Miniature Monday and My First BLOG GIVEAWAY!!

Last week, I was able to do my first Ustream show instructing other artists on how to create a simple miniature scene.  It was a thrilling experience.  I had a very supportive and energetic bunch cheering me on, including my 8 year old son/assistant!  Artists are so willing to learn new techniques.  Most of my viewers were not miniaturists, but I hope I changed that! 

The project, a faux book box that I picked up from Michael’s, was altered on the inside to include a 1/12^th scale miniature scene.  I demonstrated how to cut a false wall, create a window with foamcore and strips of wood, lay a wooden floor, install wallpaper, baseboard and crown moulding. The background behind the window is a magazine image of a peaceful garden.   

We also discussed using materials from sources other than Dollhouse Miniatures.  The chandelier is from an ephemera pack purchased in the scrapbook section of my craft store.  I glued gold beads where the flames should be.  The wallpaper is actually 2 sheets from a Mariposa paper pack. The little girl is a paper doll that I cut out and used Glossy Accents to give dimension to her hair, eyes, lips and shoes.  Almost every person I’ve watched streaming has a black cat, so I’ve included one in this scene. 

The table and vase of roses were from my collection.  I glued the lace cloth and accessories on the table; a cup of coffee/tea, a leather bound art journal, a book on creating still life art and a framed picture.  I also included framed pictures of victorian children on the walls (so cute!)

The general theme of February Ustream shows were “Love and Kindness.”  I tried to do my part by streaming to entertain all the wonderful artists who entertain me!    The other thing I’m doing is GIVING AWAY this wonderful project.  Everyone needs a miniature scene in their life!

 If you are interested in being entered in the drawing, please leave a comment on this post.  Everyone is eligible to enter!  In 3 weeks on 3/18/11, I will close the drawing and select a random winner from the pool of comments.   The winner announced will need to provide me with an address where I can ship the project.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Thanks for looking and good luck!

Ketsia

Miniature Monday - The Potting Shed

The other day, my Husband warned me that there was a bit of a catastrophe in the living room.  I walked in to find one of my shadow boxes in pieces, doll parts everywhere!  He'd done an admirable job of picking up everything he saw, but couldn't tell me how it happened...it's another miniature mystery.

Here are photos of the the pieces:

I had to sort the parts and glue everything back together.  Fortunately, living with 3 boys, 2 dogs and 2 cats, I'm really handy with glue.  Here's the fixed shadow box - almost like new, and I didn't cry:

This shadow box can hang on the wall or sit on a shelf.  It measures 14" wide X 10" high X 6" deep. The setting is the outside of a potting shed.  The instructions for this project came from The Miniature Collector Magazine.

The little girl mixing mud in the pot was made by Bonnie Justice.  The two baby boys were from KutiBabies, an Ebay vendor that hasn't sold anything in a while.  I put Grandma together in a workshop taught by Ellen's World at our NYC Club, Big Apple Miniaturists.

I made most of the flowers from punched paper and the little birdhouse from scrap wood.  I also made the pigeons at Grandma's feet from polymer clay (that was an adventure!)

If you have any questions, please let me know.  Thanks for looking!

Miniature Monday - Witch in the Attic

My sleepy Witch has her "craft" room in the attic of her otherwise normal house.  She was having an afternoon with her wolf friend, and fell asleep with her favorite kitty.  That's my story and I'm sticking with it!

I enjoyed making this little fantasy scene.  There's a lot to look at.  My favorite piece is the little werewolf.  He's sculpted by very talented artist Aleah Klay. Her amazing creations can be found here: http://aleahklay.com/

Thanks for looking!