Lexington 's "Southern Lights" Exhibit

My miniature NAME club - " The Bluegrass Miniature Society" of Lexington, Kentucky
will be part of the upcoming " Southern Lights" event held during the holiday
season at the Kentucky Horse Park

( click below and you will go the site for more information)
http://www.kyhorsepark.com/sub.php?pageid=46&sectionid=4

This year I am taking my "Bluette" building. I won this beautiful building/dollhouse in a raffle during the NAME Virginia Region Houseparty Day several years ago. When I saw this building, I gasped and when I was told Bluette really made this building I just stood there in awe. I have always known , I could never sit in a class for more than 2 days and build such. I get the squiggles. But this was my opportunity to win such, a few people know how many tickets I bought- yes, I bought alot! I ohhhhh so wanted this building. The story to winning it is great, at first I did not win it. Another lady stepped up with the winning ticket - but after checking- she did not have the right number on her ticket. A mad look at my tickets and YES, it was MINE!!!! I danced, I know I did.

Bluette's signature is on the backside and dated 08/01.
I thought for almost a year- what am I going to turn this elegant building into?

After moving to Kentucky , while watching a documentary about the Kentucky Derby, I knew the building was to become an elegant Kentucky Derby Hat Shoppe. It may take me forever to furnish the inside and find all the elegant hats/furnishing and style of Kentucky but I have begun.

I purchased two hats at this year's NAME convention in Indianapolis. The hat shown in the picture was made by Lori Potts. The Bespaq furniture was just purchased a few weeks ago at the Columbus Miniature Society show from the estate of Frank Lerner. I had wanted these furniture pieces and in fact ,if you refer back to several blogs - you will see two blue chairs in a restaurant in France that I found and loved. To my delight, at this miniature show, I found them - in pink but they are exactly what I wanted.

I have no name yet for the shoppe , nor do I know exactly how I will place the furniture /accessories but that is part of the fun of being a collector/a miniaturist. The building as shown will be on display - hopefully, next year at this time, it will return to the exhibit with many more hats, a few more pieces of furniture and will begin to show the elegance of shopping for a derby hat!

Game Time

The season of college basketball has officially begun--
my husband has been coaching basketball for 41 years....
I have always been and will remain his NO #1 fan...

Miniature table top designers?

Yesterday, while searching for "candelabras", my search took me to this new website
NAPS ON THE PORCH.. a "tabletop" designers dream. I had no idea so many people enjoyed designing tabletops for every occasion under the sun . A true delightful website..inspiration- meaning- I am I only have 4 tables in my home-- where are my boxes of vintage dishes? WHERE MY BOXES of miniature dishes.. what little table tops one could design-- I new challenge/contest for a miniature show/exhibit I do believe..

As I read the blog, I saw pictures of jewelry- sterling silver-off to that site I went . The jewelry is designed by Lisa Leonard. Jewelry for ever occasion your heart leads you to ( you must be a romantic). My favorite 2 pieces shown above... my heart loves both


Two unique sites.. go visit them..

http://www.lisaleonardonline.com
http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

The perfect place to read...

and what am I reading - a huge stack of Architectural Digest magazines...
looking for the perfect area rug(s)...for 2 rooms - looking for inspiration
looking for pictures of rooms/gardens in France
looking for country homes anywhere
looking for a new twist for the month of January and February
looking for a place to go in March/April - other than Florida
looking for new ways to use vintage..
and then I will open a new book about 5 painters from the state of Indiana called the
Hoosier Group" as I never knew there were 5 famous painters from Indiana..


POST NOTE
http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/
go for a visit- an inspiration for miniaturists

Bliss

I found Bliss ABC furniture online for sale!!!!!!!!!!

Will it become mine?

Special Time of Year

A special time of year

The darling Colleen Moore

I am on this vintage mission about miniatures and dollhouses for several reasons but to my surprise the other day in rereading old issues of Architectural Digest, I found a picture of Colleen Moore the famous actress whose dollhouse I have seen many times as it is in the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. I had never seen a picture of her in her own home, I wanted to share it with you and a bit of history about a lady whose dollhouse will be cherished forever.

Colleen Moore

Silent film star Colleen Moore was always fascinated by dolls and doll houses. She owned several elaborate doll houses as a child, but later in life her father, Charles Morrison, suggested that she should pursue her passion for miniatures and doll houses by creating the "doll house" of her dreams. Her position as one of the most popular actresses in Hollywood gave her the resources to produce a miniature home of fantastic proportions. Beginning in 1928, Moore enlisted the help of many talented professionals to help her realize her vision.

Creating the Fairy Castle

Horace Jackson, an architect and set designer who worked for First National Studios, created the floor plan and layout of the castle with the basic idea that "the architecture must have no sense of reality. We must invent a structure that is everybody's conception of an enchanted castle."

Moore also enlisted the help of art director and interior designer Harold Grieve. Grieve had designed the interiors for Moore's actual mansion, so he was a natural to create the interiors of her fantasy castle.

By 1935 more than 700 individuals had lent their expertise—including surgical instrument lighting specialists, Beverly Hills jewelers and Chinese jade craftsmen. The price tag for this 8'7" x 8'2" x 7'7" foot palace, containing more than 2,000 miniatures, was nearly $500,000.

All the hard work and expense of creating the Fairy Castle becomes even more impressive when one realizes that the entire structure can be broken down into 200 individual pieces. All of the rooms are modular units that can be packed into the drawers of specially designed shipping crates.

On Tour

In 1935 Colleen Moore's child-like fascination with her Fairy Castle was transformed by the Great Depression into a passion for helping children. She organized a national tour of the Fairy Castle to raise money for children's charities. The tour stopped in most major cities of the United States and was often exhibited in the toy departments of prominent department stores such as Macy's in New York City, The Fair in Chicago and May Co. in Los Angeles. A brochure from The Fair in Chicago promotes it: "A museum in itself—it awaits you—starting November 15th in our Eighth Floor Toyland. You will want to see it again and again." The tour was a huge success and raised more than $650,000 between 1935 and 1939.

Coming "Home" to the Museum

In 1949 Major Lenox Lohr, director of the Museum of Science and Industry, convinced Colleen Moore to have the Fairy Castle make one final journey. She described their encounter as follows: "When I was seated next to Major Lohr at a dinner recently in the directors' coach at the Chicago Railroad fair, he mentioned the doll house while we were having soup, and by the time dessert was served, he had the doll house!"
Today the "doll house" has been renamed the "Fairy Castle" and has its permanent home at the Museum of Science and Industry. The Fairy Castle is displayed behind glass, and the light, temperature and humidity in its environment are carefully controlled to ensure that the artifacts will be preserved for generations to come. Millions of guests have enjoyed their visit to the castle since it first arrived at the Museum, and it remains a timeless reminder of the imagination, ingenuity and craftsmanship of cultures and artisans all over the world.

Thank you

For all our stable, courageous veterans, and for those who still serve, I say a thousand times and a thousand more - thank you.

A miniature showcase... that was Columbus, Ohio

Things ypur children should do before they grow up or leave home...

Make sure your children have
gone on an automobile trip with you to see the changing fall colors of the trees.


I love this new twist of pumpkins for this time of year .

Welcome November

I have decided to take on November with a new attitude.. take old November decorating ideas and give them a new twist. Create new looks in 2 scales- real scale and mini scale.... and I have a zillion pumpkins!

Happy Hauntings to all..

'Tis now the very witching time of night,
When churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes out
Contagion to this world.
~William Shakespeare

A weekend for treats

The perfection of a fall day!

mini halloween candy by Donna who was in by Chocolate Decadence class
at the NAME convention this past summer.

The last few mini pictures to celebrate
I end the National Month of Dollhouse Miniatures with the delights of autumn days and nights, a weekend filled with treats

and onto a month which I always have loved

- November

I love it for all the memories it has given me and for the memories yet to come.
I love it because I love sweaters- I know I own a hundred sweaters - nothing like a turtle neck, cashmere sweater and a plaid skirt to wear on a crisp fall day.
I love this month for it brings crisp apples to eat, beautiful mums, a fire in the fireplace, hot apple cider, my stack of books bought during the summer just for my fall reading. To me November is a month of peace/quiet/softness as it prepares us for the harshness of WINTER!

Perfection and simplicity

A new miniature blog page to visit daily.
http://mondodifavola.blogspot.com

1:144 scale..

maybe this scale is worth trying...

How creative some people can be...

For me, Christmas is always around the corner..for I deal with Santa on a daily basis.. I found these charming ,handcrafted minis on a picture search - looking for elves. I have been asked to sculpt a pair of elves who work in a candy cane factory. I needed some inspiration as no elves have knocked on my studio door. This is the last commission piece I can accept for this Christmas , I am committed to studio work until Dec. 15th . I then am going to turn my attention to a marvelous, Bluette Mooney shop . I plan on exhibiting it at the 2011 NAME convention in Cleveland.

Back to the use of simple, inexpensive supplies and what one can create. The miniature world can be enjoyed by any one, on any budget. These photographs prove it. I just love what they have done!

Take a close look how simple items were turned into a very delightful miniature room setting.
All items made by Mini Things of Pennsylvania. Check out their website for some very charming ideas, make a purchase too!

I think this picture can mean a thousand things

I am an early morning riser.
I am up before the sun is even thinking about beginning its day.
This is the time of day I spend an hour or more looking at pictures, having great coffee and reading on the internet. I am always looking for some type of inspiration or a thought to get the day started.

This picture immediately took me to a place..the place where this photo was really taken,
a place I want to visit very soon , in fact I could move to this city in a heart beat.

I know who is sitting there, I can see them, I know what they are wearing and what the conversation is about...

to me this is one of those rare pictures that could mean a thousand things,
just depends on who is looking at it.
I think this is one of the most romantic pictures I have ever seen..

how does it relate to miniatures ( Bespaq - do they make these chairs?)

Shaker Works West

Dr. Ken Byers work is amazing.. if you are heading to Philly for the Miniaturia- take the time to find him. Shaker Works West... Here is his link - you are in for a real treat as you admire his workmanship and talent.
http://www.shakerworkswest.com

Those who do not know what to get me for Christmas, birthday, sweetest day, anniversary or just to be nice! Hint.. hint...

A "search" which made me go back in time..

I am "waiting" right now and have some time to do the famous "search" on the internet and
found this picture which was originally in an issue of "Country Living" magazine.

I was born and raised on a dairy farm. Most people are in complete surprise when they are told that. Just a few people in my life today understand what a farm kids life was or is like. This picture made me think of being 10 years old again. I love the miniature barn.. I actually have the original "show box" that was used when my dad and I showed dairy cattle at fairs in the summertime. I plan on using this showbox in my studio as a storage unit because it will hold a lot of "stuff". Inside the box, it is just like it was in 1963 , my dad passed away that summer at the age of 42, I was 13, the summer before I entered high school. Every item from that day, still remains in that show box from show halters, to clippers, brushes, combs, ribbons, exhibitor numbers, every item is still there. When I have opened the lid to it, I can see him , smell him and even at times have felt that my dad's hand holding mine. Now, at the age of 58, I miss him very, very much. For some unknown reason, I have so much I want and wanted to tell him, share with him, show him, funny, I still need his approval - even at my age - I miss and need my dad more than I ever knew. I also have often wonder, the men in my life, past and present - were and are they now in my life because I found in them - him? My son.. I look at him and understand that my dad lives within him, and I smile - and cherish the life of my son.

I think of my dad and wonder what he would have thought of my life, how my life would have been so different if he had lived and the paths of life that I would have journeyed. I wonder too of what his words about life would have been to me - how he would have influenced me in so many of my life's decisions. Some decisions, he would have approved , others he would have frowned upon and made me change the path I had chosen. Every now and then , I know he thinks of me as a very strange sense comes over me, I do believe those we have loved and left us, in some fashion still speak to us.

I guess my thoughts today, match this fall day - leaving one season to enter a new one. Much like life..

by the way- the paint by number pictures, the ones of barns, I collect those too. I have a great plan for using them but that will be a late winter project! Too many projects - too little time. Isn't that a saying of us miniaturists!

Day 21 of Celebrating Dollhouse Miniatures

My son is a graduate of the College of Wm and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, of course this little chair caught my eye.

Thia is a custom made William and Mary chair it feature hand carve 17th century lettering with interwoven vines and leaves. it is quite intricate and detailed. This chair measure10 inches tall x 4 inches wide and 3.5 back to front . It has a slight slant to the back at the customers request to accommodate the doll it was built for which had a slight lean to it when in the sitting position. The legs are lathe turned. it is constructed with mortise and tenon joinery as well as wood peg and wood glue. This chair is made entirely of Black Walnut with a shellac finish. Made by Robin Thompson of Chicago.

Carmel Apples

Fall days - my very favorite time of the year. I am just beginning to see the signs of fall here in Kentucky. Our first frosty morning just happened and the leaves are just beginning to change colors.

I think of pumpkins, indian corn, beef stew or chili , hot apple cider, chicken and homemade noodles, cinnamon, nutmeg and CARMEL APPLES..

how about miniature size..

I'm HOME!

Ten days of participating in a festival is a long time.. especially when 4 days are rainy- 4 days very cold and of course the very last day , the sun appears bringing warmth and the crowds.

I am happy to say all but 2 of my Santas and 1 witch came home with me.. that's ok, because the one witch I really wanted for myself. I was also invited to participate in an upcoming Indianapolis- Junior League event , meet some wonderful people and over 20,000 plus people looked at my miniature display. Now , I think I did a great job of sharing my miniature projects and celebrating October's National Dollhouse Miniature Month. I decided , at the last moment to take a few projects and the comments from people were wonderful. They stood in awe, asked lots of questions ( men especially) and I even think I found a new young lady who will join NAME. Most people think- oh, a dollhouse person, but they quickly changed their oponions and recognized that it is a very special world of very talented people.

Now, I have to make up for the days of posting I missed... and back to the studio for getting ready for one more art show!

Off to the Covered Bridge Festival

What I have been doing for the past 7 months.. I am heading off to participate in a 10 day art festival and was asked post what you do...
so here are just a few of the characters I am taking...

Fall Break

Sounds like a school "thing" but I am packing my art, organizing and traveling to a 10 day festival in southern Indiana which I am participating in. I am calling it my fall break - just me and festival happenings!

A Secret

Here is the deepest secret nobody knows. Here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life which grows higher than the soul can hope or the mind can hide and this is the wonder that keeps the stars apart, for i carry your heart with me.

ee cummings

I just thought this was a good "Babette" thought to keep forever.

National Dollhouse Miniatures Month #6

Incredible work, incredible miniature artist!

These masks are one-of-a-kind (O.O.A.K.) doll house miniatures. Custom orders are welcome. More of her masks can be found on the following sites:

Etsy Shop: http://www.dpaone.etsy.com
CDHM Shop: http://www.cdhm.org/user/dpaone

do as your heart tells you...

In our deepest moments of struggle, frustration, fear, and confusion, we are being called upon to reach in and touch our hearts. Then, we will know what to do, what to say, how to be. What is right is always in our deepest heart of hearts. It is from the deepest part of our hearts that we are capable of reaching out and touching another human being. It is, after all, one heart touching another heart.

October is National Dollhouse Miniature Month #5

Fall days often bring to one's mind- carmel apples. I have the apples, red delicious and granny smith , Today, in the late afternoon, I shall slice up apples, pour warm carmel over them, sit in my favorite chair, take a moment or two just for me! These little apples will have to do until my busy day is ready for a "fall, edible , just for me moment"

Celebrate National Dollhouse MIniatures Month #4

October is National Miniatures Month- #3

Celebrate ---
this is part of a room box titled "Le Petit Bouchon Wine Bistro" created by Linda Orleff and was part of a recent show held in Indianapolis, Indiana.

October is National Dollhouse Miniatures Month

At a recent miniature show and sale in Indianapolis, Indiana, this setting was available for purchase at the vendor table of "Down The Rabbit Hole". Inspiration for my own mailbox in "life" and miniature size as fall is showing it's beginning. Being born and raised in Indiana, fall always makes me remember this famous poem from Indiana poet James Whitcomb Riley.

When the Frost is on the Punkin

WHEN the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock,

And you hear the kyouck and gobble of the struttin' turkey-cock,

And the clackin' of the guineys, and the cluckin' of the hens,

And the rooster's hallylooyer as he tiptoes on the fence;

O, it's then's the times a feller is a-feelin' at his best,

With the risin' sun to greet him from a night of peaceful rest,

As he leaves the house, bareheaded, and goes to feed the stock,

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.

They's something kindo' harty-like about the atmusfere

When the heat of summer's over and the coolin' fall is here --

Of course we miss the flowers, and the blossums on the trees,

And the mumble of the hummin'-birds and buzzin' of the bees;

But the air's so appetizin'; and the landscape through the haze

Of a crisp and sunny morning of the airly autumn days

Is a pictur' that no painter has the colorin' to mock --

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.

The husky, rusty russel of the tossels of the corn,

And the raspin' of the tangled leaves, as golden as the morn;

The stubble in the furries -- kindo' lonesome-like, but still

A-preachin' sermons to us of the barns they growed to fill;

The strawsack in the medder, and the reaper in the shed;

The hosses in theyr stalls below -- the clover overhead! --

O, it sets my hart a-clickin' like the tickin' of a clock,

When the frost is on the punkin, and the fodder's in the shock!

Then your apples all is gethered, and the ones a feller keeps

Is poured around the celler-floor in red and yeller heaps;

And your cider-makin's over, and your wimmern-folks is through

With their mince and apple-butter, and theyr souse and saussage, too!

I don't know how to tell it -- but ef sich a thing could be

As the Angles wantin' boardin', and they'd call around on me --

I'd want to 'commodate 'em -- all the whole-indurin' flock --

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock!

James Whitcomb Riley

.

October is National Dollhouses Miniature Month

Each day I shall post a photograph to celebrate and share this most unique and fascinating passion/hobby/therapy session which brings me happiness!

Jane Graber of Nashville, Indiana is the artist of this beautiful pottery. I own many pieces and always can find a perfect spot in one of my country settings to place just the right pieces.