Slowly, they’re being removed from the tree. As a branch starts sagging and I fear an ornament might fall, I gently remove it and transfer it to the pew. When I got up this morning, Don said how much he loved seeing them there. So the tree is still up and we are in no hurry to take it down. We need the lights.
Days are slow around here, but in a good way. Don is writing songs and playing his guitar. I am doing a little work on the dollhouse. I am hampered by budget, so I am taking it slow. I have no choice! Yesterday, I started building a piece from a kit.
Years ago, one of my readers sent me a box full of kits from the now defunct House of Miniatures. I’m sorry, but I can’t remember the name of the person who generously sent them to me. Time, names, and too many people over the course of my life – you know how it is. I’ll search later to see if I can find the name. Anyway, I’ve done a few of them, including the wingback chair and a wall-mounted cupboard, both of which are in Hummingbird Cottage.
Edited: I’ve received House of Miniature kits from both Laura and Anne. Thank you!!!
The Beacon Hill deserves a Grandfather clock, don’t you think? With those spacious hallways, it’s a no-brainer.
This is as far as I got yesterday. I love a good kit! I have another one – not from House of Miniatures – for an upright piano. And two more table kits, as well. I’d like to buy more. There’s something really neat about assembling pieces of furniture yourself. It makes the whole experience more personal.
In the meantime, I’m looking at wallpaper for the rooms. I know I said I would rather paint the rooms, but the previously painted walls have inconsistencies that would be better served by wallpaper.
And that’s where I am, at the moment. I have ideas for the living room and for one of the bedrooms, which will not be a bedroom, but a library/reading room. I have ideas for the kitchen, but the question there is do I save up my money over time to buy that vintage stove in miniature form which is almost exactly like Stella? Because that’s what I desperately want, of course.
I’m rambling. Time to make our second cup of coffee.
Stay safe.
Happy Wednesday.
Why yes…I do think the Beacon Hill deserves a grandfather’s clock. Happy building…enjoy your day! ;)
Thank you, Donnamae!
Stay safe.
Yes very slow days. Two weeks after Christmas and I’m finally feeling better from the ‘super flu’. It has zapped all my energy and the cough is the worst but finally being on the mend is good. Lucky for me I like to read and watch some tv because that is all I’ve been able to do for way too long. Christmas still all over and I’m ready to put it away. Hopefully by the end of the week I’ll have the energy. I do love the tree lights though. Take care.
Oh, Linda – this particular strain of flu has been awful for so many of my friends. I’m so sorry you had to go through that. It’s time you got a break!
Stay safe.
Good Morning Claudia! Those HOM kits are awesome! The very first one I ever bought was a bureau that had a delicate curve in the drawer fronts and Chippendale style drawer pulls. I bought it in the 70’s when I was barely 20 and, of course, didn’t “finish” it until 2016! I got it mostly constructed and didn’t want to ruin it by “finishing” it wrong…. so it waited with my other home-made pieces from childhood until I was ready to learn about finishing mini furniture. (I’m still not entirely comfortable with wood finishes… so many types of polyurethane or wax are recommended by different places.) Anyway, those kits are fun and well made as you know. I agree a grandfather clock is a great choice!
As for mini Stella… I say go with your heart….. you know, as with in the RL homes the signature piece can make or break a room! Just put the savings in a jar and be relentless! But I know I am prejudiced in favor of minis… you do what you need to do! :):):)
It will take a while…but I’d sure love to see that mini Stella in the Beacon Hill!
Stay safe, Betsy.
It’s nice to have a project to work on slowly but surely.
Thank you, Ellen.
Stay safe.
Pleased you have so many ideas over which to ruminate for Beacon Hill, and have lots with appropriate furnishings. What fun to construct your own furniture for the house.
I love the ornament tableau on the pew.
I’m working on a long-term project, cross stitching a map of Disneyland circa 1970’s. I’m taking a break from sewing after sewing four fabric butterfly wings for my greatnieces. I’ll start sewing again next week…to sew small backpacks for their birthdays.
That sounds like a fun project, Wendy!
Thanks so much.
Stay safe.
This might sound strange, but I’ve recently started putting Legos together. They have 18+ kits that are kind of cool. I’ve been working on the flower kits. I’ve heard of two different celebrities do this to help reduce stress and now I understand why. There is something about reading the directions, snapping the pieces together and building something that takes your mind of all worries. I think your dollhouse’s serve the same purpose for you.
Enjoy your day.
I’ve seen a lot of people putting Lego projects together. I get it!
Dollhouses and jigsaw puzzles do that for me.
Stay safe, Darlene.
You have such good plans for Beacon Hill. Like any renovation, go slow. Yes, I think you should save for a Stella stove. How much fun would that be. Enjoy every minute. Fun to choose wallpaper. Hugs, Elaine
Thanks so much, Elaine.
Stay safe.
hi, i started my journal again. i had stopped writing it, end of january 2025, but have missed the hobby, mike and i went ti staples the other day and i found a writing book. iv
‘e switched from typing to writing again, i’ve promised myself small entries this time. i’ve written since grade 5, but i’d never stopped until last year.
i’ve also tried a dancing routine each day. i had danced for about 6 or 7 minutes and was winded and trying to keep up (i’m clumsy as heck), but i was only halfway through the 15 minutes! i’ll try it again. the teacher is fit, tanned, wearing almost nothing, long blond hair. i’m dancing in my flannels and one of my beatles tees underneath, with greasy wild hair, moving around my small space. i don’t know right from left. i hope nobody will take a walk past my front room window. too funny!
it’s a new year, and i hear of people who are super excited about hope and a future for our country, our neighbors and our world. please god, hear our prayers for peace.
love seeing your crafting, claudia. your doll house is going to be great in the end.
Sounds like you’re ready for the new year, Irene.
Stay safe.
I love that photo of the ornaments. It will be great fun to see you build the interiors of the Beacon Hill. You’re so right about a piano and the grandfather clock! I like the library idea. One can always sleep on a daybed or sofa but you can’t always have a library!
Exactly!
Thanks, Jeanie.
Stay safe.
I’ve been a long-time reader of your blog, but for some reason don’t usually comment! A few weeks ago someone from my local buy-nothing group gifted me a huge old Pepperwood Farm dollhouse her grandfather built. I’ve been looking over your miniature posts as I get ready to revamp the inside, and am excited to watch your progress on the beacon hill!
Oh, how fun for you, Sarah!
Thanks so much.
Stay safe.