While Don was cleaning out his file drawers up in the studio and dumping stuff in a big trash bag, I was across the room in my half spontaneously working on the bedroom in the English Cottage. I played around with a few things in order to begin dressing the bed. I have two ‘iron’ beds and I’d been using the single bed because this bedroom is so tiny. But, I decided that the double bed would be the better choice. So I switched them out. Then, I put something together that works enough for me.
I’ve since tweaked that dust ruffle so it hangs correctly. The dust ruffle is a handkerchief that was sent to me by Martha, a longtime reader of the blog. It was her dear mother’s. Thank you, Martha. I finally put it to use and I love the way your mom’s hanky graces this house.
The quilt is a patchwork quilt sent to me by Barbara. When I turned it over, I discovered this print which works perfectly in the bedroom. Thank you, Barbara! I have to get pillows and a lamp and some books on the bedside table and I’m not sure if the red chair will stay, but for now, I really like it there.
Can I tell you how much I would like this to be my bedroom?
The rug was in the modern dollhouse, which I packed up for storage. Thankfully, I quickly realized how perfect it is for the bedroom.
Since I moved the red chair (made by Arlette’s miniatures) into the bedroom, I decided to use this chair that had been in the modern dollhouse in the studio:
The interior so far:
I don’t know about you, and I’m certainly not blowing my own horn, but this is a place I would find utterly charming and want to move into immediately. Preferably, somewhere in the Cotswolds.
I’m really happy about finally getting my miniature mojo back. I’ve accomplished quite a bit this week. Still more to go, but my dump-dollhouse is becoming a swan.
From the archives:
Maeve and Pippa on the piano.
Oh, as for yesterday…we did get out, just to drive to a neighboring town to buy groceries (we were out of practically everything.) I wanted to stop at an antique store there, and we did. It was the mustiest smelling place I’ve ever been in and the “antiques” were not antiques but junk. Ah well. At least we have a full larder and we took a nice drive.
Stay safe,
Happy Saturday.
Yup you are right your hobbies look like fun but expensive.
Any hobby is. Knitting is expensive, crocheting is expensive, quilting is expensive, any kind of collecting is expensive.
Collecting seashells? Rocks? Free. And I have collections of them, as well.
Stay safe.
hej. :)
your dollhouse choices are beautiful and i could easily live in a life-size version, too (while wearing life-size versions of the girls’ clothes) … very, very charming! i especially like the red dots in the wallpaper echoed on the bedspread.
been enjoying all your posts, but haven’t been commenting for a bit … sorry. glad you had no loss of power in that ice storm, were able to finally get out for food and other supplies, work on puzzles, read and mail the egg cups to country living … so happy about that for you! hope your back feels and stays better.
lots going on here. feel like i’m at a major crossroads. also depressed and haven’t had much time or words. no different today, except to have a bit more time and energy. briefly … things still to deal with from my last job that have meant conversations with lawyers, etc. new job is mostly okay, but for being on my feet all day, i have horrid pain that doesn’t go away. it affects my sleep, how i walk (even in my little place) and how much i get done at home. other factors, too (wanting to be able to spend more time with my family, turning 64 next month, no full-time jobs with benefits …) so i’m seriously thinking about retiring. lots for me to think and pray about.
hope you all are well, safe and will have a great weekend.
kathy
Oh, Kathy. I wondered how being on your feet all day would feel. I know I couldn’t do it. My back and knees would be very sore.
Do you think there might be some kind of settlement because of being dismissed from your job?
Much love to you.
Stay safe.
that’s what the board wants (and it would be about harassment i experienced as well as their anger at my being discharged). i could use that, wouldn’t turn it down, but mostly just want them to make the decision (that’s in their authority to make so no lawyers are needed about that ). just want it done and i won’t feel tied to a very hard thing.
being on my feet all day at the new job makes my back ache a bit (been fifteen months since those four vertebrae broke), but mostly it is my ankles and feet. have broken many toes and bones in my feet over the years (accidents … stubbed toes getting up at night, etc., running, osteoporosis) and badly fractured one ankle when dragged by a horse the first time i went riding, in seventh grade, but the requirements of this job make both ankles especially hurt to the point of me hobbling, having difficulty falling asleep and waking up in pain …. haven’t found another full-time job here (needed for income and insurance). am looking at that as an option, but with other things to consider, i really want to retire. will look at current options, calculate stuff and definitely pray about it.
thanks and love to you, claudia. hope your back and knees don’t give you any troubles. happy, safe saturday!
kathy
If you got a settlement, that, along with social security, etc. might enable you to push the button on ‘retire.’
And you deserve it for what you were put through in the work environment.
xoxo
Oh, kathy, I am so sorry. I was going to suggest you look into starting SS and maybe find something PT (you can make some $$ while on SS without it affecting your benes). It is always the insurance that is the issue. Have you done any investigating into the ACA? Maybe finding out about that and what your SS might be could give you some peace. In a year you would be able to get Medicare. I hope things fall your way and a settlement would surely help.
Thinking of you.
thanks, chris.
i am on an aca plan now. there’s no way i could pay $1500 a month for cobra health insurance through my previous job. that is just a crazy amount!
everyone goes through this insurance stuff so i wish our elected representatives would fix these problems!
how are you? stay warm, be well!
kathy
kathy, after working in health insurance for over 20 years, I know and feel your pain. Whenever/ whoever decided to link the people of our country to health insurance based upon the job they have, at a certain moment in time, was pretty much out of their minds. It is beyond insane that the health insurance for you and your family is based upon which employer you have. I have sat in on those employer/ health ins company negotiations many many times, and it is nuts. We have had Medicare in this country for a lot of years, and it obviously works. Of course everyone can find the one incident they heard of from their sister’s best friend’s cousin’s brother aunt ~ 12 years ago….but, seriously!!!! Medicare works. Why is that NOT being rolled out? As always it is money. Obviously private insurance pays the docs, the facilities, the ancillary providers, etc. more than Medicare does (as well as what the insurance companies make), as you can tell by what ACA costs vs what COBRA would cost you.
I hope you keep us posted on your progress. You aren’t alone! ♡
thanks, claudia.
a settlement would be helpful and appreciated. also appropriate. the situation is moving slowly, adds lots of stress. come what may, i just want it done.
hope you are having a nice start to your day!
kathy
xoxo
Kathy so sorry to hear about your trials.
Maybe you could retire and see if you could financially ,if you live frugally make it.
Sometimes life seems so unfair.
I know you are a believers so trust God sees all
thanks, linda.
i am not sure what will happen, but am grateful to have God’s help and my family, their love and support. and others, like you all here, cheering me on. much appreciated!
hope you are well and safe.
kathy
Oh Kathy, I am sorry to hear all you are dealing with these days. I am truly hoping everything works out for you as you want and need it to work. Working on hard floors is very difficult, and I can only imagine your pain. Keeping you in my thoughts! ;)
thanks, donnamae.
there are times i can stand on two thick rubber mats … helpful,
but not enough. i can only imagine how it must be and pray for people who’ve done such stand-up jobs for years. :(
appreciate your support.
how are you? hope all’s well and you are safe.
kathy
… kathy, I’ve noticed you weren’t commenting, but I go thru similar periods of such (and Claudia understands!); just wanted to say, ‘thinking of you’ because it sounds like you have so much on your mind and I’m sorry being on your feet at the job is causing you physical pain which must also have something to do with all that trouble of your back, so I do wish you comfort and healing in all ways as you journey forth and come to some new decisions …
I jumped right on your first comment, kathy, and hadn’t read the rest of yours and everybody else’s, when you explained about the other probs with your feet. When you are at the register at work, can you stand on something padded? Some kind of mat? So that you have some cushioning? I knew of someone at a standing work station (computers) who had to figure that out, too, because the feet were taking a beating.
My husband has only been fully retired for a couple of years, but he has now taken on a permanent part-time job as a retiree. We need the money. It pays for groceries. At the moment, he’s only working two mornings per week; it’s quite do-able and he can flex the schedule; he’s a few years older than you are, with his own health problems as well.
I’m not well versed on this sort of thing (at the time we went on Medicare, my husband and I actually went to a broker to try to break it down and figure it out for ourselves; we needed some professional guidance; she didn’t charge a fee), but if you don’t own your apartment, would you qualify for Medicaid? Just worried for you about the health insurance part of things. I’m sure you’re reading up on stuff like the Affordable Care Act. Oh, but I guess Chris K already mentioned that; maybe you could even get private health insurance for that one year gap, like affordable because maybe you opt for higher deductibles in order to get the coverage.
thanks, vicki.
glad if your husband’s schedule works well for you all.
am now on an aca plan and it seems okay. and i would expect to stay on it until sign up for medicare. will definitely be talking to an agent about that so thanks for the tip (glad that person helped you for free).
i do not qualify and hope to always avoid medicaid with all its requirements and limitations.
big decisions … ugh.
how are you? hope you stay safe, well and have peace.
kathy
So many decorators, stylists and everyday regular folk are always suggesting we “shop” our homes to see what we have stored away, what might work better in another room, use something in another way etc. and here you are “shopping” your other doll houses. Exchanging this piece or moving that one-what fun!
You mention the fact that hobbies can be expensive. My oldest brother used to always say “boredom is cheap, fun costs money”.
I’m not like a lot of miniature enthusiasts who have a huge stash of furniture and accessories, simply because it’s expensive and takes up space. But being able to pull that chair for the studio, and the rug for the bedroom, and use a quilt I had on hand is very gratifying.
Thank you Chris.
Stay safe.
Your girls are consistently adorable, your puzzles are awesome, and English/Dove Cottage is looking amazing. May I come sleep on the floor in the art studio? It’s calling to me!
:)
Stay well.
You may! Any time, Naomi.
Thank you.
Stay safe.
Dear Claudia, greetings from a cold wintry Michigan morning! I was sitting here watching big clumps of snow falling and dancing in the wind when that red chair caught my eye! It’s perfect in that room, an excellent punctuation mark! I’m mostly attracted to the color blue but that bedroom with the green and red accents is making my heart happy! I also enjoy your little girls so much! Stay warm and keep creating! A big hug!
Thanks so much, Marlene! I love that bedroom, too. Don said he’d like to live in that room.
Stay safe!
Your cottage is simply lovely. Have a great Saturday, Claudia!
Thank you, April!
Stay safe.
Yes, I really enjoyed looking at your ‘interiors’ today, Claudia. It’s another doll house masterpiece from you!
Thank you, Vicki.
Stay safe.
dear Claudia — luv, luv this house — who wouldn’t like to live here — glad you/Don had a successful ‘excursion’ — my only trip is for groceries, post office BUT makes me feel better, ha! our temps are on a rollercoaster, 20s, 30s then 50s — so ready for spring to be here. hope you all stay safe/healthy
Our temps are the same – up and down, up and down. We have spring fever, that’s for sure!
Thanks, Linda.
Stay safe.
I’m amazed at the detail on those tiny furnishings, and the wallpapers are gorgeous. It looks splendid!
Thank you, Lynda.
Stay safe!
Yes…if that dollhouse were normal size, for humans that is, and in the Cotswold’s….count me in! How fun, that you can mix and match furniture from one house to another….and it all works. And, I love all the colors you are using….especially that green.
Glad you enjoyed your outing yesterday. Maybe not the musty antique store too much…but I’m sure it was great just to get out. Enjoy your day!
It was great just to take a drive.
Back to the cold weather tomorrow!
Stay safe, Donnamae.
Claudia…..wish you and I had met as little girls. I loved playing with my doll house and dolls. It was a form of escapism for me. I could control my little kingdom but my family life was chaotic. I always gravitated towards the cozy , cabbage rose print wall paper and four poster bed but now live with Danish modern and mid century modern (inherited from my mom). I have three grand daughters who no longer play with the salt box style house I gifted them. It sits in the corner of the basement stuffed with Barbies and dog toys. I want it back! Keep posting. Love the photos.
Maybe they’d be happy to give it back to you, Maria. Why not? If they knew it would make you happy, I bet they’d do it.
I heartily recommend fixing up a dollhouse!
Stay safe.
I’d love to be in the studio, painting in front of that lovely big window!
So would I, Denise!
Stay safe.
The minute I saw the cottage put together I thought of the Cotswolds!!!! The colors together in the bedroom are perfect! So very pretty, and I, too, could definitely live there. You could generate some great revenue as a rental!
Well, glad you at least had a nice drive yesterday. Getting groceries can even be fun. Sounds like a nice start of your weekend with you both being productive in the office! Glad you were able to enjoy some nice days. It is cold again here, but supposed to be 50* by Wed. Take care.
Too bad I can’t rent it to ‘little people!’
It’s cold here today (and we got some snow) and will be tomorrow. Then it warms up again.
Stay safe, Chris.
I am completely enchanted. And yes, it’s in the Cotswolds, I’m sure. The bedroom is just perfect. I could see either the chair you chose or the living room chair there, but I don’t think I’d see the red one in the living room, so that’s a perfect spot. The studio looks great, too, and I love seeing your paintings on the easel and stacked in there! That wicker table– a gem! I want the same in “big size!” You’re right– it just needs a lamp and some books and it’s done, or at least, as done as you want it to be till you do something different!
The chair in the living room is way too big for the bedroom, so, even if I wanted it there, it wouldn’t work.
Thanks so much, Jeanie!
Stay safe.
Dear Claudia – thank you so much for using my Mom’s handkerchief! I remember that very one peeking out of her purse while we were lined up in the church pew – sometimes she would take it out and make a little dolly in a cradle out of it, if we were starting to squirm a bit. My mother was never, ever, without a lovely handkerchief – a true lady, and one who would have loved to come for tea with you and the girls in the Cotswolds! She would have been especially thrilled with the tea kettle singing on the Aga stove. I have no doubt you and I would have been best friends if we’d grown up together – our imaginations keep us going and bring us so much comfort! And yes, hobbies may be expensive, but if I choose to select books and cross stitch patterns that bring me comfort and joy, I consider it money well spent! Cheers from chilly Wisconsin, Martha
I’m so glad you saw the photo and know that I was honored to use it, Martha. Thank you. And thank you for sharing how your mom carried it in her purse – making a dolly in a cradle is just so charming. It’s even more precious to me now.
You’re so right, Martha. It IS money well spent.
Much love,
Claudia