tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37123763089319845052024-03-08T19:21:34.927-05:00Universe in miniature....miniature houses, interior design, art and whimsey A blog about modern, as well as vintage, miniature: houses, architecture, interior design, art, furniture, figures; and anything else (miniature or not) whimsical, fanciful, and beautiful.Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03689663729579286694noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712376308931984505.post-49881371021615342512015-04-10T20:37:00.001-04:002015-04-10T20:37:09.609-04:00Inspired by Miss PickerelThanks to Ellen MacGregor, I spent many hours with Miss Pickerel when I was a child. Miss Pickerel and I went to Mars and the Moon, to name just two of our destinations.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/04/10/338.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/04/10/s_338.jpg' border='0' width='190' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/04/10/339.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/04/10/s_339.jpg' border='0' width='192' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I didn't set out to travel to outer space today, I wanted to create a scene around Megan Hornbecker's Cubed Art Sculpture that I purchased from her Shapeways store. The Cubed Art Sculpture is very futuristic.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/04/10/340.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/04/10/s_340.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='209' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br />As I was building my scene, Miss Pickerel came to visit. She asked "why not set your scene on the moon, after all, I traveled there, and you are using my living room." She was right, I wanted to contrast the Cubed Art Sculpture with something very different, and I had borrowed Miss Pickerel's (and Miss Marple's) interior decor, right down to the lived-in armchair and the suit of armor.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/04/10/341.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/04/10/s_341.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/04/10/342.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/04/10/s_342.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='276' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Writers often write about how their characters actual write their story. I have had more than one author tell me that they are often surprised where the characters lead them. That experience happened to me today. I started to create a futuristic interior around Megan's Cubed Art Sculpture, and I ended up in space, in Miss Pickerel's living room, with her cats......<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/04/10/343.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/04/10/s_343.jpg' border='0' width='264' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/04/10/344.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/04/10/s_344.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Wishing you only good things,<br />Neen<br />Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03689663729579286694noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712376308931984505.post-52924475891121160272015-04-02T13:42:00.001-04:002015-04-02T20:37:29.310-04:00Giveaway winnersThank you all for participating in my three-year anniversary giveaway, or, if you decided not to participate, for your lovely words of encouragement. <br /><br />Here is the list of the seven winners in the order in which their names were chosen:<br /><br />Diva from Downunder<br />Mad for Mod<br />NarinaNapertaa<br />Hannah<br />Penelope<br />The grandmommy<br />12create<br /><br />Please email me your mailing information. My email address is universe.in.miniature(at)gmail.com. If you didn't list the book you wanted in your comment, plus two alternatives, please send it in the email.<br /><br />Thanks again for participating and for following my blog!<br /><br /><br />Wishing you only good things, Neen<br /><br /><br />Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03689663729579286694noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712376308931984505.post-75608775201273305822015-03-24T17:38:00.001-04:002015-03-24T22:00:27.049-04:00Was Edgar Allen Poe a yellow marshmallow bunny?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/474.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_474.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/475.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_475.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='205' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />No, the mighty Poe was never a yellow bunny during his lifetime. He was, however, depicted as such by yours truly in a very recent contest sponsored by the company that manufactures Peeps marshmallow bunnies. The photos above are the ones submitted to the contest. The brokenhearted bunny Poe is gazing at his lost Lenore, while the, made from marshmallow, raven nags from the couch with his "nevermore" harping. I tried to make the scene as dark and gothic victorian as I could, considering the subject was a yellow bunny. The photo below shows the real, plastic, Poe confronting the bunny interloper.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/476.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_476.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Finally, after getting the bunny to leave, Poe sadly reaches for his lost Lenore,<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/477.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_477.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br /><b><i>Check out my Giveaway </i></b><br />To celebrate three years of blogging, I am giving away books having to do with miniatures. There are seven books and there will be seven winners. To be a part of the giveaway, please leave a comment here, or on any of my posts before March 31st, letting me know which book you want, plus two alternatives. <a target="_blank" href="http://universe-in-miniature.blogspot.com/2015/03/giveaway.html?showComment=1426091189981#c2546737794356697416">Click here to learn more.</a><br />Here a few more photos of the books that will be given away:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/478.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_478.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/479.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_479.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/480.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_480.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/481.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_481.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/482.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_482.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/483.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_483.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/484.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_484.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/485.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_485.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/486.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_486.jpg' border='0' width='228' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/487.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_487.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/488.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_488.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/489.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_489.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/490.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_490.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/491.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_491.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/492.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_492.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='236' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/493.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_493.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/494.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_494.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/495.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_495.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/496.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_496.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/497.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_497.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/498.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_498.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/499.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_499.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/500.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_500.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/501.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_501.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/502.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_502.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/503.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_503.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/504.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_504.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/505.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_505.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/506.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_506.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/24/507.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/24/s_507.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Wishing you only good things, Neen<br />Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03689663729579286694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712376308931984505.post-25703164770347589592015-03-11T21:19:00.001-04:002015-03-12T18:14:30.368-04:00Boxtrolls and its amazing miniatures<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/11/490.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/11/s_490.jpg' border='0' width='499' height='331' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/11/491.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/11/s_491.jpg' border='0' width='499' height='331' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />By chance, I ran across videos produced by the creators of Boxtroll, a stop motion animation movie. The enormous talent and artistry that went into creating the film's beautiful and intricate miniature characters, props, scenery, and costumes is mind boggling. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/11/492.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/11/s_492.jpg' border='0' width='499' height='331' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/11/493.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/11/s_493.jpg' border='0' width='499' height='331' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/11/494.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/11/s_494.jpg' border='0' width='499' height='331' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/11/495.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/11/s_495.jpg' border='0' width='499' height='332' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />According to the producers: <br /><br />One week was the average amount of time for an animator to complete 3.7 seconds of footage<br /><br />Each animator had a goal of creating four scenes per week<br /><br />24 kinds of weeds were created for backgrounds by the greens department<br /><br />55 different sculpts of prop cheeses were made; different scale sizes were needed for wide, medium and close shots<br /><br />20,000+ props were handmade for the film<br /><br />55,000 facial expression pieces were 3-D printed, with the potential for approximately 1 million combinations<br /><br />And <br /><br />125,280 individual character poses were needed to create the 87-minute film.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/11/496.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/11/s_496.jpg' border='0' width='499' height='255' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/11/497.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/11/s_497.jpg' border='0' width='499' height='283' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/11/498.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/11/s_498.jpg' border='0' width='499' height='275' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/11/499.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/11/s_499.jpg' border='0' width='499' height='327' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/11/500.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/11/s_500.jpg' border='0' width='499' height='276' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/11/501.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/11/s_501.jpg' border='0' width='499' height='288' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/11/502.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/11/s_502.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/11/503.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/11/s_503.jpg' border='0' width='499' height='277' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/11/504.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/11/s_504.jpg' border='0' width='499' height='283' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/11/505.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/11/s_505.jpg' border='0' width='499' height='333' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/11/506.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/11/s_506.jpg' border='0' width='499' height='331' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />What did the costumers state was their most important inspiration? This painting:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/11/507.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/11/s_507.jpg' border='0' width='499' height='282' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Check out the magic for yourself:<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://youtu.be/dJjDEIqjSok">Let's Dance</a><br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cartoonbrew.com/feature-film/the-challenges-of-designing-tiny-costumes-for-the-boxtrolls-103865.html">The challenge of designing tiny costumes</a> ;<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://youtu.be/Q2dFVnp5K0o">http://youtu.be/Q2dFVnp5K0o</a> ; <br /><a target="_blank" href="http://youtu.be/o4dYsR4xNRk">http://youtu.be/o4dYsR4xNRk</a> ;<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://youtu.be/Di_w1K5fEMg">http://youtu.be/Di_w1K5fEMg</a> ;<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://youtu.be/j1El1xVRrkA">http://youtu.be/j1El1xVRrkA</a><br /><br /><b><i>Check out my Giveaway </i></b><br /><br />To celebrate three years of blogging, I am giving away books having to do with miniatures. There are seven books and there will be seven winners. To be a part of the giveaway, please leave a comment here, or on any of my posts before March 31st, letting me know which book you want, plus two alternatives. <a target="_blank" href="http://universe-in-miniature.blogspot.com/2015/03/giveaway.html?showComment=1426091189981#c2546737794356697416">Click here to learn more.</a><br /><br /><br />Wishing you only good things, Neen <br /><br />Photos from http://www.animationmagazine.net/features/behind-the-scenes-with-boxtrolls/ and wired.com<br /><br /><br /><br />Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03689663729579286694noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712376308931984505.post-34849811246554129002015-03-08T16:07:00.001-04:002015-03-10T09:09:39.852-04:00Giveaway!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/09/277.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/09/s_277.jpg' border='0' width='336' height='320' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/08/489.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/08/s_489.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='224' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/08/371.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/08/s_371.jpg' border='0' width='360' height='269' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />My blog is now three years old. To celebrate, I am giving away seven books that I think you will love. To be eligible for the giveaway, please leave a comment on this post or any of my posts before midnight on March 31, 2015. Becoming a follower of my blog is not a requirement, but I would appreciate it. Also, putting the giveaway on your blog is not a requirement.<br /><br />My blog is part of a hobby I love. There is nothing commercial about it, and I receive nothing of commercial value in return for writing it. Why have I included the above disclaimer? Because I want to make clear that the giveaway books are gifts to you to say thank you for your support over the last three years. Don't worry, I won't get mushy. My blog, and the miniaturist hobby, allows me to travel to anywhere and anywhen I choose. It is a good escape from the enormous stresses of real life.<br /><br /><b><i><font face="Marker Felt">THE GIVEAWAYS</font></i></b><br /><br />In your comment please list the book you wish to receive, and two alternatives. These books are,mostly, from my, too large, (and sometimes duplicative) book collection. Several of the books are out of print and hard to find. (Except for "The Girl Mechanic," which I have five copies to give away.) I have included one or two photos from inside the book after several of the books.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/08/373.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/08/s_373.jpg' border='0' width='270' height='360' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/08/374.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/08/s_374.jpg' border='0' width='360' height='301' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Call of the Small posted an excellent review of this book at <a target="_blank" href="http://call-small.blogspot.com/2011/10/book-inspired.html">her wonderful blog.</a>. It was originally printed in German. <br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/09/278.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/09/s_278.jpg' border='0' width='396' height='400' align='right' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/08/375.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/08/s_375.jpg' border='0' width='360' height='269' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/09/280.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/09/s_280.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/08/377.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/08/s_377.jpg' border='0' width='369' height='493' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/09/281.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/09/s_281.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/09/413.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/09/s_413.jpg' border='0' width='340' height='255' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/09/414.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/09/s_414.jpg' border='0' width='336' height='318' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/08/378.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/08/s_378.jpg' border='0' width='270' height='360' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/08/379.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/08/s_379.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/08/381.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/08/s_381.jpg' border='0' width='270' height='360' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/08/383.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/08/s_383.jpg' border='0' width='360' height='269' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/08/384.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/08/s_384.jpg' border='0' width='269' height='360' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This book reprints the 1937 Popular Mechanics' instructions on how to build several different types of dollhouses including this Art Deco one:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/09/282.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/09/s_282.jpg' border='0' width='236' height='225' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />(Photo found on Pinterest). This is a house I will build someday.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/08/385.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/08/s_385.jpg' border='0' width='360' height='270' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It also includes instructions on building furniture for the houses.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/08/388.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/08/s_388.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />On March 31st, I will place all names in a hat, folded up, and the first seven names chosen will receive the book they requested. Thank you for following and reading my blog!<br /><br />Wishing you only good things, Neen<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03689663729579286694noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712376308931984505.post-4767663868739974652015-03-05T11:39:00.001-05:002015-03-08T22:38:52.318-04:00Artist loft and Spring?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/05/235.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/05/s_235.jpg' border='0' width='360' height='264' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />I have done a little work on the artist studio in the "in process" art gallery. I used my iPhone 6 camera, and it is not the best, but it still picks up how color changes with different lighting. (Don't worry, I am not going to ask what color is the blue dress.). My mother (professional artist) painted the two paintings leaning up against the wall (not the one on the easel). In the photo above, the red stands out in the paintings.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/05/236.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/05/s_236.jpg' border='0' width='360' height='247' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />In this photo, the blues are luminescent.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/05/237.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/05/s_237.jpg' border='0' width='360' height='224' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />With stronger lighting, all of the colors in the paintings spring out.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/05/238.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/05/s_238.jpg' border='0' width='360' height='191' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Here's where my miniature artist eventually will sit and contemplate the city skyline.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/05/239.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/05/s_239.jpg' border='0' width='360' height='297' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Spring?!!<br /><br />In two weeks the National Capitol Cherry Blossom Festival will begin. This is what visitors to D.C. will expect to see:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/05/264.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/05/s_264.jpg' border='0' width='332' height='249' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This is the view from my living room today (I live six miles from D.C.):<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/05/265.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/05/s_265.jpg' border='0' width='360' height='270' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Wishing you only good things, Neen<br /><br />Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03689663729579286694noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712376308931984505.post-46038064040594266642015-02-27T14:28:00.001-05:002015-02-27T14:30:06.791-05:00Safe travels, Mr. Spock<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/02/27/276.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/02/27/s_276.jpg' border='0' width='320' height='320' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/02/27/277.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/02/27/s_277.jpg' border='0' width='270' height='360' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/02/27/278.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/02/27/s_278.jpg' border='0' width='360' height='270' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Leonard Nimoy, 1931 to 2015, we will miss you.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/02/27/279.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/02/27/s_279.jpg' border='0' width='360' height='142' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Live long and prosper, Neen<br />Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03689663729579286694noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712376308931984505.post-89075217853509689032015-02-14T11:28:00.001-05:002015-02-14T11:28:36.680-05:00Happy Valentine's Day!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/02/14/198.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/02/14/s_198.jpg' border='0' width='460' height='382' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Wishing you only good things, Neen<br />Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03689663729579286694noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712376308931984505.post-86520096291716308472015-01-11T21:57:00.001-05:002015-01-11T21:57:04.311-05:00Game of ?I was inspired when I saw this ornament (on sale)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/01/11/559.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/01/11/s_559.jpg' border='0' width='224' height='360' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I already owned these old guys<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/01/11/560.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/01/11/s_560.jpg' border='0' width='360' height='287' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/01/11/561.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/01/11/s_561.jpg' border='0' width='225' height='360' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It was inevitable....<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/01/11/562.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/01/11/s_562.jpg' border='0' width='270' height='360' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/01/11/563.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/01/11/s_563.jpg' border='0' width='272' height='360' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/01/11/564.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/01/11/s_564.jpg' border='0' width='278' height='360' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Wishing you only good things, Neen<br />Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03689663729579286694noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712376308931984505.post-67822833927952686882015-01-08T20:39:00.001-05:002015-01-08T20:43:29.538-05:00My New Year's Wish for You, and My Ornament Challenge SubmissionHappy New Year, I hope you and your loved ones enjoy only good health and much happiness in 2015! 新年快乐 (xin nian kuai le)*/ 新年好 (xin nian hao)*, Gelukkig Nieuwjaar, Felice nano nuovo, Bonne Année, Frohes Neues Jahr, Feliz Ano Novo, Hauoli Makahiki hou, Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu, Sawatdee Pi Mai, Head uut aastat, Boldog uj evet, Sehe Bokmanee Bateuseyo, Manigong Bagong Taon, L'Shanah Tovah**, La Multi Ani si Un An Nou Fericit, Blwyddyn Newydd Dda, Eutychismenos o kainourgios chronos, Chuc mung nam moi, Barka da sabuwar shekara, Godt Nytt År, Stastny Novy Rok, Feliz año nuevo!<br /><br />How has your year been so far? The new year has hit the DC/Maryland/Virginia area with lots of snow and ice, and it's very, very cold! It snows every year, and every year DC and Virginia are shocked, "Snow? Here?" <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/01/08/442.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/01/08/s_442.jpg' border='0' width='360' height='235' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> (A congressional staffer skiing to work.)<br /><br />There are some DC residents, however, who are very happy about the snow:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/01/08/443.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/01/08/s_443.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='216' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/01/08/444.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/01/08/s_444.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='216' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/01/08/445.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/01/08/s_445.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='216' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/01/08/446.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/01/08/s_446.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='216' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> (All of the animals are residents of the National Zoo, and the photos are used courtesy of the Smithsonian.)<br /><br /><b><i>The Ornament Challenge. </i></b><br /><br />Mini Dork has challenged miniaturists to create a scene using a holiday ornament (find further details on my sidebar or go to <a target="_blank" href="http://tinyurl.com/Minimodern">Modern Mini Houses</a>). Unfortunately, the ornament I wanted to use didn't work in any scene. In fact, it looked horrible in every scene. Since every other ornament is in my attic, I used part of a calendar photo depicting the Chinese New Year being celebrated in DC.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/01/08/447.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/01/08/s_447.jpg' border='0' width='360' height='270' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/01/08/448.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/01/08/s_448.jpg' border='0' width='360' height='331' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />There are fireworks outside.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/01/08/449.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/01/08/s_449.jpg' border='0' width='360' height='270' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/01/08/450.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/01/08/s_450.jpg' border='0' width='360' height='270' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/01/08/451.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/01/08/s_451.jpg' border='0' width='270' height='360' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Wishing you only good things, Neen<br /><br /><i>(The Eileen Gray chairs are Reac; the fireplace is a Dollar Tree photo frame; the "electric fire" is part of a light-up bracelet; the table is composed of stacked, clear bobbins; the calico cat is from AG Minis; and the "occupant" is hand-made by an unknown artist. She was purchased from an estate sale at Circus Circus Dollhouse.)<br /><br />The copyrights to the animal photos belong to the Smithsonian Museum. </i><br /><br />* <i>The Chinese New Year is February 19, 2015<br />** The Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana, was September 24-26, 2014</i><br />Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03689663729579286694noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712376308931984505.post-53120119764606809142014-12-30T13:19:00.001-05:002014-12-30T13:23:32.968-05:00HBS announces 2015 Creatin Contest - and it's modern and lovely!Here it is:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/30/254.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/30/s_254.jpg' border='0' width='369' height='384' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/30/255.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/30/s_255.jpg' border='0' width='381' height='384' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Check it out: http://www.miniatures.com/Denises-City-Cottage-Kit--P23269.aspx<br /><br />I will be entering this contest, and I will not procrastinate, I will not procrastinate, I will not procrastinate.<br /><br /><b><i>Ornament Challenge</i></b><br /><br />Mini Dork has challenged miniaturists to use a holiday ornament in a miniature scene. Here is her own very creative repurposing of an ornament into an overhead light:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/30/256.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/30/s_256.jpg' border='0' width='288' height='384' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />(Check out her other photos at http://modernminihouses.blogspot.com)<br /><br />Mini Dork says she was inspired by Emily's use of an ornament for an overhead light at http://www.gohausgo.com/tag/im-a-giant/. <br /><br />I am inspired by both, and I will be posting my scene with an ornament very soon. I did have to save the ornament from the little teeth of two of my roommates (it's not glass). They do not look guilty to me:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/30/257.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/30/s_257.jpg' border='0' width='288' height='384' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />(Mugshot of Lily)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/30/258.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/30/s_258.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='288' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> (Mugshot of Freddy)<br /><br />And they are late on the rent to boot! (Lily, a Chijuajua-Italian Greyhound mix, moved in on November 7. She was a rescue dog, which means she rescued us.)<br /><br />Wishing you only good things, Neen<i></i><br /><br /><i>(The copyrights to the photos used in this blog belong to http://modernminihouses.blogspot.com or miniatures.com or me. Please respect these rights (I know you will))</i><br />Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03689663729579286694noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712376308931984505.post-89402035690615104152014-12-24T08:55:00.001-05:002014-12-24T08:55:34.808-05:00Merry Christmas!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/24/218.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/24/s_218.jpg' border='0' width='374' height='524' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Wishing you only good things, Neen<br />Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03689663729579286694noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712376308931984505.post-1811327737234379222014-12-22T15:21:00.001-05:002014-12-22T15:26:14.588-05:00Fluorescent light coversHave you ever looked up at the office, store or hospital ceiling and seen this?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/22/355.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/22/s_355.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='288' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Not very pretty is it? And those lights- my eyes! Hate the lights, love the covers. I used parts of one in my still-under construction, urban loft.<br />It still needs much finishing work,<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/22/356.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/22/s_356.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='286' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/22/357.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/22/s_357.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='288' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/22/358.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/22/s_358.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='614' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I probably will paint them, and also use the remaining pieces of the light cover in other ways in other projects. On Blog.modernica.net, I found this:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/22/359.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/22/s_359.jpg' border='0' width='325' height='384' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I love the color against the darker wood floors.<br /><br />The light covers might also be useful in an urban garden, perhaps as the basis of a trestle. These photos of 1920s NYC gardens inspire me:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/22/360.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/22/s_360.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='294' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/22/361.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/22/s_361.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='344' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/22/362.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/22/s_362.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The photo below looks very much like the garden my grandmother had in her Brooklyn brownstone:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/22/363.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/22/s_363.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='306' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Sigh, so much inspiration, so little time!<br /><br />Wishing you only good things, Neen<br /><br />(Garden photos found at http://gothamist.com/2012/07/09/gardens.php#photo-9)<br />Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03689663729579286694noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712376308931984505.post-11547687395108879322014-12-17T12:50:00.001-05:002014-12-17T12:58:13.752-05:00Napkin ringsA miniaturist views everyday objects with a different eye than a non-miniaturist. Turn a miniaturist loose in a thrift or dollar store, and he or she will find the makings of a miniature world. For example, this bag of Dollar Tree silver-plastic napkin rings <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/17/263.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/17/s_263.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='369' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />looks like this to me (the blue glasses are from eBay, and the other items are Re-ment and Dollar Tree):<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/17/264.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/17/s_264.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='288' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I deliberately made the "shelves" crooked since their shape is reminiscent of 1960s retro-futurism.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/17/265.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/17/s_265.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='286' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Like these:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/17/266.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/17/s_266.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='325' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/17/267.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/17/s_267.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='258' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I found these wooden napkin rings at a thrift store:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/17/268.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/17/s_268.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='288' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I think both sets of napkins rings make interesting shelves in my still-under-construction urban loft:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/17/269.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/17/s_269.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='288' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />(Paintings by my mother, and the beautiful Elizabeth Causeret vase was a wonderful gift from Mitchymoo. The table in the middle is composed of clear, stacked sewing machine bobbins.)<br /><br />Wishing you only good things, Neen<br />Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03689663729579286694noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712376308931984505.post-22517381958918510142014-12-15T15:45:00.001-05:002014-12-15T15:54:25.378-05:00Competition buildingI may not make HBS's deadline for the 2014 Creatin' Contest, but I have had fun putting my "house" together. Here are a few photos of the building so far (it still has miles to go before it is finished).<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/15/208.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/15/s_208.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='318' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/15/209.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/15/s_209.jpg' border='0' width='263' height='384' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />(Graffiti created by my mother, a professional artist.)<br /><br />Wishing you only good things, Neen<br />Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03689663729579286694noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712376308931984505.post-29235164465902261142014-12-10T16:55:00.001-05:002014-12-10T16:55:11.154-05:00Oops!I thought I would show some more "stuff" I bought at Dollar Tree. So, I took these photos:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/10/402.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/10/s_402.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='288' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />To show how to turn dreidels (that didn't work) into these "elegant bowls."<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/10/403.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/10/s_403.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='288' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/10/404.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/10/s_404.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='288' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/10/405.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/10/s_405.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='288' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/10/406.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/10/s_406.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='288' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/10/407.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/10/s_407.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='288' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/10/408.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/10/s_408.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='288' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Except, my scissors slipped, and I had to get stitches. I never said I wasn't clumsy.....<br /><br /><br />Wishing you only good things, Neen<br />Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03689663729579286694noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712376308931984505.post-64070614450800693372014-12-02T13:35:00.001-05:002014-12-02T13:35:49.682-05:00Dollar Tree ideasAs you can guess from the title, I made a trip to the Dollar Tree yesterday. Here are some things I bought, used in ways that may or may not be part of my 2014 HBS Creatin Contest entry.<br /><br />Small photo frame with part of a light up bracelet:<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/02/246.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/02/s_246.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='286' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Here is the original bracelet:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/02/247.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/02/s_247.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='266' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Little reading lamp:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/02/248.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/02/s_248.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='335' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/02/249.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/02/s_249.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='375' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/02/250.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/02/s_250.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='294' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Folding chairs, folding ladders, and "metal" guard rails:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/02/251.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/02/s_251.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='196' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/02/252.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/02/s_252.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='128' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/02/253.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/02/s_253.jpg' border='0' width='273' height='384' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />These fellows were included:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/12/02/254.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/12/02/s_254.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='378' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />(Fortunately, the little guys next door graciously took the action figures.)<br /><br />Wishing you only good things, Neen<br />Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03689663729579286694noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712376308931984505.post-85891771103794176552014-11-27T12:12:00.001-05:002014-11-27T12:12:41.047-05:00Happy Thanksgiving!I am thankful for my family, my friends, for diversity, and for good humor. I am also thankful that, despite all the bad things in this world, I still can be optimistic that the human race will survive and thrive.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/11/27/191.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/11/27/s_191.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='288' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I am also thankful that I have blog followers like you!<br /><br />Wishing you only good things, Neen<br />Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03689663729579286694noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712376308931984505.post-7933189890487072822014-11-16T16:18:00.001-05:002014-11-16T16:20:16.288-05:00Modern small houses from new magnetic building blocksVery impressive. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/11/16/459.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/11/16/s_459.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='336' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/11/16/460.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/11/16/s_460.jpg' border='0' width='230' height='384' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/11/16/461.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/11/16/s_461.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='80' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/11/16/462.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/11/16/s_462.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='288' align='right' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2002807970/woodymac-magnetic-building-blocks">https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2002807970/woodymac-magnetic-building-blocks</a><br /><br />Wishing you only good things, Neen<br /><br />Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03689663729579286694noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712376308931984505.post-22110132323243340242014-11-02T23:34:00.001-05:002014-11-02T23:34:07.169-05:00Life Imitating Art?Do you remember the "Fish Condo"?<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/11/02/1105.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/11/02/s_1105.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='242' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/11/02/1106.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/11/02/s_1106.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='256' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />In 2010, two creative bloggers turned the "Fish Condo" into two incredible modern dollhouses.<br /><br />One of the bloggers, "Call of the Small," (http://call-small.blogspot.com/2010/06/mini-modern-and-call-small-gone-fishing.html), created this fabulous house:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/11/02/1107.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/11/02/s_1107.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='216' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/11/02/1108.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/11/02/s_1108.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='405' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And the other blogger, Mini Modern, (http://minimodern.blogspot.com/2010/06/call-small-mini-modern-get-tanked.html), created this stunning house:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/11/02/1109.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/11/02/s_1109.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='234' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/11/02/1110.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/11/02/s_1110.jpg' border='0' width='286' height='384' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />It seems that architect Sou Fujimoto also may have been inspired by the "Fish Condo." His creation, "House N," looks like this:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/11/02/1111.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/11/02/s_1111.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='331' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/11/02/1112.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/11/02/s_1112.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/11/02/1113.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/11/02/s_1113.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='241' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/11/02/1114.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/11/02/s_1114.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='401' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />(Photos from: http://dornob.com/cubic-cloud-home-perforated-boxes-blend-inside-with-out/).<br /><br />I think you will agree that all of the creations above are pretty incredible! If I didn't have so many unfinished miniature projects, I would buy a "Fish Condo" and create my own modern miniature house out of it. That would probably be called art imitating life imitating art inspired by the "Fish Condo."<br /><br />Wishing you only good things, <br /><br />Neen<br /><br /><br /><br /><i>(Photos used in this post are used pursuant to the Fair Use Doctrine of the U.S. Copyright Act.)</i><br />Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03689663729579286694noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712376308931984505.post-35228070803827199992014-10-31T15:44:00.001-04:002014-10-31T15:44:03.742-04:00Halloween out on the townOutside of the Night Hawks bar:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/10/31/594.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/10/31/s_594.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='356' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />8:00 pm: "Where the h are they?"<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/10/31/595.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/10/31/s_595.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='320' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />8:45 pm: "Not in there. I'm leaving."<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/10/31/596.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/10/31/s_596.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='313' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />10:00 pm "Do you see them?" "Nope" <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/10/31/597.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/10/31/s_597.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='320' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />10:05 pm "Hey, let's join that party!"<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/10/31/598.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/10/31/s_598.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='314' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />11:30 pm: "Hey Mister, did you see my friends?"<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/10/31/599.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/10/31/s_599.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='288' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />11:45 pm: "Hey Lady, did you see my friends?"<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/10/31/600.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/10/31/s_600.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='294' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Midnight: "Can I join your party? I can? Oh boy, Happy Halloween!"<br /><br /><br /><br />Wishing you only good things, Neen<br />Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03689663729579286694noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712376308931984505.post-14112694462677672622014-10-13T23:23:00.001-04:002014-10-13T23:23:56.018-04:00My ineffable effable effanineffable deep and inscrutable cat*It's been a rough few months in this small sector of the universe. In April, my cat, Cleo, got very ill and, on August 1, she got her wings. Like most Devon Rexes, she was never an ordinary cat. She managed to telephone strangers at 4 am, send faxes, open doors, pull heat registers off of the walls so she could explore the air ducts, type long documents on the computer consisting of thousands of consonants and dollar signs, empty drawers, pull dresses off hangers to use as pillows, groom her stuffed kittens daily, watch over her brother cat, and stay loyally by my side for 14 1/2 years. She is very, very missed.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/10/13/793.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/10/13/s_793.jpg' border='0' width='314' height='384' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I will be back to blogging about miniatures soon. I bought an Antrim house kit from an estate sale some months ago. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/10/13/794.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/10/13/s_794.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='320' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I hope to use its Bauhaus-influenced, architectural bones to create a 1920s/30s modernist house over the next year or so. Perhaps along these lines:<br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/10/13/795.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/10/13/s_795.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='296' align='left' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/10/13/796.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/10/13/s_796.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='225' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/10/13/797.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/10/13/s_797.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='225' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/10/13/798.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/10/13/s_798.jpg' border='0' width='221' height='384' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/10/13/799.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/10/13/s_799.jpg' border='0' width='384' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Wishing you only good things, Neen<br /><br /><br />* Thank you, T.S. Elliott.<br />Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03689663729579286694noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712376308931984505.post-80550091874826932762014-05-29T07:56:00.001-04:002014-05-29T07:56:36.374-04:00Maya Angelou<i>Lift up your hearts.<br />Each new hour holds new chances<br />For new beginnings.<br /></i><br />The world has suffered a great loss because Maya Angelou has moved on.<br /><br /><br /><i>The Rock Cries Out To Us Today</i><br /><br />A Rock, A River, A Tree<br />Hosts to species long since departed,<br />Mark the mastodon.<br />The dinosaur, who left dry tokens<br />Of their sojourn here<br />On our planet floor,<br />Any broad alarm of their of their hastening doom<br />Is lost in the gloom of dust and ages.<br />But today, the Rock cries out to us, clearly, forcefully,<br />Come, you may stand upon my<br />Back and face your distant destiny,<br />But seek no haven in my shadow.<br />I will give you no hiding place down here.<br />You, created only a little lower than<br />The angels, have crouched too long in<br />The bruising darkness,<br />Have lain too long<br />Face down in ignorance.<br />Your mouths spelling words<br />Armed for slaughter.<br />The rock cries out today, you may stand on me,<br />But do not hide your face.<br />Across the wall of the world,<br />A river sings a beautiful song,<br />Come rest here by my side.<br />Each of you a bordered country,<br />Delicate and strangely made proud,<br />Yet thrusting perpetually under siege.<br />Your armed struggles for profit<br />Have left collars of waste upon<br />My shore, currents of debris upon my breast.<br />Yet, today I call you to my riverside,<br />If you will study war no more.<br />Come, clad in peace and I will sing the songs<br />The Creator gave to me when I<br />And the tree and stone were one.<br />Before cynicism was a bloody sear across your brow<br />And when you yet knew you still knew nothing.<br />The river sings and sings on.<br />There is a true yearning to respond to<br />The singing river and the wise rock.<br />So say the Asian, the Hispanic, the Jew,<br />The African and Native American, the Sioux,<br />The Catholic, the Muslim, the French, the Greek,<br />The Irish, the Rabbi, the Priest, the Sheikh,<br />The Gay, the Straight, the Preacher,<br />The privileged, the homeless, the teacher.<br />They hear. They all hear<br />The speaking of the tree.<br />Today, the first and last of every tree<br />Speaks to humankind. Come to me, here beside the river.<br />Plant yourself beside me, here beside the river.<br />Each of you, descendant of some passed on<br />Traveller, has been paid for.<br />You, who gave me my first name,<br />You Pawnee, Apache and Seneca,<br />You Cherokee Nation, who rested with me,<br />Then forced on bloody feet,<br />Left me to the employment of other seekers--<br />Desperate for gain, starving for gold.<br />You, the Turk, the Swede, the German, the Scot...<br />You the Ashanti, the Yoruba, the Kru,<br />Bought, sold, stolen, arriving on a nightmare<br />Praying for a dream.<br />Here, root yourselves beside me.<br />I am the tree planted by the river,<br />Which will not be moved.<br />I, the rock, I the river, I the tree<br />I am yours--your passages have been paid.<br />Lift up your faces, you have a piercing need<br />For this bright morning dawning for you.<br />History, despite its wrenching pain,<br />Cannot be unlived, and if faced with courage,<br />Need not be lived again.<br />Lift up your eyes upon<br />The day breaking for you.<br />Give birth again<br />To the dream.<br />Women, children, men,<br />Take it into the palms of your hands.<br />Mold it into the shape of your most<br />Private need. Sculpt it into<br />The image of your most public self.<br />Lift up your hearts.<br />Each new hour holds new chances<br />For new beginnings.<br />Do not be wedded forever<br />To fear, yoked eternally<br />To brutishness.<br />The horizon leans forward,<br />Offering you space to place new steps of change.<br />Here, on the pulse of this fine day<br />You may have the courage<br />To look up and out upon me,<br />The rock, the river, the tree, your country.<br />No less to Midas than the mendicant.<br />No less to you now than the mastodon then.<br />Here on the pulse of this new day<br />You may have the grace to look up and out<br />And into your sister's eyes,<br />Into your brother's face, your country<br />And say simply<br />Very simply<br />With hope<br />Good morning. <br /><br />Maya Angelou<br /><br /> <br /><br /><br />Wishing you only good things, Neen<br />Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03689663729579286694noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712376308931984505.post-16735361590016323002014-04-25T17:39:00.001-04:002014-04-25T17:39:27.887-04:00ANZAC Day 2014<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/04/25/762.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/04/25/s_762.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='240' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It is ANZAC Day in Australia and New Zealand, and 2014 is the Centennial of World War I, the Great War. In the U.S., there is a shocking lack of education on this war, and there is still no national memorial. My grandfather was an underaged British boy who enlisted to fight in that war, one of 250,000 boy soldiers. He survived, and years later had my mother. He passed away before I had a chance to really know him, but my mother and uncles swear he never talked about the war, except to sing the songs of that time. <br /><br />This poem by Laurence Binyon speaks volumes:<br /><br /><i>They went with songs to the battle, they were young.<br />Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.<br />They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,<br />They fell with their faces to the foe.<br /><br />They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:<br />Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.<br />At the going down of the sun and in the morning,<br />We will remember them.<br /><br />They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;<br />They sit no more at familiar tables of home;<br />They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;<br />They sleep beyond England's foam<br /><br />We will remember them.<br /></i><br /><br />Wishing you only good things,<br /><br />Neen<br /><br /><i>Photo found at http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Books/Pix/pictures/2013/12/9/1386592641829/First-world-war-009.jpg<br />Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03689663729579286694noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712376308931984505.post-17054445638255315192014-03-13T14:26:00.001-04:002014-03-13T15:16:16.364-04:00Thursday TidbitsIt's been awhile, I hope all is well with you. There are 40 days (and nights) until the deadline for the Undersized Urbanite Dollhouse Contest and I still haven't dug into my entry. But, my mother is in remission for her two cancers, so there is good news (and a good excuse for my delay in starting)!<br /><br />Given the time constraints, I will be working on something small and I will start rolling out the project in my next post (and I will post a tutorial for the Elsie de Wolfe's chair).<br /><br />In the meantime, here is my latest Dollar Tree find, pens that turn into miniature carafes, pens, and candles:<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/602.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_602.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/603.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_603.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='199' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/604.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_604.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='252' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/605.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_605.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='178' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/606.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_606.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='296' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/607.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_607.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='274' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/608.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_608.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='225' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />While I decide on my small project for the contest, I thought I would share some of my, too large, dollhouse collection. It is not as grand as Barbara Streisand's collection, and I don't travel abroad with my own personal dollhouse decorator in order to find furnishings (as Barbara does), but I enjoy my collection and the freedom to decorate whenever and however I choose.<br /><br />My Walmer. This house needs a lot of work.<br /><br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/609.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_609.jpg' border='0' width='354' height='400' align='left' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/610.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_610.jpg' border='0' width='392' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />My next project is to redo it as an Art Deco period house, like this house:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/611.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_611.jpg' border='0' width='302' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />These houses also need much work:<br /><br />A Keystone Fold-away house with two fold out rooms. A prior owner papered it with Contact paper. When I have time, I will fix the roof and walls. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/612.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_612.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/613.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_613.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/614.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_614.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />An East German Vero house, probably from the late 1970s or early 1980s.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/615.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_615.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='284' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/616.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_616.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='306' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />A 1947 FAO Schwarz dollhouse. My house is still in pieces, this is what it should look like.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/617.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_617.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='225' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />A 1957 T.J. Cohen dollhouse. This is one of my favorites because of its Mid-Century Modern exterior and interior design:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/618.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_618.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='202' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/619.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_619.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/620.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_620.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/621.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_621.jpg' border='0' width='373' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/622.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_622.jpg' border='0' width='218' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/623.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_623.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/624.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_624.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />An "unknown" plastic dollhouse that a friend found in a thrift store. I love the MCM exterior and its modern, compact kitchen with a fold-up counter. (I wish it wasn't so pink!)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/625.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_625.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='348' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/626.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_626.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Debbie's Dreamhouse from 1964<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/627.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_627.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='264' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />A Rich Dollhouse from the 1940s,<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/628.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_628.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />An unknown dollhouse, bought for $10 off of Craig's List. Rebecca pointed out a similar one on the UK eBay. It probably is German, I love the arched doorways.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/629.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_629.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/630.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_630.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/631.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_631.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='262' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/632.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_632.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/633.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_633.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />A ceramic dollhouse with a Victorian or Edwardian interior. I don't gravitate towards that style, but this reminds of the interior scenes of Sherlock Holmes's house in the BBC drama "The Return of Sherlock Holmes."<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/634.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_634.jpg' border='0' width='261' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/635.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_635.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='369' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/636.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_636.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='338' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/637.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_637.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/638.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_638.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />A 1930s British Triang dollhouse. This house has Art Deco fireplaces, and a wonderful hallway room and staircase. The house is built to 1:16 scale, but the doors are 1:24 scale. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/639.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_639.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='376' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Although it has Tudor markings, it still reminds of these semi-detached houses found in London's suburbs. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/640.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_640.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='252' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This is an old theater I built about four years ago, and, yes, it still needs work.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/13/641.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/13/s_641.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />In another post I will show my Lundby collection, a few more MCM dollhouses, and my improved Art Deco bungalow.<br /><br />Wishing you only good things, Neen<br /><br />(A few photos are unsourced. If you know the origin of one or more of these photos, I will be happy to post it.)<br /><br />Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03689663729579286694noreply@blogger.com18