a scarf on her head so I dont need to worry about re-wigging her.

So far I have traced and cut out the pattern.  Tomorrow I am hoping to get the material cut out and make a start on the sewing and fitting.  I have decided on the materials and colours that I am going to use and am really looking forward to getting on with it in the morning (minimal housework only by the looks of it tomorrow lol).  I will post progress pictures as I go along.

mini progress

I thought today might end up being another day with not much progress made but, I was wrong.  I popped to a near by market to the haberdashery store and luckily they had some flower ribbon so, I was able to add the final touches to the apron.

I am really pleased with how it looks now... not too bad for my first attempt at my own pattern.  I am now looking forward to trying new ways and new ideas on a similar simple theme.  I keep reminding myself... baby steps lol.

I also made progress on my pet shop stock.  My dogs and a few of their items were my inspiration.  I am hoping to attempt some other items soon, I just need to figure out how to get the effect in mini.

I really need to practise making the food bowls as they are not as round as I would like but, I am getting there.  The pet bed and mat were easier to make than I first thought once I had made the basic pattern.and the blanket in the bed covers the join seam at the front.

Just a note

One of the blogs I am following is having a giveaway, please feel free to drop by and read her blog.    

Hope everyone is having a great day.

Another day, another idea

I have decided to have a go at making a couple of dog mats and a dog bed for my pet shop.  That is about as far as I have got with that idea so far.  My ideas for the stock for my pet shop so far have all come from my dogs and items that they have.  I am going to make a start tonight by getting the patterns drawn up for them before I go to bed.

Today, I made a simple apron for the lady (or gentleman) of my terrace house.  In the week I am hoping to go to my local haberdashery to pick up some white flower lace to add some detail.  The apron was a nice, relaxing item to make, no pattern necessary to follow... something simple for a newcomer to mini sewing to make.

I think it definately needs a little simple embellishment to brighten it up.  It looks better on a doll than off but they are upstairs and everyone is in bed.  It is simple, basic and unfinished but, I am pleased with it so far.

Moving and clearing

Today I decided to have a break from thinking about how to make various pet items and had a move around in my tower.  So far, the first floor is most sorted.  I am happy with the general look and now just need to look for items for the wall, maybe shelving, a picture and a mirror.  This is it so far...

I still have quite a bit to do but, this is another of my ongoing projects.  Tomorrow is back to considering my pet stock and hopefully tomorrow starting on clearing the first floor of my pet shop

Stuff and stock

I havent had much mini time today.  I sorted through some more things and found some material I had forgotten all about.

I am really excited finding this.  I have all sorts of ideas that this fabric would be perfect for; quilt, pillow, cushion, bag... the list goes on and on and is perfect for my 1/12th terrace which is being given a modern look.

I also popped out with my parents and in a charity shop found this;

There is no makers name on it but it looks pretty hanging up.  One of the hearts needs touching up in a couple of places with white paint.  I couldnt resist it when I saw it lol.

This evening I started making some stock for my pet shop shelves.  I made a few chews. rolled some clay for dog balls and made two food bowls.  I am using my dogs for inspiration at the moment, using what I have bought for them as inspiration for the stock.  Once I am happy with the items for dogs, I will move onto items for other animals.  I have a feeling just the dog items are going to take a few nights on their own so, plenty of busy make times ahead.  Luckily I have plenty of clays etc so I dont need to go on any craft shopping trips for a long while.  I will post pictures of my mini makes once I have a few more made and completed.  I also have one or two (ish) other projects on the go so, I will be making items for them too as the year goes on.

Pet Shop

My pet shop used to be a haberdashery.  As soon as I had stocked the shelves with fabric and trimmings etc, I felt it wasnt what I was after...  Rather than just moving things around, I emptied the shelves where I hadnt glued things down and took out all signs of what it was.  Unfortunately, I didnt take any photos of what it had looked like in its previous life (I have only just started getting better at remembering pictures lol).  I love animals so, the idea of turning it into a pet shop is quite exciting for me.

There is lots to do to the outside and the inside and it is going to take a lot of thought.  I am a lot more certain on the effect I want inside than the outside but here is how it is looking so far...

At the moment the outside is looking very plain but, it does give me a blank canvas.  I am happy with the colours so, I just need to think about signage and items to decorate the outside.

The inside is looking very cluttered at the moment and most of the items upstairs will be stored safely in boxes as they are not for the shop.  I plan on buying some more shelving etc as I would like it all to match and I am definately NOT a furniture maker, try as I might, me and wood do not get on.  I am however hoping to make most of the items myself and when I am feeling braver, I may attempt making some of the animals too.  This is one of my big projects for this year.

Welcome and thank you

A big hello, welcome and thank you to everyone for following my blog.  I am still quite new to blogging and compared with most miniaturists my items are still 'works in progress' lol but, I am really enjoying the whole experience.  I am hoping to get my blog looking a bit more exciting and am looking forward to any comments so please feel free to leave a comment on your way through  :)

Thank you again

Lost Evening and Musings....

I somehow managed to lose a whole evening reading blogs.  I started by reading one of the blogs that I am following... clicked on one of their links and thought 'oooh thats a lovely blog' and promptly clicked follow.  It didnt stop there.  I continued to click links and add blogs  (see where this is going?).  Well, now I have read lots and have loads of inspiration.  However, the inspiration that I have had is more how to present things.

I have noticed that, once the items have been made (not the progress pics), the items are all displayed in the place where they are going to 'live', or at the very least on clean surfaces or similar.  Either way, they make my pictures look a little ugh in comparison.  Not that long ago it would not have bothered me but, even though I started this blog as a bit of fun, I must admit, I would now like to make things look nicer if you know what I mean? So that is one of the many things that I am going to work on this year.

Mini cakes and jam tarts

Today I managed to fit in some time to make some mini cakes and jam tarts.  I must say that, this time I am actually pleased with the results.  These will definately end up in my 1/12th terrace and not in the bin like the others.

It took a while to get a decent picture of them because, although my camera is ok with small things, my hands keep shaking....   I used champagne coloured fimo and coloured the tops of the cakes with chalk pastels then, used 'Water Effects' mixed with paint for the icing and jam.

 
I took the picture of them next to a 1pence to give an idea of the finished size.  I have a 1/12th empty biscuit tin that I think I am going to put some in and I will then decide how to display they rest.  I have a feeling that I could end up with quite a few of them because I found them so quick and relaxing to make.

I have a feeling that this weekend is going to be filled with finding plenty to do indoors as it is quite cold and there is a risk of snow... maybe... we will see.

Busy, busy, busy...

I am now working on a project for a scene connected to a group I am a member of so, I cannot take any photos for that so, I thought I would show you all some of my cutters and moulds that I have.

First of all there are my newest additions to my steadily growing collection.  These were ordered from Linda Milton of Milton Miniatures from e-bay.  I was so excited to get these.

This photo is of all my collection to date.  I have a few clay items to make over the next day or two but, I am not sure that I will be using any of these so, if I have time while making the other items and manage to sneak some of these in I will post photos of the results.