Since so many of you took the time to tell me about the February edition of Country Living’s article on dollhouses, I purchased a copy when we went grocery shopping yesterday. First of all, wouldn’t it be fun to visit that dollhouse museum in Kentucky? That’s going on my list, though who knows when I will be in Kentucky again…I used to spend a fair amount of time there back when both my best friend and my now-estranged sister lived there. But that was many moons ago.
(Heck, I’ll take you on a little tour of my dollhouse while I’m talking about the CL article.)
I had a metal dollhouse not unlike the one made by Marx. I well remember the lithographed tin walls, with curtains and fireplaces as part of the lithographs. I don’t know what happened to that dollhouse – most likely my mom purged it, as she did many other childhood toys of mine that I now seem to wonder about on a daily basis.
Here’s my one complaint about the article: The inside views of furniture and rooms should have been bigger. You can’t really see any of the details and there is, of course, no way to enlarge them save pulling out a magnifying glass. Next? I think Country Living should do an article about the incredible miniaturists and dollhouse owners who are creating beautiful abodes today.
Am I right?
The miniatures shown at the end of the article are lovely and, yes, you can spend a lot of money on beautiful handmade miniatures. But you can also do it on a budget, as I have. The most I ever spent on a piece was, I think, $50 on this settee made in Italy. That was a big splurge for me but I fell in love with it. I probably also fell in love with the idea that it was from Italy! It was pretty early on in my dollhouse renovation. I became more savvy as to prices as I went on. Most everything else in the dollhouse was either free and re-imagined, a gift, or moderately priced.
Love this line in the text:
Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, they provided a hobby for wealthy housewives, who used the homes as a creative outlet, decorating each abode one room at a time.
Well, that describes me.
Ummmm….no.
But this particular housewife(?) does love her hobby, and it is a creative outlet and I have indeed decorated one room at a time. So, except for the centuries and ‘wealthy’ we’re not far off the mark!
So kudos to Country Living for writing about dollhouses. This particular article was geared toward collecting dollhouses, but I would sure love to see something more detailed in the future. Perhaps highlighting some miniaturists? I could pass on some names, CL. Perhaps on decorating a dollhouse in a stylish manner? (I could pass on my name, CL!)
Thanks to everyone who pointed this article out to me. I don’t buy Country Living very much anymore because it’s so darn thin nowadays and I’m usually not too impressed by the articles. Quite often, I’ve already seen the spaces they highlight – usually online. Fifi O’Neill’s home, which I love, is featured this month, but I’ve seen it a lot in the past.
This particular issue is all about Small Spaces, a hot topic lately.
There’s a piece about Tiny Houses, which you know I find fascinating, although I could never live in one. My husband is 6′4″ – need I say more? Oh, and though I adore him and love spending time with him, if we were that close all of the time, I’d end up in the slammer or an insane asylum.
Interestingly, the houses that are featured all have more square footage than we do here at Mockingbird Hill Cottage. I expect that they have more square footage than a lot of your homes, as well. You’re on the right track, Country Living, but go even smaller! There are a lot of houses out there that are beautiful and functional and have an even smaller footprint.
I mean, look at the square footage in Caroline’s home. It’s minuscule.
Happy Sunday.
Claudia, your doll house is as charming and sweet as it could possibly be. Each piece is charming and beautiful. Wish I was “small” so I could live there. My 5’11” frame would have to shrink a tad. Like you, I could not live in a tiny house. Maybe 1200 Sq Ft, but that would be it. Our home is small, but we have room to stretch. LOL about the slammer. I think it is healthy to have room to breathe.
xo
b
So do I, Becky! I’m five nine and Don is, well you know, so we must have a little stretching room!
Oh hey, I used charming twice. But it IS!
xo
Glad you got to see the article Claudia. Agree that they should do a more detailed story on current doll houses/miniaturists, and you would definitely have to be one of them!
As for the US version of CL – a big disappointment this past year. I did not find much to rave about in any issue and, as you noticed, it’s so thin. So many full page ads take up half the content, also the photography is very poor quality on that cheesy paper! I am seriously considering canceling my subscription when it next comes up for renewal – this publication is going the way of many others I used to love and buy. . . . . downhill, and fast!
Now, if you want to see a truly magnificent magazine pick up a UK edition of Country Living!
True to its title it covers real living in the countryside, authentic farmers and their families, wonderful stories on nature, growing crops, raising animals, producing healthy foods, flower gardens from tiny back yards to stately British mansions, and of course great decorating ideas.This magazine has done much to preserve the British countryside and its important traditions – I commend them highly for that. the editor has been with them for many years – something which doesn’t seem to happen with American mags. anymore – always someone new at the helm, and getting younger and younger methinks – makes me wonder!!! Quality of paper, print, photography is topnotch. A subscription (12 wonderful months worth) shipped from Canada (Express Mag.) is $74 annually – not cheap – but I’d give up all my other magazines (well I just about have) just to have this one. Now, I realize I may be a bit prejudiced regarding content as I am from England, but I lend my copies to American friends who drool over them too – however they know they have to return them to me because I continue to page through them over and over during the year – they are so beautiful and bring back many memories of my younger days in my homeland when the Devon countryside was my playground.
OK that’s it from my little cozy cottage this morning – down to 13F last night but sun is brilliant and the birds and squirrels are breakfasting as always.
Happy day to you, Don and Ms. Scout.
Hugs – Mary
I agree with you about the UK version, Mary. I don’t buy it often, just because it’s pricey (but well worth it.) However, when I do, I’m amazed at the quality of the content, the photography, the writing, everything!
Love the doll house. As I was purging through my Christmas boxes I came across some tree ornaments for doll houses, still in the original pkg. I thought of you and put them aside. They look too big, but I don’t know. I was thinking charms would probably be the right size on Caroline’s tree for next year. What do you think?
Size is tricky, Tana. I’ve seen little beads used and little charms…it just depends!
When I went to Shipsee this week I found 4 beautiful doll houses I would love to own. I didn’t even dare ask the price. They were all old farmhouse prairie style, and I was drooling.
I bet they were beautiful, Dawn. Were they new or vintage?
Minuscule indeed..but perfect down to the last detail..even cards on a shutter..Love it..Yes, I think miniatures should get more general press..not just the hobby magazines..They’re adorable and a lot of thought goes in to them..Happy Sunday, Claudia.
Thank you so much, Missy. Happy Sunday to you!
I will have to check out that article in CL. I don’t buy magazines much anymore, but I use to love them. I guess I get my visual fix online these days. I’ve been reading like crazy for a few days and enjoying it immensely!
hugs,
Linda
Truth be told, I’d just flip through it in a bookstore, Linda. I read the whole thing in about 15 minutes. Pretty sparse and not real exciting.
Claudia,
I, too, read the very short article on doll houses in CL. I was disappointed that they never mentioned the well known Toy and Miniature Museum of Kansas City. It’s located on the campus of the University of Missouri, Kansas City. This museum has some of the most beautiful and intricate doll houses and toys I have ever seen. What’s even more amazing is that these were the toys of children, not necessarily wealthy housewives!!!! Should you and Don have the opportunity visit or work in KC, I would highly recommend you tour this museum. Heck, you folks could stay at our little house, too. Our kitties, Mickey and Mizzou love visitors. Dogs included.
Thank you for sharing photos of your beautiful doll house. They are always a treat for me.
Stay warm,
Vanessa
Well, I wonder why they didn’t think to write about the museum? Hmmm. Thanks for letting me know about it, Vanessa. If we’re ever out that way, you can bet I will make a stop there!
I’m not familiar with Country Living magazine, but I do like reading about dollhouses so once the roads are passable I will look for it at the nearest newsagents.
Winter isn’t going anywhere soon (I feel as though I’m living on a space station at times), so last week I ordered a kit for a new dollhouse. A tiny 1/144 scale dollhouse. Oddly enough, after I placed my order it brought to mind two fictional accounts of miniatures. One is a short story “In The Reign of Harad IV” in The New Yorker by Steven Millhauser and the other is the episode “Miniature” from the old “Twilight Zone” series (with Robert Duvall looking young and quite adorable), both viewable online. I don’t really see myself taking miniatures to such extremes, but I do foresee a lot of glue and toothpicks and possibly some questionable language in the immediate future.
Your photographs are seriously good. Have you ever considered submitting some for publication in a miniatures magazine? Strange, but when I was looking online for “Country Living”, some of your photos of the dollhouse came up. I suppose people “pin” photos all the time, but I was a bit surprised.
That will be one tiny dollhouse, Barbara! I can’t wait to hear more about the process of building it.
No, I haven’t considered submitting the photos…but that’s a good idea, Barbara.
The photos probably came up because I tagged this post with Country Living Magazine?
I had a metal dollhouse with plastic furniture when I was little. I used to drool and be envious when my mom told me about her dollhouse…wood with lighting that actually worked. Unfortunately, she was from a poor family and had to choose between the dollhouse and a bisque Shirley Temple doll. She chose the doll and always wished she could have had both. I now have her doll.
I was always fascinated with miniatures (lovely detailed photos of yours, BTW), but really couldn’t justify adding another hobby to the ones I already have. However, when my daughters were in elementary school, they were required to make models and dioramas, and I dove in with a vengeance! My favorite was a model of the Little House on the Prairie cabin my daughter and I constructed when she was in 3rd grade….a log cabinet with a loft, complete with real miniature quilts on the beds, and toothpick knitting needles in Ma’s work basket. I had some scrap miniature quilts left over from a Santa project, and it was a bear knitting a wee sample on those needles, but it was worth it. My daughter still has the cabin, and she recently graduated from college!
So sad that your mother had to choose…My mother had a Shirley Temple doll as well. I love the idea of your model of the cabin on Little House on the Prairie. I bet it is lovely!
I haven’t read Country Living quite some time for all the same reasons- I have picked up other magazines– more in line with what is trending I my life ;)
But about the doll houses and doll house enthusiasts– you should be considered for an article!
As for small houses– I knew when we moved here 19 yrs ago that we were getting a larger home. At 1300 + sq ft it was bigger than the tract house we moved from in the burbs– but oddly it was still small by comparison to other family members. I thought for years we had a small house! I had a serious case of “the joneses” !!!
Today I could go much smaller — I’m thinking 1000 sq. ft. Or a little smaller! Seriously– but the Honey thinks it’s too small. I guess it’s perspective.
All perspective.
All perspective indeed. If we don’t count our unlivable basement space, we have about 1000 sq. feet here. And yes, we’d love a bit more space, but if we never get a chance to add on, we’ll be okay. We just have to purge. And be Creative!
Wow, Claudia. These are some of the best closeups EVER of your dollhouse and the pieces in it. I don’t know much at all about miniatures but for my money, you have some truly wonderful pieces. You’re obviously a discriminating and knowledgeable “hunter” when it comes to miniatures. That wicker armchair is beautiful! I wouldn’t mind a full-size version of that in my own home. And the pretty print-upholstered armchair as well. And I don’t think I’ll ever get over that mini tote bag near the stairs – I just love that. OK now, stay warm and enjoy your day!
That wicker chair was made for me by a talented miniaturist blogging friend. I simply cannot conceive how she did it. I bow down in awe.
On some days, the light, the time, all of it comes together perfectly so that I can get great photos.
Don went for a walk. I declined. I’m sitting here snug in the den, about to pull out my Kindle to finish reading a book I will soon review. Maybe some hot chocolate later?
I swear, you could just shrink me down and I would happily live in your dollhouse. It is absolutely adorable. And if I didn’t know it was a dollhouse, I would think you were showing pictures of your own home. The attention to detail is just incredible! It’s amazing what some people think of as small. I am one who does not believe bigger is better. Small and cozy is just right for me. Best wishes, Tammy
Small and cozy is simply perfect for me, too. Thank you for your compliments on the dollhouse. Don always says he wants to live in it!
I love that you have a hobby that brings you so much enjoyment Claudia. It’s amazing how realistic the rooms of your dollhouse look, and how much they look like the furnishings in your home. The only hobby I have is reading and sometimes it’s my downfall, honestly, when I get into a good book I have to make myself get up and do my household chores. I always get a bit down when a good book ends but amuse myself somewhat by wondering what the next stage of the story would be if the book hadn’t gone on. Have you ever done that?
Absolutely! Sometimes I get so down when a book is over! I want it to continue and I’ll imagine the life of the characters continuing on.
I’ll have to check out the article in CL. I did subscribe to that magazine, but became quite disappointed in it lately. As always, your dollhouse never disappoints! I’m curious about the lovely little ottoman in front of the wicker chair. Did you buy it or make it? It’s gorgeous!
It was made by the same miniaturist who made the wicker chair, Sharon. She’s very talented!
I haven’t seen the CL article..I will have a look see..I think you should write and suggest your ideas to them Claudia..Maybe they will go for it..
I don’t think they’d go for it, Nancy.
Claudia I too am amazed at the amount of detail in the dollhouse. It’s quite staggering. And your photos make it come to life. I think Caroline would be very pleased.
I hope she is, Ruta!
I’m sure she would be. As luck would have it, your decorating styles are very similar!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, they are!
I read very few blogs and seldom comment but I enjoy yours very much. We are also ardent fans of Maxfield Parrish….even named our cat after him. We have several books that tell of the artist’s life……I never tire of looking at his paintings and marveling at the use of light. The Lantern Bearers is also my favorite.
Isn’t it extraordinary? Thanks so much for commenting, Martha!
I have not seen the latest issue of CL but will now if it is about dollhouses because they are my passion. I love yours. I had one of those Marx houses too and just like your mom, my mom purged mine too. C’est dommage. I so agree with you about the very talented miniaturists out there. So inspiring. As far as living in a tiny home it would not work for us either. Although I am only 5′ 1″ and about 100 pounds, my husband David is built like a football player. Everything we buy is with his size in mind.
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Yes, we need some stretching room in our house!
I just love your dollhouse. It is fit for a museum!
Take care, Heather
Thank you, Heather!
Claudia-I think you might enjoy this viewpoint piece about dollhouses written in our local paper.
http://www.buffalonews.com/opinion/my-view/amy-ludwig-vanderwater-dollhouse-has-become-a-permanent-fixture-20150111
I’ll head right on over there. Thank you so much for the link, Colleen!
Just read it. Absolutely lovely.