Because I’m in the mood…some interior views of the dollhouse:
The box of biscuits was made by Norma.
A closer look at that wooden bowl. From Weston Miniatures/Etsy.
Capturing dollhouse details can be a challenge, but it’s awfully fun. I haven’t done very much with the dollhouse in the past week or two. Funds are a little tight at the moment; in fact, I had a potential Etsy order all ready to be submitted when I decided to put it on hold. And, of course, the outdoors and my garden are calling me much of the time. As it should be.
We took another five mile hike yesterday. The last quarter mile or so is the hardest. At that point, both Don and I find ourselves hoping against hope that the end of the trail is just around the bend. But we did it. It was a gorgeous day and perfect for hiking.
The county is doing some work on our road in preparation for repaving it in the next month or two. So they’ve been working on all the culverts that run beside the road. We have one in front of our house. As I saw the machinery they were using yesterday (they haven’t reached our culvert yet) I got a little panicked because the peonies and a hickory tree and our bridalwreath spirea are all right next to the culvert. Don talked to the guys and they assured us that all would be safe, but not before I had made a little sign asking them to be careful when working around the plants. The peonies have been there for years and I couldn’t bear it if something happened to them.
I mean, look what I saw yesterday:
Peony buds, complete with the obligatory ant.
Soon!
Happy Wednesday.
Cranberry Morning says
Claudia, these are just the sweetest! We have a dollhouse that we built 25 years ago for our daughter. It definitely needs an update. Your post is inspirational. What is there about miniature things?! I’ve always loved them.
Claudia says
I don’t know what it is, but I sure love miniatures!
Hedy King says
G’day Claudia, I love the peony bud with the ant! Good on you for the long hikes, too. I’ve been using your post as a calendar of sorts while in Australia visiting our daughter. I always check to see if you have posted before turning off my light each night. The time difference is 14 hours so it works that you post around my bedtime. I’m reading your Thursday morning post as I settle into bed. I’ve only a month left of my three month stay, time has flown on a fast wing. Enjoy your day. Hedy
Claudia says
I can’t believe your time in Australia has gone by so quickly, Hedy! Enjoy your remaining time there, my friend.
Karen says
I never tire of seeing your dollhouse. Just so sweet.
Claudia says
Thank you, Karen!
Eileen says
I think I want to move into that house. It looks so inviting. Could you email me your home address? I think I have misplaced it.
Eileen
Claudia says
Thanks, Eileen – just sent you my address. xo
Susie says
Claudia, I love all those tiny little things…it makes the dollhouse so much more real looking. You make me laugh with that darn ant on the peony. They sure love them. Hope you day is wonderful, xoxo,Susie
Claudia says
I figure an ant on a peony is a good sign!
ladycobblestone says
How did you make that rod that holds the copper pots in the kitchen???
You really took some great pictures. That had to be hard in such tight little spaces in the doll house.
Smiles to you.
Linda
Claudia says
It’s meant to be a curtain rod – I got it on a miniatures site – and I figured it would work as the rod to hang the pots from. I glued the ends to the shelf. Just had to reglue one end the other day!
Tammy says
It is like a miniature version of a place you would actually live in. So absolutely adorable. Heck, if there was a shrinking machine, I’d shrink myself right on down and move in. HA! Hiking is a wonderful thing. Keep it up as long as the weather is good. Does a world of wonder for body and soul. I do hope the road workers will be kind to the flora around the culvert. Best wishes, Tammy
Claudia says
So would I! So would Don, he’s said as much.
Thanks so much, Tammy!
Carolyn Marie says
Utterly charming! I don’t know how you got some of those photos.
Claudia says
Patience. And many photos that were rejected!
Trudy Mintun says
I love it all Claudia. It is a warm comfy cozy place.
When I was growing up we had peonies. I couldn’t resist bringing a few in the house for their wonderful scent. They never stayed long on the table. Only til my mom saw them and put them and vase outside. No ants in her house. What is with the ants do you know?
Claudia says
I don’t know – I used to, but I can’t remember now! All I know is that they are good for healthy peonies.
Debby Messner says
I have never seen a doll house like yours. You made everything so shabby like a real home…..so reminds me of your home. I am moving in if I could just figure out how I would fit. xo
Claudia says
Thanks so much, Debby!
Debbie says
Talk of peonies and doll house interior shots = a perfect post!
Claudia says
Thanks, Debbie!
Laura says
Peonies are such little ant magnets. I hope the men are careful around all of your precious plants. xo Laura
Claudia says
They were today – which is a good thing! Now we’ll have to go through the same thing when they repave the road.
Nancy Blue Moon says
I love all of the mini pottery you have add..adds to the hominess..I tried to pick a favorite room but I just can’t..each one is so special..I’m loving them all..the peonies here are looking the same..
Claudia says
Soon they’ll be open, Nancy.
Dottie McCurdy says
We bought a wooden dollhouse for our girls about 30 years ago. We never got around to putting it together. It’s still in the box it came in stored in our attic. Your charming dollhouse has inspired me to get to working on mine — if I can find it in all the junk we have accumulated in 40 years. I bet my grandkids would love it, too! Thank you for all the inspiration you give to your readers.
Claudia says
You are most welcome – you all inspire me!
Donnamae says
You know…I don’t appreciate all the details of your dollhouse. It really IS like a miniature home! And, seems like you’ve added a lot to the mix. My hubby told me today…that I am a fanatic when it comes to flowers. I just dig in there, until it’s all done…and nothing else gets done! Do you think he may be trying to tell me something?? HeHe! Glad you put up a sign for the workmen…it would truly be a shame if your plants got trampled! Hope you are out gardening…it’s a beautiful day…I’m on a break! ;)
Claudia says
Well, if you’re a fanatic, so am I, Donna! I can spend all day out in the garden!
Donnamae says
Well…I’ll make sure to tell him I’m in good company! ;)
jeannine says
I absolutely adore your dollhouse and all the lovely miniatures you have arranged so carefully! I was given ownership of the dollhouse my hubby and I constructed for our daughter 30 plus years ago. It has been on a shelf for a few years looking run down and unloved. Your blog posts concerning your own dollhouse have given me the courage and push I have needed to realize it is ok to remodel a dollhouse and give it a facelift! It never occurred to me that changing out the windows, doors and such was really what the house needed. I find myself daydreaming throughout the day about what I can change here or there :-) And I want to thank you for providing sources for the mini goodies you have found. Hubby and I have remodeled 3 cottages where we have lived in years past. We know a thing or two about working around a house and we are both once again enjoying a remodel job…minus the sore muscles, late nights and expense :-) One of my very favorite television shows is “Rehab Addict”. When I began the “demolition” aspect of the dollhouse a few weeks ago, I was very proud of myself and exclaimed to a friend I even stopped and wondered at a few points, what would Nicole of Rehab Addict do!!
Thanks again for giving some of us courage to take the plunge and take our dollhouses to the next level!
Claudia says
You are most welcome! I’m always excited to hear of someone getting a dollhouse and/or rehabbing one. I love Rehab Addict too! It’s such a great series.
Have fun!
Monica says
Hi Claudia!
Wanted to tell you I am now blogging on WP!
Thank you so much for the inspiration (my DH kept telling me, but I moved on because of you! :)).
I am completely in LOVE my new website/blog!
Thanks again,
Monica xo
P.S. You may remember I’m crazy for dollshouses, too… since I’m here in England, 3 (at bargain price) came to me… and I cannot believe I haven’t bought any! But the perfect one will show up, I’m sure… :) Yours is beautiful! Each time I see one I think of you.
Claudia says
Hey Monica, that’s exciting news! Congratulations! I’m going to go right on over and see your new site! xoxo
Melanie says
I love the interior of your dollhouse – it looks like a real house! Five miles is a long hike – good for you and Don for hanging in there and walking so far. I usually go about 3 miles and then I’m like, “OK, I’ve had it.” lol I’m in awe of people who run marathons. I hope the road crew is kind to your plants.
Claudia says
The road crew was very kind to them! I’ll have to go through the same thing when they start repaving, but for now, all is well.
5 miles is about a mile more than I’d like – but I’m trying! I don’t think I could do it if Don wasn’t there with me – I’d get bored.
Norma says
What a nice little (no pun intended!) surprise to see that the interior referred to in your post title turned out to be your dollhouse :) I’ve been missing in action for a bit and I see that I have some other dollhouse posts I need to catch up on too. I just love the character you’ve developed in this house. I haven’t noticed the shutter in the sewing room before, I really like the colour you used. Oh how I wish you could come over and photograph my French bathroom, I’ve done a bit of work on it this week but haven’t posted about it yet because I just can’t get a decent photo :(
Claudia says
I wish I could come over and photograph it too, Norma! But it just may be a bit too far away!
Linda @ A La Carte says
The details of your dollhouse are so amazing. I love it. Oh please save the peonies! They are the most gorgeous flower. My time here at home is flying by! I’ll be back in TX next week! But the final move will be fabulous and well worth all I’ve been though. Enjoy the garden and the hikes!
hugs,
Linda
Claudia says
When is the final move, Linda?
Linda @ A La Carte says
I go back on May 29th and the moving pod will be delivered on June 2nd, packed on June 5th (by strong men who will take money to do the lifting) and then picked up on June 6th. I’ll do a moving sale on June 7th and then get the house completely empty and ready to clean (again by strong people working for money) and Mom and I and the cat will head to Georgia on June 10th or 11th. My Birthday is June 9th and I’m taking that day to rest before we start the two day drive. We will stay at my duplex until Mom gets a bed and then her pod is delivered June 24th. Oh yes, its a long process!
Claudia says
It sure is! But you will feel so much better with your mom nearby. Best of luck to you and your mom, Linda!
peggy says
So glad that you were in the mood today! The details are my favorite part of your dollhouse (and mine). Be happy!
Peggy
Claudia says
Thanks, Peggy!
Loree tanner says
that doll house is the cutest thing I ever saw!!! Just like furniture I would really like, and all the special little touches that make it look like a home!!!! Really…WOW!!
Claudia says
Thank you, Loree!
Dawn says
Yep I always remember all the ant on my moms Peonies. I think one year my dad sprayed for ants and the blooms never opened. Pinning lot’s of the doll house pics today :)
Claudia says
Could someone be thinking of getting a dollhouse?
Sharon Avinger says
Oh, Claudia, I just love looking at your dollhouse! Thank you for continuing to show it and tell us what you’re doing on it. It gives me the encouragement to get going on the two I have that I am refurbishing. I am still at the painting stage but am collecting accessories, online info and continuously adding to my dollhouse boards on Pinterest. Have fun!
Claudia says
I will – you have fun, too, Sharon!
Missy George says
I can pack in a flash..When can I move in?? The ants haven’t found my peonies yet..They’d better hurry..
Claudia says
Peonies = a bit of heaven on earth!
Sue @ Serendipity says
I have my daughter’s dollhouse from when she was a little girl – I’m thinking it needs a complete overhaul and I sense a new obsession raising its head……..all because I am in love with yours!
Claudia says
Go for it, Sue! And send me pics!
lilliesinthecountry says
What a beautiful dollhouse, the computer especially cracked me up. This is not your grandmother’s dollhouse for sure!
Claudia says
No, it isn’t! I never wanted to do the period furniture dollhouse thing!
HeidiAnn says
Claudia, Your dollhouse and everything in it are so beautiful, so detailed, so utterly fabulous that I truly believe it should be singled out and held up somehow for all to see as the “Ultimate, Be-All, End-All Example Of Everything All Dollhouses Should Aspire To Be”
Seriously, that’s what I think.
That MAY sum up how wonderful I think it is.
Breathtakingly beautiful. Looking at it makes me feel good.
I cannot even begin to imagine how good it must make YOU feel, knowing that you have created it.
I know that it is still a work-in-progress, but it’s so lovely already!
Claudia says
Oh, HeidiAnn, thank you! I love working on it and it has been a joy from start to finish (though it’s not really finished – there’s a lot more to do!)
Lucy says
OOhh my goodness, I’m so impressed by your doll house. AMAZING!