petit

It's winter so lets go skating!

2012-01-23T12:28:00.002+01:00

This weekend I've finished a pair of old fashioned Dutch skates. The word we use in Dutch for these kind of skates is Friese doorlopers, cos they originate from our northern province called Friesland.

This pair is made in commission for a lady who lives in that particular province. Her dollhouse is furnished in the style of the early 20th Century and she's dedicated to depict the customs of her region during that era. She figured a pair of skates like these could not be allowed to lack her house :) And I fully agree, they will fit in só well! I'm thrilled to send them off soon.

There more pictures but I didn't put them up here cos that's just too many. But they depict the building-off, and all the steps it took to reach this stage. So if you want to see how they are build you may want to have a look in this online photo album. Hope you like them.

Have a nice Monday & enjoy,

inkle weaving on a Greta

2012-01-21T12:41:00.000+01:00

What you see here is a Greta Loom. It's a tinny weaving loom, you can hold between your legs, to make ribbons and all sorts of (narrow) trimmings. It's one of the many things I've learned when I took the classes Bonni Backe taught last summer, at IGMA's Guild school in Castine.

Today it's warped with with 6 strands of cotton sewing thread; orange, blue and white.

So i can now weave a ribbon that is approximately 1,3 millimeter wide. The aim here is to make an orange band, with a blue and white stripe. Unfortunately it would become to wide if i'd do that. Cos then I need an extra thread of blue, next to the other blue, and the same goes for the white thread, making it become way over 1,7 mm wide. I might even need an extra orange to set the stripes apart... making it almost 2 mm.......

It won't do... just won't do, so this band is a compromise between size and looks. It's width is now in proportion to the original and the human eye will hopefully presume that the blue and white "dots" are lines.

Cos this ribbon will be used to tie new pair(s) of old fashion Dutch skates. Just like has been done so oft in the past.

Have a great weekend,

on offer/for sale

2012-01-08T13:21:00.003+01:00

I'm proud to tell you there's a new page on my blog; on offer / for sale.
Go and have a look, and if you have any comments or suggestion, do let me know!

Enjoy,

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T21:31:00.001+01:00

The feast of New Year has travelled the globe and we are now áll living in 2012!!

I wish that all of your wishes are fulfilled. Everything you may dream of, anything you desire, for yourself or your loved ones. May they all come true!

✴ HAPPY NEW YEAR ✴

Now let's make some miniatures :)

Lutyens Cathedral

2011-12-19T14:56:00.001+01:00

Cos of the give-away and Simons inspiration i found myself having a renewed interest in Edward Lutyens. I knew him for Queen Mary's Dolls house of course, but in doing so I came across another miniature of his. Not a dolls house, but an architectural model of "The Cathedral that never was".

In the early 1930's Lutyens had designed a huge Cathedral for the centre of Liverpool. In efforts to raise funds for the build a model was made. Building commenced but unfortunately the second world war broke out, keeping the project on hold. And as time went by the cost involved kept rising. The cathedral was never erected (only the crypt) and the 12 foot model lived a quiet life stored away. That was till 1992. A full restoration on the model took place. Because the inside of the Cathedral wasn't finished they had to build those parts from drawing. This video shows some of the stages and challenges during that process. Except for scale (it's huge!) I think many of us miniature builders out here can recognize how they went about.

The Cathedral was build from wood and the modern day architectural model makers were not so common to work with it anymore. And I can imagine why, it's relatively heavy and today we have all these modern materials we can work with and use. All sorts of plastics, hard- or cardboard and paper that is less heavy and works a treat to simulating things.

There's lots to find about it on the web. For instance The Liverpool Museums has a website, at the bottom of the page are many links to stroll. Especially the castings of figures used in the model took my eye. Cos of my recent casting adventures with plaster and resin it was sort of comforting to see in the video and pictures that the craft men encountered some of the same issue's and problems.

I hope you enjoy,

not 2, not 3 or 4.. but 5 winners!!!

2011-12-17T22:06:00.001+01:00

Today it's the 18th of December and the unicorn/narwhal give-away has come to an end!

It has been really wonderful to read what inspired you lot. Going through each and every's comment, all so different from the other, most responses were sort of personal (children, family history or childhood memories) and trying to make a selection in that... ? I'd come to realize it's not easy to pick a winner. It feels the force that drives us, although so varied, is just as big for every one of us.

I would like to mention just a few though. Cockerina came up with a real unicorn. Have you all seen her link? Who could ever dream of that?! It made me laugh out loud :D Some i could relate to as they are a big force in myself as well. Anneke mentioned nature's ability to create miniatures that leaves us in awe. And Josje mentioned the visual world around us that, if one's sensitive enough, can really touch you and have an effect on you.

But like I said, maybe those forces are too specific, too personal? You could say the same bout people that inspire, but there was one that really stood out for me. And that was Edward Lutyens, mentioned by Simon.

As an architect in England at the early 20th Century he developed his own original style. He was also known for his childlike imaginative spirit, and he kept that all his live, even at a very old age. I think, reading all your comments, most miniaturists can relate?

Like Simon mentioned, he has accomplished the build of one of the most amazing dolls houses, that of Queen Mary. Over a period of three years they commissioned over 1,500 of the finest artists and craftsmen to make the most stunning miniatures.

Imagine that something as big would be commissioned today? What a boost that would be, what that would mean for the standard of quality, asked of all makers involved? I think it would push miniature making to a new level... And I believe it did just that, at that time, when this gigantic house was build. It inspired builders to make that extra step, that extra effort and bring out the best in them selfs. To make this house, to fill this house, fit for a Queen. And Lutyens was the one guiding that process.

Forgive me if I'm drifting here, it just gets me so enthusiastic :) Now... as for the winners;
Simon! For sharing Edward Lutyens and his amazing achievement, with us. You wanted # 4, 5 or 6.

Let's see what the draw will leave you;
The first I pulled was Josje, HUH? She wanted #6. I talk bout picking you for your comment but didn't. And now you pop up...
Second was -no joke! Again? this is weird!? - Cokerina, #1. I know, i said 2 winners, but this is fun! Im writing as I'm drawing :) What weird thing will happen next?
Third was Heather. You wanted #1 or 2, so you'll get #2.
Then I pulled someone who wanted a number already given, so for the last...
Finally Lotte, #1 or #3. As #1 is already given you'll get #3.

That leaves #4 and 5. One for Simon and one for keeps.

Sorry for those who missed out, but thank you all for participating! Congrats to all who won. Please contact me so you can receive your petit gift.

Just a few days left!

2011-12-13T16:26:00.000+01:00

If you still wanna participate in the Unicorn/Narwhal give-away, you have only 5 days left before the draw.

I've wrapped them up already, cos I won't know what number the winner will prefer... I thought about pulling the date of the draw forward too. That way the mail would hopefully bring the winners their prize around, or even better, before Christmas.

But I'm not gonna do that. I've announced it to end on the 18th, and I'm gonna stick to it. But wouldn't that be great? Winning a give-away and receive it like it was Christmas present?

Anyway, 5 more days to leave a comment on the original post, and your name will join the ones already in the bowl. And who knows....?

good luck,

A big THANK YOU for this precious gift

2011-12-05T17:11:00.000+01:00

Look what St Nicolas has given me! He spoiled me with this lovely treat, worked of a pattern from Annelle Ferguson's Traditional Needlework in Miniature. In actual fact, it was my Mother-in-law who made it. I'm so proud of her skills with needle and thread. Terrific job! She left it up to me to decide what it will become, cos even though it is worked on count 38 per inch, it's too big for the chair that the design originally is meant to become. Wouldn't it be lovely to become a wall hanging?

a Petit give-away

2011-12-04T11:55:00.001+01:00

I want to say thank you! To all you fellow miniaturists out there. Although I don't comment a lot, I do read a lot. And every time i'm amazed how much talent thats out there. I have to be careful not to get stuck behind the p.c. too much, cos time spend there keeps me from spending precious time behind my workbench.

But it happens, i can't help it... and I end up drifting for hours on end, on this endless sea of inspiration that you all create. And for that I want to thank you. For sharing your knowledge, ideas and your talents. For all the laughter and joy, and the tears that come with it too. For the moments I'm left in awe when beauty or perfection reveals itself. And let's not forget the encouragement you all give.

The give-away is a unicorn or narwhal tusk. Fit for a gentleman's study... or maybe an alchemist's? There are six different ones to choose from. All delicately mounted on either cherry or mahogany, and labeled with a hand engraved brass plaque.

Below are the unicorns, from top to bottom, numbers 1,2 and 3.

And these are the narwhal tusks, from top to bottom numbers 4, 5 and 6.

Rules are; be a follower and comment on this post. Tell me which one you would like to receive (hence the numbers) and most importantly, reveal who or what's your greatest inspiration when it comes to miniatures.

The give-away ends on December 18th. I'll draw two winners, one randomly and the other from the most unique, honest or otherwise most amazing answer. Good luck and enjoy,

casting resin

2011-12-01T14:20:00.001+01:00

Casting the mirror frame in plaster of Paris wasn't really successful. I had the presumption upfront, but i just had to try it out. As you might have seen the model is just too thin and too intricate for the brittle gypsum.

The company that supplied the silicon and plaster also has a few other poring media, so I've bought some resins. I've opted for Poly Urethane and got me a test kit of Acrylate in it as well.

The whole process is more or less the same as using plaster. Measuring and accurately weighing the individual components and making sure everything is ready and set. Cos of the short pot-life you only have a few minutes to poor.

The two different resins both took about an hour or so to set. Releasing the frames from the mold showed that the acrylate did not release any air bubbles during setting. It was shattered with really tiny pores and it wasn't strong enough, it looked a lot like plaster and broke... Turns out the poly urethane as first choice was a good one. It's perfect; it's strong & hard (tough as boots) and takes all the detailing!

I'll cast a few more and once they'll finished they will go on offer.

Time for Change

2011-11-30T21:54:00.001+01:00

Hi y'all,

As you probably have guessed this blog has had a make over. The old template was bugging me more and more, so I decided for a radical change.

Some items and gadgets didn't survive the clean out. Others were added. For instance additional pages at the top, and pictures can now be placed bigger then before. In the coarse of time you can expect more new items to appear, cos I feel this is just the start.

Gotta test if things work or not for you. Hope you like it, but if you have any suggestions or feedback, please do leave a response. I'm no wizz-kid with stuff like this and only if you do, I can take it all on board and make this page work.

finished a different finish

2011-11-19T16:54:00.001+01:00

This mirror is a copy from the original wooden one i'd made earlier. It's cast in plaster of Paris, which turned out quite a challenge cos of the delicate shapes combined with the brittle characteristic of gypsum. I still managed to get one or two good casts (with accompanied swearing, sorry bout that). I will try out casting it in resin too, but proceeded with the gilding process to see how that would work (i.e.learn from my mistakes :))

It's very time consuming with all the details. First a red base which is easy with plaster cos it takes any craft paint. Then a thin layer of acrylic gilding size, letting it rest for 15-20 minutes till it's tacky. And finally applying the leaf metal. And repeating this process section for section.

The metal had a harsh shine to it as you can see on the right side of the picture. I toned it down a little with colored gold wax as you can see on the left side of the picture. That gave the added benefit of picking up on all the detailing so I'm more then happy with this finish. Hope you like it too.

Enjoy creating

Debora

trial & error

2011-11-13T18:21:00.001+01:00

This weekend I've been testing making molds with silicons. I want to cast a mirror frame I've carved out of wood. I doubted at the time whether to guild it but decided to leave the wood to be seen. Now I want to cast it and see if I can have a gilded version too.

I'd used plasticine to back up the frame. It sticks it down so it prevents it from floating, and raises it enough to let the silicone runs under just a little. That way the casting needs little cleaning up. I used plaster of Paris to cast. But the combination of an intricate and delicate shape with gypsum as medium proofed to be too much to ask.

It's too weak & came out broke, but I was pleased to see it showed all the detail in the original frame. So the technique works. All i need to do now is find a way to make the mold it in such a way, that the cast will have more strength and lesser change of breaking.

In this 2nd setup I've let the plasticine run out from under the frame. This way the mold will have more contend. When poured with plaster all the plasticine you see will be filled with it. Hopefully it will add strength to the frame, but it will mean more clean-up after it's released from the mold. This mold is drying as we speak, so I can work on it tomorrow.

I choose gypsum to cast, cos one of it's characteristics is it takes any paint, unlike polyurethane (which is stronger). The broken pieces are a great way to test the gilding. Gilding benefits from a base color to give it extra depth of shine. I'm using fake gold but the same principal applies to that material too. Not too happy bout how it looks so far (broken pieces with cracked finish :)), but no doubt trial and error will make for a better result. Till then,

UPDATE:

I've added 25% PVA glue and with the added backing it came out in one piece. Yhippy! but I noticed the glue makes the liquid plaster more viscose, and any air bubbles that are in there are less likely to be able to raise to the surface. A 3th cast is drying, this time I made sure to fill all nooks and crannies with a brush before topping the mold up. Fingers crossed...

Unicorn

2011-11-05T00:03:00.000+01:00

There's so much to be discovered, you can probably spend a lifetime researching the mythical creature from European folklore called the unicorn. In short; it's origin can be traced back as far as the ancient Greeks, where a one-horned horse was described in On the Nature of Animals, originating from India. It get's mentioned in early copies of the bible. It's said to be a fierce and powerful creature, un-tamable. Various East Asian cultures treasure mythical creatures, amongst is the Qilin, but it's characteristics indicate unintended conflation. Going fast forward a dozen of Centuries we enter

into Medieval and Renaissance Europe...

The Hunt Of The Unicorn

Southern Netherlands (1495 - 1505)

By that time the myth of the Unicorn was embraced by many. Various religious and cultural movements took it on board and interpreted it to their likings. It's death could stand for The Passion of Christ, or it's surrender to the maid as a metaphor for beguiled lovers.

"Hunters can catch the unicorn only by placing a young virgin in his haunts. No sooner does he see the damsel than he runs towards her, and lies down at her feet, and so suffer himself to be captured by the hunters."

Clerc de Normandie, Le Bestiaire Divin de Guillame (13th Century)

Unicorn horns were often found in cabinets of curiosities. It made for great conversations, like so many of the rare objects collected.

"Now I will believe that there are unicorns..."

William Shakespeare, The tempest (1612)

But what actually was on display was the tusk of a Narwhal , a white whale related to the Beluga. It's habitat is a small band in the northern regions of the globe, close to the North Pole. Traded down (into Europe) by locals, including Vikings the tusk were sold to be unicorn horns.

Whatever it's meaning has been through the ages, it's existence wasn't doubted till the start of the great explorations at the beginning of the 17th Century, and modern day said otherwise. Although consensus is now they are non-existing, unicorns still appeal. They are synonymous for a lot of things, the biggest probably being strength, innocence and a mysterious world gone-by...

Maybe this poem represents that;

His horn is free,

Rising above chain, fence and tree.

Free hymn of love; His horn

Bursts from his tranquil brow

Like a comet born;

Cleaves like a galley's prow

Into seas untorn;

Springs like a lilly, white

From the earth below;

Spirals, a bird in flight

To a longed-for height;

Or a fountain bright,

Spurting to light

Of early morn...

O luminous horn!

Anne Morrow Lindberg

enjoy the weekend,

Getting ready for the party

2011-10-25T19:58:00.001+02:00

Last week Natalia's gift arrived here in Holland, all the way from the States. I was so glad they arrived safely and in mint condition. It was well packed and in an inner box as well. All to prevent it from damage or -even worse!- loss. Cos I cant imagine what's more upsetting then loosing miniatures through the mail.

But they got here safe! I'd left the next day for a holiday, but returned this weekend. Now I had the change to play with it... I just love how the color fits so well with the initial color (my favorite) of the walls.

But most of all the detailing, it's just a-ma-zing! The minute gold trim, the uniform embroidery, the tip of the shoes, their sole's, everything! This set is a wonderful result of Natalia's skills and eye for detail. I've written it to you when they arrived, but I'll say it here again: thank you so much for giving this change to your readers Natalia.

I could picture the lady of the house getting ready in her parlor... Is there some nice see-through lingerie in the drawer? Will she wear blue-green like her shoes? Or nude? Or...?

Home Improvement

2011-10-03T14:32:00.000+02:00

When I was making the paneling of these walls I had the blue-green wallpaper in mind that's in the previous post. It's one of my favorite colors and it works so well with most wood tones. But at the same time I thought it would be a shame to be limited with just that one backdrop, considering how much work that had gone into it. Wouldn't it be great if you could easily change the upper wallpaper, and have a completely different atmosphere!?

So the top rail of all the panels are loose, and that way you can comfortably slide in another piece of paper, to have an instant make-over! I wish it was that simple in my own house :) Here are the same walls but with beige wallpaper.

The setting lacked something, so I decided on making a banana tree. I'm not really into plants (there are true artists out there that do really mind blowing stuff) but I'm pleased with the result. Still a young specimen that hasn't flowered yet, but it will in a few years. Hopefully we'll see some fruits as well :))

The gorgeous pot is by Cocky Wildschut.

While I was at it, I'd gone for something completely different to show you what a change of paper can do. Here it's a kids room in the monumental building so the occupants decided to mingle the old with the new.

I've had fun making the swing, wish I had one in my room when I was a kid... but I do now, yeah!

The three bears are made by Christa Chayata , the mouse was a nameless find at a doll house show some time ago. I've made the sled and the little rocker was one the classes I followed at Guild School last summer.

Update;
I've made some pictures to show you how the walls work. The top rim of each panel is loose. A sheet of acrylic with the appropriate thickness (in this case 0.8mm) slides in and out of the groove behind. That way the thin (wall-) paper is kept tight behind the edge. If I had cardboard in the needed thickness I would have used that. Then the paper could be glued on the board. Now it's loose cos I couldn't glue the paper to the acrylic.

The cord that holds the swing is made just as the life size. My Dad once taught me how to inter twine cord as a kid. This, till this day never used skill, was really handy to make it look as real as possible.

A blue room

2011-09-27T03:00:00.000+02:00

Credit to Carol Wagner for the delicate white roses, and to my Mother In Law for the embroidered carpet. That one is really special to me and it's always a joy to take it out. Every time I do that I just sit there and admire it for a few minutes.

The table is one I've made quite a while ago. It doesn't really go with the scheme, but hey... it's the only one i've got right now :))

enjoy the little things in life,

pull back the curtains!

2011-09-26T00:27:00.000+02:00

For the room box I've made a set of tassels or draw backs for the curtains.Researching how they are made up, I really wanted to make fringes just like the real thing.

I've took some pictures to illustrate.

First I made a jig; drilled app. 25 holes, 1 mm apart, to hold pins. Depending on the length of the fringes I drilled a second line, in this case at 10mm distance.

Then I took a meter of the yarn I wanted to use. If you want it to twist on itself, you need to enhance the twist that's in it already. So I taped it secure behind the first pin and tied the other end onto a tooth pick. I set the tooth pick in my chuck of my drill... and turned it on. (check the way the yarn twists of course :) Keeping the yarn tight (but not too much) I added twists like mad in just a minute.

Now the yarn could be placed around the pins. Keeping the yarn tight (if not it fringes up into a chaotic ball) I placed a pin on the bottom line and turned the yarn towards the top. At the top I added an extra piece of yarn to form the core. The twisted yarn is overturned, a pin is placed and down it goes again. This way zig zagging till all the pins are placed.

A tiny drop of glue is placed at the back of the pins, to secure the twisted yarn to the core thread.

When all is dry the bottom pins can be taken out and like magic the yarn twists on itself and to form fringes.

I've bashed up some beads I'd laying around. Cut 'm through and modeled the top. I added a matching sewing thread and glued that around the top. Using the necktie knot I'd made the loops that will draw back the curtain. I fed the two ends through the bead. Between the two ends coming out of the bottom I added a few extra strands and tied it firm.

I trimmed the strands just short of the fringes and glued those round the bottom of the bead.

my lucky day

2011-09-23T17:19:00.001+02:00

Today must be my lucky day. Among other things happening that make me so happy, I got a mail from Natalia. She's multi talented and besides her fine needlework she recently started a blog devoted to shoes. She opened it with a bang; the giveaway of these gorgeous shoes.

I never enter giveaways, but being a sucker for shoes, I could not resist these. There are só fine, só elegant and come with the loveliest embodied footstool. Wouldn't you just lóve to shrink and be able to place your bare foot on the stool while the other one gently slides along the gold trim and into these comfortable shoes? I know I would, and believe it or not, I won the giveaway. Yhipppy! Today must be my lucky day :)

Thank you! Natalia

Midway

2011-09-22T22:13:00.000+02:00

On September 23, 2011, at 11,05am (UTC +2) autumn will begin on the Northern hemisphere. At that moment the sun will be positioned right above the equator meaning day and night will be equal length all over the globe. From then on daylight will decrease here...

Dam till Dam walk

2011-09-21T19:38:00.000+02:00

Last weekend I've walked the annual walk called Dam till Dam. It's from the Dam Square in the centre of Amsterdam till the Dam Square in the centre of Zaanstad. I did the 18 kilometers (11 miles) to raise money for The World Food Program.

Through the Jordaan, a picturesque neigbourhood in the old city centre of Amsterdam.

With it's canals,

vertical pavement gardens,

and small café's scattered on almost every corner.

The new Bus Station behind Central Station (railroad).

A lonely rosebud.

The action.

The Result.

... and The Finish.

2011-09-14T23:13:00.002+02:00

Early summer I made an open room box with a parquet floor & inter changeable walls. I found I needed something to set the things I'd made and thus be able to make good pictures. Cos I had little time I'd made some plane walls but a more classic setting could be useful too. Because I made a base that would mount loos walls it's an easy job, just the walls to do :)

So I researched French and Flemish 18th Century interiors and designed a similar waling, even added a window. The paneling made out of cardboard/paper of various thickness. Framed with wooden moldings.

Here it's mounted prior to painting.

This is how it stands so far. Two very thin coats and gently sanded in between. That way the molding will not clod up and stays crisp. I guess it needs two or three more coats (ánd sanding, yuk!) and then the upper part of the walls can be done. I kinda like it, it looks really classic, chic even.

Take care and enjoy,

reflections

2011-09-12T23:35:00.000+02:00

As promised I've made a video. I must apologize for the color, it looks way too dark. That seems to be the case with You Tube; all the vid's i've uploaded turned out darker. The top picture represents the color the frame has in real life. It's mahogany, finished with two coats of Danish Oil, and on top of that a few coats of good old bees wax, for a subtle satin shine. I thought about gilding it but im not sure... what do your think?

You can get a bigger & better image by clicking again on the video once it starts to run. You should go to You Tube itself then.

Enjoy,

original (mirror) frame

2011-09-12T16:51:00.000+02:00

Before I'll show you the finished mirror (yeah! she's done) I thought it would be nice to show you where it derived from.

Daughter Sweet finished primary school this summer. At the age of twelve she's starting Junior Highschool (?) just the other week. Please forgive me if it's the wrong words for these types of schools, but you catch my drift; she was moving on.

They had a Graduation Party to celebrate the End of an Era & the start of a New One... Theme was "Glitter & Glamour". So they arrived in elongated limousines, had too much make-up on and/or over-the-top-dressing and so on.

All was put on film and that's where the mirror came into play; they used a silver plastic rococo frame to take portraits.

I thought it looked like a good piece to try out some of the carvers I'd bought. They turned out to be a great help but too big and not the best of qualities. Victoria gave me a great tip (thanks again here too!) so I've bought a couple of extra from Pfeil, some veiners as small as 0,5 mm and way better quality. They stay sharp for much longer. A pleasure to work with.

Next time, the finished frame.
Till then all the best & enjoy

half way

2011-08-22T00:42:00.000+02:00

No divorce, but a new lover

2011-08-15T17:57:00.000+02:00

The only tool I've ever used to carve with is a scalpel. Not an exacto knife but a real surgical scalpel. I just love that sharp rounded edge that cuts like butter through any (hard)wood. But like any other marriage... it could you feel you're missing something? It was time to find out!

After searching the internet I bought myself a basic set of carvers the other week. A set of six by Ramelson that were not too expensive. They were around 50 Euro's which I think is very reasonable, but i didn't expect them to be high-end. You van get better quality ones (like Pfeil) but for instance Dockyard has some too that are equally prized. I choose the Ramelson cos of the handle and the fact i never used such tools. If they pleased me I could always invest in a better brand. If not there's no man overboard.

They came blunt out of the box so they needed to be honed before use. After that I tried the different cuts they gave on a piece of scrap but really wanted to see where they could go. What better way then to test on a discarded design I had laying around; a rococo mirror.

I used a jewelers saw to cut out the frame, and routed the back recess for the mirror. While I was at it did a little edge on the front as well.

Then it was on to these new tools. I love the way they fit into my hand and how it makes possible for good control. I just started but already found them very useful to get into spaces where a scalpel would do more harm then help. Especially the gouges (U- and V-shaped). The only setback is they need to be sharpened quit quick, but that was to be expected.

Could a harder steel carver replace or substitute a scalpel? Don't think so; how small they might seem to be (5/64 inch wide) they are way to big for detailing; nothing beats a razor-sharp point to get into all the littlest corners and crevasses.

testing, testing, 1,2,3...

2011-08-05T14:36:00.000+02:00

I was researching acanthus leaves the other day. Oooh how I love that classic ornament from the Roman era. An elegant depiction of one of nature's beauty. I wanted to see if it could be used, because you gotta test things out before...

Sab's new blog

2011-08-04T17:43:00.000+02:00

Sabiha Barkey lost her old blog. Fortunately she's made a new one and can be found here;

http://miniatureinteriors.blogspot.com/

inspirational carving

2011-08-03T15:10:00.001+02:00

As i was strolling the internet for inspiration i stumbled onto these amazing puzzle balls. Originally they are carved out of solid ivory but modern day varieties are made of acrylic or other fake ivory materials.

They are so intricate; inside are seperate and freely moving layers, each within the other. Some have up to 18 layers. If you realize how much work goes into it, and the detailing... fascinating and incredible pieces of artistry and workmanship.

They obviously have no use, other then to impress and blow anyone away who sees them. I like that in an object, that it can knock you off your feet.

So did the next thing that i found. Carved pencils. Some Japanese artists carve pencils in such a way that the core stays intact.

For instance this beauty by Mizuta Tasogare

Most of the work on this site is by his hand. Here's another one with intricate shapes and forms like this complex chain.

But then it went on. I stumbled onto is this man, Dalton Ghetti, that carves pencils. Not the wood but the graphite that's inside...

Dalton Ghetti releases these amazing little miniatures out of the graphite of pencils. As a child in Brazil, Ghetti sharpened his pencils with a razor blade, which led to him experiment with carving into the wood of the pencils and then with other materials such as chalk, soap, and tree bark. Eventually, he discovered the ease with which graphite could be carved into because of its smooth texture.

“People look at my sculptures and then they look again, more closely, and they say, ‘Oh, there’s something in there.’ We’re a fast-paced society, and people don’t have time to stop and reflect–it’s all go, go, go. Hopefully these pieces make them stop and realize there is beauty in small things.”

What can I say, there sure is beauty in small things!

2011-07-28T20:51:00.001+02:00

It's been a while and life's been busy but now... I'm back in gear. In miniature gear. I've had the most wonderful summer I could wish for, cos I've been to the Guild School in Castine, for the second time.

As you can see it's the most inspiring place with mouth dropping pieces to admire and aspire (klick on each pic to enlarge to see way more detail).

I've tried to avoid the mistake I'd made the first time. And that was getting caught up in all the activities and attention consuming classes; I completely forgot to take pictures then. This time I took my camera out the minute i got into class, only to find it buried under all kinds of paperwork and materials in the end... Ooh well, at least i've tried. Klick here to see some more. Especially the exhibition pieces were marvelous!

For instance these gorgeous little nest of Nantucket baskets made by Keiko Takahashi who was a fellow scholarship student of me last year. This year she received her Artisan submitting these. Isn't that a great job!

And the carved furniture that Ann High submitted to gain Fellow status really blew me away. The execution and detailing in each and every piece is amazing and really something to aspire. That's why I started on a new piece to carve, but i'll save that for later.

The classes i took were real fun. I've learned so much and had such fun with all fellow students. All the teacher were very patient with us. Bonni Back taught us how to weave narrow ribbon. I wish I knew how to do that when I was working on the skates I've made! And I took a class with Pete Aquisto, making a silver porringer. That was new to me and lot's of fun. Also new was turning acrylic with Rob Tuckham. Now that was a real surprise! The outcome turned out way better then I could ever imagine.

I've met the most wonderful people and Guild School proved (again) an amazing experience; all in all it was a week to remember.

parquet floor

2011-05-21T16:47:00.015+02:00

Cos I want to make some good pictures of this table before it's going to it's new home, i need a setting in which to stage it. I have one or two room-boxes but they just don't match. They are too shallow or don't have the right design and atmosphere I'm looking for. I've run into this lack of attribute before. So I figured I'd make me a nice slab of parquet flooring. Always handy to stack up the stock!

I had some wooden strips lying around; mahogany, beech, walnut and some pine. I thought to do a herring bone design and beech seemed the best fit for it.

I used MDF as base and drawn the design onto it. Then cut the over 400 pieces to size and started gluing them in position. I've used some big pieces of metal as weights to press while drying. The big piece is a cut section of railroad. Quite handy actually cos it's extremely heavy. It's placed upside down here, cos the top surface is smaller and that increases the pressure applied. The weight also makes it very stable so I usually have it right side up in use as an anvil.

Then some sanding and deciding what finish to give... I've opted for wax, as I've done before in Nolda's House. It's like Josje said just recently; It gives it that beautiful natural glow, so much better than varnish!

To see the color of the wood darken and deepen as you apply the wax is one of the most satisfying moments. It's like feeding a starved animal or watering a dried up plant. You see it transform and come to life...

The next thing to do is to make some walls. I've found me a nice sea-green faux-silk wallpaper that works great with most shades of wood. But first a few more layers of waxing and buffing.

enjoy your weekend,

bombé sidetable

2011-05-15T21:27:00.016+02:00

She's finished now. All it needs is a final layer of wax and then some gentle buffing. Fortunately I have another three weeks to enjoy her cos I'm proud to tell you she'll be going abroad to her new owner. If the time permits i'll play around with it & try to make some better pictures.

Update; Here are some more pictures to be found; petitpunt And ofcourse pics in this post can be enlarged by clicking on them.

who can give me a hand?

2011-05-09T15:36:00.004+02:00

Still working on the serpentine table. I'd come up with a design for the lower part between the legs. It will not only strengthen the legs, but it needs that to balance it all out too. At least, that's what I think. I carved the 4 supports for the middle section while on holiday (previous log). This weekend I turned the fruit bowl that will go in the middle and started carving the fruit on top.

I always knew I had I come up with a solution on how to make the 4 supports exactly fit between the legs. So while designing I figured I would make the ends of the 4 pieces surrounding the middle section circular. If the bowl in the middle would have a circular dimension vertically I could make it fit by just lowering or raising the bowl compared to the legs .

So far so good. But what kind of jig could do the job?? Keeping it all in position while fastening each support? While carving the fruit i let my head spin and all weekend I have been testing out all sorts of weird set ups. Elastic bands, sticky wax, wire... Non seem to be steady enough... or precise enough... Plus the realization I miss an extra set of hands, or two :-S

Finally this is what I've come up with; a primitive set up made out of card board. This seems to do the trick to keep all 5 parts in place while they are still loose. I will make the definite one out of wood once the fruit is done. I've got banana's and apples, gotta do some grapes as well :-P One hurdle out of the way... the fastening will be the next... brrr... who want's to give me a hand?

Spring break

2011-05-08T10:25:00.014+02:00

Every spring our family takes a little break to one of the islands in The Waddensea. It's a fast area that stretches from the north of the Netherlands, along Germany all the way up till Denmark. Scattered with islands the sea-tide reigns and brings food for million of seabirds and migrating birds. Early May is an ideal moment to realize King Winter has left the country and a new period is dawn with the outburst of new life in nature.

Every holiday I bring a miniature job along to work on if the time permits. I've embroidered a carpet, carved dozens of lace bobbins or had o go on barley twists...

This time I worked on the bottom part of the serpentine table. I'd carved the lower shelf between the legs but wasn't pleased with the design. It was time and effort wasted but it had to be right. Finally the third version did.

Still a little carving to do (the fruit basket) and then finish it off, ready to be mounted between the legs.

steady as it goes

2011-04-10T11:00:00.007+02:00

I'm very pleased with the way this table is turning out. I cant wait to have it finished and set up a nice scene with it.

daylight bulbs vs the sun

2011-04-01T11:55:00.010+02:00

There is lightning available that represent the whole spectrum of wavelengths that makes up for daylight. If you can get your hands on one of those, please give them a try cos they are really a great buy. Great to get you through the winter when daylight is spare. Or just when you feel the need for that little bit extra. I've used them often.

It's just recently I've found myself struggling with them. Only the intensity of daylight seems to be sufficient enough to do something miniature. Am I deteriorating... whahaha!? I guess my eyes are just no good enough anymore to cope with the strength those bulb provide, especially with carving. I've really tried but I'm preferring our sun now...

Now how lucky am I? It's this time of the year the season will make for longer and longer days! And the weather forecast for tomorrow here is sunny and 22˚C.... Yhippy. So to all living in the Netherlands; Enjoy! And to everybody, have a great weekend.

half stage

2011-03-26T13:50:00.011+01:00

It has been a while since i logged about miniatures. Let me try to explain why.

Some of you may recognize this. When starting on a new project you sometimes know you will encounter unfamiliar issues. The fun part and real challenge (for me) is to find solutions for those problems. For instance; a joint you need to figure out or a new material you wanna use. For the most you can test things out and study the possibility's and limitations of what you wanna do or make, in advance.

So far so good, but sometimes you know you can't think things through all the way. Not knowing whether your design will succeed with the new material or if the new skills you wanna use will be satisfying. I've found there is only one way to find out; I just start... and see were it will bring me, relying on my knowledge & fantasy to figure out what ever comes my way.

This table is a good example of a project that has challenged me. The marble top i had lying around was the source for the idea to make a serpentine table. I cut 4 feet while I hadn't yet designed the curtains underneath the table top. I thought i would get inspiration while cutting the feet. Unfortunately I didn't. It has given me headaches all winter.

I have been struggling with a design for the skirting that would complement the feet, yet would follow the circumference of the marble top at the same time.

Fortunately I've lost the perfection paralysis i was suffering from and finally come up with a pleasing design. It's only half stage still but I've learned this winter I'm not as creative in solving (design) problems as I thought.

clearing out the dead

2011-03-12T20:10:00.006+01:00

Stumbled onto this weird thing...

...while I was clearing the garden out of dead plant rests. I was taken by the dead Hydrangea flowers that had blown under some shrubs and spend the winter there. The cells between the veins had decaded and left an intricate pattern. I loved the look of it and took some pics. Enlarging them on the p.c. i spotted this weird twist of nature.

the element of surprise

2011-02-23T19:38:00.008+01:00

In the struggle between Spring and King Winter there seems to be status quo at this moment. 1-1 for both. At night it freezes a few degrees. When day breaks the tiered King retreats to let Spring appear. But Spring is in a sloppy state; poring rain and more rain and just a few degrees above zero...

Fortunally Spring seems to try a new tactic, that of the element of surprise. Most snowdrops in the garden are single ones but some are double ones; Galanthus nivalis “Flore Pleno". Surprise surprise!

King Winter struck back

2011-02-22T13:35:00.004+01:00

Temperatures dropped as you can see on the windows of my workshop.

And while King Winter was at it, he captured some air bubbles in the pond too.

He might reign outside but I'm supporting spring!

Love it when the tulips start to wilt and shed their leaves. Ain't they gorgeous??

The element of numbers

2011-02-09T14:07:00.008+01:00

I mentioned the reign of King Winter was under attack.

At first just a few brave scouts popped up. One or two lonely snowdrops showed their face... But temperatures remained low.

I guess Nature thought: "f you ain't big, you've gotta be smart." Cos it seems she used a well proofed warefare tactic. The so-called attack by numbers.

Now all over the garden huge clumps of snowdrops pop up in an attempt to force back King Winter. Will it work? Will King Winter be defeated or are other tactics such as the element of surprise needed as well?

To be continued......

The reign of King Winter is crumbling

2011-02-06T13:25:00.003+01:00

King Winter has frozen up my workshop but his reign is crumbling down.

Snowdrops are the first sign...

that his powers are diminishing. It means I'll soon have some comfort back behind my workbench.

getting good at basketball

2010-10-22T10:36:00.010+02:00

Still working on the side table... I didn't have a design for the skirting of the table, but I thought that putting on the cladding would get me going and give me some idea's... sad to say; it hasn't so far. So... no inspiration and thus not much progress. But I've done some.

The marble top isn't quite symetrical, so i had to pay attention for every curve in the wooden top to make it fit.

I intended to use vineer to clad the sides of the curves in the wooden tabletop. Unfortunatly that didn't work out so I had to come up with an other sollution.

I used little pieces of solid mahogany and filed it into shape to fit the curves of the top. So no bending desired. The advantage of this is the thickness of the wood; it gives me more then enough flesh to carve the skirting.

I have been drawing and sketching for a week now... turning the piece in my hands hoping to get into some sort of flow.... but I'm trowing the paper balls in the bin at the same speed :-) I'm increasing the distance every day and i'm still scoring!

autumn colors

2010-09-28T20:16:00.005+02:00

I love these specific autumn colors and the rapid speed at which they seem to appear. I always thought that the difference in day- and night temperatures set this in motion. Taking pictures I spotted the "shadow" of overlapping leaves in the color change of the Virginia Creeper. Could it that light has something to do with it...?
Hmm, nature keeps me wondering and being amazed : )

fall

2010-09-25T15:35:00.007+02:00

Fall... Some say fall is a sad season, for temperatures are dropping and there is lesser and less sun. Instead you can count on windy rainfall and shorter days. All because nature is shutting down and preparing for winter. But it's also a time of abundance, a time to harvest what nature has brought during summer. A time to collect and to feast the rich crops that make for a carefree time. It's that richness that will take you through the winter. That is if winter doesn't last too long.

It's this time of year right now, and I enjoy the rapid changes I can see in our own little piece of nature we call garden. To see the bright colors of flowers fade out into the earthy tones of leaves.

It's where i found this little creature. It's a brown hawker, a type of dragonfly and very common around here. When they are buzzing like little helicopters and land beside the pond, they are a joy to watch. I've often tried to photograph them, but if i get too close they take off like a rescue squad on a mission. They lay their eggs in ponds and that's how they hibernate.The adults... simply die.

I am glad i'd found it and to been given the opportunity to get a closer look and appreciate it's beauty. An intricate little creature with magnificent wings.

sketching with sparrows

2010-09-23T12:37:00.008+02:00

The feet are ready, and I took it all outside to enjoy the garden while working on the skirt underneath the marble top. In the meantime sparrows are having their hourly meeting in the trees. They seem to be having a heated discussion, ooh my, what a delicious noise! I wish I could speak sparrow now....

I want the skirting to follow the shape of the top. For that it needs sharp curves so I have to use thin maranti. To support it I've made a thick base, that is slightly smaller then the marble top. That way I can use the thick sides to clad the mahogany on.

making the most of a rainy day

2010-09-20T23:10:00.005+02:00

Two years ago I'd bought a marble table top at a Doll's Houseshow in Arnhem. I liked it so much i figured i would make a table for it. But maybe you know how things can go...other jobs popped up, no inspiration etc... and it was stored away for a rainy day. And that day came yesterday. I figured I would put two and two together as i have a lot of stuff on my mind. And i have found carving very meditational and calming to do.

So i have started to carve a base for the top. 4 little serpentine legs with scroll feet... still in the dark about a lower shelf between the legs, but w'll see...

first attempt on claw ball feet

2010-09-12T10:01:00.009+02:00

When I started making miniatures I realized the huge variety in skills & crafts needed. That, combined with all the different styles to choose from is what keeps me going. It never ceases to challenge me, and keeps me interested. It's fun to examine and learn about the history of furniture styles and lot's has been written about joinery, carving wood and constructions. Reading about it is one thing, trying it out is an other.

One of the things on my list was to have a go at carving claw and ball feet (or ball and claw feet, just as you prefer). You may find it in many pieces of furniture; tables, chairs and cabinets. It is said to have originated in the early 18th century in Europe and it has spread from England further on to America. Very much associated with Chippendale and Queen Ann furniture.

For convenience reasons i used ordinary cabriole legs that are sold by the million in every dolls house shop. Too big & no detail, so perfect to practice on. I had to work with the given shape, and the amount of wood available. I am pleased with the outcome, but can still see lots and lots of room for improvement. The wood for instance is ordinary basswood or limewood. Easy to carve but too soft for greater detail.

The ball is too small in comparison to the claw. I was too conservative in carving the claw, cos I'm always scared to carve away too much. It's a cliché but you can carve some more, but you can never add : )

I did all to be symmetrical in lining up the claws. Pleased with that but the amount the flesh or web that retracts upwards between the two front talons isn't equal.

I over sanded the right side of the ball, and lost detail there. I did that late last night, after being at it for a some time. I know that isn't the right time to finish a piece. I should have set it aside it till the morning so I would start at it with a fresh mind. But hey! I was having fun and lost the patience, for I was eager for the end result.

And finally, the back claw doesn't look right. Too odd, too straight... Anyway, it's a practice piece so I'm allowed to make some mistakes. Now it's a case of transforming those mistakes into something better.

souvenirs

2010-09-05T12:26:00.003+02:00

As I started these barley twist stands during the holidays I consider them to be souvenirs of that period. Except the candle; that's one is for ever...

Here you can see them develop. Carved out of lime wood with a dozen layers of shellack. The two little white shells I had laying around, the big brown one is a fossilized ammoniet . The candle is hand carved out of tagua nut. They were rewarding to make, hope you like 'm too.

lighting a candle

2010-08-29T03:55:00.005+02:00

Some people close at heart have incurably ill loved ones. This dreadful news brings grief and sorrow to all and I am so sorry. I wish otherwise for them. Letting go is hard at a time when you want to make the most of what's left.

For those and all who need it, I've made a candle to lit. To let them know there not alone. I hope this might give some support and comfort during harsh and unfair times.

with all my love;

more detail

2010-08-27T22:09:00.000+02:00

We looked for little shells on the shores of the island of Terschelling . Previous trips gave many resultes, but unfortunally not this time. I've found some other stuff though...

some details that caught my eye

2010-08-26T16:42:00.009+02:00

We had a small break last week. We went to Terschelling. One of 5 little islands that make up the Dutch part of the Wadden Sea . The boat to take you there leaves from the harbor of Harlingen, and it's there that these little architectural detailing caught my eye.

a little carving....

2010-08-20T17:01:00.005+02:00

I've found some time to do a little carving

Not finished yet, but it will be... soon
enjoy the weekend

"nautilus" stand

2010-08-08T20:11:00.006+02:00

.

Some readers may remember I did an article about making Barley twists. Here's an example of what you can do with that technique. A fancy display stand for a "nautilus" shell. Hope you like it.

amazing mail

2010-07-08T20:23:00.004+02:00

Amazing mail,
on my doorstep...

Look at how stunning this gorgeous little feather with pentip is, that Sabiha has made. I was always taken by them. Great object in lots of ways! Take a look...

And it's so nice to see it with the writing box I'v made earlier. It's only now that I feel the box is finaly complete.

aint it a gem? I guess some of you must have seen them, and if not; you can find them in her etsy shop .

Thank you very much Sabiha :)

p.s. I keep wondering how small that bird must have been ;-)

little chest

2010-07-07T11:19:00.004+02:00

Here are e few more pics of the little chest we did, to give you an idea of the dimensions. The hinges were an other good design, it fits the chest so well. Basic & honest.

IGMA Guild School 2010, Castine, Maine

2010-06-22T21:07:00.037+02:00

I know it's been a while... but preparations for Guild School 2010 started in early spring and other stuff kept me from posting. Still my computer is not coping with Blogger but hey... it's a start. Out of the more then 350 pictures I took, I have made a selection to give you all an impression of the most fantastic experience for a long long time.....

(know you can enlarge the pics by clicking on them)

What a start.... I had never flown before so I felt like a kid in a rollarcoaster...so coooool!

Cape Cod, we were getting close....

...to the Academie where all was about to happen.

"Fabulous mix of eclectic food and people inside"

The lovely view from the dormer room....
onto the tranquil little seaside town of Castine.

What a gorgeous little place to be
and a magnificent setting for what was about to commence

Guild School 2010

As I came in early I had time to stroll the village. I was warned to do so, cos the program gave us all little time for leisure. And it sure did.... Breakfast, class, lunch, class, diner, and then a big sigh to take it all in hahaha. And then off to evening seminars etc... When I looked trough my pics, there are hardly any of the classes that I did... I was so concentrated that I forgot to make pictures.... ooh stupid me.... But nothing was wasted. Every second left was filled with funny and/or interesting conversations with other students and teachers, or intense analysis of the magnificent miniatures that were around. Surrounded by the best of the best.... Take a look at these;

I took two classes; one given by Bill Robertson and one by Alan Hamer. Bill showed us how to do dovetails in this scale. He made it look so easy, but believe me... I gotto practice, practice and practice. And then practice even more. On the side line he helped us out to make our own planes... which I think is extremely valuable for the future. What a bonus! Bill has so much knowledge and skills... All the little tricks of the trade that he showed us... amazing how little I actually know and can do... ooh well, just started. If I am able too I'll surely try to follow future classes by him.

Overview of the spacious classroom

And the result of Bill's class; a basic chest with dovetailed joints.

My other class was forching with Alan Hamer. I feel very fortunate to have been there, as it was his last class ever at Castine. He was about to retire but will continue with teaching in his hometown in Oregon. The first few days he showed us the technique and then he lett us all loose..... :) In contrast to the delicate aproch needed towards wood, we hamerd away and set fire to the metal. It was so much fun. And it is such a forgiving material... if it's bend... just bend it back :-) Now how that for a beginner like me! I Love it!!

Great atmosphere, great class mates, and stunning results, with everybody!!

The starting point was a sign hanger, but some adjusted the design to their likings, made a basket for woodblocks or even an extra pendant with their own initials.

It's over, it's done and it's been a steep steep learning curve. And I've met the most amazing people there. From the first minute up untill the very last moment. Friendly, joyful, willing to share there knowledge and most of all, the fact that we all love miniatures! It’s only now that I truly understand why people return there year after year… If I can I'll do so as well, but I gotto save up for it. Save up really hard for it... That's why I want to thank the Scholarship Comity again for picking me... and thus giving me the opportunity to experience IGMA's Guild School 2010. I find it hard to express in words how much this has meant to me, and still does. So, to all, a big, big

>THANK YOU<

p.s.. Bill, thx for the coffee you had on offer! I doubt if I could have functioned without it :-))

who or what was this refuge, who didn't make it...

2010-02-02T16:55:00.001+01:00

At the moment I am living in times of pressure, so it's been a while since I posted here. Sorry for that. But yhere is one thing you could help me with.

It's one of the things that I treasure, not in the least because its so weird: this dried up creature that came out of a storagebox from abroad. Is it flattend by the contend of the box or just dried up and thus well preserved by time? I guess the last circumstance... It was offered on the internet (at a dutch dollshouse community) almost two years ago. Most peolple reacted with disgust or rejection but I thought I would save it by framing it up. Looking closely I guessed that it was a gekko, but if you think its something else, do feel free and please, please let me know!

The origine of the box could not be traced but I think that this animal didn't have its habitat around here (The Netherlands). Who's got a clue !? It's app. 20 mm or 13/16" long without it's tail. (incl. tail its double)

The flooring in the old wooden house

2010-01-10T21:26:00.006+01:00

Building the timberframed house for my mother-in-law was lot's of fun. The outside she wanted more or less historacly correct, so there was no room for arguments there. But the inside... that was a whole other ballgame.

"Tiles" she said, when i asked her about the hall and kitchen. She was quite sure about the look she was after, but where to find it??

World&Model had some that came close, but she disposed of them. Not to her taste. Tiny Ceramic's from Rita Kruger was more up her street. Real tiles and of great quality. But at Dollhouse-Tiles, run by Graham Simkin, she found what she was looking for.

Although not realy ceramic, the acurate dimensions of the individualy CNC cut tiles meant that an intricate mosaic floor could be laid. She chose a design and I took measurements of the hall, bathroom and kichenfloors. As they sell their mosaic tiles in pack of 6x4 inch, I had to calculate how to place the patern, and how wide the borders would need to be, for me to finish with a neat edge. I checked the maths several times before ordering ;-)

I glued the tiles on cardboard with the desired dimensions on it, and placed them afterwards in position.

The hallway, as you can see the most intricate. After that, the kitchen and bathroom where 'a piece of cake'

The kitchen

and the bathroom. For the rest of the house, ie the livingroom and bedrooms I picked americam oak. Hardwearing floors that would suit the new owners. I cut a wide variaty of boards out of veneer, and gave them a beveled edge. I glued and nailed them in place and gave them all a final buffing with floorwax.

With the exterior and flooring compleet it was ready for the interiour design touch of the new owners. That's for the next episode.

2 reasons to do a little dance

2010-01-08T09:16:00.006+01:00

I am so happy, that's such a good feeling at the start of 2010 ;-)) The reasons are these;

First of all there is the fact that Roberta is nr 100 to follow this blog. Welcome Roberta! Go and look for the cats that pop-up here and there on her blog ;-)

I must apologise for not welcoming all previous followers, so WELCOME to everybody who comes to visit here!!! But it feels a bit ambivilant to celebrate this number. On one hand; this blog is not about numbers, I am not out here to get as much followers as possible. At some communities (Hyves, facebook etc.) it seems to be all about the number of friends you have; the more the better and I hate that, I realy do! On the other hand it is nice to notice that you folks out there find my blog nice enough to follow. It feels like some sort of confirmation that the things I make have some quality and are worth to look at. It boosts my confidence and makes me want to continue on this path of quality rather than quantity, so thank you all.

The second reason to do a dance and shout Hurray! is Madelva. The editor of Miniaturas asked me late 2009 if they could do some articles about my miniatures. And yesterday I got the first issue's in wich they were posted!!! It showed again what a loss it is that this magazine is hard to get by in the Netherlands. Great pictures and I feel proud to be seen next to some awsome artists that are featured.

They did one about the kitchen of Nolda's house. I made drawings of the cabinets and explained how it was build up. The article looks great! I hope it will inspire.

The second one they did was about the interiour of the house itself. Lots and lots of pics, spread out over several pages. It is so weird to see your own work like this but it makes me so proud as well!!! Is there any better way to start 2010!?

healt and luck for all!

2009-12-13T20:28:00.008+01:00

This year is nearly at its end but I can't say that I 'll shed a tear about it. Sometimes you'll have good years and sometimes you wish to have it done and over with as soon as possible. I know it comes with life but this year has brought us its fair share of miserey.

I wish otherwise for my loved ones, and therefor hope that who ever needs it, finds comfort in the small things that life has to offer. Like all your miniature creations now and then have done for me.

But it could also be a kind word, a smile or a stunning sunrise accompanied by birdsong. Because that makes it all worth while.

I also want to thank all of you miniaturists, here at Blogger, for being such a gentle community. Eversince I've started blogging here I felt really welcome and inspired by you lot. So with lots of love XXX

2009-12-06T17:32:00.026+01:00

As I was working on the ribbon for the skates, Karin suggested to check some sites on weaving. As she pointed out a bobbinlace techniques didn't reproduce the ribbon the way it should. She was so right; the left one is my first test, on the right the original ribbon folded in half. Clearly wooven, so that was the way to go.

So I made a miniature loom to start weaving...It turned out to be só fragile that it was hardly useable. As my ribbon only needed vertical stripes the loom wasn't essential. So I wound up some bobbins with thinner threads and just one weaving thread and started to weave, one up, one down, one up etc...

The result had such a diffrent (much better) look, i was realy a bit surprised to see. Thanks for the tip Karin! Sad to say it still wasn't the way I had envisioned it, there were blocks instead of stripes! But using more strands would widen the ribbon. All I can say is that i could have fiddled with it more (leave some color out but doubled up the color that's left and add more orange), but time wasn't on my side. Reproducing the skates was a gift for my mother-in-law. Yesterday evening I handed them over...

These are the ones she's had for over 40 years,:

And these belong to her since yesterday ;-)
30,8 mm long and 4,2 mm wide, although the wood is too dark (oeps) they lack the fancy leather straps that I had made for my own skates. Instead this pair has old knotted up leather and the acorn tips, just like the big ones. So she can say these are hér skates ;-))

present, presents and more presents!

2009-12-04T11:16:00.005+01:00

a dutch online dollshouse community called Het Kladblog held it's annual Sinterklaas Swap party last night. (check the wounderful site of Josje if you want te read more about Sinterklaas and the traditions that come with it) Almost all the participants (over 40!) were online and opening their presents one after another. It was hectic but a whole lot of fun. The oooo's and aaaah's where numerous ;-))

A big part that makes the joy of Sinterklaas is in the drawing the name for whom you have to make a present. The recipiant doesn't know who the maker of the gift is. Finding out who it was, is lots of fun afterwards. Hint, tips and the style of the present all help to reveal...

Me for instance left my zipcode on the back of the enveloppe. In case the mail couldn't deliver they, at least, had the return to sender option. And... my swap-child could use it as a hint ;-)) I believe she's still in the woods, but she doesn't read here haha.

On the ticket I had drawn was the wish for something in pastels, or the opposite; bright colored toys. This is what I made:

Last night, when I opened the enveloppe that my mysterious maker had sent me, i felt somewhat ashamed. In it were not just one or two wrapped up gifts.... no, there were nine! Yes, 9! Ooh my, outrageous, soo many, and all were waiting online for me to unwrap them... I felt in a hurry, but didn't want to rush... imagine that the siccors would cut into what was in it... carefully I unwrapped and this is what I got:

First was a towel, edged with lace, some soap, sponge and a lovely bottle of bodylotion. Then came a kite with colorful tail, a poëziealbum with a sweet handwritten poem, three lovely childrenbooks, a toyhorse on a stick (great detail on the tail!!), a rattle, a bear made out of wool, and a nice box with transparant lid inwhich lay a small doll in a lace dress. And finaly a cuddletoy in the shape of an elephant.

But the fluffy elephant gave it away... I remembered toys alike done by Petra. So with all my hart I want to thank Petra for her outrageous number of presents. Knowing she has astma and that her energy levels can drop from time to time I value these as a big gift. Thank you soo much Petra!

forced to stop, or have a break

2009-11-22T14:55:00.008+01:00

The past few days I have spent working on another pair of skates. The skates have a less elaborate design in the wood compared to the first ones I did. But that is balanced with a very nice detail in the shape of an acorn on the tip of the irons.

Here are the prototype from which I took the measurements.

On the base where you place your feet, you can see the small pair at half stage.

But now I am a bit stuck. So there is time give you an update. The reason is that the origanal skates have a woven orange colored lace to tie the skates under as you can see in the pic above. There's no ribbon that can simulate this very particular lace, so I have begon to experiment. I want to reproduce it as close as I can.

Using some bobbinlace technique was the best I could think of, and it doesn't look bad at all. But the fibers I used for the warp are DMC 80, a thread that is clearly to thick for this job. The proportions are wrong, it's too wide. And the colors are a bit too harsh as well.

The thread for the woof or weft is a cotton 140, and that is fine by the looks of it. All I need to do now is change the warp fibers for a thinner version. I rumbled in my sewingbox but I haven't got these odd colors (orange, blue and yellow). And now it's sunday and all shops are closed so I thought I could crawl behind the computer and show you where I am at.

If you want to see more pictures about the making of these skate, click here

Old dutch skates

2009-10-31T19:29:00.014+01:00

No scenique pictures this time, I am still looking for fake snow to buy. It could be so much fun to set op a scene with the sled I made earlier. Maybe I'm even going to knit a scarf as well... who knows?

After taking the measurements of my own skates and checking them with skates on the site the Fries Marine Museum, I milled the grooves for the irons. After that I drilled the holes for the leather belts. All of that goes a lot easier if your stock is still square, so after that was done, the carving began. I didn't sand down any part, as a cut leaves a far more crisp surface.

The wood was then varnished 3 times, sanding down ever so lightly inbetween to loose the few possible raised grains of the wood. The irons were cut to size using a pair of siccors and some fine needle files to form the curve in the front. No glue was used, they fit snug and tight.

Making the straps out of leather proofed to be as big as a job as the skates themselfs. But they turned out allright. Mostly original skates have stripped orange ribbons to tighten the straps, but I still haven't figured out how to makes those. Using lacemaking techniques is probably the best option, but for now I used ordinary rope. My own skates have that as well, some old shoe laces. And that works just fine, as our doughter has learned how to skate on them,
last january ;-))

the power of a picture

2009-10-26T15:06:00.004+01:00

Last week I finaly had some time to solve the issue I had with Blogger and the placing of pictures. Doing so, I realized that we live in a world were photographs and pictures are extremely important in the way we communicate. Especially when it comes to showing here at Blogger what we are working on, or how the miniature-endresult of a few nights of enthousiastic work has turned out. But not just Blogger, think about the way we look and how thats percieved. It's a very visual world.

As I was contemplating all of this I had to think about a series that I saw on the BBC (an Englisch TV broadcasting station) a few years ago; "The wonderful world of Albert Kahn" Albert Kahn (1860 - 1940) was a well-off pacifistic banker who realized the power of pictures. He saw it as a way to educate people about the diversety of other cultures, and therefor increase respect for eachother. At that time -we are talking 1903- color photography was invented by the Lumière brothers. By 1907 it was commercialy available. Beeing so fortunated as he was, and recognizing what a huge step forward color was, he then commisioned several photographers to take trips around the world. This action resulted in the biggest archive of early color photographs that still exists today.

The series made a big impact on me, because till then I only knew that world (say the 1910's till 30's) in black and white. Seeing pictures of that era in color made it so much easier for me to identify with what was in them. For example; the lady above is not Mrs Sidonie Gabrielle Colette, but could easily be my aunt in a play of her local theatre company with her own pug dog :-) As luck would have it the BBC decided to publish an accompening book about series.

I have bought it last week, because I feel that pictures have great power.

awards

2009-10-15T11:11:00.000+02:00

I was creating a blog about the award that Victoria had given me a few days ago. Internet has made the world so small; she lives in Russia but her lovely blog is just one mouseclick away; go check her out!

As I sat myself behind the peecee I discovered that Rosanna also gave me the same award. Again a lovely blog dedicated to the smaller things in live that makes us all smile. Thanks to you both!

But to my surprise the whole function of uploading pictures has disapeared from my account. Eversince I started at blogger all sorts of functions have graduely disappeared, and this is the latest rock that has fallen from the wall... So without the award visualised (sorry)I'll continue;

The rules are
1. Show the image of the award, and state rules
2. Post the link of the person that gave you the prize.
3. Display 10 blogs to which you grant the award.
4. Advise the blogs listed

Rule number one I've partialy failed (hahaha...) but here comes rule number three and four:

1 Evelien, because she makes her house from scratch and dares to try with great results.
2 Janette. What's a (dolls-) house whitout a garden or, for that same matter, plants in the windowsill? Her creations give that sence of life.
3 Helene where a fresh or should i say contemoprary wind blows.
4 Fairchildart. Everyone who can handle Fimo is an artist to me. But I would call her a magician for the level of realism she reaches.
5 Karin Corbin. All i can say is Detail, with a capital D
6 After dark miniatures. A bow for an nother fimoartist.
7 George the Miniguy. I give him credit for all he has done.
8 Sylvia She's accompleshed so much in the short space of time that she's at it. Her attic is one of my favorites.
9 Nell Corkin. Amzing level of execution of gourgeous ideas.
10 Texas Belle. Follow her creation of an unique Manorhouse in reallife.

Oeps, ten already... And there are só many more I would like to mention!! Silly rules ;-) But there you have it.

Due to the prombles that I am faced with, here at Blogger, i have to leave my workbench. And there are a nice pair of old-fashion ice skates on there, almost ready to show to you. Sad to say that I have to dive into the world of computers. The weird world of Blogger... and I can't say that I love the prospect... and fear the outcome... Any one any tips maybe...?

downhill

2009-10-03T15:14:00.006+02:00

I was cooking up some wood to make a sled, and I am pleased to say it is ready. I was inspired by cartoonist Bill Watterson, the creator of Collin and Hobbes. What more fun could you have than going downhill and race with your friends!?

Way too early as the snow is still a few weeks away... in the meantime I stored the sled in the spare bedroom.

This sled is looking like a winner; I think it has the potential to go realy fast! And as Evelien has promised a hot cup of choco to the winner I feel I'am up for it! Although way too early, I'am fully prepared with this racemonstor haha.

I'am ready for it!
Who deares to take me on!?

slow cooking

2009-09-17T11:35:00.015+02:00

It has been a bit quiet here but the reason for that is that there were all kinds of things on the stove (in many many ways).

First of all I started to carve some bobbins again. On my first attempt (spring 2008) I used the lathe, but I was not skilled enough to use the softwood that I had on hand. Carving as an alternative did the job, so this time I am trying to put a little more detail in them (the little knob at the end). Don't know where to use them for although i have some rough ideas... 40 odd more to go!

Secondly I came across this large batch of dollshouse magazines. It is called The Scale Cabinetmaker and was published from the mid seventies till 1996. Despite the age it is anything but outdated. What a great find!!! Next week I hope to recieve a second batch and that -for sure- will keep me occupied till spring. So when I am not here; you can find me on the couch, our cat all curled up on my lap, a nice cup of tea and a big stack at my feet :)

Also on the stove was a pan of water to steam up some wood. As we speak the pieces are drying in their specific molds. When finished they will've become part of a sled. (what more fun is there then to rush down the hill with the cold wind in your hair!? And as winter is fast approaching up here, speed is of the essence. You'll never know when the first snow may come)

And finaly the thing that I am most chuffed about; my application for a scolarship at The Guild School has been awarded. This has realy been simmering on the stove as the first idea to try and applicate arouse about a year ago. I was too late to aply back then, but that way I had some time to think about it. Josje kicked me in the butt to set aside my doubts, and I can only thank her for it. The application was quite a task, so before my doubt could rise again i'd put it through the mail.

What a relief! Out of my system and out of my hands. Untill last week that is, because there was this mail with the good news! Jhippy! This opportunity to meet students and teachers alike is one I could only dream about. And now, now it's going to happen. Spoiled for choice to learn new things and to meet new people, I am eager to make the most of it! Scheduled in june 2010 I can only say; slow cooking makes lovely cooking.

precious find

2009-09-15T16:27:00.003+02:00

Last weekend was predicted to be one of last summerweekends of the year, so we decided to do some work in the garden. As I was digging away between some plants I wanted to shift from the front- to the backgarden, I saw something in the corner of my eye. It was blue and shimmering... Something metal maybe? The weirdest things pop up in the frontgarden, left by the wind or passers-by so I wasn't realy surprised. But waste and rubbish don't do it for me, green stuff is wat we want. So I bended over to pick it up to dispose of it.

Stunned and lost for words I stopped. This is wat I found:

Shimmering and blue, indeed, but not at all metal. It was a lovely tiny feather which once belonged to an Eurasian Jay. They are quite shy, but they leave evidence of their presence all over our garden. Beechnuts, acorns and chesnuts sproute every spring in hudge numbers throughout our garden. But we don't mind, as long as the shed some feathers now and then...

writingdesk

2009-09-10T09:12:00.010+02:00

Here's a little writing desk I made some time ago. I wanted to do something with fingerjoints and what better way then to make a decorative chest or box. It is 15 x 21 x 27 mm. If measured in inches its ± 19/32 x 27/32 x 1 4/16.

filled with parfumed pink paper to write a loveletter to my husband

this is at the halfway stage

frames

2009-08-13T09:00:00.006+02:00

During our holiday we visted the museum of Henk Helmantel, a dutch realist. I'm quite fond of his style and technique, which has a long tradition among painters from (not just) the Netherlands. If interested you can check out this (dutch) page about local artists. Just click on the names in the list on the righthand.

I took a few leaflets home and made some appropriate frames for them.

'rowanberry branch' by Rob MØhlman,
and 'Arjans first slippers' by Henk Helmatel
Aren't they so cute!? It was this picture that brought the idea to my mind to use them in 1:12. Just looking at them makes me smile ;-))

MAIL!

2009-08-12T16:32:00.005+02:00

Monday is always a bit slow with mail, but if it comes... I was realy surprised because I had't expected this. Saskia, a closeby dollshouse lover and friend remembered that I was still on the lookout for a small embroiderysiccor in the shape of a storke to accompany my spannish rolepillow. When she bumbed into one she thought of me, and I find that so attentive and considarate. She took the effort to make a whole sewingbox around this lovely gift, so its almost a shame to take it out and use it. Just to show that its right scale a small pic. Thanks Saskia for this lovely surprise!

a quilt for the Wooden house

2009-08-06T07:59:00.014+02:00

Last winter (when it was cold and dark) I made a quilt voor Nolda. The masterbedroom at her house is north-faceing and therefore always a bit chilly. A quilt would make it more comfortable.

As blue is her favorite color I bought some old shirts at our local charityshop. Old shirts are perfect for making minatures as they often come with small designs and are made out of thin cotton. The same applies for ties. I always rumble in the box with ties, looking for some nice silk ones. If you undo the stitching and wash them well, you can use the silk for cussions etc. it's amazing what you can find, but enough of my collecting mania...haha

I tore the shirts up and figured out a design with blocks of 10x10 mm (25/64 inch). As I was ironing the seams row by row I could feel the fabric stiffening up. I had to find a way to solve that , otherwise it wouldn't drape naturally. I figured that the leaded rope that I tore out of some old net-curtains would do the job and I have sown that in all around the sides. The weight of the lead pulls the sides down but you can still pick it up and do something else with it. That's the advantage of lead instead of glue or modeling with wire.

It's 36·C up here today, so you can imagine that the quilt is now stored away.

The fourth of the fourth

2009-08-05T20:12:00.007+02:00

Rosanna gave me a challenge. And quit a nice one;
The rules are:

1. open the 4th file where you store your photos...
2. pick out the 4th photo & publish it to your blog...
3. explain a bit about it...
4. pass this challenge to 4 other blogs

This is the one:

I've made it last April, at the island of Texel, were we spent our springholiday. It has become a tradition with my family and the parents of my husband to celebrate the end of winter and let the seawind take away all our troubles. It's just a week, but always refressing.

I pass the challenge on to Klaartje, Sabiha, Evelien and Ruthie

making rope twisted legs

2009-08-03T08:19:00.034+02:00

wooden helix, twisted turning, rope twist columns or barley twisted island legs. I don't know how you call them in English but I promised to explain how to make them. First an introduction:

Twisted legs first appeared in the beginning of the 17th century. Soon this kind of ornamental decoration was widely used on the legs of tables, chairs and cabinets. With time taste changed but it would never be abandoned completely. Therefor this kind of decor lends itself to be used on all kinds of furniture for your dolls house. A simple stool becomes a piece of antique with these legs. Or, if you just make one, you can use it as a foot for a sophisticated lamp. Or maybe a coat hanger? Or... The possibilities are endless.

If you take a closer look at twisted legs, you may discover that most of them have only one rope or winding. Run your finger along the winding to find out how many there are.

With this description and a lot of pictures I want to show you how you can make your own. You need some patience and some minor wood skills. But most of all it's essential to measure and mark out precisely. But if you can do that (don't we all, as dolls house lovers?!) there's nothing from stopping you to have a go at it!

What do you need?

- round stock
(in this case 7 mm round)
- a ruler and a sharp pencil
- finely teethed miters saw
- a sharp cutting tool of your own preference
(I used a scalpel, but an excacto-knife is just as good)
- small files, round and/or triangular
- sanding paper (grit 240 and finer)

Really handy is a a jig to hold your round stock. In this case I used a piece of wood with two round sticks glued on it. It will prevent the stock from rolling around whilst working on it.

Draw at right angles to the wood lines with 5 mm distance in between. The closer you want the twists to be the smaller the distance should be and the reverse is the other way round. So if you want them bigger use a distance of e.g. 7 mm.

There's no rule for the distance as it is depending on the thickness of your stock and on how much windings you want. But read trough this story carefully and use the given measurements to do a test piece. Later on you can adapt the principal to your own projects. Take a good look at existing furniture to get an idea of the feel and proportions and see what you like most.

If you have drawn around the length of your stock it is time to decide how many ropes you want. In this case there will be four ropes. Therefor draw 4 lines, parallel to your stock and equally spaced. If you want two ropes you draw two lines.

Now your stock is covered with little compartments, and you have to decide whether you want to make a left- or a right turned winding. Remember that if you want to make, for instance, a four-poster bed it is quit neat if the left post turns to the left and the right post turns to the right. The same principal applies to the legs of a table. That way the hole thing looks nice and symmetrical. Anyway; decision time!

In this case we go to the right. That means you have to make a mark from corner point to corner point, diagonally marking the place where the groove of the winding will come. First make a small mark on the crossing and then gently turn you stock to see where the line has to go to (the next crossing diagonally opposite). Make your way all the way round till all lines are fluently placed.

Now its time to make the cuts. Make sure your stock is firmly placed (I used my simple jig to keep it steady) and use the miters saw to cut the lines no more then 2 mm deep. While cutting turn the wood slowly round and apply only small pressure on your saw. That way you can control the direction and be more precise.

On this left picture I've cut only two lines, but it's more handy if you cut them all in one go. That way you can keep an eye on the width of the ropes and make sure they are all equal.

Most windings are rounded so with the aid of a sharp knife (or any other cutting tool) you to have remove the excess wood gently sloping in the direction of the cut to make a groove. Mind the width of the winding; be sure not to go any further then the middle section. In the righthand picture I've roughly cut out two lines. Here you can see that the highest point of the winding lies just between the two cut lines. So don't pass that point when carving.

Carve gently and slowly and take your time! Do all lines at the same time at this stage. Keep looking to be aware that the width of the ropes/windings stays the same. Carve a small amount at ones, do the whole stock and then return to your starting point and carve a bit more. This way you make sure you only have to make minor corrections and thus obtaining a uniform carving.

When this first stage is finished you can choose how to move on. If you like the look as it is, you only have to sand down your cuts nice and smooth. If you prefer sharper windings to rounded ones you can use the triangular file to change the bevel. Use the jig to support your wood and to control the gentle steering of your files through the wood.

To get an idea of the possibilities I've made an other version. Not with four but with two windings. I've used the same measurement as I did in the first stage (5 mm apart) but I marked out two lines instead of four. Immediately you can see that the windings are twice as closer and more beveled.

I also varied the finish of this second version. Instead of using the triangular file I used a rounded one. The grooves are now rounded which gives a complete other look.

All in all quite a story, but I hope that it's an inspiration to give it a try. It can be used on all kinds of projects. Here I've changed a simple stair pole and made it into a table leg. And I used the same technique on the top post of Nolda's dolls house.

Just to remind you; all pictures can be viewed close up by clicking on them. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions.
kind regards

Debby

a rainbow of colors

2009-08-02T21:18:00.017+02:00

Maybe you're familiar with the problem.

You have some embroideryfloss wound on some cardboard, and stored in a box. An old friend of yours does some clearing and she thinks you would like to have her floss. So she gives her box to you. Now you have two boxes. In time you buy some new floss but the boxes are full so a new one is quickly found, and then you have three boxes. And they look somthing like this...? If so, read further because ther's a sollution haha

I had the intension to do something about it and had even bought some special storageboxes that came with the bobbins to wind the floss upon. But the prospect of that tedious job of winding.... As ill-luck would have it a back injury has made me more or less immobile, so there was no more excuse to set this job aside.

It took some time and effort, but now it's far more easier to select your colors. By number or by choise, in an instant your done. And its a true pleasure to feast your eye upon the boxes! A rainbow in miniature.

There's still work to be done, but I am out of bobbins. 200 Done and I guess I need another hundred to finish it all, but doesn't it look great already!

Here are some more rainbows that I've spotted. There all around us ;-)

a feather

2009-07-31T21:00:00.005+02:00

we've made our regular strole around the block and we came across

a tiny feather floating on the river behind our house

a summer by the sea

2009-07-27T10:03:00.012+02:00

People who read this blog may remember the lovely carpet that Nolda had made for me. It was up to me to do the finish i.e. the sides and frinches. As I never done that before, I thought it would be usefull to do some practice first on a carpet by my own. I didn't want to mess up her beautifull work.

You must know that every holiday I take a small (dolls house-) job with me, as spare time realy gets me going. In this case I took my own carpet with me. The last two weeks we went to the Wadden Sea and we had a lovely time. Here you see our daughter and me looking for small shells. It was fruitfull as well as my practice-carpet got finished doing the stiching.

Normaly I wouldn't use a ring when doing embroidery but with half stich it's quit usefull. It's a bit more work because you have stich up and down, but it prevents your work from warping and keeps it nice and square.

After that I did the sidestiching and blocked it up to do the frinches. But I thought the colors were a bit to harsch so I rememberd a trick to soften them down. Dapping with tea. Eventually I switched over to coffee. You should have heared my husband... "youre doing what...!?" Haha, he just doesn't understand, but he lets me. I Love him.

Anyway, after finishing my own, I felt confident enough to do Nolda's carpet and now I have two carpets done.

Finaly a close-up of the two carpets. On the left my first ever half stich and on the right the one that Nolda has made for me. It's so fine and detailed. I teasure it!

welkom!

2009-07-06T10:13:00.011+02:00

First of all I like to thank everybody that has found my blog interresting enough to follow. It's a system that I was not familiar with, and so was the attendant etiquette. So to all of you; a warm warm Welkom! It has huge advantages as well . Stroling arround your blogs you get to see other peoples favorites and thus a world of magic opens up. I used to blog on a dutch provider (I still do) but it's amazing to see how many talented and gifted people are out there and use their imagination to create a miniature world of their own. If it wasn't for the internet, hurray!

The only thing I find a bit strange is that I can't find a searchplatform or something like that where you can search on the name of a blog for instance. The only way I have found is via your own dashboard where you can click on your labels of interest, and other related blogs appear. Did I miss something?

Blogger on the whole does a bit strange on our peecee. Sometimes I can't react on postings or some blogs don't even open. (?) For instance; Minna's doll world. Sorry Minna, I have found that a bit upsetting but I guess I'm just no wizzkid. Cleared my cash etc... I'll find a way!

Anyway, on to something more cheerful now. And to stick with the theme of the welkomsign; Nature. Or more specific; Nature's baby. All living things start there lives as a baby and, as you all know, are a tiny version of the real thing. And guess what I have found on our Dutch beach... babyshells!

Some years ago I discoverd them between the big ones. And eversince that time, evry now and then, you can find me lying on the shore, face down, fumbling, fiddling and picking away. And... beeing stared at by passersby :-)

I don't care, nature gives us these baby's and therefor a change to create mini's out of them. Such as the toppicture or header of this blog which is a compilation of what can be found on the shores of the Noord Sea. Or... with some twigs to simulate driftwood something like this this picture below. And with no effort at all! just for free!

How it all started, or The Timberframed House

2009-07-02T09:55:00.096+02:00

Eversince my Mother In Law (further known as Nolda) was a child she wanted a doll's house. But you know how lives sometimes go... At the age of 60 that dream was still alive. One day, when the subject arose, she said to be displeased as she couldn't find the right house. "What are you looking for then?" I asked. A typical Zaans timberframed house, was her answer. And, as she said that, I knew there was only one solution; to build that -Ooh! so wanted house- for her.

First a bit of history. Our family lives in the Zaanstreek, closeby the famous Dutch tourist destination The Zaanse Schan s. Because of the wood-processing industrie in the 17th and 18th century here (hence all the windmills) most houses were made of wood. It was widely available and cheap. Another advantage was that the boggie soil, common in this region, couldn't take the weight of building stones, so wood was the lightweight alternative. All of these reasons resulted in a type of timbreframed house, which is nowhere else to be found. And that is the type of house Nolda wanted.

Our love for architecture and local historie made research a lot of fun. Ideas came and went. So we did a lot of drawings and after some discussion (how practical is thàt?) Nolda finaly approved the plans. Building could commence...

and this is the result

the front and...

back

From left to right: a detail of the sideplanking. In the middle the toppost. A structualy needed element but decorated depending on the wealth and money of the owner. On the right a socalled buurshoekje. At that time (say 1800) you had to pay taxes in proportion to the amount of glas you had in your frontelevation. If you could reduce that amount by placing it at an angle and thus saving money, the avaricious Dutch would not hesitate.

From start to finish it took me 6 months. During the build I stumbled into all sorts of hick-ups as I had never build a dolls house before. For instance, access to the house... A drawing is nice, but I just had to take it as a guideline.

To give it all a sence of realisme and just because it was a lot of fun to do, I made a memorial stone and let our daughter Emma, the grandchild of commissionair, place it between the bricks. We made a little ceremony out of it and we all had a big laugh

Just befor Christmas 2006 we moved the house from our shed to their home. Those ten minutes in the car where realy realy scary, I can tell ya. From then on it was her house, but I was hooked; the minivirus had cought me ;-) But that's another story for another time. And so is what Nolda as the interior decorator has done to the inside of the house.

ps. You can click on all the pics to enlarge them and get a better view

winetable

2009-06-27T21:32:00.008+02:00

Here's a winetable I have made earlier.

The center of the base is after a design by Harry W. Smith, but I made a free interpretation of the feet and the tabletop.

It was my first attempt on doing some fine inlaywork, after making a dollshouse for my mother-in-law. In the near future I'll come back on that and show you how that house turned out.

greetings and a nice weekend

wild nature

2009-06-27T15:00:00.009+02:00

Warning! If you don't like death, do NOT read further

Our home looked like a Zoo at some times. Babyanimals grew up, lived their lives and died. Some cats till the age of nineteen. Now only one cat remains. 17 Years old, stiff till noon and as deaf as a post. But well off, considering his condition. Above all, if you see what he brought home today...

A young sparrow. Shocking in some way, but I've read that it's a act of love. To share the food that has been cought is a cat's way to show they consider you one of the family.

I had a good look at the poor bird, and it's amazing how beautifull they're build up. Tinny paws on even thinner legs. Ooh, how brittle they are! Thank God our garden is packed with sparrows this year. I rather see them alive than like this.

Happy Birthday

2009-06-15T10:50:00.001+02:00

Soon my mother-in-law will celebrate her anniversary. She's the one who got me into dolls houses in the first place so besides some (regular) gifts I thought it would be nice to give her some flowers as well. Not the regular ones of course, but some tiny, tiny ones...

Because of the season some bright and gay sunflowers

I wrapped them up and added some cheerful trails. And as we have the good fortune she doesn't read this Englisch blog I can show them to you. Hope she likes them (as yellow isn't her favorite color haha)

A short life

2009-06-13T21:36:00.001+02:00

at this moment there's a real burst of life in our garden...

some times it's a short life,

papaver rhoeas 'Cedric Morris'

but what a life!

a little gem through the mail

2009-06-05T11:23:00.001+02:00

Strolling around eBay, I came across the webshop of Sandie Coe. A very talented miniaturist who makes lovely scenerys in oilpaint. Her fields packed with summerflowers are a joy to look at. Very impressive and brilliantly executed. I fell for this pack of poppies, and she made work of the p&p. It was a joy to unwrap. 5 layers, starting with cardboard and ending with lilac silkpaper and this tiny, tiny (2 x 2 inch) picture. Check her out, if not just to be amazed.

greetings Debora

the reader

2009-05-29T13:39:00.000+02:00

All the toys wonder were the reader has gone...

Making this revolving bookcase was a real joy.

Because blogger works quit different then I'm used and still have trouble working it out, I want to refer to my other weblog: http://petit.punt.nl/
Labels on the left guide you to the diffrent categories, in this case furniture (http://petit.punt.nl/?id=399050&r=1&tbl_archief=&)
Hope you have fun

greetings Debora

Thumbs up for Nolda!!

2009-04-09T09:51:00.002+02:00

This carpet has been made by my mother-in-law, Nolda.

It took her numerous hours and a lot of determination and for that I take my hat off. Many, many thanks to her and her skills. It's up to me to finish the edging but that's nothing in the light of day. Since finishing this monster project she has to kick the habit. As luck would have it spring is in the air for some much needed distraction.

old - school

2009-04-03T17:42:00.000+02:00

Lost work, we all have it. Things we have done and made in the past. I recently discovered these two eggs, but I'd forgotten all about them. Seeing them after more then 13 years made me very happy. A timewarp and history in one. The first was a birthdaygift, depicting my brother, his former wife, my husband and me.

Four persons on one egg. Since the power of portrets lies in the recognision of the persons, I thought it would be a good idea to show you the pictures on wich they were based. Unfortunally the are from the pre-digatal era, and my archive of negatives isn't what I thought it would be...

2009-03-19T10:00:00.003+01:00

The lady went to the kitchen to make a cup of thea, so I quikly took some pictures.

This first one is when the last of the regular size bobbins was to be changed for a miniature one.

She already had some cookies within reach, and sitting in front of the window assured her of daylight to work by.

As with any craft, you get dozens of bits and bobs when making lace. And what better way then to store them in the big frontdrawer.

cissors, unused bobbins, threads and prickings.

The inset can slide from left to right, or even taken out to get to the back compartiment.

And when not in use, just close the drawer and all is neat.

When I carved the sides of the roll, it thougt it would be nice to let the design return in the sides of the stand. The carving and fretwork was done without the use of machines. It's all done by hand.

Even the back has three drawers, the middle one can be used to store the lace dustfree while continuing making bobbinlace.

The bobbins I'de made out of coctailprickers using a scalpel, and then giving them a french polisch.

The edginglace is done by a design of Roz Snowden.