Christmas Patchwork

Forward thinking is quite an unusual thing for me to do, but I needed a project to take on holiday last month.
Not one for sleeping on a sun lounger all day I packed a zipped pouch with scraps of material, needle, thread and scissors and put together some tiny hexagon patches.
The fabrics were snippets of silver, white and blue fabric left over from a full-size heart wreath I made last year, so without thinking, I had moved on to Christmas mode.

Over the last few days, I have been sewing them together, making small patchwork mats for the Christmas table. Today I finished the last one.

The lovely little Christmas cake was made by Linda Cummings

My summer holiday project is now finished, well in time for Christmas. I suppose I should now start making something in readiness for Easter!
It's almost the weekend, Have a good one,

A Visit to Kensington

Oh wow, I can't take it all in! As I enter the doors of Kensington Town Hall I'm in a frenzy as to where to go first!
Eventually I manage to organise my brain and take it steady, one floor at a time.
Yet again, totally spoilt with row upon row of wonderful miniatures all shouting, 'Take me, take me!'

I had to find my favourite food maker Linda Cummings. Apart from her skill and artistry I have to admire her ability to make all the 'boring' stuff - and so much of it. By boring I mean meat, vegetables, and fish. Linda doesn't hasten back to making 'pretty as I and many others do.
That is what is so special about her miniatures, the detail. Take a close look at her mushrooms, all detailed with the frilly bit underneath!
Typical of me though, I didn't buy them, I bought 'pretty' cakes and fruit and here they are.

 The banana slices are so tiny and thinly sliced!

 This bowl of blueberries and strawberries is hugely magnified in this photo.

Another favourite of mine is Sally Meakin. I have collected many of her delightful miniatures over the years. These are what I bought this time.

Something for Christmas and something for my Halloween scene.

At the May fair I bought a gorgeous floppy, brown bear for my Easter scene from Veronique Lux, who makes the cutest animals so I made for her stand where I found this sweet lamb for the Christmas display.

Patrizia Santi is well known for her amazing shoes but she has branched out and now makes furniture too. I bought this photo frame. I just need to slot in some photos.

I also bought this for my florist/garden centre from a Spanish lady but unfortunately I've lost the the card with her name.

Here it is with a fabulous tree by Ketty Pierro, I love the little houses that hang on the bare twigs and go back in their box after Christmas - although mine will be hanging all year round !

And another gorgeous little Christmas thing from Ketty

Her miniatures are so different and extremely well made.

As you see I had a fabulous time and now I'm enjoying 'playing' with them all, moving things around and finding homes for them.
Thanks for looking!

Lots of New Ideas

I wanted jars of buttons for the Sewing Shop and finally I made some.
I thought I'd made loads until I put them in the jars! I need to make a whole lot more but it's a start.

I also made spatulas for the Bake Shop, seen here with one of the new Christmas tea towels!

I've started a new Christmas section in the Home Decor department. Lots more to finish but this is it so far.

There are tea towels, cushions, gift wrap, bunting, cupcake boxes and loads more and they all mix and match!
More to come later!
Have a good week,

Vintage Christmas Decorations

I just had to pop in and show you what the post lady brought today. Such a surprise and so lovely!

Sonja sent me these as a Christmas surprise! If you'd like to see more of  the gorgeous miniatures she makes you can see Sonja's blog here
I'm going to create a whole new display for all my special Christmas things. The Christmas house is full!
Thank you Sonja, I love everything!

Shoes and Bags

How fabulous are these!!! They were a gift from my dear friend Bob.

I've always loved Patrisan's shoes and never thought I'd own a pair. Now I have two pairs and a fabulous handbag as well! Thank you so much, Bob. x

For my birthday Oly gave me a handbag kit by Janet Granger which I didn't start straight away as I wanted to clear some unfinished projects first so made it over the new year break. It's really pretty and will look lovely in my ladies shop.

For Christmas this year Oly gave me this lovely cupcake jug which will sit nicely in my Tea Rooms, Gift Shop or Bakery - I can't decide!

As I mentioned a while back, Oly and I made some felt animals which we were quite pleased with as our first attempts. Now I'm going to try and make Easter Bunnies with this brilliant set which I also got from Oly at Christmas. My favourite time of year is Easter, I love the pretty colours and the lambs, rabbits and chicks so Oly chose these for my Easter display. Thank you Oly, I love my gifts. x

I think you'll agree I've received some lovely gifts from special friends.
As this is my first post this year I'd like to wish you all a happy and healthy 2013!

Santa Tickets

At the weekend a new idea popped into my head. I didn't really want to make anything new as I have so many unfinished projects to work on but I had to grab the idea before I forgot it.

Every mini Santa Grotto needs a ticket dispenser to avoid a riot outside - and anyway, I just thought they looked pretty in my Christmas display - as I haven't got a grotto - yet......
Actually I sold this box on Etsy straight away so I have to make another one for my Christmas display, and one for Oly of course!
The beautiful wooden tree was made by Bertie who also makes all kinds of gorgeous bowls and vases.
I can feel a Christmassy mood creeping on!
I hope you're having a happy week.

Christmas Ornaments

I'm not trying to rush us all to Christmas but as I have a Christmas house I can have a mini Christmas any time I want to play.

I saw these for sale by Susan of Rainbow Miniatures on Facebook and just had to have one - or two and Susan very generously sent me three. I offered one to Oly and she chose the robin on the log. (Ow, I wanted that one) only kidding, I love them all. Susan has a very unique style.
                                                                           
I showed you my Cloth Art dolls a couple of posts back. I went to visit my family in England and took Gertrude to my Mum who is almost 89 but obviously still a child at heart as she loved her new friend.

I ran out of time to see my friend so I wrapped Titania up in tissue and a plastic bag and took her to the post office when my daughter and I went shopping with Henry in the pram. But when we arrived at the post office the package had gone! I know she's a fairy but I didn't think she'd be able to fly away on her own!

This is a close-up of her belt.
We traced our steps home but never found her! It remains a mystery.
And just because I miss him and love him to bits, here's a photo of Henry.

This week I've been in my work room designing and making dollshouse miniatures again! Kaisa asked me if I'd like to do an Advent calender swap with her this Christmas, so I must seriously keep up with my miniature making from now on to ensure I have 25 gifts to swap. Really exciting!
I hope you're having a great weekend!

Often Christmas brings incredible surprises for me and as usual the biggest surprises are the smallest!
An early arrival was a package from Kaisa! Such a kind thought and a beautiful decoration for Christmas. She has made it with four candles and the tiniest of golden cherubs.

 Kaisa loves Tilda! She used Tilda wrapping paper and even a Tilda label - so pretty.

There was also a bar of delicious chocolate! Thank you so very much Kaisa. X

I had four presents from Oly! One was this pretty box of miniature chocolates. She has been looking at my favourites on Etsy, I think!

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 And these are amazing! Oly has stitched all these Christmas items! Aren't they fabulous?

Dear Oly, thank you so much. X

Sandra totally surprised me as well! A sweet little box with three perfectly made gifts.

Can you believe this is not a photo of full size mistletoe?

Is it my imagination or can I really smell the spicy potpourri?

Sandra, they're wonderful, thank you so much! X

I've truly been amazed by the generosity of my friends and feel thoroughly spoilt. Now I have to try to find somewhere for all my new miniatures to live - that's a problem I'll enjoy solving!