Happy Valentines Day.
It took me a while to realize it was Valentines Day. Once the coffee kicked in, I remembered. I hope you have a lovely day. I think our most important Valentine is ourself. So give yourself a Valentine treat today – a hug, a bubble bath, some chocolate, a nap, some cocoa, or just a little time to yourself – even if it’s five minutes.
The figurine was created by VintageByCrystal on Etsy.
It’s frigid today. We went from about 55 degrees on Saturday to snow on Sunday to wind chills of below zero today. By Wednesday, we’ll be back up in the 40s. It looks like we’ll stay that way until the end of February.
I’m working on a puzzle by the makers of the all the “World of…” puzzles I’ve been doing lately. This one is, surprisingly for me, The World of Dracula. I love it. I’ll share more when I have a bit more of it put together. The illustration is fabulous.
Are you tired of dollhouse photos? I hope not, because here are some more with some details about where I purchased some of these pieces:
I added a book and a cup of tea to the bedside table. The lamp is just a place marker until I find one I like – this one is from the Petite Princess line of minis from my childhood. (I have some bed pillows on order.) The teacup was a gift from Barbara, the book is from LandauHouse on Etsy (It’s an Agatha Christie.) The quilt was also a gift from Barbara and the handkerchief used as bed linen was a gift from Martha.
The wicker table was a purchase from the IGMA Show a couple of years ago; made by Uncle Ciggie’s Miniatures. I love it. The bed was made by TinyIronMiniatures on Etsy. Rug was found at the IGMA show.
Boots, boot tray, and umbrella stand. The lovely print is from MiniMyEye on Etsy – it’s called Les Muses. Boots are from miniatures(dot)com, tray from LavandeHouse on Etsy. The umbrella, walking cane, and umbrella stand were purchased through TinyDollHouseNYC. (Don gave me the umbrella stand as a gift.)
The teacup and saucer are from LavandeHouse on Etsy. Her creations appear everywhere in this house and in my very first dollhouse. The teapot is from TinyDollHouseNYC on Etsy. The chair was also purchased at TinyDollHouse – it was made by June Clinkscales and I cannot tell you how much I treasure it. June is a rockstar in the world of miniaturists. Sofa by my dear ArlettesMiniatures in England (on Etsy.) Rug is from TinyHomeGoods on Etsy. The table was also from Etsy. I copied the link for Don and he purchased it as a gift. So I can’t remember the shop’s name. Sorry.
Another view of the living room. I have to thrust my iPhone inside, point it, and hope it comes out.
Bookshelves. Most of the books, if not all, came from LandauHouse. I have more on order. The seashell is one I found on the beach. I can’t remember where I got the candlesticks – maybe from Barbara? The vase on the floor is from Maddie Gerig Shelly. I got it at the IGMA show. The stone piece on the shelf was a purchase made long ago at a dollhouse shop in Chautauqua. The clock was one of the miniatures Ben gave me at the end of filming. The shelves themselves were a custom order made by Cinen on Etsy. I love, love, love them.
Most of the plates are from TwelveTimesMoreTeeny and LavandeHouse on Etsy. The blue pitcher and matching plate were a gift from Barbara, as was the tin. The white bowls/cups were purchased in Paris – I thought they were egg cups but they’re out of scale, so now they’re dessert bowls. The butter crock is by Jane Graber – purchased on eBay, I believe. The domed cake plate was purchased at the IGMA show – it was made by Veronique Cornish who lives in England. The tiny egg cups were made VictoriaFasken on Etsy. The cupboard – one of my prized miniatures – was made by Bubba’s Miniatures, aka Barbara Vajnar, who has since retired, making this even more precious.
A closer look.
Stay safe.
Happy Monday.
Nora Mills says
Such beautiful rooms and accessories! I actually love the bedroom lamp. Your homes all show case individual personalities of characters I’d like for neighbors.
Claudia says
I love the lamp, too, but it’s non-working and I want some light in that room. I’ll use the Petite Princess one somewhere!
Stay safe, Nora.
Marilyn Schmuker says
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Don!
I really like the idea of a bubble bath. I used to take baths and read in the tub quite often. It sounds very soothing and on my agenda today. Maybe a little chocolate also.
Do you play games online? I have discovered Wordle and I am hooked. Several friends and I compare our results on facebook every morning.
The cottage is really coming together. The detail of the miniatures is amazing. Looking forward to seeing what you do with the Beacon Hill.
Take care
Claudia says
Treat yourself to a bubble bath today, Marilyn.
I don’t really play any games online except for Mah Jongg.
Thanks so much!
Stay safe.
Shanna says
Marilyn, I like Wordle, too! It’s hasn’t skunked me yet and I’m on day 20 of a 100% streak. Now, every day worries me that it will be the day that breaks the streak—eeeek!
April Baldwin says
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Don. The cottage is simply gorgeous! I think my favorite piece is the chair. I want one in my size!
Claudia says
Me, too!!
Thanks so much, April.
Stay safe.
Betsy B says
I wish I could spend a long weekend in that adorable cottage. <3
Claudia says
I wish you could, too!
Thank you, Betsy.
Stay safe.
Jane Moore Krovetz says
I will never tire of looking at your Doll Houses!! I just love the way you decorate them. My house is very dusty right now. How do yo dust yours?
Claudia says
I use a small paint brush – the kind used for small projects – and I dust with that!
Stay safe, Jane.
ChrisK in WI says
Love to see the rooms and accessories. Always amazed by the sizes that they are to fit on the shelves, tables, etc. Such fine detailed work.
Cold here today. Warming for a couple of days then back cold for the weekend. Such a forth and back of temps. Hope you are having a good day. Take care.
Claudia says
Very cold here, as well. Warm up begins on Wednesday.
Thanks so much, Chris.
Stay safe.
Kay+Nickel says
I love the dollhouse photos. The cake dish is adorable.
Anxiety creeps in as we get older and have less to occupy our hands and minds, We know that life is coming to and end and I feel like I should be doing and being more. The problem is that I just can’t take on more. I don’t have the stamina or the mind I used to. I also feel guilty because I am so lucky and yet I don’t feel joyful. Travel and connecting with others helps me.
Of course the world is crazy right now.
So know that you aren’t alone and the feelings are temporary. Sounds like you know what to do when anxiety hits.
Claudia says
I completely agree. We’re getting older and it’s inconceivable that we’re getting nearer to the end of our lives. It’s a hard time, isn’t it? I wish you joy, my dear friend.
Stay safe, Kay.
Carolyn+Marie says
I love the details of the tiny furnishings.
Claudia says
Thank you, Carolyn!
Stay safe.
Janice+Inman says
Incredible, Claudia. Thanks for the pictures, and the sources for miniatures! Your attention to detail is an inspiration.
Claudia says
Thank you, Janice!
Stay safe.
Deb in Phoenix says
Hi Claudia, I never get tired of seeing your dollhouses. I like how you decorate with quality pieces and remember where you got all of them! I have to mention an experience that spoke to me today. We have gone to see the psychic Kreskin and John Edward. He picked me out of the audience and named my 2 children, Chris & Carrie. I was stunned! He said that people we have lost speak to us through electronics, so to be conscious of that. Well all of the sudden I started seeing 10:24 on my clocks more times than I can count. My birthday is 10/24! Now when I see it I feel like my mom is with me. She passed away in 1981, way too young, and we buried her on Valentines Day. I have always hated Valentines Day since then. Here is the oddity. I opened your post today and I see you wrote it on 10:24! It gives me chills sometimes when I see it. I do believe they try to send messages. Thank you Mom❤️ Do you believe that at all? Stay warm!
Claudia says
Wow! What an incredible experience you had! I do believe that, Deb. Your mom is reaching out to you. Just take it in and accept it. What a gift!
Stay safe.
Shanna says
Claudia, your details and photos are lovely. And whatever takes you to your happy place is a true gift, as you know.
Claudia says
Thank you, Shanna. Thinking of you and Fred and your beloved dog.
Stay safe.
Roxie says
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been charmed by one of your photos (usually on Instagram) and then belatedly realized it’s from one of your dollhouses and not a people-sized room! They make me wish I could move right in and cozy up.
Happy Valentines Day…love is the best thing in life!
Claudia says
I do the same thing with real-sized rooms. I think they’re miniatures!
Thanks, Roxie.
Stay safe.
Judy says
I am fascinated by your doll house furniture. I love the green wicker table and the tiny books! I just can’t get over the books!
Claudia says
That table is so adorable, isn’t it?
Thanks, Judy.
Stay safe.
Vicki says
I love all the looks and I do really love this doll house, Claudia; as I always say about your doll houses, I could live in those rooms and be SO comfortable; they’re all just amazing. It’s so much fun to look in; to see this other world of miniatures. To imagine. How you’ve loaded the various shelves here, too; just tugs at my heart. Such pretty things. Also, your photography of your houses, so that we can see the interiors so well, is spot on; very skilled. Thanks for the views!
Claudia says
Thank you so much, Vicki. I love adding the small details, though I’m not a fan of cramming too much in a room (I sometimes see that in other houses.) Creating that balance is always my aim.
Stay safe!
jeanie says
I love your Crystal girl. Their work is just wonderful, isn’t it?
And you cannot and never will bore me with details from the doll house. It’s exquisite. I love that many of the pieces within have wonderful stories attached — gifts from friends or chosen while traveling or at a convention, just as the items in our full-sized homes are. The details are spectacular and I wouldn’t mind moving in. Definitely the Cotswolds! Those books are the best — and the details on the plates and the clock. I love the lamp, too, but see above it isn’t wired. Pity — it looks good there.
No, never tired of them! And can’t wait to see more!
Claudia says
I like the lamp there. Maybe I’ll put in a floor lamp that lights up – maybe next to the chair?
Stay safe, Jeanie.