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Friday, November 27, 2015

A Day At The Fair I (The Chalet)

Last year, I had a pipe dream to enter my miniatures in the state fair. I ran out of time and felt really disappointed. When I went to see the exhibits, there were only a few and not very impressive.

This year I was determined to enter something. Soooo I entered three things. LOL Even if they weren't as completed as I wanted, I was going to enter something! The Chess-taurant, Church, and Chalet were chosen.

None of them won. But, I was still excited. My grandchildren got to see their grandmommy's work in the state fair! Now, I know what the judges look for. Most of us miniaturists look for details. The judges looked for construction. Next year I will ramp up both.  I wish I had gotten pictures of the winners They were all awesome! I left my camera in the car and didn't even get pictures of my grands at the fair or next to my exhibit! Darn!

Unfortunately, they all were damaged in transport either going or coming. Securing things is something else I learned. They are in the process of being repaired and touched up then will only be shown one at a time when they are decent enough to show. None of them are totally complete. I have a whole lot of ideas I want to add. You, my sweet followers, are always able to see past my incomplete work and  beyond as this is a never ending hobby. :-) I will return from time to time to show any significant progress on any of them.

Please share any ideas you may have that might enhance these projects!

Next year,
 1st Prize!
 
This is the bathroom attached to the Master bedroom. The window was printed off the internet. The TV is Barbie sized Almost everything was purchased and redone somehow. You can tell but the dominant color is copper

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The hanging over the bed is a leather part of a sandal I was about to throw out. lol
I made the pillows and spread. The bed posts are Halloween trees from the Dollar Tree

Remember that fireplace and the contest? I need to add pillows to the sofa and a few other things to look "lived" in

The first floor recreation room. Something fell off the wall and I can't remember what! That thing in the left corner is a saddle. I wanted it to hang outside. Must fix that! This TV is also supposed to be Barbie scale.

One fish on the wall is missing in action.
Second bedroom it needs more wall decorations and something on the right. I might add sheer curtains

The wall is a from a framed picture glued to mat board.



The wall needs a few more details
There is that empty right wall problem again!


A close up of the fish and ice in the kitchen sink after a fun day at the lake
More recreation room
The whole Chalet

 


Thanks for checking me out!


Click on pictures for a larger view

27 comments :

  1. Hi grandmommy! I think it was fun for you to participate in the fair, but what a bad luck that some things/miniatures in your miniature rooms have been damaged. I hope you can restore it all...?
    At the other hand: it's always good to learn from things in a positive way, so you can return prepared much better for next year, isn't it ;)!? I loved to see your rooms again, thanks for sharing the pictures.
    Hugs, Ilona

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    1. Hello my friend Ilona!
      Thanks for the encouragement! A big part of the problem was the wrong kind of transportation. I finally rented a certain type of van to bring things back. I am getting more ideas to add and have already added a few.
      Glad you enjoyed the pictures. I love sharing and seeing others work. :-)

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  2. This is amazing! I guess like you, I've always been detail oriented when it comes to miniatures. But I can see it from a judging standpoint that it has to be a comprehensive piece which includes spotless construction. However, I don't think that means you have to use wood or hi end materials. I will be sticking with cardboard myself, lol.

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    1. Hey there Muff!
      I am glad you like it. Your kinds words mean a lot. I still see a lot of areas where I could be even more detailed. I have never been interested in the construction side of things which is why I always buy prefab buildings. I guess this is the time to get into it!

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  3. Hi Grandmommy! Good on you for taking the plunge and going for it anyway!!! :D I remember my first time entering a fair, and how unnerving it was, but you have got to start somewhere, don't you?
    I've also had stuff fall off the walls when my doll's house was in transit. The last time was back in June and to this day, I can't remember what it was that I lost, so I know exactly how you feel. :/ However, I think that your chalet is very warm and cosy feeling. Does it have electrics, because that can make all the difference, if you add lighting to help highlight certain details and add additional atmosphere. Call it "mood lighting":D
    Anyway, I admire your willingness to learn, because that is what I find the most rewarding about this "never ending hobby" too. One is always learning how to do something better than what you did before or learning a new skill that you never knew how to do before. Which I believe helps to keep both our minds and our inner child- always young at heart. :D

    elizabeth

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    1. Hi Elizabeth!
      You know I felt great just to be able to say I had something in the fair! I guess I didn't win because I was not focused on it. I got just what I wanted which was to enter and to have my grandkids see my work, "in lights" LOL Hopefully it will let them know they can do whatever they like too!
      I tried that museum wax. Hated that! I also used some of those glue dots. They were ok. I know now some things just need to be glued down. I also need to do a good job of packing.
      I like your idea about the lighting. I actually have a couple unconnected lights in there. I have always been intimidated with electrifying. I even took a mini class in it once. I have a whole year to get over it and put it in. The only thing about that is the lights would most likely burn out after a few days at the fair and they wouldn't be seen very well during the day. However, I am still going to work on some kind of lighting. Thanks for the suggestion! :-)

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  4. Hayas ganado o no, has hecho un gran trabajo en el que además te has divertido.

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  5. Well, congratulations on entering! And three entries as well! I think that is quite impressive alone. I also really like your cutout window. I think that looks quite realistic. And the copper tones in your bathroom. On to victory next year!

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    1. Hiya Penelope (love that name)
      Thanks so much! Actually the window was one of my favorite parts. I wanted it to set the tone. Victory!

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  6. Oh no! How unfortunate that some things were damaged or possibly even lost in transit! If you didn't win, the winner must have been incredible because the chalet looks amazing! Have you considered giving the tv in the bathroom a coat of copper color to blend in better with the rest of the decor? I love that color scheme, wish I had it in my bathroom!

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    1. Hello Presto!
      Thanks! Yes, I am getting even better ideas so it will be better than ever! I like that idea about the TV. I realize it kind of stands off a little. I will see how it works.
      Thanks for the suggestion!

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  7. Good for you for giving it a go. The awesome thing that came out of it is how you want to challenge yourself. I love that.

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    1. Hey there Roville!
      Last year I really beat myself up for not entering. I was determined to do it this year...regardless. Now, I plan to win next year not just enter! :-)

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  8. It's not all about winning... you've learned a lot participating at this fair and next year you're going to blow them away. If they want construction give them construction... like you I would prefer detail... ;O) It was fun looking at the pictures of your Chalet, it looks very cozy and inviting.

    Greetings
    Birgit

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    1. Hi Birgit!
      Thanks! Your encouragement really means a lot to me. Yes, next year will be the winner! This has taken me to a whole different skill set. Look out power tools! Here I come!

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  9. Wonderful display and good to let other folks enjoy your work in person ;)

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    1. Hi Jane!
      Thanks! Would you believe I could not look at the expressions on the people's faces when I went? I was just too nervous LOL

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  10. I'm so glad you did. I think people forget how fun the fair can be. Now that you know what the look for, I know you will blow their minds next year.

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    1. Heyyyy Brini!
      I am that biggest kid at the fair! That is why I go with my grands. My kids are too old and grown up LOL
      The good thing is I have such great supporters/followers on here who have my back and great suggestions!

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  11. Congratulations on entering the fair! I love how warm and inviting the chalet looks! It's great that you could show it in public.

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    1. Hi there Linda my buddy!
      Thanks! Let me tell you. I was both determined and excited to do it. I would like to show my work a little more. I have some long terms to do that in the future.

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  12. Well done on entering the fair a big achievement. Your chalet looks wonderful. Maybe a nice tall plant at that right wall in the kitchen just an idea :))). I love learning and trying new things so enjoy.
    Hugs Maria

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  13. Hiya Maria!
    Thanks! I think you might be right about the plant. I actually want to do some landscaping in the front. This is really going to challenge me and make me grow as a miniaturist!

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  14. Hi grandmommy,
    I am so impressed by your wonderful Chalet! I love all the details you've thought about and put into each room..especially the fish and ice :) It looks like you are on a mission for next year! :)

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  15. Your chalet is amazing, with soooo many details, wow! I think it's great that you entered the State Fair and can't wait to see what you enter next year!

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It is fun hearing from all of you!