This is the second morning in a row where I woke up around 5 am and couldn’t get back to sleep. Once my brain starts whirring with thoughts, it can be almost impossible to shut it down enough to fall asleep again. Ah, well. As I sit here in my blogging chair, snow is falling once again. We’re supposed to get an additional 2 – 4 inches today.
I think I can say with confidence that we’re going to have a White Christmas this year.
Don and I are full of gratefulness today. Our little cottage is cozy and warm. Classical music is playing in the background. The Christmas trees are lit and casting their glow indoors as it starts to get light outdoors. Snow is falling gently. Don is reading his book; he’s currently into Joseph Ellis, who writes about American History in a way that is vivid and real and reads like a novel. He’s a Pulitzer Prize winner. I’m, of course, on the laptop. Scout? She’s decided, for the time being, to park herself on the sofa in the living room.
I love our little cottage any time of the year but at Christmas it is especially lovely.
Drumroll: All wallpapering, measuring, cutting and painting of molding, baseboards, floorboards, and paneling in the dollhouse has come to an end. Yes, I finished the craft/office/studio space.
This is the wallpaper I chose for the room. It’s from Itsy Bitsy Mini (I purchased all the wallpaper in the dollhouse from them) and the pattern is Parisian Floral Wreath. I really love it.
Here’s a view of the whole room. I like the contrast of the planked walls with the wallpaper. I’m pretty happy with the painted floor, which will have a rug or two on it eventually. The walls and floor in this room had some irregularities that were, ahem, a pain in the tush.
I can’t believe that I’ve finally finished the framework of all of the rooms! This house was put together rather haphazardly by its previous owners and much of the challenge has been finding ways to work around the design flaws. There was considerable water damage on the downstairs floors, walls didn’t always meet correctly, there were hinges here and there which drove me nuts and which is why you sometimes see irregularities on the walls. The cupola at the top of the house was in the wrong place, some of the windows were crooked and had to be straightened, shingles needed to be replaced – I’m sure I’m forgetting something. Nonetheless, I love it for its crazy imperfections. It’s like all old houses everywhere, isn’t it?
Now, it’s all in place. I may do something with the tower later on – I’m thinking of making it an attic storage room. But that can wait. Now I have to finish furnishing it, which takes time. I have some ideas for the newest room. And I’m still searching for a toilet and bathtub that I like. And for a refrigerator that looks real. Most of the ones I see look like boxes I might have made in elementary school. That’s not the look I’m going for.
And then there are all the little accessories….and the curtains…and the rugs…and some more lights.
Oh, I’m not done yet.
Today’s Holiday Bokeh shot:
My dad made that train car. He used to have an amazing train set that he built and that ran all the way around our basement. It had little towns and miniature buildings and trees and signs. Wait a minute…I think I’m seeing a pattern here. A father who loves miniatures. A daughter who loves miniatures. Who would have thought?
Happy Tuesday.
Claudia, that wallpaper is perfect, and I have enjoyed seeing you renovate the dollhouse. I was also going to say that imperfections mimic real life challenges, and I like the quirkiness of such flaws. Dad used to call it, “the glory of the imperfect.” I took that to heart in preservation work. So I love it in a doll house. You have done an outstanding job of bringing this one to life. It really is fun!
Love your dad’s train car, too.
xo
Sheila
I love the ‘glory of the imperfect’ – that’s definitely where my taste lies.
I am really enjoying seeing your work on the dollhouse. How nice that your dad handed down a love of miniature things to you!
I never really thought about it until today, Kristie!
:) I was thinking it and you said it: sounds like most old houses! I really like what you have done. I know what you mean about refrigerators. Have you worked with polymer clay? (I haven’t) How about carving up a boxy… Oh, I don’t know. Now, my grandmother still had an old icebox. Guess that wouldn’t fit the era. (Hers was on the porch.)
I thought about trying to find a small wooden box and see what might come out of it – possibly some sanding and painting….we’ll see!
a chippy coin bank 4 inches tall and $45! :o
I also found a beautiful one , but it’s Renwal — too small. (rats!) :)
I’ve seen some from Renwal, too.
Claudia, I love the wallpaper! It is perfect for the room. I am really enjoying your holiday bokeh shots…I can’t wait until I have a better camera. I have enjoyed your posts about decorating for the holidays–I am also following a less is more attitude this year and most of my boxes have stayed in the storage room. The lights on the tree and a few flickering candles are enough. I had to put up the Dickens Village though, that’s a huge tradition in my family! Enjoy the snow–maybe an afternoon of White Christmas and Christmas in Connecticut with a hot cup of cocoa? xxoo, Martha
We used to put up our Dickens Village, Martha. But that was when we had a mantel in San Diego. Unfortunately, we don’t have space for it now! I’m glad you can enjoy yours – I bet it’s beautiful!
Love it, love it, love it..Adorable..When can I move in??
Thanks so much, Missy!
Your little cottage looks like it’s just waiting for a miniature family to move in and take up residence Claudia. It’s lovely to have a project to work on that is so satisfying and shows the result of each hour of work you’ve put into it isn’t it? It is cold here today, the heat is on and I’m still in my pj’s because they are so warm. That’s one of the perks of working at home. Time to get up and get lunch started. Hope you all have a peaceful, happy day!
Stay indoors and keep warm, Janie!
The dollhouse renovations turned out fantabulous and I can’t imagine a nicer way to spend a snowy day. I’m glad for you both and Scout too, that Don is home for Christmas this year.
We’re glad he’s home, Kelly – thanks so much!
Loved the renovations! Just in time for Christmas and maybe the minis will have a very quiet, tasteful New Year’s Eve party.
They might indeed!
Beautiful wallpaper Claudia! Bet it feels awfully good to get the technical stuff done. How interesting that your father loved trains…so did mine…but he never put them all together. That was a shame. Now my son has custody…and some day he hopes to set them all up. I know you are going to have fun searching for all the appropriate furniture. Snuggle in today! ;)
My dad ended up selling all of his trains when my parents moved down to Florida. He knew he wouldn’t have room for them anymore. I always felt sad about that.
Looks beautiful Claudia!!.. Hope you’re enjoying the holiday season!!
I am, Tina. Happy Holidays to you!
Oh Claudia, I Love that room BEST of all, it is exactly what,I have seen in so many older houses that have rooms “Added on” I So So So LOVE everything about that room! -Judy A-
Thanks, Judy!
Love the new dollhouse room. The wallpaper choice is perfect. The snow is still coming down here too and it was like a blizzard when I took my walk.
Snow is coming down heavily at the moment, Dawn!
The imperfections are the charm of these old houses. You’re adding even more charm with your choice of colours and furnishings. The wallpaper is lovely!
By the way, in Chinese medicine (Chinese Organ clock), 5 AM (until 7 AM) is the time related to your large intestines. Waking up at five may indicate you need to give your large intestines some attention ;-)
Thanks, Josje! You are such an amazing miniaturist that I’m thrilled you like what I’m doing.
Claudia I love the wallpaper. I think you are doing an amazing job with your old house…it’s like most of us, we respond to a little TLC so matter our creaks and cracks! Today’s photo is pretty awesome. Tiger loves trains, I think it’s one of his favorite things in the world (and how big is a 2 1/2 yr olds world?) Hugs, Linda
Little boys love trains! And big boys, too.
Hi, Claudia. My grandpa had trains too – a whole huge table in his basement with the same set-up as your Dad. Little villages with shops, churches, houses, evergreen trees, a park and pond, train bridges, I’m sure you’re familiar. As little kids we loved being allowed down to see them and especially see them run. I’m glad to say they went to one of my uncles when Grandpa died so they’re still in the family. Hopefully my uncle will pass them on to his son so they’ll stay in the family. So glad you’re done with the dollhouse renovations. Now for the best part – furnishing & decorating. It’ll be fun to see all the things you choose… Hope you’re feeling better & enjoy the rest of your cozy day in the house. :>)
I wish my dad had been able to pass his trains on – he had to sell them when he moved down to Florida.
I spent some time online yesterday looking for a doll house that I can afford..no luck yet but I will find one..We got 2 more inches of snow here also..very pretty since I don’t have to go anywhere..lol
You’ll find one. We must have a last 4 inches more on the ground and it’s still snowing. We’ll have to shovel a second time.
I am enjoying your doll house renovations immensely. The studio looks just right. What a peaceful and wonderful day you described.
Joy
Well, peaceful with some shoveling thrown in, Joy!
Claudia~Claudia~Claudia STOP!!!! Stop with all this cuteness!!!! Love the wallpaper and all the trims & everything!!!!!!
NO!!! I cannot get into this!!! That little Kitchenaid mixer is just toooooo much!!! It is all coming along nicely for you…keep up the good work!!!
Addie
Don’t forget the family that lives there will need a dog!!!
Thanks, Addie!
LOVE Love love this. SO charming, so inviting. You could be an interior decorator. Your little house reminds me of the new homes they have built at the Goodpseed for performers. Have you seen them?
I’ve heard about them, Karen, but I haven’t seen them. I wish more theaters could do that kind of thing!
Love the craft room in the dollhouse!! You did an awesome job with the wallpaper, floors and walls. What kind of glue do you use for the wallpaper and is scrapbook paper acceptable to use for wallpaper?
Sounds like you, Don and Scout are all enjoying the snowy and cold weather in your warm and cozy home.
Love,
Judy
I use a wallpaper mucilage that I got from miniatures.com, Judy. It works very well. I’ve seen several miniaturists use scrapbook paper as wallpaper, so you could certainly do that. xo
That’s so sweet! I need to get our daughter’s doll house (we made her when she was young) to her so she can remodel/refurnish it. I know she would love that. I always used little prints from old wallpaper books for the wallpaper. It’s a fun project, isn’t it. I love miniatures. AND I love trains – big trains. :-)
My godmother used to have all sorts of wallpaper books when I was a kid and I used them to wallpaper the inside of my Barbie case!
I love your dollhouse. You have inspired me to “remodel” my dollhouse that my grandparents gave me for Christmas almost 40 years ago! Also love the Katy train car, I live right by the Katy trail in Missouri. Your blog is warm and inviting, always fun to read.
Thank you so much, Lisa. I’m glad I’ve provided a bit of inspiration for you.
We have a family history connected to the railroad and Missouri. One of my dad’s uncles rode the rails out to Missouri and eventually settled in Marcelline, where he worked for the railroad for many years. We have cousins who still live there.
It’s coming along so well. I’m envious. My husband gave me a dollhouse kit in 1980 or 81. It was a kit that I really wanted. I finally got the whole thing put together and the outside painted around 1995. I had it sitting in the dining room for years with the inside never finished. Then one of the cats climbed up on top of the house and chewed some of the molding. So, when I moved I put the dollhouse in my bedroom where that particular cat can’t get it. I ordered replacement molding a year or so ago, but it’s still sitting in the box. Please keep inspiring me with your posts. I’ll get this house finished yet!
Okay Betty, grab that molding and measure and cut and fix up your dollhouse! That’s an order! xo
Well done papa! It’s really great, what a wonderful miniature to have.
I really like the contrast of the wallpaper and wooden planking on the walls, makes it a really unique room, and I love that dark grey flooring. I do hope you open up the tower, imperfections and all. BTW I’m going to be printing some aubusson style DH mats soon, if you let me know colour preferences and sizes I’ll see what I can do :)
Keep on keeping cozy!!
I think I will open up the tower, Norma. (I did end up moving it to its correct place when I first started working on the dollhouse.) I think it would be a neat attic room.
Yes, to the aubusson style mats! I’ve been eyeing them on Etsy. Something faded and pastel-y would be great – soft greens or blues or pinks. Or with faded natural colors like tans and browns. I’m not sure of the size – 4 x 6 inches seems about right. This is all stuff I need to learn how to do, but our printer is in pretty sad shape and the colors are off, so I can’t do any of it until we replace it someday. xoxo
I see that your father and mine have something in common: Trains. Even the yellow train wagon looks exactely like one my father built. My father is very fond of the American railways and made buildings and wagons himself copying from American magazines and buying the material at Old Pullman’s. :-)
Oh, the dollhouse is beautiful…Congratulations on getting it finished. Now comes the fun part!
Cheryl