DHW289

Lorraine Miniatures MMGGMMFAFIRASIRSMGM Fairs organise free Demonstrations and (The Dolls House Store) Beautiful Handcrafted Miniatures & MGM FairMs airneio-rwgaonrizkinsghthoepfsollaowt itnhg eDiorllsDhooulslesahnoduMsieniaatnurde FMairisninia2t0u14r.e Fairs. Craft Materials for Miniaturists.Many pieces are exclusive and one of a kind. Sunday 9 October 2016Sunday 2 March 2014 Only the best quality items are offered, at The Conygre Hall, North Road, Nr Timsbury, BATH, BaNES, BA2 0JG affordable prices. NEW FAIRHSaurenwdooadyH1Fo1uEsMeA, TaThyeUR2Ri0dg1Ie4NwaGy, P1L:Y1M2PTTOHN,, P1L:Y2M4OTUHTHA, DNevDon,SPML7 A2ALSLER SCALESSpecific commissions undertaken if you want ThorntSoanturHdaoyu3g1hMVayil2l0a1g4e Hall, Manor Road, THORNTON HOUGH,The Imperial Rooms, Imperial Road,WMAiTrLrOaClK, CH63 1JB, Derbyshire, DE4 3NL something made to your individual needs. Sunday 7 September 2014 www.lorraineminiatures.com Brangwyn Reception Hall, and Foyer, The Guildhall, SWANSEA, SA1 4PE Beautiful Range of Craft Kits for Dolls House Enthusiasts. Craft Packs are DIY project kits that enable you to make SaturSdunadyay1120ODctoebcere2m01b4 er 2016 handmade doll house miniatures, celebration cake toppers, NEW FAIRThe ConygreFHEallA, NTorUth RRoIaNd, GNr T1im:1sb2urTy,HB,AT1H:,2B4aNTEHS, BAAN2 0DJGSMALLER SCALES room boxes, miniature framed scenes etc. Sunday 9 November 2014 Each pack is beautifully presented, with full, easy to follow instructions The SHhaorewreoohd aHomuse,CThee nRitdrgeew,ay2, PLPYoMnPTdONS,tPrLeYeMtO,UTH, Devon, PL7 2AS and all of the materials that you need for each project. SHORCEonHtacAt GMail T-uBckYer -foSr aEBAook,inWg Foersmt, Sussex, BN43 5WUor download from www.mgmfairs.co.uk www.thecraftpackcompany.co.uk MGM Fairs, Lyndhurst, Beckford Road, Bath, BA2 6NQ – Tel: 01225 466533 Vanessa’s Miniature Dolls MGM Fairs, Lyndhurst, Beckford Road, Bath, BA2 6NQ www.mgmfairs.co.uk BEAUTIFULLY UNIQUE 1/12 SCALE DOLL MINIATURES, DRESSED IN HANDMADE VINTAGE CLOTHES. DOLLS HOUSE HAMPSHIRE… I have now added …CHOICE, QUALITY, VALUE! dressed beds and more dolls that are posed to GLENOWEN FURNITURE UP TO 50% OFF! give an authentic look. YOU CAN ALSO SHOP ONLINE WITH US Every doll is unique. ■ House building is our speciality All costumes use antique ■ Huge choice: houses & miniatures or vintage material ■ Free parking & beautiful location where possible and are wigged to ensure a soft ■ Visit Whitchurch for a day out natural look. Find our virtual tour on Google Maps. Visit my shop to see the full collection. For opening times please check our website. I also sell Jia Yi and some Reutter Porcelain. 6 Winchester St, Whitchurch, Hampshire. RG28 7AL Commission projects are taken on by request. Tel: 01256 89 38 89 Blooming Crafts, Friday Street, Lower Quentin, www.dollshousehampshire.co.uk Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 8SQ. 51DOLLS HOUSE WORLD Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01789 720230 www.vanessasdolls.uk

PROJECTMake a fancy little chairfor a bedroom or studyThese Empire-style chairs, inspired by a Brooke Tuckerroombox, are easy to make - and you can use differentfabrics to create different looks for a variety of rooms BY JANE DATER hen I was furnishing a room- Step 1: Cut the back leg/seat pieces, Step 3: Using the mitre saw, cut a seat front, seat back, seat, and arms section of 5/16” dowel to a length ofW box inspired by Brooke from 1/8” basswood. Sand all the 111/16”. Apply wood glue to both ends Tucker’s book, I couldn’t pieces with fine sandpaper. Apply of the dowel. Insert between the back find any chairs to purchase wood glue to the front edges of the legs at the rounded top. Clamp and letthat I liked. From the photographs of back leg/seat pieces. Fit on the seat dry.Brooke’s room, I designed a pair of front, keeping the joints at right angles.Empire-style chairs that I could cover Allow to dry. Step 4: Cut two spindles to 11/16”in my own fabric. Although I made two length, from bottom of spindle. Al-of them, the instructions here are for a though you can cut these on a bandsingle chair. saw or scroll saw, I’ve found it easier to cut them with a mitre saw. See figure 1. You will need Step 2: Apply wood glue to the three 1 1/16th 3/4” ■ 1/8” basswood sides of the seat piece. With the chair Figure 1 - cut 2 Figure 2 - cut 2 ■ 4 spindles upside down, insert the seat piece be- ■ 5/16” dowel tween the seat sides and push forward ■ 1/8” dowel until it’s flush with the seat front. All the ■ White acrylic paint edges should be flush on the bottom of ■ Gold acrylic paint the chair. Clamp until dry. ■ Scroll saw ■ Mitre saw ■ Wood glue ■ Tacky glue ■ Fabric of choice ■ Gold cord ■ Fine sandpaper ■ Tack cloth ■ Small piece of quilt wedding ■ Card stock ■ Clamp ■ Wood sealer ■ 3/16” foam core ■ Craft knife ■ Metal ruler52 DOLLS HOUSE WORLD

Step 5: Apply wood glue to the tops of PROJECT Step 13: Apply Tacky Glue to thethe legs and glue to the corners of the edges of the foam core cushion atseat bottom, keeping them perpen- Step 8: Glue the arm supports over one end. Fold fabric in, and press withdicular to the seat and aligned with the these dots, with the flat (cut) end down. fingers. Glue loose ends to the bottomback legs. Glue on arms as shown. of the cushion.Step 6: Test fit the seat back under the Step 9: Do a final sanding and wipe Step 14: Glue folded point to bottom ofdowel. It should fit tightly. Cut a length off excess dust with tack cloth. Prime cushion. Repeat at opposite end. Glueof 1/8” dowel to a length of 111/16”. the wood with a wood sealer. Let dry cushion to seat.Test fit dowel under the seat back. and then sand again. (“Twigs” madeApply wood glue to the top of the seat by Micro Mark are extremely helpful in Step 15: Cut two seat covers out ofback and glue in place. Before this this step.) card stock. Cut the fabric approximate-dries, glue on the dowel under the seat ly ¼” larger than the card stock pieces.back. Let these joints dry. Step 10: Paint with two coats of white Cut notches around the curved edge. acrylic paint, sanding gently betweenStep 7: Cut two arm supports to ¾” in coats. If desired, paint the bottom of Fold the fabric to the inside andlength. Make a small pencil mark 5/16” the front legs and the bead on the arm glue. Glue covers to front and backback from the front corners of the seat. support with gold acrylic paint. of seat back. Trim with cord aroundSee figure 2. curved edges of seat covers, if desired. Step 11: Cut a cushion from 3/16” foam core, using an craft knife and metal I placed my chairs in the front of the ruler. Cut two pieces of quilt wadding room-box, flanking the “painted table.” slightly smaller than the seat cushion. Since they were fairly easy to make, Place on seat. Cover with a third piece I may try to make additional chairs of wadding the size of the seat cushion. using different fabrics. For this tutorial, I used a pale lilac print for a chair that Step 12: Cut a square of fabric approx- I will use in a feminine imately 3” by 3”. Place the padded bedroom. seat cushion face down on the wrong side of the fabric square. Fold in two opposite edges and glue to the seat cushion bottom.Seat back cover Seat back cut 2 cut 1from card stockSeat Arm Seat cushion Back leg/seat sidecut 1 cut 2 cut 1 cut 2 Seat front from 3/16” thick 53DOLLS HOUSE WORLD cut 1 foam core

MAKE A ROOMBOXRoom for the kitsPut together two plastic kits and then createan elegant hall in a box file to show them o BY JOAN KEY not show. When dry You will need remove parts from hrysnbon kits are beautifully de- supports and glue n Chrysnbon hall stand kit - together, following CHR2107C tailed and are easily constructed the instructions given. n Victorian table and chair kit - from the clear instructions and CHR2101 drawings provided. Touch in any missed sections with n Acrylic paints The table kit contains one table paint and varnish with a thin coat of n Varnishand chair, plus two picture frames, a water based acrylic varnish. Colour n Humbrol poly cement gluestereoscope and pot of paint. The hall the decorative sections lightly with Rub n Rub ‘n’ Buffstand kit consists of one hall stand with ‘n’ Buff. Any splashes can be removed Also for the displaymirror, parasol, umbrella, cane, Derby, by dabbing with a tissue dampened box and door:straw hat, newspaper and pot of paint. with white spirit. n A4 box fileThey are made of plastic and come n Wallpaperfixed to a frame in the same way as Display box n CarpetAirfix kits. n UHU stick glue Open out the box and place flap n Mount card Familiarise yourself with the pieces firmly onto a cutting board. n Scrap of brass sheetbefore you start, and paint before you n Metal polishremove from supports - the small un- Working from the inside, draw apainted areas can be touched in later. frame approximately 1in wide around l See Chrysnbon supplier advert on page 51. the edge of the flap, 14in wide at the I thought it would make a nice bottom. Make sure your frame is widechange to get away from brown paint enough to cover the catch.so used a dark green acrylic. The plastic fastenings are very Whilst still wet I dabbed with a securely attached to these boxes and,piece of screwed up clingfilm to give a unless you can drill them out, it ismottled texture. easier to incorporate them in what you are doing as removing them usually You will need to do this as you painteach piece because acrylic dries veryquickly. Practice on a part that does54 DOLLS HOUSE WORLD

causes some damage to the box. Painting by numbers The clip that holds papers in place GET THE HISTORY... THEN HANG IT. TWEFLTH SCALE VERSION ON PAGE 77in the box is easy to twist off but leavethe rest. Using a Stanley type craft knife 1 What painting are we hanging Very well. After his father died inwith a sharp blade cut out your frame. in our doll’s houses this month? 1875 Degas learned that his brother Dancers in Pink by Edgar Degas. René had amassed enormous busi- Cover the frame with strips of He was a French artist famous for ness debts. To preserve his family’sembossed wallpaper, mitring at the paintings, but also admired for his reputation, Degas sold his housecorners and glue in place using a stick sculptures, prints, and drawings. and an art collection he had inher-glue. Paint frame and outside of box And he was definitely ‘Lord of the ited. He became dependent for theand varnish when dry. Smear Rub ‘n’ Dance’. Not in the Michael Flatley first time on sales of his paintings.Buff over the embossing on the frame sense, more that more than half of 5 And Dancers in Pink?if you like. his works depict dancers. In 1893 the painting was exhibited 2 Did he start on ballet dancers? at the Pedestal Fund Art Loan Exhi- I made a fake wall with a piece of No, he began as a history painter bition in New York to raise moneycard on the right-hand side of the box and was well-qualified to do this be- for the pedestal base for the Statueto cover what was left of the paper hold- cause of rigorous academic training of Liberty.ing section.You could make another and close study of classic art. 6 Where is it now?on the left. Paper and add skirting and 3 But he was an impressionist? The painting resides at the Hill-dado, leaving a gap for the door. Paper That label, which he hated, came Stead Museum, Farmington, CT. Itthe ceiling. Carpet is self-adhesive one. later when his style changed and he was bought by Alfred Pope who joined a group of young artists who was among the earliest American I then fitted a raised floor made from were organizing an independent collectors of French Impression-card inserted just below the level of exhibiting society. The press had ism, building his collection betweenthe bottom frame. The floor was sup- coined the phrase ‘impressionist’ 1888 and 1907, when the movementported with small sections of card. but Degas hated it. He preferred to was still new and considered radical be called a ‘realist’. But whatever to the public and critics alike.Door you call him he was a stunning 7 What do the critics say now? painter. He captured the move- “Dancers in Pink resonates with De- Cut two pieces from the pattern, re- ment of the body in the same way gas’ characteristic effect of studiedmoving panel sections from one. Glue that Monet and Renoir replicated spontaneity.”both pieces together. Glue these two the shimmering effects of light on 8 What do we say?to a piece of thin card just over 1/2in water. “Those colours would look great inwider all round. 4 Did his work sell well? my second bedroom.” Add a strip of card just under 1/2inwide to the top and two sides of thedoor, overlapping and mitring at thecorners to make the doorframe. Trimedges level and decorate panels withembossed wallpaper. Give door and frame two to threethin coats of teak stained varnish. Cut a small oblong of thin sheetbrass for the finger-plate. Finish withmetal polish. Emboss around the edges by scor-ing with something pointed. Impressa pattern on the finger-plate, from theback. I hammered a bradawl lightly tomake a series of indentations. Glue inplace using ordinary UHU. Trim off bendy pieces of the paperfastener. Protect top with a piece ofcard and hammer to flatten what re-mains of the bendy bits. Glue in placeas the door handle. Glue into positionin your box. Or, you can cheat by usingthe door on the Cutouts page (p77).Either way, enjoy putting your halltogether. 55DOLLS HOUSE WORLD

MEET THE MAKERBudding entrepreneuraims for big thingsHow minis brought a talented young maker ‘joy andhappiness’. Now she’s balancing a mini business, collegeclasses, and still has time to raise social awareness BY ALICE MONROE heily Chung has a passion for support, I would never have been able to develop this interest in Hong Kong.”C miniatures that shines through in every beautiful flower and Today Cheily is a college student dessert she makes. Now this tal- in the UK. She has also expandedented UK student is hoping to forge a her miniatures line to include des-career in ways not always encouraged serts. She’s particularly interested inin her native Hong Kong. wedding-themed items and has taken another cue from her mentor Amy: the “I’m not saying Hong Kong is aplace that does not allow crea- art of fine staging. Every image oftive development, but rather her work is beautifully presentedpeople here are very which not only sets a moodconservative about turning for each piece, but allowsa hobby into something viewers to look deeply intoprofessional,” explains the the details. Those tiny details,young miniaturist known for says Cheily, can be inspiringher amazing miniature roses in countless ways, especially inand peonies. highly populated areas. Her interest began at 13 when shecame across a clay-modelling book in Perfect choicea book shop. She then began takingclasses from Amy’s Miniatures and “For crowded cities like Hong Kong,started searching out as much infor- decorating houses with small itemsmation as she could find on the topic. is somehow a perfect choice. I thinkBut what she also discovered along the miniatures can be a piece of modernway was metamorphic. Cheily, self- interior decoration.”described as a loner during her youth,had suddenly found a passion that was Cheily also believes miniatures cantransforming her life. “Making minia- play an important part in educationtures brought me joy, happiness, and and personal well-being.confidence,” she explains. “Many city dwellers are too busy to appreciate the beautiful things around them. They often go for somethingNurture a dream Above right: Blooming flowers and delicious desserts in twelfth scale are Cheily’s specialty. Her parents noticed, too, and made Top far right: Beautiful and delicate peoniesa decision to nurture their daughter’s in various colours.dream despite social norms. “When Right: Cheily’s elegant mini cakes.I was fifteen, my mum and dad sup- Bottom far right: A beautifully detailedported me to open my Etsy shop. It miniature cake with Cheily’s logo.was truly a milestone! Without their56 DOLLS HOUSE WORLD

MEET THE MAKER 57DOLLS HOUSE WORLD

FABULOUSDHW&FREEGIFTSWe hope you love the fabulous, new look DollsHouse World. But copies are bound to sell out month. Don’t miss out on all the wonderful newfast. So make sure you get your fix of miniature features and projects our team have planned forinspiration every month by having the beautiful you over the coming months. Subscribe to themagazine delivered to your door. printed magazine today and claim your lovelyAnd when you subscribe to the print edition of free gift.DHW we’ll send you a welcome miniature giftcompletely free. If you subscribe for oneyear you’ll receive the twelfth scale beautifulTiffany lamp pictured right. This decorative,non-working light will make an elegant additionto any house. Subscribe for two years and we’llsend you a beautiful set of china on a tray. Bothgifts are carefully crafted by Reutter Porcelain ofGermany and come beautifully boxed in theirown perspex presentation case.Make sure you have the inspiration of DollsHouse World coming to your house everyGift offer applies to new subscribers only. Magazine subscriptions renew annually at the best rate. Prices/gifts subject to changen Subscribe online at www.dollshouseworld.comn Or call the DHW office: 0800 435553 (calls are free in the UK)n Outside the UK call +44 (0) 1903 884988 US: 1-866-606-6587 or 507 634 3143One year magazine subscription £59.99 (12 issues). Two year (24 issues) £116OVERSEAS PRICES WILL BE AMENDED TO LOCAL CURRENCY QUESTIONS? EMAIL: [email protected]. AT DHW WE HANDLE ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS OURSELVES

MEET THE MAKER TIPSREADERS’ YARD BROOM: FROM ELAINE SCANLONmore grand and iconic, something that strife? Colour. “Flowers in reality have ● Cut the handle off a toothbrushis artificial. Making plants in miniature, such a great diversity of colour that is (wood or plastic). Neaten andon the contrary, is mimicking nature.” very hard to replicate. It is very dif- round edges to match the otherAnd in that process, she says, new ficult to get the right colour with clay side.miniaturists begin to pay more respect and paints. A lot of experiments arein general to the natural world. needed.” Cheily just may be her big- Drill a small hole in the centre gest critic, because her mother has top, big enough to take a cocktail She said: “Making miniatures is been known to retrieve items Cheily stick.an attitude towards life; it shows what had thrown away as “just not goodyou like and who you are. When you enough.” Cut the pointed end off theare making a piece and striving for cocktail stick and glue stick intorealism, the real flower or food is your For a girl barely out of her teens, the hole.teacher, it makes you humble and Cheily’s future is certain to be aswonder about everything. unlimited as her energy. She’s already Cut the length to suit your kaing a name for herself and has a sig- cleaning lady, and neaten the end.Tools, training & time nature statement that reflects her youth as well as her graceful contemporary The handle can be stained, For this young entrepreneur and style: “Keeping things real with sophis- painted, or left as it was.busy college student, it’s all about tication and elegance.”striking a balance. She studies archi- CUSHIONS, ETC: FROM VICKY MARTINtecture at the university and for profes- The other side of beautysional growth reads books by Japa- ● Buy some pretty insoles fromnese artists like Satoshi Tanaka who Cheily’s trademark style is a the pound shop. Cut them up tooperates Nunu’s House miniatures. mix of Japanese and European make cushions, line cots, or cre- influences, but her interests in ate a mattress for the bed. The “I have to balance my studies with social change remain close to uses are endless.making miniatures. It is not easy, espe- home. She recently used hercially when I have a shop that I have to talents to create a scale model of 59DOLLS HOUSE WORLDcome up with new ideas and combina- illegal housing units in Hong Kongtions for every month.” Since time is a to raise awareness of poor livingluxury, Cheily says one her favourite conditions.aspects of miniatures is speed. “It was a very meaningful and It’s obvious by looking at Cheily’s memorable experience. Under-work that realism is her key objec- standing poverty by making ative. She’ll be the first one to tell you model is very raw, by which Ishe is a perfectionist who has quite an mean the emotion and perceptionarray of tools. “Making realistic and of artists is expressed explicitly.”good work requires a lot of them,” sheadmits. “Good tools do make a bigdifference.” And what causes her the most

SMALLACCOMPLISHMENTSWHERE READERS SHARE PROJECTS THEY’RE PROUD OF, HOWEVER SMALL. EMAIL YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO [email protected] Scott’s swans are thrilling I thought readers might like my tiny origami swans, kindly made for me by a very talented friend, Scott Thurlbeck (the design is by Hoang Tien Quyet). Scott does a lot of origami as a hobby but this is his first project in one twelfth. I’m thrilled to bits - as a relatively new doll’s house enthusiast, these are my first commission and it feels wonderful to have tiny collectors’ pieces that are uniquely mine. Scott says he’s not quite ready for commissions, but you can check out his work at www. instagram.com/foldingtype and you never know, he might be persuaded to try his hand at a few more. I love your magazine. Keep up the good work. Jessamy ChapmanInspired by life in Africa Roberta’s little thatched bungalowAttracted by your fisherman’s This is a replica of the good, but when they fellcottage in DHW 287 I thoughtyou’d be interested in my ‘Af- house that Roberta out they put a curtain uprican’ house made many yearsago, inspired by my life in Zam- Hanlon lived in as a child, to divide their space. Thisbia. The house is in fact an emp-ty emulsion paint tin and the roof built by husband Neville. wasn’t helped by the factwas cut from a household brush!All very economical in a town The children’s rooms that Roberta is a very tidy(Mufulira) where doll’s housematerials were not to be found. have no inner doors as person, and her sister isn’t.What a relief to have access toyour wonderful magazine and to they opened onto a small In the boy’s room, al-easily available miniatures hall at the front. The sash though there was a 12 year Eileen M Colley windows all work, and the cat trying age gap, Roberta can’t remember to get in the window was a regular many squabbles. Older brother Ste- occurrence - this was a farm after all. ven was careful with his toys and they In what was Roberta’s room, which were handed over to his little brother she shared with big sister, there is as he grew out of them. Kenneth, I am a doll’s house made from old card- told, was a destructive little beastie board boxes, some toys, a piano for and they were soon in a sad state of their lessons, an accordion, and other repair. girly stuff. When they got on, it was The original house had no elec- trics, but Roberta added the lights in her little copycat home to make it easier for the people to read and suchlike. The current family in the house are resin, based on Roberta’s family, but she has plans to replace them very soon with specially de- signed dolls. This is a lovely homage to a happy childhood. Sandra Harding60 DOLLS HOUSE WORLD

Mum pleases son with tattooist sceneW hen considering Christ- ver sequin at either end. The taps are The green bin, water cooler, plant, mas presents for our part of a chain link with the addition shaving brush, razor and figures grown up sons, if we are of watch bits. The trolley on the far left were the only purchases. The recep-lucky enough to have any, a minia- is an old bureau turned upside down, tionist is in heels as it is the end ofture room box is not the first thing while the fire extinguisher is a plastic the day and the last customer is justthat springs to mind. However, if your eye drop bottle with a wire hose and choosing which tattoo to have. Shemum happens to be Wendy Green the painted end of a toothpick for the hopes it is a small one as the tattooistthen perhaps it does. handle. has just popped out for a sandwich and he is late. When Wendy’s eldest son Terry The tattooing table was made fromsaw the amazing record shop she half of a glasses case, with balsa legs The finishing touches to this boxhad just created, his mind went into and a foam head and foot rest. The make the scene perfect, as are all ofoverdrive. I must explain that he is partition wall is balsa-covered in tiled Wendy’s creations. I love the bin fulla tattooist, and in his mind he saw a paper on one side and tattoo designs of dirty tissues, the gloves, the numb-miniature version of his shop (The on the other. The stool was from ing gel and the bottles of colouredDrop of Ink) as an immediate attrac- stock, painted, with a ludo button and ink. I wish I could borrow this lady’stion to his customers. bead ‘feet’ added. The computer and amazing imagination. keyboard are made from painted bal- Once again Wendy made a room sa with screen and keyboard images Sandra Hardingbox to her usual scale (she has made glued on. The telephone is a piecemany) 15” long x 9” high x 11” deep. of make-up applicator with markerShe then chose the wall and floor pen buttons pushed into a painted Blupaper and added black and white Tack base.tiles as a feature, with charts, picturesand designs of tattoos on the walls. A The shelves with tattoo magazinesmatching black mirror on the back is a bookcase on its side, which haswall was also added. been raised with balsa and painted card. The comfy couch in the waiting The furniture had been a gift and area was from stock with new cush-was rather childlike in a pale colour, ions added. There are even drinkingso Wendy painted them all black and glasses by the water cooler which areadded modern handles using tooth- the ends off children’s pencils .picks covered in silver foil with a sil- 61DOLLS HOUSE WORLD

HISTORYDummy’s guideDummy boards, fire screens and chimney boards were all importantitems in a house - here we look at how each one was used BY BRIAN LONGD ummy boards have been with us for a long time, since and rather gloomy a dummy board of my watering holes in years past, c1550 in fact, but we are still could easily be mistaken for a person, and they saw me off the premises warding off that empty look of a house a number of times! Perhaps these gentlemen were originally intendednot too sure what they were for or just out of season and giving a house or to entice young men and boys to join the army?how they were used. room an inhabited look which would Dyrham Park, Gloucestershire, hasIn Bruge, there is a well-known discourage would-be burglars. a girl peeling apples c1770 sitting in the Great Hall. In the spangled dress-example depicting the Count of I make an ever changing series of ing room at Knole in Kent is another lady following the same occupation.Flanders, Charles the Good, who was dummy boards based on postcards These are thought to be of Dutch workmanship showing there wereassassinated in 1127. While no one of images of suitable period and specialist workshops engaged in their production.would claim it is that old it is recorded scale, purchased from gift shops at When looking for suitable materi-to be a ‘renewal’ made in 1609. Most stately homes. I am forever on the als don’t forget the family pet as these are to be found sitting on book-of the earliest examples date from look-out for suitable material from shelves and other pieces of furniture in many houses.just prior to this date. magazines, catalogues and like pub- Dummy boards could be paintedIt has long been assumed that lications but have yet to discover a direct onto the board, painted on pa- per then mounted on the boards, ordummy boards were a form of fire postcard of an actual dummy board. painted on canvas and mounted. No matter what technique was used theyscreen and though some do exhibit Subjects are numerous. At Can- were always made so that there was no outline visible round the edge,signs of having been used too close ons Ashby, two Sentinels painted on with the boards being chamfered at that point.to the fire - the evident blistering wood, listed on an inventory of 177. Chimney boards on the otherand discolouration of the paint and These stout fellows are Scots Guards hand have square cut edges so as to fit snugly into fireplaces. Chimneyvarnish makes it obvious they were with ‘GR’ for George the First on their boards unlike dummy boards were made to fit a specific fireplace andnot intended or much used in this role headdress. I remember two, much Above: Richard aged 1.The children of Sirbut were more of a fire hazard. closer to Scotland, that used to stand Thomas and Alice Lucy, 1619. National TrustPerhaps more like chimney boards in the County Hotel in Carlisle, one postcard publication.they were best suited for masking Left: Drawing of chimney board from thean empty fire basket or grate in the Victoria & Albert Museum.summer months when most fireswere extinguished. Documentaryevidence would have dummy boardsas a decorative and often-humorousitem made to populate large houses,being a silent family friend. Indeed,many family portraits that would nowbe worth an arm and a leg were cutdown and mounted on a board.While today most are positionednear a fireplace, they were also put indoorways, connecting rooms, as if towelcome visitors, with many holdingcandles to help you on your way. Ata time when houses were poorly lit62 DOLLS HOUSE WORLD

HISTORYwere used in the summer The wallpaper Above from left: Constance aged 5 andmonths. Anyone who has method is an easy way Margaret, 3; Bridget aged 2; Lady withhad experience of real for miniaturists to make vegetables, from a greetings card c1900;fires will know the prob- chimney boards. Portrait of Little Girl in Red from a postcardlem of down draughts, (Chatsworth by Cornelis De Vos); Lorddust and birds falling Fire screens in most Burghley on his mule. 16c from a postcarddown the chimney and dolls houses are of the from Hatfield House; Queen Elizabeth I, 16cunderstand how impor- elegant Georgian pole from a National Trust publication.tant a chimney board was. type or the Victorian and Left: Photograph of fireplace at Plas Mawr Edwardian Cheval or hinged ones. with early pole screen.Welsh Historic Perhaps the most famous exam- The first ones we come across are Monuments.ple is one depicting a large vase of straw targets mounted on a stand to Below: Chimney board and dummy boardflowers set in a fireplace surrounded protect the small boy turning the spit in position in Brian Long’s own dolls house,by Delftware tiles. Others show in front of Medieval and Tudor kitchen from the book ‘The Authentic Georgianfireplaces with an empty basket or a fires from the fierce heat. These had Dolls House’.brightly burning fire. Good examples to be soaked with water from timeinclude a stack of books, a cat with a to time to prevent them going up in ● See Cutouts on P77 to make yourbowl of milk, and a dog with its bowl flames. own dummy board.(c1751) now in the Burrell Collection A much more polite version is toin Glasgow. be found in what is thought to be the best example of a Tudor merchant’s My own doll’s house has one with house at Plas Mawr, Conway, withthe view from the front door, over the a stout pole and adjustable basketRiver Tweed and standing by the side ware screen. Dante Gabriel Ros-of it the dummy board of the ‘Little setti had a pair of screens mountedGirl in Red’. and hinged either side of his lounge fireplace at 16 Cheyne Walk, London, If you visit National Trust proper- shown in a watercolour portrait ofties, etc., you will find many examples 1882, now in the Victoria and Albert.with Osterley Park, just down the I hope this helps to differentiateroad from me, having a rather fine between dummy boards, chimneychimney board by Robert Adam, and boards and fire screens and givesin another room a simple one being you ideas on how to make your own.made from the same wallpaper asused in the rest of the room. 63DOLLS HOUSE WORLD

DOLLS WITH A DIFFERENCEStunning figures areSarah’s labour of loveVisitors to this year’s Kensington Festival were amazed by aunique display of articulated dolls. Here, the woman behindTwelvemo figu es explains how she created them BY SARAH BEARE welvemo is a highly articulated objects. Many cultures throughout the furniture, flat-pack oak trees, parch- world and history know this. Twelvemo ment roses, dangly skeletons, or boxest female form in twelfth scale. I could be mass-marketed if I could only for the Twelvemo figures, among other modelled the original by hand find a way to do it! So far this hasn’t things! years ago and I cast them myself happened (hmmm…).in my workshop. Miniatures, making So Twelvemo remains a labourthings, and creative processes always On two occasions I lost money try- of love and collectors’ item. Everyfascinated me, and the Twelvemo pro- ing to get the figures manufactured Twelvemo figure is different and indi-ject really began when I was about six in China. I was about to give up when vidual. The parts I cast are not perfectyears old and I saw a beautiful, jointed a benefactor offered me some help and there are often small flaws to bemannequin in a museum. getting the equipment I needed to do repaired. Everything must be trimmed, it myself, and now my workshop in drilled, fitted, adjusted and antiqued I think I have been trying to re- Norwich is my favourite place to be. by hand. Some of the Twelvemocreate this object ever since. The dolls figures are then customised in otherand figures around in my childhood I’ve got a spin caster I invented, a ways, etched all over with patterns ordidn’t satisfy me; they always had vacuum chamber to de-gas rubber painted and dressed.magic powers or came with stereo- and resin, and a laser cutter, which istyped narratives (Barbie and Action great fun. This can cut any shape from I’m already looking forward toMan). I just wanted a human, not a thin flat material like card or mdf. I love taking a stand again at the Kensing-super-human, a neutral figure that developing designs; miniature regal ton Dollshouse Festival in Decem-could express anything, so Twelvemo ber. It was great fun last year, takingwas made; an artist’s mannequin, a lay Twelvemo to town for the first time.figure, an animation puppet. There are all kinds of different ap- proaches possible to working with I have made a few animations (it miniatures and my take on it is totakes so long) but Twelvemo has taken explore the fun that can be had playingme in other directions too. Mostly I use with scales and coming up with surrealher expressively, arranged with ob- combinations. I think we had a displayjects from my collection of curios and like nothing else they have ever seen!miniatures. I like to exhibit in unusual Not everyone understands my ap-venues, like the eerie basement of an proach but some people absolutelyold pub, or the window of a bookshop. get what Twelvemo is about and it’sThis year I’ll be sending a number of great meeting them.Twelvemo figures to Japan to be exhib-ited in a temple garden in Kyoto. mini matters: I have always had this idea that Twelvemo Figures by Sarah BeareTwelvemo is a fine art product but web: www.sarahbeare.com/page4.htmhas, unusually perhaps, a very broad etsy: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Twelvemoappeal. Something about miniature facebook: www.facebook.com/Twelvemohuman forms is incredibly compelling email: [email protected] they are often strangely potent64 DOLLS HOUSE WORLD

PHOTOGRAPH BY PETER SHERWOODDOLLS WITH A DIFFERENCE 65DOLLS HOUSE WORLD

TTRALI-EASNTOHGFE S TThhiiss mmoonntthh:: TTrrii--aanngg QQuueeeenn AAnnnnee ddoollll’’ss hhoouusseess 11995511--11996611T ri-ang were well tion with exterior colour BY MARION OSBORNE The cardboard embossed aware that a royal printed as shown. The roof sits in a ‘well’ on the connection meant house contains four large imposing staircase, beauti- roof, which is perhaps whysales. In 1922 - 29 they rooms, bathroom, hall and fully decorated, fitted with it was removable.sold the Queen’s house, staircase. Opening walls at electric lights. Red tiledan exact copy of a doll’s rear. Packs flat.’ roof. Height 27in x 22in The Queen Anne fromhouse that Queen Mary wide x 13in deep.’ approximately 1952-57bought, furnished and In the Toy Trader of June probably has the remov-then presented to one of 1953, in a photograph of a Main features able wooden staircase toher charities. Tri-ang showroom, there make one large room on is just visible a very small The main features are the ground floor, no inte- In 1932 there were two Queen Anne house with the plastic windows and rior wall downstairs andsmall versions of the Prin- a fairly plain front. And imposing double front no electric lights in thesecess’s cottage given by Hamley’s in 1955 show the door, but as they are made versions. All of the housesWales, though the version same house and describe from plastic they are not so I have seen in this rangewithout a garage was still it as four rooms and stair- long lasting and it is usual have large-scale wallpa-on sale until 1958. case, removable roof and to find one or more of the pers and the carcass is opening walls at front. So it windows or doors missing. painted either all turquoise However, post-war is more than likely that the Incidentally both the win- or all cream. The wallpa-they had to fall back on to house shown in the 1961 dows and doors were sold pers did change over theQueen Anne style archi- catalogue and which has separately as per the Spot- years.tecture with a house that turned up more frequently On catalogue dated 1961,appeared at a Toy Trade was available from at least though like many other The 1958 - 61 versionsFair in June 1951. Actually 1953 if not from 1952. As items no collector has told have the lights on the backthis house is a bit of mys- has happened before, me they have a spare win- wall and the shades aretery because, although Tri-ang did not change the dow or door in their col- the variety I call cooliethere is a picture of this catalogue illustrations very lection. The house is made hats - large round plastichouse at the Fair (see il- often, though the 1957 from hardboard, which is shades that come to alustration courtesy Toys ‘n’ page does not mention not very thick and there is slight point in the centre.Playthings who purchased opening walls at rear, nor a hardwood frame, which It has a plastic staircaseToy Trader magazine in the flat pack. can prove very annoying fixed to the interior wallDec 2000 and it is also when trying to place the and there are two piecesshown in the catalogue), Both in 1959 and 1961 furnishings in the room.this exact house has yet to the description is as Top left: Queen Anne - withbe seen. There is only one follows: ‘Tri-ang ‘Queenmeasurement of 24in wide. Anne’ Dolls House. Con- cream walls, green windowsThe catalogue description: structed from heavy-duty‘Designed by our resi- hardwood in traditional and doors. Courtesy of Barbaradent architect, that lovely style with gay floraldesign, so often seen in decorations at the front. Andrewsthe English countryside. Front section opens onHeavy board construc- to four rooms and Left: Queen’s dolls house. Gamages style in 1928 or 1929 catalogue. House belongs to Rosemary Myers. Photo: M Osborne66 DOLLS HOUSE WORLD

Top far left: Pages from Tri-ang catalogue showing the Queen Anne and Princess houses.The Princess has the thatched effect. Far left: Picture from Tri-ang catalogue showing the A and B type house. Above: Queen Anne 1960/61 with lights on the back walls. The photo also shows more wallpaper. Above right: Queen Anne - courtesy of Liz Dearney Below: Princess house No 1, back opening with white front door. Courtesy of Gillian Kernonof wood from floor to ceil- from metal appears to Queen Anne‘A’ is likely the hall and land-ing at the top of the stairs be plastic; the result is a 1961-1965 ings are the same in bothand on the right but why high glossed, rather chilly houses. There is no picturethey are there is a mystery. house. It has an pen back, Measurements - 20in for this house in 1961 - theThese pieces of wood are so no defence against high x 25in wide. Cata- space was reserved only,painted the same tur- the dust. This house was logue description: ‘Fin- but in 1963 the ‘A’ is shownquoise as the rest of the depicted in a magazine ished as model ‘B’, but as being a lot smaller thanhouse and look original. in 1958 and the write-up overall length is 25in (See ‘B’. This house has yet to states that there is a fitted 1962 catalogue page).’ put in an appearance, butAll metal Queen Anne kitchen and bathroom, it is shown in the Hamley’sDolls House 1959 - 61 interior lighting and door- Description of ‘B’ - catalogue. bell. Certainly the bath ‘Strong board construc- A similar Queen Anne- and kitchen fitments can tion with colourful printed Queen Anne‘B’style dolls house was just be seen and the red finish. Plastic window 1961-1966available in the 1959 appears to match the floor. frames and doors. Fourcatalogue but it was very The blue door downstairs rooms, hall, staircase and Measurements - 20indifferent to the first house is a nice touch. upper landing with printed high x 31in wide x 15inas it was made of metal. It interior decoration. Fitted deep. Catalogue de-could have been available Reserved spaces electric lights in all rooms scription: ‘Strong boardfrom 1958 and certainly is and landing. Open back construction with colour-not in the 1962 catalogue. The Queen Anne theme for easy access.’ ful printed finish. PlasticSo that gives a possible continued and the 1961 window frames and doors.1958-61 dating. Measure- catalogue shows both the ‘A’ measures 6in less Four rooms, hall, staircasements are 16in high x Queen Anne house al- than ‘B’ with the rooms and upper landing with24in wide 11in deep. 1961 ready discussed and now roughly 3in less in width. It printed interior decora-catalogue description: called ‘A’ and the metal Q tion. Fitted electric lights in‘Pressed metal construc- A doll’s house. There are all rooms and landing.’tion, hinged opening reserved spaces for ‘B’doors. Four large rooms and ‘C’; 1962 shows the Open back for easy ac-and staircase. Embossed new Queen Anne ‘A’ and cess. Only one house seentiled roof. Fitted with elec- ‘B’. Presumably the first to date and that has print-tric lights and push front two houses were phased ed details on the insidedoor bell. Opening at rear.’ out and the new A and B walls, such as curtains, but replaced them. unfortunately most of the What isn’t constructed windows are missing. 67DOLLS HOUSE WORLD

QUICK & EASY PROJECTSQuick & easy projects BY SANDRA HARDINGYou will need hilst I know that these with the centre hole in the finding. Let it dry.n Pack of 18 plastic eggs from W Faberge eggs are not really 5. Glue the smallest finding to the topWorks or similar (one inch or twelfth scale one would look of the egg and let it dry.less in size) rather nice as a standalone Note. In place of nail varnish, then Cocktail sticks piece in a grand house, or as a little eggs can be painted with severaln Small polystyrene block to addition to a chocolate or sweet shop. coats of acrylic paint. When dry, finishhold egg and cocktail stick in They would also make a fun project with a coat of clear nail varnish to cre-place whilst drying for a club evening. ate the shine. Let it dry.n Clear drying glue 6. Stick on your paper stick-ons ton Clear nail varnish and nail Instructions for closed egg form the design if needed and thenvarnish of any colour add your nail jewels, or jewels fromn Acrylic paint and paint brush 1. Take any bits of feather and glue packs.You may need a little touch ofn Tweezers from egg and clean up until smooth. glue depending on the jewels, but it’sn Beads 2. Push cocktail stick into hole at the worth experimenting. Let it all dryn Brads or back of broken big end of the egg until firm. and settle.pierced earring rod 3. Paint egg in chosen nail varnish 7. Place a brad underneath the con-n Gold or silver stick-ons (the and stick it in the polystyrene to dry; cave side of larger finding and line itkind used in card making) give it another coat if needed (or up with the centre of the bottom find-n Nail jewels, no hole beads, two). Let it dry ing on the egg. Add glue to the bradglitter 4. Choose which three filigree find- and the bottom of the finding andn Filigree findings (from Tee ings you want: small one for top, put the whole egg up on its end (soPee Crafts) medium one for bottom, and larger the brad does not fall out). Let it dry. one to stand on. Glue the middle size Add a further amount of glue over the finding to the bottom of the egg, mak- ing sure the hole in the egg lines up68 DOLLS HOUSE WORLD

QUICK & EASY PROJECTSbrad if needed and let it dry. and possibly as dividers to create Quick & Easy This will be the stand for the egg shapes. Accessories 5. Choose two findings and glueso make sure the egg is straight on smaller one to the bottom of the egg BY SANDRA HARDINGthe base. lining up the hole with the centre of8. Glue on stone or jewel to the top of the finding. Let it dry. (The second, You will needthe egg, covering the centre hole. larger finding will be the stand). 6. Place a brad underneath the con- n Packs of embellishmentsInstructions for open egg cave side of the larger finding, lining or card-making sets, with up with the hole in the egg and the clothes or accessories on.1. Gently saw the egg down the join, smaller finding; add glue and put it n Nail decorations,leaving enough at the bottom to on its end (so the brad does not fall ribbon etc.make a hinge. Ensure you do not saw out). Let it dry. Add further glue if n Small piece of felt forthrough to the hole in the bottom. needed and let it dry. flip-flop shoes Or, for a “top opening” egg This is to be the stand for the egg, For the bikini and swimming2. Gently saw across the middle of so make sure the egg is straight on costume set cut out the shapethe egg, leaving enough for a hinge. the base.. from cotton fabric, using a dou-3. Push cocktail stick securely into the 7. Add nail jewels and decorations, ble layer for the bikini bottomhole at the bottom and paint inside using glue if needed. If the egg is and the bathing costume. Addof the egg once or twice if needed; open, you may wish to add flowers, glue carefully where needed.push cocktail stick into your polysty- large bead, pearls, or other itemsrene and let the egg dry. inside the egg. The egg could also For the straps and decoration4. Paint outside of the egg and let it be carefully lined with a fine satin or I used shiny nail decorations,dry. It will probably need 2-3 coats, similar material if you are really try- but ribbon, braid or beadsdepending on colour. ing to impress. would do. At this stage, if you decide to have The flip flops are felt, but anystick-ons, add them now. They look firm fabric would work. Addnice along the cut edge of the egg decorations to match bikini. Stick on card for display in beach shop, or just arrange where you want. I have added the lilac dress set although the dress is rather small. However, the gloves are well made and worth keeping as a display piece. Handbag and shoes would work well at the back of a display. The white set is just another varia- tion and the top is very pretty for a modern shop. The pack of plastic flip-flops are buttons, just perfect for a beach shop. 69DOLLS HOUSE WORLD

CLUB NEWSminimeet hereTODAY Display of English cottages Horsham Summer Show Linda. The buffet, organised by the com- Some of us at the Billericay Minia- The annual summer get together of tures Club have recently ventured the Horsham Dolls House Club in West mittee, was very popular as always into 1/48th scale in a big way, Sussex was once again a lively and and catered for all tastes. The raffle so we thought why not create a happy event, with members showing was also well supported and raised whole village? So here is a photos off their delightful work for club and funds for the club. of work in progress on Cockle- guests alike. shell Bay, a typical English har- The show was well-attended, and bour scene. It is set in the early This year the theme was ‘a craft ex-member Wendy was welcomed sixties and we have a church, rec- fair’ and they very cleverly used their back for the celebration, as was old tory, school, hotel and pub as well amazing replica of the actual scout hall friend of the club (and mine) Jean Caff. as a number of typical English they meet in to display the stalls. Each cottages and shops. stall was manned by little recognis- If you would like to see this lovely able replica member dolls, which is display for yourself, the club plan to The village will be on dis- quite an achievement in itself. There show their work at the Charmandean play, together with other min- were also many other items on show Dolls House Fair on Sunday, November iature items in the WI Hall, St outside the mini scout hall, each one 13. Edith’s Lane, Billericay, Essex, made and displayed beautifully. on Saturday, November 12 from New members are always welcome 10.30-4.30pm. This will be the This gave individual members an and if you fancy joining this happy and first opportunity to view our opportunity to show their personal successful club, they meet on the sec- completed 1/48th scale harbour skills, and it certainly confirmed what ond Wednesday of each month at The scene. There will also be displays a talented lot they are. There was Scout Hall, Billingshurst Road, Broad- by other local clubs - a complete beautiful embroidery from Carole, bridge Heath, Horsham, West Sussex mini world. delightful little boxes from Sue, table at 7pm. decorations from Jane, plus many more Admission is free and refresh- craft stalls and other items from club For further details contact Hazel on ments are available all day. Dona- members Daphne, Hazel, Peter and 01403 242813. tions welcome and the proceeds are going to the Essex Air Ambu- Sandra Harding lance. Janet Lee, Secretary of Billericay Miniatures Club EMAIL YOUR CLUB NEWS AND PHOTOS TO [email protected] DOLLS HOUSE WORLD

If you want a thing doing… Houses and gardens on display given the same base from which a great variety of gardens were built.A local club wanted to see a doll’s Eastbourne Dolls House Group have a There were greenhouses of differenthouse fair being held in the North special affinity with the modellers and shapes and two people had conserva-east of England once again.. so miniaturists who attend Brighton Mod- tories on the back of the houses. Sev-they organised one themselves. elworld, for the club have exhibited eral sheds were made, one complete there for the past four years. with workshop with a tiny doll’s house Members of the Cleveland being built. There were manicuredMiniaturists UK Dolls House This year the impressive display lawns, vegetable plots and flowers ofgroup can all pat themselves consisted of Tudor houses overlooking all kinds plus different styles of fencing.on their backs after staging the a row of terraced gardens. The two tierfirst Dolls House and Miniatures display unit was especially made by Members involved with the makingFair at Locomotion, The National Simon, who is the son of Sheila one of of the houses and gardens were Bar-Railway Museum, Shildon, County the club members. bara, Diana, Val, Dave and Ann, SheilaDurham. R, Sheila L Maggie, Ruby, Iris, Pat and The houses were all made from Connor. The very successful event at- scratch by members who had attend-tracted 29 exhibitors and approxi- ed a workshop given by Bronni andmately 300 people on the day. Ian of Living in Miniature. The Shrek home in the middle of the gardens Linda Innes, Chairperson for was built by the club’s youngestCleveland Miniaturists UK, said: member Connor, with a bit of help“Several members of our group from his grandma Ruby. It was defi-had spent several months plan- nitely the favourite building withning the event because we all the younger children at the show.wanted to see a doll’s house fairheld again in the North East of All members of the club wereEngland after an absence of manyyears. We have already set the Gatwick’s Have a Go day day, and a tombola will be held indate for next year’s fair.” aid of St Catherine’s Hospice. Building on previous successes, Club members also found time Gatwick Dolls House Club will hold Previous years have seen visitorsto put together a twelfth scale its popular Have-a-Go Day at Hor- travel up to 60 miles so, for SatNavbeach scene to exhibit at the fair. ley Methodist Church Hall in Victo- users coming any distance, the ria Road, Horley, Surrey, on Satur- postcode is RH6 7AS. There is freeAbove: Cleveland club members pre- day, October 15, from 10 - 3pm. parking for about 30 cars behind the hall though the club warns it fillssent a donation to Pam Porter, Events As in other years, for a small up quickly! fee, visitors will be given materialsManager for the National Railway to make a variety of items in twelfth Admission is £2.50 for adults scale, with club members on hand (which includes entry in a prizeMuseum. to guide and assist. draw) and £1 for accompanied children. There will also be an exhibition of the group’s recent project, and For more details call Bar- sales tables by both club members bara Hoyle on 020 8393 2555 or and outside retailers (Shepherd email barbara@hoyle-engineering. Miniatures and Jays Miniatures). co.uk Refreshments are available all 71DOLLS HOUSE WORLD

PROJECTBuild your ownkitchen cabinetsIf you’ve always wanted to add that specialdream kitchen to your (mini) house here’s agreat place to start. Get out the craft knife! BY KRIS COMPASS am married to a cabi- ternet for standard sizes and Step 2: Cut 2 pieces at 1/4” Step 4: Make a “quarter then convert to twelfth scale. x 2 7/8” from that group- round” edge as shown usinginetmaker. From him I’ve Remember that means one- ing. Use a small ball stylus sand paper, (120 grit) of 1 learned how to build inch equals one-foot. to press into the card stock short side of each of these cabinets, as well as terms side. Make 3 lines that are pieces.like mullions, stiles, rails, We will begin with the evenly spaced. *The cardfaces, and many others. I’ve posts for the front sides. stock was glued to the mat Step 5: Glue the 1/2” andblended things that I’ve I want to make them first board because the ball sty- 7/16” pieces togetherlearned from him and meth- because the counter top lus marks work much better matching 2 long sides andods I’ve developed while has to have a lip sticking on the card stock surface the un-sanded short end.working with mat board. In out beyond the posts so we than the matboard. Glue the 3/8” and 5/16”the end of this three-part need to know just how thick pieces together matchingtutorial you’ll have cabinets they will be. I like measur- the same way as before.that will look designer pro- ing from the finished item;fessional. No need to wish my husband would shake Step 6: Glue these assem-for that fabulous kitchen you his head at me, “You should blies to the 1/4” x 2 7/8”saw in the style mags, now know this from measure- long piece with the lines.you can make your own! ments, the thickness of the One set on top and one on material and figure back.” the bottom. Match your After you read this you Yeah, like I said, I use some sides evenly.should be able to go to your of his stuff!local home improvement Step 7: Now, we need to cutstore and purchase one of Step 1: Glue a piece of Step 3: To build the posts a “shoe mould”. That’s thethose beautiful books full card stock to a piece of mat you need to cut from a 1/4”of designer kitchen pho- board.You will be using this wide piece of mat board.tographs or even research throughout this tutorial. Cut 2 pieces each at 1/4” xonline. Also search the In- 1/2”, and 1/4” x 7/16”, these are the top pieces; 1/4” x You will need 3/8” and 1/4” x 5/16, these are the bottom pieces. n Matboard n Card stock n Yellow glue n Pencil n Craft knife n Ruler n Ball stylus n Oval template n 120-grit sandpaper72 DOLLS HOUSE WORLD

piece of quarter round that PROJECTgoes at the bottom of thepost. (This should also be at Step 12: Mark and drawthe bottom of baseboards.) a centre line on the front.Quarter round is called Measure up from the bottomquarter round because only 1/4” and draw a line.one of the 4 corners is sand-ed round. Round by sanding Step 13: We are making the Step 17: The drawers are Step 20: For the smalleran end of a 1/4” wide strip toe kick at the bottom front 11/16” long, cut 2 of them pieces of the door, measureof mat board. of the cabinet base. I used a from the strip. Those pieces in from all sides 3/16”. Sand circle template to make the will be the first layer of your all four edges of these 8Step 8: Cut the end off at curved ends of the toe kick. doors and drawers. Don’t pieces.You can use an oval3/32” . Cut the mat board out on the glue them on yet. template to make the curve lines you drew. at the top of the door. Step 18: Cut another strip that is 1 1/16“ wide. For the doors, cut 4 pieces 1 3/8” long from that strip. For the drawers, cut 2 pieces 9/16” long from that strip. They are the second layers. We are going to make an ogee, or curved, edge on the doors and drawers.Step 9: Glue your shoe Step 14: Glue the posts onto Step 19: Make the drawer Step 21: With a sharp blademould onto the bottom of the front of your cabinet fronts first. Round off all four in your craft knife, cut thethe posts. base. edges. Centre the small inside shape out of the top piece on the large piece layer of your door faces.Step 10: Cut the front piece Step 15: Door and drawer and glue them together. Remember, several lightof the base cabinet to 2 7/8” faces are 1 3/16” wide and Make 2. cuts are better than onex 6”. will have a 1/8” space in deep cut. between them. Note: I’ve written beforeStep 11: Set the posts onto Step 16: Cut a few strips of about the ogee reveal. I try Step 22: Centre the top layereach side of the cabinet mat board at 1 3/16” wide. my best to keep measure- of the door faces onto thebase front. I set the posts The doors are 1 1/2” long, ments from getting into the bottom layer. Draw around1/16” from the ends. Mark cut 4 of them from the strip. 32nds and 64ths. Sometimes the opening.1/16” from the inner edge of I have to, though. Make aeach post. TOPTIP sample, if you want less of a reveal, the space between Keep your pencil sharp for the edge of the top layer better marking of meas- and the edge of the bottom urements. Keep a sharp layer, make your top layer blade in your craft knife. a little larger. Not quite the entire 1/8” I have all around. This is your design; make them the way you would like to have them. 73DOLLS HOUSE WORLD

Step 23: Measure and draw PROJECT toe kick back in, it will haveeven spaced lines on the some realistic depth to it. Webottom layer of the door you want them, spaces won’t be cutting and gluingfaces. Then use a small ball between even to your eye, the toe kick’s back in untilstylus to press into the mat measure 1 3/4” in from each we get to the finishing of theboard. side of the front of the cabi- cabinet. net base. With the posts glued on Step 27: Connect all the we can now figure out how marks and draw lines. Cut wide the sides need to be. out the sink space. I’ve got Remember, the counter top my doors and drawers just is 2” and we want a little lip setting on the front. Don’t past the post. This can be as glue them on yet; it will look little as the width of a finger- more realistic if you paint nail, but no more than 1/16”. them separately. Step 32: 1 11/16” is what we will be cutting the width of the sides to be. That leaves 1/16” past the post for the lip of the counter top. Cut 2 pieces at 2 7/8” x 1 11/16”.Step 24: Centre the top layer Step 28: Cut 2 strips of matonto the bottom layer and board 5 7/8” x 1 7/8”. Glueglue the layers together. them together. some triangles to glue into the corners of the cabinet. If you have a square, use it.Step 25: Lay your drawers Step 29: Centre this piece Step 33: Glue the sides onto Step 35: Glue the trianglesand doors on the front of under the cabinet front, the cabinet front. The cut into the cabinet base. Gluethe base cabinet. The doors leave a 1/16” space at each edge of the front will show the top ones level with theshould be about 1/8” from side. The bottoms should on the sides.You won’t glue front and sides. Glue thethe bottom and the drawers be even. Trace the toe kick onto the cut edge of the bottom triangles about ashould be about 3/16” from area. front. 1/4” up from the top of thethe top. toe kick. Step 30: Cut out the toe Step 34: The piece we The space above the 2 kick. Oh my, look at that glued to the front will make Step 36: For the back wecentre doors is where the messy cut! a nice “L” shape for the need to cut a piece to 2 7/8”sink will go. We need to sides to be glued into. For x 5 7/8”.measure and cut out that Step 31: Glue the big piece, stabilisation I want you cutspace. to the backside of the cabi- net base front. Centre this soStep 26: Measure 7/8” down that there is a 1/16” spacefrom the top. If you have the at each side and the bottomdrawers and doors where is even. When we glue the74 DOLLS HOUSE WORLD

READERS’ TIPS MAKE A FLUORESCENT LIGHT: SHARED BY CAROLE HOUSEMAN (MIDDLEMUMS)Step 37: Before gluing into You will need the wires in pairs into athe cabinet base measure longer wire.7/8” down from the top, one n 4 grain of wheat bulbslong side. Draw a line. n 5 inch piece of banister Carefully push it all n 5 inch piece of white into the banister pieceStep 38: Cut a strip of mat- Step 41: Cut more triangles drinking straw making sure all the wiresboard about 1/4” wide and and glue them into the cabi- n Plastic plug cover “bits” are covered as the bulbsabout 3” long. net base. n Piece of aluminium foil get hot. n Thin metal tubeStep 39: Glue this directly n White paint Make sure the bulbsunder the line you drew in n Glue are inside the slot andthe centre of the back. glue the drinking straw Drill 2 holes in kitchen over the whole slot. ceiling where you want the light to be. Glue on the two end stops, one at each end of Paint banister white the light. and when dry drill 2 holes to match the holes If the light is going flat on the kitchen ceiling. on the ceiling, thread the two wires through the Cut piece of tinfoil and ceiling holes and secure. poke 4 holes through about 1 inch apart and If the light is to “hang” slot 1 light bulb wire with spacers then slot the through both the tinfoil wires through metal tube and the banister. Join and attach to the ceiling. Join up to your elec- trics.Step 40: Now, glue the Step 42: Cut a piece of mat-back into the cabinet base board to 1 5/8” x 3”. This isbetween the sides. The the shelf the sink sits on.photo shows the back of the Glue into cabinet base.cabinet glued in with thatstrip glued in. The cabinet base is done! In our next issue, part-two of this kitchen cabinet tutorial will include the farm sink, counter top, and other parts. Have fun, expand on it, make it better, just keep making minis! 75DOLLS HOUSE WORLD

KNITTING PORJECT Pretty period outfit of jumper and skirt Isn’t it about time you gave the lady of the house a new outfit? How about this lovely period outfit with jumper and matching skirt? It’s pretty and easy to knit BY DESNA TYSOE ith so many readers now Using main colour. Skirt (one piece) Next row: K.W recreating the periods from Next row: P. Cast on 40 sts. K 1 row. 1930s to the 1950s this outfit Next row: K14, P2, K8, P2, K14 will play an important partof any well-dressed lady’s wardrobe. Next row: Cast off 10 sts, K to end. Next row: P14, K2, P8, K2, P14Desna has designed this jumper and Next row: Cast off 10 sts. P to end. Repeat these 2 rows, 5 times.skirt with a very cleverly-worked pat- Next row: K. Next row: K13, S1, K1, psso, K2tog, K6,tern. Next row: P. S1, K1, psso, K2tog, K to end.Jumper Repeat last 2 rows. Cast off. Next row: P.Body Next row: K8, K2tog, K16, K2tog, K to Sleeves end.Work two the same. Next row: P.Main colour cotton to start. Make 2 the same. Next row: K.Cast on 38 sts. Knit 10 rows. Using main colour. Next row: P.Next row: K1 (K1, M1, K2tog) to last Cast on 24 sts. K 4 rows. Next row: K7, K2tog, K16, K2tog, K to2sts, K2. Keeping colour changes on pattern end.Change colour and work pattern. as before, but K3 at each end of row Next row: P.1st row: K. instead of K1. Next row: K.2nd row: P. Work 2 patterns. Next row: P.3rd row: K1 *(K2tog) repeat 3 times; Next row: Cast off 3 sts, K to end. Next row: K7, K2tog, K14, K2tog, K to(M1, K1) repeat 6 times; (K2tog) repeat Next row: Cast off 3 sts, P to end. end.3 times from * to last st, K1. Continue in pattern until 6 patterns in Next row: P.4th row: K. all have been worked. Next row: K.These 4 rows form the pattern. Cast off. Next row: P.Work 10 more patterns, changing col- Next row: K7, K2tog, K12, K2tog, K toour for each pattern. Make up end. Next row: P. You will need Sew in ends. Sew up sides for six pat- Next row: K. terns. Sew shoulder seam and fit on Next row: P. Jumper: doll to sew other one. Sew underarm Next row: (K5, K2tog) repeat to end. ■ Size 22 needles seam of sleeve put on arm and sew ■ DMC 80 cotton or anchor into armhole. Next row: P. ■ Perle 12 in three colours Cast off. I found this way it was Skirt: easier to dress and Make up ■ Size 18 needles formed a ‘puff’ type ■ Anchor perle cotton 5 sleeve. Take short Sew in ends, Join back length of each col- seam, leaving last our cotton knot ends inch open, fit on doll and thread through and finish sewing holes in waist, pull seam. up and tie.76 DOLLS HOUSE WORLD

THE CUTOUTS PAGE



SHOW DATES A ROUND UP OF PLACES WHERE THE MINI FLAGS WILL BE FLYING AROUND THE COUNTRYSEPTEMBER DOLLS HOUSE & MINIATURES FAIR NOVEMBER Thornton Hough Village Hall, ManorSUNDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER Road, THORNTON HOUGH, Wirral, SUNDAY 6TH NOVEMBERSTAFFORD DOLLS HOUSE FAIR Cheshire CH63 1JB DOLLS HOUSES & MINIATURES FAIRMembers Pavilion, County Showground, Open: 10.30am - 3.00pm Holiday Inn Basildon, Waterfront Walk,Weston Road, STAFFORD ST18 0BD Organiser: MGM Fairs Festival Leisure Park, BASILDON,Open: 10.30am - 4.00pm DOLLS HOUSE & MINIATURES FAIR Essex SS14 3DG (off A127)Organiser: Doreen Jeffries Community Centre, Main Car Park, Open: 10.30am - 4.00pm LYNDHURST, Hampshire SO43 7NY Organiser: Dolly’s DaydreamsSATURDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER Open: 10.00am - 4.00pmDOLLS HOUSE & MINIATURES FAIR Organiser: Wendy’s World SATURDAY 12TH NOVEMBERThe Hallam Suite, Cwmbran Stadium, LEEDS DOLLS HOUSE FAIRHenllys Way, CWMBRAN NP44 3YS SUNDAY 16TH OCTOBER Pudsey Civic Hall, PUDSEY,Open: 10.30am - 3.00pm DOLLS HOUSES & MINIATURES FAIR Leeds LS28 5TAOrganiser: MGM Fairs Novotel Stevenage, Knebworth Park, Open: 10.30am - 4.00pm STEVENAGE, Hertfordshire SG1 2AX Organiser: Doreen JeffriesSUNDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER (A1M/Junction 7)DOLLS HOUSES & MINIATURES FAIR Open: 10.00am - 4.00pm SUNDAY 13TH NOVEMBERThe Rivenhall Hotel, Rivenhall End, Organiser: Dolly’s Daydreams DOLLS HOUSE & MINIATURES FAIRnear WITHAM, Essex CM8 3HB (on A12 DOLLS HOUSE & MINIATURES FAIR Harewood House, The Ridgeway,westbound) Open: 10.30am - 4.00pm Plympton, PLYMOUTH PL7 2ASOrganiser: Dolly’s Daydreams CANCELLEDThe Jurys Inn, Gloucester Road, Open: 10.30am - 3.30pm Organiser: Sue BeesonSUNDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER CHELTENHAM, GloucestershireDOLLS HOUSE & MINIATURES FAIR GL51 0TS Open: 10.00am - 4.00pm DOLLS HOUSE & MINIATURES FAIRThe Hilton Hotel, Bearsted Road, Organiser: Wendy’s World The Civic Hall, Market Street,MAIDSTONE, Kent ME14 5AA NANTWICH, Cheshire CW5 5DGOpen: 10.00am - 4.00pm SUNDAY 23RD OCTOBER Open: 10.30am - 4.00pmOrganiser: Wendy’s World DOLLS HOUSES & MINIATURES FAIR Organiser: MM Fairs Knights Hill Hotel & Spa, SOUTH DOLLS HOUSES & MINIATURES FAIRSUNDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER WOOTTON, near King’s Lynn, Norfolk The Charmandean, Forest Road,DOLLS HOUSE & MINIATURES FAIR PE30 3HQ (Junction A148/A149) WORTHING, West Sussex BN14 9HSThe Inn on the Lake Hotel, DA12 3HB Open: 10.30am - 4.00pm (on A27) Open: 10.30am - 4.00pmOpen: 10.00am - 3.30pm Organiser: Dolly’s Daydreams Organiser: Dolly’s DaydreamsOrganiser: D&M Fairs DOLLS HOUSE & MINIATURES FAIR The Jubilee Hall, Congregational ORGANISERS:OCTOBER Church, Bowden Lane, MARKET HAR- Dolly’s Daydreams: 01945 870160. BOROUGH, Leicestershire LE16 7JD www.dollysdaydreams.comSATURDAY 1ST & SUNDAY 2ND Open: 10.30am - 3.00pm E: [email protected] Organiser: MGM Fairs Doreen Jeffries: 01274 616539.AUTUMN MINIATURA DOLLS HOUSE & MINIATURES FAIR www.doreenjeffriesdollshousefairs.co.ukNEC Birmingham Royal Hotel, Knightstone Road, MGM Fairs: Tel: 01225 466533Open: 10.00am - 5.00pm SAT WESTON SUPER MARE, BS23 2AH Mob: 07818 46244810.00am - 4.00pm SUN Open: 10.00am - 4.00pm E: [email protected] ticket also available Organiser: Wendy’s World www.mgmfairs.co.ukOrganiser: Miniatura Miniatura: 0121 783 9922.Ticket hotline: 0844 581 1291 SUNDAY 30TH OCTOBER www.miniatura.co.uk DOLLS HOUSES & MINIATURES FAIR Plymouth Dolls House Fair (Sue Beeson)SUNDAY 9TH OCTOBER The Cedric Ford Pavilion, Newark Show Tel: 07815500993 E: [email protected] HOUSES & MINIATURES FAIR Ground, Lincoln Road, NEWARK, Wendy’s World: 01895 834348The Mill Arts & Events Centre, Nottinghamshire NG24 2NY (A46/A1) www.wendysworldfairs.co.ukBellingham Lane, off High Street, Open: 10.30am - 4.00pm E: [email protected], Essex SS6 7ED (off A127) Organiser: Dolly’s DaydreamsOpen: 10.30am - 4.00pmOrganiser: Dolly’s Daydreams While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of these dates, please do check shows before travelling. 79DOLLS HOUSE WORLD

DOLL’S HOUS THE UK’S LEADING GUIDE TO TOP SHOPS, ATTRACTIONS & OTHER THINGS ACCESSORIES CAMBRIDGESHIRE Market Place, Northleach, nr NR30 1HT. Cheltenham GL54 3EJ. Open Wednesday-Saturday JPL MODELS 1. PMJ MINIATURES One of 01451 860431 10.00am- 4.00pm. cobholm. the largest ranges of dolls hous- www.the-dollshouse.co.uk [email protected] DOLLS HOUSES, WALLPAPERS, es and dolls house items in East LIGHTING, FURNITURE Anglia. 100% Dolls House with 7. OLD BELL POTTERY & 12. TUDOR ROSE AND ACCESSORIES. thousands of accessories. CRAFTS. Great choice of MINIATURES Huge range of Open 7 days a week; 10am to specialist handcrafted and exclusive miniatures, plus one-off 129 ELLIOTT ST. TYLDESLEY, 4pm (3pm on Mondays). manufactured 1/12th miniatures houses/projects. MANCHESTER M29 8FL Lynn Road, Bamber Leisure, for all ages. Traditional games Bluebell Square, Bawdeswell TEL: 01942-896138 just off A47 near Wisbech, plus many gift ideas; Knitting & Garden Centre, Bawdeswell, PE14 7DA Haberdashery. Open every day. Norfolk NR20 4RZ Email: [email protected] Also on site: Aviation Museum, High St., Lechlade-on-Thames. Tel: 01362 688669 www.face- Cafe/Restaurant, Cliffords Wood 01367-252608. book.com/dollshousenorfolk OPEN TUES-FRIDAY 9-5 Burning Stoves. 01945 582004. [email protected] SATURDAY 9-4 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE DEVON HAMPSHIRE CLOSED SUNDAY & MONDAY 13. THE DOLLY LODGE 2. HALCYON The dollshouse 8. DOLLS HOUSE Earls Barton NN6 ONA Magic Minis and accessories Shop with the HAMPSHIRE Relaxing atmo- Tel: 01604 810289 WOW factor. Mail order available. sphere in the Hampshire coun- www.jeyesofearlsbarton.co.uk 1:12, 1:16 and 1:24 scale 42b Fore Street, St. Marychurch tryside. Great choice of 1/12thwww.welshminiature.com Precinct, Torquay. TQ1 4LX. and 1/24th. Explore the myriad NOTTINGHAM Tel: 01803-314958. of display cases for thousands of Etsy: Welshminiature www.halcyoncollections.co.uk unusual collectors’ items. 14. DOLLS HOUSE COTTAGE T: 01874 711748 The Little Chapel, 6 Winchester WORKSHOP Selected houses & DORSET Street, Whitchurch, Hampshire accessories.visit: Clusters, Hop Pocket, WR6 5BT RG28 7AL. 01256 893889. Sawley Marina, Sawley, Long 3. ARTYCRAFTY 132 Free Parking. Eaton, Nottingham, NG10 3AE.E: [email protected] Abbotsbury Road, Weymouth, 0115 9465059. DT4 0JY. 01305 836484 LANCASHIRE FOR SALE Family business stocking 1/12th STAFFORDSHIRE miniatures including Streets 9. BARBARA ANNE Dollshouse furniture, Ahead, Wonham Collection, MINIATURES 105 - 109 New 15. SANDRA’S DOLLS HOUSE food items and other Dollshouse Emporium plus Street, Blackrod nr. Bolton BL6 Miniatures, collectables and gifts. equipment for sale. unusual items imported direct. 5AG. 01204 667755. For all your Leek Buttermarket, Leek. Open No reasonable offer refused. THE local arts & crafts shop for dolls Wed, Fri, Sat. all types of hobbies. See website house requirements. Open: All items can be seen for opening hours & online shop. 10.00-4.00pm. Closed SURREY on display, please call www.artycraftysupplies.co.uk Wednesday. Late night Thursday. www.ba-miniatures.co.uk. 16. DREAMS CAN COME for details ESSEX email: [email protected] TRUE 45 Upper High Street, 0121 604 2921 (Birmingham) Epsom. 01372 722221. Open 4. BIJOU DOLLS HOUSE 10. RAYMOND K BOYES Tues-Sat, 9.00-5.30pm RETAIL SHOPS UK SHOP Unit 8, Blake House Craft Wide range of Dolls House Centre, Rayne, Braintree CM77 plans, kits, building materials, WARWICKSHIRE Dolls Houses 6SH. 01376 335111. wallpapers, lighting, furniture & Miniatures www.minibijou.com and accessories. Picture fram- 17. VANESSA’S MINIATUREBlake House craft centre ing and gallery. Hobby’s stockist. DOLLS Beautiful 1/12 scale doll Braintree Essex 5. KIRBY MINIATURES 16 The Raymond K Boyes, miniatures, dressed in handmade 01376 335111 Street, Kirby-le-Soken, Frinton- 11-13 Poulton Street, Kirkham, vintage clothes. on–Sea, CO13 0EE. 01255 Nr Preston, PR4 2AA. Blooming Crafts, Friday Street, Open Tue - Sat 10am - 5pm & Sunday till 4pm 674694. Open Monday to Friday. Tel: 01772 671900. Free Parking. Lower Quentin, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 8SQ www.minibijou.com GLOUCESTERSHIRE NORFOLK Tel: 01789 720230 www.vanessasdolls.uk WE CAN HELP GROW 6. THE DOLLS HOUSE 11. COBHOLM MINIATURES YOUR MINI BUSINESS Established 1971, England’s first Over 400 handcrafted 1/12th WILTSHIRE specialist shop. (Covent Garden scale miniatures and collectables. Get your shop on the map with a 1980-95.) Open Saturday 10-5, 14 Broad Row, Great Yarmouth, 18. STUDLEY GRANGElisting in the Dolls House Directory most Thurs & Fri, ring to check. Go to www.dollshouseworld.com or call Maria on 07730 62241680 DOLLS HOUSE WORLD

E DIRECTORY TO BOOK YOUR ADVERT IN THE DOLL’S HOUSE DIRECTORY CALL MARIA ON 07730 622416 21 Promote your miniatures business in the Doll’s House Directory Glasgow Edinburgh FROM AS LITTLE AS £4.99 A MONTH Your advert will reach many thousands of miniaturists around the world. It will appear in: The print edition of Dolls House World Online - in our unique Dolls House Directory On phones and tablets Book your advert quickly and easily online at www.dollshouseworld.com Or call Maria on 07730 622416 email [email protected] NewcastleBelfast WALLPAPERS NEEDLEPOINT 9Ma1c0hester 19 20 15 01922 633381 14 Fabrics and rugs Birmingham 12 11 now available 5 to match Brodnax papers. Cardiff 17 13 1 www.jennifersofwalsall.co.uk 8 4 2 6 DON’T MISS THESE WEBSITES 7 London Bristol 16 18 Brighton 3DOLLSHOUSE WORKSHOP more. Open: Monday to Sunday,Dolls houses in kit form or fully 3pm to 6pm.built, plus many miniatureaccessories. 20. BONDVILLE MODELUnit 5, Studley Grange, Craft VILLAGE. Set in one acre ofVillage, Hay Lane, Wroughton, beautiful gardens, this miniatureSwindon, Wilts SN4 9QT model village depicts tradi-Tel: 01793 854606 tional family life. Visit our Littlewww.studleygrange.co.uk Treasures Gift shop, with gifts for all ages. Open daily 1st April till YORKSHIRE 30th September, 10am to 5pm. 01262 401736 www. bondville19. WEAVERTHORPE modelvillagebridlington.co.ukDOLLSHOUSE MINIATURES.27 Main Road, Weaverthorpe, SCOTLANDNorth Yorkshire YO17 8HA.07811 115020 We carry a sub- 21. TOLBOOTH MINIATURESstantial stock; everything from Specialist Dolls House Shop.animals, gardens, bicycles to 20 Cow Wynd, Falkirk,bathrooms. Also a good selec- 01324 622875.tion of dolls houses and much www.tolboothminiatures.com 81DOLLS HOUSE WORLD

SMALL TALKWHERE WE CHAT WITH READERS ABOUT OUR HOBBY. THIS MONTH MEET JOAN JOYCEWelcome to Small Talk, Joan. Can we Any other crafts? I used to do a lotask how old you are? I’m 65 years old.  of embroidery and have been an avid maker of patchwork till I got drawn in toAnd how many of those years have the mini world.you spent on minis? I have been heav-ily involved in the dolls house world for the And when you’re not making minis? I amlast 18 years, though my love of mini homes one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and my mini worldbegan when I was nine and I inherited a little comes second to that. Also when not in minihouse that my grandad had made. I lavished my mode I so enjoy time with my grandchildren.spending money, time and creativity on that tinyhome. Do you buy too much stuff? I used to buy way too much, especially when I was designing andWe hear you have an interest in home interi- building houses. We used to visit Anglesey Dollsors? I do, so the mini world is a good outlet for House Workshop on trips to the island and Imy ideas and prevents me from changing the would invariably go home with bags of secondsreal home too often. of mouldings, doors, and windows.Tell us about your collection. At present I One mini purchase I made was a beautifulhave seven vintage and antique houses at home green velvet Victorian three piece suite. I hadand two that I have designed and made myself. absolutely nowhere to use it but I loved it, soI don’t collect branded houses, old or new. I home it came. It was a real bargain but costprefer the quirky, old homemade houses and me a fortune, as I ended up buying a housedo like it when they are in rather a mess so I can for it which I filled with all sorts of beautiful oldput my own stamp on them. I once owned an pieces. In fact it is now my favourite house.early Tri-ang 60 but when we had to downsize itwas the first to go. As much as I loved it there What do you love about our hobby? I havewas very little me in it due to it be- had ME for over twenty yearsing in original condition. and my hobby has been a life saver as it keeps meHow does your husband feel about busy without sapping all myyour hobby? My hubby says he is energy. It keeps my spirits upa doll’s house widower. But I am a and stops me from feelinggardener’s widow so we rub along useless or depressed. I havequite nicely together. He is actually done around 60 projects andvery supportive of my hobby and did I am so happy to have beena house of his own which he made in able to give pleasure to soto a pub. many friends and family of all ages!“I prefer the quirky, old homemade houses and do like it whenthey are in rather a mess so I can put my own stamp on them.”82 DOLLS HOUSE WORLD

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OUR DOLLSHOUSESCAROLINE HAMILTON & JANE FIDDICK Caroline Hamilton and Jane Fiddick tell the story of their remarkable joint miniatures collections from The London Dollshouse Festival onwards, in a new 128 page book full of stunning photographs.The collection of over 70 dollshouses is now on permanent display atNewby Hall, North Yorkshire, openfrom 25th March to 25th September. Book, by mail order @ £12.50 + p&p from www.newbyhall.com 84 DOLLS HOUSE WORLD