Safe & Sound!!!

Hi everyone, I'm so thrilled to let you all know i got the most gorgeous gift the other day. Catherine's enchanting little Nutshell Cottage arrived at my doorstep Safe & Sound! To my utter surprise I'd won this amazing and unique give-a-way. I felt and feel very blessed! So you probably can imagine that I can't tell you how relieved I was that it survived the long journey across oceans and mountains.

But then again, it was so well packed, and not only that, it was gorgeously wrapped. With so much attention to detail; A joyful outer-box with pictures, inside another box with colorful butterfly wrapping paper, and an accompanying note in the most elegant and uniform handwriting... almost calligraphed. It all suited this sweet little house that came out of the box;

Of course it is way way better then the (otherwise wonderful) pictures showed. It is packed jammed with detail, where ever you look.... It is now proudly hanging from the base of my work lamp that sheds its useful light over my workspace. It is such a joy to have it there, each time i look up from whatever it is i'm working on it brings a huge smile to my face. Nutty's Observatory (as I suggested to call it) is swinging gently in the air, just a few inches from my nose. Did I see the small double doors just open just a little bit? Is that the Professor living in there???

Catherine's creation has brought me so much joy already, i love it to bits :))))) Thank you, my Dear, thank you very much! I noticed you are working on yet another walnut house and i have no doubt in my mind it will be another heartwarming gem!


Enjoy your weekend,

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

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!

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 Petit give-away

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,