I’ve been “miniature thinking.” When I purchased that incredible Arts & Crafts style table at the IGMA show, my thoughts went immediately to the antique dollhouse. It seemed like it might be the ideal fit for such a piece, mainly because of this:
The fireplace flanked by built-in bookcases. This is exactly like the fireplace/bookcase combo we had in our Craftsman bungalow rental in San Diego. The only thing missing is the glass doors on the bookcases. It even matches the fir used on all the woodwork in that house.
By the way, I had to retake this photo this morning because I had placed the painting upside down.
So, late in the day yesterday, I climbed up on the ottoman and turned the house around. It sits on top of the china cabinet in the den. I think I found a good place for the table.
Isn’t it perfect there? I really love it. It’s a keeper.
When Don came downstairs, I called him over and asked his opinion. He loves it. (Honestly, I couldn’t have a more dollhouse/miniature-supportive husband.) He suggested a lamp for the living room as well as turning the dollhouse around so we can see into the rooms. I took him up on his suggestion. I do this periodically with Hummingbird Cottage, as well. It’s most often turned with the exterior facing outward, but every once in a while I turn it around so I can see all the details.
The next hour was spent with various camera lenses and settings, playing with finding the best way to photograph the rooms. It’s very tricky, but fun. You just have to be in the mood.
This wallpaper is temporary. I cut it quickly and I attached it with tacky wax. I may go for something a bit more permanent. I’ve also briefly considered painting the walls. But that seems too rash. I don’t want to lose the natural wood used by the maker of this house.
However, I am entirely capable of cutting the wallpaper a bit more accurately and maybe even using some in the other rooms, though the bedroom is almost inaccessible. I’ll have to play with that.
The more I work with this house, the more I fall in love with it. It’s so charming. You know, I brought it to the counter at the antique shop without really seeing the fireplace and bookshelves. I just knew I wanted it. When I took it out to the car and looked more closely, I gasped. What a bonus!
Imagine all the loving care that went into this little abode.
Once, I accidentally dropped something down the chimney top on the roof. Believe me, the opening goes clear down to the hearth. Amazing.
I did a lot of work around the life-sized house yesterday, which I find helps me in battling anxiety. If I have a chore to focus on, I don’t have any symptoms. So today might involve a little mowing and/or work on the rescued dollhouse that is sitting in my office/workroom/studio (I never know what the heck to call it.)
Happy Wednesday.
So cute! Are you going to tile the fireplace? Put a “fire”in it? Just wondering. Those shelves will be perfect for displaying all kinds of mini accessories!
I’m not sure. I’d want Arts and Crafts type tiles and I’m not sure what’s out there in miniature land. What I will do is put andirons etc in the opening, just like I did with Hummingbird Cottage. And maybe a neat hearth. Thanks, Shanna!
I’m thinking of splatter-painted egg-carton “tiles” in sorta marbelized greens and browns as being very Arts n Crafts-y. But I know you’ll come up with something good!
xoxo
looks great, claudia! so many incredible, tiny details there, but i think my favorite parts are the layered rugs and that you’ve found another sweet dollhouse to work on and it reminds you of your old home in san diego. :)
be careful on that footstool!
sorry you have to deal with anxiety, but glad there’s something that gives you relief. i do the same … take care of something that needs to be done, then do something i enjoy … spending time with my family, walking and making something (in whole or part) every day. right now that’s more late-night knitting, but hope to sew and get back to painting soon. and i pray.
we had some strong rain and high winds last night that might be coming your way … or maybe not. whatever, hope you have a happy, anxiety-free wednesday!
kathy in iowa
I never used to have the anxiety I have now. Maybe getting older combined with the state of the world. Anyway, I’m determined to beat it and find peace. Thanks, Kathy!
and yes, that table is perfect where you put it. :)
kathy in iowa
xo
I love the doll houses. I wish I had one to play with, but with my quilting and making clothes for my two American Girl dolls I know I wouldn’t have the time.
Have you tried putting the table where the yellow table is and using the yellow table behind the sofa as a sofa table. I think the table would show up well against the wallpaper. I think the disadvantage would be the yellow table would not be fully visible. It is too pretty to hide.
I have a lot of fall chores I need to complete outside. I am ready for days when the temps are no longer in the nineties.
A little secret about the yellow table. I love it, but it’s slightly out of scale, so it wouldn’t work behind the sofa. That’s why it’s against that far wall. It doesn’t overwhelm the other pieces. Thanks, Brenda!
That table is just perfect for the antique dollhouse. Your interior photos suddenly reminded me of the house in Mr. Robot. (Your having this dollhouse was clearly meant to be!) Rearranging tiny furniture can be very therapeutic.
Isn’t it funny, considering Don was on it, I can’t remember what the house looked like!
Yes, it’s very therapeutic, Barbara!
Your new table looks nice in the antique dollhouse…it’s fun to rearrange furniture whether it’s small in size or regular, isn’t it? Enjoy your day! ;)
It sure is. Thanks, Donna!
Hi Claudia, You mentioned you have anxiety. I have had it too and got it under control for a number of years. Recently it has come back with a vengeance. I walk a lot and it helps immensely. I feel it is with some life issues I have and ageing. And I have miniatures packed away since I moved five years ago. You have inspired me to dig them out.
Thank you, Marion. Good to know I’m not the only one!
Have fun with your miniatures!
Claudia, you are definitely not the only one dealing with increased anxiety. I’ve been dealing with (medicating) it for over twenty-five years (maybe life-long) and I do find that in the past couple of years it is not responding as well to the meds. Since we’ve moved so many times and changed doctors, we’ll see how it all plays out. Good luck with yours, too.
Thanks, Shanna. I’ll tell you, I sure don’t like it! It makes me uncomfortable and I don’t feel like myself when that happens.
I always love seeing what you’re doing to your dollhouses. Such beautiful, creative work. I know what you mean about finding things to do to calm your anxiety. Mine’s been especially bad these past couple of weeks. I went to yoga this morning which REALLY helped, especially since she focused this class on deep breathing. Then just awhile ago, I cleared everything off my kitchen counters and from underneath the kitchen sink, cleaned everything, and rearranged/reorganized and put everything back. That helped, too.
xoxo
Yes, I scrubbed and scrubbed yesterday and that really helped. I didn’t today and I’m feeling anxious again. I’ll get back on track tomorrow.
I love that you’re in doll house mode. A fireplace with bookshelves, too. Be still my heart.
I battled anxiety in my 40s and a long, purposeful, steady walk at a good pace with no interruptions and stops would help a lot (physical activity). And then I rehabbed a very-sick puppy at the animal shelter; so, total absorption, yes, in something else. Now, most of the time, just get me to the beach; change the location; let my senses of smell, feel, sight, sound take over. In younger years, I’d go on vacay. Switch things up. One time, a job change and relocation (moved to another city) was a godsend. Redirecting focus. Everybody’s different. But some of us truly are just wired differently, probably from the womb. I’m no expert; just have some personal experience. You’re wise to be tuned into it and know what works to help you. Medication can be so valuable/lifesaving and helps a lot of people but, for me, never did.
Thanks, Vicki. It’s something that I know a lot of us have to deal with. It ain’t fun, that’s for sure.
The light colored wallpaper makes the bookshelves standout. Wish you were here to help me decorate my new house. Enjoy. I need a fun project!
Have you moved in yet, Kay?
The doll house looks lovely. You have such a talent for the miniatures.
Thank you so much, Marilyn!
You have such an eye! I love the fabric on the chair, the colors and design take me right back to my grandmother’s 1930s design home. It wasn’t a craftsman, just kind of an old Northwestern 2-up, 2 down, but I well remember the ugly (but beloved) rugs, scratchy couch, doilies everywhere and the wild prints on the chairs. I like the wallpaper. And I love the art and vessels!! This is well on its way to becoming THE place to be for the fall. The table was the perfect find. Thanks for sharing your creativity with us. It’s a very bright spot for so many reasons.
Thank you for your kind words, Nora!
I have my doll houses on lazy Susan’s picked up at thrift shops. Painted to match, then you can turn with a finger! Makes it so much easier to enjoy both sides.
Hummingbird Cottage is on a lazy susan. But I’m not going to use one on this dollhouse as it’s on top of a china cabinet and I want the firmness of the top of the cabinet under the house. This one is very, very heavy – heavier than Hummingbird Cottage. It’s handmade out of thick wood.
Oh, what a gem you have here! I love the Mission style table there and the fireplace and shelves are perfect. Love the Fiesta jug on the shelves. It’s really beautiful, Claudia. I can see why you’d have such fun with it!
I want to polish up the fireplace and shelves. Maybe a little Murphy’s Oil Soap. Thanks Jeanie!