sewing for Dasia

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Got out the old Brother's sewing machine. Didn't realize how rusty at sewing I had become! Be prepared to see better fashions soon!

WOOD YOU EVER GUESS?

Hi everybody, 

Check out my latest grab. Found this on Facebook market! You would never guess...it's a wooden replica of a BARBIE A FRAME! Separated in the three pieces,  yellow and huge it wasn't recognizable at first. I am going to be really busy refurbishing this one! SCORE!

Original circa 1978-79

For cuteness 

ROOF TOP JAZZ

Romance at the Golden Pineapple

 (PLEASE CLICK)

The picture you see may not be from the video)

 Hi Everyone 

There have been so many things getting in the way of this post. However,  I learned how to use my new phone to post by phone for the first time since I started this  blog 14 years ago. 

Here are a couple in-progress pics and a video of the  Roof Top jazz room of the Golden Pineapple Restaurant.

The white plastic thing was an air freshener pulled apart. It's going to be an outdoor heater to make the chilling nights nice and cozy with the help of red fairy lights inside the top and flowers in the bottom.. Which way do you think is better number 1 or 2?

12

The piano and other instruments will sit atop a low stage. Other little details are all prepared to make for a truly Jazzy experience. 

The night scene is from the internet printed on 17x11 inch photo paper. After lots of tries, I like the way it came out.  Still, I plan on enhancing it to give a real night glow.

Keep your eyes out for the continuing work in progress!   

Secret Neighbors shhhh

I remember hosting a traveling doll named MJ in 2013. That was sooo much fun! Here is a fun idea we might like to do for one another. A secret doll house! Remember it is illegal to place anything in a mailbox so maybe place them near a tree or other "secret" place.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/04/13/mailbox-dolls-michigan-mystery/11656555002/?fbclid=IwAR1Vn2qaj5adxx9MlyZuI85kaZ9SAX7ee8X_eAZ4yLGkGRaC1cuDcdQ_e8g

Be back soon with more pics of the Golden Pineapple restaurant...

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BARBIE INTERIORS WITH MICHELLE FORD

Over the years I have shared minis of all kinds of scales and the miniaturist who love them. This time I want to focus on one particular Barbie interior designer. I am impressed with her talent and imagination and knew I had to interview her. This designer can take a space and give it multiple completely different looks! 

 Introducing Michelle Ford 

 Hi, Michelle! Great to have you hereTG 

Hello, The Grandmommy! Great to be hereMF

 How long have you been collecting Barbies? TG 

 I've been collecting Barbie for 33 years MF 

 We know there are many scales of dolls. Do you collect any other scales? TG 

 No, I stick to 1:6th scale MF

Your designs are so unique for 1:6 scale. Where do you find inspiration? TG 

 I find inspiration in Design catalogs, YouTube videos and Pinterest MF ''

Many Barbie lovers aren't comfortable sharing their love of dolls and other miniatures with non-collectors and miniaturists. Do you share your hobby with others? TG 

 Yes, I tell and share my love for Barbie with friends and family and they will save things for me, thinking I could recycle whatever it might be!! They also buy me dolls or doll related items for my birthday or holidays, which is sweet of them!!!!MF 

Your level of mini creation is far beyond many miniaturist. Do you offer tutorials for the less experienced? TG

From time to time I will offer tutorials, or if asked for a tutorial I will offer assistance!! MF 

Do you have a YouTube channel where we can view you interior designs and tutorials? TG 

I do have a YouTube channel that I'm not active on, but I'm REALLY thinking I'll be more active on it this year and try to provide tricks and tips, along with tutorials!!!MF 

( Please let us know when you get it going again! )TG 

Anything you would like to add? TG

Lastly I'm a Barbie Girl, in a Barbie World 🤣😂MF Write to Michelle Ford

 Thank you Michelle for taking the time to share your work with us! 

 You can find Michelle's fabulous rooms at https://www.facebook.com/michelle.ford.754918 

Here are a few of her creations. 

BTW she also dresses her dolls as fashionably unique as her scenes

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A true Miniaturist!

Hi everyone! I am having a little trouble getting pictures of the Golden Pineapple in progress so I thought you might like to watch this video in the meantime about what else?... WATCH

Not all Pineapples are Golden

I have designated this year to finishing all of the projects I have started. Yet, I can't help starting new projects as I get new ideas all of the time. I have another restaurant idea. The first one was the chess-taurant. Now I have an idea for a more formal one. It will have a dining room with a dance floor, a jazz room and a rooftop dining area. The name is "The Golden Pineapple" with that theme throughout. Come hang out with me as I complete ths fun project .

What you see here from top to bottom are the dance floor, the wallpaper, and the ceiling all for the main dining room Click on picture for a larger view

ITS HURRICANE SEASON!

To all of my mini friends,

Hold on to your hats and be safe!

The Grandmommy

Hi Everybody!

Brr. Fall is here. Grab that sweater!

JUST A NOTE to say I will be selling various items from time to time on this blog. Also, look for new doll stories!

LETS TRY THIS AGAIN THIS YEAR!

BIGGEST LITTLE CHRISTMAS SHOWDOWN

WATCH THE 

MINI CONTEST!

Lets try this again!

Small Fortune Hosted by Lil Rel Howery - First Look

Hi guys!

Looks like people are visiting my blog, but nobody wants to actually play/coment! I guess the blogosphere has changed. I wonder if any of my fellow bloggers were among the 550,000 who didn't make it through COVID-19. 😔

During this time many new miniaturist were born when they started the hobby to chase away boredom. Now they are hooked!

There is even a gameshow using minis!

Also, if you are a fan of scary movies you may want to check this old one out.

https://www.amazon.com/Amityville-Dollhouse-Robin-Thomas/dp/B08NTVDV9B

                                                 

                                                                  

*  OKAY!  *

Everybody ready for the contest? 

 REASON FOR THE CONTEST

I have had this blog for twelve years now and have sometimes missed long periods of time not posting. Other times I was more consistant and we all had a blast! We always supported one another and the comments were the best. 

A recent search for my fellow bloggers from over the years gave me a shock! Many are still here. So many more are long gone. My reading list is now filled with blogs that have posts over a year old. Some from even 10 years ago! Where did my mini-friends go?

So, This is an attempt to get my long time followers to bring in new followers and hopefully lots of fun, communication and comments. 

In past contests, I have offered completed items. Since covid has so many of us house bound, I am going to be sending supplies we may not want to go out and shop for like: fabrics, wood pieces, beads, and more!

This is just some of what will be in the prize package.

The rules of the contest are:

1) You must be a follower. The person you refer must also become a follower.

2) The person who has the most people visiting my blog and leaving a comment telling who sent them and becoming a follower will be the winner.  (example: Hi! So and so sent me!) Only a two way tie will be honored.

3) The contest will begin on April 18th 2021 and end on May 9th 2021 lasting three weeks. 

4) The contest is open to anyone in the world!

LETS GO!

LOOKING FOR A WINNER!

IT HAS BEEN SOME TIME SINCE MY LAST CONTEST

 Look out! 💨

 I am planning one now. 

Once I am finished deciding on the prize 

I will make a post. 

I plan for this to be the biggest lot of little prizes ever! 

Clay Day

Hi everybody!

I bought this Play-Doh set  called "Wheels" some time ago. Since it is a kids toy there was a chance they would look unrealistic. Well, I love it! I have not used it on a structure yet, but that is just a matter of time. The imprint comes out  perfectly! The brick pattern is raised just enough to make it convincing. They will work as a walkway, on the side of a building or even a wall.

 OK for 1:12 or 1:6 scale in my opinion. I didn't paint them because these are just demonstrations. Once they are trimmed etc. I will bake and paint. A few coats of different shades of gray on the stones should make them look super realistic. The possiblities on the brick are limitless. Lightly pressing with sandpaper gives it a little texture. There are probably other ways to produce that look. I wonder how soaked egg cartons would look. Using it much in the way of making paper. Hmmm.

The only parts I don't like is the stone mold is round. But, it is just a matter of cutting it into your desired shape, I guess. Also, the brick mold seems to be a little too thick for 1:12. Maybe a few careful slices from behind  will solve that. 

The tubs are filled with Play-Doh which you could share with the kiddies who can work right along side you.

 
                      

. 

Here are other molds available shown on the back of the box.

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DAWNING OF AN AWNING! (tutorial)

Some time ago I used to drink these pretty often. I hated to get rid of the plastic bottles so I stared at one until it revealed itself!  

Awnings!

They had been stored for a couple of years until I just decided to try them out recently after some online searches and a technique in my head.

Supplies include red stretchy fabric, hot glue, plastic bottles, a sharp blade any size, floral wire and trim.

 

  I chose the Vitamin Water bottle because it was smooth. If you like, the Life Water bottle can be used because it has a raised symbol of a lizard on it if you can see that. To keep that symbol visible you may want to use some kind of paint instead of fabric.  First I cut off the very top, then cut  just above the label with the blade. There is a little ridge there so it makes it easy to cut. Then I cut that in half.

  

To give it a little texture the floral wire is hot glued on the the half piece.

The red fabric is fitted and glued onto the half piece stretching to keep it smooth.  Gold trim gives it a nice finished look.

The house it is held against is the group home for girls I started. Originally, I wanted it for another house. Either I will put them on the other house or make enough for both houses. I also have another idea for over the door I will share with you at another time.

I wasn't sure if I should keep the shutters with the awnings. Google showed windows that had both so I will leave them for now. Later they will probably be switched to a more realistic type.

Picture from Google

I really like the flowers there. Going to try some out.

Hope you enjoyed this tutorial!

BTW I have a follower who does not get notified when I put up a new post. Do only those with their own blogs get notified?

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Biggest Little Christmas Challenge 2nd episode

!

  

Just.

 WOW! 

These little challenges are big on intensity. If you like game shows, miniature techniques and a dollop of reality you will find it all here!

Charles Dickens never knew his stories could inspire such creativity. You will never think of his characters again without referencing these awesome structures!

I can't wait for the third installation next week!

CLICK HERE FOR A PREVIEW

JUST CUT IT OUT! Something else to play with!

 

I remember playing with "cut-out" or paper dolls as a child. They were a perfect combination of miniatures and dolls. When Paper-mau popped up on my reader list with these adorable ladies, it only made sense to share them with all of you. I have followed this website for over a decade and gotten some really great projects and ideas. 

Dolly Dingle Dress Up Paper Doll Xmas Style
by Grace Drayton

The Prescott House Paper Model - by DreamWorks

 Life Magazine 1986 - by Mostly Paper Dolls

Don't shy away if you are strickly into dollhouse/roombox types of minis. Think of all of the ways you can incorporate what you see into a mini scene. Marilyn can stand in a store, home, beach or wherever!  You can size to fit your scale. 

CLICK HERE TO CHECK THEM OUT!

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MINIATURE CHALLENGE...televised!

On November 27, 2020, there was a show called the... 

Biggest Little Christmas 

2020 Showdown

Miniaturist around the world were scrambling to make sure they had access to HGTV. 

Some were successful others were disappointed to find it wasn't available in their area.

I have found it on Youtube. Now all of my followers can watch and maybe get a few ideas.

If you enjoyed it or even have suggestions, why not contact the show? 

The contestants were good. I know of so many IGMA members as well as individuals that would have knock it out of the park. 

Let's hope this is not the last of seeing televised miniatures and the hobbyist who love them!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Have fun!

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BROKEN! 😢

Hello everyone! 

Just want to let you know I am having trouble with my reponses to your comments. I saw another blogger had the same problem. I hope to have it fixed soon!

By the way, If you had trouble seeing the pictures in the last post that IS fixed. 

See you at the next post!

The Grandmommy

UPDATE: There seems to be a problem that I can't fix. Seems there are several others with the same problem. If you know how to fix the problem please share. You can comment. I just can't. 

sighhhhh!

Getting Busy!

                                

                                       

Hi everybody! (waving)

These days I have been moving slowly with minis, but better than before. What I have been doing over the past couple of years is working on something until I get bored or stumped. Then, start on something new. So currently I have so many  unfinished projects I have decided to get on the ball and update some of them.

However, I am going need to some help getting motivated. Please help me by giving ideas, recommendations and comments on these partially finished projects! Please excuse the mess this is a work in progress. 😊

PROJECT NUMBER 1

This is a "group home" for girls. The young ladies needed a place to stay for various reasons. They are not "bad girls", but they have had their share of troubles. I bought some of those ceremic dolls  you see here with no idea what I was going to do with them. So I just stuck them in this house. One day I was walking past when the idea came to me that this could be a group home. The girls seem to have such  forlorn expressions. Having worked in one when I was a very young lady, I got to work planning things.

 Most of the wallpaper was in the house when I purchased it and decided not to change it. (I only like assembled houses. One day I may put together a kit or even design and assemble one). I don't mind putting together a roombox. You can see one here. 

 It was originally called the Happy House. Because the of the inspiring and cheerful wall decor I have ready to be posted on the walls.   What I want to add is that I purposely didn't give it a modern look. Most services of this kind rely on funding and as such not able to redecorate or add regularly.

The yellow paint used on the exterior is some that was in my paint stash purchased long ago.  It will be surrounded with lovely landscaping. I will show the front in another post. It is so hard to turn around.

There are various things lying around I thought would fit in well at some point.

 

This is the social worker's office. I don't have a sofa small enough to fit here. I will either have to make or buy a love seat.  Chances are it will be purchased. You may not be able to see, but there is a bulletin board on the wall above the desk. I also have some inspirational posters to put up. There are items on the desk (a computer mouse, desk pad, notebook a box of tissues). I also have a waste basket a few books. And of course curtains are coming. The rug is printed paper. Not sure if it is staying. So far I like it.

I wanted a door here as visitors or intake cases should not enter in the common areas. The door is half 

of a larger two door entry way. Like This... (because a regular exterior door was too big) I added the wooden trim then painted. The door knob is a bead painted gold. Now, I see it is somewhat shorter than the window. Thinking of putting an Exit sign  above it to even things out. If you have another idea please let me know. I thought about adding a door sweep at the bottom. Not sure if I can remove the door at this point in order to do that.

What else would you add to this room? 

This is one of the bedrooms. The dresser and chest are from Dollar Tree which I painted to match the headboard also from Dollar Tree and painted. I made the comforters and pillows on the beds. many years ago when I decided to make several of them. I could only find the one matching pillow and can't find any more of that fabricin my stash.  I will just have to make it a solid color. The rug is a piece of fabric with added fringe and trim.  Here is the base I used for the beds. It was special ordered from Dollar tree along with the headboard next to it. They came in a combination in a box of 12. Having a hard time getting more now.  I used little pieces of wood for the legs. The matress is made of the sponge insert from  a 1:1 chair pad. A close-up of one of the residents.

This young lady is taking a nap in her room. I made a wall with a door out of foam board to fit between the stairs and her room to give her a little privacy. I need to work on it a little more before installing it.

  Our friend here has that expression because she was often teased for her pale skin and being so tall. She has an appointment with the social worker for next week. Behind her is the bathroom. There is a papertowel dispenser that has to be put back on the wall. It is made from an individual restaurant butter container painted silver. 

One of the counselors is telling her how she used to be teased for being tall when she was younger. 

This is the living room where they will watch TV and socialize. The social worker is just checking things out. The house mother is consoling a small little girl.  Like most of the wallpaper this was in the house when I purchased it. The rug is cut from a pattern on a piece of fabric, It was originally cut out for a different project. The TV will go on the wall near the ceiling on the left. Anybody think I need lamps and coffee tables? I was thinking they might be in the way when there are a lot of residents. Yet it looks so empty. The younger children have a full toy box near the window.

         There were a few broken windows. I have not been able to find any like this. Please share if you know where I can get a few. I may have to make them. I hope not because I am not good at straight lines. You can't tell, but that is a big hole in the middle. 

 

Look for more on this building after I try some of your suggestions and me trying things out. 

Until Next time...

  THANKS FOR LOOKING!

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