During the drive home on Friday, the sky treated us to an always changing, amazingly dramatic array of colors and clouds and vivid blue skies. It was late afternoon, that time before sunset, when nature sometimes puts on a dramatic show. Honestly, we kept gasping as we drove west in the Interstate – it was better than any movie, always surprising, always shifting.
I was driving and Don kept taking pictures with his iPhone.
Here’s how it looked when we got home (from my camera):
I admit it. I am now fully into dollhouse mania. The only somewhat major thing I have to do is figure out the rooftop garden. Beyond that, it will be all about adding little touches throughout the rooms. I like adding accessories, but I don’t think I will be the kind of dollhouse decorator where every room is chock full of little things, as tempting as that may be. Maybe I’ll rotate things in and out of the rooms. I like creative clutter, as you know, but not clutter-clutter. And detail is wonderful, but the eye does need someplace to rest. But who knows? I may keep adding and adding.
Anyway, my friends, here are a few more photos of recent additions to the dollhouse; Hummingbird Cottage, if you, like me, sometimes forget that it has a name.
These are the fabric bolts that I bought in Chautauqua at Chautauqua Miniatures.
One of the plates from Barbara (it’s normally in the kitchen, but I propped it up here so you could see the pattern.)
I purchased the pot of flowers from Chautauqua Miniatures.
I’m calling this a trug. It’s from Barbara.
The box of biscuits was made by Norma. The owner likes to sip her coffee and snack on some chocolate biscuits. Her name is Caroline. Why? It’s my middle name, in honor of my grandmother, Caroline. And it’s also the name of my great-niece.
This pansy painting was one of the items I got in the mini swap. It’s very sweet.
There’s the other tin from Barbara, right next to the mixer.
At the top of the shelf unit is a lovely pottery jug from Barbara. And on the shelf is a little silver tea cup, another item I received in the swap – it was handmade by one of the participants. Amazing. (I have to straighten that tea towel!)
I added some links to the Dollhouse section up there on the navigation bar. They link to some dollhouse posts that give some helpful information to those of you who are interested in decorating and finding your very own dollhouse. Sue, your request is what got me thinking about adding the links, so thank you!
And I also started to write down – room by room – where I got each piece in the dollhouse. Some pieces have been purchased, some I’ve found and rehabbed, and many have been gifts. I want to do a post soon with pictures of each room and all the information as to each piece listed below. Then I’ll list sources and links.
Am I soon going to be done with the dollhouse? Doesn’t seem possible, but it just might happen.
Nah.
Tomorrow, a book review for a great new mystery. I really loved it. (I’ll be giving away a copy of the book.)
Happy Sunday.
Hummingbird Cottage is a place I would love to live!!
hugs,
Linda
That makes two of us, Linda!
I am glad to know the owner of the doll house has a name. And it’s exactly the name I thought you should use, your middle name! Made me chuckle to know we had the same idea! Caroline’s Hummingbird Cottage…perfect!
Thanks, Barbara. Sometimes, those nearest and dearest to her use the nickname, Carrie.
I love the name…Hummingbird Cottage…seems so fitting! I doubt if you could ever be finished…after all, I’m sure, Caroline might have something to say about it. If she’s like the rest of us…she’s rearranging things all the time! Enjoy your day! ;)
I think you’re right, Donnamae. Caroline will want to change things up occasionally.
This is the second day of snow and cold for us. I hope the sanding trucks are out soon! We are planning to walk to the cenotaph next Tuesday to pay our respects and the roads are terribly icy at present.
I hope that you have time to photograph the progress of the rooftop garden – I am so interested to see what you have planned. I like your idea of documenting your miniatures – I should have mentioned that the little plates are by miniaturist Janice Crawley, IGMA whom I had the pleasure of meeting this summer. There are so many talented artisans and so many lovely miniatures to choose from, but I find my real life mantra “edit ruthlessly” applies to my dollhouse as well. That said, I seem to have been amassing a number of Christmas miniatures – perhaps little houses like to dress up for the holidays too.
Oh, thank you for identifying the maker of the plates, Barbara.They are so lovely. I am continually amazed by the work of these talented miniaturists.
Yes, edit, I say. I think I will have some sort of box or tub to hold all the ‘extras’ and I’ll rotate them in and out.
That’s a good idea. I keep my Christmas miniatures stored in a separate container as one does in real life with Christmas ornaments. Have you ever seen pictures of Queen Mary’s dollhouse? I was toying with the idea of a conservatory adjoining my dollhouse, but now I’m thinking of turning the top drawer of the dollhouse stand into a “pull-out” garden. (On a much more modest scale of course!)
I thought of adding a conservatory, but I really don’t have room for one.
I like that completion is coming to an end and now you get to dink around with the pretties ! Although I must say- getting the inside put together ; wallpapering and painting and floors is ALL part of the fun too! I’ll enjoy seeing the roof top garden at Hummingbird Cottage probably as much as I enjoy glimpses of the Funky Patio and the fence on Scouts run!
Have a blessed Sunday.
I’m thinking about the whole rooftop garden and what I want to do with it, Pat.
I DID forget the dollhouse had a name [I think every home should have a name]. And look, you have a teeny “To Kill a Mockingbird” on your coffee table too. Too perfect, Claudia. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday…
Thank you, Janet.
A funny to share with you…I decided my dollhouse needed a unique chandelier, so set about positioning the thinking cap on slightly askew. I came to the conclusion a 3 prong fish hook would do the trick, went to the sporting goods store and looked for a hook in the size I wanted. Two fellows working the fishing counter that day were curious of my intent. Told them I might go alligator snagging first, then make a chandelier for my dollhouse :-) They shook their heads at each other. My daughter took over the challenge and fashioned an awesome chandy using bits and bobs found around in my junk drawer. She took white erasers off the tops of some old pencils and made candles! Unique? U betcha :-)
Good for you and your daughter!
I love that you gave the house, and the lady of the house, a name. Such fun! What else does Caroline like? You should write a little book about her to go with the house.
Thanks for thinking of me! I almost had my hands on one Friday, then the owner backed out. I’ll keep looking. It was listed on Kijiji for $40.00.
Oh, darn! That would have been a good deal!
This is fantastic Claudia. I never thought to name my little doll house but I think I will now. Mine is so far from completion it isn’t even funny, that, and, my little granddaughters (4 and 2) love playing with it so possibly it never will be “done” LOL. But Chloe just posted a post on my FB showcasing 41 of the most beautiful doll’s houses. Here’s the link: http://www.buzzfeed.com/morganshanahan/dollhouses-that-will-make-you-want-to-be-a-tiny-doll I thought you might like to see. :D
Thank you, Veronica. I’ll go check it out.
Have to get busy on mine..it will be much easier now that cold weather is here..I love all the new things you have added..
Yes, I never do much, if anything, on it when it’s spring or summer.
Me (Sue) ?
I have to admit. I got some dollhouse stuff (cheap prefab) to see if my interest lasted. Then I start to think…. it will never look as cozy and amazing as Claudia’s dollhouse. And I get defeated but you know, that’s dumb cause if I don’t try I will never know :) And you set the bar high so its something to aim for :) Thank you for getting back to the dollhouse posts. I just love them and the pictures are great. As I always say…. I want to live there!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, Im inspired…. im going to get my stuff out tonight and start assembling.
Thanks Claudia Cant wait for the links to information.
No, another Sue.
But, back to you….don’t be defeated! Do it in your own style, my friend. And have fun, that’s the best part of the whole thing, the playing. It’s like playing house when you were a kid. So go for it!
Very pretty. Isn’t the pansy painting upside down?
Gosh, you’re right! I’ll fix that right now!
Hummingbird Cottage reminds me of MBHC so much.
It is a fun journey watching you “nest” with both!
Claudia, Hummingbird Cottage deserves to be included on the list that Veronica posted (above)! It is positively enchanting.
I think keeping a list of where everything came from is a wonderful idea. Every time I see this little dollhouse, I fall more in love with it.
Hugs,
Lin