Catching up

My mother sailed through cancer surgery today. She has breast cancer, and bladder cancer, both cancers have a high rate of cure so we remain hopeful. She is a trooper, she enjoys telling people, with her typical British humor, that she has cancer "top and bottom." Hopefully, the doctor's report will be optimistic.

Before my Undersized Urbanite Dollhouse entry yesterday, my last post was on the new Ikea dollhouse furniture.


I did not have a chance to respond to your pithy comments before, so let me do so now. First, let me say, from what I have subsequently read, the Ikea furniture is not for me. The scale of 1:6 is too big for one thing, and the furniture is a little clumsy. From your comments, I received the strong impression that this furniture is not for you either, but you all were too nice to say so. I don't think there is a better group on the Internet, you are creative, talented, thoughtful, warm, and soooo diplomatic!



Thank you! So, here goes:

12Create, who always has thoughtful comments said:
"Nice simple pieces. I love the little heart cushion - so cute."
I understand, 12Create, you have exquisite taste and you probably thought, "Good grief, what nice thing can I say about this set of plastic building blocks shaped like furniture?"

Makeminemidcentury, who always has lots of energy and a wonderful sense of humor said (in response to my statement that I was back- hah, little did I know how untrue that was at the time!) "YAY! That's the best news I've had for ages. One, you're back, and two Ikea miniatures!! I bet they don't come to Australia. It'd be too good to be true!"

Thank you MMMC, now I am really back! And that Ikea furniture? All I can say is, hmmm, hey, I'm really back this time!

The grandmommy said "I like the style but not the plastic and colors. To me looks too toyish. But there but for the grace of paint! LOL Thanks for sharing."

Such diplomacy, such politeness! You really meant "Neen! What! Hmmm, who are you and what have you done with Neen? This Ikea furniture is large, and plasticky and garish! You have lost your mind, but thanks for sharing." Grandmommy, you are so nice!

Anita , trying to let me down lightly, said "This is already in Finland IKEAs and I heard that it is Barbie size and too big for 1:12 :(". It's ok, Anita, I have recovered. :@)

The brilliant designer and furniture creator, Pepper, wrote, "Hey Neen, I hear the mini Ikea are going to be 1/15th scale?!? People just love throwing us modernists a curve ball. I can't wait to see what people will do with these items." Yes, that curve ball that life keeps throwing at us...but, you know what? We duck below it, or jump above it, or catch it and throw it back! Now, those manufacturers, why don't they get it? Architects make miniature models of beautiful modern houses, why not mass produce beautiful, modern houses and furniture in miniature?

The amazing Christina, founder of the Undersized Urbanite Dollhouse Contest, wrote, "That's great to hear. I occasionally see vintage IKEA dollhouse furniture online and have wondered why they didn't still make it." I wonder why not as well, because this new Ikea furniture is larger and less detailed. Ikea revolutionized the furniture industry. As a result, well designed, affordable furniture became accessible.


It's not earth shatteringly important, but it would be nice to have this wide range of DIY, modern furniture in miniature at affordable prices. The pieces do not have to be extremely modern like these photos depict (although, I do like much of the furniture):





So where is a good place to find unusual miniature furniture? How about with action figures? I recently discovered that Star Wars action figures often drink at bars, and those bars are for sale at reasonable prices on eBay or Amazon. Like these pieces with miniature Barbies and action figures:








Wishing you only good things, Neen