Dollhouse Lighting Woes

A look through the bay window of the Build A-long project.. I did not add any lights in this house nor non-working lamps/light fixtures. In the past I have not been so successful with applying tape wire or round wire to electrify the Victoria’s Farmhouse.  In fact I got so frustrated, that I decided not to use any.  And I decided to avoid this altogether for the Townhouse.  However, I couldn't help wondering what the Townhouse/Spa would look like with lights, so I used a book light to get the effect of lighting.  Here are the results:

 I wish I had the time and patience to fully execute this...It adds dimension. And makes the rooms come alive. Oh well...

It's all about the details

So...I created my interpretation of a Spa for the Build A-long project. I thought I would share some of the things (props) I used to sell the theme.

 I used foam to create cotton balls,and toe separators. I painted a piece to sponge for a buffer and wood trimming for a emery board. The table I bought on e-bay some time last year. It has a working drawer. I used it temporarily until I make a salon nail station.

 The Mi World OPI nail stand, I painted some of the tops to get more variety of colors. This idea was mentioned by Call of the Small in her blog post.

 

 I made hot rocks by hole punching foam board, painting the discarded circles black, then flattened them. Lastly, painted them with clear nail polish to achieve that high glossy look.

 

I  "borrowed" these Spa flyers/price list from Google images. I also did the same for the business cards (I printed them on photo paper for gloss). I made the stands and card holder from scrap wood pieces. I am learning that details make the space.

Summer Shower

The last few weeks has been crazy busy for me.  I just returned from vacation and feel like I need another vacation to recuperate. Time away is always good for the soul, especially when it involves family, friends, food, and fun in the sun.  I have to admit that I was a little anxious to get back to my miniatures, primary the Build A-long project.  The dead line has come and gone. I did complete the exterior; however, the interior is incomplete.  I decided to send my photos in anyway; after all it is my first contest/project/build a-long. I am proud of what I accomplished.  I am not going to post any pictures just yet.  I want to complete the interior.  Now that the Build A-long is over, I will work on finishing the Victoria’s Farmhouse.  Hope everyone is enjoying their summer!  I am having a great summer.  Okay, I am going to share what I have been working on for the interior of the Build A-long. 

 

This was my inspiration (above). I think I 'borrowed" this photo from a Craigslist Ad.

  

 The shower walls  are constructed from  scrap wood and scrap book paper. I used .010 thickness clear styrene plastic sheets for glass doors.

 The floor is made from foam board, mat board, and  scrap book paper. The drain is a metal grommet found around my house.

 I used these items found around my house to make the shower hardware.

This was my inspiration for the hardware ("borrowed" from Google Images).

The handle I made from wood strips and painted metallic silver.

 Isn't it amazing what you can create from a little imagination and scraps?  A year ago I would have bought a shower. It was fun creating and I love how it turned out.

Spa Bed Update

Let me just say that I admire all those who are juggling multiple mini projects. I am just trying to make the deadline on this one.  Every day presents new discovery and challenges but it’s been fun. Here is my latest work on the Spa bed. Since I saved the wooden paint brush handles from used brushes (no since in wasting perfectly good wood), I thought why not try to make neck rolls. I must say they came out much better then I thought they would. Judge for yourself. ***disclaimer*** I'm so sure someone out there has thought of this...if so great minds think alike!! That's the fun part of starting a hobby others have mastered for years...I am waaaay behind. And what seems new to me may be old to some. Either way I'm happy with the outcome.

Smell the Lemons...

“When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.”  That being the case, I can make lemonade, lemon cake, and lemon pie. I recently had a birthday, (Yay me!!), started a new workout regimen, and started juicing. I feel great! So yeah, I have been busy.

Anyway, I am overjoyed because I have some new followers. I have been writing this blog thinking that no one would be interested and I was wrong. I would like to think all of you for commenting and supporting my efforts as a new blogger and hobby miniaturist. I am still working on the add followers button.  Google Friend Connect is no longer offered.  At this point I will take all suggestions. Mini Dork of Modern Mini Houses instructions were very helpful, thank you.  Also, I was excited to see my “little” blog mentioned in her recent post. Awesome!! 

I would like to mention that Lyssa of Can't Have It Big? Make Mine Mini! wrote this post and it hit home. I was like…that’s me. I read so many awesome posts and see so much talented work. I am at awe of the natural skill and ability…and the things people are able to create.  I often think to myself…”I ‘m not that good.” Her post reminded me that I am better than I was a year ago when I first started. And a year from now I will be better.  I will keep at it!!!

Now on to the Build-Along project. The exterior is complete with some minor finishing touches. I am working on the interior. Not much to show yet but I will share a couple things I am working on:

 This is the making of a spa bed from a place mat.

 This is a counter for the spa.

 I covered the exterior with contact paper. I don't really like it much. I may change it.

Something Old Made New

While inventorying my furniture trying to figure out what pieces I would use for the Build -a-Along, I came across this Vintage Hello Dolly Armoire/Closet. I bought it the beginning of last year on eBay.  It looked promising on eBay but once I received it, I lost interest. I thought why not give this dull old furniture some life. First I removed all the hardware (gold handles), then sanded off the shinny coat of polish. I kept sanding until I reached the original wood. Once that was done, I hand painted using a sponge brush and 2 coats of Valspar "La Fonda Villa Fountain," paint purchased from Lowes. There's a Pinterest Board dedicated to the color. You will see this color again. (smiling)..... Oh and I added new silver hardware. It gave it a more modern look.  I love it!