Glue and glitter covered fingers, but it was worth it.
I’m so glad I decided to glue the ornaments on. I made the tree about 5 years ago and I’ve always tried to decorate it without disturbing the preserved princess pine. So I had to resort to draping bits of trim around the tree and, invariably, the trim would slip and fall and I would get frustrated.
This is so much better!
It’s very sparkly, much more sparkly than these photos indicate. I’m not sure why it doesn’t read that way.
All the ornaments are cut from trim I bought at Michael’s. We’re going there today or tomorrow to drop some pieces off for framing and I’m going to buy one more to tuck away and have as backup.
All day long yesterday, I kept looking up at the dollhouse. Makes me happy.
I hope Caroline appreciates her tree. One never knows.
I love this dollhouse. For most of the year, it’s turned the other way, with the exterior facing us as we sit in the den. So, when I turn it around for Christmas decorating, it’s like discovering it all over again. There are the inevitable things that need to be tweaked; something that’s moved, something that’s fallen needs to be reattached.
But gosh darn it, I’m proud of this beauty. Six years of work, and worth every bit of time and effort.
Caroline is done with her shopping – as opposed to me – and is getting ready to wrap presents.
And is that package for her or is it a present for someone else?
Just a simple bottle brush tree on the living room hearth.
In the meantime, my house needs decorating! It’s just about time.
Happy Thursday.
Carolyn Marie says
Caroline’s home is delightfully engaging!
Claudia says
Thank you, Carolyn!
Debbie Price says
Oh Caroline, what a lovely house you have! Your tree is gorgeous!
Claudia says
I hope she appreciates it, Debbie!
Martha Scales says
I love the little porcelain dog on Caroline’s entry dresser!! It reminds me of “Gog” and “Magog” from Anne of the Island! I’ve always wanted a similar set to grace my mantel.
Happy Thursday to you and Don.
Cheers,
Martha
Claudia says
It was a gift from a blog reader, Martha!
Linda @ A La Carte says
I’ve said many times I want to live in Carolyn’s house! The tree is so pretty and worth glue and glitter fingers. Her whole home is adorable. Now for your big cottage. I enjoy your tree and vintage ornaments. I keep saying one day I’ll do a little tree with just the old shiny brites but I always fear they are so old and brittle they will just break. I’m almost finished with my gift shopping. I only buy for the Grands and a little something for Mom, Sara and Blake. Enjoy your day!
Claudia says
We haven’t even told each other what we want for Christmas! I have to do some thinking about that.
Barbara W. says
A lot of work, but very much worth it. Your Christmas tree looks lovely! Thank you for the look again at your mini Roseville collection – just wonderful.
Claudia says
Thank you, Barbara!
Maureen Nigro says
Oh Claudia! I just love Caroline’s house. One of the reasons I started following your blog. And I’m so thankful I did. xoxo
Claudia says
Thank you, Maureen!
Monica says
Caroline loves her tree! I love
Caroline’s cottage. All those teeny tiny touches are perfection. She is one lucky girl. :)
Claudia says
She sure is! Thanks, Monica!
Deborah Robinson says
Caroline’s house; the details, the details, the details, I’m enamored by your work! The pottery on the fireplace, the paintings, the Venetian mirror in the entry way-LOVE!
Thank you for sharing.
Deb
Claudia says
Thank you, Deb!
Katheryn says
OMG, you are so talented! You should be so proud. This is certainly a labor of love; it’s amazingly real.
You have quite a lot of artistic talent, as you know. This is the most charming doll house I have seen.
Thank you for sharing it with us. I keep looking at the detail!
Love, Katheryn
Claudia says
Thank you so much, Katheryn.
Chris K in Wisconsin says
I never ever tire of looking at the details of Caroline’s cottage! As I have said before, I have a hard time remembering and realizing that it is a doll house that I am looking upon!! That sweet little white bottle brush tree, and that finger vase (is that what they are called?) look so “real”!! Can you tell us how big they actually are? That is what amazes me. The tree looks wonderful!
Hope you got all the egg cups fastened so you can get the big Christmas goodies out from behind. Oh, what fun!! Have a great Thursday!
Claudia says
All I can say is that the scale is 1:12, which means that 1 inch in miniature equals 12 inches in the real-sized world. That’s the scale for everything in the house.
Wendy T says
Have fun decorating your big cottage, Claudia! Caroline’s cottage is that much more sweet with the gigantic tree in her living room and her preparation for wrapping gifts! Have you decided how to decorate Don’s music studio?
I finished one of my homecrafted gifts yesterday and have been carrying it around with me, I love it so much! It will be difficult to give to my friend but since I know she’ll love it, ill part with it and maybe stitch one for myself too. I’ll continue with making gifts today. It will be a busy next two weeks, seeing friends, and then family around Christmas, so I’d better make use of my at-home time. It’s been chilly (for my part of the world) and I just want to read, but I’m forcing myself not to procrastinate.
Claudia says
Probably won’t decorate the studio.
Thanks, Wendy!
April Baldwin says
Hi Claudia, Does Caroline Need a roommate? xo
Claudia says
Ha! Thanks April!
jeanie says
I am totally enchanted, Claudia. Yes, much tidier when the ornaments aren’t on the floor (even though I do relate to that!). This is like that sweet magic spot where I just want to stay awhile!
Claudia says
Thank you, Jeanie!
Donnamae says
Caroline’s tree is great…a lot of work I know…but worth it in the end. Her whole cottage is so lifelike. I showed the pics to my hubby…and he was just amazed. Really curious as to the size of things. Like those McCoy vases in the cupboard.
I’m all ready…tonight my son will be here…only for a few days, then he’ll be back next weekend. Now, with the cottage done, will you be able to start on your own cottage? ;)
Claudia says
Scale is 1:12 – 1 inch in miniature equalling 12 inches in real life.
Have fun with your son, Donnamae!
Marilyn says
Caroline has a beautiful home.
Marilyn
Claudia says
Thank you, Marilyn!
liz says
I am so in love with your dollhouse – absolutely charming.
Claudia says
Thank you, Liz!
nancybluemoon says
It all looks so pretty Claudia…I hope Caroline appreciates all that you do for her!
Claudia says
I’m not sure she does! Thanks, Nancy!
Kay says
It’s truly magical. You have every right to be proud of it.
Claudia says
Thank you, Kay!
grace says
Caroline is very fortunate in her decorator!!!!
Claudia says
She is!