Some weeding happened yesterday. Actually, a lot of weeding happened yesterday.
By the time mid-afternoon rolled around, my back was complaining loudly, so I headed back indoors with two packages that came in the mail. One was big (more on that later) and one was on the small side. Both had to do with miniatures.
Am I intriguing you?
Apparently, Caroline upgraded her laptop. This looks like a 15 inch MacBook Pro.
I have a 13 inch. Seems unfair.
Actually, if you remember, I made a laptop for the studio/office and it was okay for a while. But the scale was off and I knew it and I resolved to replace it eventually.
I need to fix that keyboard decal. It’s not quite flat. Later today.
Also, the white wrought iron fencing arrived.
I carefully removed the black wrought iron and added the white. I like it. But then I sat here and looked at the edge on the right – next to the tower – and realized I was going to have to add another piece or it would drive me nuts.
That little piece closes the gap between the fence and the tower. Much better. Now I can relax.
Some more views:
It looks crisp and clean. I loved the black wrought iron and miss it, but it clearly didn’t work once I added the hedges. (I saved it, in case I want to use it again.)
And some plants were hung. I ordered two brass plant hangers from miniatures.com (all of these new additions are from that site.)
A closer look at the plant hanger:
You’re looking good, rooftop garden!
I wonder what the view is like from the neighbor’s roof?
A tantalizing peek into Caroline’s rooftop life.
Just like in Rear Window, one of my favorite movies.
The other package was much bigger and heavier.
This is the kit for the HBS (Hobby Builder’s Supply/Miniatures.com) Creatin’ Contest 2015. I’m not really interested in entering the contest, especially since I purchased this late in the game. But I was intrigued by the design and kept going back to the site to look at it.
Source: Miniatures.com
Isn’t this cool? It reminds me of a Tiny House or a backyard studio. It’s relatively small, which means that this would be a good first build for me. Originally, I was contemplating making it a Tiny House, but then one day I remembered that Don has said, more than a few times, that he’d like his own little miniature house – from a guy’s point of view. Hmmm.
So, I’m going to build and design a space that we can’t afford to build in real life, but so wish we could. This will be Don’s retreat and it will include everything he’d like: a small recording studio, a place for all his guitars, a sofa and chair, music stands, records, turntable, posters on the wall. Maybe a mini refrigerator?
But it will be tasteful. Because I’m decorating it. It will also be fun.
I’m so excited! My goal is to finish it in time for Christmas.
He’s knows I have a top secret project, simply because I had to alert him. I’m going to have to cover it up when I’m not working and will be constantly saying things like “Don’t look!” if he walks by when I am working. There are very few places to hide away in Mockingbird Hill Cottage. I’m thinking I’m going to take the sewing machine out of the sewing table (in my crafty studio area) and use the table as my construction site. I haven’t sewn in quite a while, have no desire to do so, and I’m far more interested and passionate about miniatures/dollhouses right now.
First, I have to put it together. Then I have to figure out how I want to finish the outside. I have some ideas percolating.
I’m very excited about this new challenge!
Happy Thursday.
Love the additions to the rooftop garden, especially the white wrought iron fence and the hangers. It really is all in the details, isn’t it?
The kit is the focus of a contest build for a number of miniaturists at the moment. If you want to see two amazing works in progress, Brae of Otterine Miniatures and Nancy of Nancy Enge Design are currently blogging about their builds and offer all sorts of helpful how-tos.
What fun! I think it will be a lovely surprise for Don.
I’ve been watching Brae’s work – which is always incredibly detailed and amazing. I don’t know of Nancy’s work, so I’ll go check it out. Thanks, Barbara!
Don will be so surprised! Please do show us the progress on his cottage. When I saw the roof top garden of the house this morning, I had an instant thought of a children’s book. The Gardener by Sarah Steward is a wonderful book. Lydia Grace Finch is sent to live with her uncle and ends up showing him what a little love can do. If your library has it, check it out. The illustrator is David Small. This book is what I call enchanting. While you are at the library, also look and see if they have The Library, also by Sarah Stewart. If you see the cover of this book, you will see that the main character resembles Sarah Stewart. I sent a link for you to an interview of Sarah and David. By the way, the are married.g
Hugs to Don and you and a gentle hug for the Dame,
http://www.readingrockets.org/books/interviews/stewartsmall
I’ll check it out, Debbie. Thank you!
That is a great idea for a gift! Something special for Don and also a project that will give you pleasure as well. I don’t really share the interest in dollhouses, but I can appreciate the work and creativity that goes into them.
It will be a real pleasure to create something for him.
Hi Claudia,
It’s been quite a while since I’ve commented, but I still read all posts if I can’t read every day. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the idea of you building a studio for Don. He needs an alter-ego name too! After that, maybe “we” can think of a little doggie chateau and corrale for Dame Scout!! It can include lots of little woodland critters to play with her!!!
Oh, Scoutie would love that, Patricia! And I sure hope Don loves his mini studio!
What a fabulous gift idea for Don! Love it and can’t wait to see your progress. “You will have so much fun, I am sure. That tiny laptop for Caroline has got to be the cutest thing! And, I love the shot of Caroline’s rooftop from the “neighbor’s” roof. Fun, fun, fun!
Thank you, Vera! Love the laptop. I’m really excited about starting in on Don’s mini!
What a fun new project I’m envisioning little tiny Playbills for shows that Don has been in.
Also, please tell Don that I absolutely loved watching him in Mr. Robot last night! I’m hooked and watch the episodes when they air and then normally again over the weekend. I want to make sure I catch every second thought I must admit that Martin Wallström’s character gives me the chills.
Bravo Don!
Thanks, Kim! We haven’t seen it yet! We were too tired last night and it’s always hard for Don to see himself on television – we figured watching it late at night might be too unsettling. But we’ll watch it this weekend, for sure.
I agree – Martin Wallstrom’s character is incredibly creepy. Watching it twice is a great idea – there’s so much that happens and it’s easy to miss something.
We had to go to the Genius Bar at Apple last nite to try to revive my daughter’s MacBook…it’s 7 years old and I fear it’s ready to be replaced :( .
I hope Caroline has hers for a long time!
Love the idea of a studio for Don. I love Kim’s idea of Playbills. Also, maybe a mini movie poster or two?
Don has my old MacBook – around the same vintage as your daughter’s – it’s definitely in need of help!
The white fence looks so much better then the black and the rooftop garden is just about perfect! I love your new project for Don. It will be fun to watch you do this one! I think Caroline is pretty lucky!
hugs,
Linda
I do, too! I’m excited about my Don Project. It will be fun!
Everything is so perfect. Love those chippy garden chairs. Weeding = no fun. Miniatures = tons of fun. Jo @ Let’s Face the Music
Miniatures are definitely fun, Jo!
What a great idea making a mini studio for Don! This’ll be so much fun. I think I’m secretly living vicariously through your dollhouse adventures! I’ve been wondering when I’d get when I’d see Don in Mr. Robot…I was expecting him last week. Glad I dvr’d the show…I’m so intrigued by the story line. Enjoy your day! ;)
We always knew it would be the fifth episode, which was last night. He filmed two more episodes, but the second one had a lot of scenes end up on the cutting room floor, including his. Disappointing, but it happens ALL the time. Hopefully, his scenes will stay in the third one he filmed,
I would like so much to sit with Caroline in her rooftop garden and sip some pink lemonade. Every time I think, “It’s done. She can’t improve it anymore, “. You go and add something just perfect Claudia. I’ll be watching Don’s studio take shape and I know that it will fascinate me just as much. How I wish I had the money to decorate my home just like Caroline has.
Blessings,
Betsy
So do I, Betsy…so do I!
So,,,, whenever I am out and about, my favorite things I “spot” are things such as the very tip of the hanging planter on the roof-top ~ when I am on ground level. I may not even be sure of what it is, but immediately I have a story forming in my mind about it. Sometimes it is blocks or miles later when I realize I have missed everything else, but I am deeply immersed in my tale I am creating about that brief glimpse. Always a good thing if I am not driving when this happens!! The fencing and the hedge would give me further “info” about just what might be going on up there as the story spins!! That was the very first thing that struck me in your post today. :-)
Such fun to have a new project to work on when the summer fades and we move indoors again. I imagine Don will be over the moon!! And a coral area for sweet Scout would be fantastic….. such fun!
I do the same thing. I’m a peeper – I love spying things up above, on roofs, hideaways…I’ve always been that way. I concoct an idea of the person behind the curtain, if you know what I mean! That’s why I took that photo!
I’m so excited to see what you do with Don’s studio. What a great surprise for him. Are we allowed to see occasional peaks? We all promise to keep it a secret!
Yes, I’ll keep you posted. Don occasionally catches up on all my posts, but usually he reads them only when I specifically ask him to, so I think I can keep this secret!
Yesterday, I saw a dollhouse listed on E-bay for a large sum of money that was a twin to one I had purchased on Craigslist for a bargain price. I had never seen another dollhouse like mine, so you can imagine my excitement. The only difference was some extra fencing across the roof line. I wondered if it was original to the house or added. I had considered adding some to my house before I saw the listing. Today I see the same fencing on your dollhouse and you even tell me where to get it . Thanks, Claudia. This is not the first time your blog has been so in tuned to my life. I’m looking forward to seeing your next project.
So glad I was able to help, Andrea! I think it’s called Widow’s Walk or something close to that.
I really like the new editions to the rooftop deck. I finally received my copy of American Miniaturist. Your feature is fantastic … but I kept thinking, “they’re going to have to feature Claudia again so the world can see the new rooftop garden!” :)
I’m really excited to see “Don’s miniature space” come together! He’s going to love it!
So glad you got your copy, Debbie – and very happy you liked the feature. xo
Love Caroline’s new laptop…the studio for Don will be such fun to watch as you work on it..I also watched Don last night..he played the perfect loving, supportive Dad…will be watching to see him again..so sorry to hear about the cutting of his second episode but I guess that is part of “show biz” isn’t it…Best new show of the Summer..
I think he’s in the last episode of the season? Not sure, but I think so. Because when they finished shooting, it was a wrap for the season. Cliff hanger, I’m sure!
I really like the show. The writing is smart and they’re pretty daring, aren’t they?
They certainly are…I have been..not shocked..but surprised by some of the scenes they have shown..by the fact that they have been allowed to show them…a person more prudish might not like this show..lol..
I’ve been a wee bit shocked. But just a wee bit. I agree – it’s not everyone’s cup of tea!
I like the white wrought iron fencing too – looks perfect up on that rooftop. And Caroline was smart to get the 15-inch Mac. I have the 13-inch too, but ever since it arrived, I’ve been chiding myself on not popping for an extra $200 for the 15-inch. I watch a lot of movies, TV etc online and the extra size would have been worth it, I think. But at the time I was experiencing Apple sticker shock and trying to keep my costs down. Oh well – live and learn. PS – hope you have fun working on your “Don” project. Can Scoutie be trusted with the secret? Or will Daddy’s girl accidentally let it slip at some point? LOL. Enjoy this flawless Summer afternoon!
I know! I wish I’d bought the 15 inch, too, but Macs aren’t cheap, are they? I’m going to try to keep Scout out of the loop – since I’ll be working on it upstairs (and she doesn’t go up there anymore) we should be okay!
I love your secret project…so thoughtful! I know it will be fun to create and will be a wonderful surprise!
I think – I hope – Don will like it!
Beautiful!
I love the rooftop garden…it looks great. The dollhouse looks like such a fun hobby. I have always wanted a doll house since I was a little girl…..hmmm, thinking about it! I’m looking forward to seeing your secret project take shape.
I love the new white fencing, it looks so good against the green hedge. The laptop is a triumph too!! Caroline also has a better laptop than I do! She is a lucky lady. The new project is very exciting, I will look forward to following your progress and seeing how it all comes together! xx
Does Caroline have a story?
This will make for an interesting little project Claudia- one I know Don will cherishe and appreciate. Love the new iron work on the roof top garden.
I’m going to check the other links Barbara recommended.