Dolls' dollhouse

144 scale is so tiny and very challenging for the model maker. This 144 scale house is the equivalent of a 12 scale dolls' dollhouse. It was easy to make as it is simply paper with no parts or accessories, but looks sweet.

144 scale and N gauge items are generally interchangeable. N gauge is used for trains and model airplanes.

 

Goodies from York

The York Dollhouse fair was as splendid as ever. Stalls galore and far too much choice. I've now got my routine set. A full walk around, checking against ranges and prices, followed by a cup of tea in the upper concourse, then shopping...

There is a huge range of items that caters for all pockets. I tend to be fairly low end as I find it hard to justify the cost, plus I love to make things. It's a great place for picking up ideas, as a lot of the items, particularly soft furnishings and food, can be made at home, with a bit of practice.

Today I bought a 24count cross stitch cushion pattern. All the threads, fabric, backing and stuffing are includes, even a needle. I also bought two toy kits, both pull-along animals, one a 12 scale and one a 24 scale. The dog and duck need painting first.

Still on the toy theme, I bought two fab kits from Aidan Campbell miniatures. One is a fort and the other a dollhouse. I can feel a toy shop coming on ...

At the workshop I made a pot of delphiniums. I must admit to not knowing that delphiniums even existed so it was an educational workshop on a number of fronts. To the left of the photo above is a set of tols that are used to shape paper, these work well for flower making.

 

I adore these glasses of lemonade that include lemon slices and straws. And the jug of orange was too cute to walk by. The chair was a bargain at just £2 and the clock is 24 scale for my 1950s house.

 

York doll house fair tomorrow!

Really looking forward to the fair at York Racecourse tomorrow. There will be dozens of exhibitors, some lovely people and hopefully a workshop or two. I'm particularly looking for items and ideas for my new - and so far unbuilt - 24 scale house project. More tomorrow!

Dressmaking... a first!

My nearly non-existent dressmaking skills were put to the test this week. The project at dolls' house club was to create a hanging dress with honeycomb stitching on the chest.

I finished off the dress at home as the stitching took most of the session. I'm quite pleased with it for a first attempt, and may try others.

A lovely start to Christmas!

This week I joined the ladies from the dolls house club for our Christmas dinner. We had yummy food at the Harvester in Fulwell.

We exchange gifts, bran-tub style, and I received this lovely wooden toybox kit by Dragonfly from the US. I need to find some clear spray varnish to make it look even more stunning.

I also received this lovely flapper-style handbag, with beautiful stitching detail.

What a great start to Christmas!

A meaty workshop...

There were three workshops at York fair: making a brace of pheasants, a chicken dinner, and dressing a small toy. I took part in the first two.

The brace of pheasants workshop (£10) was hosted by Solway Miniatures. Think glue and feathers and you can imagine the state of our workstations! We created two practice pheasants and were provided with more than enough materials to make another pair at home. That was a nice touch.

The second workshop (£6), making a roast chicken dinner, was held by Tumdee Miniatures. All of the food was made with air-dry clay, and the porcelain plate was provided. We coloured the chicken with ground chalk, using a darker colour for the 'roast' bits. The herby topping is made from green tea leaves. We were again provided with more than enough materials to make this again at home - great value.

Photos of York fair goodies!

This table was only £3 - I double checked the price on buying it in case it was mistakenly tagged!

Mmm... Gordon's and marmite...

I plan to fill this cake stand with cupcakes. The picture doesn't do justice to the flan case, the porcelain is very thin and the pattern beautifully detailed, a bargain £1.

Golden syrup - these tins are quite heavy.

Aleens tacky glue is wonderful for hemming fabric, instead of sewing. This little trunk will be covered in leather or fabric and used in the bedroom for storage. The 'glass' will be cut to size for the back of the shop counter, bringing more depth to the shop.

Teepee crafts sells thousands of findings and filigree bits. I have plans for all of these!!