tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40208407659454381752024-02-08T18:44:26.456+11:00Hollyhock Cottage - a miniature home in the 1940sChristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187758225608823908noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020840765945438175.post-18568991415451049962013-04-24T14:56:00.000+10:002013-04-24T15:08:40.875+10:00Hollyhock Cottage finally has Hollyhocks!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;">...thanks to the lovely Laura at </span><a href="http://my-wee-life.blogspot.com.au/" style="text-align: left;">'my wee life'</a><span style="text-align: left;"> As I mentioned in an earlier post, she had sent me a hollyhock kit from </span><a href="http://theminiaturegarden.blogspot.com.au/p/garden-plants.html" style="text-align: left;">The Miniature Garden</a><span style="text-align: left;"> and being finicky plants they have taken a year to reach flowering stage.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like just about everyone else I have been down with a seasonal bug and lacked motivation to do anything except moan and whine (which I do with the same proficiency as procrastinating), so when life began to improve these were the loveliest project. I only wish they photographed better!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and in daylight<br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">With a window sill, I was able to finally place the geraniums <a href="http://postwarthatchedcottage.blogspot.com.au/search?q=geraniums"> (click for tutorial)</a> made a couple of years ago and some new pink ones made this week.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">The children rushed into the empty house, running all over it, up the stairs and down. "Hannah, look at the cosy kitchen!" cried Jane. "Look, it's got a wide window-ledge for you to put your geranium plants on!</span><span style="font-size: small;">" </span></span><i style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: large; text-align: start;">The Happy House Children by Enid Blyton</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A bit of playing still to do but it is lovely to see something happening and I haven't <i>really</i> been sidetracked from finishing the cottage...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(or the giveaway!)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Welcome to all the people who have called by, its lovely to see you and even better when I think of how much help you can be in the garden next time you visit. :D</span></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187758225608823908noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020840765945438175.post-41585091534579794462013-03-29T13:04:00.002+11:002013-03-29T13:08:57.055+11:00Squeezing a March Post in<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you are a qualified procrastinator like me it is so easy to let months slip by without blogging (or doing housework, essential work training or even enjoyable things like keeping up with everyone else's blogs - sorry). So I am determined to get a post in this month even if it is a progress one rather than something achieved.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Taking up most of my time was some necessary repair and renovation to our ageing real life bathroom (towels and linen piled all over our house to a certain cat's satisfaction) then having to rest a strained hand (following sanding painting and tiling) but in between I began knitting a new give-away blanket (the other being rather dowdy and much more suited to be scrunched into a corner out of sight at Hollyhock Cottage.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As part of my fantasy to get Hollyhock Cottage to 'lock up' before the 3 year anniversary of building commencement, I also started on some windows which I have really been enjoying pottering with. Lots to go, the deadline has passed but as said, this is a progress report.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, </span><span style="color: lime; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Welcome</span><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> to those who have popped in to visit and are scratching their heads at how someone can achieve so little and still manage to write a blog post!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To all have happy and safe Easter </span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(and I hope the Easter bunny remembers you!)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cheers, Christine</span></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187758225608823908noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020840765945438175.post-21093373917112619472013-02-17T17:38:00.002+11:002013-02-17T18:19:07.131+11:00Workroom show and tell: enter at own risk!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've seen so many lovely workrooms recently, all amazingly tidy and all managing to be elegant as well as practical so I have joined the challenge of showing mine - BEFORE tidying it up. I may be deleting this post with embarrassment but while I am still feeling brave, here is the chaos in which I play...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Entering from the kitchen and turning left into a closed in verandah/sunroom facing north east (ideal southern hemisphere placement) which also doubles as a place to have tea and gossip with friends and family.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Furnishings a mixture of ikea, opshop 'elegance' and scratch built by me (less elegant!)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">half a dozen projects on the go</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">suitable soft cushion in sunniest corner for Teddy the cat (minus cat)</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">edit: nipping in for a nap now that the camera activity is over.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">continuing around to the dolls house end of the room and the books which inspired it</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">and the last wall with aforementioned <a href="http://postwarthatchedcottage.blogspot.com.au/2010/07/holidays-are-over.html">tardis</a> before returning to the kitchen </span><br /><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;">I'm just popping the kettle on so make yourself at home.<br />Milk and sugar?</span></span></td></tr>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187758225608823908noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020840765945438175.post-10644537554482960712013-02-04T19:54:00.002+11:002013-02-04T19:54:48.792+11:00Milestone 50th post and 333 followers.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just a quick post so people don't forget me. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Life is currently busy with no respite in sight so not much progress on the cottage but I was a bit pleased with the carved bits to go above the front door. This turned out to be of those quick and unexpectedly easy projects and because it is such an old cottage a bit of rusticity (ie rough and amateurish imperfection) isn't too out of place. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's lovely to see new followers and while I haven't visited all of you yet, I am getting there slowly and as always am delighted and impressed with the imaginative and talented people out there. Isn't it amazing being able to share in the projects of people from all over the world in the comfort of your own home! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I have also pulled out the skinny knitting needles and started working on a giveaway to celebrate 50 posts and 333 (because its a cute number) followers. I'm not entirely sure knitting is my forte but perseverance is and this can be whipped out to work on in spare minutes so watch this space...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Meanwhile: knit one, knit two together, drop one, swear once (or more), hunt for hook, pick up dropped stitch, discover two others have fallen off, unravel, start again, knit one, knit two together...</span></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187758225608823908noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020840765945438175.post-37281512292555841622013-01-10T10:44:00.000+11:002013-01-10T10:53:03.217+11:00Two steps forward, one backward and the moment I dreaded...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For an easy fix option, the extension has brought it's own problems and has already needed modification. By itself it had lovely proportions, once placed against the cottage and roof angles studied it became impossible. A thatched roof has to be at least 50 degrees for correct water run off - the angle on this extension was more suited to a corrugated iron skillion which was not an option! Lowering the walls and shortening the windows by one pane kept the proportions right, but the ceiling was then an inch lower than the opening to the main house. So the ceiling had to incorporated into the roof - what a pain! I'm still deciding between just plastering and painting the sloped parts or putting timber slats to line up with the flat part of the ceiling or having a dark wooden piece around the visible join... Opinions are welcome! Maybe I'll play with curtains first.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The moment to be dreaded was cutting the window in the sitting room into a doorway. In a 400 year old cottage (give or take 397 years) many things could go wrong. Out came my saw (which is the saw I use to do most of my building - you should see my impressive arm muscles!) and my girly stanley knife. Attempts were made to remove the timbering on both sides - minimal success then it all worked much easier than I had expected - Phew!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was really nice to see the fireplace straight on, amongst the sawdust and building debris.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is a step down to the extension, as at the other end of the house to the scullery and I plan some angled wooden bits on the top corners of the doorway as being in keeping with both the Tudorish/Jacobean and Arts and Crafts styles.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next step will be thatching. Scary stuff!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Welcome to those who have called by and stayed. I really appreciate the feeling that people are interested and would make tea for you, but right now am a woman on a mission!</span></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187758225608823908noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020840765945438175.post-53198822961903563292013-01-01T09:59:00.000+11:002013-01-01T10:33:04.353+11:00Welcome 2013 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ring out the old, ring in the new,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ring, happy bells, across the snow</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The year is going, let him go.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(In Memoriam, Tennyson)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To celebrate the new year, in the style of the Queen's New Year's Honours, I wanted to honour a particular unrecognised greatness in this blogging community. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This award is not given for talent (although the recipient is certainly well endowed with that) but for reaching out and making the blogger community a better one, leaving comments and encouragement to fellow bloggers.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The award originated <a href="http://redsultana.com/about-2/community-blog-award/">here</a> and there are no requirements of the recipient.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The winner of the 2013 New Year's Day </span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">drumroll</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Irene</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">from</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://smallandstately.blogspot.com.au/">Small and Stately</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://the-tenement.blogspot.com.au/">The Tenement</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://hambletonhall.blogspot.com.au/">Hambleton Hall</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://applestearooms.blogspot.com.au/">Apples Tea Rooms</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you Irene for being an inspiration. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As this is a personal award, you may display it on all your blogs (or none if you choose)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2013 with projects new and interests shared with friends throughout the world.</span></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187758225608823908noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020840765945438175.post-46102157980984959102012-12-16T08:04:00.000+11:002012-12-16T08:06:38.737+11:00It's so easy to be sidetracked...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and build an extension.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Beginning this cottage nearly 3 years ago with lots of enthusiasm and no knowledge meant that as I have learned more, mistakes glare at me. Some I can live with as a sign of progress but others... oh dear.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The north end timbering (left side of the cottage) was one such instance and as rebuilding it would mean replastering the inside to match, camouflage seemed the better option so an extension was in order.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My plans were to do an extension in keeping with the rest of the house - stone floor, rustic beams, plaster, but that was before reckoning with Great Aunt Marigold! Great Aunt Marigold (Mrs Harold Hollyhock) lived in Hollyhock Cottage until 1941 when she bequeathed the cottage to her great nephew (and godson). It was she who decided in the early 1900s that a room to catch the sun would be a desirable thing and having recently seen a completed Arts and Crafts house, knew what style she wanted! (Great Aunt Marigold was a woman who usually knew what she wanted and usually got it.) She organised the builders and the project was begun.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back to 2012: at this point the room is still in 3 pieces, stacked together for the photo but in this festive season, building progress is slowed. The windows are actually clear, the pattern being from the glass in the real window behind and I plan to cover the stone floor with a parquet floor which will be more in keeping. Total size is only 6 inches by around 10 inches.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Welcome to my newest followers, I have popped in for a look at your blogs and I continue to be stunned by the level of talent, skill and professionalism displayed. (and a bit envious of the workshops being attended!)</span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Christine xx</span></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187758225608823908noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020840765945438175.post-13409808367400148382012-11-25T19:16:00.000+11:002012-11-25T19:16:14.406+11:00Oh frabjous day! Callooh Callay ...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>...she chortled in her joy!</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Hi and welcome to new followers of Hollyhock Cottage. I hope you enjoy the sporadic progress of this little house.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Finally I have some progress to show you! </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>The upstairs walls, both sets of stairs and the attic floor are glued in place! A milestone which has been slow to reach thanks to continual procrastination as it is much more fun playing with the bits done and making new little bits than doing the many boring building bits required. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://paulasminiworld.blogspot.com.au/">Paula</a> you are a wise woman growing your village with ready built houses! </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Doors with latches are in place, wires for lights and fires are in place, stair rail isn't in place...ooops. I knew I would forget something.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I have banned myself from 'trying out furniture to see how it looks' and am also banned from making bits of furniture, accessories and other fun bits until the windows are made, the fronts (walls and roof) on and the roof thatched! At the moment I am thrilled to have completed this much and seeing it actually become a cottage so I will be strong! (wish me luck)</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Even the definite slope to the attic flooor isn't worrying me. (Did I actually measure the walls when putting the woods in to hold it a couple of years ago, I wonder?)</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Off to grin idiotically at the frontless and roofless cottage and make more plans!</i></span></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187758225608823908noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020840765945438175.post-11434680793473113832012-11-03T12:49:00.001+11:002012-11-04T13:25:54.512+11:00Count your blessings, name them one by one<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Hello, what a long time it has been and how quickly it has gone. It was lovely to look in and see that not only had so many remained following but that more of you have joined them and a milestone has been reached! The 306 of you are blessings well worth counting. Welcome to all.</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u5-dLVWTjrg/UJRf55tKYEI/AAAAAAAABW4/BiWzMv1VWvc/s1600/IMG_0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u5-dLVWTjrg/UJRf55tKYEI/AAAAAAAABW4/BiWzMv1VWvc/s320/IMG_0324.JPG" width="320" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i> It must be time to think about a giveaway. Now though I have a few friends to thank (rather belatedly) from whom I have been showered with more blessings.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>First is Susan from <a href="http://minicrochetmad.blogspot.com.au/">minicrochetmad</a> who sent me the most perfect crochet set of baby clothes last August (the 2011 August - you can see why I am embarrassed!) I can't believe the detail in these, tiny frills inside the bonnet and on the back of the little knickers, the smallest buttons on the bonnet and bootees (there are two and I will be frantically turning the house upside to find the second when I have finished this post) </i></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pscPg83K27k/UJRf4oNLRZI/AAAAAAAABW8/Du-7WBJe62w/s1600/IMG_0347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pscPg83K27k/UJRf4oNLRZI/AAAAAAAABW8/Du-7WBJe62w/s320/IMG_0347.JPG" width="320" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Next was a giveaway I had won from Marlene at <a href="http://somersethouseaproject.blogspot.com.au/">somersethouse</a> and also <a href="http://poppypatchwork.blogspot.com.au/">poppypatchwork</a> last (2011) August as well. This rug dazzled me with the tiny stitches and the patience required to complete something like this. To give it away is incomprehensible, but enormously appreciated. I have it displayed in my rather empty Patchwork shop (begun the same August in 'celebration' of turning 50) as it is far too pretty for weatherbeaten old Hollyhock Cottage. </i></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vPkC0kEn6p8/UJRf7LV3J_I/AAAAAAAABXA/sR-v5eLiHl8/s1600/IMG_0346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vPkC0kEn6p8/UJRf7LV3J_I/AAAAAAAABXA/sR-v5eLiHl8/s640/IMG_0346.JPG" width="401" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>With it is a 1940s sewing table made from plans my friend Shelagh sent me which is absolutely perfect for Hollyhock Cottage.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Laura <a href="http://my-wee-life.blogspot.com.au/">my-wee-life</a> (who sent the snowdrops in the above photo as well) thought of me when she saw this hollyhock kit earlier this year. As you can see it is a work in progress but one I want to finish soon and have already picked out a lovely sheltered corner of Hollyhock Cottage for them to grow. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I was also surprised (shocked!) and thrilled to have won a competition hosted by <a href="http://www.minimumworld.com/">Minimum World</a> earlier this year for a period room. I think had I seen the other entries, which included some of the bloggers whose work I hold in awe, I wouldn't have entered and honesty (rather than modesty) makes me know I was lucky that my period was one that people remember with nostalgia giving my entry an emotional edge. It was very pleasurable spending my winnings, but the greatest benefit for me was that people who have been scoffing at my childish hobby now see it with new eyes. The items I chose included this revolving bookcase kit from McQueenie Miniatures and it was a dream to assemble!</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1B0MbnK-SF0/T4DA9EPXfYI/AAAAAAAABRk/O1Q3Xe6_DSk/s1600/100_3802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1B0MbnK-SF0/T4DA9EPXfYI/AAAAAAAABRk/O1Q3Xe6_DSk/s320/100_3802.JPG" width="248" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>a set of two mini mundus kitchen chairs and some wood to make extras</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>and a bicycle.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>How lucky am I!</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>To top it off I received my first blog award from Irene at <a href="http://smallandstately.blogspot.com.au/">smallandstately</a>.</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS19SOS52dhm-XyTrF2KQgJtjfYTW_1V0xGahvdpYrlO5EYPMMXxbXZLnBZfjVDkuHst53cfUBsxY4Mn1uR-tZVYtdYibbiq__Pu-WSkT08daeERpLdwqGoINA2Jx3UNbxDO6ypubbFCk9/s1600/tu+blog+me+encanta%5B1%5D.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS19SOS52dhm-XyTrF2KQgJtjfYTW_1V0xGahvdpYrlO5EYPMMXxbXZLnBZfjVDkuHst53cfUBsxY4Mn1uR-tZVYtdYibbiq__Pu-WSkT08daeERpLdwqGoINA2Jx3UNbxDO6ypubbFCk9/s1600/tu+blog+me+encanta%5B1%5D.gif" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>How lovely was that and how lax am I that I haven't passed it on yet.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>So for you (in no particular order)</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>ShellbyFay at <a href="http://anythingminiature.blogspot.com.au/">anythingminiature</a> (with a special thank you for the favour you did for me)</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Laura at <a href="http://my-wee-life.blogspot.com.au/">my-wee-life</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Amanda at <a href="http://stpiransbay.blogspot.co.uk/">stpiransbay</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Sophie at <a href="http://sophiesminiatureworld.blogspot.co.uk/">sophiesminiatureworld</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Paula at <a href="http://paulasminiworld.blogspot.com.au/">paulasminiworld</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Alennka at <a href="http://dollshousedaydreams.blogspot.com.au/">dollshousedaydreams</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>and because I can't stop at six</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Kath at <a href="http://ahomeinminiature.blogspot.com.au/">ahomeinminiature</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>All blogs I love dipping into and seeing what you are up to. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I just have to work out how to add it to my side bar!</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Cheers, Christine</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Edit: The missing bootee has reappeared!</i></span></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187758225608823908noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020840765945438175.post-7275928940784753572012-02-27T11:20:00.000+11:002012-02-27T11:20:48.885+11:00Time to wash: The Scullery<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To get to the bathroom you need to walk through the scullery, or 'back kitchen' as it was called in so many of people's stories that I read while researching what my house should look like. P</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">eople who lived through WW2 have embraced the internet and many memories can be found. A good spot is the BBC site </span><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The People's War</a>.<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> It was intriguing that in many older houses the kitchen was separated into a wet messy area for washing up and washing and a 'dry' clean area for food preparation and eating. We have an eat in kitchen in real life and I think how much more pleasant it would be to eat at the table without the sink and cooking pots waiting to be washed in the same room. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the best traditions of Enid Blyton, spring cleaning has just taken place so the curtains are freshly washed and starched, the windows sparkling to let the sunlight stream in, clothes are soaking in a tub for the Monday wash and the first snowdrop of the season is in a jar on the windowsill. </span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Welcome to my new followers. I have visited some of your blogs and intend to visit more but spring cleaning is a hectic time! (I was pleased to be able to get a post in for February at all!) It is really flattering that people with so much talent find time to pop into my little cottage for a peek. Thank you.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187758225608823908noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020840765945438175.post-83470955069805168602012-01-04T18:46:00.003+11:002012-11-08T08:56:39.101+11:00New year and projects being finished: bathroom<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2012! I can't believe how quickly time is flying by. It only seems like a year ago that the world was holding it's breath for the Millennium and worrying about the dreaded Y2Kbug.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Despite not blogging about the cottage recently I have been working on a few rooms and projects, so will share a couple of pictures with you now. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I first started planning out Hollyhock Cottage with purchased 'Hobbys' plans, I knew I really wanted a bathroom. Enid Blyton houses have bathrooms even though from later research I have found that in the 40s many British houses didn't and a tin tub in front of the fire would have been appropriate.</span> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"> "That reminded Roger of something. 'Would you like a bath?' he asked </span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">Barney. 'Mother says you can have one any time.' ... So Barney was </span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">escorted to the bathroom, where he stared at the great cream coloured </span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">bath, quite overcome." </span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I suspect the Lynton's bathroom may have been grander than that at Hollyhock Cottage - but then again maybe not!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyC18d621i1vQIc8SzXrBTpkFIxv4taGDDgqxOBJ6YcgWJqFFO210ieFxFpOmwfIY1ddCGt70u_hyphenhyphenurpLGf6RnLUbZO-NN39LrnqbYnSy_nO7R8lsIXngHGCgET_RP0tFlFy2Lq59wD3U/s1600/100_3737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyC18d621i1vQIc8SzXrBTpkFIxv4taGDDgqxOBJ6YcgWJqFFO210ieFxFpOmwfIY1ddCGt70u_hyphenhyphenurpLGf6RnLUbZO-NN39LrnqbYnSy_nO7R8lsIXngHGCgET_RP0tFlFy2Lq59wD3U/s320/100_3737.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5IA90IjZ2CKc6IJHGZoD97VT9sdCzOcNeyFmZQ8PjV0LUKx1EDWLDiopLv8fg0rHMV4EdGx-6jOhWVOHnPQjdpsrBATYxi40IIbvTr7ClMAGmEVYQq6CnDEftKWdvR-PlFbFyX2MRsI/s1600/100_3739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5IA90IjZ2CKc6IJHGZoD97VT9sdCzOcNeyFmZQ8PjV0LUKx1EDWLDiopLv8fg0rHMV4EdGx-6jOhWVOHnPQjdpsrBATYxi40IIbvTr7ClMAGmEVYQq6CnDEftKWdvR-PlFbFyX2MRsI/s320/100_3739.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Welcome to all who have joined up as followers. It is lovely to see new faces and new projects as well as a few familiar friends. The variety of ideas and levels of expertise are inspiring: from those beginning their journey (with surprising competency) through those who are embarking on subsequent projects with the confidence of success behind them, to the expertly professional whose creations make you disbelieve that you are really looking at miniatures! With so many of you I am too overwhelmed to welcome you individually and I apologise but I definitely recommend that anyone reading clicks on some of the lovely faces and pictures in the followers box or in the side bar to enjoy what others are doing.</i></span><br />
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187758225608823908noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020840765945438175.post-82156127889776117672011-12-23T17:40:00.002+11:002011-12-23T19:51:17.653+11:00Happy Christmas to all, and to all a Goodnight!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 sleeps to go and it is time for the last project. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope you enjoy it.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/3292634/the-night-before-christmas-advent-week-4-pdf-pdf-november-21-2011-10-17-pm-553k?da=y">'Twas the Night Before Christmas'</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Look after yourselves, those you love and those who need your care over this Christmas period.</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Best wishes, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Christine</span></div><br />
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</div>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187758225608823908noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020840765945438175.post-67473876319084194062011-12-18T20:11:00.003+11:002011-12-18T21:22:21.229+11:00The busiest time of the year...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b1cA2yTCFdg/TspASuk4o3I/AAAAAAAAA7U/aVQ1WPAU8rk/s1600/VFT+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b1cA2yTCFdg/TspASuk4o3I/AAAAAAAAA7U/aVQ1WPAU8rk/s320/VFT+8.JPG" width="254" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes I think I need to begin organising Christmas things in January, then I might actually be ready when the festive season comes around! Procrastination is another unfortunate skill I am expert in. Fortunately for these projects, Mouse (the very organised organiser) had set a deadline for 15th November (mine were in by the 23rd) so even though I am a day or two late here, Week 3 was ready to go.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Please enjoy making your own feather tree for your mini tabletop.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll see you again with the final project in less than a week. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Welcome to those who have called by. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/3290537/victorian-feather-tree-advent-week-3-pdf-pdf-november-21-2011-10-05-pm-385k?da=y"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Victorian Feather Tree</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187758225608823908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020840765945438175.post-85471093248469549692011-12-10T13:25:00.001+11:002011-12-10T20:59:15.416+11:00A week closer to Christmas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and another Advent project:</span><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please enjoy </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Welcome to my new followers.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187758225608823908noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020840765945438175.post-311142744010843842011-12-03T11:16:00.004+11:002011-12-04T16:50:59.556+11:00Christmas is coming and the geese are getting fat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(And sadly not only the geese!)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Such a long time away although I have been keeping up with you through the blog list on my side bar. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My blogging mojo is still hiding and what better time to try to revive it than the busiest month of the year!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">'Mouse' over at the Dolls House Emporium forum organised us into photos to share for a DHE advent calendar <a href="http://www.dollshouseforum.com/off-topic-discussion/9570-2011-advent-calendar.html">http://www.dollshouseforum.com/off-topic-discussion/9570-2011-advent-calendar.html</a> and I have created quick and easy projects, with (hopefully) easy to find materials for my 4 'doors' which I want to share with my blogging friends as well. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/3290500/advent-wreath-week-1-advent-pdf-pdf-november-21-2011-9-51-pm-391k?da=y">Week 1 is an Advent Wreath</a> although as Christmas has fallen on Sunday this year, throwing all my calculations out, you will need to 'light' 2 candles to begin! Click on the link for a PDF print out of the instructions. Embellish away! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Welcome to everyone who has called by (and stayed!) while I have been absent. It has been lovely to see some of the amazing work you do - both in mini and in real life. </span></div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>While clicking links, you need to visit Jennifer's blog for the</i></span> <a href="http://www.plushpussycat.com/2011/11/big-miniatures-giveaway.html">most glorious pampering give away!</a><br />
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</div>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187758225608823908noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020840765945438175.post-24675081169803483142011-07-25T16:51:00.002+10:002011-07-25T17:30:10.783+10:00More welcomes and some vintage luggage<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One of my friends bought this beautiful thing on ebay and had it shipped to Australia. I'm the current custodian (long story) until we can get it on it's final leg to her house (10 minute drive away - no rush :D). I just love it but would never have room for one so of course I decided to make one in mini for Mrs Hollyhock - Mr Hollyhock will get a different model eventually but their house has the same problem as mine and even at 1:12 scale they take up a lot of space in a tiny house! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HXCGbBQuW0g/Tiq5DxI73NI/AAAAAAAAAmA/c2bKIwhEhuA/s1600/Andrea%2527s+trunk+and+mine+-+external.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HXCGbBQuW0g/Tiq5DxI73NI/AAAAAAAAAmA/c2bKIwhEhuA/s320/Andrea%2527s+trunk+and+mine+-+external.jpg" width="208" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I love compartments!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now to introduce and welcome some more followers:</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Marlene from <a href="http://somersethouseaproject.blogspot.com/">Somerset House</a> is busily working and modifying her DHE Montgomery Hall using quality materials which is looking pretty well perfect plus being filled with wonderful handmade treasures from her clever fingers. Marlene also has a cross stitch/craft blog <a href="http://poppypatchwork.blogspot.com/">Poppy Patchwork</a> where you can see more of her creations. I was her lucky 200th follower so will also have a gorgeous Marlene rug for my house. Thank you!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://prettythingsireland.blogspot.com/">Maria Ireland</a> is another who likes to create her own furnishings and accessories, with new and recycled materials and using what comes to hand with marvellous results. I've only seen one room of her pretty dolls house so far but can say that she risks being over run by delightful friendly looking bears in her real home!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You will find Carmen busily crafting away at <a href="http://pekevasion.blogspot.com/">My Little Escape</a>. Her little accessories and furnishings are delightful and I was especially delighted to come across her 'room in a lantern' as I had done one for a friend's birthday earlier this year. Lots of lovely and clever ideas here.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I can't find a blog for you, Ana Camara so welcome and please get in touch with details if you are blogging.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If you are looking for unusual minis, visit <a href="http://craftlandminisundanderes.blogspot.com/">Craftland</a> where you will find unique items such as 12th scaled cardboard egg cartons and tiny waffles plus unique and very small polymer handbags. She is also expert at finding the perfect items at fleamarkets!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://criscolas.blogspot.com/">Cris Colas </a> works in all scales and is full of things she has created with tips on how you can create the same. Her grandmother is equally creative, crocheting the sweetest tiny blankets and pillows for Cris.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Maria I. shares fascinating histories told in a romantically poignant fashion in <a href="http://littlenesstown.blogspot.com/">Miniature city</a>. Queen Victoria, Dickens, Robert Louis Stevenson and more are all covered here. For more of her artwork, with workshops of how she achieves these, visit <a href="http://dementeamano.blogspot.com/">miniarte dementeamano</a>. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Congratulations <a href="http://malusminis.blogspot.com/">Maria Luisa</a> for the special occasion which has just taken place in your life! Maria loves all things mini and has the most stunning collection made by friends and family. Tears nearly came to my eyes when I saw the exquisite wedding scenes - both real and mini. May you have much happiness.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ingrid's blog, <a href="http://mijndroomwereldje.blogspot.com/">my dream world</a> is exactly as it sounds. From the tiny stars following the cursor it is full of pretty and romantic things which Ingrid has made based on her love of French brocante. One of those really lovely blogs that looks so effortless but it's effects so hard to achieve.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-qwVqi06PtntEXUbGSTB3kozPh2NSL4koo53Tn0PX2wV8WyMBplH4d3OF3ddE3a5tXQGlr8CPXvbdajWGsf87eSne5B5LdPf4sW_KLtdGStsffJkHeVSwpl2GUs7IO7CFWD2939kAk8/s1600/Our+first+snowdrop+for+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-qwVqi06PtntEXUbGSTB3kozPh2NSL4koo53Tn0PX2wV8WyMBplH4d3OF3ddE3a5tXQGlr8CPXvbdajWGsf87eSne5B5LdPf4sW_KLtdGStsffJkHeVSwpl2GUs7IO7CFWD2939kAk8/s200/Our+first+snowdrop+for+2011.jpg" width="166" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I always feel uplifted after seeing so much talent and beauty. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Welcome</span> to you all and I hope you enjoy my projects as well. I'm not being allowed to follow anyone right now, so will be back to visit and add myself to your lists.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Welcome also to my newer followers. I will introduce you next time I blog. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><br />
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</div></div></div>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187758225608823908noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020840765945438175.post-68123857578434662122011-07-17T17:25:00.000+10:002011-07-17T17:25:51.191+10:00Lots of welcoming to do!My followers have returned so while I can see you, I'll grab the chance to say welcome and introduce you to my other followers. With lots of internet problems happening, I switched recently to Chrome rather than Firefox and while I am missing a few things from Firefox, I am loving the automatic translation offered on each Chrome page! <br />
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Beginning most recently is <a href="http://magicdollhouse.blogspot.com/">Melissa</a> with her projects of varying scales. Her fabric creations, clothing and hats are inspirational and even more impressive when you realise that she scales them down from real life patterns. She is lucky to have a creative father as well who makes furnishings for her.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_FyW9F64H0/ThBh4yeWHRI/AAAAAAAAAEw/jJJdAAecz4A/s640/5866690745_f90d5b2388_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_FyW9F64H0/ThBh4yeWHRI/AAAAAAAAAEw/jJJdAAecz4A/s200/5866690745_f90d5b2388_b.jpg" width="200" /></a>Next is Tony of <a href="http://miniaturetreasures.blogspot.com/">Miniature Treasures</a>. The work of this recent comer to miniatures has to be seen to be believed! I hope he doesn't mind, I am borrowing a pic from his blog as an example. Even more impressive is that his creations are made from timber from authentic tudor buildings and in his blog you will see photos of the building. He has finely polished detailed pieces as well which you can't believe are miniatures.<br />
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Eliana at <a href="http://terradosgigantes.blogspot.com/">terrados gigantes</a> creates lovely homely scenes with perfectly detailed accessories - her tomatoes have to be seen to be believed. I haven't been able to translate this blog, but with so many pictures to admire, words aren't really necessary. I loved her real life cat pics as we also had a much loved ginger darling who would hide in boxes exactly as her cat does.<br />
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I think <a href="http://dollhouseminis.blogspot.com/">Snowfern</a> must have a dollshouse as she has some lovely miniatures. I need to keep reading, but that isn't any hardship because what does feature on her blog are photos and photos of some of the most stunning miniature creations by other artisans (all correctly acknowledged) If you ever need some inspiration but can't be bothered googling, visit this blog!<br />
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Georgie Steeds doesn't show up with a blog, but I know that she has one because I linked to it 2 posts ago! She is the creator of stunning flower kits - her snowdrops featuring in the aforementioned post with her link.<br />
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To catch up with the Merriweather family, you will need to visit <a href="http://lilachillnews.blogspot.com/">Lilac Hill</a>. Here Viv, an ex high fashion model, is renovating her family home (with some help from Caraloo I suspect). It is looking charming and I wouldn't mind relaxing in the gazebo with them.<br />
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Jeanette Fishwick also appears blogless although her baby doll in her avatar is a tantalising hint that she has some lovely pieces to show.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u-w9jizzkdM/TbbwzkOKC0I/AAAAAAAAAMY/f9tbnp2u-ec/s320/IMG_3931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u-w9jizzkdM/TbbwzkOKC0I/AAAAAAAAAMY/f9tbnp2u-ec/s200/IMG_3931.jpg" width="200" /></a>The food at Valentina's <a href="http://minibonbons.blogspot.com/">mini bonbons</a> is to die for! Lots of sweet and sugary confections for the afternoon tea table as well as savouries for yummy meals. These are not limited to your dolls house either - you can enjoy this food all day as earrings or other pieces of jewellery and can be found in her etsy shop.<br />
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Haid doesn't have a blog at this point either but you can follow her story of the making of a classic Australian home being lived in and decorated in contemporary style (and it is stylish!) at <a href="http://www.dollshouseforum.com/home-sweet-home-gallery/6740-somerville-house-ruston.html">Somerville House</a> at the Dolls House Emporium<br />
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Sonya has a collection of ongoing houses at <a href="http://cannellaemelograno.blogspot.com/">cannella E Melograno</a> most recent posts featuring gorgeous homely shabby style accessories and furnishings for her American house and a good amount of international travel squeezed in as well.<br />
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Teruka and Helen also don't seem to have blogs.<br />
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I really enjoyed seeing <a href="http://narinanapertaa.blogspot.com/">Narina's</a> bits and pieces although the translator wasn't as proficient with Finnish as could be desired. She is building a dollshouse from cardboard in the same way that we used to when I was a child (and the way I believe children should still be making them, rather than being presented with a completed project requiring no creative input). Her house is far more professional than the ones I remember making though and I wouldn't have realised it's humble origins had I just seen the first few pictures!<br />
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Oh no! My computer overheated and this was all that was saved :(.<br />
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It's still warm, so I will continue when I can get back with my other welcomes.<br />
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Have a lovely week.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187758225608823908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020840765945438175.post-31023388772874664512011-07-12T20:08:00.001+10:002011-07-13T17:52:14.430+10:00Baby, it's cold outside<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But it is lovely and cosy inside Hollyhock Cottage now that we have 2 working fireplaces. (That is if you ignore the total absence of an entire front wall and half a roof)</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To make this a quick post because I won't get to it otherwise, I finally have something I can show off after </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">having been pottering for ages on lots of bits that lead nowhere</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5StDumYuceMjn-bslgrACF90dkvUDkBX-WRF7aR5LcTsmi5cy4azrsxHVGxjyiOACGLvsTJ4ycGr6f5sqxznJiDbSUNBibYTO6qAe2bzpUX59Tv5amxQ7V5CtzRkcVf8t756vLohm6s/s1600/100_3479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5StDumYuceMjn-bslgrACF90dkvUDkBX-WRF7aR5LcTsmi5cy4azrsxHVGxjyiOACGLvsTJ4ycGr6f5sqxznJiDbSUNBibYTO6qAe2bzpUX59Tv5amxQ7V5CtzRkcVf8t756vLohm6s/s320/100_3479.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This fire is in the sitting room and has borrowed from another favourite author - LM Montgomery from her 'Anne' series with a set of green spotted Staffordshire dogs "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px;">Gog looks to the right and Magog to the left" supplied by my favourite <a href="http://www.phoenixmodeldevelopments.com/acatalog/ornamental.html">phoenix model developments</a> ready for painting.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjViyDIrikajXIK9acoZv65lTpk6_pbcOB9gRUlUJDTVv9s5oZfPsv_xc3PnhBOMHBUwJ5HK05vzdmQg0dAv-zu39qk99hn-Xh94sabaWjHPxrn5VRJn-uoGm1Y2izpPvtqIu13XrWEjss/s1600/detail+downstairs+fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjViyDIrikajXIK9acoZv65lTpk6_pbcOB9gRUlUJDTVv9s5oZfPsv_xc3PnhBOMHBUwJ5HK05vzdmQg0dAv-zu39qk99hn-Xh94sabaWjHPxrn5VRJn-uoGm1Y2izpPvtqIu13XrWEjss/s320/detail+downstairs+fire.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px;"><br />
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</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px;">This fire was exciting to light as it was assembled using a flickering led kit from <a href="http://www.modeltrainsoftware.com/fire-led.html">Evan Designs</a> and it actually flickers spasmodically! Rest your head horizontally on a cushion for comfortable viewing:</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px;"><br />
</span></span><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/99eyiHGOh2o?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The bedroom fire is a bit less exciting being lit only by an orange led for a warm glow but it is cosy and still a thrill</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDadg6JikYDvgiDdKM3N2NZtHg9Pc_GVQSIrg2AJ7Cbl1L4ksY1ru-jNnS3Ons158HANBUx1GQRXMfpVYAt1OXkLjLHozaLcNC_zShU6kGbT6s4g1Ndx7vdvop4gWITlNO9vClyOtXvU/s1600/100_3467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDadg6JikYDvgiDdKM3N2NZtHg9Pc_GVQSIrg2AJ7Cbl1L4ksY1ru-jNnS3Ons158HANBUx1GQRXMfpVYAt1OXkLjLHozaLcNC_zShU6kGbT6s4g1Ndx7vdvop4gWITlNO9vClyOtXvU/s320/100_3467.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All the bits, apart from those mentioned and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the sitting room andirons which I bought last year on offer from my beloved</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.dollshouse.com/dhe/product-details.aspx?code=3537&dhecode=f_and_a_b1">Dolls House Emporium</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (and also on offer this month for 85p!)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, were made by myself from what I had to hand - cardboard, twigs etc. I enjoyed the challenge of seeing what I could make do with. Next post will be the floor which follows the same recycling theme:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Use it up, wear it out, make do or do without! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Welcome to all my new and invisible followers. One day we will catch up.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Must go - work has bellowed for my presence and this computer is possibly breathing it's last few gasps.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cheers, Christine</span></div>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187758225608823908noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020840765945438175.post-32594637411559977252011-06-26T11:51:00.003+10:002011-06-26T12:44:23.235+10:00Life is a garden of flowers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">Over the last few weeks I have been indulging in a serious bout of self pity. It's not a pastime I usually get into, but I have found that I have a real talent for it! 49 years wasted when I could have been honing this skill and may by now have even been running workshops- 'Misery: how to make sure <b>you</b> have the worst time'. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPOSPF7dFpaFqo4vHf_zWf0pGr9FivPcGYuS9H_9bK7AxLbhxyTcf-FpbNBRWXDcS4avrIwz8ZSrfdGuenWnpEMaCfGvxBPBThKyeT9dEQpygqrjxKHd0v9kc-ccnOhHFzTh_kOvyBwg/s1600/snowdrops+in+pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPOSPF7dFpaFqo4vHf_zWf0pGr9FivPcGYuS9H_9bK7AxLbhxyTcf-FpbNBRWXDcS4avrIwz8ZSrfdGuenWnpEMaCfGvxBPBThKyeT9dEQpygqrjxKHd0v9kc-ccnOhHFzTh_kOvyBwg/s400/snowdrops+in+pot.jpg" width="354" /></a></div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">Nothing lasts forever though and even while I was putting all my concentration into being unhappy, I found outside influences kept distracting me. One distraction was from Laura at <a href="http://my-wee-life.blogspot.com/">my wee life</a> who was lovely enough to send me a bunch of snowdrops... and intelligent enough to make me assemble them! I am thrilled with the results - they are fiddly and I almost fainted when I saw all the tiny die cut petals (fortunately Georgie Steeds at <a href="http://theminiaturegarden.blogspot.com/">the miniature garden</a> includes spares) but very satisfying. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtJx_X_kHbkfYbYDetTEe_rFOsqS3gY82vNLCFY9lsSZJqO07DsCAJVUy92Jo-NLcCYwNilsniwO4qNcd2MOTZmlKhRqdU-oGEGPYC1U2ho90E7bdNxkM5rQ14PbYcgiC94bPbsyEXA8/s1600/cheries+place.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xvIb6awfm3lbZT68Jr97uOMuLhwZxnrFWWqmf2aFJkN8mbBFMvMTwICAsgQ4f1-o6Qoeh7O-ExIlOPWsJcj8H5i0YoJ-VoDCL47i4VvawPjbXYXiUOH7XXd7GLo9ILoCL5DbVe8CHBU/s1600/snowdrops+in+jug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xvIb6awfm3lbZT68Jr97uOMuLhwZxnrFWWqmf2aFJkN8mbBFMvMTwICAsgQ4f1-o6Qoeh7O-ExIlOPWsJcj8H5i0YoJ-VoDCL47i4VvawPjbXYXiUOH7XXd7GLo9ILoCL5DbVe8CHBU/s320/snowdrops+in+jug.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">A few weeks previously I had made a garden room with a pink geranium for my garden/shabby mad friend</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtJx_X_kHbkfYbYDetTEe_rFOsqS3gY82vNLCFY9lsSZJqO07DsCAJVUy92Jo-NLcCYwNilsniwO4qNcd2MOTZmlKhRqdU-oGEGPYC1U2ho90E7bdNxkM5rQ14PbYcgiC94bPbsyEXA8/s1600/cheries+place.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtJx_X_kHbkfYbYDetTEe_rFOsqS3gY82vNLCFY9lsSZJqO07DsCAJVUy92Jo-NLcCYwNilsniwO4qNcd2MOTZmlKhRqdU-oGEGPYC1U2ho90E7bdNxkM5rQ14PbYcgiC94bPbsyEXA8/s400/cheries+place.jpg" width="245" /></a> </div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">so was inspired to make a few pots of red geraniums for the (yet unbuilt) kitchen window sill at Hollyhock Cottage in the best tradition of Enid Blyton.</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwASukooPKLNYYqINjWVA8AVS3GZ357sLB3kSYIR_8DpjLC1ZsEJHdl2QWWbspO9e5OhNWV1cm9qoYCKxlw-Q-wIvIBRbpL11KQfdGtoBsxJelUTPOCDb9Do2vWoce8FdMSZVE3Otq9Fg/s1600/geraniums.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwASukooPKLNYYqINjWVA8AVS3GZ357sLB3kSYIR_8DpjLC1ZsEJHdl2QWWbspO9e5OhNWV1cm9qoYCKxlw-Q-wIvIBRbpL11KQfdGtoBsxJelUTPOCDb9Do2vWoce8FdMSZVE3Otq9Fg/s320/geraniums.jpg" width="295" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Luckily my dolls house geranium making skills are an improvement on my geranium growing. This plant is the result of years of nurture!</span></div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuucKXiZhQz2VyvRvsvYtZVTWgHqaMnllu883FldQmg_6H-ov7HoxP7v7uUmhjWPKxTyMvphqu6ye42y_UEtYvby8hB_mRQ17V48dqeqx-Ki63TIjuJmPKu-NbuqD4-ZA5kKeYiKkh_I/s1600/Geranium%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuucKXiZhQz2VyvRvsvYtZVTWgHqaMnllu883FldQmg_6H-ov7HoxP7v7uUmhjWPKxTyMvphqu6ye42y_UEtYvby8hB_mRQ17V48dqeqx-Ki63TIjuJmPKu-NbuqD4-ZA5kKeYiKkh_I/s320/Geranium%2521.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">If you want to make your own geraniums, here is how I made mine:</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Requirements: </div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Hole punches - you will need a 6 petalled flower approximately 1cm across for the leaves (I also had a smaller one for smaller leaves but this is optional ) a small 5 petalled flower (I used the smallest on this corner punch) and an optional small star for the bit under the flower head - you can also cut a rough star with nail scissors.</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Paper in colour of flowers and leaves or paint in colours for same </div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Stylus (embossing tool to give leaves and flowers shape)</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Polystyrene food mat to emboss against</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Fine paper covered cake wire and green paint (you will need the green paint to splodge on the leaves and the flower head base as well</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Polystyrene balls from a bean bag - assorted sizes.</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Tacky glue </div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Felt pen in a shade darker than the flower colour</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Scissors, tweezers, pot and clay or oasis, used (dry)tea leaves</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_wS6668-xb-n_nvKS9TqOv8N9VzUVTBIsPciK45u8vsYT6wsUDUn2PXZzTa5MGqg6ZqYpbDDZQbIrBb9venz4rangIZ2zHrRmO0iqOLZBZn9Md65EvE5qDsAZO6q1jFVKHl-HCMaOuA/s1600/punches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_wS6668-xb-n_nvKS9TqOv8N9VzUVTBIsPciK45u8vsYT6wsUDUn2PXZzTa5MGqg6ZqYpbDDZQbIrBb9venz4rangIZ2zHrRmO0iqOLZBZn9Md65EvE5qDsAZO6q1jFVKHl-HCMaOuA/s320/punches.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6k7ZbcUmGE2VEQ_CVrooXbuJ3K6Sh_MSkHgOJdTyr5fRTCW3C0jwqJMU-c3PUTxXWRoJLjZ3g-QuTpHxAN5dbPvR1Bx4gegOb5LcePTBWitMuMEJtiHRYe-G7tp2jJ_bNeNVqtEjeijM/s1600/geranium+pieces+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">For a full pot you will need around 3 - 5 flower heads and 15-20 leaves.</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Cut leaves and lots of flowers.</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Gently shape each flower by pushing in the middle with your embossing tool onto your mat and mark the centre with the felt tip pen.</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Snip a small wedge at one of the indents of the leaf shapes and shape by embossing a line from each indent to the centre. </div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Cut flower head cake wires approximately 1 1/2 -2 inches and leaf cake wires 1 - 11/2 inches. </div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Push the flowerhead wire onto a polystyrene ball and paint green (you can use your embossing mat to hold the pieces as they dry)</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6k7ZbcUmGE2VEQ_CVrooXbuJ3K6Sh_MSkHgOJdTyr5fRTCW3C0jwqJMU-c3PUTxXWRoJLjZ3g-QuTpHxAN5dbPvR1Bx4gegOb5LcePTBWitMuMEJtiHRYe-G7tp2jJ_bNeNVqtEjeijM/s1600/geranium+pieces+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6k7ZbcUmGE2VEQ_CVrooXbuJ3K6Sh_MSkHgOJdTyr5fRTCW3C0jwqJMU-c3PUTxXWRoJLjZ3g-QuTpHxAN5dbPvR1Bx4gegOb5LcePTBWitMuMEJtiHRYe-G7tp2jJ_bNeNVqtEjeijM/s320/geranium+pieces+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Fold one end of each of the leaf wires 1/8th inch over as pictured and glue onto the leaf so that the stem comes from the snipped section. When dry dab a smudge of colour in a rough circle on top of the leaf. You can be more adventurous for more decorative geraniums.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6k7ZbcUmGE2VEQ_CVrooXbuJ3K6Sh_MSkHgOJdTyr5fRTCW3C0jwqJMU-c3PUTxXWRoJLjZ3g-QuTpHxAN5dbPvR1Bx4gegOb5LcePTBWitMuMEJtiHRYe-G7tp2jJ_bNeNVqtEjeijM/s1600/geranium+pieces+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Using a pin, push a hole in your star and squeeze onto the flower stem to the polystyrene ball (I'm not sure this is really needed, so you can decide) </div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Dip your painted geranium head into tacky glue and beginning at the top centre add flowers to form the flower head - tweezers are very useful here! </div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">When all is dry, put some air drying clay into your pot with a covering of used tea leaves, and begin pushing the geranium leaves into place, bending the stems slightly as needed. Add the flowers last ranged around the centre. </div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">I sprayed mine when finished with a matt varnish (the flash makes it shiny) for a bit more durability)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWKrj-Bjs17jOZrf26bnXsTp83lfJL6rnShNavQvgtY-hN79zzd8tJDyVHzDJKUJ9SPSyfFpR6ZgFr8hBgI7LA0yuB4ovY7qqypbLQVLXIe-1PF61av95ebUKaJnXdoDdMSgld3b3mkk/s1600/geranium+pieces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWKrj-Bjs17jOZrf26bnXsTp83lfJL6rnShNavQvgtY-hN79zzd8tJDyVHzDJKUJ9SPSyfFpR6ZgFr8hBgI7LA0yuB4ovY7qqypbLQVLXIe-1PF61av95ebUKaJnXdoDdMSgld3b3mkk/s320/geranium+pieces.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">I had planned on welcoming people next time I blogged, but again my blogger list has gone into hiding.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Welcome anyway and I hope you enjoyed your visit!</span></div><br />
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</div>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187758225608823908noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020840765945438175.post-5092279392734290332011-06-01T22:27:00.001+10:002011-06-01T22:28:25.428+10:00Giveaway winner!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've been a bit lazy and pottered around yesterday instead of doing important tasks like drawing a giveaway, but tonight my conscience nagged loudly enough to make me get the names printed out and organise my helpers.</span></div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ih3s8MNMjkX8tzLjr9I4xKqeUzfMAHmfYRvxnW975R3zUIxMdgWP8MwqOm6GY52bRV4fXJyMr03YFxIQgoGd0SkDiXRAs7wS-tiAbLyFCxTnV1IfI0aWzXqAkThnC5Zu2MgF9uYUwNM/s1600/Waiting+to+go.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ih3s8MNMjkX8tzLjr9I4xKqeUzfMAHmfYRvxnW975R3zUIxMdgWP8MwqOm6GY52bRV4fXJyMr03YFxIQgoGd0SkDiXRAs7wS-tiAbLyFCxTnV1IfI0aWzXqAkThnC5Zu2MgF9uYUwNM/s320/Waiting+to+go.jpg" width="243" /> </a></span></div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Winner chosen by dark haired Sally with her eyes closed. (I can't trust Dolly to close hers!)</span></div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSpnDuZwTZq4MxH2OE8UvYaviCLTVbkR84msThr87hTN5gRbgaQtEHngICCyh1x3w-o8_ttW5kGEvzA4DD5vWJSn4XWGzPBEjfh3ghxZZhjBlmKEprhKzDFtRS5dbzRCRvT-xXswEqNw/s1600/The+winner+is....jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSpnDuZwTZq4MxH2OE8UvYaviCLTVbkR84msThr87hTN5gRbgaQtEHngICCyh1x3w-o8_ttW5kGEvzA4DD5vWJSn4XWGzPBEjfh3ghxZZhjBlmKEprhKzDFtRS5dbzRCRvT-xXswEqNw/s320/The+winner+is....jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">and it is Irene!</span></div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWk54Mv6kkK-DadcZcNLokp9_6ZwUvvdZWMhozW5z4znZ5WVN4e6cWF3Dt3WGHIgVe4Bv-wJJixBXLgm9ZqzGBoITm0l1SPoriEDJLaACp-jXQh2_IWtZFBxdDxAanuf5Ux5-P0CuNdrE/s1600/Irene%2521%2521%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWk54Mv6kkK-DadcZcNLokp9_6ZwUvvdZWMhozW5z4znZ5WVN4e6cWF3Dt3WGHIgVe4Bv-wJJixBXLgm9ZqzGBoITm0l1SPoriEDJLaACp-jXQh2_IWtZFBxdDxAanuf5Ux5-P0CuNdrE/s1600/Irene%2521%2521%2521.jpg" /></a></span></div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you can get in touch with your details, please Irene, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I will be able to get your parcel off to you.</span></div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thank you everyone who entered,</span></div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I wish I could have sent you all a prize.</span></div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ih3s8MNMjkX8tzLjr9I4xKqeUzfMAHmfYRvxnW975R3zUIxMdgWP8MwqOm6GY52bRV4fXJyMr03YFxIQgoGd0SkDiXRAs7wS-tiAbLyFCxTnV1IfI0aWzXqAkThnC5Zu2MgF9uYUwNM/s1600/Waiting+to+go.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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</div></div>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187758225608823908noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020840765945438175.post-84224071028395802632011-05-17T13:32:00.006+10:002011-05-17T13:52:40.744+10:00A Year of Blogging, nearly 200 Followers and a Giveaway.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I can't believe that I am still blogging after a whole year! Maybe not as frequently as I could, but I am still here and even more amazing are the nearly 200 people who have chosen to look in at what I am doing! In celebration and to thank you I thought I would have a small party, so the drinks have come out and the cheeses. </span></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxEV-yPeFewSlXR37pDSf5Aswjm-vIwB6gVWWDAFqxwPTuduBeVAp8Y6ANzAFgLlWw6bgnWhjKOIMVvJb7gsMsXDnp5solNHpGVVVCux4ekA2rBV_Z165ocL1l63cb-zHYeQkVpskSj8/s1600/Anniversary+giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxEV-yPeFewSlXR37pDSf5Aswjm-vIwB6gVWWDAFqxwPTuduBeVAp8Y6ANzAFgLlWw6bgnWhjKOIMVvJb7gsMsXDnp5solNHpGVVVCux4ekA2rBV_Z165ocL1l63cb-zHYeQkVpskSj8/s400/Anniversary+giveaway.jpg" width="370" /></a></span></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Unfortunately the spirits are locked into their mahogany tantalus and the cheese has been sitting around for a couple of weeks (since the 4th May my actual anniversary) so has gone a little hard. There doesn't seem to be any biscuits left to have with the cheese and the grapes rather bring 'Type 2 Bristol Scale' to mind but the upside is that anything not eaten or drunk forms the giveaway! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">(assuming you would still like to win it)</span></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8L2scY2SqCb-pvyoi56iU6Q1CL_UAjRn1JHrhRZScCASrbAc4Kc2YmQVtqse6kgJ3zL3rM2qEKB743CEx7uNG5zrezd53edXGbjASgRhvCgF0uMfkBdL70oKXC4n0CFlopR9Eo1MelbU/s1600/giveaway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8L2scY2SqCb-pvyoi56iU6Q1CL_UAjRn1JHrhRZScCASrbAc4Kc2YmQVtqse6kgJ3zL3rM2qEKB743CEx7uNG5zrezd53edXGbjASgRhvCgF0uMfkBdL70oKXC4n0CFlopR9Eo1MelbU/s320/giveaway.JPG" width="320" /> </a></span></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you are a follower, please leave a comment so that I know you are interested in being included in this giveaway which will be drawn on the last day of Australian May. All items have been made by me, the bottles can be removed as you can see and the real life Camembert currently in use as the party table is not included, but the lace table cloth is.</span></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimq9N-K-ErWTA8559ZxiOWCN5JhEKp5ryqtwJVh7NfxY5SyC8mV1l33l5B4H7JEkrl6mUXWFfYtX9s-luKLbQp7i57l0G9qQ75DNuNnshQu5GJqYMCp1vmffItede9gXc7WqsrElpGYkw/s1600/Books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimq9N-K-ErWTA8559ZxiOWCN5JhEKp5ryqtwJVh7NfxY5SyC8mV1l33l5B4H7JEkrl6mUXWFfYtX9s-luKLbQp7i57l0G9qQ75DNuNnshQu5GJqYMCp1vmffItede9gXc7WqsrElpGYkw/s320/Books.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #783f04;">If you aren't tempted by wine and food and scintillating company, you can dip into some books the family have left around. Admittedly most are children's books, but who doesn't like to relive a few moments of childhood occasionally! These aren't being given away, this family treasures it's books, however you can find your own copies to make here:</span> <a href="http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/2812105/anniversary-books-1-12-364k?da=y">Anniversary-books-1-12</a></span></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Thank you very much for being my followers and the encouragement you give. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKOQGDuKpyO3y6RKjM_7sc8RIuHrYZSB9d7n9QRep5eEYiASOZtcEN-s53p3o5D5Zwqrbzwbm0c2_aAnA-ww1FPoikn8JO3AL7GBczaSDUAyFAwp10fnItjl72WhVtNRU7kJd1p9Lx9M/s1600/bunting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="71" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKOQGDuKpyO3y6RKjM_7sc8RIuHrYZSB9d7n9QRep5eEYiASOZtcEN-s53p3o5D5Zwqrbzwbm0c2_aAnA-ww1FPoikn8JO3AL7GBczaSDUAyFAwp10fnItjl72WhVtNRU7kJd1p9Lx9M/s320/bunting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mQWv05-W14F2ITJNSkktMaq_kKZCdMCgOKNYwSe9sLf2de4GLIs5UKl7r1ygysUutqjBpEdrNeTkK8v6B-4LxN_ZQrz96mjN1dd8cmLdCc9XLFkfURHMOaVea_87An590hINDcDMcFg/s1600/Tree+Dahlias+Welcome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mQWv05-W14F2ITJNSkktMaq_kKZCdMCgOKNYwSe9sLf2de4GLIs5UKl7r1ygysUutqjBpEdrNeTkK8v6B-4LxN_ZQrz96mjN1dd8cmLdCc9XLFkfURHMOaVea_87An590hINDcDMcFg/s320/Tree+Dahlias+Welcome.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">to my new followers, and on the way please admire the tree dahlia in our garden. Far from mini, tree dahlias soar 15 feet into the sky from a small piece of stem and give delight when the rest of the garden is resting.</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">Rocio who I can't find a blog for</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://minis-onesecondlife.blogspot.com/">Elis</a> with lots of links from a recent Fair to drool over as well as the most delightful minis she has made herself. I love the gumboots and shoes.</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ktminiatures.blogspot.com/">Celia Thomas </a>at <a href="http://www.ktminiatures.com/">K T Miniatures</a> with her blog and online shop full of real 30s and 40s dollshouses and accessories as well as her amazingly evocative reproduction pieces of the same era. Many an hour I have lost salivating over her vintage houses! </div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ronjoewhite.blogspot.com/">The old geezer</a> who I have noticed on a few blogs lately, spreading his inspirational life story and message.</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lies-poppenhuizen.blogspot.com/2011/04/three-hats.html#comment-form">Lies</a> from Amsterdam and her Canal House 'Canal Keizersgracht 99' and an excellent eye for detail.</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://chiquicosas.blogspot.com/">Rosamargarita</a> at1:24 scale La Tapatia with so many tiny bits to look at</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">and</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.plushpussycat.com/">Jennifer</a> and her delightful plush animals plus childhood dollshouse.</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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Thank you for following and I plan to get around to your blogs for a closer look as I am able.</div></div>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187758225608823908noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020840765945438175.post-39411640830652715912011-04-22T10:07:00.002+10:002011-04-22T10:19:28.753+10:00My wonderful prize!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">My wonderful prize from <a href="http://chrissey-myminatureworld.blogspot.com/">Chrissey's</a> giveaway has arrived and is soooo beautiful!</div><div style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy90-dVlzVdqwoRbL8obeDcrocyKNm-YZA2HNGgZ0wgZEsS-7LzluyUhJKaNvvehTu1vy9ZhlebnG-3Hk5-ndBJwlmDJMtMSxTS0xVJVAXOTwxbO6tsWaKnvpRMRCsuENMvB1wMVhQecc/s1600/The+parcel+has+arrived%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy90-dVlzVdqwoRbL8obeDcrocyKNm-YZA2HNGgZ0wgZEsS-7LzluyUhJKaNvvehTu1vy9ZhlebnG-3Hk5-ndBJwlmDJMtMSxTS0xVJVAXOTwxbO6tsWaKnvpRMRCsuENMvB1wMVhQecc/s320/The+parcel+has+arrived%2521.jpg" width="222" /></a></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Ausralia Post tends to be a bit laid back about delivering mail to far out places such as Toowoomba... or anywhere that isn't Sydney so it was a rather anxious wait, perhaps more so for Chrissey who isn't familiar with our mail service and even for me when the delivery pattern varied from the norm. </div><div style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Local Mail Service: Brisbane toToowoomba: <i>"Hey Bruce, here's a parcel for Chrissy down Toowoomba way. Can you go pop it in her letter box, mate..." </i> Bruce the Postie sets off on foot, becomes sidetracked by a beautiful woman, finds himself stranded in the Nullabor where he has to fight drop bears and crocs, ends up in hospital after a snake bite and hands the parcel to another postal worker who remembers it a year later and delivers it next time he is passing by.</div><div style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">International Mail Service: UK to Brisbane 2 days on plane. Brisbane to Toowoomba: <i>'"Crikey Bruce, Chrissy's got a parcel from England. Must be important - they sent it Airmail! Better get that to her- catch the bus to save time, mate..." </i>3 hours later the parcel is on my doorstep! </div><div style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And now the moment for unveiling:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4N2gsBAvfaTAUnbfCDnzSv3yEVi7lYnZERXKno40rnhhhZLjZRfXJG7OKWOTo7J1Q28Z6XlRBzssy5rBdma7y_yH3u9hzVEUkmKpBU2aW0Py8IEY_nw9-tEE3pmEnaWQQY8H51sJytio/s1600/Lots+of+packaging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4N2gsBAvfaTAUnbfCDnzSv3yEVi7lYnZERXKno40rnhhhZLjZRfXJG7OKWOTo7J1Q28Z6XlRBzssy5rBdma7y_yH3u9hzVEUkmKpBU2aW0Py8IEY_nw9-tEE3pmEnaWQQY8H51sJytio/s320/Lots+of+packaging.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOlLww12FnCe6qJvdvZx6aRQzlFW5dUPr_kU0LOHGSoFEA1MBNuiIlWuufInTSPRExcQQARX0gwQWrkDBwNMAGPSTGRe-DMmGbEH_wxxkeuSQA_-7v1ptMyACv_FD1btM3ef1zETjaoc/s1600/So+beautiful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOlLww12FnCe6qJvdvZx6aRQzlFW5dUPr_kU0LOHGSoFEA1MBNuiIlWuufInTSPRExcQQARX0gwQWrkDBwNMAGPSTGRe-DMmGbEH_wxxkeuSQA_-7v1ptMyACv_FD1btM3ef1zETjaoc/s320/So+beautiful.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><br />
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</div><div style="color: #351c75;">My photography just doesn't do these gorgeous items justice! They are soooo beautiful (I know I've said that, but I could say it a dozen times and may get close to describing how lovely these are) Even better, they are perfect for both my 1940s Hollyhock Cottage where Mrs Hollyhock would certainly have had a nightdress case and a tray of beautiful bottles with perfumes and beauty aids and my, so far imaginary, shabby cottage.</div><div style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #351c75; text-align: center;">Thank you so much Chrissey!</div><div style="color: #351c75;"><br />
<br />
</div><div style="color: #351c75;">With so much change going on in my life recently and the need to keep things together, I haven't been visiting as many blogs as I normally would, so, while I still hope to get around and visit all my new followers, after a lot of agonising I have realised that I'm not able to welcome each new follower individually as has been my habit so far. </div><div style="color: #351c75;">The blogs I have seen are amazing. As always I am awed by the creative talent out there and the passion roused as we create our perfect mini worlds.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHO7kqZJyTalfUzsi6RKT0DFsbsQIhCcEt_1h52t5jBZ0xZPGBidSE5w6ajMNrVXNNMDRahNtTy9igF_CEXVUS3hhpqNh2oFNmKG5uqJQDzhMbHQw75S289_ckNzjkVwrmxCMOU3p3K0w/s1600/Welcome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHO7kqZJyTalfUzsi6RKT0DFsbsQIhCcEt_1h52t5jBZ0xZPGBidSE5w6ajMNrVXNNMDRahNtTy9igF_CEXVUS3hhpqNh2oFNmKG5uqJQDzhMbHQw75S289_ckNzjkVwrmxCMOU3p3K0w/s320/Welcome.jpg" width="226" /></a></span></div><div style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-size: large;">Welcome</span></div><div style="color: #a64d79;"><a href="http://blythesecret.blogspot.com/">Corset Kitten aka Erica and her Blythe dolls</a> and also her <a href="http://ck-workshop.blogspot.com/">mini quilts!</a></div><div style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #a64d79;"><a href="http://mytinyworldfromhungary.blogspot.com/">Bözse and her tiny world full of gorgeous items</a></div><div style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #a64d79;"><a href="http://suzeeez.blogspot.com/">Suzeeez with everything I love </a>and her new 'blog sisters' project</div><div style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #a64d79;"> <div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas">Sharon Larkin, minimariba, mindymax, </div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"><br />
</div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"><a href="http://meinekleinigkeiten.blogspot.com/">Petra with everything unusual and beautiful flowers</a></div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"></div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"><a href="http://lilyelf.blogspot.com/">Roz at lilyelf with all her amazing miniature people</a> </div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"><br />
</div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"><a href="http://blissminiatures.blogspot.com/">Alison's mouthwatering food and baskets to envy</a></div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://mikropragmatakia.blogspot.com/">Anna whose creations are very small and very different!</a> </div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"></div></span><br />
<div style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas" style="color: #a64d79; text-align: left;"><a href="http://miscolecciones-gemma.blogspot.com/">Gemma with a mix of vintage and modern</a> and <a href="http://miscolecciones-gemma.blogspot.com/">a second blog for porcelain dolls</a></div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas" style="color: #a64d79; text-align: left;"></div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas" style="color: #a64d79; text-align: left;"><a href="http://elrincondebaldu.blogspot.com/">Angeles who has a bit of everything</a> </div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas" style="color: #a64d79; text-align: left;"></div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas" style="color: #a64d79; text-align: left;"><a href="http://mayenelpaisdenuncajamas.blogspot.com/">May with wonderfully aged finishes</a> </div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas" style="color: #a64d79; text-align: left;"></div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas" style="color: #a64d79; text-align: left;"><a href="http://morenaciambra.blogspot.com/">Morena Ciambra and her perfect dolls (which could be yours!)</a> </div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas" style="color: #a64d79; text-align: left;"></div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas" style="color: #a64d79; text-align: left;"><a href="http://blogrivoli.typepad.com/minirivoli/">choupavril and her flower filled dream stone cottage</a> </div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas" style="color: #a64d79; text-align: left;"></div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas" style="color: #a64d79; text-align: left;"><a href="http://minieden.blogspot.com/">Susi and what is truly a mini shabby Eden.</a> </div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas" style="color: #a64d79; text-align: left;"></div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas" style="color: #a64d79; text-align: left;"><a href="http://elgakoster.blogspot.com/">Elga: incredible furniture craftswoman </a> </div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas" style="color: #a64d79; text-align: left;"></div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas" style="color: #a64d79; text-align: left;">Helen (Loves Cashmere) </div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas" style="color: #a64d79; text-align: left;"></div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas" style="color: #a64d79; text-align: left;">Oiseau deNim who I know has a blog, because I am sure I have visited it and come away warmly.</div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas" style="color: #a64d79; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas" style="color: #a64d79; text-align: left;"><a href="http://kleinevingers.blogspot.com/">Aurora with a mix of perfect handcrafted minis</a></div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas" style="color: #a64d79; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"><div style="color: #a64d79; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas">Marta y Carla</div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"></div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"><a href="http://postcardparadise.blogspot.com/">Christine H and her wonderful daily postcards</a> (I'm a postcard loving Christine H too!)</div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"></div><br />
<div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"><a href="http://faylinnart-tienda.blogspot.com/">Faylin with her unusual dolls and minis (much admired by mr 14)</a> </div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"></div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas">Lavendula</div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"></div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"><a href="http://cositasdedos.blogspot.com/">charipili with a mix of minis and tips</a> </div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"></div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"><a href="http://lastanzadigiuggiola.blogspot.com/">Rosanna with so many pretties</a> and <a href="http://rosanna-theredhouse.blogspot.com/">even more</a> </div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"></div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"><a href="http://crossatstitch.blogspot.com/">Christina who is cross stitch crazy</a> and has <a href="http://quakerinspired.blogspot.com/">a quaker inspired cross stitch blog</a> , <a href="http://marywighamsal-portugal.blogspot.com/">a Mary Wigham cross stitch blog</a> and <a href="http://theworldslargestcollectionofsmallstoo.blogspot.com/">the worlds largest collection of smalls too</a> </div><br />
<div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"><a href="http://www.thirties-dolls-house.orangehome.co.uk/">Mike and his very inspirational English1930s themed dolls house</a></div></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"><a href="http://chrispycrittersminis.blogspot.com/">Chris P and her critters</a> and her <a href="http://friendsthroughminiatures.blogspot.com/">friends through miniatures group and their creations</a></div><br />
<div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"><a href="http://melmorestreet.blogspot.com/">Alessandra and her beautiful 'The Holiday' themed timbered house</a></div><br />
<div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"><a href="http://minishabby-mcarmencasanova.blogspot.com/">M Carmen Casanova and her inspiring 'shabby' pieces and country dolls</a> and <a href="http://mcarmencasanova.blogspot.com/">houses and more</a></div><br />
<div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas">and <a href="http://lascosasdemariaayamontino.blogspot.com/">Ayamontinomaria where every creation is stunning</a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas">I'm really pleased now to have popped by briefly and look forward to visiting more thoroughly and adding myself to followers lists.</div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"></div></div><div style="color: #38761d; text-align: center;"><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas">Have a wonderful Easter</div></div></div></div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"><br />
</div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"></div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"></div> </div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"></div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"></div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"></div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"></div><div class="fc-userpage-name fc-userpage-name-canvas"></div></div>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187758225608823908noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020840765945438175.post-34953803745784766302011-03-31T08:17:00.001+11:002011-03-31T08:19:33.701+11:00Ups and downs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Life is full of ups and downs and turns in the road. Some you know are coming while others are delightful (or not) surprises. I had a delightful surprise recently when I won a giveaway on <a href="http://chrissey-myminatureworld.blogspot.com/">Chrissey's blog - my minature world</a>. Delightful because I really enjoy her work and love the things she makes and a surprise because I hadn't entered and discovered it when checking on her latest projects! Chrissey had popped her followers in a hat and drawn a winner and I was the lucky one. We have exchanged emails and I will show my prize off when it finishes it's international journey and reaches me. </i></div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCf2TcS2qxvRxFHwrzjwKBi8qEnvDO0nSkT8y3ePeUXM78kU8xz4n0a2a0FpEIH8Qcy7PyT27WBQnJLuxObE94hIzFADTM5BLa44lbfKXWQ7DwHks1WuSQyiMa3OZTjFVRtdVOKGPE7s/s1600/Christine+1965+compressed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCf2TcS2qxvRxFHwrzjwKBi8qEnvDO0nSkT8y3ePeUXM78kU8xz4n0a2a0FpEIH8Qcy7PyT27WBQnJLuxObE94hIzFADTM5BLa44lbfKXWQ7DwHks1WuSQyiMa3OZTjFVRtdVOKGPE7s/s320/Christine+1965+compressed.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>At times these unexpected gifts mean more than they would at other times. A twist in the road saw the end of my 26 year marriage and 12 hours later I was told that not only had my relatively harmless basal cell skin cancer returned but it had been joined by the more serious melanoma. </i></div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><i>I don't really know what else to say so will close with Max Ehrmann's </i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Desiderata</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">Go placidly amid the noise and haste,<br />
and remember what peace there may be in silence.<br />
<br />
As far as possible without surrender<br />
be on good terms with all persons.<br />
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;<br />
and listen to others,<br />
even the dull and the ignorant;<br />
they too have their story.<br />
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,<br />
they are vexatious to the spirit.<br />
<br />
If you compare yourself with others,<br />
you may become vain or bitter;<br />
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.<br />
<br />
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.<br />
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;<br />
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.<br />
Exercise caution in your business affairs;<br />
for the world is full of trickery.<br />
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;<br />
many persons strive for high ideals;<br />
and everywhere life is full of heroism.<br />
<br />
Be yourself.<br />
Especially, do not feign affection.<br />
Neither be cynical about love;<br />
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment<br />
it is as perennial as the grass.<br />
<br />
Take kindly the counsel of the years,<br />
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.<br />
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.<br />
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.<br />
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.<br />
<br />
Beyond a wholesome discipline,<br />
be gentle with yourself.<br />
You are a child of the universe,<br />
no less than the trees and the stars;<br />
you have a right to be here.<br />
And whether or not it is clear to you,<br />
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.<br />
<br />
Therefore be at peace with God,<br />
whatever you conceive Him to be,<br />
and whatever your labors and aspirations,<br />
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.<br />
<br />
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,<br />
it is still a beautiful world.<br />
Be cheerful.<br />
Strive to be happy. </div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><br />
</div>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187758225608823908noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020840765945438175.post-20738637450969453192011-02-01T07:21:00.001+11:002011-02-01T07:24:53.940+11:00Gone Quilting...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>For the past week and during February I am giving my time to another <a href="http://www.quiltersangel.com.au/quilt-drive-flood-appeal-2011.html">project</a></i> <i>so no dollshousing for me!</i></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #e06666; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllEr1C87jqsvJUrZ8Fn2V58nhQG3DzJYWF0z0hgMD9lRMXTiXTnzATlt8siJ46DPkwun1pcsemGELe3ysyWj6P-meR2uStj56qKk0kBJJeWR4pV2wvJVSA18JhlI2ulBoN2vt3GsmZ4g/s1600/Gone+Quilting%2521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllEr1C87jqsvJUrZ8Fn2V58nhQG3DzJYWF0z0hgMD9lRMXTiXTnzATlt8siJ46DPkwun1pcsemGELe3ysyWj6P-meR2uStj56qKk0kBJJeWR4pV2wvJVSA18JhlI2ulBoN2vt3GsmZ4g/s400/Gone+Quilting%2521.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>This means I have an entire post to catch up on my welcomes. My 't' isn't cooperating today without a few good bashes so if there are any unusual phrases, just see where you can add a t to create a more convenional word (Discussing 'boiled peanuts' on a forum with the t missing was probably a concern).</i></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Norma at <a href="http://makeminemini.blogspot.com/">make mine mini</a> is currently a Sydney girl but her heart remains firmly in her little cottage in New Zealand. As well as her miniatures I have enjoyed looking at her home which is a mix of vintage and pretty set in a stunning location.</i></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://countrywingsinphoenix.blogspot.com/">Sherry</a> is about as girly as you can get and this is reflected in her blog so for a feast of friendliness, feminity and family and beautiful photography call by and leave a comment.</i></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Maija from <a href="http://iidasanttu.blogspot.com/">iidasanttu</a> is another whose life and blog revolve around family and simple pleasures. How many others already have a Christmas countdown going! I'm enjoying her photos and am still working through the language list in google translate to enjoy the text as well.</i></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>I don't think my next follower, Mick, has a blog but he does have an <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/micklen">Etsy</a> store where he sells the most amazing turned items and miniature leadlights. Mick is the creator of the only craftsman piece I own, mentioned earlier in this blog (<a href="http://postwarthatchedcottage.blogspot.com/2010_07_01_archive.html">scroll down to mortar and pestle)</a> and has worked on items for displays by some of the bigger names in professional miniatures as well as more unusual full size items (where else could you go if you needed to replace the eyelets in your antique corsets!)</i></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://lotjesdollshouse.blogspot.com/">Sylvia</a> has the most awe inspiring ability to create realistic scenes in her miniatures. If you have an evening to spare, keep going back through posts to see the deail she puts into her work. Her <a href="http://lotjeshome.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2010-09-15T02%3A20%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=7">home blog</a> is of the same style but perhaps simpler and beautifully pristine.</i></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Another sewer and creator of beautiful soft dolls is <a href="http://poppendiny.blogspot.com/">siebedina</a>. Her most recent post makes you appreciate the perserverance and optimism she needs for her creativity to blossom. She is awe inspiring.</i></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Anyone who creates beautiful books is sure to have my attention and the books at <a href="http://blog.treefeathers.com/">Life in Miniature </a>are stunningly beautiful. Make sure you check her free project links and <a href="http://www.treefeathers.com/gallery/gallery.html">miniature projects gallery</a> as well. Wow!</i></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>As often happens, I am tantalised by hese followers who I can't find blogs for yet am sure I have seen while browsing, so if anyone has links for minineedleworker, Eli en Karina, Kelly and Iluna45 please pass them on.</i></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>I always enjoy doing a welcome post and seeing the amazing things people are doing out there. Have a creative February and I will see you all in March!</i></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></div></div>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187758225608823908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020840765945438175.post-54756442857376516942011-01-24T13:43:00.009+11:002011-01-24T20:09:02.311+11:00Rain and rain and too much rain<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>How lax I've been with both mini-ing and my blog.</i></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i> After 6 weeks of seriously regretting that I hadn't caught up on my childhood immunisations (anyone in Australia born before 1964 may like to see if they need an update, especially if they have grandchildren) and not achieving much I 'bit the bullet' and decided that I would finish the inside and outside of my house. First step was to plaster over the wallpaper in my loungeroom. The wallpaper was something I have always been unsure about and while it was sad to see it disappear under the plaster, it was a better decision...or was until I painted the newly plastered walls, not once but 3 times in the hope that I would get the effect I wanted by adding more paint. The more paint that went on, the more plasticky it looked, so next step was to sand all the paint off again. A process made complicated in a room which is 15 inches deep, 7 1/2 inches tall and 9 1/2 inces wide, covered in beams and with a built in chimney breast. Aaaarrrgghh!</i></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i> Much sanding took place in the unusually wet weather we had been having and I was pleased to take a break one Monday when after an early lunch Miss 19, Master 14 and I decided to visit the library in the centre of town. Remembering an earlier plan to go the movies the next day (again in the centre of town) we headed off to the uni library instead, Miss 19 on her 'L' plates driving ("Mum, you know I have to get experience driving in rain!) The trip over was uneventful, we were soaked running through the carpark, but rain was still such a novelty in our drought stricken town that it was a laughing matter rather than an irritation. </i></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCCnW3gqojEqHxHeKF4219Uyahq99ALN48H_SQt7en5l-AViZZamwMeqDaoTWI1AB41VjiITjZbel0FITlZlMOHRtyHkaxS57zIcQgNnKT1LcSO93XNo8Hir7fVOrbaU68gaEQuNWVeo/s1600/outside+our+front+fence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCCnW3gqojEqHxHeKF4219Uyahq99ALN48H_SQt7en5l-AViZZamwMeqDaoTWI1AB41VjiITjZbel0FITlZlMOHRtyHkaxS57zIcQgNnKT1LcSO93XNo8Hir7fVOrbaU68gaEQuNWVeo/s320/outside+our+front+fence.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Driving home the rain became heavier and the roads deeper in water. Conversation in the car was terse, 'You have to brake a lot earlier in wet weather, Elizabeth...' 'My foot is right down, Mum!' </i></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Cars around were sliding slightly despite travelling slowly and there was nowhere safe to stop. At one dip in the road the water level was well past the bottom of the car doors and moving rapidly. A truck screamed past with it's horn blaring at a very major intersection, unable to stop for the cars already in the intersection, also fighting the slippery roads. Miss 19 kept her head, perhaps better than I would have, and continued driving slowly and steadily, marvelling at flowing waters until we were finally safely home . We dried off, laughing with relief and amazement. </i></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Zfq_r0JNEeKBNZL7RCf5OeGt-UIS-KgcRj8YfGGlJudyoAsAvHHu6od1aPfbGhJ91ux6jskWzXq2KHEoQCYfVQSGjR6HEfptyZOLHr07dzq8k3nV7088jk-Pgd7sxnueyAa77HPSl8o/s1600/looking+down+the+street+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Zfq_r0JNEeKBNZL7RCf5OeGt-UIS-KgcRj8YfGGlJudyoAsAvHHu6od1aPfbGhJ91ux6jskWzXq2KHEoQCYfVQSGjR6HEfptyZOLHr07dzq8k3nV7088jk-Pgd7sxnueyAa77HPSl8o/s320/looking+down+the+street+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>After the water had subsided in our street</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPjCbTPxf7ukBWqGl5aFNb-FDcpz69bk2ql6K8CLAXUnIxpeA01xCnk13nXakk1OK-coLaAqvi2_InykJ5obW7Tm8jeSu0OSMOQrZzWp4y3q3YhrQMcvQSh5mxHYVy_Y1rSo_73ISsTc/s1600/water+flowing+past.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPjCbTPxf7ukBWqGl5aFNb-FDcpz69bk2ql6K8CLAXUnIxpeA01xCnk13nXakk1OK-coLaAqvi2_InykJ5obW7Tm8jeSu0OSMOQrZzWp4y3q3YhrQMcvQSh5mxHYVy_Y1rSo_73ISsTc/s320/water+flowing+past.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Later still but still a steady stream, an hour later our street was dry</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Zfq_r0JNEeKBNZL7RCf5OeGt-UIS-KgcRj8YfGGlJudyoAsAvHHu6od1aPfbGhJ91ux6jskWzXq2KHEoQCYfVQSGjR6HEfptyZOLHr07dzq8k3nV7088jk-Pgd7sxnueyAa77HPSl8o/s1600/looking+down+the+street+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></i></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Soon after, the Toowoomba flash flooding must have hit the news in other states because we began to get emails and phone calls from worried friends and relatives. Not knowing why it would be so newsworthy (scary yes, but nothing like the flood stricken areas we had been feeling sympathy for) we turned the news on to see what had become of the centre of town and to begin hearing the stories of people who had not been as lucky as us.</i></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_eLurRAWaYJHXT3uT2t2MP-93EgvUIQevAWQoqCyHwp1xePn60WVr8TzBmQR2H0L0iGOevrnM9j610WcCz3TpMbyETJkYA4Of4EpfCz95i-2jc3GneTGsvFM8Y8s_kNReIbvU4y0x4fZ/s1600/Tba+flood5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_eLurRAWaYJHXT3uT2t2MP-93EgvUIQevAWQoqCyHwp1xePn60WVr8TzBmQR2H0L0iGOevrnM9j610WcCz3TpMbyETJkYA4Of4EpfCz95i-2jc3GneTGsvFM8Y8s_kNReIbvU4y0x4fZ/s320/Tba+flood5.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Margaret, Dent and Victoria Streets - Library on right *</i></td></tr>
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</i></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>The 'what ifs' haunt me. 'What if' we had gone down to the library. 'What if' we had separated as we often do, each with our own business to get on with before meeting back. Neo Tokyo, Master 14s favourite store was deep in water. 'What if' we had been in the carpark when it hit- the timing was right, 'what if', 'what if' 'what if'....</i></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>For too many people the 'what if's' are a reality. Ordinary people doing normal everyday things and never expecting that life would suddenly end in a flood beginning in a drought stricken town on the top of a mountain with no river.</i></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>I know that I have new followers and while it is my custom to introduce you, I will beg your forgiveness and do so in my next, more cheerful, entry. </i></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>*Photo from Kris at <a href="http://tagalongteddies.blogspot.com/">Tagalongteddies</a></i> </div></div>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187758225608823908noreply@blogger.com18