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win A FABULOUS DRESSED DOLL KNITTING PATTERNdollshouseSEPTEMBER2015 £3.95 ISSUE276WORLDUK’S No1 MINIATURES MAGAZINE www.dollshouse.tv www.dollshouseworld.com bedsspecial HOW A LOVELY LWITATSLEMsAHpDoOtEUliSghEtQUILTING CORNERTO THE MANOR BORN 09 Make it! QUICK SHOP STYLE 9 770961 092055 >W&EEDADSINYGGEPTODSIYSTRESSED

dollshouse contentsWORLDTHE UK’S TOP-SELLING MINIATURES MAGAZINEIssue 276 - September 2015The small print 4 Cottage inspired by Led ZeppelinEditor: Richard Jennings This gorgeous tiny cottage in a hedgerow cameEmail: [email protected] about after Karin heard a song on the radioAssistant editor: Jill Mundy 8 Open HouseEmail: [email protected] Brother talks Suzanne out of dumping houseFeature writer: Sandra Harding after her ideas don’t go quite to planAdvertisement sales: 12 A kitchen full of heartMaria Fitzgerald - 01903 884988 Eva Perendreu makes a Mediterranean kitchenEmail: [email protected] room box that’s full of tiny gifts from friends 16 Shernelle’s Tower keeps growingSubscriptions: Colourful mixture of characters reside in a 13-roomEmail: [email protected] home spread over six fascinating floors 20 A little corner for quiltingDesign: Wendy Crosthwaite It started as a kit for 100 guests, then Gabriele put her own personal touch to itContributors: 26 Small AccomplishmentsMarianne Colijn, Sue Kirkham, Ronnie Godfrey, We take a look at the creationsMari Meredith, Martha Puff, Deb Weissler, of our talented readersAlison White, Beryl Hales, Jan Clarke 30 A gypsy home on wheelsPublished by ashdown.co.uk Belinda McWilliams finally fulfills her dream of making a miniature Gypsy vardoISSN 0961 - 0928 34 Pillow TalkDistributed to the newstrade by Comag. Auralea Krieger shows some possibilities in this bedroom tour of her past creationsTo reach us: 38 Fiddlers create stunning gardenCall us on +44 (0) 1903 884988 Sandra Harding catches up with a club who loveOr write to: The Editor, Dolls House World, to make miniatures from everyday materialsPO Box 2258, PULBOROUGH 40 Regal and romanticRH20 9BA Great Britain From months of historical research to months ofEmail: [email protected] painting and sewing come King Henry and his daughterInternet address: 42Making magic in miniaturewww.dollshouseworld.com Bluette Meloney shows us her Le Petit LapinUS office: Ashdown Inc., 68132 Toy Shoppe and exquisite miniature nursery250th Avenue, Kasson, MN 55944, USA.Tel: 507 634 3143 47 Quick and easy wedding posyEmail: [email protected] Make a simple posy that’s perfect for any wedding scene with just a few materialsSubscription rates:1 year (12 issues) UK £54; US $120iMAG £43. Add the iMag Digital Library to yoursubscription for only an extra £31.99 per year.TV £34.99. Add a year’s subscription to theonline Dollshouse.TV channel for only £29.99extra per year.Postmaster: Send address corrections to Ashdown Inc,68132 250th Avenue, Kasson, MN 55944, USA.Canada Post International Publications Mail -Sales Agreement No. 546038.All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part withoutthe written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Alleditorial contributions in the form of articles, letters and pho-tographs (b/w or colour print or transparencies) arewelcomed by Dolls House World but cannot be returnedunless accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope.In any event the publisher can accept no responsibility forloss or damage to contributions. Material is accepted solelyon the basis that the author accepts the assessment of thePublisher as to its commercial value.All material submitted to the magazine for publication inwhatever form is accepted solely on the basis that copyrightin the work will be vested in the publisher who assumes allrights worldwide, in all forms and in all media.© copyright ashdown.co.uk

48 Celebrating with mini desserts editor’s Natalia Antonelli combines a modern baby shower welcome and an old-fashion Italian baptism party HAVE YOU ever started on a mini project and then given50 An outfit for a young man up on it because it just wasn’t working? Auralea Krieger takes on the challenge of making a miniature outfit with minimal sewing for Nevel You’ve had an idea of what a particular scene should look like only to find your creativity doesn’t match your55 Mini fun page imagination. Win a beautiful doll in this month’s competition Well take heart from Suzanne Hemmings’ experience. She put a lot of work into her Preston Manor only to find it58 A charming sewing box wasn’t turning into the glorious house she had envisioned. Make a charming faux Victorian wicker Disillusioned, she was on the verge of dumping the house. sewing box using polymer clay Fortunately, her brother made her see sense and she put the project to one side for a year.60 The town too tough to die Marion Gordon has created her very She came back to it a year later, having spent a lot own replica of an Old West saloon! of time on research, and you can see the result in Open House this issue.64 Elves all play their part Why this miniature business really is a I know mini projects are inspired by all sorts of things, family affair from production to packing but a Led Zeppelin song? Find out more on page four. And I’d love to hear what’s the strangest inspiration for66 Anne’s idea was tip of an iceberg one of your projects Couple to retire after a quarter of a century producing their unique glue applicator for miniaturists Sandra Harding has been garnering tips from readers and we start sharing those with you this month.67 Autumn Miniatura We take a look at a few of the highlights of the Too much more to mention. But if you do start on a upcoming show at Birmingham’s NEC project, house or roombox this month, just follow Suzanne’s lead… and don’t give up on it.68 Un voyage en France It’s fun to explore another culture, but even Richard Jennings - Editor. [email protected] more fun to do so while finding miniatures! 77 Cut outs70 Make a mini Italian treat! 82 Fair dates Without question, Cassata cake is fun and fancy. Natalia Antonelli makes baking easy House Hunt72 Making up for mini mistakes FIND THE little house hidden When a kit assembly went awry, a partially built Swiss somewhere in this issue. Last chalet turned into a one-of-a-kind beach house issue it was on page: 66.79 Whip up some candy floss Amanda Phillips shares how to satisfy your sweet tooth by making some realistic miniature candy floss

OPEN HOUSEbCyotLtaegdeZinepsppierelidnThis gorgeous tiny cottage in a hedgerow cameabout after Karin heard a song on the radio andthen thought about the Brambly Hedge story By Karin Eddins-LambertIrecently moved into a new house and there’s a bustle in your hedgerow, don’t Barklem’s story, Brambly Hedge. You in the process I lost my craft room. be alarmed now. It’s just a spring clean probably don’t hear to often that Led So now I’m happily working on my for the May-Queen.” I started wonder- Zeppelin inspired a doll’s house, but minis in my kitchen. I’m a stay at ing about who the May Queen might be Robert Plant, who wrote the lyrics tohome mum, but I was a Cosmetologist and if she was in the hedgerow, then she Stairway to Heaven, and Jill Barklemfor many years before that. In that field, I must be very small. So that got me think- certainly did inspire this little cottage.worked with design, balance, and colour. ing about little mice that might live in aI think that helped me immensely in my cottage under the hedgerow. Having decided to leave off thechosen miniature hobby. My journey second floor, I covered the ceiling withas a miniaturist began after I bought a After that, I thought of the Jill railroad supply moss. The floor is cov-cabin for my daughter when she was six. ered in coffee and tea grounds that wereAfter she grew out of it, I took it overand wanted to buy some accessories glued to the surface. I wanted to makefor it. Then I discovered the Hobby as many accessories as I couldBuilders Supply catalog. Having no myself, so I learned how toidea this hobby existed before that use polymer clay to make allpoint, I remember the sticker shock of the food and some of theafter seeing the prices on the big flowers. They may not lookdoll’s houses. Looking back, “professional,” but I thinkit makes me laugh now at my they have a homemade, rusticnaiveté. charm that adds to the story of the scene. The little mice This little twelfth scale cot- are mother and daughter; Itage was created using the created them using vintageGreenleaf Sugarplum kit. As fabrics and silk ribbon. II was working with the kit used some of my children’spieces, I wasn’t really old stuffed animals tosure which direction make their fur. TheyI wanted to take thecottage. Just then, LEFT: What a treatthe song Stairway it would be to beto Heaven by Led walking alongZeppelin came on and discoverthe radio. When I this charmingheard the lyrics “If little house deep under the thicket.4 SEPTEMBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

OPEN HOUSEare busy packing up a picnic basket fora pleasant Sunday outing. After addinginexpensive tea sets and a few porcelainvases, I then made all of the roses usingpolymer clay. The other flowers werefrom kits by Hanky Panky and BonnieLavish. I made the table myself and hadso much fun arranging all of the itemsthat are displayed on it. Of course, I had to attempt a stackedstrawberry cake! Carolyns Little Kitchen,who sells her work on Etsy, made all of TOP LEFT: The delicate china set is scat- tered throughout the shabby, sweet shelf along with many spools of thread and piles of mail. ABOVE: A mini sewing project was left on the bench while the residents attend to other tasks. LEFT: These little mice are packing up their picnic basket with everything they will need for a pleasant Sunday outing. the delicate porcelain plates. The exterior of the house, as well as the roof tiles, are made from air-dry clay. I created the chimney in the front by using builder’s foam as a base underneath the clay. The rugs were made using punch needle embroidery. Making the little mice was the most D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D SEPTEMBER 2015 5

OPEN HOUSE ABOVE: The delicious stacked strawberry cake is surrounded by many other scrump- tious treats. LEFT: A walnut wrapped in ribbon is the perfect gift for someone special when you are this small and happen to be a nut lover! The clothespin holding up the tablecloth is such a wonderful attention to detail. You feelchallenging part of this project. After as if you are peeking under the table.searching online, I found a book titledThe Brambly Hedge Pattern Book, ‘ ’In this hobby we use so many combined skills,written by Sue Dolman. In the book arepatterns for the clothes and mice, but that’s what I love the most about miniatures.for twelfth scale these patterns had to be ing flowers from kits; it’s not always easy, thanks to doll’s houses.reduced by at least half. I sewed them by but the results are so worth the time and Most of my inspiration comes fromhand and used a trial and error method patience required.to get the correct size. The smaller fairy tales, storybooks, and the wonder-mouse’s outfit had to be reduced even In this hobby we use so many com- ful mix of talented miniaturists that I amfurther and it got difficult to sew that bined skills; that’s what I love the most connected with through social media.small. The part that was the most fun to about miniatures. If I feel like sculpting I I do not typically sell my work exceptcreate was the landscaping. Making the can sculpt, if I feel like sewing I can sew, to close family and friends. Although,rock wall from builder’s foam and clay if I feel like painting I can paint, etc. I last fall I created my first commissionedand adding all of the flowers and window am also grateful for the people that this house, a Gingerbread Cottage styleboxes were very rewarding. I love mak- hobby has enabled me to come in contact Christmas house for my Mum. I also with. I’ve made friends all over the world made a set of fairy furniture that I sold to6 SEPTEMBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

OPEN HOUSEminiature artist, Don Silva. The fact that LEFT: The ceiling was covered in moss, which gives it the feeling of being one with nature.he would want to purchase something I ABOVE: The colourful little rugs were all made using punch needle embroidery.had made put me over the moon! BELOW RIGHT: The heart of the home has always been a warm fireplace. This hearth side is no exception. Overflowing with keepsakes, projects and food it brings warmth My family is very supportive and to this tiny little cottage.has learned to live with my hobby. Mychildren are my biggest fans. If I askthem, “What do you think of this?” andin response their eyes get big and I get a“WOW!” I know I’ve done somethingright. My husband is great for construc-tive criticism and no matter how I feelabout the criticism at the time, I eventu-ally realise he’s right, so I have learned totrust and value his feedback. As my children get older it getsmuch easier to find the time to enjoymy hobby. Maybe everyone assumedI would stop with one house, but thebloom is off the rose as far as that isconcerned. Finding the time to createmy miniatures is always challenging, butsometimes you just have to make thetime and let the laundry pile up. If I’mnot able to physically work on a house, Iam always thinking about it, sometimeseven dreaming about it! Right now I’mbuilding another small cottage using avintage Dura Craft kit called the Tudor. I’m running out of space for display-ing the big doll’s houses, so I will have toonly focus on smaller miniature cottagesfor now. DHW D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D SEPTEMBER 2015 7

OPEN HOUSEBafrtoetrhaerroscakvyesshtaorut seBrother luckily talks Suzanne out of dumpinghouse after her first ideas for the large housedon’t go quite to plan By Sandra HardingS uzanne Hemmings obviously Yarmouth spurred her on to make it hap- a grand landing, stairs and basement, does not believe in starting pen. As you may have guessed, the shop to enough rooms to satisfy her needs. small, indicated by the fact was full of beautiful miniature things, the Within three days it was delivered in that her very first house was likes of which she had only ever imag- three boxes, and two weeks later it was athe lovely, large Preston Manor by Doll ined, and on her return home she began house, standing right in the middle of theHouse Workshop. searching online and discovered what family lounge, rather like a roundabout she considered to be her perfect home – she tells me. The 48 inch aquarium they She was a late starter, but is obvi- Preston Manor. had was given away to make room, and Iously someone who does not let the grassgrow under her feet. The house, bought It had everything she wanted, fromin 2011, was built by brother Malcolm,decorated, and almost fully lit (includ-ing fires and cooker) by another brother,Graham, in just two months. I have gotahead of myself here and must take a stepback and explain. Suzanne had considered a doll’s housefor a while when a trip to a shop in Great8 SEPTEMBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

dare not ask what happened to the fish. Unfortunately her vision just wasn’t to one side for a year. The year was not The outside was easy Suzanne tells working and, after her brother talked wasted though as, like any sensible per- her out of dumping the house, she put it son, she began researching other doll’sme, as she used Bromley Crafts Realistic houses, real houses, reference books, andBrick Compound to create the effect she went through a very steep learning curve,wanted, and in no time she was ready for coming out at the other end much wiserthe inside. However, the visions that had and happier about the job ahead.lived inside Suzanne’s head would notgo away, but how to achieve it was the When she finally began again, sheproblem. knew her vision could become reality the minute she decided on the family Undeterred, she ordered wallpaper for members and staff to live in the house.each room, as she did at least know what Another good sign, she began to makerooms she wanted. Next, she ordered things for the house, and the first thingsix-bulb, crystal chandeliers and other was the walk-in larder for the scullery.lights from Maple Street. She also began Since then she has made all the lovelygetting furniture items, dolls (including curtains, dressed the four-poster andHeidi Ott’s) and accessories as presents other beds, and made a patchwork quiltfrom her siblings. using the ribbon technique. Hidden tal- ents discovered now, I think. As I have mentioned the importance of the family I should tell you who they are (or most of them anyway). Current D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D SEPTEMBER 2015 9

OPEN HOUSE retired opera singers, can be found hum- ming arias loudly whenever there is com- residents are Lord Edward Richard De pany. The staff just call her Madame. Vere, his wife Lady Arabella, along with children Christina Maria and Charles Although Suzanne admits that the Edward. Then there are Richard David house is still “ongoing” (are they ever and Elizabeth Charlene (both from an really finished)? she is enjoying adding earlier marriage). Richard is a typical to her knowledge, and her inspirations London playboy and Elizabeth is a bit of are wide and many. These include VIE a rebel, but has a good relationship with Miniatures in Clacton, PMJ Miniatures her step-mother. in Wisbech, Featherstone Hall by Dee Daw Designs, Minimum World, Melody Uncle George also lives with them; Jane, and Jennifers of Walsall. he loves books – and drink! Also in the house is Eliza, who is engaged to She also appreciates the support she Richard David, and too many staff to has had from the various groups that she mention, but include a butler, footman, now belongs to on Facebook, and she and housemaids. And oh yes, I nearly enjoys having like-minded people to talk forgot, Lady Arabella’s French grand- to and to offer advice when needed. It mother has a room here and, like most also helped her realise that she was in fact “doing OK”. 10 SEPTEMBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D I think she is doing rather more than OK, and I know for a fact (because she’s told me) that she is planning another large house as a continuation of her make-believe family. Now, I wonder where that one will go, and how long before she can show us? At least she does not have to go through that long learning curve again. DHW

there’s alwayssomethingfor every roomin every doll’s house in themodollhousewww.modollhouse.com...and if you prefer Rita’s on the phone: +(0)1381 610775 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D SEPTEMBER 2015 11

ROOMBOX TECHNIQUESAfulllitotlfehkeiatcrht enEva Perendreu makes a Mediterraneankitchen room box that’s full of tiny giftsfrom many of her miniature friends By Eva Perendreu ABOVE: Mini roomboxes are a perfect way E va Perendreu has created a to collaborate with other talented friends. twelfth scale Mediterranean kitchen room box that’s full of tiny gifts from many of her friends in miniatures, as well as ones purchased from other Spanish miniaturists. First, Eva explains: “I live in Spain, and wanted this rustic kitchen room box to represent a Mediterranean lifestyle, which for me, is healthy food and grow- ing friendships.” So, speaking of food, let’s look inside the cabinet Eva made from balsa wood and cardboard. The jars were all gifts and are filled with raspberry jam, honey, and bread crumbs. The cheeses on the shelf came in a pack, but Eva took on the challenge of making the Stilton cheeses and was very happy with how they turned out. She also made the two breads in the basket on the left, as well as the hanging tomatoes and garlic. The bread wrapped in paper and the smallest one on the right were both gifts to her, while the plate with the Catalan dish of bread, with tomato and ham, was purchased from Carme Naran. Afterward, Eva added the tomatoes and slices of salami, which were also gifts. In describing her treasured miniature kitchen’s furnishings, Eva tells us other purchased items are, the wood-top table, white colander, and a honey jar from12 SEPTEMBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

ROOMBOX TECHNIQUESa previous miniature show in Madrid.Four or five years ago she bought thenewspaper with leeks, potatoes, onions,and a knife. “I have always loved thatpiece and feel it was very well made”. Asfor more of her own work, Eva repaintedthe plastic chair with primer, and thenwith acrylic paint, and gave it a patina ingreen and brown. She also made the littletin sign and a tiny green spatula sittinginside the colander. Eva speaks glowingly of the items inthis room, which were gifts. For example,the cushion was handmade and stitchedby Eva’s good friend, Rosanna, andgiven to her when Rosanna came to visither, in Barcelona. She said: “It’s amaz-ingly tiny; I feel it is perfect because ofthe beautiful message on it.” She went onto tell us: “The pretty decorated pump-kins were from my friend Elena, whilethe wine box with lid, were from anotherfriend, Carmen. The green pot sitting onthe shelf was a gift from Sandra, from aswap. And, the chillies I strung togetherbegan as a gift, as well.” She added:“Thank you so much to everybody forthe gifts, and for the talent in the pur-chased items.” Eva is happy to share some of the tech-niques she used in making this twelfthscale Mediterranean kitchen scene:Terracotta floor The terracotta floor began as 2mmthick cardboard. First, I used a pencil tomark the tiles, then I followed the pencilslines with a tool, to emboss them. After Fresh ingredients to make a delicious Mediterranean meal in a miniature rustic kitchen. D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D SEPTEMBER 2015 13

DOLLY’S DAYDREAMS EVENTS Est 1976 SUNDAY 2 AUGUST SussexCrafts MiniaturesFelixstowe Leisure Centre, The Seafront Specialist Makers of Top Quality Miniatures FELIXSTOWE IP11 2AE (next to Pier) Plovers Cottage, 43 Rollesby Way, SATURDAY 22 AUGUST Happisburgh, Norwich, Norfolk NR12 0QJ The Assembly Rooms, High Street Tel: 01692 650389 DEDHAM CO7 6DE (off A12) [email protected] MONDAY 31 AUGUST MAIL ORDER AND WEB Thame Leisure Centre, Oxford Road www.sussexcrafts.com THAME OX9 2BB (on A418) DOLLS HOUSE HAMPSHIRE… SUNDAY 6 SEPTEMBER …CHOICE, QUALITY, VALUE! The Rivenhall Hotel, Rivenhall EndWITHAM CM8 3HB (on A12 westbound) GLENOWEN FURNITURE UP TO 50% OFF! YOU CAN ALSO SHOP ONLINE WITH US SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER Novotel Stevenage, Knebworth Park STEVENAGE SG1 2AX (A1M/J7) All fairs open 10.30am to 4pm. (Novotel Stevenage opens at 10am).DOLLY’S DAYDREAMS 01945 870160/07860 517048 www.dollysdaydreams.com www.facebook.com/dollysdaydreamswww.tudordollhouse.com QUALITY HANDMADE 12TH SCALE TUDOR PERIOD DOLL HOUSES Real materials used throughout.Wood beams, floors, mouldings, shingles, working lights & fires, real brick slips, slate tiles, etc. All handmade. Please visit our site to contact us House building is our speciality www.tudordollhouse.com Huge choice: houses & miniatures Free parking & beautiful location Or email: [email protected] Tel: 07905 412222 Visit Whitchurch for a day out14 SEPTEMBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D Find our virtual tour on Google Maps. Open: Tues-Fri 10-4.30 & Sat 10-3:30 6 Winchester St, Whitchurch, Hampshire. RG28 7AL Tel: 01256 89 38 89 www.dollshousehampshire.co.uk

ROOMBOX TECHNIQUES For Eva, each little treasure holds a special thought about one of her good friends. ABOVE: Paper towel soaked in water and blended, makes a great pulp for emulating rustic wall plaster.that, I sealed the cardboard with a prim- dry, I coated the stones shapes with greyer, to properly prepare it for painting. paint, and removed the excess with a rag.First came black oil paint, with the excess After that came the brown paint, with itsquickly removed with a rag. Then I used excess removed the same way. The stonethat method with terracotta coloured shapes were then glued on the wall, withpaint. After that dried, everything was some spaces left for grout, which I madesealed with a thin layer of satin lacquer. from papier maché. To make it, I first put cut pieces of paper towels in waterThe stonewall to soak. Then, I blended the paper with To make the stonewall, I first cut small water in an electric blender. Afterward, I began draining the pulp and squeezingpieces of cardboard from a print toner out the water. Finally, I put that pulp incontainer from my office. This type of a bag, added white glue, and stirred itcardboard has a lot of wrinkles, so it was until everything was well-integrated. Iperfect to use for this effect. Once all then used the paste to fill in the spacesthe stones shapes were cut out, I painted between the stones on the wall.them with a gesso primer. When that was The raftersABOVE RIGHT AND RIGHT: Cardboard is You can also make rafters by cut-a great resource for constructing a tile flooron a budget. ting pieces of round wood dowels to the lengths you need, then carving them with a utility knife, to look old and imperfect. After that, dye the rafters with aniline dyes mixed with water to obtain the col- our you want. DHW D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D SEPTEMBER 2015 15

LOOKING AT LUNDBYShernelle’s GothenburgTower keeps growingColourful mixture of characters residein a 13-room home spread over sixfascinating floors By Sandra HardingIsaw Shernelle’s collection of houses tells me she has just added another floor. Shernelle admits that she gets a lot of whilst browsing on the Lundby Maybe she uses a ladder to get to the her things on eBay, as there are few doll’s Lovers site on Facebook and thought top? I must ask her sometime. house shops in Northern Ireland where you might enjoy looking at them too. she lives. It is also sad that there doesMind you, there were so many different It has 13 rooms spread over six floors not seem to be a doll’s house club in herphotographs I got confused, and that was plus a garage, and the family that live area (Newtownards, County of Down),when we decided to concentrate on one in it are large and varied. It is obvious unless you know different. If you do, lethouse at a time. that Shernelle loves vintage, and how it me know and I will put you in touch with shows. Her house is full of it, from the Shernelle, who would be delighted. The first one I want you to see is a charming couple of Grecon grandpar-large Gothenburg, which started off in ent dolls, who live in a small room with I have just noticed that I started in an2010 as a two storey house, to which was their dog Basil, to the colourful mixture odd place for me. I normally start withadded the first extension, then another of Lundby, Triang, Crescent, Dol-toi, telling you a little about the owner, but Iand then another; oh yes, and then came Taylor and Barrett, Petite Princess, and was obviously so excited I immediatelythe garage extension to house the car. Mattel furniture, which all somehow started talking about the house. So to getHer friends now call it The Tower and I seem to belong. The decor is changed some facts in here: Shernelle didn’t getcan understand why. Even as I speak she regularly. her first doll’s house until her daughter was one-year-old (and that was a twelfth scale – the house that is not the daugh-16 SEPTEMBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

ter) and by then she was in her late thir- acquired in a swop with a friend. have at the moment (a woman after myties. She has made up for it since then, I am rather pleased to hear that she is own heart). She also has some lovelyas, on top of the Gothenburg, she now Tudor characters with no home to go to,has a Lundby Stockholm, a small Tudor not confining her efforts to 1/16th scale,house, a Smaland and a Hanse House and is currently collecting things for a twelfth scale church, which she does not D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D SEPTEMBER 2015 17

LOOKING AT LUNDBY so they reside temporarily in the maid’s house, much to the jester’s disapproval, as he thinks it’s beneath him. To get back to The Gothenburg. The house is full of dolls, and each one has a name and a role, including the lady in the pale lilac coat who is Shernelle. There is a girl called Anneli, named after a Facebook friend (whose house you will have seen in an earlier issue) and Erin, wearing a blue dress with a yellow bow in her hair. Other dolls are based on other members of her real family and friends, and include her brother, his children, and many others, far too many to count. Every time I look at these photo- graphs, I see something else I want to ask Shernelle about, but I realise this could go on forever. I am ending now with a promise that I will be talking to this tal- ented lady very soon about yet another house from her collection. DHW 18 SEPTEMBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

Dolls House World Quarter Page Sept Quality shows since 1982 ReaSduyptpoliFeidll The Original STAFFORD Only PVA Glue ApplicatorSunday September 6th 2015 £3.75 Members Pavilion PLUS P & P County Showground Weston Road, Stafford ST18 0BD After almost 25 years we are retiring ! (A518 - Stafford -Uttoxeter Road) For all aspects of miniature 1/12th 10.30 – 4.00 and 1/24th scale construction. ADMISSION Buy Now All Adults £3.50 Children 5-16 50p while stocks last !Quality exhibitors • Free Prize Draws • Refreshments Signposted • Ample free parking Ready-to-Fill with your preferred brand of PVA, White Glue, Fray Stop or Wood Glue.Doreen Jeffries, 20 Fourlands Drive, Bradford, Yorkshire BD10 9SJ The 0.5 mm metal tip delivers a line or dot TEL 01274 616539 of glue precisely where you want it. www.doreenjeffriesdollshousefairs.co.uk Worldwide secure mail order service www.finetip.co.uk Anne Peak, 7 Coniston Road, Morecambe, Lancs. LA4 5PSBARBARA’S MOULDINGS A family run business with 15 years experience making quality dolls houses for the UK. We also make a full range of wooden architectural mouldings such as skirtings and architraves. We produce sheets of very realistic brick and tile finishes for your dolls house which are embossed and textured. They are easily applied, can be bent around corners and are easily weathered to give an aged appearance. We are constantly adding to our range of houses and the images here show a selection of our new styles. Specialist suppliers to the trade. For your local stockist please ring 01572 770383 Email: [email protected] 27 Pillings Road, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6QF www.barbarasmouldings.net Get our latest brochure free by fax, phone, email or snail mail. D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D SEPTEMBER 2015 19

FEATURE fAorliqttuleiltcionrgnerIt started as a club kit for 100 guests, thenGabriele Layne put her own personalminiature touch to the Quilting Corner! By Patricia HallT he Quilting Corner was a club sent out. required to assemble the walls and floor project with a difference. It was The kits were designed and cut by of the box, and also how to put together a kit designed to be made up by the furniture kits.” Meanwhile, helpers around 100 miniaturists during a members, to be given out for the work- walked around to answer the many ques-special celebration. shop held the day of the event. And on tions that were asked, and assist with that day, every club that attended brought the guests’ gluing, cutting, sanding, and The occasion was a birthday party for about 100 items to distribute as tote painting. How-to tips were exchanged,the Society of American Miniaturists, bag favours. Also, Inching Along’s club and there was a buzz of excitement in thehosted by the Inching Along club in San members’ finished boxes were on display, air as all of the pieces came together.Antonio, Texas. so they could be used as references dur- ing the guest’s instruction. At the end of the day, Gabriele found Months of organisation and prepara- it really interesting to see how every onetions had taken place at the club’s month- Club member Gabriele Layne of the finished scenes were different,ly meetings. After a venue was selected, remembers: “It was a fun day, too! We although, in the beginning the kits hadthe invitations and sign-up sheets were had instructors who explained the steps been the same for everyone. “For me, the best part was being introduced to all of the club members from places like Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, and other parts of Texas. When this birthday event was over, though they left tired after the day’s work, everyone was happy.” Long before the party, Gabriele had taken her own assembled kit home to fin- ish, as well as to make many additional items to place inside the finished scene. LEFT: The shelves are full of tiny spools of colourful thread. ABOVE: A very mischievous pup is working on his own project.20 SEPTEMBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

FEATUREABOVE: This is Gabriele’s finished room box sewing items box, a standing rack for rib-kit. She transformed it into a lovely miniature bons, a checkered sewing basket (holdingquilt shop. fabrics, scissors, and spools of thread), aLEFT: This spinning rack is full of tiny printa- three-tiered spool holder, and the cloth-bles and mini scissors. covered lamp, as well as the fabric sample chart on the wall.”First, using her computer to composedesigns, the quilts, pillows, colourful As for the wallboard of notions, ittote bags, and a quilt pattern sample began as a wood frame with a sheet ofbook were printed on fabric; the shop- embroidery plastic attached. The packetsping bags, notions, magazines, posters as of accessories are prints, and the scissorswell as the ‘Quilting Corner’ sign, were you see were printouts that were coveredprinted onto card stock. Also, a printed with green plastic, to give the impressionlabel was used to cover the rolls of quilt they are three-dimensional. The standingbatting and label the bolts of fabric on sales display, which also holds multipledisplay. supplies for the quilter, is made of wood with a dowel with a round disc for its Gabriele said: “I designed most of the stand.items in the cabinet, such as a spool and The quilts displayed on their rack D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D SEPTEMBER 2015 21

They may not be twelfth scale, but we think all miniaturists will love these tiny teds. Available via Teddy Bear Times, Dolls House World’s sister magazine, they’re lovingly made by Teddy Hermann. These bundles of fun are only 4-5cm tall. But from the Billie Ollie magical design to the delicate stitching on their £19.99 £19.99 gorgeous faces, these little bears are big on quality. Made in Germany by Teddy Hermann, the world- renowned company, there’s something very special about this range of mini bears. They’re guaranteed to make you smile.Each highly-collectible bear comes beautifully boxed, and with a special introductory letter and unique Certificateof Adoption, courtesy of Teddy Bear Times. Adopt your favourite today. Go to the Teddy Bear Times website, or call us on +44 (0)1903 884988Charlotte Toby Leo Champers £19.99 £19.99 £19.99 £19.99 FlorenceWide range of characters £19.99These official Hermann bears are available in a widerange of colours, and have varying characters.Choose one that will fit in with the rest of your hug.Which one will you adopt? HarryEach highly-collectible bear comes beautifully boxed, £19.99and with a special introductory letter and uniqueCertificate of Adoption, courtesy of Teddy BearTimes. Adopt your favourite today. www.teddybeartimes.com

FEATUREABOVE: Fabric rolls are in containers andon the wall. The cutting table has a pile ofmerchandise that is ready to be made intosomething wonderful!RIGHT: Miniature printables made greatquilting magazines to fill the rack.were pieced together, while the quiltingframe is composed of wood turnings,with feet created from two slices of full-size moulding. The oval hoop is cut andglued veneer edging, with a piece of fab-ric draped over foam board, inserted intoit. Also, Gabriele created the magazinerack by gluing foam core pieces togetherand then covering the sides with wood-grain paper. Gabriele said: “The final touch thatI added to this scene was the naughtypuppy that has gotten into a box of spoolson the floor, because I love to try andhave a pet in every scene! Altogether,The Quilting Corner was a wonderfulproject that I enjoyed creating.” DHW D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D SEPTEMBER 2015 23

Criss Cross Where you can Lorraine Miniatures Miniatures (The Dolls House Store) find that LITTLE 1/12th scale Beautiful Handcrafted Miniatures &hand-stitched, something special! 12th, 16Cth,r2a4ftthManadt4e8rtihaslcsalfeos r Miniaturists.framed pictures 12th, 16th, 24th and 48th scales and screens. Many pieces are exclusive and one of a kind. Furniture - Luxury Beds - Handmade Only the best quality items are offered, at Accessories - Garden & Shop Items affordable prices. Hand-crafted Period and Specific commissions undertaken if you want leather-upholstered furniture. something made to your individual needs. Email: [email protected] www.lorraineminiatures.comwww.crisscrossminiatures.webeden.co.uk World Of My Own & Beautiful Range of Craft Kits for Dolls House Enthusiasts. Rob Lucas Miniatures Craft Packs are DIY project kits that enable you to make Dollshouse Dolls handmade doll house miniatures, celebration cake toppers, and Whitewood room boxes, miniature framed scenes etc. Furniture Each pack is beautifully presented, with full, easy to follow instructions and all of the materials that you need for each project.Mail: 18 London Road, www.thecraftpackcompany.co.ukLittle House at theDaPrtforFraidor,nKrineygnhtaDmA,4 0JPPriory Cottage Tel: 01322 862680NBaemwpRtoonadworldofmyownE.mmainils: @talktalk.netOXFORDwwSwH.wIoRrldEofmyownminiatures.co.ukOX18 2LFUnited KingdomPhone: 07595 050 315(please leave a message and contact number and we will be intouch soon)Email: [email protected] Shop: www.littlehouseatthepriory.co.ukTwitter: @Norris_LHATP24 SEPTEMBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

Dolls Houses & Miniatures at The Old Bell Pottery A Womans Touch hand decorated Miniature China Both hand-crafted and manufactured selection Also traditional toys & games, pottery & gifts for all occasions High Street, Lechlade, Glos GL7 3AD. Tel: 01367 252608 [email protected] www.oldbellpottery.co.uk Friday and Saturday 10:00 till 5:00 Sunday 11:00 till 5:00 PPPMMMPJJMJMMMJininiManitaiutaiurnteurisearsetus resTHETDHOETLDHLOESLDHLOSOLUHTLSOHEUEHSDOEOULSLESHOUSE ForFaolrlFayolorluayrlolsuymFroosaurmlrlasanlmlelyeanodleulserndsesmedasll needs VisitVoisnietVooisnfiethoenf eLthAoeRVf GLitshAEiteRSoTGLnAEreaSRnToGgfEreatSshnTegorfeLasdAnoRglfeGlssdEohSoloTflsudrshoaeonlluisgtsehesmoioustfseiemdnoisEtlelaisnmshtEsoAaiunsstgEelAiaaints.egtmlAians.ginliaE.ast Anglia. We aWre 1aW0re0e%1a0re0D%1O0L0DWL%SOeLHaDLOrSOeUHLS1LOE0S,U0Hw%SOEit,UDhwSOTEiLHt,hLOwSTUiHtShOATUNHSDOAES,NUowSDfAiSatNhcocDfTeSHascOsocofUeraSsiecsAscoN,erDaisesSso,roaifeas,ccaessories, a HUGHEURGAHENURGGAEENoRGfAEhNoHGufUsEheGoosEuf,shpReolAsuu,NsspGweluEso,sopwdflu,hoseoluwdes,coeteorslide,c,cpstel,rulfiescacsbwt,rrfoiicacossbd,,r,bifcaersalbe,irdcbictsrrsai&,cidbsys,raaf&raidnbysra.i&crnsy,sa.brrnasid. s & yarns. RangReasnignRecalsunidngece:lsuBdinaecr:bluRBrdaasenr:bMgrBeaoassldribMninrcoaglulsd,dMineTog:hlsBed,ianWTrghbosern,ahWsTahMomenohWlCdaoiomnlnlgehCsca,toimTollehnCce,toSiWoltlenroec,netSihtotsarnemA,ehStCestroaeAldlehe,tcestaiAodhn, e, aSdtr,eets Ahead, HeidiHOeitdt,iHROeetidtu,itRtOeetrtu,PttRoereHrcuePtilotdaerinrcOe,PtlDoat,riencRe,e-elDaueiatntew,e-rDDPeaeoewsr-icDgDenaelsaws,iingTD,naeDsss,meigTeana-Dsp,marTowadasupDmcreotsasdi,gupDncrsotijs,do,TunDac, itsjsmo,naD, ipjorond, ucts, Dijon, WarwWicakrwMWiciankriawMtiuicnrkeiasMt,uinHrWeieasaat,rurwHtrheiecsa&k,rtHMHheiona&miratHethu,or&JmeaseHc,k,oHsJmoaenceaks,rtsJahoannc&dsksHmaonoandmnsyema,nmaJdnaoycmrekma!snoynresm!aonrde!many more! Find FuisndonFuisnLydonnunsLRyononnaLdFRyionanddRusoaodn Lynn Road (B19(8B)1a9t8(B)a1am9t8bB)eaarmt bBea(rBm1b9e8r) at Bamber LeisuLreisJuuLrsetisJoufrfsetthoJeuffsAtL4hoe7efifsAut4hr7e JAu4s7t off the A47 nearnWeaisrbnWeecaihsrb-Wecihsb-ecnhe-ar Wisbech - followfoltlhoewfostlilhgoenwsstifghonerstshifgoenrllsothwfoerthtehesigns for the AviatAiovniaMtAiouvnsiaeMtuioumnseMuumsAevuiamtion Museum LynBn1L9Ry8noBna1Ld9Ry8onBan1dAK9Ri4n8oTg7aosdAKi4nLTg7oys nBAKni14nTg97Ros8oad A47 To Kings WisbWecishbWecihsbech LynWn iLsybnencLhynn Lynn TownTownTown Town centrecentrecentre centre B1101B1101B1101 B1101 A47A47WAe4a7WreehaeWrreeehAaer4ree7hereWe are here OpeOnp7eOndpa7eyndsa7aydsOwapaeyeeswnkae,7ew1kd0e,aae1ymk0s,aat1mo0w4atem.o3e40kt.,po31m040p.a(3m4m0pp(mtm4opS4(mu4.3npS0)mupnmS)u(n4T)pemleTpeShlueTonpen)hleop0nh1eo90nT41e59l0e541p859h254o08n502e450080124904054 582004 Also AolnsosiAotenls:osTiothene: sCTitrheae:fAtCTlsDrhoaeefnotC,nDrTaseeifnttae,D:RTeToenhoa,emRTC,oerCoaamhfRet,osDCotnehmnue,tsCtTgnheaueratdsRetgnnoauorcdtmeegn,natCrcdehee,ennsCttrlcniefeuf,ontCrtgdrliefasf,roHdCredlinafsftocHinreedgnasttriHen,egaCtlinffgords HeatingCrumpled & Rumpled Vanessa’s Miniature Dolls by JUDITH LAIRD BEAUTIFULLY UNIQUE 1/12 SCALE DOLL MINIATURES, Individually one of a kind handcrafted 1/12 scale DRESSED IN HANDMADE VINTAGE CLOTHES. miniature figures made from polymer clay. From period costume to modern day. Every doll is individual, a completely unique one off. All costumes are hand-sewn, using only antique or vintage material where possible, to maintain period integrity.The dolls are also wigged to ensure a soft and natural look. All dolls come with their own certificate of authenticity. wpCehlocomotommgeridsaspiforhonsm.s Telephone: 01789 720230 Commission projects are taken on by request. 30 Beacon Road, Walsall, West Midlands WS5 3LFTel 01213577981 • email [email protected] www.vanessasdolls.uk www.crumpled-and-rumpled.co.uk D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D SEPTEMBER 2015 25

smallaccomplishments Share your fun with other readersSend us your photosWe want to feature readers’projects every issue. So whetheryou’ve dressed a doll or deco-rated a mansion, send us thephotos. Don’t be shy. [email protected] withSmall Accomplishments in thesubject line. Or send photos toSmall Accomplishments, DollsHouse World, PO Box 2258PULBOROUGHRH20 9BAGreat BritainLife in little places thought I was mad). The adults are made from Fimo and are just a little largerBy Sandra Harding than the children. There is a little post box outside the general store and fencesIvisited Rosemary Cooper recently green, including the general store, and and walls around the buildings. The final to talk to her about her wonderful thatched cottage are kits from Pear Tree delightful touch in this scene is the bal- house, ‘Coopers’, which we featured Miniatures which Rosemary made up loon flying overhead, made from a ping in issue 253, and I could not help but and painted. pong ball, with a handmade basket hang-notice the many dozens of other projects ing beneath.scattered around her house like miniature I was totally delighted when Rosemarytreasure troves. This is the last part in the lifted out the buildings and opened them The second item is a group of severalseries about her collection, and I think to reveal the interiors all fitted out with little houses in 1/48th - all made fromthat this group is as intriguing as the rest furniture, curtains and accessories (and I fibreboard, card, paper, and scraps of bitsof Rosemary’s miniatures. and pieces for the inside fittings. These sweet little houses, a club Christmas The first one is a village in a ter- project, are three stories high and containrarium, obtained as it looked an interest-ing object. Rosemary has turned it intoa village green with maypole dancersmade from beads, dancing around amaypole made of dowelling and ribbons.There is a village church, with flag fly-ing, and outside a signpost pointing tothe next village. The church is madefrom fibreboard and card, and the othertiny buildings dotted about the village26 SEPTEMBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

SMALLsome of the tiniest furniture I have ever top, and a mouse in the cellar. The end 1/48th scale and is a copy from a pictureseen. There is a dining room, sitting result is this charming creation which is in a Hoseason’s catalogue. The boat isroom and a bedroom in each one, with now a home for silk flower petal fairies. made from mount board and has a littleappropriate furniture, accessories, little toilet and washbasin made from Fimo,ribbon curtains, and even flowers grow- The unusual narrowboat is again in and two tiny dolls and places for them toing in their gardens. All were made from sleep and eat. There are even flowers onstuff we could probably find lying around the table and on top of the boat.somewhere in our collection of all thingsuseful. How it came about is very sad. Rosemary’s sister-in-law had to make Scramble Cottage is created from a something in 1/48th scale as a clubfibreboard Easter egg which was full of project and Rosemary suggested a nar-chocolates which Rosemary promptly rowboat. Rosemary made a prototype,ate. Not being one to miss a mini oppor- but sadly, Pat died before she could maketunity, she removed the silver paper, cut her own boat. Rosemary destroyed theout windows and doors, painted the egg plans never to be used again, and theand then put on the hinges. The thatch is photograph here is the prototype whichbrush sisal; there are stairs and rooms on Rosemary finished in memory of herboth sides of the egg, including a bath- sister-in-law.room, living room, bedroom and rubbishin the loft. There is even a chimney on This talented lady seems to be able to make anything and everything that she sets her heart on and her creations are truly a delight to see. I hope that you have enjoyed looking at them as much as I did. DHW • Sadly Rosemary died not long after Sandra’s visit, as reported in a previous issue of DHW. We decided to run the article as a further tribute to Rosemary’s wonderful miniature talent. D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D SEPTEMBER 2015 27

Welcome to Santa’ssummer houseMarie Rees picks up a charity house and turns itinto a home for a Santa with time on his handsBy Sandra HardingIspotted Marie Rees’s pretty little likes to play jokes.” house on Facebook and recognised He has just collected his suit from it as an original charity shop house, which are normally blue and white. the cleaners as it got very sooty last year Marie tells me it was an unwanted and he is trying it on to make sure it haspresent for a little girl, and when she not shrunk. The old lady in the chair isbought it, along with a few bits of furni-ture, she could see the potential. Being acomplete novice, the sum of £30 seemeda reasonable amount to spend on some-thing she knew nothing about. That soon changed and very soonMarie had repaired the broken bits,including the porch, and repainted thecolour scheme from blue and white tobrick, with a grey roof and white paint-work. She also redecorated the insiderooms to match her planned colourscheme, which was intended as a summerhome for Santa Claus. To quote Marie: “Mrs Claus hasjust come down the stairs from the attic(apparently that is how they get to theNorth Pole) and Santa is about to leapout at his wife to make her jump, as he28 SEPTEMBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

Mrs Claus’s mum. She stays with them Romance in the airduring the Christmas period as she helpsthe elves with Santa’s letters, and makes By Sandra Harding lated by a friend andsure each child has all they wish for. She reads “Golden Dragon” inis trying hard to ignore her son-in-law, as Ilove a romantic story so I love how mainland Chinese, Hongshe thinks his jokes are childish, but then this project by Daniela Frenzl came Kong Chinese, English– he is Santa after all. about. and German. The little Early on in their courting days, decoration on top of the Considering that Marie had always Daniela and her husband would visit an roof was from a miniaturehad a fascination for doll’s houses and Asian restaurant together. Years later, train shop and in the cornerminiatures in general, I was amazed to Daniela decided to create a tribute in there is a lucky waving catlearn that this was the first house she had miniature to those happy days. which is just a bead foundowned. From then on she was hooked of at a car boot sale. The gongcourse (it happens to us all Marie). Being a practical sort of girl, she is a wooden towel rack with purchased the wood for the walls and a brass medallion found at a Marie now has a Dolls House the foreshadowed roof from her local similar sale and the handsome waiter wasEmporium house, the Oakwood, with building centre. The floor was created a purchase on eBay.garage, as well as the original £30 char- from some laminate flooring left overity buy. This clever lady has also cre- from decorating the real house, and the This lovely project took three monthsated a house for her seven-year-old twin windows were made from an old Chinese to make and is now placed on a book-daughters, as they were so interested in lantern she found in the basement. shelf as a reminder of the early days ofMarie’s. This one is a Dartmouth and their relationship.was an eBay find purchased from a lady The pretty octagonal table is an Asianin Cardiff. It took Marie six weeks to cork picture, which I wonder if any of you have donestrip it back, decorate and furnish it, and looks perfect. Other something similar. It seems like agenerally give it back its sparkle, and the items of furniture lovely idea to me, and it makes megirls love it. Welcome to the next genera- were from the inter- wonder what room box I wouldtion. net and various make as a romantic reminder. DHW other sources, and on Marie is also working on a big pro- the shelves Daniela DHWject at the moment which is to be a 23 added some steelroom, very upmarket hotel. Like me, she table tops to create adoes not have the luxury of a workroom more realistic look.and works from her dining table, whichmeans (for me at least) that I only have a All the deliciousclear dining table at Christmas, or when looking food you see has been madewe are expecting visitors. I will keep an by Daniela using polymer clay, whicheye on this lady, and when her hotel is proved a real challenge, especially whenfinished, maybe she will let us be her first filling the rice cooking pot with singleguests. rice corns. The exhaust hood is made from some wood rests, to which she Marie buys a lot online but also makes added some aluminium foil from the reala great many things for herself (and her kitchen. The well-stocked fridge was adaughters of course). This includes re- gift from a friend, full of Coca Cola andmaking many items, and turning plain other soft drinks, and the golden dragonthings into something even better. She was a 3D art sticker from stock.uses all sorts of things to do so, frombeads and jewellery to several printed The name of the restaurant placeditems and the effect is charming. DHW on the glass panel in front was trans- D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D SEPTEMBER 2015 29

READERS’ PROJECTSA gypsymhinomi wehoenels How Belinda McWilliams finally fulfills her dream of making a miniature Gypsy vardo, with the help of her mini group By Belinda McWilliamsIwas blessed by having two I moved my business home some years had been to build a miniature gypsy grandmothers who were incredibly ago due to an economic slump and some vardo. creative and talented, and who health issues. It was during this quieter started passing on their skills to time, that I started designing my ‘dream The real one that inspired me theme at a young age. My fascination doll’s house’ – on wheels! most, is in the Riverside Museum inwith all things small began when one Reading, where real ledge wagons wereof them gave me a miniature tea set for The dream comes together produced. They take the name from theChristmas, at about age eight. The tiny What a stimulating project to embark ‘ledge’ built out over the wheels to createchina cups and saucers were enough to more space. To my great delight – andmake a child’s imagination soar! Then on. With so much information available the delight of us all in the MiniaturiaI was on to Barbie dolls, and making on the Internet, I was like a runaway Guild of Cape Town – our annual grouphouses from shoeboxes and whatever bush fire! For the longest time, my dream display was to be our own gypsy vardos,else I could find. I did alwaysdream of a proper doll’shouse, though! We live in an amaz-ing corner of the world,where I love to explorethe Western Cape regionwith its delightful villagesand towns. I was fortunate tofinally be able to open my owncraft shop in Cape Town, afterhaving learned many craftingskills over the years. There, I started teachingand sharing crafts full time!What a joy it was, thoughABOVE: The vardo even hasa working outside light abovethe door.RIGHT: All of the intricate detailson this vardo is a feast for the eyes.30 SEPTEMBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

made from kits. Richard Ferguson, who READERS’ PROJECTSis a long-time member of our guild,cut them out for us, and did a sterling ‘Richard Ferguson, who isjob, though he nearly lost a finger inthe process. The assembly and painting a long-time member of ourof the kit’s basic box went together like guild, cut them out for us,a dream. Then the fun started, when and did a sterling job, thoughI added my own cosmetic and designalterations. ’he nearly lost a finger in the I wanted realistic wheels for my vardo, process.which resulted in many hours of researchand a visit to the Blaawklippen Carriage D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D SEPTEMBER 2015 31Museum, in Stellenbosch, where my hus-band and I measured and photographedactual carriage wheels. Fortunately, he has a 3D printer, andso, could make my authentic carriagewheels on that clever machine. We werealso fortunate enough to visit a realDunton Ledge vardo at the CalgaryCarriage Museum, just outside of EastLondon. What a treat to be able to climbinto a real one. It certainly gave me agreater appreciation for the details andclever construction ideas to be foundwithin each caravan. The small gargoyles on my vardowere custom-carved for me by MelanieStewart, who is a very talented sculptorand ingenious lady, who is also a memberof our guild. The lights were a great find,as they are made from brass, and theLED globes run off of watch batteries.”Life in miniatures RIGHT: Belinda has My husband also built me a huge thought of every detail that this gypsy family wouldbookcase, which is perfect for display- need.ing my miniatures work, because it BELOW: A cosy place toallows a view from both sides. It is with live with all of the comfortshis support and that of a great team in of home.my business, which books internationalhotel accommodations and is run frommy home, that I am able to indulge in

READERS’ PROJECTSTOP AND ABOVE: Tiny treasures fill the vardo including art, button boots, ABOVE: These delightful gargoyles werewine, and little books. There is even a small cozy bed in the very back. custom carved by Melanie Stewart.32 SEPTEMBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D miniatures and other crafts, which feed my soul. Once the weekday obligations are complete, I can escape to my cottage- themed ‘nest’, which is the name my fam- ily has given my studio. It is in a corner of our loft, jam-packed with all types of stuff within arms’ reach. There, I can hunker down and con- tinue to potter on my French cottage or complete whatever is sitting on my work mat. My other favourite place for creat- ing miniatures is my Morris chair in the lounge, where my husband has made me a work surface that slides onto the arms of the chair, so it won’t tip whenever the cats jump up. That usually sends the tiny bits flying away, never to be seen again. Clearly, I am addicted, but my family loves my hobby - so much so, that the miniature addiction has spread to three generations. I love the fact that minia- tures are the one hobby that is a home to all crafts. There is a use for all skills and techniques I have learned over the years,

ABOVE: A secret little compartment in the back, holds miniature campfire cooking equipment. LEFT: A simple snack of bread and carrots.or that one ever could learn, and I must which seem never-ending. because the group is working in threesay that my gypsy vardo was a treat to Our projects have consisted of a pew- scales, which consist of twelfth, 1:24,build, using them. and 1:144. I mainly sell project kits to ter AGA, flowers, a wooden wheelbar- guild members, but also sell them at our Currently, I am serving on a guild row, a vintage travel trunk, and a ‘how- annual show and convention, and I havecommittee as workshop coordinator. I to’ session on weathering and distressing taken commissions, as well.love running the workshops; they are so wood. Currently, our annual guildinspiring because of all the sharing of group project is constructing tree trunk Over the ages, miniatures have fasci-tips, hints, skills, techniques, and ideas, houses from scratch - a challenge for me, nated people, and I believe that there will always be a following of miniatures, as evidenced by all the young visitors I saw at a recent show. Our guild also has young members, and there are a huge number of them at the annual fair in Cape Town. What an amaz- ingly talented group of people in our guild, with open hearts shar- ing all they know so freely, that one cannot stop learning or stop getting inspired. DHW D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D SEPTEMBER 2015 33

PILLOW TALKIynosupirribnegdridoeoams forEvery bed tells a different story. AuraleaKrieger shares some how-to ideas in thisbedroom tour of her past creations By Auralea Krieger I have made many beds scratch. I used silk, faux over the years and suede and many different always have fun doing trims and ribbons. it. Whether they are extravagant and lush or only The backboard was made a mattress on the floor, the by putting a thin layer of bed is the focal point of a foam on top of a piece of bedroom. Not only does it cardboard. After covering it set the mood for the room, with faux suede, I used jewel- the bed also gives important lery findings that looked like clues about the resident that tiny buttons. They were ear- slumbers on it. ring pins, so I pushed them through the board and bent I built this bed from each wire in the back, then LEFT: I remember being very nervous, because this was the first miniature bed I had ever attempted to make with such fine detail. BELOW: This headboard was made using foam, cardboard, faux suede, trim and earring wires.34 SEPTEMBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

taped them down. I wired a ABOVE: You can never have PILLOW TALKheart charm at the top of the too many details in a miniaturebed and ran the thick ribbon room. D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D SEPTEMBER 2015 35to it. The ribbon had wire in RIGHT: The attic took a longit, so I was able to shape it time to finish. Each piece ofto flow down the sides of the wood was added to the wallsbed. Each pillow was hand- individually.sewn and then the trim was BELOW RIGHT: When you eat,glued around the edges. sleep and breathe surfing there is no time or energy to make the I wanted the child’s bed bed every day.in the villa to be very modestand sweet, so I kept it simple the placement of the blankets.by placing white lace on top of The little round pillows werewhite cotton fabric. The bed scrapbook button accents. Ihad to be shortened to fit in just added trim around them.the room, but the size worked I put a tiny bathing suit I hadout perfectly for a child’s bed. from a small doll on the bedAdding throw pillows is a and then sculpted a pair ofgreat way to add more colour fuzzy bunny slippers usingto a bedroom. polymer. The shag carpet here is a simple hand towel! Skirts are also a fun accentto add to a bed. I added one Years ago I made a retroto the bed in my modern surfer house.This was funbeach house. I had a lot of because it was my firstfun adding many layers to this “sloppy” house. It was madeone. I ironed the bed skirt for carefree surfers who livedand glued it on first, then together to help keep expensesmade the sheets and blankets. down. No time to make beds,The comforter has a two- surfing comes first! A tie-sided pattern, which made it dye blanket and two pillowsthick. I remember it was dif- were all they needed. I placedficult to get it to lay the way Surfing magazines on theI wanted without it lookingbulky. I ended up sewing ittogether in its folds with tinystitches and then hot gluing itdown on the sides. If you have a thinner fabricyou can soak it in fabric hard-ener or a white glue and watermix, then shape it the wayyou want it to look and let itdry. Knit fabrics make greatblankets as well. Even the fraycan be made to look authenticif you make the end frays longenough. The shams, or falsepillows, are also two sidedto match the comforter, soyou can flip them to changethings up once in a while.The little beds in the chil-dren’s room are some of myfavourites. I wanted them tomatch each other, but still bea bit different, so I switched

Tudor Rose Miniatures £3.25 We are now able to offer promotional FREE P&P opportunities on our exciting FIND US ON FACEBOOK The Modelmakers Yearbook 320 PAGES Dolls House TVwww.facebook.com/dollshousenorfolk ANNUAL 2015 • ISSUE NO. 45 • www.hobby.uk.com Be one of the first to take advantage Huge range of exclusive of this new and innovative form of miniatures +++ many NEW RC DOLLS advertising. But hurry as there is MODELS HOUSE exclusive one-off limited availability. houses/projects REVELL SPECIALISTS MODEL KITS To find out more, call Maria on B lu eb ell S q u are, B aw desw ell G arden 01903 884988 or Centre, B aw desw ell, N orfolk MATCHITECTURE N R2 0 4 RZ . 0 1 3 6 2 6 8 8 6 6 9 BUILDINGS email: [email protected] E mail: dames3 3 6 @ gmail. c om DREMEL dollshouse.tv w w w . tu dor- rose- miniatu res. c o. u k RANGE OF TOOLS S h op op en 6 day s a w eek CONSTRUCTO Closed M onday s GALLEONS NEW ARTICLES NEW FRETWORK MARQUETRY KITS WGoFrrakRninEdgfEaMtPhaeLtrcAChNsloticckk Hobby’s (Dept DHW), Knight’s Hill Square, London SE27 0HH 020 8761 4244 [email protected] www.hobby.uk.com Available at WH Smith & leading newsagents or directRmeinaciahtumriosrtes tehvaenry4m0,o0n0t0hAn advert in Dolls House World will do BIG things for your business in the miniature world. Talk to Maria to see how our readers can become your customers. Call her on 01903 884988 or email [email protected] FAIRS Miniatura®D olls H ouse & M iniature Fairs Sunday 8th November 2015 The Civic Hall, Market Street, Nantwich CW5 5DG 10.30am - 4.00 pm Sunday 6th December 2015 The Two Hall, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B73 6AB 11.00am - 4.00 pm Saturday 9th January 2016 Petite PropertiesThe Benn Hall, Newbold Road, Rugby, October 3rd & 4th 2015 Warwickshire CV21 2LN National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, UK. 10.30am - 4.00pm See more at www.miniatura.co.uk Fair O pen 10.30am - .4 00pm Tel: 01332 66024 8 General enquiries - 0121 783 9922 Ticket Hotline - 0121 767 4100 www.dollshouse-fairs.co.uk Saturday / Weekend tickets are limited in number and must be bought in advance. Sunday tickets available in advance or at the door. Doors open 10am - No charge for parking.36 SEPTEMBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

PILLOW TALK SRaEndAra’Ds ERS’TIPS from Louise Homerfloor and an alarm clock so ABOVE: I used polymer clay to Shelvesthey could be sure to hit the sculpt this little girl who sits onswells at peak surfing time. her comfy bed, happily playing Louise Homer came up with an idea for shelves using an oldThere was even a make-shift with her doll. multi-toothbrush holder, discarded by the chemist.bedroom in the attic for a BELOW: For this bed, I usedfriend who just needed a place simple white ribbon for the top Just add balsa wood to create your shelving, and sprayto crash. of the flat sheet. the whole thing silver, or the colour of your choice. A simple mattress on the shop on the boardwalk. Then fill up the shelves with a range of miniatures. All offloor and a fan to keep it cool I hope these little bedroom those pictured here were made by Louise. DHWin the summer makes a greatplace to catch some Z’s in tours will inspire you to addbetween riding the waves and your own special touch toworking at the bike rental your next miniature bed. DHW D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D SEPTEMBER 2015 37

FEATUREsFtiudndnleirnsgcgreaardteenSandra Harding catches up with a clubwho love to make miniatures fromeveryday materials By Sandra HardingT he delightfully named Small display at Miniatura it was obvious to style she liked best, and they are all dif- Scale Fiddlers Club was only me, and all the other impressed visitors, ferent. One was inspired by a trip to formed in July last year by Tina that their ethos is certainly working. The Hestercombe garden, one is reminiscent Batey, Karen Morris, Sandra garden display was indeed remarkable of her childhood, another is copied fromVickery and Jean Rogers when they and most of us didn’t realise that the a real garden designed by her husband,decided that they wanted to adopt a stone walls surrounding the gardens were and one displays a sculpture exhibi-different approach to making miniatures. in fact egg boxes, or sheet paper mache tion inspired by a visit to Broomhill ArtThe name was chosen in memory of a cut into stones, painted with paper flow- Garden.close friend who referred to the group as ers added. Even the tricycle was made‘fiddlers’. out of scrap bits and pieces by a member. The individual talent that each mem- ber has is readily shared within the club, Their ethos is to try to make every- The club met every week in order and this club certainly seems to havething they can from basic everyday and to get the project completed in three some talent. Several members attendeasily available materials, namely card, months. It included a tree square with Nostalgia in Miniatures workshops heldpaper, sand, wire, wood and clay, and to ‘vista’ strips to link the gardens together, by Robin Britton and Celia Thomas whomake it look as realistic as possible. and it worked very well. Each member are an inspiration to them. created her own garden in whichever When I first saw this club and their I was captivated by the smouldering38 SEPTEMBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

compost heap, the perfectly weeded gar-dens, the topiary, the sheds and the littletableaus, all with their own styles, and allvery well put together. This new and energetic club are cur-rently having a go at Fimo dolls, which iscausing great hilarity, and I can imaginethe strange faces some of them must have(the dolls that is). If you would like to see this club’swork for yourself, they will be display-ing at Cranmore in November and at thespring Miniatura in 2016. The club meet on the first and thirdTuesday of the month, from 7.30pm to9.30pm, at Townsend Memorial Hall,Church Street, Clifton Upon Dunsmore,Rugby, Warwickshire. Telephone Karenon 07563733292 or email Tina [email protected] for further infor-mation. DHW D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D SEPTEMBER 2015 39

FEATURERRoegmaal nantidcAn Italian doll artist recalls how shetackled her biggest challenge -making Henry VIII and Elizabeth By Elisa Fenoglio PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELISA FENOGLIOImade this pair of Tudor dolls at the I sewed with silk ribbon the decorations thought it was my wrong perception of request of a customer, even though that must seem like the shirt that comes the colours or shades of the paintings. I had never made dolls of this out from the cuts of the jacket. Then finally I read in a book on the his- period before. It turned out to be tory of costume that these ribbons werean incredible challenge. The customer For the coat I struggled a bit: I want- pure decoration and were mostly usedwanted twelfth scale replicas of Henry ed a fur collar, but I didn’t know where on a whim. At the end of two months ofVIII and his daughter, Elizabeth I. I to find a fur coat suitable for twelfth work, I was still very far from my goal: Isearched for photos of these two on the scale. I thought of cutting one of the lacked the queen!Internet and for many weeks I studied stuffed toys of my children, but in all ofthe costumes of that era. Then I began them, the fur was too long. In the end I The queenmodelling, keeping in front of me all managed to find in a small Chinese shop As I’d done with the king, I modelledthe pictures that I had found of the two a mobile case really perfect for this job!sovereigns. Behold, my king was almost finished. I for about 10 days, trying to replicate the cut small pieces of viscose hair and glued appearance that I saw in the paintings.King Henry them to the head. Finally, I created the Then I painted the queen, dedicating to I started with King Henry and I spent hat and I enjoyed creating the decora- her socks and shoes the same attention tions and jewellery with micro beads and that I devoted to the king’s, even thougha lot of time shaping the legs and shoes Swarovski crystals. I knew these would not be seen. Thenin comparison to the face. This is because I made a petticoat as similar as possiblethe clothing of the 1500s long and tight I struggled a bit to find the solution to those of the time, with wire to keep itstockings instead of trousers, and strange for the large necklace that adorns the rigid and to give the right shape to theshoes with rectangular shapes, all covered coat. I could not find anything at the skirt.with the typical cuts that characterised correct thickness. Then, finally, I foundthe clothing of the period. a small chain in a jewellery store and I The biggest obstacle was the dress. thought that by gluing together three When I accepted the commission I saw After modelling, I painted the king, strands of this chain I could create the that the dress was complicated, but itdevoting much attention to painting the necklace that I needed. was only when I started it that I reallylegs and shoes, trying not to colour the understood the amount of work it wouldsocks flat and uniform but using various For me this was a great job, and very require. I sewed for two weeks and Ishades of colours that would give the challenging because I had done only a used more than 80 meters of silk ribbonimpression of a used garment not dirty, few male characters and had never dealt to make the decorations and the “flakes.”just worn sightly. with that period of history. I dedicated I cut the fabric according to the pattern so much time analysing carefully the and then I drew with pencil the intersec- At this point I had to make the jacket pictures and then looking for written tions that the ribbon would need to createand coat that characterised this king in all information about what I had observed, that decorative motif (a net of diamonds)his portraits. I chose a very light fabric in like the curious detail of the two ribbons which was many, many more than I hadthe colour depicted in the paintings, and of different colours in the legs. At first I40 SEPTEMBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

imagined, and at the vertex of each dia- and the red and blue Swarovski (which I adorned this with decorations of gemsmond I had to sew the ribbon crosses. ordered for the occasion on the other side identical to those of dress.That was really a very long and laborious of the world, quite literally, as I neededjob. I thought it would never come to an about 300 or 400 gems and I did not I tried to reproduce as faithfully asend. have so many at home). I made these possible the various details: the rings, the decorations on a plexiglass and then I shape of the necklace, the decorations in When the skirt was finally ready I still glued them one by one on the dress. the hair of the queen, the king’s dagger.had to do all the jewels: every junction Two figurines and about four monthsof the queen’s skirt had to have decora- The longest part of this work was the of work. This venture was very excitingtions in pearls and precious stones set skirt without a doubt. Then, I tried a and in the future I will have to challengein gold. How to make them? I thought very transparent piece of organza to real- myself again because I have promisedand thought for days how to solve this ise the fun ruff (the strange, huge collar) my son that I would have make him hisproblem. Then I decided to glue golden and I used a gold metal wire, twisted own version of this king that he liked somicrobeads all around the white pearls around on itself, to create the crown, then much! DHW D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D SEPTEMBER 2015 41

MAKINGiMnamkiinngiamtuaregicBluette Meloney, also known as the Queen ofFaux, shows her Le Petit Lapin Toy Shoppe have taught numerous students of variedand exquisitely whimsical miniature nursery skill levels the art of faux finishes and trompe-l’oeil effects. Techniques include By Martha Puff antiquing, ageing, creating borders, PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL PUFF making a canopy or tented ceiling, colour washes, crackle, distressing,T he Le Lapin Toy Shoppe and wood-graining (faux bois), marbleis- little Nursery are two of Bluette’s favourite designs. From quaint ing and metallic finishes.” country room boxes and “Depending on the structure,Old World buildings to ArtDeco and American Gothic, students also learn gilding, glazing,her work reflects many time patinas, sponging, and texturing.periods. “My designs are I teach how to gold-leaf, give avery diverse and range from painted surface the appearance ofa rustic Adirondack Lodge a stone block wall, create the lookto a whimsical English 18th of aged copper (faux verdigris),century Garden Folly,” shetells us. “But none speak to and many other faux techniques.my heart more than the Le Above all, I share how to haveLapin (little rabbit) Toy fun doing it.”Shoppe and Nursery.” Born and raised in San Working exclusively in Francisco, Bluette is a life-longtwelfth-scale, Bluette uses resident of the Bay Area. Shedecorative faux finishing has seven adult children andand trompe l’oeil (fool the several cherished grandchildren.eye) painting techniques in Her degree is in Interior andall of her designs. She con- Architectural Design, and shetinuously explores the new is an IGMA Artisan in Fauxand imaginative products Finishes.that become available inorder to keep her faux-fin- Bluette works out of a smallishing techniques creativelyfresh and exciting. LEFT: This charming two-story miniature shop, that Bluette Beside her ability to created, is reminiscent of atransform the ordinary into fifteenth-century Dutch rowan original piece of art, house.Bluette has gained a solidreputation as an instruc-tor. “For many years I42 SEPTEMBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

MAKINGABOVE: The recessed lighting brightens the interior andshows off the hand-painted designs at the bottom of eachshelf unit as well as over the door.RIGHT: A beautiful collection of one-of-a-kind vintage dollies.studio at the back of their property. “I aman early riser. Typically, I begin the dayby taking a cup of coffee and croissantout to my studio where I immediatelystart to work. I relish the quiet uninter-rupted early morning hours as I alwayshave a project in progress or furniture topaint. “I rely heavily on my husband Jack inthe making of each miniature design. Hetruly is my hero! He takes my drawingand translates it into an actual physicalstructure. I am then able to finish theexterior and interior with a variety of fauxand trompe-l’oel techniques.” D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D SEPTEMBER 2015 43

MAKING LEFT: An upholstered nursery rocking chair divinely painted and accessories. ABOVE: A collection of antique dollies and toys by Almudene Ferrandez and Almudena Gonzalez, Spain. BELOW: A collection of handmade dolls and toys created by Kathi Kuti Harding, Canada.Le Petit Lapin (The Little Rabbit) door. Recessed Workbench, c.1850.”Toy Shoppe lighting brightens In her Le Petit Lapin workshop, the interior. The floor “This charming two-story shop is is faux wood, with a hand-painted Bluette teaches students how to create thereminiscent of Dutch row houses dat- design of frolicking rabbits. exterior faux red brick, concrete walkway,ing back to the 15th century,” Bluette The upper level “secret” room is softly slate roof and copper downspouts. Theyexplains. “While I designed the shop to lighted and is intended to be whatever also learn faux finishing for plaster, woodshowcase my collection of toys, it is read- one envisions. “I used it as living quar- flooring, and painting/ageing techniques.ily adaptable to other uses. I have sold it ters and workshop for the toymaker,”as both a finished structure and offered it Bluette says. “The finish on the walls is a The Toy Collectionas a workshop.” mixture of faux brick and plaster. There “Handcrafted artisan miniature toys are rustic interior ceiling beams, faux The front opening lower level has wood floor, a sink area, and fireplace with are a passion of mine. In fact, toys area charming Dutch door and two large mantle. The room holds a brass bed, the first miniatures I began collectingdisplay windows. The second level has a which I dressed with vintage bedding. more than twenty years ago. As a result,shuttered window. The decorative pedi- Ken Byers, ShakerWorks West, hand- the Toy Shoppe is filled to the point ofment over the window is topped with a made the remarkably detailed Shaker overflowing.whimsical rabbit statue. The steep roof isfinished with a colourful faux slate roof. “My toy collection represents everyThe brick chimney has two terra-cotta time period from Victorian to modern.chimney pots that add both beauty andcharacter to the shop. There is a fauxcopper downspout on each side of thebuilding, to the front. The interior lower level is filled withfive large floor-to-ceiling shelving unitsfor display and an interior opening door.There are hand-painted designs at thebottom of each shelf unit, and over the44 SEPTEMBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

MAKINGABOVE: The completed Nursery with its sticks. I have several adorable wood pullmultitude of wonderful faux finishes and toys by Karen Markland, well known forlovely lighted garden in the background. her handmade and whimsically paintedRIGHT: French inspired Humpty Dumpty toys and accessories. There are some veryholding mechanical hand-painted Ballerinas special pieces by Gilles Roche in Franceand “Little French Village in the Rose and Taller Targioni, Spain.Garden” mechanical toys by Jill Dianne. My handmade wooden toy collec-It includes several superbly detailed tion includes a delightful Gingerbreadhandcrafted dollies. Artisans represented Circus train by Steve Beebe, Coware Maureen Thomas, Loretta Kasza,Eric Horne and Sandra Morris in the Jumped Over the Moon wheel toy,U.K., Almudene Fernandez and Victoria and roly-poly toys. I have Jack-Heredia from Spain (plus many more). in-the-box toys, children’s books,The toys by Kathi Kuti of Canada pull toys, wind-up toys, games,are irresistible, as is my collection trains, and vintage boxes of paperof Amanda Skinner rocking and dolls, games and puzzles. Varietypull toys. and oddments abound. “There are miniature antique In the lower level of theSteiff bears and whimsical Toy Shoppe, I’ve added aanthropomorphic (anthro) one-of-a-kind toymakerjointed animals by PauletteSvec and others. I am thrilled by Marcia Backstromwith my French antique (dated 1998). TheGuignol Theatres and col- front shop windowlection of antique jesters on showcases a French inspired Humpty Dumpty by the ever-so-talented D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D SEPTEMBER 2015 45

MAKINGABOVE: The right side of the Nursery: the walls of the room. Since I wanted lows in the two window seats. All of theCanopy baby crib, rocking chair, and toy a baby girl’s nursery, my colour palette shelves and surfaces are filled with arti-shelf unit. All of these items have superb has an emphasis on pink. I hand-painted san quality accessories. For added ambi-faux-finishes and delicate hand-painted flowers on the six Bespaq wall units. ance, she created a lovely lighted gardendesigns. Then, I added my original painting of outside the windows. The end result is a an adorable girl Bunny Rabbit over the very magical and captivating scene. DHWJill Dianne. The tuffet was handmade by fireplace.”Ron Hubble. To continue the theme, she added “I often change the toys and figures delicate hand-painted pink flowers to theoutside the shop. A constant, how- furniture. Her exquisitely dressed crib isever, is the Le Lapin Welcome Sign absolutely irresistible. The hand-paintedby the Dutch door, a gift from Karen high chair and rocking chair cushionsMarkland.” repeat the colour palette and add to the innocent charm of the room.The Nursery Has there ever been a sweeter baby Bluette included simple—yet elegant—touches like hand-painted pil-girl’s nursery? Using faux-finishes andtrompe-l’oeil effects, Bluette’s nursery is ‘Has there ever been a sweeter baby girl’svisually interesting, inventive, and full ofpersonality. nursery? Using faux-finishes and trompe-l’oeil “I wanted the nursery to be princess- ’effects, Bluette’s nursery is visually interesting,themed and loaded with whimsicalcharm,” Bluette explains. “I used six inventive, and full of personality.White Manor units by Bespaq to design46 SEPTEMBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

QUICK PROJECTWEqDuDicIkNGanPdOeSaYsyMake a simple posy that’s perfect for anywedding scene with just a few materials By Sandra HardingYOU’LLneed the instructions are the same; TOP TIP: Bunches of simply substitute leaf for lace. satin flowers and buds ■ Small width of lace, are obtainable from about three inches in Take the largest flowers and craft centres/shops, length buds and hold together to form and many are small a good shape. Twist them gen- enough to be twelfth ■ Needle and cotton to tly together at the stem to hold scale. If the flowers match firm. Thread them all through seem too large, they the centre of the lace frill, and are easily modified ■ Glue move them around until the with scissors, wire cut- ■ Small dish (for glue) shape is good. ters and glue, and a ■ Small scissors little patience. ■ Tweezers Take a piece of florist’s tape If they are satin, care- ■ Small wire cutters and wind tightly around the fully unroll flower, and ■ Cocktail sticks back of the frill, ensuring the cut off to the size you ■ Florist’s tape flowers are fairly tight against want. Add a dab of ■ Flowers, decorations, the top of the frill. Cut off the glue and secure with ends of the wire flower stems. reverse action twee- moss, dried greenery This now forms a firm base to zers until dry. If foam, etc. hold whilst the rest of the deco- cut with scissors. ■ Small length of thin ribbon, silk or similar, ration is carried out. D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D SEPTEMBER 2015 47 about three Glue on any foli- inches long age, extra buds,T ake the leaves, beads or three inch any other decora- piece of tion needed. lace and sew aroundthe inner edge. Pull in until you Leave to dry.have a round frill. Secure cotton Once dry, glueand join up the two ends, any smaller decorations to fillleaving a gap in the centre, any gaps in the arrangement.large enough to take up to four Leave to dry.flower stems. Put to one side. Tie a bow behind the posy, where the join in the frill and the If using a leaf as your holder florist’s tape is, and add a bow or ribbon at the bottom of the posy if required. DHW

BABY SHOWERmCeilneibdraetsisnegrtws ithNatalia Antonelli combines a modern babyshower and an old-fashion Italian baptismparty with delicious treats By Natalia AntonelliT wo things food miniaturists country with its old food specialties and even put the empty cradle in the baby’s greatly love are big parties and the modern world globalisation, which room, at least not until the baby was colourful foods. Every party allows us to expand our views, change actually born and safe at home. Our needs a wonderful variety of our habits by importing and exporting baptism party is a very private familycakes, pastries, and candies in fun festive foods and fashions to broaden our cul- reunion where family members meet aftercolours to properly honour birthdays, ture and enrich our way of life. the service and gives a present to the newweddings, Christmas and so on. born to wish him or her good luck and to Very simply, we do not have baby welcome the little brother, sister, cousin, The birth of a baby boy or showers here in Italy. It is or nephew into the family.girl is one of the sweetest, not a custom becausemost delightful events we simply do not Jewellery with small medals with theto celebrate in our feel at ease giving baby’s name and date of birth, a guardianreal lives. a party before angel or a patron Saint on them, embroi- the baby is born. dered baby’s outfit, bibs and knitted In my miniature You could say shoes are the traditional gifts that will beworld I could not we feel it might kept for the baby’s entire life.miss the opportu- bring bad luck.nity to create a lovely “Let us be sure LEFT: On a silver tray, asetting that represents there is a little boy or mix of sfogliatelle andthe hope and joy a new life girl in the room, then we can baba pastries.brings to this world. My inspira- BELOW: A fun partytion comes from different sources: family, party all day!” table with endlessnational traditions, pastry shop delights, And talking about knocking on wood, baby themed treats.TV shows, magazines, and my ownimagination. only few decades ago parents did not When I first thought of abaptism for a new born babythese thing came to mind; bigcakes in soft pink and lightblue, decorated with fondantteddy bears and little toys.As well as scrumptioustrays filled with traditionalItalian pastries. This vision reflects thepast and the present. My48 SEPTEMBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

BABY SHOWER Follow Natalia’s Cassata cake recipe on p70.ABOVE: This pink-clothed table was madeto celebrate the birth of a girl.ABOVE RIGHT: Even more delicious sweetsthat truly look good enough to eat.BELOW RIGHT: These cakes hide thegender of the baby until you cut into themand see the coloured cream.BELOW FAR RIGHT: This is one of the firsttables Natalia made and it’s inspired bythe theme of baptism for a boy.BOTTOM: Small, traditional Sicilian cassatacakes topped with fruit (make then on p70). Because the service usually takes Europe and its name is cake design. cakes and cakes that would not be hardplace at the beginning of the afternoon, Following this new trend, many cooks to find in a contemporary pastry shop.the party is given at teatime. In Italy we have started using fondant to decorate For the two big rectangular cakes, asserve our traditional pastries and teatime enormous colourful cakes and add many well as the cupcakes, I chose two tradi-cakes. kinds of ornaments. tional American recipes: a red velvet cake This makes baking a cake more simi- and a chocolate cake filled with butter A few years ago we did not even know lar to sculpting. Fondant is handled and cream then covered with light pink orwhat fondant was and our cakes were moulded like our polymer clay and we light blue fondant and cute fondant deco-very simple sponge-cake buns and jam miniaturists handle and mould polymer rations. The two round sponge cakes aretarts. Each Italian region has its own spe- clay like fondant. very similar to each other if you look atcial foods and the pastries from the South Reality and the miniature world get their outward appearance. The white fon-of Italy, especially from Campania and closer together and somehow confound dant and sugar flowers do not give youSicily, are always present in every special each other. We even use the same tools any clue about the baby’s sex. Once youoccasion. and silicon moulds. slice them, however, the soft pink or light In my miniature baptism party I tried blue cream will reveal the secret. Sfogliatelle and baba come from to combine both modern and old In the end, whether you celebrateNaples, while cannoli and cassata cake fashion treats. For example, on before or after the baby’s birth with yourcome from Sicily. They are all rich, tasty, my miniature baby shower family or with friends, it is always goingand scrumptious pastries made with party table I added cup- to be a sweet party! DHWthe most genuine ingredients, ‘In my miniature world I could notsuch as ricotta cheese,marzipan, essence of miss the opportunity to create a lovelyorange blossoms, ’setting that represents the hope andand candiedfruit. joy a new life brings to this world. In the last D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D SEPTEMBER 2015 49few years, how-ever, somethinghas changed.A new bakingphenomenon hasspread all over old

PROJECTaYOnUoNuGtfitMfAorNaAuralea Krieger takes on the challenge ofmaking a miniature outfit with minimalsewing for her character, Nevel By Auralea KriegerT ape a piece of wax paper to your Then glue the three pieces together at surface to work on. This will help the seams. keep your fabrics clean. I keep a damp cloth nearby to wipe myfingers on occasionally because stickyfingers will dirty your fabric. This pattern isfor a twelfth scale Heidi Ott doll. You mayneed to adjust the sizes for your doll.YOU’LLneed Step 4: Fold the shirt shut and press the Step 8: Pull sleeves through the armhole, side seams with your fingers. Be sure the making sure your sleeve seams are at the ■ Fabric seams are not sticking to the rest of the armpit and stitch them together. Be very ■ Fabric glue or Tacky Glue shirt and let dry. careful to follow your pencil mark for the ■ Toothpick Step 5: Cut out 2 sleeves and glue folds seam when sewing. I slip my scissors inside ■ Scissors (F). to get the sleeve ends to match up as ■ Pencil much as possible then replace with my fin- ■ Thread and needle Step 6: Fold over and press seams (S) ger as I sew very small stitches. Be sure to ■ Polymer clay – Black together with your fingers. Glue left seam to start and end your sewing at the armpit. ■ Thin leather right seam and press. Step 9: Put the shirt on your doll to test fit. Step 7: Turn shirt inside out. If the top Take it off and glue a seam on the left frontShirt with collar seams come unglued, just stitch them piece. together with your needle and thread. Step 10: Cut your cuff patterns out and layStep 1: Cut out back and front side (x 2) fabric print side down. Fold over the hempatterns. I used a pencil on the back of my and glue.fabric to mark all of the lines for the seams Step 11: Run dots of glue along the oppo-(S), folds (F). This will help you keep track site side of the hem and fold cuff fabric inof things. half, long-ways.Step 2: Put a small spot of glue on the Step 12: Tuck the glue end of the cuff upfolds (F) and press. It doesn’t take much inside the bottom of the sleeve and press.glue, just very small dots. If needed, apply Slide your scissors inside to be sure sleevesglue with a toothpick. are not gluing shut.Step 3: Fold over and press seams (S) onall three patterns with your fingers to creasethem.50 SEPTEMBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D