Macro-Minis

Although I've done one mini scene in a pocket watch (below) in a large group class at Dallas MayFest in 2002 and I've started to make one of Ladybug's pocket watch scenes (you have noted that I said "started"), nothing compares to the work this gentleman has been doing.

Look here: These are the most incredible pieces. I must admit that the first one (the library) is my favourite.

A bit at a time, my scissors

I finished putting the necklace stand together but still have to add necklaces to it. The bead necklace and earrings are made of the teensiest beads threaded on thread-thin wire. Took about 45 minutes to make them. Very fiddley - but love them. I made the watch and diamond bracelet on wax paper rather than a jewellery tray as I may want to put them on the vanity in the bedroom of my three room roombox rather than put them in the jewellery shop.

Do you think I have enough scissors?

This morning,  Leslie gave me this RL hanging holder with velcro strips on it.

Front

Back

Now it holds all my scissors!

I'll save you the bother - there are 34 pair!

The jewellery workshop

Yesterday, Linda taught a group of us to make jewellery - LOTS of jewellery.

We started off by making jewellery forms and trays from laser cuts by Tina. Trimmed them in gold, then painted them black, then flocked them. This took a good portion of the day but once it was finished, we could be started on the fun stuff - making the jewellery to fill them.

The 2" square piece in the lower right hand corner is laser cut paper jewellery settings from Lisa Engler

I only managed to complete these three pieces yesterday.

Made this necklace set with rubies today.

Finished the bracelet stand this afternoon.

And here are the bracelets...

And here they are in place.

Here are the mostly all punched out laser cut jewellery settings:

Joanne and I are off to see Kinky Boots tonight so that's all until I keep working away on this tomorrow.

WOW! Just like Christmas!

When DS Shirley picked me up yesterday to go to Mom's, she had a box of 'stuff' for me.

This book of Martha Stewart 12" x 12" cardstock. It's all lovely but the gingham sheets are particularly great.

A book of 4 1/2" x 6 1/2" cardstock....mostly too big but the last few sheets would make good kitchen counters.

Now this box is spectacular! It's a bit small ( 7 1/4" x 7 1/4" x 7 1/4" with the lid being 1 3/4" deep) but I think it will make a wonderful breakaway Christmas roombox. I may have to make all the furniture in 1:16 scale. Or maybe see if I can find enough smaller furniture in my stash. Won't have to do it until late November so I have time to think on it.

Five rolls of 4" wide shiny plastic.

A heart-shaped paper punch.

About 1/8 teaspoon of Swarovski crystals. Although Linda is supply us with some real gemstones on Saturday, I may be able some of the really small crystals then.

Actual size is about 1 square inch.

 These are real aquamarines that Shirley also gave me. A bit big for 1:12 scale but I'll see what happens.

This bag that turns into a lovely tote.

There were also 5 rolls of clear tape and a box of bubble wrap.

What fun! I have the best sisters!

New project, another new possibility

This coming Saturday, I'm taking a M.E.E. workshop given by Linda Austin. I am SO excited!

We will be learning to make 1:12 scale jewellery.

Photo supplied by Linda Austin

I've had this storefront (think it's Reutter) for years. Until now, it has been filled with special minis.

Sorry. This is the best picture I could get with the glass in.

Top row: ginger jar (unsigned), vase (think it's by Porcelain Fantasies)
Second row: cranberry glass (?), silver candlesticks and egg cups by John Meacham
Third row: Reutter vase, silver ladle (by me at a John Meacham class; covered divided silver-plate dish; silver knife (another John Meacham class); silver goblet by Greg Matusovsky; peacock with tail down
Fourth row: Bouquet of roses; Tudor (?) woman; spun glassbird bath with two birds; Toby jug turned vase by Tom Saunders

Needlework by Luba Barnes
Red vases (unsigned but sure they're Janice Crawley's work. Middle piece is unsigned.

I think this (now empty) storefront will be perfect to display much of the jewellery from Saturday's class. If I really concentrate on Saturday, I should be able to fill it and actually complete something!

Removed all by Luba's needlework.

 Seven years ago, I bought the Cerveny store roombox from Alex at Miniland.  It has just been sitting here waiting for me to decide what to do with it and I think I have it!

Since this is an eclectic collection of really nice pieces, I think maybe I need to make a shop to include them.

I got this shelving and the counters from a club estate sale. Beautifully made.

Here are some of the pieces I would put in the shop:

Unsigned but beautifully made.

Signed BK87 

Sterling Hall Fine Miniatures. Books are by Barbara Brear.

Think I would maybe have to only put in the night stand and bureau from the bedroom set with just a picture of the bed.

Will have to put a lot of thought into this.

For now, all I can do it concentrate on the jewellery and the store front.

The aftermath

I've got quite a bit of cleaning up to do now so I can start on my next project. Lots of unused kitchen stuff to be rebagged and hung on my kitchen boards. For someone who hasn't much interest in doing kitchens, I probably have more things for kitchens than anything else. LOL.

I just noticed today that I had forgotten to put the potholder in Ann's kitchen and will no doubt find a few more things for it.

I do, however, have a gratifying number of empty spots on my kitchen boards so did manage to use up some of my stash!

One happy lady!

Today was the day we presented the kitchen roombox to Ann. Not only has she made it possible for Mom to stay in her apartment with her wonderful meals, she is a wonderful person who has enriched all our lives. She was thrilled with it. A few tears were shed - on both sides.

Because it was finished yesterday, I was able to take it to Stitch and Bitch last night to show it off. Then this morning Joanne, Barb and Jean and Orest were able to come up this morning to see it. And as I was leaving the building with it, Bev (who writes our M.E.E. club newsletter) was coming in so she got to see it also.

I forgot to ask Ann if I would be able to borrow it in September to display it at our Show and Sale in September but I'm sure that will be no problem.

It's finished!!!!!!!

Finished the back splash.

 Meat, turkey and pizza in the freezer.

 Apples; peppers, eggplant, corn; broccoli in the crispers

Cabbage and cauliflower

 

Top drawer in counter by the fridge

 condiments and yogurt for the fridge.

Drawer by the stove.

 Corner cabinet.

 First cabinets in place. (Used Lego blocks as a spacer.)

 Final picture of the counters.

Contents of the fridge.

 Serving dishes and copper pots.

 Mixing bowls on the left and pans on the right.

 Everything in place.

 I added three outlets above the lower cabinets and a light switch by the fridge.