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Saturday, July 23, 2022

Mid year update

 Hi all. I have been slack this year on posting here. I apologise for that. I feel like I haven't achieved a whole lot though. As mentioned in my previous post, I have been working on the chateau. Progress is slow - many layers of paint - but I have been painting a mural for the entry. You can still see the underpainting in places - the birds, a plant on the left side of the largest panel, the stairs and the pagoda/rotunda thing. The main images were taken from a real life garden at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in France (website here). The narrow panel and the largest panel sit either side of a door, the birds will sit above the door and both the largest panels go up one side of the stairs (hence the sloped bottom edge). If only I could come up with a good stair rail design, I'd be set.



 And this is the rejigged salon. I am working on the front/window wall and curtains for it (see below). 


I am adding a cut down lace fringe trim to the curtains. Here I am trying to get the colour right. I have cut and shaped my pieces and will paint them then glue everything together. I hope it is convincing. I found a scrap of faded silk in just the right colour in my hoard, but it wasn't enough. Then I came upon a larger piece that was unfaded, so I've had just enough to make the curtains and hoped I didn't screw it up.


I also had a table selling my half scale kits at the Victorian Association of Miniature Enthusiasts show earlier this month. Here I am at my table. It was fairly quiet so I didn't sell anywhere near as much as I usually do. Maybe the early effects of a slow economy?? 



And also, I have been accumulating mini doll moulds. I have been pretty lucky to get quite a few Doreen Sinnett, Janna Joseph and a few other moulds, so I am trying to get some cast. These are in porcelain slip, my first attempts. Wow, is it fragile!!!! I am not sure I will make more this way. I will get these ones fired and then decide. FYI I have poured parts for complete dolls - this is just the last few parts I needed to make complete dolls.


So after that not-so-exciting update, I am off to do a bit more on my curtains. I hope you are all well and still making minis! XX


 

13 comments:

  1. Oh that mural is delightful!! I so wish I could paint. Thanks for sharing your progress on all your various bits and bobs.
    Anna X

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  2. Oh your mural is simply delightful - I so wish I could paint and am completely in awe of anyone who can.
    Thank you so much for sharing your bits and bobs...
    Anna X

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    1. Thanks Anna. To be honest, I have had a lot of painting lessons. I highly recommend classes as it teaches all sorts of helpful stuff transferable to minis like use of colour, composition, balance, etc. I’m glas you enjoyed seeing my progress! Xx

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  3. Solo con ver el mural que estás haciendo me imagino el trabajo tan fantástico en tu castillo , me parece precioso y la fuente de inspiración u, una gozada poder disfrutar de tanta maravilla. Poder disfrutar de nuevo eventos de miniaturas todas tenemos ganas, pero creo que si está influyendo la pandemia que hemos pasado y la crisis que se nos viene, esperemos que no sea tanto como nos están diciendo. Te deseo buena semana creativa y seguro que idearás una barandilla preciosa para tu escalera

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    1. Thank you for your lovely comments Rosa! I am glad you like my mural and I look forward to seeing this room completed soon. It’s really starting to feel like it is ‘just right’. And I too hope all the bad stuff ends soon - it’s all too much - COVID, the war in Ukraine and now crazy inflation. It’s just awful. I hope you are doing well and that you also have a great week. Xxx

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  4. Hi Shannon! The mural you are painting for the entry is very beautiful! I really look forward to seeing "in place" pictures! :)
    Your table at the show looks lovely, and what a shame it was slow. I think a lot of people are still wary of getting out in public events... I know I am! Your Chateau re-do is really looking wonderful! Keep up the great work! As for the porcelain doll kits... I have huge respect for anyone who makes mini porcelain pieces.... it is a lot of very careful delicate work! :)

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    1. Hi Betsy! Thanks for your lovely comments. I too look forward to seeing the mural in situ. And yes, I think some people are still steering clear of large events, especially here where it is winter and flu season. And you are right regarding the dolls - I doubt it’ll be something I do frequently!! Take care. Xxx

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  5. Oh Shannon! Your mural is absolutely marvelous! So beautiful!!! I am always impressed by the talents you have in everything you do, and your meticulous attention to detail is inspiring! The paneling is looking superb, and the draperies are going to be magnificent! You are really giving the chateau all the grace it deserves!

    Your table display at the show is beautiful! So many I WANTS! You know if either I were brave enough to delve into half scale, or you branched out into 1/12th, I'd spend my kids' inheritance at Red Cottage Miniatures, lol! I think we are all freaked out about how much prices for everyday things have gone up this year, so we are all being extra, extra cautious with our $$$. Hopefully, things will settle back again and we can spend again!

    Best of luck with the doll making/mold pouring! You are so brave to keep branching out and extending your talents!

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    1. Hi Jodi. Thanks for your lovely comments. I like to try new things, once I set my mind to it, and it helps keep things interesting. The painting lessons give me transferable skills too, so I find it easier to pick up some new skills. I think it also gives me more confidence to try new things, and I know it’s improved my hand-eye coordination.
      And I’m so happy to hear you love my kits! I think about 1:12 scale ones sometimes, but there are problems such as scaling, finding the right materials in the right thicknesses, storage, the size of my cutter. Maybe the occasional kit will come out in 1:12 scale!!
      The cost of everything is CRAZY! It is getting harder to justify those extra expenses or little luxuries, but fingers crossed it doesn’t last too long. It’s the last thing we all need now. Take care! Xxx

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  6. Oh Shannon, despite how you may feel, you have been quite productive. The mural is so lovely. The sight of your beautiful kits makes me want to do 1/2 scale......I see that you are coming over to the doll side...muhwaha. Please come join us on the Mini Doll List. http://www.minidolllist.com/

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    1. Hi Carrie! Yes…. Dolls…. What am I thinking? Haha! And thanks for the tip - joing the mini doll list might be a great idea. Xx

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  7. je suis désolée Shannon , je n 'ai pas regardé les blogs depuis 1 an . je suis très contente de découvrir votre nouveau décor . le paysage est très joli . j 'aime le cartouche avec les oiseaux . cela va faire un ensemble très luxueux .

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    1. Hi Catherine! Great to see you and thanks for your lovely comment! I am excited to have this room finished, and after all the continual mistakes and problems, I feel like I can see the end. I like my little entry hall and think it adds a little whimsy and character to a utilitarian part of the home.

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