Michael's Store $1 hutches

Originally i was dubious about buying these hutches. Even for just a dollar they really are pretty crude. But a little paint and imagination goes a long way. Most of the items are printables and i made reproductions of the 'Brandywine' Houses i collect. In the end it turned out very pretty although it matches nothing at all in any of my houses and after a couple years I still have no idea quite where to put it.

Miniature Paintings

Painting in Miniature is another of those things I love to do. Above is a reproduction I did of Manet's Peonies. The size you see it here is just a little bit larger than the actual size. I was really pleased with how it came out. And of all my reproductions this is probably my favorite. Something about the colors and the mood all just came out nearly perfect.

Miniature "Soaps & Perfumes"

This is one of my favorite items I make. I designed the bags and boxes for "Heavenly Scents" Shop. The photo does not do it justice as the colors are much more vibrant. But i love how the whole set turned out , the little soap box is my favorite.

Flea Market Find

And here is another of those... 'n'-things...There's going to be probably as much of that as miniatures on this blog lol. I'm addicted to all things gingerbread and that's the theme running through my dining room. When i found these dishes at the flea market, the brown in them was so rich and warm. Just the perfect shade that reminded me exactly of gingerbread. I couldn't resist getting them...and I got the entire set...4 dinner dishes, 4 dessert dishes and 4 cups and saucers for...would you believe $1 total for all 16 pieces? Yes $1 total...How could I say no to that.

They are marked on the back "Cavalier Ironstone- Royal China" , made in USA.

Nothing beats Christmas, I could shop for Christmas items all year long and be happy. Above are some of the miniature items I've created. Several are inspired from things i remember from my childhood. The little book was one of my favorites growing up. And the Sing-Along with Mitch Holiday record was something my grandmother would play evry year on Christmas Eve and when I would come over to help decorate the tree. Though the version she had was on 8-track...talk about a flashback to the 70's ^^

Vintage Christmas Placemats

Cindy Character, Copyright Grand Award, Boston U.S.A. MCMLXXV (1975)

I have a set of these four laminate placemats. All with different Christmas images, featuring a character named Cindy. They were wasting away in my mother's basement and I couldn't resist them. I've been trying to find any information on the character and if she's been used for anything else, greeting cards, figurines, etc. because I think she is so adorable ( and the cat is cute too lol ) The only information I have is listed beneath the picture and that's what was given on the back side of the mat.