New Modern & Retro Paper Source

In the past few months, I found a wonderful source for modern and retro dollhouse wallpaper.  It's not always easy to find cool looking wallpaper, rugs, draperies or fabric to use in a modern setting.  Here are just a few of Maur's wallpaper.

I had found this black and white one a few years ago and have been looking for it again since.  I had used most of it in my first hand made dollhouse.  I was soooo Happy to be able to find it.  I'll probably have to buy more so that I don't run out again!

She also does great rugs.  They have a fluffy hand and are well made:

As well as flooring:

 Bedding:

 And window treatments:

This particular one is more traditional, but you get the idea.  They are extremely well made.

 Here is a link to her Etsy Shop: JJWallpapers and her Ebay Shop: MMMiniatures

She also has many more traditional items.  Happy mini shopping!

MIAIM - Elaine Shaw is at it Again!

Many of you have heard of Elaine Shaw or at least her Clearview dollhouse.

Now Elaine has opened a new Etsy shop:  MIAIM Miniatures

She has some wonderful very modern furniture:

 I love this bath tub, I may have to buy this one!

 Fabulous sofas!

 A few different coffee table styles.

Check out this stunning dining set.

There is a lot to choose from and she seems to be adding more.

There is also some other good news, but I'll tell you more next week.

You can see more on Modern Mini Houses' Blog and at Elaine's Etsy Shop!

The House of Tomorrow

The other night, my son was watching a classic Tom and Jerry Cartoon.  You know one of those where they actually drew a picture for every frame? After it was over a cute little cartoon about the House of Tomorrow was on.  I thought it was so funny...and modern.  It is directed by Tex Avery and made in 1949.  It's a little sexist for today, but still pretty cool.

 Click to see The House of Tomorrow.  Enjoy!

Lovely Loot!

Recently, Anna-Maria...AKA The Shopping Sherpa and I decided to do a little swap.  I got mine a few days ago, but haven't had a chance to post about it until now...Wanna see?

Awesome mailing label...

Her wonderful calling card...

Loot still in the box....

Even the tape she used has a great design!

A cute little Asian inspired ceramic cat.

What I thought was fun artwork... turned out to be...

My name and a few Fornasetti style decorative plates...

Some great post cards from the California Design show she went to, some art cards, magnets and books.

A George Nelson styled clock (I've been wanting one of these).

A table, a couple of her hand made poufs, a hand made and extremely soft flokatti rug and a few magnetic picture frames.

Cool little laser cut outs, beads and alarm clock bells (I'll be able to make some super cool lamps with these)

A great Mid-century book with lots of ideas.

Isn't it funny how you get to know someones personal taste just by reading their blog?

I just love it all, I can't wait to use them in a scene.  Thanks, Anna-Maria!

Aiming for Eames

I'm trying my hand at making a mini Eames styled shelving unit.  Here's what I came up with.

I made the unit out of brass angles, brass tubing, laminate samples and bass wood.  The drawers aren't quite even, but I'm working on getting better at that.  This one won't be for sale because there is glue that I couldn't remove on the laminate panels...besides that I really like it!

The sofa is Kaleidoscope house, the lounge chair and ottoman are Reac, the plant in the corner is from my swap with Mandy at Mini Modern Mind. The rug is an Eames dot pattern fabric sample from The Shade Store (free!), the art is a Matisse post card, the coffee table, lamp, drift wood sculpture and shelving unit are by me.

This is a picture of the real Eames shelving units.  You can get them in many different configurations and color combinations.  The metal in the real thing is steel, but I could't find any small scale angled pieces in a silver color. I made another one in a black, white grey color way. I will probably make more, but it won't be for awhile because the angles are difficult to procure since the company doesn't make them any more and the fact that it was a real pain in the butt to make!

Making Friends in the Mini World

Through the last couple of years I have "met" an amazing group of people through blogging about miniatures and Etsy.  It never ceases to surprise me that these people are the kindest and most generous people I  know. Some I have gotten to know through e-mailing, some through Skype and some I have met in person. 

Most recently, I have been "talking" to Patie from Minisx2.  Although I do make miniatures, my skills are not nearly to the level of hers.  I had asked her to make some chairs for me and she offered to give me a chair lesson.  Ideally I would have liked to get away from this snow and to fly to California for a personal lesson, but this was the next best thing.

She went to the trouble of putting together a chair making kit for me so to speak.  She sent me explicit hand written instructions, one already made chair, one partially constructed chair and two chairs for me to put together. I nearly cried because I was so touched that someone would go to that much trouble for someone that they have never actually met.

  The instructions she sent me were wonderfully detailed and helpful plus there are many tips that will help me in making other miniatures. I have a tendency to fly by the seat of my pants and rarely make two things the same.

Here are the finished chairs.  If you look closely, you can see that they didn't all turn out exactly the same.  A couple are a little wobbly, but that's my fault.  I think I need some more practice, but I think I'm going to try to make one or two on my own.

Cheers and a HUGE Thank You to Patie and to making new mini friends!!!!

Funky Floor Lamp

Just a funky little floor lamp for the funky 70's pad.

More later!