Hollyhock Cottage finally has Hollyhocks!

...thanks to the lovely Laura at 'my wee life'  As I mentioned in an earlier post, she had sent me a hollyhock kit from The Miniature Garden and being finicky plants they have taken a year to reach flowering stage.

at dusk

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!

and in daylight

With a window sill, I was able to finally place the geraniums  (click for tutorial) made a  couple of years ago and some new pink  ones made  this week. 




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!" The Happy House Children by Enid Blyton

A bit of playing still to do but it is lovely to see something happening and I haven't really been sidetracked from finishing the cottage...

(or the giveaway!)

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

Squeezing a March Post in

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.

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.

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.

Meanwhile, Welcome 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!

To all have happy and safe  Easter 

(and I hope the Easter bunny remembers you!)

Cheers, Christine

Cats sleep anywhere...

Workroom show and tell: enter at own risk!

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...

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.

Furnishings a mixture of ikea, opshop 'elegance' and scratch built by me (less elegant!)

half a dozen projects on the go

suitable soft cushion in sunniest corner for Teddy the cat (minus cat)

edit: nipping in for a nap now that the camera activity is over.

continuing around to the dolls house end of the room and the books which inspired it

and the last wall with aforementioned tardis before returning to the kitchen 

I'm just popping the kettle on so make yourself at home.
Milk and sugar?

Milestone 50th post and 333 followers.

Just a quick post so people don't forget me. 

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. 

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! 

 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...

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...

Two steps forward, one backward and the moment I dreaded...

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.

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!

It was really nice to see the fireplace straight on, amongst the sawdust and building debris.

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.

Next step will be thatching. Scary stuff!

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!

Welcome 2013

Ring out the old, ring in the new,

Ring, happy bells, across the snow

The year is going, let him go.

(In Memoriam,  Tennyson)

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. 

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.

The award originated here and there are no requirements of the recipient.

The winner of the 2013 New Year's Day 

Community Blogger Award

is

drumroll

...

Irene

from

Small and Stately

The Tenement

Hambleton Hall

and

Apples Tea Rooms

Thank you Irene for being an inspiration. 

As this is a personal award, you may display it on all your blogs (or none if you choose)

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2013 with projects new and interests shared with friends throughout the world.

It's so easy to be sidetracked...

and build an extension.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!) 

Christine xx

Oh frabjous day! Callooh Callay ...

...she chortled in her joy!

Hi and welcome to new followers of Hollyhock Cottage. I hope you enjoy the sporadic progress of this little house.

Finally I have some progress to show you! 

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. 

Paula you are a wise woman growing your village with ready built houses! 

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 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)

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?)

Off to grin idiotically at the frontless and roofless cottage and make more plans!

Cheers

Count your blessings, name them one by one

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.

 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.

First is Susan from minicrochetmad 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) 

Next was a giveaway I had won from Marlene at somersethouse and also poppypatchwork 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. 

With it is a 1940s sewing table made from plans my friend Shelagh sent me which is absolutely perfect for Hollyhock Cottage.

Laura my-wee-life (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 was also surprised (shocked!) and thrilled to have won a competition hosted by Minimum World 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!

a set of two mini mundus kitchen chairs and some wood to make extras

and a bicycle.

How lucky am I!

To top it off I received my first blog award from Irene at smallandstately.

How lovely was that and how lax am I that I haven't passed it on yet.

So for you (in no particular order)

ShellbyFay at anythingminiature (with a special thank you for the favour you did for me)

Laura at my-wee-life

Amanda at stpiransbay

Sophie at sophiesminiatureworld

Paula at paulasminiworld

Alennka  at dollshousedaydreams

and because I can't stop at six

Kath at ahomeinminiature

All blogs I love dipping into and seeing what you are up to. 

I just have to work out how to add it to my side bar!

Cheers, Christine

Edit: The missing bootee has reappeared!

Time to wash: The Scullery

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. People who lived through WW2 have embraced the internet and many memories can be found. A good spot is the BBC site The People's War.  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. 


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.  

Click on the pictures for a larger view

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.

New year and projects being finished: bathroom

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.

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. 

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. 

                  

  "That reminded Roger of something. 'Would you like a bath?' he asked Barney. 'Mother says you can have one any time.' ...  So Barney was escorted to the bathroom, where he stared at  the great cream coloured bath, quite overcome."   

  The Rilloby Fair Mystery  

I suspect the Lynton's bathroom may have been grander than that at Hollyhock Cottage - but then again maybe not!

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.

Happy Christmas to all, and to all a Goodnight!

2 sleeps to go and it is time for the last project. 

I hope you enjoy it.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas'

Look after yourselves, those you love and those who need your care over this Christmas period.

Best wishes, 

Christine

The busiest time of the year...

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.

 Please enjoy making your own feather tree for your mini tabletop.

I'll see you again with the final project in less than a week.  

Welcome to those who have called by. 

Victorian Feather Tree

A week closer to Christmas

and another Advent project:

Christmas robin

click on the link above for the printable instructions

Please enjoy 

 Welcome to my new followers.

Christmas is coming and the geese are getting fat

(And sadly not only the geese!) 

Such a long time away although I have been keeping up with you through the blog list on my side bar. My blogging mojo is still hiding and what better time to try to revive it than the busiest month of the year!

'Mouse' over at the Dolls House Emporium forum organised us into photos to share for a DHE advent calendar http://www.dollshouseforum.com/off-topic-discussion/9570-2011-advent-calendar.html  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. 

Week 1 is an Advent Wreath  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! 

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. 

While clicking links, you need to visit Jennifer's blog for the most glorious pampering give away!

More welcomes and some vintage luggage

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! 

My mini version

I love compartments!

Now to introduce and welcome some more followers:

Marlene from Somerset House 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 Poppy Patchwork 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!

Maria Ireland 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!

You will find Carmen busily crafting away at My Little Escape. 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.

I can't find a blog for you, Ana Camara so welcome and please get in touch with details if you are blogging.

If you are looking for unusual minis, visit Craftland 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!

Cris Colas  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.

Maria I. shares fascinating histories told in a romantically poignant fashion in Miniature city. 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 miniarte dementeamano. 

Congratulations Maria Luisa 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.

Ingrid's blog, my dream world 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.

I always feel uplifted after seeing so much talent and beauty.  
Welcome 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.

Welcome also to my newer followers. I will introduce you next time I blog.