I call this “Out of Control Office.” Or “When Dollhouses Become a Cubicle.”
I’m getting ready to do some finishing work on the exterior of the English Cottage, as well as finishing off bits of the interior. There will be little bits and pieces to add over time – that’s what happened with Hummingbird Cottage. In fact, I added a new table and chairs for the kitchen of that house last year, so I guess I’m never completely done. I also want to add some window boxes and paint the raised porch area.
The fourth wall of the cubicle. Yes, that’s toilet paper on the shelf below. I’m not sure why it’s there, maybe I needed something to wipe up paint? Who knows?
Between the girls and the dollhouses, I have a lot of miniature endeavors going on.
I have a few books on ‘small things’ you might be interested in. I was straightening up my stacks of in progress reading material yesterday and I separated these books from the pile so I can read them over the next few days.
The Book of Mini – Inside the Big World of Very Small Things is by Kate Esme Unger, who I’ve been following for many years through her @dailymini feed on Instagram. She has photographed miniatures for years and this book is a compilation of her photos, including interviews with some of the artisans. It really is a treasure trove. Available in bookstores and on Amazon.
Collectively Speaking – My Passionate Pursuit of Miniatures (2 volumes) is by Kate Savage Browning. Her collection is vast, so much so that she established the KSB Miniatures Collection, which is in a 3,300 square foot gallery in Maysville, Kentucky. I met her several years ago at the IGMA show and I’ve seen an interview/tour of the gallery. It’s extraordinary. The photographs are excellent and Kay shares so much history and information. Well worth it and available on Amazon.
This is Blythe by Gina Garan. Written in 2000 (I believe it might be out of print now) Garan photographed her Blythe dolls – and I’m talking about the original Kenner Blythe dolls pre-customization – out in nature and in and around the streets of NYC. It’s considered a classic for Blythe and doll lovers, especially those who collect the original dolls.
Don somehow found this book – I’d never mentioned it to him – and got it through a bookseller. He gave it to me for my birthday.
Yes, he’s cool.
Garan’s photography was groundbreaking. Nowadays, Blythe collectors photograph their dolls everywhere especially in this world of social media, but at the time it was rare. She had a book of those photographs published – unheard of. It reminds me of The Lonely Doll, a childhood favorite.
It’s cold here today and unfortunately, no sunshine. Hang in there, everyone.
Stay safe.
Happy Sunday.
dollhouses as cubicles … perfect.
most of my projects are slow-going, but that is alright by me. gives me time to think about and look forward to them. :) plus i’ve made too many mistakes when rushing about.
cold here, too, but at least the sun is staying out longer each day. :)
happy, safe sunday to all.
kathy
All of my projects are slow going, Kathy!
Stay safe.
My hobbies keep me going…reading, reviewing, editing for an author, teaching the grands in person or Facetime, counted cross stitch, puzzles, crocheting, Bible study, etc. etc. Are you painting at all? I know you had gotten into it this summer…reading more? love hearing about the books you are reading. I know you are having a difficult time, but it will come back…take care and prayers dear girl.
I’m 400 pages into Cloud Cuckoo Land and I’m taking my time because I love it and want to savor it.
Painting won’t be until summer. I can either do a jigsaw puzzle or paint. Not both because there’s only room for one of them on the kitchen table.
Stay safe, Brenda.
I keep puzzle going on table on a poster board
When boys need r here I take it off
I have no clue why but I usually work puzzles October to March
Just what I do
I have stitched three ornaments this year a few to go
Reading tons of good books for Netgalley
Puzzle books of course
Grands
March will be here soon and you will be outside more
Love the cottage
I work puzzles during the winter months, so we’re much the same.
Stay safe, Brenda.
A drive down to the Ohio river and over the bridge into Maysville KY has always been a favorite little day-trip and to think I have missed knowing about KSB’ miniature gallery only means another trip must be planned (perhaps when the weather is a little less iffy). Coming up out of old downtown Maysville we always make it a point to stop at a certain Italian Restaurant for some very good pizza along w/ very delicious spinach salad and back in the day, also stopped in Old Washington which once had some very nice antique places and other shops. Itching to get out and about but still being cautious so partaking of your blog is a big help this time of year. Love miniatures and appreciate all brands and scales but I limit myself to what I grew up with, my cousin’s hand-me-down dollhouse with Renwal plastic furniture. Hours and hours of childhood spent playing with it all.
Your dedicated work/play area is inspirational and some day I will figure out how to recreate my similar space in this smaller house we are now living in.
You’ll have to go and report back, Chris!
Renwal furniture is highly collectible these days!
Stay safe.
Is that still primer on the Beacon Hill or did you paint it and I missed that?
I love that house. I am going to order those miniature books you posted.
Take care!
That’s primer.
Thanks, Deb.
Stay safe.