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Monday, July 6, 2020

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!

Sunday, July 5, 2020

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...Double Entry Doors (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!





    Click on picture for a larger view

    Tuesday, April 14, 2020

    Hi everybody I am back. I find that I am not nearly as productive when I am not here with you. Look forward to new posts.


    MISSED YOU!


    Sunday, February 24, 2019


    Hi everybody!

    I have made little progress since my declaration. I am pleased I got at least a little done. Here is my current progress as promised.

    A couple of years ago, I saw container looking very much like this one in a recycle bin. I tried to ignore it, but it kept whispering-kitchen. I checked it for the recycle number. There wasn't one and it appeared not to be within the levels my town collects. So I rescued it.
    Image result for smartweb ratchet smart strapsImage result for recyclenumbers


    I had to figure out exactly what it meant by "kitchen"  knowing it had to do with minis. When I brought it home and placed it in the cat house, I knew! The width was perfect although it was a little low for the dolls. 
    I didn't want them burning their knees while cooking, so these two pieces of foam core are going to be glued together then added to the bottom of the unit to lift the kitchen unit.

    There is one thing this project is teaching me. Be precise. Drawing straight lines and cutting them are not my forte as you can see with the foam core (no worries it will be covered). I learned to take my time and use as many steps are required to get things straight. Be patient. Make as many careful pass throughs with your cutting tool as you need. I used to make a few then bend the piece back and try to break it apart. Now, I will make passes until I cut it completely off.

    Since this is going to be a gourmet kitchen,  it needs a six burner cooktop. It is simply a googled  picture printed on photo paper reinforced with cardboard because it will be over a hole. One day I just might make one from scratch. I plan to make a large sink to go into the other hole. The backsplash tile will be this gray base with a combination of muted colors. Also, photo paper printed google pics. The sides are cut out like notches to match up better.








    The label was unyielding when I tried to take it off.  So, I decided to spray stainless steel appliance paint over the paper and all. Big mistake! The paper began to bubble. There was nothing else to do except to try to remove the paper. Ugh! It came out looking like this.




    Ugh! Ugh! I tried using a p220 grit sandpaper to get it off. It didn't budge. Next, I skipped to 80 grit. Nope. My next attempt will be with a sander. I will be back with the results.
    Wish me luck!

    Here is  a snapshot of the bedroom so far. There is a matching comforter that needs to be adjust because it is a little too big.





























    Click on picture for a larger view

    Friday, January 11, 2019

    Declaration of Completion

    HAPPY NEW YEAR 
    MY FRIENDS!

    Recently, I took a look around at my dollhouses. All are pretty much unfinished projects. Shame on me. As most of you know,I don't enjoy building houses from scratch so I purchase them pre-owned and perform a house-ectomy on them. 

    Image result for i swear

    I have vowed:  

    IN THIS YEAR OF OUR LORD, 2019, I resolve that, I, The Grandmommy,  shall complete and make available for view as many projects as I can. 

    I am showing this video here to put myself and my resolution up for public scrutiny and hopefully encouragement. 

    I hereby promise I will make available, updates and completions as they occur.


    For some of these projects it means gluing and or waxing some items down as, when they are turned to view the interior, everything falls. For others it may be pretty near refurbishment. In this process, I intend to new try things and learn a lot.

    This is just a small portion of my projects. As you can see, there are 1:12 and 1:6 scales. A few smaller ones will get attention later.
    So I had better get busy!





    Please critique with suggestions and ideas. I am very open at this point.

    Wish me luck!

    Click on video for a larger view

    Monday, October 15, 2018

    Shedding a Little Light on Fountains

    Hi Everybody!

    I am trying to get back into my blog which I enjoy so much. Life keeps interfering, but there are so many great ideas to share!

    Look forward to seeing posts of my current projects. I also need some of your opinions on a couple of them. As always, I am working on more than one. Also on the list is to complete all of the partially completed projects.

    I saw these ideas while surfing. Don't you think this would look awesome in an outdoor scene? Although it is beyond my skill set, I know some of you will find this super easy.

    If anyone decides to make one please share! I would love to see them.

    You may find other interesting things on the website for your mini and average life.

    Tell me what you think!

    https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Fountain-With-Acrylic-Sheet/

         

             
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=_S7whoBj9dY





    Tuesday, September 18, 2018

    The Miniaturist: Real-Life History

      Hi Everybody!

    This is a great guideline for designing for this time period. I saw the movie and loved it. You can see it on Youtube. I learned a lot from this video. Hope you do too!

    The Miniaturist

           
    Sorry for the sizing. For some reason I couldn't get it to fit in the space.

    Friday, April 13, 2018

    OK Folks...

    Here is number II of the dress make over! So CUTE! It still isn't too late to join in the fun! I have more dresses if you would like to make something as cute as these!





    Click on picture for a larger view

    Tuesday, April 3, 2018

    First Dress Up!





    Hi Everybody!

    Grab a look at the first of the dresses Presto remade from the dress I sent her!  For my 1:12 friends this is a Pullip doll. She is smaller than Barbie. Her body might be about the size of a Monster High doll.

    You can also see it on her blog.  HERE  What do YOU think?

    Look for the next one soon.

    I still have a few left if anyone would like to compete against her! As you can, see you will need to be really good!
    Excellent job, Presto!






    Saturday, February 10, 2018

    Two Ready Contestants!



    There didn't seem to be as much interest in this contest as the ones I had for 1:12 scale. So, we will go with the two people who want to participate.  I hope everyone will participate in the vote for the best dressed dress!

    OK Presto and Shannon we are going to go with the two of you! Please send your contact information and I will get the dresses to you! I think I might try my hand on the third one!

    1:12ers look for another contest as soon as I figure one  out!



    Friday, February 2, 2018

    Dress the Dress!

    There is nothing like going to the mailbox to find a a fun item for your minis. So,  once or twice a week I order something that cost  one or two dollars. Usually, it is from Ebay, but can be from Wish.com or any other website.

    Recently, I purchased a pack of Fashion doll dresses from China. I knew they wouldn't be gorgeous. When I got them, I was still excited to open the package, because well a surprise is a surprise! The fabric patterns are cute yet very cheap. All of them are cut in the same basic design.

    This sparked something in my head. How about a contest for my fashion doll followers!

    Three dresses will be sent to the first three people who wish to participate. They will have until midnight February 28th EST. to decorate the dress any way they like, then send a picture to me of a fashion doll wearing the finished product that I will then post. They may keep the dress.  I will ask the remaining followers to vote which dress is fashioned the best and the person with the most votes will win a bag of crafting supplies of ribbons, assorted beads, fabric and lots of other goodies!

    Requirements for the contest is only to be a follower of this blog.

    Here are the dresses:






    Let the fashion making begin!


    Click on picture for a larger vie0w

    Sunday, January 28, 2018

    ALERT!


    Just got this alert. I trust Alice Zinn and have even met her in person at one of the Shows. So I trust
     this is true.  I am sorry I have to share this...but here it goes. 






    Click on picture for a larger view

    Cat's Den

    I am having such a difficult time with the cat house. It is a challenge to my comfort zone to design ultra modern rooms. My first thought was sparse with hard lines, industrial look and industrial colors. That is so not me. So, I researched online. There were some ultra modern looks that I liked that weren't harsh. I am working on getting into that feel.

     In the meantime this room was in my mind. It will not be ultra, but instead be a place to get away from it with softer lines, comfort and nature all around. There will be lots of plants and an aquarium and anything that says soft and peaceful. The accent color will be a soft green and some prints to tie it all together.

    I plan to use the painted chairs...the other furniture may not stay or will be refinished. I have a few other pieces I want in there also.

    It is the room on the the right end lower level of the house.




    This was the first flooring I put down. It is actually leftover wallpaper from one of my bathrooms.


    There was a recess in the wall so I decided to make it a built-in aquarium. The color is off in the background which means adjusting it and printing it out again before I add the fish etc. The choice of lights above it is still rolling around in my head.
    You can see the bamboo flooring in place here.
    This is a place mat I bought a few months ago. I decided to replace the the bamboo one with it after I saw how well it went with the chairs I painted.





    Click on picture for a larger view

    Wednesday, January 24, 2018

    Chew On This!

     Only a miniaturist is not even able to eat a piece of gum without seeing a mini in the packaging! As soon as I opened the package, I saw white paper bags.  The entire package comes in the plastic container they are sitting on that is great for storing mini things or file cards for each project! The gum is not bad either!

    Lunch any one?







    I tried to think of something to use the silver wrapping for. Can you think of something?






    Click on picture for a larger view

    Monday, January 15, 2018

    GETTING MY MOJO BACK!

    Starting 2018 Right!


    I hope everyone is having a wonderful 2018. I have vowed to blog more and do more with my hobby.

    Just to let you know what I have done so far. I am not sure what this was. It looked much like a napkin holder. I wasn't sure how I was going to divide it so it would be big enough for a bed. So it sat there for years.

    One day when I was reaching for something else it fell and split exactly in half the way I wanted it. I put is aside. Yesterday I happened to see it again and ideas started  popping into my head. I made it in about 10 minutes while I was on the phone with my daughter. It practically made itself!

    The tile you see under the bed is the floor for the living room of the "Cat House" I am currently working on.

    A special shout out to Mildred Henderson 
    and other county friends !




    Sorry about the poor photo quality. I need a better lite



    Very strong cardboard from a kitty litter box


    Another lighter piece of cardboard to make it more stable
    Estimating the size (sorry she is not properly dressed!)


    Side view

    This is what each end looks like on the outside






    Now, to make the bedding

    This is from the bottom. The middle is silver but my reflection is in it. Thinking of covering it.
    This is the room it is going to go into


    Click on picture for a larger view

    Friday, December 1, 2017

    I JUST FOUND OUT out that I have a follower  in WARE SHOALS, SC!! Please get in touch with me!

    Grandmommy