Good morning! This is the wind-up post for the TSP. Picture heavy, for sure, and along the way I’ll give information as to the source of each piece and, if necessary, the story behind it.
Here’s where I started in July 2015.
This was my first foray into building a dollhouse. Hummingbird Cottage was already built when I got my hands on it, but it wasn’t built very well, so that project was a Rehab. I made mistakes with this one, but I learned a lot, and that will help me on my next project – also a build.
And here it is in its finished state. I will use the word ‘finished’ lightly, because Don has already mentioned adding a thing or two over time. (He’s been bitten by the bug, I fear.)
I was inspired by our very own shed in choosing the color – a deep red. I liked the idea of white trim, making the look of the exterior very crisp. I also went for a board and batten look, so I added each and every one of those narrow strips of wood.
Again, inspired by our own property and the stonework foundation that is on our cottage, I went for the same thing on the TSP.
Whoops! The fireplace is leaning because we had just moved the whole thing over to Don’s desk.
Rather than cut individual sticks for the floor as I did in Hummingbird Cottage, I decided to go for a different look. I knew I wanted the walls white, so that the space had an airy, bright and inspiring look. So I wanted a lighter look to the floor. This flooring is made of wood veneers and it comes in sheets that are 11″ by 17.” I glued it down very carefully and then I placed some heavy books on it overnight to make sure it didn’t buckle or warp. I then buffed it with some wax.
I also cut and mitered (for the first time) the baseboards. (I wish I’d used these in Hummingbird Cottage!)
I made the desks that configure into Mini Don’s recording console. I also made the sound board, the top is a copy of one offered at a music store online, the base is made out of mat board. The computer came from an Etsy seller in Thailand, the keyboard was a gift from Barbara, and the chair came from Elf Miniatures in England.
Portrait of Scout (originally done by Shanna) miniaturized by me, frame made out of matchsticks. I bought the guitar from an Etsy artist, after being given one by that same artist from Barbara. I like it so much, I ordered another one in a slightly different style. Reader Debra suggested the idea of miniaturizing that sketch. Thank you!
The guitar on the stool was a gift from Barbara (from that same Etsy seller.) I made the counter top that fits over the mini fridge. The music stand was a very lucky find on eBay, made for a NAME gathering several years ago. It’s simply beautiful. The rug was a gift from Barbara, as was the vase in the bookshelf, the Pringles can, the box of Pepperidge Farm cookies, the Beatles poster, and the Soho subway sign. The stools and Espresso machine came from HBS/miniatures.com.
The microwave and mini fridge came from Elf Miniatures in England. (If I’ve already indicated the link for a company, I’m going to refrain from writing it a second time – in the interest of getting this published today!)
The albums are gifts from Linda, Barbara, Susi and also from an Etsy Shop called Petals and Brims.
The other side of the room. The Eames Chair (my very first purchase for this project) came from eBay. These mini reproductions are up for auction frequently – you should have no trouble finding one. The stereo and speakers were a gift from Barbara. The fireplace was made by yours truly from a tutorial by Kris at 1″ Minis. (Silly, but I’m so proud of that!) The sofa was made by Gabrielle of InTheTwelfthScale on Etsy (she lives in Australia.) The pillows came from Brae’s (Otterine) Etsy shop. The cup and saucer, acrylic table (a jewelry stand!) side table, vases and Beatles canvas were gifts from Barbara, the guitar came from shop in England, and the Remington Print (made from a stamp) came from MiniMyEye on Etsy. The rug is from Dalesdreams on Etsy.
Logs in fireplace via twigs found on our property.
Dog dishes from Michael’s – you don’t need a link for Michael’s, do you?
I used my dad’s oil painting as a backdrop in some photos – that was fun.
If you’ve seen the video, you know that all things Beatles were a big, big hit!
See? There’s my dad’s painting as the view ‘outside.’
The Loll versions of adirondack chairs were a kit from feYerwerks on Etsy. I really fell in love with them. One is a rocker, one is a chair. The potted boxwoods came from Brae’s Etsy shop.
The sign was made my yours truly, the hanger for the sign is the top of a quilting pin. Paint color for the porch/deck is Ash by Folk Art. Clear coat is Delta Ceramcoat Varnish. The welcome mat came from the trays inside the refrigerator that was in that Loft house I got from Target.
I hope this covers everything. Rest assured, I will most likely be editing this post throughout the day!
A big thank you to all of you, dear readers. You were there cheering me on throughout the whole process. You offered suggestions. You shared your opinions. You sent me things for The Studio. Just like Hummingbird Cottage, this is a group effort and my gratitude knows no bounds. Thank you. I even had an email from reader Jen, expressing her concern that the sofa was too near the fireplace and would be a fire hazard – she was right! I moved it. That is the power of miniatures. They take hold of you, cast their magic spell, and you’re lost.
Case in point:
Don went upstairs yesterday to spend some time ‘in the studio’ and moved the chair because he was ‘listening to records.’ Gosh darn it, I love that guy. He also came downstairs and said he gets his best ideas there – while looking at the Studio and moving things around, he got an idea for a real-life project he’s working on.
It doesn’t get better than that.
Much love to all of you. If you didn’t see the video, scroll down one post and you can watch Don’s reaction to his birthday surprise.
Happy Sunday,
Claudia, you’ve done such a beautiful job on this! I’m not even into minis and I’m captivated by this studio project, and your Hummingbird Cottage, as well.
Thank you, Shanna. I’m definitely hooked on minis – even now, I’m thinking about the next project.
How nice to see that Don has made himself comfortable in his new studio! This was such a labor of love, Claudia. It must be wonderful for you to watch Don enjoy it so much. Can’t wait to follow the progress of yournext project.
He just came upstairs to ‘open the windows’ in the studio. I love that guy.
This is just the cutest thing ever! I’m so glad he liked it. My favorite part of it is that fireplace, but the whole project is inspiring and seems just perfect Great job!
I love the fireplace, too, Dana. Thank you!
It looks like one could just step in there and start recording and that is the goal of all miniaturists I would think. So job well done. I will miss The Studio but you will have another project for us to enjoy I’m sure. Don’s reaction was all you could wish for. You both get each other and it’s awesome to see. I’m feeling a bit better today but not doing any dancing as they say!
hugs,
Linda
I’ll miss it, too. I keep expecting to see it on my desk and it isn’t there anymore!
Take it easy, my friend. Did they tell you no lifting?
Oh yes, no lifting, no driving and lots of rest. I’ll be good a follow Dr’s orders for sure!
Good! Let others take care of you!
Hi Claudia. Julie from Australia here. I have been following construction of The Studio and the build up to its unveiling. I loved watching the video and the coolest thing was hearing you guys talk and your real voices. Makes you seem like old friends if you get what I mean. Big love from me in Australia. Xxx Julie
So happy to hear that, Julie. I hope we are old friends! Thank you so much, big love right back at you!
I love that Don is “using” his Studio, and being inspired by it. That he treasures the Studio is so evident and he knows how fortunate he is to have you in his life.
He just came upstairs to look at it again. I love that! Thank you, Wendy.
That’s so wonderful that Don is rearranging! He must really love it! And, getting inspired? You couldn’t ask for anything better! I watched the video last night before I went to bed…it was so worth the wait! So when are you going to start another project? Enjoy your Sunday! ;)
Probably this week. This is a complicated kit and I’ve been researching other miniaturists’ builds. I keep looking at it, but I’ll admit it – I’m nervous!
Preparing a gift is one thing, receiving a gift is yet another, but having both the preparing and the receiving meet together with so much love, happiness and appreciation is most assuredly the ULTIMATE reward!
You and Don must still be riding on an emotion high, and I am Very Happy for both of you- Bravo Claudia! :D
It sure is, Elizabeth! I couldn’t have asked for anything more. Very happy. Thank you so much for your encouragement. I admire your work and can only hope to develop into the talented artist that you are.
It looks so good. I am happy Don likes it so much!
I am too! Thank you, Debra!
Got a big smile when you said he was gathering inspiration for a project of his own from The Studio!! Doesn’t get too much better than that!!
You know we are all anxious to start the new project with you!! 😎 Encouragement is our part!!
Thank you, Chris. Right now, the new project looks overwhelming but I’m going to eventually have to take a big breath and jump in!
It is fantastic Claudia!!! A real triumph. I have loved watching you make this over the last year and seeing it evolve. I didn’t get chance to say Happy Birthday to Don on your previous posts so tell him I said it now! I loved the video and seeing his reactions, wonderful! Can’t wait to see the next thing!
Thank you, Amy! I’m so pleased with the whole thing – especially Don’s reaction!
I’m in love with it. It looks perfect !
Oh, thank you, Kat! And now onto the next project!
I still can not get over how real “The Studio” looks..I feel like I could just walk inside, sit down and relax..I am still smiling when I think of Don’s reaction to it..I’m sure he liked your miniature work before but I’m betting that now he really “gets it”..It is wonderful that he is enjoying his amazing gift built with love..so much that he is now making plans for adding his own touches to it..Maybe some day we might see Don building his own mini place and wouldn’t that be fun!
That would be fun! But I don’t know if he’ll go that far. But after many years of marriage, I’ve learned that anything is possible!
Well if he did decide to do it he would have a great teacher to help him learn!
xo
I LOVE that Don is “playing” with his studio. That is so endearing.
How about if Mini-Don has an imaginary mini open house? We can all imagine that we’re there, at the party, hanging out and listening to Beatles albums.
Claudia, I can’t get over how good this piece looks. I just know you’re going to be invited to show it in another magazine.
That’s a neat idea, Nancy! Thank you so much for your kind words.
I’m still smiling from yesterday’s post!
Me too!
Claudia, I actually had tears in my eyes as You gave Don his gift of the studio. He loved it to no end and that made me so happy for you both. You did very well my dear. Blessings to both of you. xoxo, Susie
Thank you, Susie. I’m so happy that he loves it.
Wow! I loved seeing Don’s reaction to the TSP–that was so much fun! I couldn’t stop smiling as he discovered each bit and piece. Thanks for sharing it all! b
You are very welcome, Betsy. It went very well!
Well you did it Claudia- you pulled off the best surprise for Don! His reaction to the unveiling of the TSP is priceless- the video was a joy to watch. He is so obviously thrilled and exhilarated. I love how the pieces of the studio have come from all over the world, blending together for the coolest hang out place. Congrats on your artistic vision coming to life. Fantastic!
I love its ‘international’ look, too. So does Don. Thank you so much for your kind words, Dianne!
Oh this turned out so beautifully, Claudia! Such a wonderful and personal gift! Wishing Don a very happy birthday!
Thank you, Linda. I’m very, very happy with the TSP and especially with Don’s reaction!
In the words of Liz Lemon, I want to go to there! So cute! xo
Me too, April! Thank you!
did I miss you telling Don about making the sound board? If you told him I missed it, sorry
What is your next project?? Did you finish the target house yet?
Well, he knows I made it, but I think I might have told him that after the video stopped. He really likes it!
The Target House is something I’m not sure about yet. Do I use it simply to do fun room vignettes? Do I actually make it over into something I like more? Not sure yet.
The next project is a half-scale house (in a kit) called the Fairfield. This one is making me nervous – it’s a big project for me because it’s much more complex than the TSP. Building it will be a challenge.
Hi Claudia, I don’t know what is more fun…the studio itself or Don’s reaction to it. I, too, wish I could ‘miniaturize’ myself to visit the studio and Hummingbird Cottage. I love this – thank you for taking us along for the ride.
Maybe someday we’ll all be able to miniaturize ourselves and have a party at both Hummingbird Cottage and The Studio! I’m so glad you liked the video, Tisha.
Claudia – I’m just catching up after a busy few days and I’m so sorry I wasn’t able to wish Don a Happy Birthday on his big day, but am sending belated wishes now! Happy Birthday Don! I just watched the video – Love it and Don’s reaction – you two are so great together and the Studio is absolutely fantastic! You are so talented in so many ways. Just catching up this morning has made my day! Thank you!
So glad to hear that, Karen! The video is a lot of fun and it’s a great way to remember the joy of that day. It was my pleasure to share it with all of you.
Woohoo! Excellent recap post — they are a bear to write. You’ve done an amazing job on this project. I look forward to next time…. :D
They are, and they always take longer than I had planned! Thank you so much, Brae!