I had a little surge of mini-energy yesterday. Still in my flannel pajamas, I remembered some scrapbook/wallpaper that Barbara had sent my way, and then I thought about the Loft and suddenly, I was playing dollhouse.
There wasn’t enough paper to cover the entire wall, so I concentrated on the living area.
The sofa was made by Gabrielle of InTheTwelfthScale (Australia), the chair was made by AlicesMiniatures (England). The chest, lamp, and bowl of beads are Petite Princess (a gift from Denise). The pottery, acrylic table, rug and wallpaper were gifts from Barbara.
I made the plant from some pieces I had in my stash. The base is one of the plastic containers that held a piece of the mini Roseville Pottery. I filled it with the some of the medium ballast I used for the roof garden on Hummingbird Cottage. The gold statue is from the Petite Princess line, courtesy of Denise.
The loft is fun, but tricky to realistically configure. I got rid of the kitchen pieces that came with it because the scale was bigger than the furniture I wanted to use and it was plastic. Eventually, I’d like to get some sleek cupboards and appliances that would line up on the far wall, making the downstairs an open living/cooking/eating space.
Upstairs, in the tiny, tiny loft, I think I’ll go for a modern, low-to-the-ground bed.
Scurrying around, looking through my stash, looking for things in the drawers in my little storage cabinet, pulling out bigger storage bins from the now-sorted craft closet – it was just how I had envisioned things when I started to organize this office/studio.
And because I had done all that sorting and purging on Thanksgiving day, I knew where the Christmas Tree was. I made it a couple of years ago, but didn’t use it last year – it was just after my dad died.
I suppose I could have put it in the Loft, but I made it for Hummingbird Cottage and there it should stay. Besides, Caroline would have a fit if I used it elsewhere. She, unlike me, likes to decorate right after Thanksgiving.
The wrapping paper and bows were a gift from Judy, the presents were part of this month’s SquintBox (made by DogMa creations), the garlands on the tree were part of a gift from a reader and I’m darned if I can remember her name! I’m so sorry! If it was you, please let me know so I can give you credit!
There’s a post – After the Glue Dries: A Mini Christmas Tree – about the construction of this tree and the amount of glue that stuck to my fingers while making it. If you’re interested in making one yourself, you need a bottle brush tree for the base and a product called lycopodium, which you can get online.
Now that I look at that post, I see a picture of my mini Shiny Brites and have no idea where they are. I guess you know what I’ll be doing today.
I have to make a tree topper of some kind.
I stored the tree very carefully in a box that was sealed and I’m thrilled that it held up beautifully!
So far, the living room simply sports a wreath hanging from the newel post. I may add a garland to the fireplace.
Of course, I have no interest in decorating my life-sized cottage at the moment. We’ll do something during the second week of December, but I think it will be pretty minimal this year, as I’ll be in Hartford most of the holiday season with a couple of days off for Christmas and the New Year.
I haven’t felt very mini-inspired lately, so this was a nice change.
Now, where are those Shiny Brites?
Happy Monday.
The loft is so cute! I would love a nice little mid-century modern place as a getaway! The Christmas tree is very sweet. I’m going to get my place decorated fairly soon as Dec is going to be a busy month. Let’s see if Annie Belle thinks it’s toy just for her! Happy Monday!
I’d love any place as a getaway!
It will be fun to watch Annie and that tree, Linda.
I could move right in-love the Christmas decorating!!
Thank you, Sue!
I love the tree sculpture you made for the loft…looks sort of like a big bonsai! So happy to hear that Caroline’s cottage is starting to get christmassed….she’s quite particular if I remember correctly. Good luck with your shiny brite search! ;)
Found them, Donnamae!
And you are right – Caroline is very particular!
Delightful. I love the loft. I love ALL your miniatures and doll houses. You are VERY creative, Claudia. What a nice diversion for this reader today! Isn’t it great how you can mix & match. Love the statuary at the base of the stairs with the green plant you made.
Miniatures offer the chance to decorate in various styles that, unless you are independently wealthy, you can’t indulge in! Thanks, Vicki.
The loft is coming together beautifully; everything seems to be perfect for it. Mini homes are a perfect escape where you can make your dreams come true and your creativity isn’t hampered. Great fun for all to see Hummingbird Cottage, Don’s studio, and now the loft as it progresses. Looking forward to the new house build when time permits, and your creativity starts flowing!…….Dianne
Thank you, Dianne. I sort of hit a valley on the new house build, but now I’m thinking about it again. It might be hard to juggle with upcoming work commitments, but I hope to get back at it soon.
What fun to be back working with the “minis” again. Looks like you had a good time. Glad you found the Shiny Brites!!
Rather gloomy day here today. But, supposed to be 52* & sunny tomorrow. We will gladly take it! Have a marvelous Monday!!
Thank you, Chris! It’s actually sunny here today and I’m going to enjoy it, because we have rain coming tomorrow and Wednesday.
Hooray for holiday minis! :D It’s so much easier, isn’t it?
Oh, much, much easier, Brae! If only everything was as easy!
Both the loft and Caroline’s Christmas living room are very cute! I
like the way you have mixed different eras of furniture in the loft , which gives it a warm, cosy feel and makes it feel very personal.
I also like your Christmas tree and the wreath hanging off of the end of the handrail. Hummingbird Cottage continues to be a favorite of mine because of the carefree and breezy atmosphere you’ve filled the house with, Claudia.
No matter what the season one can’t help but smile and think of lazy summer days when viewing the interior. :D
Thank you so much, Elizabeth! I think that Hummingbird Cottage is very much like Mockingbird Hill Cottage in that way.
Fun to watch you play house, Claudia. I’ll enjoy holiday decor vicariously, as I cannot decorate this year. My new kitties are just too rowdy and curious. I can imagine a tree toppling in the wee hours when they like to scamper around the house, two kitties clinging to the top of the tree while one crashes into it. We were, however, the first ones on our block to put up lights outside, the first time in four years since my husband died. He always had them up on Thanksgiving, and my daughter continues the tradition.
Oh, I understand! Kitties will find all that too tempting!
Bless you for putting up those lights, Wendy. You had to wait until you were ready. xo
How fun! I look to you for “lofty” ideas, so you will simply have to keep at it. I didn’t care for the furniture that came with my loft, so I removed it and the lights – I really have a blank canvas now. (Slightly daunting.) My mini wish-list is a bit like my Christmas shopping list – I come up with all sorts of ideas, but do these things actually exist? (Turns out everything exists on the internet.)
I removed all the furniture and unscrewed that light as well. They’ve been out of there for months! But the blank canvas is a little daunting!
Maybe you were just mini “burned out” after putting so much love and work and attention to details into Dons studio . You put your heart and soul into that , you just needed a break.
I must admit I love seeing your mini posts. I just love what you do with each place (especially Caroline s house)
How is little Z doing today?
I haven’t heard from them today. He had a hard weekend, very weak, very tired, not really wanting to eat. But Mere wrote a post yesterday and she said he was doing better, so that makes us happy!
Love your little loft! Do any little people inhabit it?
They would be imaginary, as Caroline, who lives in the big dollhouse, is. I haven’t decided who lives in this one yet. Mostly it’s just been a blank canvas for me to play with. If it takes more definite shape, then I’ll think about the person residing there!
I absolutely LOVE the wallpaper in the first photo! Very 60s & gorgeous. Looks perfect in that space too. A professional designer couldn’t have done better. But I must have missed something [or am I just getting older a LOT faster than I thought?] I don’t remember about the Loft. When did it come into the picture? I thought after Don’s studio was done, your miniature projects were going to be goodies for little Z, and continued work on Hummingbird Cottage. Didn’t know there was even more! Not that it matters of course. I’m eager to see what you do with all of them. The world of miniatures is fascinating to me. I can’t believe how much can be made for dollhouses and the skill and detail that goes into it all. Hope you find Shiny Brites!! 🎄
#ThisIsNotNormal
I got it when I was last working in Hartford. It’s from Target. I wrote about it at the time and have showed it a few times since then, but not lately. I still have the half-scale Fairfield to build, too! That’s another project!
I just found your site and I must say I am charmed. I loved the tour of your house and felt like I would love to be your neighbor. (I would bring my own tea). I have been reading for about an hour and see that you cover many subject matters which certainly keeps it interesting for sure. Thank you so much for your blog.
Thank you so much, Betsy! I’m glad you’re here!
Looks like you are doing a great job decorating the Loft…I remember when you made the Christmas tree Claudia…it was hard to believe it was the same tee after you finished it…I’m sure Caroline was thrilled to see her Christmas tree up again…Thank goodness you found her Shiny Brites..lol…
I would have been in trouble, Nancy!
I’m always amazed when you share the miniatures and the house. I had no idea of the things you can get! So cool.
Speaking of decorating- I spent this past weekend putting up my tree which hadn’t been up in 5 years. My hubby passed away 4 years ago and this was the first year I felt like doing it. I too am toning back the Christmas decor to very simple. I did the “over done” at my previous home but my Gem Cottage doesn’t need it. She shines on her own! BTW- my tree is full of antique, vintage, and home made ornaments.
Namaste
Oh Chris, my sympathy on the loss of your husband. I understand about not being ready to put up the tree – I don’t think we’re doing a real tree this year – that will be two years in a row. But I’m so happy you felt ready to put it up this year.
Our ornaments – which we won’t use this year – are also vintage – lots of Shiny Brites!