Tudor Market Hall - Construction complete, sort of...................

FINALLLY!!  That last 10% really did take the other 90% of the time!  But now I'm happy....sort of......because I've just decided to re-do the chimney.  But this is not a big job and will be done along side getting the internals done.  Now I can bore you all with copious pics, so take a deep breath and here goes!!

Front wall with access to both market area and first floor area.

This doorway provides access to the  first floor.  I still have to attach the hardware to the doors so they are not permanently installed as yet.

Side wall with diaper work.

Back view showing all levels.

Full side wall.

Lights were all made by Peter and he has installed his flicker unit so the candles flicker - but not in unison!!

The background lighting is provided by LED's imbedded behind beams or whatever else was available!

Market hall area - which I'm sure to have fun filling!

First floor Guild meeting room - the "formal" room!!

Top floor - which will be the general "store" room for the Guild Hall!

Now I'm left with the job of filling the 3 floors with life!  I have already started putting together some McQueenie Miniatures kits for the Guild area as that would be a little more upmarket than the other areas!  I wish I could have had the time to make my own furniture but on this occation, it was not to be.  It will probably take me a few weeks to get the "decorating" done - but it will definitely be going on display at the Sydney Miniature Show being held on May 5 and 6.

When the market hall is filled I will return it to the screen one last time!!  

A wonderful Sunday................

when an inpromptu call from Susan (Minichrochetmad) had us down by the waterside on a picnic lunch.  It has been a beautiful autumn's day - lovely (stiff!) breeze, plenty of sunshine all topped up with the company of dear friends.  Susan, you will talk to me again won't you - but here we all are!

And now I have something else so special to show you all.  I have been wanting one of the belly button babies for a long time now, and have finally found a source.  Haven't actually got one in my hot hands yet, but it's on the way.  That doesn't stop Susan though.  Look what she arrived with!  Isn't it the most beautiful piece of work ever?  I just love it............THANK YOU SUS!

I have been a good girl though......after lunch I came home and actually did some final bits and pieces on the Msarket Hall and now all the construction work is done and finished.  Tomorrow I shall take some photos and share them here.

A Pleasant Surprise!!!

Last week, Peter spent "a long weekend" in Sydney visiting family, spending time with a long time buddy playing with an old steam donkey engine and a couple of old miniature meccano electric motors from the 50's - generally having fun!!  Anyway - it must have been a brilliant long weekend because he came home with a present for me!
A "wet market" scene in miniature!  I think it's absolutely brilliant.  We plan to build a new home for it and make a few adjustments to the display....but that won't be happening in the next 6 months!!

Work continues on the Tudor Market Hall and I will add some photos of that project soon.  Lights will go in today and then the roof can be attached which will bring me to the end of the construction phase, which is sad because I have really enjoyed working on it.  I have started putting together some kits from McQueenie Miniatures which will sit quite nicely in this structure.  I will post again as soon as I have something to show!!
Have a wonderful week everyone!

I have been working.........

but not necessarily on the things I should be!!  I can get sooooo distracted doing what I love - making baskets!
So here are a few I have been working on.

A key basket (wall basket) made on a cane frame with cane stakes.

A medieval style bird cage - just the right size to hold a blackbird -
in 1:12th scale of course!!

Comment from Peter:  "Were you bored or something!

Or maybe I just needed a challenge!

The little basket in 1:24th scale is made exactly like a real basket - it has 3 rod whale on the base, worked in reverse twining for the main body, topped with a 3 rod whale accent.  It is finished with a commercial border and follow-on trac and that is where I had to succumb to a magnifier as I just couldn't see where to put the fine thread!

The best part of this project was declaring it finished!!

An update at last................

Isn't it wonderful how the last 10% of any project takes the other 90% of the time to get anywhere near completion!  This definitely seems to be one of those projects.

The back wall is now complete - at least that much is final!

This shows the whole roombox.  The pot on the right will be illuminated and will hold eyeballs!

The empty space on the left will house a still with a hood over it which will hang from the ceiling and this is currently under construction.

I can't wait to get this done and finished.  Then I can finish off the Tudor market hall.  I have been working on bits and pieces for the market hall but I need to really get stuck into it.  It's going to be another of those 90/90 jobs I do believe!!

Today's Progress!

I just couldn't help myself........the steps were clayed and installed today together with the arches on the ceiling.
More painting to be done yet and in the next few days the shelving will go on the back wall.  Then the fun will continue filling the room and making it look VERY busy!  I'm glad I'm back at work again!!

Some work done on the roombox..........

I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before now, but I am working on a roombox (amongst other things) which is destined to be included in a Calendar for 2013.  My theme is Fantasy/Apothecary and work is progressing slowly.  The floor and walls are complete and I have a lot of shelving still to go up on the back wall, plus the lighting to finalise - and I've started working on some of the bits that will eventually clutter the room!  Pics of what I've started work on follow..............

Still a bit of work to do on this scene but at least a start has been made!

I had a lot of fun making Horologistic Hex!

And now it's back to work.  I have to finish claying the steps in the roombox and attaching the arches to the ceiling.

And in case you are reading this Catherine, I AM working on the Market Hall and Tanglewood, but it's boring stuff at the moment - making thousands of cobblestones!  Will post when the cobbles are laid and painted!!

I hope you are all having a wonderful weeken!!

A Mixed Variety of Stuff.......

Oh my - where does the time go?  I've been meaning to post for at least a fortnight, but I'm actually pressing the buttons now so here goes!

Before I go any further, welcome to all new followers - thank you so much for dropping by and having a look at things that entertain and amuse me - like making baskets!!  And maybe...occasionally.....other things!

Some baskets I've been working on are.......

1:12th scale and 1:24th scale

The babies took longer to make than their big sister!  It's always great when they're finished - there's the big sigh of relief that I didn't stomp on it and throw it in the bin!

Another try at a plaited basket - this time with finer weavers.  Still need to make a few more so I can say I am  totally happy with the result.  Getting there slowly.......

And finally, as far as baskets are concerned, a touch of freestyle work.  I really enjoy doing these sorts of baskets because the scope is endless!  I think this is ok - and fun!

And now for something totally different (although I had to throw a basket into the pic).

I made this with Indy's house in mind - don't quite know where yet - but I'm sure we'll find a spot!

And that's it for now.  Peter (my husband) got home from Iraq today and I'm hoping that he will kick me into gear and get me working on my buildings starting Monday.  Well, that's the plan!  We'll see how that goes.

Until next time, take care and stay happy!

A new challenge!!

The start of a new year has inspired me to try something new - in the form of a plaited basket.  I've never done these before and I definitely need a lot of practise - but they do look rustic!!

I might point out that all three baskets have a double wall - pull my hair out would describe it well I think!!  But I did enjoy myself.

And last but not least - I made this large flower basket - just for fun!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I would like to start my first post for 2012 by wishing everyone a very happy and healthy 2012 filled with all the good things - like love and laughter and wonderful friendships!

Sydney was beautiful - but we were all very happy to be home again!!

And look what was waiting - a beautiful Stanhopia orchid in flower.

Aaah - home sweet home!!!

And now I can return to making my baskets and finishing off countless projects that lay in wait!!

Christmas Greetings and my swap from Carmen!

Seasons greetings to all of you - and I wish you all a very healthy and happy 2012!

And in keeping with the theme - look what I got from Carmen!  Just gorgeous and I'm sure that these will all be put to good use once Indy's house is anywhere near complete! 

Thank you so much Carmen!

A Long Post!

I can't believe it's been almost a month since I've posted - so apologies - but I got focused on making some baskets.  More on that subject a little later!

I have to apologise for not being here for so long and I have to welcome new followers.  Thank you all for dropping by and taking a look.  I love it when people come visiting!  And a thank you for all your lovely comments too!

Now back to what I've been doing all these weeks!  Well, I saw a photo of a Norfolk Eel trap in a basket book of mine and it presented a bit of a challenge which I always love!  It literally took me almost 2 weeks to sort it out - but I won in the end.  Photos below!

I also wanted to make an Asian style fish trap and needed to "tweak" the procedure somewhat - and good news - I won that battle as well.  Take a look below!

The Fisherman's Baskets!!

The eel trap on the left was a real challenge as there is an internal tunnel and then the outer basket but it's all worked on the same base!  Let me tell you it was fun!


















The fish traps were also a bit a challenge as they are open top and bottom!!

Lobster pots, and some fishing net which I have made using sewing cotton!  And a lobster!

Then I amused myself making a few different baskets as shown below.

I should perhaps mention that all the baskets shown are 1:12th scale.

Another Shopping Basket!

I've been working on this little number for a few days now - glad I finally got it finished so thought I would share it with you.

Shopping basket give-away - winner!

Hey everyone - this morning I used a random number generator to pick a winner - and of course it got it all wrong!!  I wanted everyone to be a winner - but unfortunately this would keep me weaving forever so I will go with the numbers as picked!  I say "numbers" because I have added another little basket as a consolation prize!!
Anyway - enough of this!  Announce the winners!

First out of the hat (so to speak) was -

NORMA!!

Second was -

ANA!

(yours will be a surprise!)

Ladies, please message me with your postal addresses so I can get the baskets posted on Monday!!

CONGRATULATIONS to both of you and I look forward to doing this all over again soon!

Another Market Hall Update............

Well, it's finally on it's base and work has started on the cobbling.......still more to be done as can be seen!

This wall took me a few days solid work to complete but I'm happy with the results.

Another view - and you can see the area that still needs cobbling, plus the door to be inserted.

Back view - ground floor market, first floor guild hall, top floor library/office....
floor still to be stained as are the stairs.

View of market area showing "goal"

Other view of market area.

It was hard getting a shot of the fireplace!

There's something about Christmas!

With Christmas approaching, all those lovely Christmas lights are appearing on shop shelves, and this year more than ever before, many of the lights are LEDs.  They are diffused which makes them useful for dollshouse lighting, and they are relatively cheap which makes them even better for dollshouse lighting.

Big W in Australia (a bit like Walmart in the States) has a string of 20 lamps with battery box and switch for about $2 or if you like doing it yourself and pulling things apart, and getting them back together so they work which is the trickier bit,  you can get a string of 200 for about $20. This includes a transformer, which is rated at 22 volts - too high for normal dollshouse work.

This is what comes for $2. Note:  This is cool white

Now come the penalty clauses - you need to be selective. The best LEDs I have found are about 5mm diameter cylinders with dished tops (not domed like normal LEDs), which helps to diffuse the light. Go for warm white which gives a pleasant colour similar to a normal light bulb.

Picture on left shows dished bulb. 

Picture on right shows warm white and cool white.

Cool white has a bluish tint to it, which is OK if you want a fluorescent lamp look.  If the packaging just says white, you could end up with anything, but most likely cool white.

If you are pulling things to bits, LEDs are more sensitive than normal light bulbs and tend to die if connected incorrectly. They need a DC supply of the correct voltage (not 12 volts)  and they need to be connected the right way round - long lead to positive.

If you need more information on how to connect them successfully, fell free to contact me.

Oooops!! Re give-away comments!

Tail between my legs here - after a major brain fart!!
I deleted my comments list - and if you asked me how I managed that, I would have to say - easy!!
However, I did have a print-out of names - so you will end up in the draw.
Audra, Terefer, Eliana, Drora's minimundo, Kikka, CSPoppets, Teresa Martinez, Roelie, NarinaNapertas, Ultsu, Linda Carswell, Hilsu, Lataina, Elga, Rosamargarita, Jennifer Rydell, Catherine
See what happens when you're as computer literate as I am???
Apologies!!

Look what arrived today............and a thank you give-away!

The post finally brought my long awaited treasures all the way from the UK.  In May this year I met with Collin Bird while attending the Kensington Dollshouse Festival where I ordered these two beauties!  Their final destination will, of course, be in Indianna Jones' house.  I am so ecstatic - they are just unbelievably beautiful.

........and a thank you give-away!!

I can hardly believe that I actually made it to a 100 followers!  Wow.....thank you all so much for your support and kind comments.  So you better keep those comments coming as.............

 

....everyone who comments on this post will have their name in a draw for this basket.

I choose Friday 18 November as the closing date - short and sweet!!

Good luck everyone!

A walk through the bush........

And this was a very pleasant discovery indeed.  So pretty - and I didn't even have to plant it.  This is a native cymbidium orchid which I discovered close to our bush house.