Welcome And Happy Holidays

Welcome Vera.

Vera of   A minha casa de praia!  has a new blog, go by and visit her to see her lovely kitchen.  Vera has put many beautiful details into her little scene.

 

I thought that you might like to see some Christmas lights that we saw a few years ago at
La Salette Shrine  , in Attleboro, MA.

                     Merry Christmas         Happy Hanukkah           Feliz Navidad  

                             Season’s Greetings                Happy Holidays

                                                  HAPPY NEW YEAR

Thank you for visiting,  Mary  

Sharing Christmas

I love Christmas decorations, I love all the colors, the textures, the sparkle, the lights and the scents.

I love santas, sleighs, reindeer and elves.  I love snowflakes, icicles and snowmen.  I love pine trees, wreaths, acorn and flowers.  I love holly, poinsettias and mistletoe.  I love angels, stockings, stars and presents.   I love bows, ribbon, beads and lace.  I love miniature houses, nativity scenes and gingerbread houses.  I love birds, deer, bear and other animals.  I love garland, tinsel and  candy canes.  Did I miss anything?       

Did I say 'I love Christmas decorations'.    

Jaynie loves Christmas decorations too and she has been having fun.

I was going to take a couple more close up pictures but my camera died.  I guess I need to find a new one.  I hope that I can find another    one that I like as much.


And I love looking at all the decorations (both real and mini) that have been shared in blogland. 

I recently found a lovely blog that showcases many beautiful  nativity  scenes.  Then I found that Carrie has two more blogs, one that celebrates  Christmas  and one where she shares her  collections, thrift decor and inspirational thoughts .    I love Carrie's blogs, I could spend many hours looking at all of her collections.  If you like these things too go by to visit Carrie.


Thank you for visiting, Mary

The Post Office Was Fast

Kathi    and  Maria   both received their gifts that I mailed out just last Friday.   Now I can show you some pictures.

For Maria in Ireland I made a Christmas storage tote and ornaments.

Heres a closer look at the ornaments.

I also sent some beads that could be used for ornaments.

I finished the edges on this piece of woven fabric.  It could be used as a table cloth or a baby's blanket.  I really like the colors.








And some findings.  (sorry  for the blurry picture)

I also sent a piece of fabric that I like for rugs, some small zip top bags, a roll of Christmas tape (I used this to decorate the tote).   And a salt shaker that I thought made a good trash can, then I noticed that the top also  made a nice large bowl.   

                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                 

I also gathered a few beads, a bit of greenery,  a small piece of my favorite fabric and some other bits and pieces.


I also sent  an undecorated pine wreath and 2 small silver frames that I did not get pictures of.    You can see  pictures on   Maria's blog .

I also made Kathi a Christmas storage tote,  I made some of Kathi's ornaments in her favorite colors.

Some beads, some beachy ones and a few others.  These could be used to make more ornaments or something else.  I'm sure Kathi will find some very creative ways to use them. 

The sparkly beads look very orangy on my computer, they are actually silver.

Some little bits and pieces.

And a few more things in Kathi's favorite color.  I couldn't resist the color of this tape.  I look forward to seeing how Kathi will use it, big or small.

I bought a roll for myself also,  I'll show you how I use it after I figure it out.  I saw a video on YouTube on making a wallet with duct tape, I may give it a try.

And some glass beads in Kathi colors.

I hope that you enjoyed seeing all my little things. 

Thank you for visiting, Mary

Christmas Tree

I bought Jaynie a live Christmas tree, she was very happy.  It smells nice and piney, very Christmassy.  The branches are not very strong, the ornaments that I had that are made from beads dragged them down.  So we got out the paper and the punches and made some new light weight ornaments.

The ornaments that I made are pretty simple, but I like them. First I punched some shapes out of printed card stock for the front,  I think that the green and red stripes worked well.  I did not want to  fuss with glue so I punched back pieces from some velvet material that has a sticky back .  I cut some crochet thread into pieces just a bit over 1" long.  Then I just folded the thread in half, stuck the ends to the sticky side of the backing and placed the front on top.

I chose easy shapes so that I did not have to punch the front and back in opposite directions.

I need to find something better for garland and we need some gifts for under the tree, and maybe a topper, but it's a start.   If I can keep the tree alive I'll plant it outside in the spring.

Thank you for visiting, Mary

Welcome New Followers

A big mini hug  to

Amy of   Crafter's Delights   makes lovely crochet items, she recently made a cute little teddy bear.  She is trying to work her way down to doll house scale, go by and wish her good luck.  I think she will do it.      Also sign up for her very generous give-away.


Ascension  of  Mis Miniaturas   makes beautiful tiny teapots, candle holders and other cute items.  Go by and see her lovely Christmas scene.


I just got two packages that I've been working on out into the mail.  I'll show you pictures after they are received.   It took me a lot longer than it should have, I've been running very slow lately.    I didn't get as much made as I wanted to but I did make a little something and gathered some bits and pieces. 

I'm still working at shuffling things around trying to get into a more organized state, it's going very slowly but I will keep working at it.

Jaynie and I are working on a small Christmas project and I'm making some Christmas presents.   I should have pictures to show you in the next few days, hopefully.


Thank you for visiting, Mary

Welcome New Followers and Give-Away Links

I would like to extend a warm welcome to

Karin of  Craft and minis undanderes     and   Pretty Made of   Pretty Made's Fancy  

They both have wonderful blogs and both are having great give-aways. 


Karin's give-away   http://craftlandminisundanderes.blogspot.com/2011/11/christmas-giveaway.html

and

Pretty Made's   http://prettymade.blogspot.com/2011/11/mini-giveaway.html  


There are so many generous people having give-aways right now.  Here are the links to a few.


http://beautifulminiblessings.blogspot.com/2011/11/450-followers-give-way.html


http://nelboscodililybets.blogspot.com/2011/11/candy-per-il-mio-primo-anno-da-blogger.html 


http://pekevasion.blogspot.com/2011/11/9-de-noviembre-un-dia-especial.html

       
http://drorasminimundo.blogspot.com/2011/11/first-year-anniversary-giveaway.html%20showComment=1320259683549#c7028555209762603816     


http://lacasadellebambolediflora.blogspot.com/2011/11/500-13-giveaway.html  

http://mati-elrincondemati.blogspot.com/2011/10/sorteo-para-daros-las-gracias.html  


http://miniaturetreasures.blogspot.com/2011/11/giveaway-gift.html 

http://lamisminis.blogspot.com/2011/11/50-followers-giveaway.html?showComment=1321391982700#c2345318380020  


http://snowfern-clover.blogspot.com/2011/11/christmas-giveaway-and-sale.html  


http://morgana135-miniaturasisa.blogspot.com/2011/10/sorteo-1-blog-aniversario.html?showComment=1319581805127#c5626603975478255811


  Good luck.

Thank you for visiting, Mary 

A Tisket, A Tasket

Jaynie has a new basket.

I've done a bit more work on the hutch that I started a while back.   I know, I'm slow.  It's almost done.  I think that it needs bead feet but I can't decide if they should be brown or yellow.  
What do you think?   

The draw still needs handles, I have not found what I want yet.  I did make the draw so that it  can open,  I forgot  to get a picture of that.

Jaynie wanted a basket to sit beside it.

  

I bought this paper punch because I think that it makes a nice little fence.  It also worked to make a simple basket out of very few supplies.   I used thin strips of paper woven through and wooden shapes for the bottom.   Glue, scissors and a toothpick to spread the glue were the only other supplies needed.     It was easy to make it round,  I'm going to try to make a rectangle one.  I think it would work on the bottom shelf.

I've started gathering a few bits and pieces that may work on the shelves.



What kind of things would you put on it?

Thank you for visiting, Mary

Welcome New Followers

Amy Nguyen  I can't find your blog,  if you have one please let me know so that I can come visit.


Jennifer of   Plush Pussy Cat   has a very nice blog.   In her latest posting she shows some of the cute minis that she bought at a recent show.   If you look through her older postings you will see lots of lovely minis and  also some very cute plushy creatures.   Go by for a visit and have fun.


Thank you to all my (20, WOW) followers for visiting and leaving your kind comments.
                                                                                                                                                            

Meet My Cat

Olwyn of   Oly's little world  had a picture of her 2 ginger kittens on her new blog, so cute.  I started looking through pictures of my old boy,  so I thought you might like to see some.  These were taken this July.

This one is one of his senior moments,  he decided that the kitchen table (piled with alot of my crafts at the time) was a good place for a nap.  My husband took the picture and left it to me to move the cat. 

And here are a few older pictures.  He was a bit chubbier in these.

And an even older one with his older brother Kit.   ( He lived to just shy of 15 yrs old)

                                                           

I hope you enjoyed seeing my pictures.                                                                                                     

Thank you for visiting, Mary



Give-Aways

There are so many generous people out here in blog land.  Here are some links to some of the great give-aways.    Good luck.


http://samirasminis.blogspot.com/2011/10/my-first-giveaway.html?showComment=1318710203309#c4328302612660130967 


http://ilcucchiainomagico.blogspot.com/2011/10/giveaway-beauty-and-beast.html


http://juliesbits.blogspot.com/p/christmas-supplies-giveaway_01.html 


http://viliaminiature.blogspot.com/ 


http://casitasnaran.blogspot.com/2011/10/sorteo-giveaway.html#comments



Thank you for visiting, Mary 

Welcome New Follower

Mona  of   remme dollhouse  has a lovely blog where you can see her progress on a very nice summer house.  Mona has been lucky lately and has won a great give-away and has also gotten some super gifts.

 Mona,  I'm  happy to welcome you as a new friend.


Thank you for visiting, Mary

Do You Like A Challenge

If so you will want to check out Emily Henderson's blog   http://www.stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/imagiantblog-challenge.html

I'm really not up for a challenge with a time limit myself right now  but I really enjoy watching others take it on. 

Wow, there has been some interesting progress here  and  here .

Cindy of   snowfern-clover   has joined in the challenge and has started making a room box.  I'm looking forward to seeing the results.



Thank you for visiting, Mary

Welcome New Followers

Iris  of  It's always sunny in miniland  has a very nice blog displaying the very creative minis she has been making.   She is very new to blog land and has made a great start.

Maria  of   Lascosas de Maria Ayamontino   recently posted some beautiful beach pictures.  Look at her older posts to see many great minis.

Welcome  Iris and Maria, I'm glad that you like my blog.


Thank you for visiting, Mary             

Follower and Plants

Audra   does have a blog, Honey, I Shrunk the House.  Go visit and see her progress in putting together a very nice house, a Real Good Toys Glenwood.  I really like the paint color that she chose for the outside. 

I bought more plant making supplies,  I couldn't resist the 90% off price.  They were between  29 cents and $1.

Oops, I cut Jaynie's  head off, she was tip toeing through the greenery.

All of the red bits are pieces from the bunches in the last picture.

I bought this square for the backing more than all the plastic greenery.  I think it will make a nice trellis.

For 49 cents a trellis and 50 little bunches of heart shaped leaves.


Can you see Jaynie's new earrings?  I got her head in this one.



 Here are some of the plants that I started putting together, with help from Jaynie.

 Some of the pieces that I bought looked like a spider plant so I dug out a plant hanger that I made about a year ago and tucked them into it.   I think the hanger and the pot are a bit small.  I think I'll make another a little bigger and with some wooden beads.

The pom-pom tree needs some leaves, I need to find the right paper, I'm not sure where it is right now.  Some things seem to have gotten misplaced while I'm trying to organize.

The little one on the right is half of one of the little bunches from the square,  I think that it makes a decent jade plant.    The other little one is a Christmas cactus.

The last one was made from the leaves from the bunches that I bought a couple of weeks ago and the little red blossom from a new bunch. 

 

Thank you for visiting, Mary

Welcome New Followers

I would like to extend a warm welcome to

Doreen of  http://doreensminiatures.blogspot.com/  and  http://doreensprojects.blogspot.com/ .    Doreen's blog is the first that I started reading, I found a posting of Julie and David decorating the outside of the house while I was searching for Christmas decorations.  That was more than a year and a half ago, since I have found many more blogs that I enjoy but Doreen's is still one of my favorites.

If you have not found Doreen's blogs yet you should go visit.  Make sure that you read the older postings to see all the adventures of Julie, David and their family.   Doreen made a lot of the things that went into her  house and she shows how she did some of it with some nice tutorials. 

And

Audra Pangle,  I could not find a blog.   Audra if you have a blog let me know so can come visit.



I bought more plant making materials and started putting together some plants.  I don't have any pictures to share yet.  My husband 'borrowed' the batteries from the camera last week when the power was out and did not recharge them.  I'll try to post pictures tomorrow.


  Thank you for visiting, Mary

Power is back on

Our power just came back on.  We were without power for about 27 hours.  I can't count how many times I started to turn something on before I remembered.   We were very lucky there was very little damage in our area,  mainly just lots small branches that need to be cleaned up.    Today it is a nice sunny day,  good weather is forecast for the rest of the week.   My heart and thoughts are with all the others that had damage and loss from Irene.

Thank you Drora and Kim for you kind comments.

Now I have to go put away candles and clean up all the mess we made while the lights were out.


Thank you for visiting, Mary

Watching Irene

And starting to feel the winds of hurricane Irene.  We are expected to get hit with the end of the storm, by time it actually hits us it is forecasted to be down graded to a tropical storm.  We are expecting it to be very windy and rainy all today.   The weather reports are saying that the winds are about 30 mph and gusts at around 38 mph right now, they are supposed to get a little stronger over the next 4 - 5 hours and then start slowly dying down after that.   Right now it just feels like a nasty, rainy, very windy day. 

We are following the warnings and staying in today, we have our candles and flashlights ready if the power goes out.  There is not much to do now but to watch the news and wait and see what happens.

I hope you are all staying safe.

Organizing and Plant Making Supplies

I thought that I would show you some of the things that I've bought at the Dollar Tree lately.

A couple of office supplies, these will hold some of my clay tools and texturing sheets.

Some baskets,  I like having a pile of baskets to gather the supplies to use for a project or to sort things that need to be put away.  They are helping alot while I'm trying to get stuff shifted around.

I like these baskets because they fold up or stack together when not being used,  and it's even better when the folded ones fit into the stacked ones.   I think the price was right also, $1 each.

 Then a few things that I think will make good plants.

The bunch has 6 branches  (3 shown) in  3 shades of green.    I think 5 or 6 of these leaves in a pot will make a good plant.

Poke the picture to see the texture of the leaves better.

I'm not sure what kind of plant this will become but looked interesting to me.  I really like the yellow pompom flowers and the spikey leaves.

And a bunch with lots of red, orange and yellow styrofoam balls.   Most of these that I find are usually pink, purple or blue.  This is the first that I've found in the more useful colors.









Now I have to get back to organizing before I can play with the plant making supplies.


Thank you for visiting, Mary

Gifts from Rachel

I received beautiful gifts from dear  Rachel a couple of weeks ago, while I was sitting with my swollen toe up.  These lovely gifts brightened my day.

This beautifully detailed corset,  all the little bits of lace, ribbon and tiny beads, it's just perfect.   I love the tiny flower print fabric.

"Look at the beautiful hat, it's mine"  That's Jaynie, she grabbed it and put it on right away.
This is just so amazing, the tiny flowers, you can't see it from the picture but the green one is sparkly, so very pretty.  I just love love those feathers.

"They have to have another Royal Wedding now that I have the perfect hat." 

I don't think that's going to happen Jaynie, but  I agree it is a great hat.

And a beautifully stitched mat and 2 cakes.
I love the colors and pattern, so nice. 



Rachel got over her fear of Fimo with great success.  Look at the orange and kiwi slices, the whipped cream, yummy!

Thank you so much for these great gifts, Rachel.  I love everything,  now I have to start planning a way to display them, so that I can look at them all the time.

Thank you for visiting, Mary



Welcome New Followers

I sorry that I've been away so long.   I was really thrown off by all the meds I was taking,   I was not sleeping well and was just groggy, slow and cranky.    My foot is feeling much better now, I finished taking all my medicines and I'm starting to feel back to normal.

I want to extend a late but warm welcome to new followers,

Maru   has a lovely blog.   Go visit and see lots of  cute  minis,   kitchen  utensils,   pitchers and pots,  and beautiful felted dogs.   I love the little pitchers, I've tried to make some without much success.

Julie   of  A Little of This and That  posted pictures of her beautiful and well organized work space a while ago.   I love the colors that she used on the walls,  it looks like such a nice, comfortable place to work.    Julie makes lots of beautiful molds  that she sells on Etsy.       Go visit and enter her great give-away.


Last weekend we had a tax free weekend here in Massachusetts,  we went out and bought shelves and things to try to get organized.  So now I'm shifting things around to try to fit thing in, it looks like more of a mess right now but hopefully will be better soon.

Thank you for visiting, Mary

I Hate Bugs

I'm not getting much done.  I've been sitting with my foot up for the last few days and most likely also the next few.  I have a very swollen and very sore toe from an insect bite, probably a spider.  I went to the doctor today (second time in 3 days) because it was still getting worse.   Now I have a lot of medicine to take, hopefully it will help soon.


Rachel,  Thank you very much for the  PIF gifts that you sent.  I love everything, they are all beautiful.  Hopefully I'll be able to take pictures to post in a few days. 

Maria,  Welcome to my PIF Swap, please e-mail me your address.   I'll start planning your gift  now,  I'll start putting it together as soon as I'm able.   I'll try to be quicker than I was with others but please be patient with me.   I'm still not being able to post a comment on your blog, I keep getting disconnected. 


Thank you for visiting, Mary

PIF Swap Gifts

Rachel of miniaturemaid has received the gifts that I sent her for the PIF Swap.  Now I can show you what I sent to her.

I made Rachel a few books and bookends,  but one of the books was not an ordinary book.  It has a secret compartment that can hold a secret treasure, so I made a tiny necklace with a Swarovski crystal pendant.

I read a tutorial on making a hidden compartment book in life size quite a while back.  The idea of cutting up a book makes me a bit queazy but I thought that it might make a good mini project some day.  Then  a few months  ago Casey  posted a tutorial on making one using a post-it-note pad.

I decided that it was time to try it.   I used different materials than Casey.  I used paper and cardboard for the covers, I like the cardboard pieces from a box of Lipton tea bags for books.  I used white craft foam for the pages, it's easy to cut with scissors for regular books and it was fairly easy to cut out the center with a craft knife.   Most of it was just like making a book that doesn't open, just don't glue down the front cover and add the liner page.  Casey's tutorial helped with lining the cut out section.

I made the bookends with polymer clay and I made the necklace with fine wire and very tiny glass seed beads.   I had to twist the necklace up bit to fit it in the book.    I'm thinking now that I  a chocolate bar would also make a good hidden treasure.

Rachel was looking for plain paper doilies so I got out my punch and an assortment of paper.  I tried to include lots of diffrent types of paper.   I like the pink marbled paper, it's the same one that I used for the lining for the book.

Then some of the things were the same as what I sent to Drora.

Green beans,  baked potatoes and pats of butter made with polymer clay.

Some  mini bits and pieces.


I also sent some stickers, some small zip close bags, some tiny elastics and some pieces of white ribbon.



I also sent some beads and some metal findings  different from the ones that I sent Drora but some how I lost my pictures.  Hopefully  Rachel will post pictures of those.

I really enjoyed making special gifts for this swap,  I still have 3 openings if you would like to participate.

Thank you for visiting, Mary