tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2830891055943547852024-03-14T05:34:52.695+00:00Miniatures make me happyI've always been fascinated by dollshouses, train sets and models. Basically if it's in miniature, it makes me smile.Rachel Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177390314779701441noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283089105594354785.post-3980310297364051922023-09-04T17:35:00.002+01:002023-09-04T17:37:53.891+01:00My miniatures make the national press! A month ago my lovely friend Sian, who happens to be the deputy news editor at Metro.co.uk, asked if I'd like to be put forward for a series on collections that would be featured in their lifestyle section. <br /><br />
Ten years ago my pub (the Rachel's Return) was <a href="http://miniaturesmakemehappy.blogspot.com/2013/05/fame-for-rachels-return.html" target="_blank">featured in our local paper</a> but I'd never had any national coverage. I have to admit, I didn't for one minute think it would mean a photographer would be sent round but that's what happened - and the result was lots of pictures of me looking awkward next to my house and room boxes…<br /><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIJHLdvmO-dWx8vllERI9yf9tSWWzShpNHp3TkHvnpJK0dSz8B3J0ZfiGs4DzHi6Lwj-kqJ-Ko0AGuSFZITKXN2zA7ZhoerKVbQwcvfJ4KroK92kxxFgKVE46Y4jgAshc4aKKiccrAcjY1p-MCfDHx_RShnqWd3m0_WMN3xyMv_agHosEldGICTDcw7g/s1494/Metro%20article.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1494" data-original-width="996" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIJHLdvmO-dWx8vllERI9yf9tSWWzShpNHp3TkHvnpJK0dSz8B3J0ZfiGs4DzHi6Lwj-kqJ-Ko0AGuSFZITKXN2zA7ZhoerKVbQwcvfJ4KroK92kxxFgKVE46Y4jgAshc4aKKiccrAcjY1p-MCfDHx_RShnqWd3m0_WMN3xyMv_agHosEldGICTDcw7g/w426-h640/Metro%20article.png" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>One of the best things about the whole situation was that I suddenly had a very definite deadline. My <a href="http://miniaturesmakemehappy.blogspot.com/2023/08/a-beautiful-beach-hut.html" target="_blank">beach hut</a> had been half finished for a while but I spent a very happy evening finishing it off, and then adding all the bits and pieces I’ve been collecting over the last couple of years. I also found some miniatures that had been missing since we moved house four years ago, which was a huge relief.<br /><br />The journalist I spoke to was absolutely lovely and I think I changed her perception of what collecting dollshouses is all about. If you read the article – <a href="https://metro.co.uk/2023/08/24/ive-got-more-than-4000-items-in-my-miniatures-collection-19342589/?" target="_blank">which you can do here</a> – you’ll see it mentions the word ‘creepy’ several times. That was her influence as she was asking me if other people thought it was creepy, which led to me denying it.<br /><br />She had the impression that it was older people, collecting dusty Victorian furniture that was never to be touched. She soon became really enthusiastic about the hobby when I filled her in on what it’s really like and I genuinely felt she ‘got it’. We had several conversations and I was pleased with the resulting article.<br /><br />I had to guess at a few things I was asked. To be honest, I have no idea how many pieces I have and 4,000 may be too many. That said, when I was piling individual pastries onto a cake stand the night before the photographer arrived it certainly felt like it could be that many.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmA5B1m9DOR2prPXVgS86hlAX_o2xfTBcgiHuH4BU1UgGyaUxE-F3WIt7PoUMCAXFt2PD59aYId9RWoKNylZAjrjpRcqyyqiYwjcXrR4FO0agVCQQjd90pIyaSTRvRFY0Pfpl4lsOCC_mKtMlnCS9gzN2trPIDOvX5M3VRATDGfXaVJzxB6LkJ5VeJibw/s2000/Cakes.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmA5B1m9DOR2prPXVgS86hlAX_o2xfTBcgiHuH4BU1UgGyaUxE-F3WIt7PoUMCAXFt2PD59aYId9RWoKNylZAjrjpRcqyyqiYwjcXrR4FO0agVCQQjd90pIyaSTRvRFY0Pfpl4lsOCC_mKtMlnCS9gzN2trPIDOvX5M3VRATDGfXaVJzxB6LkJ5VeJibw/w640-h480/Cakes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that cake stand - but it takes A LOT of patience to position everything.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I think I probably underestimated how much I’ve spent over the years. While £10,000 is an awful lot of money, I’ve been collecting for more than 30 years so it’s been spread over three decades. When you consider the price of individual items, it’s probably a lot more than that but as my mum says: “It’s worth every penny”.<br /><br />My love of tiny things was compounded when my parents gave me a train set for Christmas in 1989. I was 11 but I remember I’d wanted one for some time. My dad had made it from scratch, but had purposefully left the middle blank so I could decide what to fill it with.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiwnrYu7eBvutnIk_awBksBsbDv9Q01WKrS188g5XJBCf38nC1X4IhbCDr1cWv9X_afqKgoRiDnD_4hdJo174MFec3iucx2lA3WGZCfPn1zLoPxwspt3D_63Nd7guklp32ERoE63ba0OZFJaXrXlMLNVuCnG3h5lTRNoFKDpkEsxvA226GNj8f0lqR1w/s1291/1989.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1291" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiwnrYu7eBvutnIk_awBksBsbDv9Q01WKrS188g5XJBCf38nC1X4IhbCDr1cWv9X_afqKgoRiDnD_4hdJo174MFec3iucx2lA3WGZCfPn1zLoPxwspt3D_63Nd7guklp32ERoE63ba0OZFJaXrXlMLNVuCnG3h5lTRNoFKDpkEsxvA226GNj8f0lqR1w/w640-h396/1989.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you're in any doubt that it's 1989, just look at the TV, stereo and video players.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It didn’t take long before it was full of a row of shops, a market square, allotments, fields full of animals, a cricket pitch, a church with a wedding taking place and much, much more.<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6a-nVb7RXVIWifIjAT9wJSVTb53q2OGbP48z5Dm1fbXXx6iC3q2fay6Q1JbnnX8z1KOqZUytXgZRoWJ5iDCxt5A7Xit2P2_nG47kPk1dGCksm99iXHacggZVhnFJ4encXZttty6JUovjnU6M8vRwIobSRWZjc6A6zvE32X1rpDqBzwI3HxAEbMIJ_xI/s1461/Full%20train%20set.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="871" data-original-width="1461" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6a-nVb7RXVIWifIjAT9wJSVTb53q2OGbP48z5Dm1fbXXx6iC3q2fay6Q1JbnnX8z1KOqZUytXgZRoWJ5iDCxt5A7Xit2P2_nG47kPk1dGCksm99iXHacggZVhnFJ4encXZttty6JUovjnU6M8vRwIobSRWZjc6A6zvE32X1rpDqBzwI3HxAEbMIJ_xI/w640-h382/Full%20train%20set.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />When I was asked what the most unusual thing I’d seen in miniature was, I could only think of one thing. These days it’s not uncommon to see slightly tongue-in-cheek scenes, or even entire houses, where ladies of the night are working, or a cellar that’s decked out as a bondage room.<br /><br />I can’t remember what I was searching for when I came across this one-of-a-kind set – only that I was looking for a present for my mum. Needless to say, I decided not to go with the fluffy handcuffs.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QBhYrqrdfxo24fCFyzNc-OOyP4Hqd_NzlKTDHdBAbVBQhQ-i795_kMzkIr9XVq7gbk3gCakSrX38u_wR5I69qquUhDD0LHobVUW7UtYijMlVtY6OvbIjGVImXTYif4-phtzXpw1YFB6r47oUkL8w8tJF0L0RMij85j8cewSnz-qwWvNC3fWNiDioaGg/s1224/Sex%20toys.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="862" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QBhYrqrdfxo24fCFyzNc-OOyP4Hqd_NzlKTDHdBAbVBQhQ-i795_kMzkIr9XVq7gbk3gCakSrX38u_wR5I69qquUhDD0LHobVUW7UtYijMlVtY6OvbIjGVImXTYif4-phtzXpw1YFB6r47oUkL8w8tJF0L0RMij85j8cewSnz-qwWvNC3fWNiDioaGg/w450-h640/Sex%20toys.png" width="450" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br />I think it’s a bit of a shame that there aren’t any close up shots of the things mentioned in the article so I’ve posted a few below. You can see the ketchup bottle that was almost impossible to source (no pun intended), the poppy appeal collection box complete with poppies, and my favourite pair of shoes.<br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAjLBlCzPfm3zWPdLbFmweCC1f6lb5P5b70Ibt_GVqHtOqrNklYk_-mxX1IgEam4o8hogb6M7Adsa9qRgEvUdKj01SAUnol54jZIPvhXQ4IGvIL74Hs56Q6GteyaRoWO9N-78HOn1OGN5ci7YpsZhbNaKMTSxt5KWBxOwIhjprqAHcJgYMRwI6HIyECA/s2000/Sauce.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAjLBlCzPfm3zWPdLbFmweCC1f6lb5P5b70Ibt_GVqHtOqrNklYk_-mxX1IgEam4o8hogb6M7Adsa9qRgEvUdKj01SAUnol54jZIPvhXQ4IGvIL74Hs56Q6GteyaRoWO9N-78HOn1OGN5ci7YpsZhbNaKMTSxt5KWBxOwIhjprqAHcJgYMRwI6HIyECA/w640-h480/Sauce.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sauce bottles are hard to source!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgn8ajx3kB47KUlVGiH-9jIrEfKqgZG4SiUe7iUnLdC37T3i7vqkNObwJfAY1M0vqcBtWHRSXyQxZ7n8d4qPwE7gNaG83zJSR0qnjEHxGgOsVeAobcX6uhDedFKj-U1FGiK_3qQJ5unrE88u3BLniPjqigv1tarbaS1QehAhmfUVwrb89DFRj3Zxstrw/s2000/Poppies.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgn8ajx3kB47KUlVGiH-9jIrEfKqgZG4SiUe7iUnLdC37T3i7vqkNObwJfAY1M0vqcBtWHRSXyQxZ7n8d4qPwE7gNaG83zJSR0qnjEHxGgOsVeAobcX6uhDedFKj-U1FGiK_3qQJ5unrE88u3BLniPjqigv1tarbaS1QehAhmfUVwrb89DFRj3Zxstrw/w480-h640/Poppies.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the few dolls I have - George wears his poppy with pride.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2rCWsG3VeDLnzJIkTBOBIqJn1tOTeHhVV9P8M6DKaM-50JBih-3pJmoWAIsBKOba6MAyFmj6T-BZYYW08DMTeiTMkZ4wR9k6J1v6Uuj2jRIWUnLcuSras7i-H0fX98hPZI0Jr1VA3KjAJ49kUdlVbNVEkRifjp9ghGXRe04oSvppwJH-SRJbgoiD9fs/s2000/Shoes.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2rCWsG3VeDLnzJIkTBOBIqJn1tOTeHhVV9P8M6DKaM-50JBih-3pJmoWAIsBKOba6MAyFmj6T-BZYYW08DMTeiTMkZ4wR9k6J1v6Uuj2jRIWUnLcuSras7i-H0fX98hPZI0Jr1VA3KjAJ49kUdlVbNVEkRifjp9ghGXRe04oSvppwJH-SRJbgoiD9fs/w640-h480/Shoes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous shoes that I'd be too clumsy to wear in real life.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The article was on the Metro’s homepage for a day (something else I hadn’t expected) and I was pleased with the 237 shares. Plus, nobody in the comments called me crazy which is always a bonus. You never really know what you’re letting yourself in for when you open yourself up to national coverage.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-z1aD6psPPFRXxjIeeUyhlAOSWmQeqEkl_D8l9jDLh6FmkeC6MNrYDx1omendlgM9mSlz7RwJqOpuuWljmjSUD8lZa3-QhuT8qTg1ThioG6kWRtxsw4pUiomGfKEp5dy5u717quzLtF0zUgmIbuF7J2U94Y9mJ3KUN3SkoAlmbPss2BWO0_G0zvdnxc/s1682/Metro%20front%20page.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1682" data-original-width="994" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-z1aD6psPPFRXxjIeeUyhlAOSWmQeqEkl_D8l9jDLh6FmkeC6MNrYDx1omendlgM9mSlz7RwJqOpuuWljmjSUD8lZa3-QhuT8qTg1ThioG6kWRtxsw4pUiomGfKEp5dy5u717quzLtF0zUgmIbuF7J2U94Y9mJ3KUN3SkoAlmbPss2BWO0_G0zvdnxc/w378-h640/Metro%20front%20page.png" width="378" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />I shared the article everywhere and got a very positive response. From a PR point of view (which is my day job), it was really interesting to see how the headline was frequently changed and how the story moved around the homepage. I’d love to know how that affected the clicks but I’m satisfied with just knowing I’ve spread the word about this wonderful hobby.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Rachel Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177390314779701441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283089105594354785.post-6909479425157735132023-08-14T21:17:00.001+01:002023-08-23T21:24:44.564+01:00A beautiful beach hutIt’s taken a couple of years, but I’m over the moon with how my latest project has turned out. <br /><br />
During the pandemic, I was seconded to a communications team within the NHS for 17 months. Obviously you get to know people well during such a lengthy, not to mention intense, time but I was still really surprised – and absolutely delighted – when part of my leaving gift was a 1:12 kit for a beach hut, as well as some lovely bits and pieces to go inside from <a href="https://shepherdminiatures.com/product-category/garden-outdoors/seaside/" target="_blank">Shepherd Miniatures</a>. <div><br /></div><div>Just before I left, the team headed to a beach hut to celebrate the NHS’s birthday so it had a special meaning. I immediately decided I would be painting it in ‘NHS blue’ but it’s taken a while to complete it.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMrXUmMlUTzAFcNAvMy-tJhAykAomw4nWKooN62uNeumh6MKLw9DgLAOs5PcZJtHPhoQXih7MJ5XUsrW0qLFli4iDr9bE5x1mynXuRwo4utp45nVRzIwq4HR5LaIDIQRsULvTvKuypBLXKVt7k5k8OnfMrCztNWurRVUxdRNlvXx0yx64k2bhtttyWpU/s4000/Beach%20-%20External.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMrXUmMlUTzAFcNAvMy-tJhAykAomw4nWKooN62uNeumh6MKLw9DgLAOs5PcZJtHPhoQXih7MJ5XUsrW0qLFli4iDr9bE5x1mynXuRwo4utp45nVRzIwq4HR5LaIDIQRsULvTvKuypBLXKVt7k5k8OnfMrCztNWurRVUxdRNlvXx0yx64k2bhtttyWpU/w480-h640/Beach%20-%20External.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first attempt at decorating and overall, I love it.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>
As usual, my dad was very efficient and built the kit for me almost immediately but I was nervous about the painting so put it off for a while. That’s not to say I wasn’t scouring every exhibition and website for things to go inside in the meantime.<br /><br />
Finally, I took the plunge, got my Frog tape out and started the painting. It wasn’t quite as scary as I thought it was going to be but I really wanted a striped door, and that’s where things started to go wrong. My first attempt was a disaster – those little grooves are TINY. On reflection, it would have been much easier to paint the door before the kit was assembled but I’ll know for next time.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xZ60X3yUOnypVNRskoSHCyhWiaZX0lb4qGuwLO1vkfudPsk6eEjwbUPM9UU59RYWToIHko3NzL_K8Zl6-BVc8phnVnQ4LKoA0Pmc7PaUZKxZBLAQPHRV3gE5d1h_TkjVNxCc4jQJLQY1D0nTrQQ1RVghYMqCzSttHoIbOiClIXv-llnTDD5vepXq-wM/s4000/Paint%20disaster.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xZ60X3yUOnypVNRskoSHCyhWiaZX0lb4qGuwLO1vkfudPsk6eEjwbUPM9UU59RYWToIHko3NzL_K8Zl6-BVc8phnVnQ4LKoA0Pmc7PaUZKxZBLAQPHRV3gE5d1h_TkjVNxCc4jQJLQY1D0nTrQQ1RVghYMqCzSttHoIbOiClIXv-llnTDD5vepXq-wM/w480-h640/Paint%20disaster.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whose idea was it to do stripes? This is the point I gave up... for a while.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br />
I put the beach hut to one side as I didn’t really know how to fix it. That is, until a photographer was due to come round to take pictures of my collection. There’s nothing quite like an impending deadline to make you finish a project! <br /><br />
I’d bought a paint pen with a very fine tip that helped with the stripes but I also decided a rustic look wasn’t the end of the world. I finished off the roof (tiles cut from sheets of sandpaper), sprinkled some sand over the steps, added some <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/557875554/model-wild-grass-tufts-self-adhesive?ref=yr_purchases" target="_blank">greenery</a> where I thought tufts might be growing, cut the floor to size and made curtains using lollipop sticks as curtain poles.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4t0BpXY6Urtl7QDjjKuT8v7xXwKeJngEAdKJfNVci7cDtdNUOx_FByyXK4IQzAnbGxI8rx0L5L56rFDuOZu0n9sg9sijC7bozuJbizN3kUnFdM3BAG3KoIyKhbQYFpj8eoDWUs6U85auIxDQxJot-eiRJEULuQMwzECNWm5dAFCtOljB_rF-HlaKeJM/s4000/Curtains.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4t0BpXY6Urtl7QDjjKuT8v7xXwKeJngEAdKJfNVci7cDtdNUOx_FByyXK4IQzAnbGxI8rx0L5L56rFDuOZu0n9sg9sijC7bozuJbizN3kUnFdM3BAG3KoIyKhbQYFpj8eoDWUs6U85auIxDQxJot-eiRJEULuQMwzECNWm5dAFCtOljB_rF-HlaKeJM/w480-h640/Curtains.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I knew I was saving those lollipop sticks for a reason.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br />
As I gathered together all the pieces I’d collected over the last couple of years, I realised I had a lot more than I thought. The actual furniture – mainly a table, bench and cupboard – was one of the hardest things to source. I searched Pinterest for life-size beach huts to get some inspiration and eventually settled on a kind of shabby chic look.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPeAM0G4nBvGeWF1RKxg-EPT0-bET6VEX944rjwZf_BQy3L__9YW7rPLWdx9yhtcMIp8biMuRWoWF-0eCnlT0-pZ0biX4ES2KdVyPa7Ef0-LfWvfwMWfJeuJxf3kZp-DB11S4lMZlVmlgWQr3gH3jo1D1XnGX6z_LmpXZ2E-puWotltHssKKBiVeSC0w/s4000/Cupboard.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPeAM0G4nBvGeWF1RKxg-EPT0-bET6VEX944rjwZf_BQy3L__9YW7rPLWdx9yhtcMIp8biMuRWoWF-0eCnlT0-pZ0biX4ES2KdVyPa7Ef0-LfWvfwMWfJeuJxf3kZp-DB11S4lMZlVmlgWQr3gH3jo1D1XnGX6z_LmpXZ2E-puWotltHssKKBiVeSC0w/w480-h640/Cupboard.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's the details that matter.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>
I also had my heart set on a cool box filled with ice and drinks. It turns out they’re impossible to find in the UK but eventually I found a 3D printed one in Canada. It now sits on the veranda, ready for a little evening tipple.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqcbRE4Btc5QmXFQXNTUviloANG0sTYmpAJhEO9rTWv8FyOqIw1MgqhUCB5FpH_rBKsR4Ryra4d3iJDZybHuhfVEQW2XbrhQw9yHFrTkjSuwPoNuPhxa3uFOiRQCOxPQAfrDkghFeplTlDZqNSOhtzOFlo6HFjzMQ9Me0WHcOn0bsCSH2lfsdeUw5NURQ/s4000/Cool%20box.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqcbRE4Btc5QmXFQXNTUviloANG0sTYmpAJhEO9rTWv8FyOqIw1MgqhUCB5FpH_rBKsR4Ryra4d3iJDZybHuhfVEQW2XbrhQw9yHFrTkjSuwPoNuPhxa3uFOiRQCOxPQAfrDkghFeplTlDZqNSOhtzOFlo6HFjzMQ9Me0WHcOn0bsCSH2lfsdeUw5NURQ/w640-h480/Cool%20box.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bottle of bubbly chilling. </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><br />
For my birthday a couple of years ago, my dad made some sandcastles complete with mini flags, as well as the NHS bunting you can see on the outside of the hut, and it made me very happy to finally put them in place. He also turned his hand to making a surfboard, fishing net, cricket stumps and bat and a bat and ball set.<br /><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cS8XCttfdqKCMP3PeLhua7Rb37YQzemfIsIh-SIe9azGV4VYXanRBig6i1VKF-ZZEeBRdItosHcNqBNXvcJDGa_JtM13EiPA9httQp50fzvgU7uGhOFoQy5BT7MFmpZu3XY0QX63m0_Mtr29hldqSuWIYafyRzEkwfK5ridepblAeJW9qlVserhMKqQ/s4000/Sandcastles-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cS8XCttfdqKCMP3PeLhua7Rb37YQzemfIsIh-SIe9azGV4VYXanRBig6i1VKF-ZZEeBRdItosHcNqBNXvcJDGa_JtM13EiPA9httQp50fzvgU7uGhOFoQy5BT7MFmpZu3XY0QX63m0_Mtr29hldqSuWIYafyRzEkwfK5ridepblAeJW9qlVserhMKqQ/w640-h480/Sandcastles-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at the tiny flags! </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fDpXL45RUnjqNuLicSqWcXTPum7GULvCioxh-37VBIqFfwKocwRdqHGBSWLIEmP2XY7cSQ8S_HdVNuWWeRoj6NAGjHNpqeyqlmHvr9u_krc-KMRdhe5IkMrTGscjyuH8aMXd8h-2eIbXsdXSyZJjMMYQuu2TvAkX1yetsh7eMPVQEnG99yeYtuB-fzU/s4000/Shelving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fDpXL45RUnjqNuLicSqWcXTPum7GULvCioxh-37VBIqFfwKocwRdqHGBSWLIEmP2XY7cSQ8S_HdVNuWWeRoj6NAGjHNpqeyqlmHvr9u_krc-KMRdhe5IkMrTGscjyuH8aMXd8h-2eIbXsdXSyZJjMMYQuu2TvAkX1yetsh7eMPVQEnG99yeYtuB-fzU/w480-h640/Shelving.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excuse the wonky pictures - this one is so hard to photograph.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCXle-8_p9_Xj6MNQYUE92glY1oNB4kDDZMTEWbAjF163VTb9TEh67tyH9gWyzz4vxNS4jQW57WtOBJQJGiQCAcleiFhx3JzW5TTu9zISJiwjzYiV9IYdUaTkIthbt4EPikqmlJXFPACJW2c70_0PM4xMPsZRHsIFGEzKd3XET6XrCcebd4RZLkycuAw/s3408/Corner%20shelf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3408" data-original-width="2556" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCXle-8_p9_Xj6MNQYUE92glY1oNB4kDDZMTEWbAjF163VTb9TEh67tyH9gWyzz4vxNS4jQW57WtOBJQJGiQCAcleiFhx3JzW5TTu9zISJiwjzYiV9IYdUaTkIthbt4EPikqmlJXFPACJW2c70_0PM4xMPsZRHsIFGEzKd3XET6XrCcebd4RZLkycuAw/w480-h640/Corner%20shelf.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dodgy paintwork - but look at the lovely seaside knick-knacks.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div>I think it would be almost impossible to have electric lights in the hut but actually it’s more realistic to have the one battery powered lamp – it lights up the space perfectly.</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8B1EQf8nV9OTouPbtXm5I-T4UbxxHn-Oym-spWrvdYQ2duiAL1EF6kDHnT6pLTI6_L_yL8y7CNt4PNgU99ZWkfuVVW5M6MfB1VBwjY1IeegqjfsH9-g8bh3dkI3BFzi_JkpQFEv5zNxPoqMLFi2QxSECNgMa9tOHYP2Rt25uF24qGnOXQFVJF_zrWkls/s4000/Lit%20up.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8B1EQf8nV9OTouPbtXm5I-T4UbxxHn-Oym-spWrvdYQ2duiAL1EF6kDHnT6pLTI6_L_yL8y7CNt4PNgU99ZWkfuVVW5M6MfB1VBwjY1IeegqjfsH9-g8bh3dkI3BFzi_JkpQFEv5zNxPoqMLFi2QxSECNgMa9tOHYP2Rt25uF24qGnOXQFVJF_zrWkls/w480-h640/Lit%20up.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lit by one 'oil' lamp, which is actually battery powered.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I’m sure I’ll be adding more bits and pieces in the future but for now, I’m so pleased with how this project has come together, and it's a wonderful reminder of my time at the NHS.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1dyVgFVjyWwNdKRrwqaheCULm-iPYU56bnm1YHrXsnTQpu3J4PnKx2MCkuJpTDBRLg3-a1YlXyHzDyjrrl_G8dfSFQnqRkjmnrWYewSy-HrvoApy2k_gS1YVfaEScOhGbsJjKVpK4aATTUuR0Q1gDzLArW3AaOtd4wS83TPgNvqgg1DVXFtPajW5DZY/s4000/Table%20and%20chairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1dyVgFVjyWwNdKRrwqaheCULm-iPYU56bnm1YHrXsnTQpu3J4PnKx2MCkuJpTDBRLg3-a1YlXyHzDyjrrl_G8dfSFQnqRkjmnrWYewSy-HrvoApy2k_gS1YVfaEScOhGbsJjKVpK4aATTUuR0Q1gDzLArW3AaOtd4wS83TPgNvqgg1DVXFtPajW5DZY/w480-h640/Table%20and%20chairs.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Rachel Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177390314779701441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283089105594354785.post-26448888278082451882023-05-16T22:07:00.003+01:002023-08-23T23:07:47.216+01:00Modern miniatures make me happyI love modern miniatures - and that’s not something I ever thought I’d say. When I first started collecting more than 30 years ago, all the modern miniatures you could buy looked very unrealistic. They were plastic, tacky and made me think it was an era I’d never collect. <br /><br />
Fast forward around 25 years and things started to change. Even mass-produced pieces have improved but the advent of 3D printing has meant miniatures have become far more realistic. <br /><br />
Once I realised how beautifully made a lot of the pieces are and the huge range of things you can now buy, I knew I was going to need to somewhere to put them. I had my eye on Dolls House Emporium’s <a href="https://www.dollshouse.com/lake-view-kit?SID=72ca6eff810fd46674de243b2d385fba" target="_blank">Lake View</a> or the <a href="https://www.dollshouse.com/malibu-beach-house-kit?SID=72ca6eff810fd46674de243b2d385fba" target="_blank">Malibu Beach House</a> but neither is cheap. I set up searches on Facebook Marketplace and eventually a brand new, unopened Malibu Beach House kit popped up just 45 minutes away. <br /><br />
I’m not sure my dad shared my excitement, but he did very kindly agree to build it for me. I’m still deciding on the internal decoration (and in truth, I’m very scared of ruining it) and I need to finish off the outside (to add colour, or not to add colour?) but in the meantime, it was safe to start collecting modern miniatures that would eventually have a home in this gorgeous art deco house.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqyAkkKX-5xBERlg6oQ7k0JYVGOZuqaI8PA8WlRe7Qc4ps-U-E00zxnY8t7v1J5bAtUgRQv3a3CxsApXB2M0UEOeYVLibbSRu5mKkdsizyViqprVChUxrkhtZUVsRJwD65K2bCCY2ahlgrOln5PAlhzKFnZoCi85um9SMeoXy2-JnCAo8NutUDNLsEMY/s4000/Art%20deco%20house.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqyAkkKX-5xBERlg6oQ7k0JYVGOZuqaI8PA8WlRe7Qc4ps-U-E00zxnY8t7v1J5bAtUgRQv3a3CxsApXB2M0UEOeYVLibbSRu5mKkdsizyViqprVChUxrkhtZUVsRJwD65K2bCCY2ahlgrOln5PAlhzKFnZoCi85um9SMeoXy2-JnCAo8NutUDNLsEMY/w640-h480/Art%20deco%20house.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My Malibu Beach House - a long-term project (spot Tim's castle - an even longer-term project!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><br /></div><div>My collection so far is many bits and pieces rather than actual furniture, but this project is going to take many years. As my miniatures room is basically full, I'm in no hurry to finish it.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5WqIpGO5UHooz4aygdAPVKY_8St3DVrJBSBTBkJDKI0JIALhPWXIuchqG3IYQC_9qRVpEvxrt8KLMR3yK_pmce6eF8EFUyl6rGrskeVm1H4zN3k3jTxmGCtmphQ7MYrRVE7ptVBrTFmsO-X6n4aYqCw-ZplzkXn2TfaWfIl5nNyjSlZigjLuOU0shSo/s4000/Modern%20collection.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5WqIpGO5UHooz4aygdAPVKY_8St3DVrJBSBTBkJDKI0JIALhPWXIuchqG3IYQC_9qRVpEvxrt8KLMR3yK_pmce6eF8EFUyl6rGrskeVm1H4zN3k3jTxmGCtmphQ7MYrRVE7ptVBrTFmsO-X6n4aYqCw-ZplzkXn2TfaWfIl5nNyjSlZigjLuOU0shSo/w640-h480/Modern%20collection.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My modern miniatures - so far...</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I’ve bought a couple of dresses from Gill Bayes at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/JillysLittleGifts" target="_blank">Jilly’s Little Gifts</a> which I love. Finding realistic-looking clothes is so difficult (there’s no weight in the material to make it hang as you would expect a life-size piece to) so Gill’s pieces are very popular. They go incredibly quickly when she opens her shop (which is usually announced on <a href="https://instagram.com/gillbayesminiatures?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==]" target="_blank">Instagram</a> so I was very excited to finally get a couple of pieces. In fact, I was so excited I accidentally ordered 1:24 scale instead of 1:12. Fortunately Gill was very understanding and amended the order. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWnvNXlah-7nFc8QAwMqPSdv1HNy_VjUXtcM8w7bV5nf2ZGGZLJNUmatb1asKCDn4Mgjk4v8lX_alJ8KZ6cthdciyzQKLsBXEga2Ehns49ShhupoPRkfOFS6_RF5j_-tuaeae7nuGzK0VAECPjltWvSFBXbgWH1pMX6BHDE0EiXhIDbIgSEEUuTBvld8/s4000/Dresses.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWnvNXlah-7nFc8QAwMqPSdv1HNy_VjUXtcM8w7bV5nf2ZGGZLJNUmatb1asKCDn4Mgjk4v8lX_alJ8KZ6cthdciyzQKLsBXEga2Ehns49ShhupoPRkfOFS6_RF5j_-tuaeae7nuGzK0VAECPjltWvSFBXbgWH1pMX6BHDE0EiXhIDbIgSEEUuTBvld8/w640-h480/Dresses.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The detail in these dresses is incredible - they have labels! </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I couldn’t think of a better place to display them than in one of <a href="https://www.bushbabyminiatures.com/" target="_blank">Bush Baby Miniatures</a>’ lovely wardrobes. Their 3D printed furniture and other pieces are not only incredibly realistic, they’re also very reasonably priced.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6rSMTtElipgaU2sS8F5WyVXTaKGYJZYar-YhPUbbRJyquy2R4jmXysbPQR9-UC3b1r2Sh1N0CWF6VPhbYuxmNxDxEEb-R9tnjpTVSuQF8ijde51totozfEsZsvSWioU6fjWexxPmMiexHZ8GexyG7b3GL34qxuHjwI4IQs6qo4IXxBZfvMB6nrbxECBs/s4000/Wardrobe%20-%20empty.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6rSMTtElipgaU2sS8F5WyVXTaKGYJZYar-YhPUbbRJyquy2R4jmXysbPQR9-UC3b1r2Sh1N0CWF6VPhbYuxmNxDxEEb-R9tnjpTVSuQF8ijde51totozfEsZsvSWioU6fjWexxPmMiexHZ8GexyG7b3GL34qxuHjwI4IQs6qo4IXxBZfvMB6nrbxECBs/w480-h640/Wardrobe%20-%20empty.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like the perfect place to store some tiny shoes...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmFGzbgOboMxpj-y_3pN51iAXUxl30y1-lf0YJgct2btRtaKmgdPsyyfCM9HbUZiPpe_S5j590Zpe6ggZGHRKrklcf1gqUfyD9MeJqwc7Whktk0Cxr3xZncn4HZwGoAF755HazV38eUO_LZIN0aqPFMBcEoZP0qoK0PpEY_C9hfn_vxIlt8jKzE7d1ZU/s4000/Wardrobe.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmFGzbgOboMxpj-y_3pN51iAXUxl30y1-lf0YJgct2btRtaKmgdPsyyfCM9HbUZiPpe_S5j590Zpe6ggZGHRKrklcf1gqUfyD9MeJqwc7Whktk0Cxr3xZncn4HZwGoAF755HazV38eUO_LZIN0aqPFMBcEoZP0qoK0PpEY_C9hfn_vxIlt8jKzE7d1ZU/w480-h640/Wardrobe.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Definitely room for a couple more dresses in there.<br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I've mentioned before, I love tiny food and 3D printing means that these days it's so much more realistic. Look at this incredible jar of Marmite - so incredible in fact, that when I got my whole collection out I realised I'd bought two.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOYZrgIcW1gbot3rlQ8YCXUHW9otCZ9RMFUh5XIQuhw2ax5Jr88FFgoP4ssNRYrrAuSKzg3sE1A_2RP0tX2mt2bKdTtKO5FVqEOBdRzoEe1GaBbIpKofY9Uujf2MI3-HcqBF2HK6pqRqG0m9iEJpE-Icn5EeDg-1nJtyXv7Md3j7yh0zLtjRL9NNSUEA/s4624/Marmite%20with%20jar.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOYZrgIcW1gbot3rlQ8YCXUHW9otCZ9RMFUh5XIQuhw2ax5Jr88FFgoP4ssNRYrrAuSKzg3sE1A_2RP0tX2mt2bKdTtKO5FVqEOBdRzoEe1GaBbIpKofY9Uujf2MI3-HcqBF2HK6pqRqG0m9iEJpE-Icn5EeDg-1nJtyXv7Md3j7yh0zLtjRL9NNSUEA/w640-h480/Marmite%20with%20jar.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So tiny!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QKB3bSbQ6uU-xtDlrCbdJnNGU8WPVdokyt8YGSZ6I7J6lsVjKM2l90FHwAApyOV7XEgAV64Sr3mPhEAH4hKNcUwMkQPWAZrPzVmsv2-hB5vWqSt8h_lVQuZAmimAUP8V-gQLC6A5oWS4Uj1OFlYu9_5xO_pNTWiYOBvzJb1ys7_GBkUH6LecCRn-Xk0/s2576/Marmite-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2576" data-original-width="1932" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QKB3bSbQ6uU-xtDlrCbdJnNGU8WPVdokyt8YGSZ6I7J6lsVjKM2l90FHwAApyOV7XEgAV64Sr3mPhEAH4hKNcUwMkQPWAZrPzVmsv2-hB5vWqSt8h_lVQuZAmimAUP8V-gQLC6A5oWS4Uj1OFlYu9_5xO_pNTWiYOBvzJb1ys7_GBkUH6LecCRn-Xk0/w480-h640/Marmite-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Incredible detail - another beautiful make from Shepherd Miniatures.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Another product of 3D printing is this beautiful wooden-style train set from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PiCTOSO" target="_blank">PiCTOSO</a>. I had a Brio set when I was small and this brings back many happy memories. I love that you can actually build the track yourself. Apologies for the little green houses that have crept in from tiny Monopoly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmIQcfLeKM87-mpsjSCq-AKc6E89a1J9QiBD4Mhfji58o6fdmy1XDO0rZl-IVaNjxWW5p-0T4OlyWmJTm-yamFfslJJ2sxyhZLTRr_CIBGl6TUs3OROEO3JrVe5imWWpKF4D8pGCJ23MLC9MnwBP4t2fflhF_TdybOerocmEXOpUIi5aey7KomwBm2uo/s4000/Wooden%20railway.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmIQcfLeKM87-mpsjSCq-AKc6E89a1J9QiBD4Mhfji58o6fdmy1XDO0rZl-IVaNjxWW5p-0T4OlyWmJTm-yamFfslJJ2sxyhZLTRr_CIBGl6TUs3OROEO3JrVe5imWWpKF4D8pGCJ23MLC9MnwBP4t2fflhF_TdybOerocmEXOpUIi5aey7KomwBm2uo/w640-h480/Wooden%20railway.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The detail in this train set is incredible.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />Finally, for now, enjoy a tiny hamster in his little cage (yes, I'm probably too old for TikTok but you'd be surprised how many miniaturists you can find there).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="559" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4r66wDS7a6s" width="673" youtube-src-id="4r66wDS7a6s"></iframe></div><br />Rachel Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177390314779701441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283089105594354785.post-89570714518291603652022-09-02T21:26:00.001+01:002023-08-23T21:39:31.147+01:00A miniature Alice! Alice – our Havanese dog – is the centre of our world. She’s full of love, fun and has a huge personality so of course it makes sense to have a miniature version of her. She’s a tiny dog (which we only realise when she’s with other breeds) but not twelfth scale – yet.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrEA-m_Cd_6lu6somDbtlp5l5N37ndI7fpVWW4X_X6ii2vLwLMw2_LTBvVW0fgpupM8221yN3iGt77UUT4iBuUOELGTnosjPaL9ihQoGVd2x79LAYkZOX3e9boBHd6W5_Jy9xcAkCepaUbESZBs5-kd7s0jPa7IL8BJrGTTUxVxif1TR_gNYJwLwXr3Y/s3225/Alice%20for%20blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3225" data-original-width="2419" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrEA-m_Cd_6lu6somDbtlp5l5N37ndI7fpVWW4X_X6ii2vLwLMw2_LTBvVW0fgpupM8221yN3iGt77UUT4iBuUOELGTnosjPaL9ihQoGVd2x79LAYkZOX3e9boBHd6W5_Jy9xcAkCepaUbESZBs5-kd7s0jPa7IL8BJrGTTUxVxif1TR_gNYJwLwXr3Y/w480-h640/Alice%20for%20blog.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br />
I’m lucky I married someone who ‘gets’ my love of miniatures. Tim got a replica made of Alice which is one of the best birthday presents I’ve ever received.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCXHZcPtEkMYir8vKU0_B3QXlDColuTVMc6TgOIvkPTGNPnrEzJEZ9XGUctjblc57EggtoR-siz76_ARvanOOBRWIUNaKDwzYKXuM9Ffs5IqzoNdtQGuaZO39k2244HSrzLDoZ4bnOV7ARxSJwltBc-WV3CJhsIhcLKtGgpD5qGT97DMJjK5vLOGMzno/s4000/Alice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCXHZcPtEkMYir8vKU0_B3QXlDColuTVMc6TgOIvkPTGNPnrEzJEZ9XGUctjblc57EggtoR-siz76_ARvanOOBRWIUNaKDwzYKXuM9Ffs5IqzoNdtQGuaZO39k2244HSrzLDoZ4bnOV7ARxSJwltBc-WV3CJhsIhcLKtGgpD5qGT97DMJjK5vLOGMzno/w640-h480/Alice.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />
Finding a <a href="https://shepherdminiatures.com/shop/local-amenities/vets/dog-bowl-double/" target="_blank">little bowl</a> (thanks, once again, to Shepherd Miniatures) at <a href="https://miniatura.co.uk/]" target="_blank">Miniatura</a> for her was just the icing on the cake. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWH-Bgo4ZgmLjdXqiouN8IoceBAo2fFi_LFQC2cidj05qXV6tAQhv0skBUUoPmudyTUmpyXHzFzFieuqUVogoZwSH0bWzk2UOoJ0EuOIe4bDstVQs_UnQeyB4CaKd8-tHHcgrMVn62zNVC-OttN4I1Hx3qaUUhmHFTjPiDsdTghahhxIr8OQF-xp12ds/s4624/Bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWH-Bgo4ZgmLjdXqiouN8IoceBAo2fFi_LFQC2cidj05qXV6tAQhv0skBUUoPmudyTUmpyXHzFzFieuqUVogoZwSH0bWzk2UOoJ0EuOIe4bDstVQs_UnQeyB4CaKd8-tHHcgrMVn62zNVC-OttN4I1Hx3qaUUhmHFTjPiDsdTghahhxIr8OQF-xp12ds/w480-h640/Bowl.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Eventually she’ll live in comfort in my modern house but for now, she’s just guarding the doorway during the renovation works.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXbgvImnJrn0bRdOs9BnM0S9BQIsmVoI9Q5Uzinu2C_Un-vtaKmi8wr9YE6cxI1bNrwYSX7AoFNJLDG_80shrPksL7JaevLr5o7k188TxAY3tvHWSvHL7axbOkgrlTl9CXNw2qrxxrFsX2_-olNIgxqzWOw-nmXhb9Yn36y1yuzX1iF6NRH1QcuAMrW0/s4000/Alice%20in%20door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXbgvImnJrn0bRdOs9BnM0S9BQIsmVoI9Q5Uzinu2C_Un-vtaKmi8wr9YE6cxI1bNrwYSX7AoFNJLDG_80shrPksL7JaevLr5o7k188TxAY3tvHWSvHL7axbOkgrlTl9CXNw2qrxxrFsX2_-olNIgxqzWOw-nmXhb9Yn36y1yuzX1iF6NRH1QcuAMrW0/w480-h640/Alice%20in%20door.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Rachel Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177390314779701441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283089105594354785.post-48829941846869999992022-07-05T19:30:00.074+01:002023-08-24T14:43:25.752+01:00RK’s diner - my 50s miniature masterpieceI love the 50s – from the furniture to the fashion – so I think my diner might be my favourite room box (at least for the moment).<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AF4iF-N96A1ufz33vZ8e_e_b8XyqWpPgaw7TzwXCqaxWwHead_iAIbZMlaV2vkCTucshnG9b5Ei7vH07m5gSuKucqW0oV9NuvnHk0M4S8y3xZZHhPe2Y-WspHzX9C7lNUpf81Aau18mkVJ0QUpRIoOEMEa7Hk993Ii61rgTqOKxRjIjEn2KY17QuGE4/s4000/Diner%20-%20external.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AF4iF-N96A1ufz33vZ8e_e_b8XyqWpPgaw7TzwXCqaxWwHead_iAIbZMlaV2vkCTucshnG9b5Ei7vH07m5gSuKucqW0oV9NuvnHk0M4S8y3xZZHhPe2Y-WspHzX9C7lNUpf81Aau18mkVJ0QUpRIoOEMEa7Hk993Ii61rgTqOKxRjIjEn2KY17QuGE4/w640-h480/Diner%20-%20external.jpg" title="Diner" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 50s style 1:12 scale diner - built from scratch by my dad.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2JcwprliQpbkyNTUuN3P7qhR_8WRdTlddtGlzE-2I31M5cRX2gxLHzR-kNwBGks8_GZI577R2vqxqI5OS5RaJZhUUeJLHOs2aBVy4jV2iutDmU5FsQgjbYnR9mvLDfJRKc0HnldOYQYyZ4O4Z7LzFMjMy6QGjGCybmka3VuD8DhIjAhvoCueapzuCXU/s4000/Diner%20-%20internal.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2JcwprliQpbkyNTUuN3P7qhR_8WRdTlddtGlzE-2I31M5cRX2gxLHzR-kNwBGks8_GZI577R2vqxqI5OS5RaJZhUUeJLHOs2aBVy4jV2iutDmU5FsQgjbYnR9mvLDfJRKc0HnldOYQYyZ4O4Z7LzFMjMy6QGjGCybmka3VuD8DhIjAhvoCueapzuCXU/w640-h480/Diner%20-%20internal.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inside of the diner - still lots of space to fill.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>
I’d been looking around for a kit for a long time but couldn’t find anything I liked, so my dad came to the rescue and designed RK’s diner from scratch, including the amazing electrics. I absolutely love turning the main lights off, switching on each individual element and watching it come to life. </div><div><br />
The juke box is actually a toy I found on eBay but it was the right scale and I think it fits perfectly. The ‘clock face’ is a watch that my dad added LED lighting to, while the sign in the window is actually meant for model railways.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqtWJfcPnsHL-heHsyBuNBoNzJd6q9kJivNfCC3v3X-HqxgGtSASFoNSzYxO9_6mgDx7bLD4geaPp6hiGE1dwjyGYRMuGyDV0abzHl37bSH3NMXm1fB3v9Vaa4MOotha4rmDZvg2SeW8XfHghzk_U1JV8f8jfHT72FRasYA1LAWNfp0gZ4ElLnPsalOc/s4000/Light%20controls.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqtWJfcPnsHL-heHsyBuNBoNzJd6q9kJivNfCC3v3X-HqxgGtSASFoNSzYxO9_6mgDx7bLD4geaPp6hiGE1dwjyGYRMuGyDV0abzHl37bSH3NMXm1fB3v9Vaa4MOotha4rmDZvg2SeW8XfHghzk_U1JV8f8jfHT72FRasYA1LAWNfp0gZ4ElLnPsalOc/w640-h430/Light%20controls.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The buttons are labelled so each element of the lighting can be controlled individually. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="491" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9uRF5G7-_hU" width="591" youtube-src-id="9uRF5G7-_hU"></iframe></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />
The doors are another favourite element, something he spent a long time over but I think it was worth it to get the metal effect. Look at those lovely handles!<br /><br />
I absolutely love tiny food so this project was perfect for a variety of dishes. The diner sells all day breakfasts, burgers, ice cream sundaes, sandwiches, cakes, coffee (it had to – I fell in love with the espresso machine) and anything else I can get away with.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtO6lpbJ61yGtdRphsYKMkN0j1J9G9IjrOiBThnB8-Ko2bgTqkZgxC7T0_QOdfMzn1f0c51GyztBBrn6Y9uvngNYv8FC3TSI5JpKOQkKNiwxXvb4sVbGJ1o3bqtvsVTD7C51kI54zpVEh85z-BIxeCdjJIsEeJ8cJeZEmkqqF_8oYhhxbUxPgwfk1Drc/s4000/Espresso.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtO6lpbJ61yGtdRphsYKMkN0j1J9G9IjrOiBThnB8-Ko2bgTqkZgxC7T0_QOdfMzn1f0c51GyztBBrn6Y9uvngNYv8FC3TSI5JpKOQkKNiwxXvb4sVbGJ1o3bqtvsVTD7C51kI54zpVEh85z-BIxeCdjJIsEeJ8cJeZEmkqqF_8oYhhxbUxPgwfk1Drc/w640-h480/Espresso.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The espresso machine is one of my favourite miniatures, but I also adore the eggs in the background.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><br />
Obviously I needed menus and condiments for the tables but it turns out the ketchup bottles sold in the UK really aren’t very nice (note to UK craftspeople – there’s a gap in the market). Eventually I tracked down the perfect ketchup and mustard bottles in America, as is so often the case, but they weren’t cheap. Finding the right pieces to suit the setting is half the fun so I suppose I shouldn’t complain.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukm34AqtyFrEwfcxAE28p79cMc-feAE3qzFF_etUPFBKC3xO6gP6xQTJR6-RPRUAucaZO3MVA47qMBTlvl7fFlRQkhC0xJ9kSPpmGJQZrA63Ij5Apdl8BVYSZ0nh75CX1hPTyN8-dlmi_m5dvDr45Yr8POgKhOiFkZVRJVW2sNk4N8ML5sOAYu3QpVx0/s4000/Ketchup.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukm34AqtyFrEwfcxAE28p79cMc-feAE3qzFF_etUPFBKC3xO6gP6xQTJR6-RPRUAucaZO3MVA47qMBTlvl7fFlRQkhC0xJ9kSPpmGJQZrA63Ij5Apdl8BVYSZ0nh75CX1hPTyN8-dlmi_m5dvDr45Yr8POgKhOiFkZVRJVW2sNk4N8ML5sOAYu3QpVx0/w640-h480/Ketchup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It took a long time to find that ketchup, but it was totally worth it.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />The one thing I really struggled with and couldn’t find anywhere were suitable lampshades. A lot of dolls house lighting tends to be very traditional and that wouldn’t have been right for the diner. Cue the whole family heading out to buy bottles of Corsodyl mouthwash so we could use the lids as lampshades.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0smenup1peiVEUZgxu8Q7zPjlTlryEXmOU94ZhVF62UMgdlHHg-C3UDKYQB_vQI0l7Fu58uFTG2oru3s26Z6rX213onphbpgwMP8-MyjghnYoSPm1kzSeNlNWOWhetwY9Fq-iMSqjhk-mdT7BRTpZJ_ENABXZLPzrtUuQtePOBGVPBgEaRYz0Qb74UCY/s4000/Corsodyl%20lampshades%20(1).png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0smenup1peiVEUZgxu8Q7zPjlTlryEXmOU94ZhVF62UMgdlHHg-C3UDKYQB_vQI0l7Fu58uFTG2oru3s26Z6rX213onphbpgwMP8-MyjghnYoSPm1kzSeNlNWOWhetwY9Fq-iMSqjhk-mdT7BRTpZJ_ENABXZLPzrtUuQtePOBGVPBgEaRYz0Qb74UCY/w640-h480/Corsodyl%20lampshades%20(1).png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recognise those 'lampshades'?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br />Eventually I want to cover the walls with memorabilia – pictures, records and anything else that will add interest; I want people to find something new every time they look at it. I already have a guitar and my dad sawed a toy car in half, which I seem to remember wasn’t easy.<br /><br />I also need to buy lots of items to fill the shelves but there’s no rush – I’m not sure any project is ever completely finished. For now, enjoy a few more photos.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdL4xurav8yNVFUAJ2j42REamfj3pWQ2yHqIKL867j64blF3ZN-rkoURIRW4_gnochOLc6FRhB46uzO9EcA8Awwxvyoc0hQL8luhqPeN8JQGuSwXkAfyWs4PeafJCJknxkvcvUO_wZyr_eOdGkdHzj71Xn2cwwXhkuJhdUCthRZUYe3mkOCeN0Ppk6VJA/s4000/Diner%20-%20firdge.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdL4xurav8yNVFUAJ2j42REamfj3pWQ2yHqIKL867j64blF3ZN-rkoURIRW4_gnochOLc6FRhB46uzO9EcA8Awwxvyoc0hQL8luhqPeN8JQGuSwXkAfyWs4PeafJCJknxkvcvUO_wZyr_eOdGkdHzj71Xn2cwwXhkuJhdUCthRZUYe3mkOCeN0Ppk6VJA/w640-h480/Diner%20-%20firdge.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still lots of room on the shelves for more tiny things. </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUp3b3ODV9K5EljnjHYT6b98gmLu3scIZhihBplmNRX_ucZlsB7PUNzw2obIwVzpFx4k5RUVwrsn4fMJ2E1hskymtVf6ybcI_Fqhg7ZfZnjWo0q2rj1GxcZySwrw5viBaOPSBmuT-8X02KGwumFWztmZ4AOXRP_YyKPK4_shCtX2C7e9twrDw4QPfefpQ/s4000/Diner%20-%20window.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUp3b3ODV9K5EljnjHYT6b98gmLu3scIZhihBplmNRX_ucZlsB7PUNzw2obIwVzpFx4k5RUVwrsn4fMJ2E1hskymtVf6ybcI_Fqhg7ZfZnjWo0q2rj1GxcZySwrw5viBaOPSBmuT-8X02KGwumFWztmZ4AOXRP_YyKPK4_shCtX2C7e9twrDw4QPfefpQ/w640-h480/Diner%20-%20window.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking a peek from outside.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmyNihzV59jiKdvFYnWpv2vULYXwr-quVcqqdFZVJ0sNTTNEdISSuT1teJFlZk58BHZpqsKVQTOF_nUBgYY-AM-w_C5c9ytFfsAfkinD98nAQgzcdebWO3IdbYgDk-I__6ZSL9sJ1PyxlPLrP4H4ibDeKljXtoozvIxm9pLIqSkQAInxMObrgaAETPYw/s4000/Diner%20-%20tables.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmyNihzV59jiKdvFYnWpv2vULYXwr-quVcqqdFZVJ0sNTTNEdISSuT1teJFlZk58BHZpqsKVQTOF_nUBgYY-AM-w_C5c9ytFfsAfkinD98nAQgzcdebWO3IdbYgDk-I__6ZSL9sJ1PyxlPLrP4H4ibDeKljXtoozvIxm9pLIqSkQAInxMObrgaAETPYw/w640-h480/Diner%20-%20tables.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />I love the clock. As it's a watch, it actually works.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Rachel Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177390314779701441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283089105594354785.post-41042172525253341052017-03-06T00:16:00.001+00:002017-03-06T00:39:53.642+00:00A room full of memoriesThis weekend my mum celebrated her 70th birthday and as it was a special occasion, I'd decided on a special present. We're very lucky to share our love of miniatures and I thought it would be nice to give her a room box that reminded her of all the things she loves.<br />
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So without further ado, here's the completed room. The accessories won't mean much to other people but most of the items in the room mean something to us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VnxrmwA0enI/WLyW9NSAvbI/AAAAAAAABN0/qScK5lLcM0IBoxNtZRIHd6AZMXNjE_v4QCLcB/s1600/Finished%2Broom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VnxrmwA0enI/WLyW9NSAvbI/AAAAAAAABN0/qScK5lLcM0IBoxNtZRIHd6AZMXNjE_v4QCLcB/s640/Finished%2Broom.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The completed room box</td></tr>
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The photo above was taken in the middle of the day so the lights aren't having much of an effect but in the shot below you can see they do really light up the room.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P7cP74og1Ac/WLyXtDL7tCI/AAAAAAAABN4/HNyMfERyzcsPRo3VX2y4kFRaE2kiOVUXgCLcB/s1600/Finished%2Bwith%2Blights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P7cP74og1Ac/WLyXtDL7tCI/AAAAAAAABN4/HNyMfERyzcsPRo3VX2y4kFRaE2kiOVUXgCLcB/s640/Finished%2Bwith%2Blights.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A homely feel with the lights on</td></tr>
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When I started this project I had the idea that I would do all the work and that would make it more special. Then I realised that actually it wouldn't be much of a present if the walls fell down and there were bubbles in the wallpaper so after buying a kit and the necessary items to decorate, I handed it all over to my dad.<br />
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First he built the box.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gUO_TFslzbk/WLyu-kmXP8I/AAAAAAAABPY/RrEwXTmZvA4ykQP5JQiK7_m9EPBVi2ozQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gUO_TFslzbk/WLyu-kmXP8I/AAAAAAAABPY/RrEwXTmZvA4ykQP5JQiK7_m9EPBVi2ozQCLcB/s640/IMG_2818.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Then painted the outside and the ceiling.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IQ8tu5tav94/WLyvCsDu36I/AAAAAAAABPc/4ZhZxIA2N5QUcL9kehJIQ7A3NeqjRAl4ACEw/s1600/IMG_2831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IQ8tu5tav94/WLyvCsDu36I/AAAAAAAABPc/4ZhZxIA2N5QUcL9kehJIQ7A3NeqjRAl4ACEw/s640/IMG_2831.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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And finally came the decoration.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6-tlLK5CS2I/WLyvGZ1qa1I/AAAAAAAABPg/sdX387iC93Y20YER6r8Px00ILOnvSsbUgCEw/s1600/IMG_2838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6-tlLK5CS2I/WLyvGZ1qa1I/AAAAAAAABPg/sdX387iC93Y20YER6r8Px00ILOnvSsbUgCEw/s640/IMG_2838.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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He not only did a great job in putting it all together but also managed to keep it a secret for the last couple of months (although there was a close call when my mum returned early from an outing on one occasion).<br />
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As I'd hoped, rather naively, to assemble the room myself I went for battery lights for the first time, knowing full well that electrics would be well beyond my non-existent DIY skills. I'm really impressed with the ones I ended up with from <a href="https://minimumworld.com/" target="_blank">Minimum World</a> but this was the second attempt at lighting the room.<br />
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When I unpacked the first lot of lights that arrived I loved them - until I turned them on...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iVTeajqhKhM/WLyZa5YCpZI/AAAAAAAABOE/DsruLv24hLMZ4H7c4A_FT7xTq6Iu_52YwCLcB/s1600/Bad%2Blighting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iVTeajqhKhM/WLyZa5YCpZI/AAAAAAAABOE/DsruLv24hLMZ4H7c4A_FT7xTq6Iu_52YwCLcB/s640/Bad%2Blighting.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first attempt at lighting the room</td></tr>
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Not only was the bright white light very harsh, it didn't do a particularly good job of illuminating the room either. Next time I went online I made sure I searched for 'warm white' but unfortunately couldn't find a standard lamp with the right colour bulb so decided on a ceiling light instead.<br />
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Buying miniatures online isn't ideal as it's so difficult to judge the quality of the piece. But with so few shops around these days and the big fairs few and far between, I was forced to search the web more and found some great new sellers. I'm particularly fond of the cheese plant in the corner (we had one in our lounge when I was growing up) from <a href="https://www.ladiesmileminiatures.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ladies Mile Miniatures</a> and the wrapped presents and bouquet from <a href="http://www.janetgoodrickminiatures.co.uk/newStore/index.php" target="_blank">Janet Goodrick Miniatures</a>. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yXzO5XxcxJE/WLyblvPyhoI/AAAAAAAABOQ/xr-e05GYJO4Sla7aOp7surpRarccU1GQgCEw/s1600/Cake%2Bon%2Btable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yXzO5XxcxJE/WLyblvPyhoI/AAAAAAAABOQ/xr-e05GYJO4Sla7aOp7surpRarccU1GQgCEw/s640/Cake%2Bon%2Btable.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who's for cake?</td></tr>
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You may have noticed the room is all set to celebrate a birthday. There's a '70' cake on the table alongside some 'happy birthday' plates, as well as a bottle of white wine and a couple of glasses (we do like to share a little glass of Pinot).<br />
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On the mantlepiece you can see some birthday cards, one of my many purchases from <a href="http://www.dinkydelights.co.uk/" target="_blank">Dinky Delights</a>. I actually bought these at a local dollshouse show we went to last month but I couldn't blog about it as most of the things I came home with were for the room.<br />
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I also bought the mirror there and the Wedgwood vase - something I'd been looking for for a while. My mum has always loved Wedgwood so I really wanted to find a piece for the room.<br />
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The log basket was also purchased at the show, as was the flooring and the sofa just out of shot so all in all it was quite successful. It wasn't always easy as my mum was there too but I think I just about got away with it.<br />
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I also bought some fudge from Dinky Delights but as it came loose I needed to make a box for it. Easy, or so I thought...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yu15HbdZVII/WLye1rjM2cI/AAAAAAAABOk/wdCXl-R3YUY2KOdgXcn_nnjUOgf9cfxUACLcB/s1600/Boxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yu15HbdZVII/WLye1rjM2cI/AAAAAAAABOk/wdCXl-R3YUY2KOdgXcn_nnjUOgf9cfxUACLcB/s640/Boxes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The one on the right was the first attempt</td></tr>
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I was quite excited about finally using the skills I learnt in maths many, many years ago to draw a box. I thought it was all going well until I discovered the flaps were far too small to actually stick the box together. Cue lots of swearing, soggy cardboard and the realisation that the box was probably too big anyway.<br />
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My second attempt (on the left) was much more successful and was stuck with Tacky Wax. For non-miniaturists, this is an amazing little pot of adhesive that allows repositioning. I ended up sticking everything in the room down with it as I knew it had to travel in the car. Amazingly, nothing moved despite a couple of abrupt stops on the journey to my parents'.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ylIAvqCd5G4/WLyg8sZjIZI/AAAAAAAABOs/3DfiZZOTRZE_or4C6az5xkp05MnodxyJgCLcB/s1600/Bookshelf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ylIAvqCd5G4/WLyg8sZjIZI/AAAAAAAABOs/3DfiZZOTRZE_or4C6az5xkp05MnodxyJgCLcB/s640/Bookshelf.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my mum's favourite books</td></tr>
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I wanted to put more books on the shelf but I also wanted them to be seen clearly so settled on a small-ish selection. The Haynes manual might seem odd but my mum had a much-loved Mini when I was younger so I thought it was a must. Next to that is a gardening book as that's another of her hobbies and the shelf below is full of Catherine Cookson novels I found on eBay. I love that they look slightly worn and well-read. The bottom shelf is reserved for children's books including Noddy as the birthday girl has been known to go out dressed as him.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXLXng6s1ls/WLyi2N9mlXI/AAAAAAAABO0/GHw9J-zT7aYXa1N46YnNQW2QlUckRGxlQCLcB/s1600/Pics%2Bon%2Bwall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXLXng6s1ls/WLyi2N9mlXI/AAAAAAAABO0/GHw9J-zT7aYXa1N46YnNQW2QlUckRGxlQCLcB/s640/Pics%2Bon%2Bwall.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every miniature room should have a dollshouse</td></tr>
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All the pictures in the room have some meaning. On the right are my parents in one of my favourite shots of them. I took it on my birthday last year and I think they look so happy. Next to that is an image of our wedding with my mum and dad on either side of us and in the corner is Alice - a big part of our family now.<br />
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I made the Shaun the Sheep calendar as my mum gets one for Christmas every year. I searched everywhere for a Shaun or Gromit that was close to 1:12 scale but had no luck so the calendar was a way to get Shaun into the room and also to highlight the date - 4 March 2017 is circled.<br />
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On the side are some favourite snacks - a tin of shortbread, a box of Turkish Delight and the fudge that caused so many problems!<br />
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Just to give you an idea of the scale, here's my mum peering into the room. Despite appearances, Alice is not sitting on her back.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ac2kmX8imo/WLyk1V4f6nI/AAAAAAAABO8/uZ4er3cp4g8KFS_vgv2QNqd0csB3ALWCACLcB/s1600/Mum%2Band%2Bbox.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ac2kmX8imo/WLyk1V4f6nI/AAAAAAAABO8/uZ4er3cp4g8KFS_vgv2QNqd0csB3ALWCACLcB/s640/Mum%2Band%2Bbox.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy 70th birthday, mum! </td></tr>
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I'm pleased to say it's already found a home between the cafe and the seaside stall, although the fisherman's hut is temporarily homeless. One day I'll tell you about all of my mum's miniatures, but that could take a while.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lDgOQPgEfdI/WLyol9zuexI/AAAAAAAABPI/Sr4pQpv8RdM4kwyijHRAzEcxuc8b9L_tACLcB/s1600/IMG_0323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lDgOQPgEfdI/WLyol9zuexI/AAAAAAAABPI/Sr4pQpv8RdM4kwyijHRAzEcxuc8b9L_tACLcB/s640/IMG_0323.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The room box in its new home</td></tr>
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<br />Rachel Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177390314779701441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283089105594354785.post-56292309032712746812017-01-03T22:22:00.001+00:002017-01-03T22:25:42.481+00:00The Christmas village is growing <div style="text-align: left;">
A few years ago I mentioned we had 'accidentally' <a href="http://miniaturesmakemehappy.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/a-new-miniature-hobby.html" target="_blank">begun a new miniature hobby</a>. As this one is seasonal it's a slow burner but our Christmas village is growing little by little, year by year.</div>
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We still go to a garden centre for the annual post-festive sales and pick up some half price bargains. Amazingly, this year I escaped having only spent £3. This little horse and carriage fitted our specification of 'nothing too big' as storing the village from January to November is a bit of a challenge.<br />
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The village sits just in front of our TV, largely because it's an empty surface but the fact it's white means it adds to the snowy feel.<br />
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As you can see, it's still a manageable size - for the moment...<br />
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We were hoping to pick up a 'firework display' my dad had seen online but unfortunately we couldn't find one. The film below is something to aim for next year!<br />
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<br />Rachel Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177390314779701441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283089105594354785.post-65855460369206520202016-11-25T08:57:00.001+00:002016-11-25T08:57:14.772+00:00Time for a new challenge?I love going to dollshouse fairs but it's not quite the same when your current projects (my <a href="http://miniaturesmakemehappy.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/my-first-dollshouse.html" target="_blank">house</a>, <a href="http://miniaturesmakemehappy.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/pubdate-rachels-return-is-complete.html" target="_blank">pub</a> and shop) are almost completed. Window shopping is all very well but if I don't come home clutching a tiny paper bag that cost me a fortune, I don't feel quite the same level of happiness.<br />
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With <a href="http://www.dollshousefestival.com/" target="_blank">Kensington Dollshouse Festival</a> fast approaching I've been wondering what to put on my shopping list. It's also that time of year when my husband is nagging me for Christmas present ideas and picking up a couple of things at the show has become tradition.<br />
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I joined a few dollshouse groups on Facebook recently, partly to nose around other people's houses and partly, I admit, to promote this blog. It's been really inspiring to see what everyone else is making and I've also spotted a lot of bargains in the 'For sale' sections, particularly for beginners.<br />
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So what's this got to do with my shopping list? Well something caught my eye in one of the groups that gave me an idea for a new project.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2btXPiEg0M8/WDNpBPsCLKI/AAAAAAAABMY/b9E1uzSnr6kgQCWLSffCXbKWe3yES-35ACLcB/s1600/Bench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2btXPiEg0M8/WDNpBPsCLKI/AAAAAAAABMY/b9E1uzSnr6kgQCWLSffCXbKWe3yES-35ACLcB/s640/Bench.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was love at first sight</td></tr>
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Isn't it lovely? You can see the full range from <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-12-scale-dolls-house-miniature-1950s-boothset-7-to-choose-from-/381855306033?var=&hash=item58e8599131:m:m3WaMnmdE2Vb6Xp9kqdbS3w" target="_blank">Susi's Miniatures on eBay</a>. So all being well, I'm going to create a 1950s diner which combines my love of vintage and miniatures. I don't know why I haven't thought about it before!<br />
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There are two things that are making me slightly hesitant. Firstly, where on earth am I going to put it? I think I can get over this as Tim has the entire third floor of the house for his<a href="http://heropresstwo.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/operation-gameroom-job-done.html" target="_blank"> games room</a>, meaning I should be entitled to a little space elsewhere in the house.<br />
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The second issue is much more problematic. Are there many products available that will suit my diner? To date, I haven't really purchased any miniatures that are post 1940s. I'm not pernickety about dates but I like things to look like they belong. I know it's easy to buy traditional miniatures and there are more and more sellers making modern pieces but what about that period in between? <br />
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And what kind of room box will I need? So far I've only found Victorian or Edwardian styles which don't really cut it. Obviously if I was talented I'd scratch build it but I want something that looks beautiful, not disastrous. I'm wondering if the option below might be my best bet as the big windows seem more appropriate than anything else I've seen.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-APVRD7N2Du4/WDNq1dNp3XI/AAAAAAAABMk/wn1pUugkxewk2Nuk2jWW6AdYN_et1a8UACEw/s1600/Diner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="497" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-APVRD7N2Du4/WDNq1dNp3XI/AAAAAAAABMk/wn1pUugkxewk2Nuk2jWW6AdYN_et1a8UACEw/s640/Diner.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Could this be a diner? </td></tr>
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I've also been wondering if I could find a small 'neon' sign. I know they exist for train sets so I suspect it's possible - I just need to find one.<br />
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Of course, the best place to look for new items - and to be inspired - is shows. So roll on Kensington, I'm ready!*<br />
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* I may not be quite so ready on the day as it's the day after the work Christmas do...Rachel Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177390314779701441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283089105594354785.post-56961442145217332902016-11-21T20:53:00.001+00:002016-11-21T20:53:57.033+00:00My latest Lego project<div class="MsoNormal">
I can't tell you much about it yet but I've been playing with Lego again (as if <a href="http://miniaturesmakemehappy.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/mixing-lego-and-collectable-miniatures.html" target="_blank">the first time</a> wasn't time consuming enough).</div>
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This is the state of our dining room after weeks of waking in the night with a new idea, immediate eBay searches and lots of late night bidding.</div>
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It's all for the work Christmas competition so I'll tell you more in December...</div>
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Rachel Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177390314779701441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283089105594354785.post-24037262547107887442016-10-30T23:52:00.003+00:002016-10-30T23:52:55.596+00:00Halloween Special: And now for something a little different...These days it's possible to buy almost anything you can think of in miniature. There was a time when choice was limited to a Victorian or Georgian dollshouse so it wasn't too hard to pick a theme and get going. Not any more...<br />
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One of the ongoing projects in our house is my husband's castle. He had seen a kit for sale but my dad knew he could make something far superior so for Tim's 40th birthday, my parents gave him the three room building below.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sBpuZt90whI/WBKM1Lpg8DI/AAAAAAAABKM/5Etkz_34Zx8AtEqq0KF0NaHb_a8aOX2NQCLcB/s1600/Outside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sBpuZt90whI/WBKM1Lpg8DI/AAAAAAAABKM/5Etkz_34Zx8AtEqq0KF0NaHb_a8aOX2NQCLcB/s400/Outside.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>
Quite rightly, they didn't decorate it as that's such a personal choice they wanted Tim to decide how it should look. He was thrilled with it (still is) and it meant a lot to me that we could share the hobby. I was pretty lucky to marry a man who not only tolerates my miniature obsession but also joins in.<br />
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The problem is Tim's going to be 50 next month. Yep, that's 10 long years the poor castle has been nothing more than MDF. <br />
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There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, we're perfectionists when it comes to our miniature projects but between us, we have very little skill. We know how good it <i>could</i> look but we're scared to start in case we get it wrong.<br />
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Secondly, Tim has changed his mind so many times over the years about the theme I've completely lost track of what it's going to be.<br />
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What started as a witch's home then became a Victorian Doctor Who themed castle. That turned into a monster's lair and for the moment, he seems to have settled on a magical superhero's headquarters. <br />
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We haven't totally neglected the project though as every time I go to a show I pick up a little something that will, I hope, be on display one day. With Halloween upon us it seemed like a good time to share some of his treasures.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anyone got a miniature feather duster?</td></tr>
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The first piece I bought was this table and chair set (now complete with authentic dust), back when the theme was very definitely witch-related.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ggQDAoIrLok/WBKUBZZqWCI/AAAAAAAABKo/O0sax7KXwLIhQI4Y9POMhTk4ufSxpIZCgCLcB/s1600/Medieval.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ggQDAoIrLok/WBKUBZZqWCI/AAAAAAAABKo/O0sax7KXwLIhQI4Y9POMhTk4ufSxpIZCgCLcB/s640/Medieval.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handy for going into battle</td></tr>
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At one point there was talk of wood panelling and a nod to medieval times which is probably why we ended up with the pieces above. Whatever the final theme, I still think they'll look pretty good on the walls.</div>
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Then there's one of my favourite pieces - a beautifully put together shelving unit complete with scrolls, books and maps. I suspect there are hundreds of spells and potion recipes in those books, just waiting to be discovered (by a witch, monster, Doctor Who, whoever). </div>
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I tend not to buy this kind of thing, generally believing that half the fun is in finding the right miniatures and putting it all together yourself. However, when I saw this I knew Tim would love it and it was so nicely done - so into my tiny tote bag it went (after paying for it, obviously).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IiMy9sMMALM/WBaC3RNNbuI/AAAAAAAABLo/EEN93uWJffQaLRbFkwb66oT3i58kbg2wwCLcB/s1600/screendivider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IiMy9sMMALM/WBaC3RNNbuI/AAAAAAAABLo/EEN93uWJffQaLRbFkwb66oT3i58kbg2wwCLcB/s640/screendivider.jpg" width="576" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A selection of the 'horrifying' things that will find a home in the castle</td></tr>
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In recent years there has definitely been more unusual miniatures at the exhibitions so it's getting easier to pick up a skull, a book of spells or even this amazing room divider.<br />
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There's a close up below (because I think some of these pieces are just lovely).<br />
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One day I imagine there'll be a lot of shelving in the castle full of potions, which is why we ended up with jars of dragons' blood, eyeballs and tapeworms...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ROkwcQGc_kM/WBaC9srgISI/AAAAAAAABL4/W1ac3NFKePEZIQlD2Xt2qrYnR_KSRbP8ACEw/s1600/Jarsandskull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ROkwcQGc_kM/WBaC9srgISI/AAAAAAAABL4/W1ac3NFKePEZIQlD2Xt2qrYnR_KSRbP8ACEw/s640/Jarsandskull.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything you need to conjure up... who knows what? </td></tr>
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Of course, even the most accomplished witch/wizard/superhero can't remember everything so they're going to need a few books - and what better place to store them than an old coffin?<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C8rV_csEjA0/WBaDPVdJT-I/AAAAAAAABL0/etMlT4vprBwbVaCiYirKKOQIGGgW0j_kgCEw/s1600/Coffin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C8rV_csEjA0/WBaDPVdJT-I/AAAAAAAABL0/etMlT4vprBwbVaCiYirKKOQIGGgW0j_kgCEw/s640/Coffin.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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One day I hope to post pictures of the finished castle - or at least a work in progress - and hopefully we won't be waiting another decade.</div>
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Rachel Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177390314779701441noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283089105594354785.post-18166083780907570962016-10-23T22:26:00.000+01:002016-10-23T22:26:10.365+01:00Tiny toys - a tour of my miniature nurseryContinuing the tour of my 1:12 scale <a href="http://miniaturesmakemehappy.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/my-first-dollshouse.html" target="_blank">Tudor dollshouse</a> that I started some years ago, the nursery is another of my favourite rooms.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y_oPjh8LBpg/US_RvgScdTI/AAAAAAAAAf4/YIXwt02b0n0/s1600/385380_10151111298460052_987304918_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y_oPjh8LBpg/US_RvgScdTI/AAAAAAAAAf4/YIXwt02b0n0/s640/385380_10151111298460052_987304918_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The nursery in 1:12 scale</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I could have filled this room many times over because tiny toys are so very beautiful. I'm particularly fond of Humpty Dumpty and Paddington Bear - in fact, I would love to own the entire range from <a href="http://www.sallyreaderminiatures.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sally Reader Miniatures</a> but these two are my favourites.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5eraC95xkxw/V_orDuV2zdI/AAAAAAAABGk/rGX_TjAbGe4xFs3AD4MvjkgAmu7OSES6wCK4B/s1600/20161009_103436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5eraC95xkxw/V_orDuV2zdI/AAAAAAAABGk/rGX_TjAbGe4xFs3AD4MvjkgAmu7OSES6wCK4B/s640/20161009_103436.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall</td></tr>
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There's a lot going on in this room - all on top of the rug my nan made more than 20 years ago. Right at the back of the nursery is a toy garage that I'm also rather fond of - complete with cars.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zo5HzofkrUg/V_osi1bU9xI/AAAAAAAABGs/bsJsAeBcaH44LktWqN5Fgz2np_iid6U8wCLcB/s1600/garage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zo5HzofkrUg/V_osi1bU9xI/AAAAAAAABGs/bsJsAeBcaH44LktWqN5Fgz2np_iid6U8wCLcB/s640/garage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spot the garage. Look out for the kite and skipping rope too - both have lovely details</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I'm always in two minds about whether or not to add people to a room. There's no doubt it takes away from the realism and, particularly in photos, the vague doubt over whether or not you're looking at a miniature scene or a full size room. However, sometimes I come across people that I feel I have to have, or I just think they'll fit well in a room.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kPlyqnHpJf0/V_oulPfKn4I/AAAAAAAABG8/hjTkwiHqrVIaWfegsFnj3GK97_sGRfR1QCK4B/s1600/20161009_103442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kPlyqnHpJf0/V_oulPfKn4I/AAAAAAAABG8/hjTkwiHqrVIaWfegsFnj3GK97_sGRfR1QCK4B/s640/20161009_103442.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It wouldn't really be right to have a nursery without children playing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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When I first saw these two laying on their stomachs, I knew they'd be perfect for the nursery. They were in the <a href="http://miniaturesmakemehappy.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/is-that-your-house.html" target="_blank">library</a> for a little while but I actually love that room too much to add people.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a7mpygErdCQ/V_ovsHEylpI/AAAAAAAABHI/FUvIiIKrU7M1EHkpVQdK-pg7B3yQj9-AACK4B/s1600/Children-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a7mpygErdCQ/V_ovsHEylpI/AAAAAAAABHI/FUvIiIKrU7M1EHkpVQdK-pg7B3yQj9-AACK4B/s640/Children-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hmmm, where to start?</td></tr>
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It's worth taking a closer look at what they're doing as the detail in that plane kit is astounding. It feels like real balsa wood but I have to admit, I've never got it out the box and explored properly as it's just so delicate.<br />
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Perhaps one day when I'm fast asleep the children will build it themselves :-)Rachel Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177390314779701441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283089105594354785.post-86870610983932895262016-10-13T17:55:00.002+01:002016-10-13T17:55:49.648+01:00Mixing Lego and collectable miniaturesI'm very lucky because I like my job - a bit of a rarity these days. Sometimes, I absolutely love my job. Recently I was able to get a bit creative and came up with something for the company website I'm rather proud of.<br />
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I work for PR agency <a href="http://www.maxim-pr.co.uk/" target="_blank">Maxim</a> and am always trying to think of new ways to get different messages across. Photographs are really important when trying to gain media coverage but some of the images we're sent for issuing to the media are truly terrible.<br />
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Obviously we can't share these pictures so I decided to recreate some of the issues we have to help explain to people how to take a good photo for the media. And that's where my love of miniatures came in...<br />
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My first job was to beg, borrow and steal until I had a team of Lego figures ready to help out.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fk-_XUj1HOk/V_o6BxQHg8I/AAAAAAAABHY/Y_c7TpRDFtQLKaxCmwSTYKuAK3_2HshZwCK4B/s1600/Lego%2Bteam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fk-_XUj1HOk/V_o6BxQHg8I/AAAAAAAABHY/Y_c7TpRDFtQLKaxCmwSTYKuAK3_2HshZwCK4B/s640/Lego%2Bteam.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lego people - ASSEMBLE! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I turned our dining room into a makeshift photo studio using an old cardboard box, my mum brought some of her miniatures round and I raided my own collection.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eGSGwBkzzj0/V_o6_nftOsI/AAAAAAAABHs/mhtAAAF4p5sczfcx1yrokg1-pq-5nGr2wCK4B/s1600/Behind%2Bthe%2Bscenes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eGSGwBkzzj0/V_o6_nftOsI/AAAAAAAABHs/mhtAAAF4p5sczfcx1yrokg1-pq-5nGr2wCK4B/s640/Behind%2Bthe%2Bscenes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was like a Blue Peter challenge</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RZaA2Oo6b88/V_o7XV9gCQI/AAAAAAAABH4/hmUJ3VyOp8AICdTEK2gyaQM0hFuYrvnewCK4B/s1600/20160305_155049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RZaA2Oo6b88/V_o7XV9gCQI/AAAAAAAABH4/hmUJ3VyOp8AICdTEK2gyaQM0hFuYrvnewCK4B/s640/20160305_155049.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A behind-the-scenes shot - amazing what you can do with a box (and a very expensive 1:12 scale plant)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The scene above eventually turned into the shot below - the lesson being you always need to keep an eye on what's going on in the background of your photo.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b50H-Wrbsdk/V_pEH2rQLII/AAAAAAAABI8/iMxhid_Nf2kkq0EA4CeTrLEtkWsCbo-ZgCK4B/s1600/Watch%2Bthe%2Bbackground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b50H-Wrbsdk/V_pEH2rQLII/AAAAAAAABI8/iMxhid_Nf2kkq0EA4CeTrLEtkWsCbo-ZgCK4B/s640/Watch%2Bthe%2Bbackground.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watch the background</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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My mum has a seaside stall where she sells deckchairs so obviously I had to use them. This photo is actually based on one we created on Brighton beach some years ago.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hyd41keVdCc/V_o9aJEXzWI/AAAAAAAABIU/PRiwzVm9oaQvhlkkUG_UZVKo8pCwlXlQQCK4B/s1600/Seaside%2Bwith%2Bpeople.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hyd41keVdCc/V_o9aJEXzWI/AAAAAAAABIU/PRiwzVm9oaQvhlkkUG_UZVKo8pCwlXlQQCK4B/s640/Seaside%2Bwith%2Bpeople.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice cream, anyone?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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You might recognise the props below from my nursery but again, this photo is based on one we created in real life. An oversized prop can go a long way!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UwrFAma1N8Y/V_o9yrx2BmI/AAAAAAAABIc/rmK7HQHzHzUysfUOP4W7rEmDhoz61NDZwCK4B/s1600/Props-plane%2B%2526%2Bcar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UwrFAma1N8Y/V_o9yrx2BmI/AAAAAAAABIc/rmK7HQHzHzUysfUOP4W7rEmDhoz61NDZwCK4B/s640/Props-plane%2B%2526%2Bcar.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lego + miniatures = smiles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It's also really important to remove anything from a photo that might date it, assuming you'll want to use it again at some point. I remembered I sell poppies in my shop so it seemed only right to use them.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FaAECMwRZIQ/V_o-Ywu7ISI/AAAAAAAABIo/Tmm34RXtAMgT5daL_iVtddOhCp845yFBQCK4B/s1600/Poppies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FaAECMwRZIQ/V_o-Ywu7ISI/AAAAAAAABIo/Tmm34RXtAMgT5daL_iVtddOhCp845yFBQCK4B/s640/Poppies.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't worry - I didn't cut the stalks - that's down to Photoshop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To see the full article (and lots more pictures) <a href="http://www.maxim-pr.co.uk/news/tips_for_taking_photos_for_the_press" target="_blank">take a look here</a>. </div>
Rachel Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177390314779701441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283089105594354785.post-31856031355955912982016-10-09T11:54:00.000+01:002016-10-09T12:17:11.460+01:00Back to blogging? It turns out I'm not good at regular blogging, pretty terrible actually. It's been so long I can hardly remember how Blogger works... I'm not going to make any promises about being better but when I want to blog, I will.<br />
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A couple of things have inspired me recently. I've been <a href="http://www.maxim-pr.co.uk/news/tips_for_taking_photos_for_the_press" target="_blank">'playing' with Lego for work</a> and managed to incorporate some mini props into pictures I took that turned out to be rather popular. I loved doing it and it reminded me that miniatures really do make me happy so perhaps I should be spending a little more time with them. <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VEYYS86uNbg/V_ofPq_8AeI/AAAAAAAABFw/Ju6CHS_Er78nXR1TuXclcGM6x2JxtFOVwCLcB/s1600/Deckchairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="419" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VEYYS86uNbg/V_ofPq_8AeI/AAAAAAAABFw/Ju6CHS_Er78nXR1TuXclcGM6x2JxtFOVwCLcB/s640/Deckchairs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Secondly, my friend and colleague <a href="https://twitter.com/bookshopblogger" target="_blank">Erica Jones</a> was on Saturday Live on Radio 4 yesterday, all because of her blog <a href="http://www.thebookshoparoundthecorner.co.uk/" target="_blank">The bookshop around the corner</a>. She is extremely dedicated to her love of bookshops and to her blog (she's been known to leave the pub early so she can meet her self-imposed publishing deadlines) and she generally makes me think 'must try harder' on a regular basis.<br />
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Of course, I also married a prolific blogger but I know I have no chance of keeping up with Tim and <a href="http://heropresstwo.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">HeroPress</a>'s success. That's not to say he doesn't inspire me though.<br />
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Finally, it has always bothered me that I promised to give readers, who I suspect have long since given up on me, a <a href="http://miniaturesmakemehappy.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/my-first-dollshouse.html" target="_blank">tour of my dollshouse</a>. I wanted to spread the posts out, which to be fair, I have managed rather well - three and a half years and counting....<br />
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So here goes, no promises, but let's see what happens. <br />
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Rachel Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177390314779701441noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283089105594354785.post-46605388046675566052014-03-04T07:14:00.000+00:002014-03-04T07:14:24.201+00:00It's pancake day! Today is Shrove Tuesday so it seems only right that my miniature family should be treated to some pancakes.<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M7myXGd_Qpw/UxV7apn87AI/AAAAAAAAA-M/LWmHQYTspa0/s1600/Pancakes-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M7myXGd_Qpw/UxV7apn87AI/AAAAAAAAA-M/LWmHQYTspa0/s1600/Pancakes-2.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lemon and sugar, anyone?</td></tr>
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Earlier in the year we visited the Inn on the Lake dollshouse show in Gravesend where I picked up this incredibly detailed board containing a selection of 'freshly made' pancakes.</div>
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The woman selling them was so enthusiastic it would have been hard to leave them behind. The only difficult part was choosing which board to have as they were all different.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8zqmlYh_7JE/UxV8JXWSWzI/AAAAAAAAA-U/6Gkj8Q8y3PY/s1600/Pancake+stall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8zqmlYh_7JE/UxV8JXWSWzI/AAAAAAAAA-U/6Gkj8Q8y3PY/s1600/Pancake+stall.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Take your pick! All individually handcrafted and all slightly different.</td></tr>
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In case you're wondering about the scale, you can see my massive thumb in the picture below. I love that you can pick up each individual pancake and 'serve' them. Now, where did I put the lemons?</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sr91U_hoCw8/UxV8pc-PnVI/AAAAAAAAA-c/6MwsnGk7WKg/s1600/Pancakes-thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sr91U_hoCw8/UxV8pc-PnVI/AAAAAAAAA-c/6MwsnGk7WKg/s1600/Pancakes-thumb.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant thumb alert! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Happy pancake day, everyone! </div>
Rachel Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177390314779701441noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283089105594354785.post-25012420288935744242013-12-29T22:36:00.001+00:002013-12-29T22:36:14.211+00:00A new miniature hobby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It seems we have accidentally acquired a new miniature hobby over the Christmas period. Next December we will be assembling - somewhere in the house - a very small Christmas village made up of a few buildings, a pond and a tree. Wandering around in the snow will be Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim, as well as Mr Scrooge.</div>
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For some reason it is a tradition in our family to visit a garden centre or two after Boxing Day - you never know what bargains you might be able to grab. While my mum was sorting through the reduced rolls of wrapping paper, my husband was eyeing up the half price model houses as he has done for several years now. </div>
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The trouble with being accustomed to 1:12 scale hand crafted miniatures is that some of these looked rather crass to me. I am fully aware that an LED lit village with moving parts could be seen as a little (a lot?) tacky but as we throw ourselves into Christmas anyway, why not?</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P5Wm4XOpfsI/UsCaECt4gVI/AAAAAAAAA9s/1JTE4WdVLjE/s1600/Mini+village+shopping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P5Wm4XOpfsI/UsCaECt4gVI/AAAAAAAAA9s/1JTE4WdVLjE/s640/Mini+village+shopping.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beginnings of our Christmas village</td></tr>
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The idea is that we'll buy a new building each year to slowly build our little village - always after Christmas though as I don't think I could bring myself to pay full price for them.<br />
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Having now done a little research, there seem to be several makes of models and scenery available and some people have achieved some amazing scenes. The films below should give you an idea of what we're aiming for (eventually!).<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/sG64d7i6Drs" width="640"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hXfsfwhz3bU" width="640"></iframe>
Rachel Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177390314779701441noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283089105594354785.post-24709854533029658832013-12-11T00:38:00.002+00:002013-12-11T00:38:43.642+00:00A miniature ChristmasAfter our <a href="http://miniaturesmakemehappy.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/christmas-at-kensington.html" target="_blank">successful trip</a> to the Christmas Kensington Dollshouse Festival recently, I was determined to clear out our spare room so I could decorate my house for the festive season.<br />
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After a few days of very hard work, the room is looking an awful lot better and tonight I was able to deck the halls, as they say. Much like in real life, I'd forgotten quite how many decorations I have...<br />
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The first job is to get the tree in position although to be honest, it doesn't matter where it goes these days as I don't use the lights. When my dad first built my dollshouse I, for some unknown reason, felt the Christmas tree should have coloured flashing lights - so that's exactly what it has.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HWN0n226ubU/UqesNWrkRnI/AAAAAAAAA7g/xPaT4hwnV2Q/s1600/20131210_222043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HWN0n226ubU/UqesNWrkRnI/AAAAAAAAA7g/xPaT4hwnV2Q/s640/20131210_222043.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The socket that connects to the plug on the tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Next year I am hoping to swap the bright lights (although you can actually adjust the brilliance on them as well) for more delicate white bulbs, though I'm not sure quite how easy this will be.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vw9OVIOCD0I/UqetGtmEFyI/AAAAAAAAA7o/KDX2WmRxcHs/s1600/20131210_222357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vw9OVIOCD0I/UqetGtmEFyI/AAAAAAAAA7o/KDX2WmRxcHs/s640/20131210_222357.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got over excited and put the fairy on first</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Decorating a 1:12 scale tree when you have massive hands is no mean feat, trust me. It's worth persevering though as it does look beautiful when complete. I struggled to know whether or not to use the flash in these photos as although I want to show the detail, I also want to capture some of the cosy atmosphere.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tmtey4hgUGs/UqeuQnOTV2I/AAAAAAAAA70/G4wF2OINKB0/s1600/20131210_231417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tmtey4hgUGs/UqeuQnOTV2I/AAAAAAAAA70/G4wF2OINKB0/s640/20131210_231417.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tree is up! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And here it is in context (after a slight disaster with the draughts board but we won't go into that).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6ix3ne20Ug/UqeuqadLsDI/AAAAAAAAA78/NdRM7t5iYm8/s1600/20131210_231115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6ix3ne20Ug/UqeuqadLsDI/AAAAAAAAA78/NdRM7t5iYm8/s640/20131210_231115.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for Christmas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I love that there are lots of details to spot in this room and am particularly fond of the sliced Christmas cake ready to eat.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uMgK-O-JeyE/UqevMKvjayI/AAAAAAAAA8E/xKWRZOI_7ko/s1600/20131210_231205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uMgK-O-JeyE/UqevMKvjayI/AAAAAAAAA8E/xKWRZOI_7ko/s640/20131210_231205.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good enough to eat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It took me a while to work out where to put Father Christmas's plate of treats and then I realised this must be the fireplace he would come from so he could have easy access to the tree (where the presents would be left, obviously).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WVx2E_d8TPM/UqeviPHI84I/AAAAAAAAA8M/bH4XhpmiIVI/s1600/20131210_231220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WVx2E_d8TPM/UqeviPHI84I/AAAAAAAAA8M/bH4XhpmiIVI/s640/20131210_231220.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for his visit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Obviously my family need an advent calendar to countdown to Christmas (cue cries from husband: "You bought them an advent calendar and not me?!) but I think the children have got over excited when opening the doors - it looks like number 24 is already open.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nkJzKBLhKMU/UqewKS4snmI/AAAAAAAAA8U/JeIus5MxXLM/s1600/20131210_231304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nkJzKBLhKMU/UqewKS4snmI/AAAAAAAAA8U/JeIus5MxXLM/s640/20131210_231304.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The countdown begins!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Down in the kitchen cook has everything under control. The turkey is ready to go in the oven (although this one was just in case of extra guests and won't be cooked) and the sprouts are ready for boiling.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qfLcRRBCcbI/UqexAN_tvxI/AAAAAAAAA8c/hCuq7mQMYSo/s1600/20131210_231012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qfLcRRBCcbI/UqexAN_tvxI/AAAAAAAAA8c/hCuq7mQMYSo/s640/20131210_231012.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hungry? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In the dining room the table is laid with the new centre piece taking pride of place.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M2c7KcRwkuA/UqexWz6xRzI/AAAAAAAAA8k/wvct5Gp_Nnc/s1600/20131210_230934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M2c7KcRwkuA/UqexWz6xRzI/AAAAAAAAA8k/wvct5Gp_Nnc/s640/20131210_230934.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you spot the Christmas teapot?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And again, in the context of the room.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fJYMmHk2s88/Uqexzp8aOMI/AAAAAAAAA8s/FsN-wu6sh5c/s1600/20131210_230904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fJYMmHk2s88/Uqexzp8aOMI/AAAAAAAAA8s/FsN-wu6sh5c/s640/20131210_230904.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turkey and pudding at the same time? Why not! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Before I turn the lights off, I always put the fronts back on the rooms so I can step back and admire it. I love peeking through the windows and imagining what's going on inside.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nXaZtuQ5g5A/UqeyZmhVUnI/AAAAAAAAA80/xkVzn46bkUk/s1600/20131210_232502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nXaZtuQ5g5A/UqeyZmhVUnI/AAAAAAAAA80/xkVzn46bkUk/s640/20131210_232502.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who wouldn't want to go inside?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X0fuCfAvUsI/UqeylvFsKHI/AAAAAAAAA88/M_tuwrb0Ye0/s1600/20131210_232440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X0fuCfAvUsI/UqeylvFsKHI/AAAAAAAAA88/M_tuwrb0Ye0/s640/20131210_232440.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very inviting scene</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And of course, no house would be complete without a holly wreath on the front door.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ubpRkFsv0S0/Uqey8izazHI/AAAAAAAAA9E/hjy2G5umbe8/s1600/20131210_230845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ubpRkFsv0S0/Uqey8izazHI/AAAAAAAAA9E/hjy2G5umbe8/s640/20131210_230845.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like it's been snowing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
<br />Merry miniature Christmas, everyone! </h4>
<br />Rachel Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177390314779701441noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283089105594354785.post-86487313105372099192013-12-01T17:09:00.001+00:002013-12-01T17:13:33.867+00:00Christmas at KensingtonYesterday my mum and I made our annual trip to the <a href="http://www.dollshousefestival.com/kensington/" target="_blank">Christmas Kensington Dollshouse Festival</a> which turned out to be a very successful shopping spree for us both. Unlike the <a href="http://miniaturesmakemehappy.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/the-kensington-dollshouse-festival-is.html" target="_blank">previous exhibition</a>, the Christmas show is held on just one day and we immediately noticed it was a lot busier.<br />
<br />
I saw a couple of friends on the way to the show who both suggested I was heading out to consume a glass or two of wine. Little did they know I was off to enjoy one of the most sedate hobbies around, mainly taken up by middle aged women. That said, when I was being elbowed out the way by an elderly lady struggling to see some tiny vegetables a couple of hours later, I wasn't thinking of it as a 'sedate hobby'.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m75LyvPD3YE/UptWTXuDfzI/AAAAAAAAA5w/wVyhfgWoQCg/s1600/Hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m75LyvPD3YE/UptWTXuDfzI/AAAAAAAAA5w/wVyhfgWoQCg/s640/Hall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main hall - which is one of many - at the Kensington Dollshouse Festival</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I didn't really have a shopping list on this occasion but knew I wanted to get a few Christmas themed pieces. This is partly motivation to sort out the room where my dollshouses live so I can decorate for the festive season. It has got to the stage where I can't get to my house, shop or pub at all because of the boxes stacked up in front of them. This week, I'm hoping to at least make a start on the room so I can put some of my purchases in their new homes.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tITnYUSU28Q/UptZQkeLo1I/AAAAAAAAA58/Pg7B3Vn1hXU/s1600/Christmas+dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tITnYUSU28Q/UptZQkeLo1I/AAAAAAAAA58/Pg7B3Vn1hXU/s640/Christmas+dinner.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to begin the Christmas dinner (five pence piece for scale)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As usual we started on the ground floor and one of our first stops was <i>Pride of Plaice</i>. We have already bought most of the beautiful things on the stall but I couldn't resist a few additions to my kitchen. The turkey and sprouts above are all ready for Christmas dinner, and although I already have a couple of puddings, I really like the texture on this one.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7BdI7j6nw6E/UptcEATGceI/AAAAAAAAA6I/J8EgKVswMuM/s1600/Christmas+cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7BdI7j6nw6E/UptcEATGceI/AAAAAAAAA6I/J8EgKVswMuM/s640/Christmas+cards.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Better get writing!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I also picked up a pack of 10 shaped Christmas cards which will look great on my mantelpieces, or possibly in the bar. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dGGveTr9Y0c/UptctQcuCJI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/wUU6l5xTJeU/s1600/Santa's+treat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dGGveTr9Y0c/UptctQcuCJI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/wUU6l5xTJeU/s640/Santa's+treat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All ready for Crimbo!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'm very pleased with my beautiful fairy from <a href="http://www.sallyreaderminiatures.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sally Reader Miniatures</a> who will sit on top of the Christmas tree in my house. Her site is well worth a look - even if it's just to see the tray of tiny Basil Brushes. I'm lucky enough to own Sally's Humpty and Paddington already but suspect I'll be adding to my collection at some point.<br />
<br />
The plate will, of course, be left out for Father Christmas. He'll need a mince pie and a little tipple to keep him going and I'm sure Rudolph will appreciate the carrot. Thanks to the very helpful chaps at <a href="http://mcmdollshouseminiatures.weebly.com/" target="_blank">House of Mindy</a>, where the plate is from, who spent a long time digging around behind the stall to find the shelves that my mum wanted to buy.<br />
<br />
The very detailed table arrangement is from <i>The Flower Lady - </i>can't wait to place it on the miniature dining room table.<br />
<br />
As well as shopping, there were plenty of amazing things to look at.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w9dVHKwBCmQ/UpthB4ff7RI/AAAAAAAAA6c/qEVAikoGFoU/s1600/Steampunk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w9dVHKwBCmQ/UpthB4ff7RI/AAAAAAAAA6c/qEVAikoGFoU/s640/Steampunk.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
The very talented <a href="http://www.ozzdollsfactory.com/index.php" target="_blank">Julien Martinez</a> made the model on the left. To be honest, I'm not quite sure what it is but it reminded me of the kind of thing that Tim (my husband) likes which is why I took a picture.<br />
<br />
Julien also had a house of horrors fairground ride on display which was very impressive. I didn't quite manage to capture it on film unfortunately and photos just didn't do it justice - not least because of the flashing lights!<br />
<br />
There are plenty of traditional displays on show but I was a little more reluctant to ask for permission to photograph them this time around, partly because I'd forgotten my cards and couldn't always find the energy to explain that I wasn't going to rush home and copy the designs, I just wanted to say nice things about them on my blog.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We also hovered around the huge house below for some time, hoping to get a clear view. It wasn't to be though, there was always a queue of people waiting to get a closer look. Can't really say I blame them!<br />
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<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8sLkuFjEQa8/Uptkw1eHzbI/AAAAAAAAA6o/pSb8aqXX3GA/s1600/Large+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8sLkuFjEQa8/Uptkw1eHzbI/AAAAAAAAA6o/pSb8aqXX3GA/s640/Large+house.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
<br />
We were also very impressed with the unusual miniatures created by Dee-Daw Designs. There were some great characters on the stall but I think I was most taken with the scene below - it's not often you see a 1:12 scale cow!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2RCIiRXs6s4/UptlqtAqidI/AAAAAAAAA6w/3DtGBdPdkGY/s1600/Cows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2RCIiRXs6s4/UptlqtAqidI/AAAAAAAAA6w/3DtGBdPdkGY/s640/Cows.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A scene created by Dee-Daw Designs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It's well worth having a look at Dee-Daw Designs' <a href="http://www.dee-dawdesigns.com/page19.htm" target="_blank">Featherstone Hall Hotel project</a> which was created for the 200th issue of Dolls House & Miniature Scene magazine. It includes great photos of some fantastic scenes.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jsJZFShCuYE/UptoMmB4VyI/AAAAAAAAA68/s0woLOI48xw/s1600/Shop+signs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jsJZFShCuYE/UptoMmB4VyI/AAAAAAAAA68/s0woLOI48xw/s640/Shop+signs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few bits for my shop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Back to the shopping. My store is almost full but I'm hoping I can find space on the walls for a few signs and a chewing gum machine, all courtesy of <a href="http://www.plattsminipackages.co.uk/" target="_blank">Platts Mini Packages</a>, which is also where the fantastic paper chains (pictured earlier) came from.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LhBk3SONgRo/Upto4fwUHQI/AAAAAAAAA7E/z_BHGS67Dno/s1600/Gloves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LhBk3SONgRo/Upto4fwUHQI/AAAAAAAAA7E/z_BHGS67Dno/s640/Gloves.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pair of leather gloves for the lady of the house</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
At this point of the day I still didn't have a 'lady of the manor' for my Tudor house - but I figured that once I found her she'd need a pair of leather gloves. I love <i>The Luggage Lady'</i>s miniatures but already have a suitcase and a bag - there's only so much I can fit in.<br />
<br />
And so on to my final purchase. I was doing reasonably well on the spending front (I'd managed to tear myself away from the amazing bathrooms at <a href="http://www.hearthandhomeminiatures.com/" target="_blank">Hearth and Home Miniatures</a>) but we popped back to the ground floor and I had a second look at <a href="http://www.crumpled-and-rumpled.co.uk/" target="_blank">Crumpled and Rumpled</a>'s stand.<br />
<br />
We'd spotted the lady we called 'Nanny Doris' earlier as she bears an uncanny likeness to my late grandmother - an incredibly lovely lady who was very talented with her hands: knitting, tapestries and sewing were all part of her repertoire so it seems only right that this Doris is sat at a sewing machine.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-owXnsGLn3-U/Uptq9MKw4RI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/HEZFLiNK22Y/s1600/Nanny+Doris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="514" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-owXnsGLn3-U/Uptq9MKw4RI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/HEZFLiNK22Y/s640/Nanny+Doris.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Nanny Doris' from Crumpled and Rumpled</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There were a couple of other figures that I was debating between which lead to the stallholder commenting on what vivid imaginations we all have. You always have to think about their back story - will they fit in, is she the right age for the man of the house, is she too modern or too old-fashioned? But no, I think she's just perfect which is why she now has a new home with me.<br />
<br />Rachel Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177390314779701441noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283089105594354785.post-53890641731847833362013-08-27T14:06:00.001+01:002013-08-27T14:06:13.897+01:00A visit to Mouse TownThis weekend we made our annual visit to <a href="http://www.englandsmedievalfestival.com/" target="_blank">England's Medieval Festival</a> at Herstmonceux Castle (more for <a href="http://www.heropress.net/2013/08/knight-time-is-right-time.html" target="_blank">Tim's benefit </a>than mine but it is a good day out).<br />
<br />
While the majority of the sights and sounds are very much life size, we couldn't resist a visit to Mouse Town. A small tent houses a model - which must be around 1:12 scale - of a street scene in darkness.<br />
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Amongst the shops are numerous mice, scurrying around and generally enjoying themselves.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gI3rrytgqWk/UhyiK7FNcdI/AAAAAAAAA1c/cD2agcrZVpg/s1600/Mice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gI3rrytgqWk/UhyiK7FNcdI/AAAAAAAAA1c/cD2agcrZVpg/s640/Mice.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mouse Town is home to a large collection of real mice.</td></tr>
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We've seen Mouse Town before but obviously each time the mice are doing something different so it's always enjoyable, perhaps more for us than others because we love the model. There's something magical about a mouse disappearing through a pub doorway though.<br />
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There was a tense moment when a couple of the creatures were balanced precariously on a balcony (cue shouts from nearby children of 'he's going to jump') but fortunately they decided against the giant leap to the ground.<br />
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The film below gives you an idea of what you can see in Mouse Town, although the reflection of the glass and the lighting make it difficult you can still make out the odd furry friend.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/V0h58wa7FNI" width="620"></iframe><br />
<br />Rachel Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177390314779701441noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283089105594354785.post-54101815523042809372013-08-03T08:30:00.000+01:002013-08-05T09:45:03.019+01:00An inspirational fairytale One of my colleagues recently sent me a link to an article with the subject line 'Thought you might like this'. Like is a bit of an understatement and doesn't seem appropriate for such a magnificent dollshouse, or more accurately, dolls' castle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fp4RLGJdypg/UfrVl4MLHFI/AAAAAAAAA1M/jbDRXG_uxg8/s1600/Colleen+Moore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="472" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fp4RLGJdypg/UfrVl4MLHFI/AAAAAAAAA1M/jbDRXG_uxg8/s640/Colleen+Moore.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Film star Colleen Moore and her incredible dollshouse.</td></tr>
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Sadly, I am never likely to visit Chigago's Museum of Science and Industry but they do have plenty of pictures in the form of a <a href="http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/fairycastle/the-exhibit/">mini tour </a>on their website. </div>
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You can also see the full article <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2382313/Inside-7million-doll-house-built-silent-era-Hollywood-film-star-boasts-diamonds-chandeliers-tiny-artwork-painted-Walt-Disney.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I did wonder if it might be an inspiration for Tim's castle (a project that has been in the wings for some time) but I think it's a little grand for his liking. I'm sure his will end up being full of witches, potions and cobwebs, not chandeliers and grand dining tables.</div>
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The film below shows some of the objects in the house being handled. I have to say if it was mine, I don't think I'd let anyone touch! </div>
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Rachel Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177390314779701441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283089105594354785.post-14822527230361461852013-08-01T21:25:00.000+01:002013-08-01T21:25:47.808+01:00Sorry I've been rubbish...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kf_QvoyvKHU/UfrCvifoi_I/AAAAAAAAA08/autzyYVRMCk/s1600/1327590905-82241300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kf_QvoyvKHU/UfrCvifoi_I/AAAAAAAAA08/autzyYVRMCk/s640/1327590905-82241300.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It turns out it's harder to keep up with this blogging lark than I first thought. I really enjoy it once I get into it but because I spend almost every day at a computer, it's not always what I want to do when I get home.</div>
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However, today is a new month and a new outlook. Tim, my husband, does blogging so well over at <a href="http://www.heropress.net/" target="_blank">Heropress</a> - even if he's not in the mood to write he'll post a picture or a film to keep his regular readers happy. He also schedules his posts in advance so if there's a day when he's not up to it, there will still be a post going live.</div>
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So, as of today, 1 August 2013, I vow to be more like Tim. I shall be more organised, post more regularly and hopefully it won't be long before I'm back in the swing of things.</div>
<br />Rachel Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177390314779701441noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283089105594354785.post-73595062996760962282013-05-24T08:55:00.001+01:002013-05-24T09:24:04.852+01:00Fame for The Rachel's Return!Today my latest miniature project appears in the local paper the <a href="http://www.courier.co.uk/" target="_blank">Kent & Sussex Courier</a> - <i>The Rachel's Return </i>is famous! You can read the <a href="http://www.kentandsussexcourier.co.uk/s-certainly-child-s-play-says-dolls-house/story-19078775-detail/story.html" target="_blank">full article here</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pxbgx4dLta4/UZ8b5PYvSDI/AAAAAAAAAys/oC6hOy-f49k/s1600/Courier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pxbgx4dLta4/UZ8b5PYvSDI/AAAAAAAAAys/oC6hOy-f49k/s640/Courier.jpg" width="518" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little pub and my huge head in the <i>Kent & Sussex Courier</i></td></tr>
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Hopefully a few readers may be visiting <i>Miniatures make me happy</i> after reading the article so I thought it was a good time to post pictures of some of the things mentioned. Firstly, if you'd like to see more pictures of the <a href="http://miniaturesmakemehappy.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/pubdate-rachels-return-is-complete.html" target="_blank">pub, you can find them here</a>.</div>
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I mentioned that collecting miniatures isn't about creating a perfect world, far from it. I love the fact that you can buy broken eggs, spilled jam and half eaten food - it all adds to the realism. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vlnyJIf_4k8/UZABV2-eIAI/AAAAAAAAAxU/xbJIfYVZcm0/s1600/Spill+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vlnyJIf_4k8/UZABV2-eIAI/AAAAAAAAAxU/xbJIfYVZcm0/s640/Spill+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spillages on the kitchen floor</td></tr>
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I'm terrified of most creepy crawlies but when I saw a spider trapped in an upturned glass from <i>Mouse House Miniatures, </i>I thought it would be perfect for one of the maid's rooms. I suspect she's scared too and now that she's trapped it she's not sure what to do with it.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aghhhhh!</td></tr>
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There are many more pictures of my beautiful <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151111292250052.783623.780565051&type=1&l=fd1b3d3a93" target="_blank">Tudor dollshouse</a> over on Facebook which you are welcome to take a look at. There's also a post here with more details on <a href="http://miniaturesmakemehappy.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/my-first-dollshouse.html" target="_blank">my first dollshouse</a>.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XELnKvajGsk/UZAFLxxskgI/AAAAAAAAAxs/DxyrnW-Lp7s/s1600/405346_10151111293355052_665248314_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XELnKvajGsk/UZAFLxxskgI/AAAAAAAAAxs/DxyrnW-Lp7s/s640/405346_10151111293355052_665248314_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dollshouse that my dad built for me from scratch</td></tr>
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I am extremely proud that my dad built the house from scratch. Every beam, staircase, wall and door is hand crafted. He installed all the electrics, including the flickering lights in the fires. The fire grates are made from a pineapple tin and the 'logs' they hold are twigs from the local woods.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The master bedroom - one of the many rooms to feature a fireplace</td></tr>
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So, thank you to the Courier for making more people aware that dollshouses are not just for children. It's a thriving hobby that provides pleasure for millions of people worldwide.</div>
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And thanks for taking the time to visit <i>Miniatures make me happy </i>- I hope you'll drop by again soon. </div>
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Rachel Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177390314779701441noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283089105594354785.post-53621334753277218242013-05-12T20:59:00.002+01:002013-05-12T21:11:55.732+01:00A trip to Kensington Dollshouse FestivalThe <a href="http://www.dollshousefestival.com/" target="_blank">Kensington Dollshouse Festival</a> is one of my favourite days of the year - an opportunity to shop (and window shop) for some of the best miniatures around.<br />
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Yesterday my mum and I met as usual outside Kensington Town Hall; she had quite a list whereas I was sure I didn't really want anything. Famous last words. Four hours later and with purses a little lighter, we'd had to buy a couple of the lovely new bags to make sure our purchases didn't get squashed on the way home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G0XlWdXz2us/UY_NeMbGeBI/AAAAAAAAAtU/DmBBqTQs14s/s1600/DSCF3332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G0XlWdXz2us/UY_NeMbGeBI/AAAAAAAAAtU/DmBBqTQs14s/s640/DSCF3332.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new bags will come in very useful for future shows</td></tr>
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The format had changed slightly with the summer show being run over two days instead of three. I think this meant it was slightly busier than usual but with a little patience, we still got to see almost every exhibitor there. There are many that we simply admire; I'll never be at the stage where I can justify spending £780 on a 1:12 scale piano but it was beautiful.<br />
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Unfortunately my camera decided not to work on the day so photos have been taken with a mobile phone - not quite the same but I did my best. Many thanks to the festival organisers and the exhibitors for allowing me to take pictures - that's not always the case. Perhaps unnecessarily, but just for my own pleasure, I'd had some business cards printed so I could show people where the photos will appear and will hopefully reassure them that I'm not going to rush home and try to copy their products.<br />
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One of our first stops is always <i>Pride of Plaice</i>. They make the most amazing food including fish, hence the name, cakes and the best fruit and veg I've ever seen. Unfortunately they don't have a website I can direct you to as like so many miniaturists, they rely on shows to sell their wares.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YwbyIGS_QS8/UY_PJ6dE13I/AAAAAAAAAtg/7B84Znb1yUg/s1600/Veg+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YwbyIGS_QS8/UY_PJ6dE13I/AAAAAAAAAtg/7B84Znb1yUg/s640/Veg+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The huge selection of veg on sale at <i>Pride of Plaice</i> - the tweezers give an idea of scale</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pride of Plaice's </i>wonderful food</td></tr>
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They used to do a lot more fish, most of which my mum has bought in the past for her fish stall, but they seem to be branching out these days. There were still plenty of lobsters, prawns, crabs, eels and much more but I suppose there is a limited market for fishy products.<br />
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I'm particularly fond of the chopping boards that contain food being prepared. I love the 'half finished' items because they add life and realism to a miniature scene. I'm sure more work must go into a half baked cake than a completed one. <br />
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We've bought so many wonderful products from <i>Pride of Plaice </i>at previous shows we couldn't find anything to purchase, although I was very tempted by some muddy wellies - I think I might create an outdoor scene in the future that they would be perfect for.<br />
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Although I like my scenes to be realistic, my husband Tim is a big fan of fantasy worlds which is why the castle he is collecting bits and pieces for is full of witches, wizards, swords and sorcery. I hope he'll make it to the festival one day as he would adore everything on the <a href="http://www.kastlekelm.webs.com/" target="_blank">Kastle Kelm Miniatures</a> stall.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the characters available at <i>Kastle Kelm Miniatures</i></td></tr>
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This scene makes me smile and I was very drawn to the 'magic' jars pouring an unknown liquid into a cauldron.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yY4R1wbX3uc/UY_XXA7julI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/c3W1my3VagA/s1600/Kastleklem-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yY4R1wbX3uc/UY_XXA7julI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/c3W1my3VagA/s640/Kastleklem-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kastle Kelm Miniatures</i> is known for making something a little different </td></tr>
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We were also very excited by the glowing jars below. I knew Tim's castle had to have some so I bought a few and the bulb that will be used to make them glow - a very clever effect.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SlCHjBw3Tqg/UY_ZY0orNCI/AAAAAAAAAuk/moPUy7JKL3A/s1600/Kastlekllm-glow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SlCHjBw3Tqg/UY_ZY0orNCI/AAAAAAAAAuk/moPUy7JKL3A/s640/Kastlekllm-glow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jar of moonlight, anyone?</td></tr>
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So everything I bought from the very friendly people at Kastle Kelm was for Tim but you have to start spending somewhere!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MOpt2Asf7jI/UY_f_0rZh3I/AAAAAAAAAuw/DQ00pPWnM-U/s1600/DSCF3318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MOpt2Asf7jI/UY_f_0rZh3I/AAAAAAAAAuw/DQ00pPWnM-U/s640/DSCF3318.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My purchases from <i>Kastle Kelm Miniature</i>s - all for Tim!</td></tr>
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Miniaturists come from far and wide to exhibit at Kensington. I was very taken with the scenes created by Italians <a href="http://www.cinen.it/" target="_blank">Cinen</a>, especially as I have a<a href="http://miniaturesmakemehappy.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/pubdate-rachels-return-is-complete.html" target="_blank"> pub</a> and a shop that I can always squeeze a little something extra into.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lvi5iS0nLWk/UY_goOD9ZQI/AAAAAAAAAu4/08pix9IzRwk/s1600/Shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lvi5iS0nLWk/UY_goOD9ZQI/AAAAAAAAAu4/08pix9IzRwk/s640/Shop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cinen</i> had some beautiful and unusual products for shops</td></tr>
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If my pub was bigger, and probably a little more modern, I'm fairly sure I would have bought a foosball table.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GON6h33sC48/UY_imEZ8skI/AAAAAAAAAvE/Ndbu6g6SBRY/s1600/Fuseball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GON6h33sC48/UY_imEZ8skI/AAAAAAAAAvE/Ndbu6g6SBRY/s640/Fuseball.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So very tempting...</td></tr>
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As I have an empty shelf in my pub, I thought the two boxes below would be perfect to fill it. <i>Cinen </i>had many more but they were probably a little modern for my setting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HHKXUqepRDE/UY_iz9aUJeI/AAAAAAAAAvM/n0AKntwo9gI/s1600/DSCF3327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HHKXUqepRDE/UY_iz9aUJeI/AAAAAAAAAvM/n0AKntwo9gI/s640/DSCF3327.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few items for <i>The Rachel's Return</i></td></tr>
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When I originally posted the pictures of <a href="http://miniaturesmakemehappy.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/pubdate-rachels-return-is-complete.html" target="_blank">The Rachel's Return</a> on Twitter, <a href="https://twitter.com/cathdiscoversee" target="_blank">@cathdiscoversee</a>, a Real Ale fan, asked if she could have a tankard on the bar. When I saw the one above I thought it would be perfect so now she will always be welcome in my little pub.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8PRs53gsfYM/UY_j5DWWclI/AAAAAAAAAvY/l9Bm6dygfJs/s1600/Mediaeval.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8PRs53gsfYM/UY_j5DWWclI/AAAAAAAAAvY/l9Bm6dygfJs/s640/Mediaeval.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A scene from <i>Phoenix Models</i></td></tr>
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The tankard was purchased from <a href="http://www.phoenixmodeldevelopments.com/" target="_blank">Phoenix Models</a> who make medieval armour, weapons and household goods. This is another stall where I could buy everything and know that Tim would love it. He has one or two of the items in the picture above already so I resisted buying anything else.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B7ZbMc882O8/UY_lN_eQQUI/AAAAAAAAAvk/4tPOBXC0De4/s1600/Crowd+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B7ZbMc882O8/UY_lN_eQQUI/AAAAAAAAAvk/4tPOBXC0De4/s640/Crowd+shot.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the main hall </td></tr>
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After a short rest (spending money is quite exhausting) we moved on to a couple of our favourites. Last year when we visited <a href="http://www.glasscraftuk.com/" target="_blank">Glasscraft</a>, the lovely Phil had a call of nature so we minded his stall for a couple of minutes - the perils of exhibiting alone, I suppose. When I explained that I'd lost the ladle for the punch bowl I'd bought a couple of years ago in the hope that I could purchase one individually, he presented me with one for free in payment for last year's favour - how kind.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H3qQp1J1WTE/UY_mkaroTpI/AAAAAAAAAvw/4QSaA8mLUPY/s1600/DSCF3337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H3qQp1J1WTE/UY_mkaroTpI/AAAAAAAAAvw/4QSaA8mLUPY/s640/DSCF3337.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My punch bowl is complete again</td></tr>
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Glasscraft's products are so beautiful and incredibly reasonable. My mum was very pleased to see some new ice cream sundaes for sale so quickly snapped them up for her seaside cafe.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XeNNbd9oYWw/UY_nNBerq4I/AAAAAAAAAv4/gJ8QX6VBoj8/s1600/Glasscraft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XeNNbd9oYWw/UY_nNBerq4I/AAAAAAAAAv4/gJ8QX6VBoj8/s640/Glasscraft.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the glassware on sale at <i>Glasscraft</i></td></tr>
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Next door was the familiar <a href="http://www.shepherdminiatures.com/" target="_blank">Shepherd Miniatures</a>, another stall that we can never resist. As you can see from the picture below, a lot of people had the same idea!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6UgsNneIgg/UY_ox7_8NtI/AAAAAAAAAwE/f0dCZmb4odk/s1600/Shepherds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6UgsNneIgg/UY_ox7_8NtI/AAAAAAAAAwE/f0dCZmb4odk/s640/Shepherds.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fight!</td></tr>
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Eventually we did make it to the front and I picked up a bit of stock for my general store, as well as a 'wet' sponge that I thought would be useful to wipe up the spilled jam in my kitchen.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tins for my general store from <i>Shepherd Miniatures</i></td></tr>
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I also bought an amazing cake from <i>Mouse House Miniatures</i>, known for the detail and humour they put into their products. I hadn't realised quite how many of their items I already own (a broken egg, half peeled banana and fish and chips in paper to name but a few) but I couldn't resist a couple more. I don't think this photo does the Victoria Sponge justice as you can actually see the crumbs! The vegetable peelings are also from Mouse House and will be squeezed into my kitchen. I just couldn't leave them behind.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oi1VuuRrV1s/UY_p3nWEg_I/AAAAAAAAAwU/MxCUyWSq87c/s1600/DSCF3321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oi1VuuRrV1s/UY_p3nWEg_I/AAAAAAAAAwU/MxCUyWSq87c/s640/DSCF3321.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Items for my Tudor house</td></tr>
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Obviously we had to visit <a href="http://bagsofcharacter.weebly.com/" target="_blank">Bags of Character</a> to see Eadie's friends. For those who haven't read the post about The <i>Rachel's Return, </i>Eadie is my favourite character in my pub. Her doppelganger is second from left in the picture below.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1V7q4ykKP4/UY_p9zMG7HI/AAAAAAAAAwc/TFLIXsdIHq8/s1600/Eadies+friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1V7q4ykKP4/UY_p9zMG7HI/AAAAAAAAAwc/TFLIXsdIHq8/s640/Eadies+friends.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eadie and her friends in a brilliant pub scene from <i>Bags of Character</i></td></tr>
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The very talented Carol Bull had also made a few more familiar scenes. The front room from <i>Only Fools and Horses </i>was instantly recognisable.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alright, Del Boy? </td></tr>
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We've visited the <a href="http://www.thedollshousemall.com/" target="_blank">Dolls House Mall</a> stand several times before but had never spoken to them. As well as many shop items, they also make brass signs. I've been looking for a 'staff only' sign for the back door of my shop for years and it turns out they had one all along - and now so do I!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u1p-hEwobHc/UY_qAKUXouI/AAAAAAAAAwk/zQXW00MymII/s1600/Lab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u1p-hEwobHc/UY_qAKUXouI/AAAAAAAAAwk/zQXW00MymII/s640/Lab.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very detailed laboratory scene from The Dolls House Mall</td></tr>
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Finding the 'right' dolls for a scene can be a challenge but you generally know when you see them. <a href="http://www.worldofmyownminiatures.co.uk/" target="_blank">World of My Own</a> has some amazing characters but I couldn't find a wife for the man I bought there previously. There was quite a crowd though! I'm very fond of the man polishing silver in the centre of the picture but I just couldn't squeeze him in anywhere.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quite a crowd at <i>World of my own</i></td></tr>
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I could write an awful lot more about the amazing miniatures on show at Kensington but I've probably said enough. You can check the<a href="http://www.dollshousefestival.com/kensington/exhibitors.html" target="_blank"> list of exhibitors</a> with links to their websites where applicable but the best thing to do is go and see them for yourself. The next show is 30 November so put it in your diary now!<br />
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And finally, because there always has to be an 'and finally', this little chap caught my eye. I'm tempted to replace the toilet I already have...<br />
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Rachel Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177390314779701441noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283089105594354785.post-52268624866808620822013-04-29T21:14:00.000+01:002013-04-29T22:16:11.072+01:00Pubdate: The Rachel's Return is complete!I shall try not to make this post too gushy but I can't explain how much I LOVE my pub. My dad has done an absolutely fantastic job with the decoration and I couldn't be more pleased with it.<br />
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I've realised it's rather hard to photograph a box room that has two mirrors on the back wall but I've done my best. So here goes...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MIKuP54H75E/UX7Cl-nlSwI/AAAAAAAAAoo/HN1k9liA-eM/s1600/1+-+external.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MIKuP54H75E/UX7Cl-nlSwI/AAAAAAAAAoo/HN1k9liA-eM/s640/1+-+external.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful exterior - I'm especially fond of the windows</td></tr>
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Apologies for the fact that these photos aren't particularly sharp but I wanted to show you a couple of pictures of the pub as it really is so I haven't used the flash. It's a little dark and dingy inside, just as you would expect an old man's pub to be.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ymuQoifmziM/UX7Cnca5G9I/AAAAAAAAAo0/tBemCEElX3Y/s1600/2+-+doors+opening.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ymuQoifmziM/UX7Cnca5G9I/AAAAAAAAAo0/tBemCEElX3Y/s640/2+-+doors+opening.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peering through the double doors</td></tr>
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With the flash on, you can start to pick out some of the detail in the pub - even the dust on the bar...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4uQrBgO7-G0/UX7CoFDuUOI/AAAAAAAAApA/fiMvRH0tOvg/s1600/3+-+bar+through+doors.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4uQrBgO7-G0/UX7CoFDuUOI/AAAAAAAAApA/fiMvRH0tOvg/s640/3+-+bar+through+doors.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anyone for a pint?</td></tr>
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Photographing the whole room is a challenge but I think it's important to show the pub in its entirety. I had a lot of fun unpacking all the bits and pieces I've bought over the years and deciding where they should go.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hYDN-Y-j9nk/UX7CwAUAbrI/AAAAAAAAApI/zUgw_bHQK9I/s1600/4+-+whole+room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hYDN-Y-j9nk/UX7CwAUAbrI/AAAAAAAAApI/zUgw_bHQK9I/s640/4+-+whole+room.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It might be a small pub but it has everything you could want</td></tr>
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I think I need to find a way to put some scores on the dart board - just not quite sure where to find chalk that thin.<br />
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One day I hope to buy a dog from <a href="http://miniature-dogs-cats.com/shop/" target="_blank">Designer Dog Miniatures</a> or similar but they are very pricey and there's always a waiting list. I bought this little chap to see what he would look like and actually I've become rather fond of him. The lead and bowl are from <a href="http://www.shepherdminiatures.com/" target="_blank">Shepherd Miniatures</a> (I couldn't have him wandering all over the bar).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bhEPFyAJCPM/UX7CxfOkVJI/AAAAAAAAApQ/fc5AJxAafaE/s1600/5+-+dog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bhEPFyAJCPM/UX7CxfOkVJI/AAAAAAAAApQ/fc5AJxAafaE/s640/5+-+dog.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Woof!"</td></tr>
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I think the bar area is almost complete but you might notice a couple of empty shelves that need filling. This is good news as I don't really want this little project to be over.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sDmM5elyqFM/UX7CxtUrMBI/AAAAAAAAApU/S_OaZfm-qok/s1600/6+-+bar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sDmM5elyqFM/UX7CxtUrMBI/AAAAAAAAApU/S_OaZfm-qok/s640/6+-+bar.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pickled egg? Pork pie? It's all on sale at <i>The Rachel's Return</i></td></tr>
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I wasn't sure if I would have enough glassware but it turns out I've collected just the right amount for the shelf. I'm particularly fond of the decanter and soda syphon from <a href="http://www.glasscraftuk.com/Welcome/welcome.html" target="_blank">Glasscraft</a>. Don't be put off by the website; the products are first class, the prices are extremely reasonable and the creator is one of the nicest men you could hope to meet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3uHke--wV_0/UX7HnsJogUI/AAAAAAAAAq4/bcJIgk2YSQg/s1600/7+-+close+up+bar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3uHke--wV_0/UX7HnsJogUI/AAAAAAAAAq4/bcJIgk2YSQg/s640/7+-+close+up+bar.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I dread to think how much I've spent on those bottles - and I can't even drink them! </td></tr>
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Over on the other side of the room is the seating area - just waiting for some customers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIOm3OI6eDM/UX7J3TQdDMI/AAAAAAAAArI/ecpAPl8XL4M/s1600/8+-+seating.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIOm3OI6eDM/UX7J3TQdDMI/AAAAAAAAArI/ecpAPl8XL4M/s640/8+-+seating.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you imagine how small that corkscrew is? Or those dominoes?</td></tr>
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I thought it was important to have lots of pictures on the walls - it feels like that kind of pub. Pictured on the right are Reg and Doris Howsley, my lovely grandparents, on their wedding day. They would have loved this pub - I'm glad I got into miniatures early enough in life to be able to share the hobby with them. </div>
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The picture to the left is what Tim calls '<i>The Rachel's Return', The Rachel </i>being the ship itself. This little picture inspired the whole pub.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FYtCxM9EiMc/UX7Ki1YpKLI/AAAAAAAAArQ/d29iUy7m38w/s1600/9+-+nanny+&+grandpop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FYtCxM9EiMc/UX7Ki1YpKLI/AAAAAAAAArQ/d29iUy7m38w/s640/9+-+nanny+&+grandpop.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whoever was playing the piano seems to have left his pint and sandwich</td></tr>
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Obviously this is before the smoking ban...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9MNvTjUvh74/UX7Ll9_yutI/AAAAAAAAArc/4qx-6895TkA/s1600/10+-+dominoes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9MNvTjUvh74/UX7Ll9_yutI/AAAAAAAAArc/4qx-6895TkA/s640/10+-+dominoes.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It took a long time to match up the dominoes but they had to be right!</td></tr>
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I have a yard of ale, also from Glasscraft, but need to find a way to display it properly. I think it might need a small shelf of its own.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SKULyKdmBu0/UX7MTV5yYFI/AAAAAAAAArk/yIS_ZveRqxs/s1600/11+-+coats.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SKULyKdmBu0/UX7MTV5yYFI/AAAAAAAAArk/yIS_ZveRqxs/s640/11+-+coats.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like it must be winter with all the coats hanging up</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">So what's missing? Customers! I wanted to take some pictures without dolls because I think the room looks more realistic but this is one setting where it would be wrong not to have a few people enjoying the beer and snacks.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pub is filling up</td></tr>
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This is Reg, the barman (named after my Grandpop) from <a href="http://www.worldofmyownminiatures.co.uk/" target="_blank">World of my own</a>. They sell a great variety of very well made dolls at very reasonable prices. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-umpnPhEl8dQ/UX7NU_CCQ4I/AAAAAAAAAr4/sRqlYlVW7wk/s1600/13+-+Reg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-umpnPhEl8dQ/UX7NU_CCQ4I/AAAAAAAAAr4/sRqlYlVW7wk/s640/13+-+Reg.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">I think he needs to take a cloth to that bar myself.</span></td></tr>
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Over in the corner we have Eadie from <a href="http://bagsofcharacter.weebly.com/" target="_blank">Bags of Character</a> who is probably my favourite doll. As the name suggests, she has tons of character and looks just right gripping her purse and a cigarette. I haven't quite decided what her gentleman companion is called yet but I'll keep you posted.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They look like they're settled in for the evening</td></tr>
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So that's it - your tour of <i>The Rachel's Return</i> is complete. Reg is ready to ring the bell and wipe down the bar.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9QTZSAysZ30/UX7PQQAkNVI/AAAAAAAAAsY/VB_L2NFSXLI/s1600/16+-+Reg+through+window.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9QTZSAysZ30/UX7PQQAkNVI/AAAAAAAAAsY/VB_L2NFSXLI/s640/16+-+Reg+through+window.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reg wants to clear up now</td></tr>
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Looks like Eadie and her companion have moved on. Time to close up for another day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QH5QDHQwxG8/UX7PuJj57xI/AAAAAAAAAsk/RxylKaOMfXw/s1600/17+-+Table+through+doors.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QH5QDHQwxG8/UX7PuJj57xI/AAAAAAAAAsk/RxylKaOMfXw/s640/17+-+Table+through+doors.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farewell, little pub</td></tr>
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For those now thinking I'm a bit mad - well, possibly. But I think the vast majority of miniaturists have their dolls' back stories all planned out in their heads, even if they don't choose to share them. Trust me, it's part of the fun.</div>
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Rachel Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177390314779701441noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283089105594354785.post-70362907293031383492013-04-15T22:08:00.001+01:002013-04-15T22:08:18.569+01:00A pub in progress (part 4)Although there haven't been many pub updates lately (or 'pubdates' as a friend of mine calls them), my dad has been busy in his workroom. He's had to overcome quite a few problems on this project but it really is looking amazing now.<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D13HRyFkE9M/UWxnfUgRk2I/AAAAAAAAAm8/p8oGD8_eO30/s1600/Windows.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D13HRyFkE9M/UWxnfUgRk2I/AAAAAAAAAm8/p8oGD8_eO30/s640/Windows.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lettering on the frosted windows was quite a challenge</td></tr>
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The first issue was the lettering on the frosted windows which smudged as soon as it came off the printer. Luckily, after finding a spray to treat them with they now look just as they should.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P-abCIB1bxw/UWxoZ4kYfRI/AAAAAAAAAnE/qyML-JK4Oes/s1600/Electric.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P-abCIB1bxw/UWxoZ4kYfRI/AAAAAAAAAnE/qyML-JK4Oes/s640/Electric.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The electrics really bring the pub to life</td></tr>
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Next up was the electrics. You might think of electric lights in a box room a bit of a luxury but actually you really need them in order to see all the detail. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jcNapg_29f4/UWxo9m8ub1I/AAAAAAAAAnM/upN5Td7E9g0/s1600/Lighting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jcNapg_29f4/UWxo9m8ub1I/AAAAAAAAAnM/upN5Td7E9g0/s640/Lighting.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A peek inside</td></tr>
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Lighting also adds a sense of realism - I can't have my regulars staring into a pint in the dark.</div>
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Fortunately for me my dad is a perfectionist. When he asked if I'd like gold edging around the sign I didn't think much of saying yes. A week later and I discovered my parents had been through the entire house to find a roller small enough for the task - it does look great though.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OFHB096IK40/UWxpejJPAOI/AAAAAAAAAnc/i4KfDyCl518/s1600/Gold+edge+on+sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OFHB096IK40/UWxpejJPAOI/AAAAAAAAAnc/i4KfDyCl518/s640/Gold+edge+on+sign.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gold edging was another challenge</td></tr>
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The major hold up on this project has been the lettering to complete the sign. Originally ordered from a traditional mail order company around a month ago, this week we gave up all hope of ever seeing a delivery from them and asked for the cheque to be returned. A day later and they'd been found on ebay, ordered and delivered. It's a sad state of affairs but if traditional companies haven't got a decent level of customer service then what have they got?</div>
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Anyway, here they are...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e7YJl6Z4-30/UWxpbZ2Vj0I/AAAAAAAAAnY/kz7vwifOH-Q/s1600/Letters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e7YJl6Z4-30/UWxpbZ2Vj0I/AAAAAAAAAnY/kz7vwifOH-Q/s640/Letters.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The elusive lettering</td></tr>
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Not much to look at at the moment but when my dad's finished, I am 100 per cent sure the sign will be a fitting finish to <i>The Rachel's Return</i>. It just might take a bit of imagination looking at them strewn about below.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T41-DQvWegU/UWxphjjfcsI/AAAAAAAAAno/-L2_YPx3fwY/s1600/Gold+letters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T41-DQvWegU/UWxphjjfcsI/AAAAAAAAAno/-L2_YPx3fwY/s640/Gold+letters.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's like a word search. Can you spot the pub name?</td></tr>
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Rachel Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177390314779701441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283089105594354785.post-12048875764795839062013-03-31T23:28:00.001+01:002013-03-31T23:28:30.618+01:00A successful miniature shopping spreeLocal dollshouse fairs can be a bit disappointing but today's - a D&M fair at the Inn on the Lake in Gravesend, Kent - was definitely an exception. <div>
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Unusually, my mum was the first to start spending but I ended up going home with the most purchases. There were quite a few sellers we hadn't seen before as well as some old favourites.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beach scene that we all fell in love with</td></tr>
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The scene above belonged to a lady who was selling off some of her collection to make room for new items. We got chatting to her and it turned out she has 16 houses and her husband has had to build an extension (with 24 power points) to accommodate them all! </div>
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One of her displays was a Christmas shop which included the paper boy pictured with the rest of my shopping below. The whole scene was £199 but just as we were leaving, the husband chased after us and said they would sell the boy individually for a bargain £6. He'll soon have a new home standing outside my general store and the pub, the perfect place to sell papers. Tim (my husband) has just informed me that his name is Tom - because that's what's he's decided. Fair enough - he looks like a Tom.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My shopping which will find a home in my Tudor house, Tim's castle and my general store.</td></tr>
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I like having several projects on the go. It means it's acceptable to buy the most intricate flowers, tasty looking sweets and a cauldron of eyeballs and teeth all on the same day. I was particularly pleased with the flowers from <a href="http://www.juliaconnettminiatures.co.uk/" target="_blank">Julia Connett Miniatures</a> as they are beautiful and were very well priced. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasty looking veg</td></tr>
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Unfortunately I didn't get the name of the stallholder above, but I was very impressed with their veg. The quality of dollshouse items can vary hugely. When you first start out, you think everything is amazing but gradually you learn to pause before buying and appreciate the hand crafted items rather than buying mass produced accessories that simply don't compare.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More food from the same stall - all lovely stuff</td></tr>
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One of my favourite sellers is <a href="http://homepage.ntlworld.com/kenneth.brooks2/" target="_blank">Jay's Miniatures</a>. I don't see them too often but I'm always a fan of the way they lay out their stall, showing so many items as part of a room setting. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XIwVqzQyMqM/UViu0OicLpI/AAAAAAAAAkU/9Fbt1XMABiw/s1600/Jay's+shops.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XIwVqzQyMqM/UViu0OicLpI/AAAAAAAAAkU/9Fbt1XMABiw/s640/Jay's+shops.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of Jay's Miniatures' stall</td></tr>
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Today they had some beautiful bikes that I was very tempted by. I already have one but once my pub and shop and in situ, I'm hoping I'll have room for another.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6N7duZmAm7Y/UVivdPiiXkI/AAAAAAAAAkc/ZBY2H9s-VHs/s1600/Jay's-bikes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6N7duZmAm7Y/UVivdPiiXkI/AAAAAAAAAkc/ZBY2H9s-VHs/s640/Jay's-bikes.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have my eye on a Royal Mail bike</td></tr>
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<a href="http://homepage.ntlworld.com/kenneth.brooks2/" target="_blank">Their website</a> is well worth checking out for more inspiration and for dates of future fairs they will be attending. The picture below gives you an idea of the size of their range which really is very impressive, especially for any collectors who have a shop, a pub, or have a particular love of miniature food.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4_IdTIlR8Uw/UViwX9NxwXI/AAAAAAAAAkk/XFJDzpm79X8/s1600/Jay's+Miniatures.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4_IdTIlR8Uw/UViwX9NxwXI/AAAAAAAAAkk/XFJDzpm79X8/s640/Jay's+Miniatures.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A selection of the lovely goods available from Jay's Miniatures</td></tr>
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We moved on to<a href="http://dinkydelights.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"> Dinky Delights</a> which was a stall I hadn't seen before. Full of really well made food and other accessories, it was mostly for the more contemporary collector but they had some items that really made us smile - not least the tiny copies of <i>Fifty Shades of Grey</i>, a leather flogger, spanking paddle and a <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dolls-House-Miniature-Pair-of-Handcuffs-Additional-Items-P-P-Free-/271113615293?pt=UK_Dolls_House_Miniatures&hash=item3f1fa177bd" target="_blank">pair of handcuffs</a>! </div>
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The owner said she'd prefer it if I didn't take any photos which to be honest, I don't really understand these days. Before the internet, I think people assumed that the only reason buyers took pictures was so they could rush home and copy the items (little does she know I have no talent whatsoever in that respect) but nowadays I don't get it. The photo I've just linked to is a close up that could be used for the same purpose but maybe she has other reasons that I'm not aware of.</div>
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Fortunately for me, everyone else I asked today was happy to have their stall photographed - for which I am extremely grateful. <a href="http://www.allthingssmall.co.uk/" target="_blank">Peter Clark</a> is another of our favourites and over the years, we've bought quite a few of his beautifully crafted items.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fqpO5C8h42g/UVizlk_OZ2I/AAAAAAAAAkw/rPBRAsRSzz0/s1600/Peter+Clark-stall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fqpO5C8h42g/UVizlk_OZ2I/AAAAAAAAAkw/rPBRAsRSzz0/s640/Peter+Clark-stall.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A section of Peter Clark's stall</td></tr>
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Peter, a lovely gentleman who is always keen to stop and chat, specialises in birds, game, wildlife, fish and brick and tile effects. At first glance most miniaturists would wonder where they might home such items - but in the past my mum's bought a Blue Tit for her bird house (below) and I've bought a coat and hat that will hang on the door in my shop.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bi0Fupra-uI/UVi0RYj0_yI/AAAAAAAAAk8/3fCwVi8KzDc/s1600/Peter+Clark-blue+tit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bi0Fupra-uI/UVi0RYj0_yI/AAAAAAAAAk8/3fCwVi8KzDc/s640/Peter+Clark-blue+tit.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bird table that is home to one of Peter Clark's creations</td></tr>
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We enjoyed Peter's story of how he collects the feathers he uses on his birds, stopping when he sees one that has been 'bumped' in the road rather than 'squashed'. He also produced a fabulous vulture from behind his stall after Tim started talking about his castle...perhaps a purchase for another day.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ihv37RnHHM/UVi1T3a7dJI/AAAAAAAAAlE/NxvhONQAZOs/s1600/Peter+Clark-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ihv37RnHHM/UVi1T3a7dJI/AAAAAAAAAlE/NxvhONQAZOs/s640/Peter+Clark-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half skinned hare, anyone?</td></tr>
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Today my mum purchased a fish in a box (for her fish stall) from Peter which is pictured below with the rest of today's haul. She was also pleased to pick up a few items for her seaside cafe including bunting that she's been hunting for for a while.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sa4qRsZeyvk/UVi1r7EakvI/AAAAAAAAAlM/KsDLvKmdNmY/s1600/Mum's+shopping.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sa4qRsZeyvk/UVi1r7EakvI/AAAAAAAAAlM/KsDLvKmdNmY/s640/Mum's+shopping.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mum's shopping...she seems to have less than me.</td></tr>
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All in all a great day out and a very good value fair at just £2 per person. Now, it must be time to put some of my shopping away...</div>
Rachel Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177390314779701441noreply@blogger.com5